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VOL 21, No. 1116
February 12, 2016
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ACT AGAINST SAEED, INDIA TO TELL U.S.
WASHINGTON/ NEW DELHI: The US is ready to assist India in pursuing every possible lead to bring the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack to justice, a top official said after LeT operative David Headley told a court that Pakistani terrorists conducted the strikes after two failed attempts. In New Delhi, a senior government official said India is expected to ask the United States to take action against Hafiz Saeed against whom a USD 10 million reward was announced for information leading to his capture, following Headley's disclosure.
"Headley's deposition before the court has established that Hafiz Saeed was involved in the Mumbai terror attack. Headley is now in American custody, so the US must take cognizance of his statement and take action against Hafiz Saeed," the official said. US State Department Spokesman John Kirby told reporters in Washington, "The United States is committed to doing all we can to assist the government of India in pursuing every possible lead to bring to justice those responsible for that attack to the fullest extent permitted by US law," Details on page 5
Waris Ahluwalia
Sikh with turban barred from boarding plane Details on page 8
Bengaluru gang trafficking kids to US busted Details on page 8
Yoga in US is practised by 37 million
Details on page 7 Details on page 19
Trai of India upholds Net neutrality Suraj Sadan
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Delhi show of Gandhi painter from Canada
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 48
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This week’s question
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Should US press Pakistan on 26/11 mastermind?
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Last week’s result
Priyanka Chopra should have worn salwar-kameez? YES 63%
NO 37%
Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4
BLUE & WHITE SALUTE: Sailors on aircraft carrier INS Viraat line up for salute before President Pranab Mukherjee at the International Fleet Review-2016 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on February 7. (Details on page 10)
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emocracy rules! Or at least it seems to be so with regard to the use of that ubiquitous 21st century technology, the Internet. Because, for what it's worth, suddenly regulatory authorities everywhere seem to be making policy decisions based on people's wishes when they could very well be toeing the greed-ridden demands of the big corporations. We saw it last year in the United States how an outpouring of public support forced the Federal Communications Commission to enact the strongest ever net neutrality rules in history; and now a similar movement by aware consumers in India has brought on the decision of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to ban differential pricing for data. The decision of the Indian authorities earlier this week to keep the Internet neutral is significant considering the kind of pressure brought on by not only the Internet Service Providers but also the likes of Facebook, which actually carried out an aggressive campaign in the mainstream Indian media trying to convince Indians that they had only the larger public good at heart. I am actually amused that all the bear hugs and first name camaraderie that one Mr. Zuckerberg managed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recent months did not yield him preferential treatment in India. Of course, the ISPs and the likes of Facebook are not going to give up their mercenary machinations so easily. There is still the fight against data caps, which effectively throttle the Internet just as fast and slow lanes do to the survival of open Internet. What stumps me is the infinite nature of corporate greed. With the Internet just the way it is today, a Mark Zuckerberg is worth $35.7 billion and the CEOs of any net providing company worth tens of millions of dollars. If there is a rational need for these companies to make more money, I really would like to know what that is. But perhaps in the paradigm of natural justice, the Internet, which is intrinsically a democratic entity, will level the playing field where it is the common consumer and not the big CEO, who has the power to vote.
Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com
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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Lovelorn Katrina Kaif has three romantic films lined up and the actress says that in real life too she gives a lot of importance to love.
Cover Story: Headley's disclosure India is expected to ask the United States to take action against Hafiz Saeed following David Headley's disclosure.
Community: Seminar in Chicago Big response to 'Make in India' seminar in Chicago where Illinois was rated an important business partner of India
Fingerprinting Republicans in the New Mexico Legislature are insisting that immigrants in the country illegally provide fingerprints
Life style: Canadian artist On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's 68th death anniversary, the Gandhi Museum is displaying Suraj Sadan's portraits
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Compensation pact The US has welcomed India's ratification of the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for nuclear damage
Palampur This hill station is known not only for its tea gardens and paddy fields but also for its colonial architecture and temples.
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Act against Saeed, India to tell US WASHINGTON/ NEW DELHI: The US is ready to assist India in pursuing every possible lead to bring the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack to justice, a top official said after LeT operative David Headley told a court that Pakistani terrorists conducted the strikes after two failed attempts.
Hafiz Saeed was involved in the Mumbai terror attack. Headley is now in American custody, so the US must take cognizance of his statement and take action against Hafiz Saeed," the official said. US State Department Spokesman John Kirby told reporters in Washington, "The United States is committed to doing all we can
Kirby was responding to questions on the deposition by Pakistani-American terrorist Headley, who told a Mumbai court via a video-link from the US how his outfit had planned the 26/11 attacks and executed it after two failed attempts In New Delhi, a senior government official said India is expected to ask the United States to take action against Hafiz Saeed against whom a USD 10 million reward was announced for information leading to his capture, following Headley's disclosure. "Headley's deposition before the court has established that
to assist the government of India in pursuing every possible lead to bring to justice those responsible for that attack to the fullest extent permitted by US law," "Certainly, it's indicative of our commitment to making sure the perpetrators of that attack are brought to justice and I think it's indicative of a close relationship
with India, again, in a law enforcement realm but across all others as well," Kirby said. Kirby was responding to questions on the deposition by Pakistani-American terrorist Headley, who told a Mumbai court via a video-link from the US how his outfit had planned the 26/11 attacks and executed it after two failed attempts and gave details of the role played by ISI. Headley, 55, who is serving 35year prison sentence in the US for his involvement in the Mumbai attacks, also spoke about the role of LeT founder Hafiz Saeed, another LeT commander Zaki-urRehman Lakhvi as well as his handler in the outfit Sajid Mir. "We'll always look to try to improve our cooperation across all different aspects of the relationship. I don't want to prejudge or presuppose here based on this testimony, that it has a strategic value here. That's not for me to speak to," Kirby said. This was a decision and this was an event set up and established by Department of Justice,
Kirby said, adding the US has a very strong relationship with India on a lot of levels and law enforcement is one of them. Described himself as a "true follower of LeT", Headley also admitted during his examination by special prosecutor Ujjwal
Among the 166 victims of the Mumbai terror attack, four were American nationals. Headley told the court through video conferencing that he was trained by LeT in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Abbottabad near Islamabad under the guidance of
US State Department Spokesman John Kirby
Nikam in Mumbai that he joined the ranks of LeT after getting "influenced and motivated" by the speeches of Saeed.
LeT founder "Hafiz Saeed sahab", whose picture he identified in the court, as also its commander Zakiur-Rehman Lakhvi.-PTI
Headley gives details of 26/11 attacks to Indian court MUMBAI: In the first case of deposition via video link from foreign land, Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley has told a court here about how Lashkar-e-Taiba had planned and executed the 26/11 attacks and the role played by ISI officials, involving him too. Headley, an LeT operative who
David Coleman Headley
is currently serving 35-year prison sentence in the US for his role in the Mumbai attacks, detailed the sequence of events leading up to the November 26, 2008 assault as he deposed before Special Judge GA Sanap for nearly five-and-ahalf-hours. He spoke about his training by LeT in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Abbottabad near Islamabad under the guidance of LeT founder "Hafiz Saeed sahab", whose picture he identified in the
court, as also its commander Zakiur-Rehman Lakhvi, and how he got in touch with three officers of Pakistan's ISI - Major Ali and Major Iqbal and Major Abdul Rehman Pasha. Headley told the court that he had changed his name from the original Dawood Gilani after instructions from the LeT commanders, including Lakhvi, and ISI officials to carry out recce in India for an attack, an "adventurous" task for him. He also revealed that the 10 terrorists, who struck at various places in Mumbai on November 26, 2008 killing 166 people, had planned to carry out the attack twice earlier - in September and October - but their attempts failed. Once their boat hit a rock in the seas, because of which they lost all the arms and ammunition and had to go back to Pakistan. "I used to treat India as my enemy. Hafiz Saeed and LeT op-
Headley told the Special Judge during his first deposition in an Indian court. He also admitted during his examination in chief by special prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam that he joined the ranks of LeT after getting "influenced and motivated" by the speeches of "Hafiz Saeed Sahab". Headley, who described himself as a "true follower of LeT, said he took his first "course" with them in 2002 at Muzaffarabad and had also attended a 'leadership course' which was led by Saeed and Lakhvi. He said he underwent 5-6 training courses in LeT camps for about two years. "Daura-e-sufa is a study course and is held in Muridke in Lahore while 'Daurae-aam' is a preliminary military training course held in Muzaffarabad in 'Azad Kashmir' (PoK)," Headley said. In 'Daura-e-Khas, which is a more advanced training, he was
Headley, who described himself as a "true follower of LeT, said he took his first "course" with them in 2002 at Muzaffarabad and had also attended a 'leadership course' which was led by Saeed and Lakhvi erative Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi also saw India as their enemy,"
taught to handle weapons, arms, explosives and ammunition, the
LeT operative said. He said he was also given 'Daura-e-Ribat' training, an intelli-
Kashmir. Talking about his travel to India, the LeT operative said, "Be-
File photo shows smoke billowing out of the ground and first floor of the Taj Hotel in south Mumbai during security personnels Operation Cyclone following the 26/11 terror attacks in 2008
gence course in which setting up of safe houses and reconnaissance are taught. The center where it is taught is in Mansera, 40 miles from Abbottabad, a place in Pakistan where former Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was killed by the US. Headley said though he wanted go to Kashmir and fight Indian troops but he was told that he was "too old" for that. "Lakhvi told me that they would use me for some other purpose," he said, adding it was to be more "adventurous" than
fore the first visit, (his LeT handler) Sajid Mir (also an accused in the case) gave me instructions to make a general video of Mumbai." He said he visited Mumbai seven times before the 2008 terror attack and Delhi once after the attack in March 2009. To enter India, he said he changed his name from Dawood Gilani to David Headley in 2006 so that he could travel here with an American identity and set up some business. Cont’d on page 6
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LeT had planned to attack defense scientists MUMBAI: Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley said that the LeT had planned to attack Indian defense scientists at the Taj Mahal Hotel a year before the 26/11 strikes and that he had conducted a recce of the Naval air station and the Siddhivinayak Temple. Testifying before a Mumbai court for the second day via video-link, Headley also said that he was asked by Pakistan's ISI to recruit Indian armymen to spy for
rorists," said the 55-year-old, who has turned approver in the case. Headley said the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) was surveyed not as a target, but for those terrorists (implying the 26/ 11 attackers) to escape. "I made a video of the entire Colaba stretch from Leopold Cafe to the Chabad house (Nariman House). I also made a video of Siddhivinayak Temple as Sajid Mir (Headley's handler in LeT)
‘They also made a mock (dummy) of the Taj Hotel. However, the meeting of the scientists was cancelled," he said, adding that prior to November 2007, the place was not decided where terror attacks would be conducted in India them. "In November, December 2007, the LeT held a meeting in Muzaffarabad which was attended by Sajid Mir and Abu Kahfa. In this meeting it was decided that terror attacks would be conducted in Mumbai." "The task of conducting recce of Taj Hotel in Mumbai was assigned to me. They (Sajid and Kahfa) had some information that there was going to be a meeting of Indian defense scientists at the conference hall in Taj Hotel. They wanted to plan an attack at that time," Headley said. "They also made a mock (dummy) of the Taj Hotel. However, the meeting of the scientists was cancelled," he said, adding that prior to November 2007, the place was not decided where terror attacks would be conducted in India. Headley later said that the "plan to attack the conference hall in Taj was cancelled due to logistical reasons, like it was not possible to get weapons and personnel to the hall." Giving details of his Mumbai visit, he said that on September 14, 2006, he had come to Mumbai for the first time after joining the LeT. "In 2006, I did surveillance of multiple places but at that point of time, the targets were not decided. I recced Hotel Taj several times in 2007. I also did general surveillance of many places in the city, but I'm not sure if I recced Trident hotel at that time," he said. "In March 2008, when I came to Mumbai, I did surveillance of multiple places like the Taj Hotel, Naval air station and the Maharashtra State Police Headquarters in south Mumbai. I also selected landing sites for the ter-
specifically asked me to do so," he said. Headley said he used GPS during his visits to Mumbai so that he could store the location of the targets as well locations in the Arabian Sea. "I handed over all the photographs, videos and the GPS to Sajid Mir and Abu Kahfa after I returned to Pakistan," he said during his examination by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. During his deposition, he also
said that LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen and Harkat-ulMujahideen are all allies of United Jihad Council working in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). Continuing to spill the beans, he said that, "I met Abdul Rehman Pasha (retired Army officer) in Pakistan in early 2003 at a mosque in Lahore. When I first met Pasha he had no relation with Al-Qaeda, but may be after two years, he left LeT to join Al-Qaeda." On his links with militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed's founder Masood Azhar, he said, "I know Maulana Masood Azhar as I saw him once in October 2003. He is the head of Jaish-e-Mohammed. In October 2003, there was a gathering of LeT and he was a guest speaker there." Headley also said that he was asked by Pakistan's ISI to recruit Indian armymen to spy for them. He said that the LeT group as a whole was responsible for the terror attacks in India, and it can be speculated that all orders came from its top commander Zaki-urRehman Lakhvi. "I met Major Iqbal of ISI in Lahore in early 2006. He asked me to gather military intelligence from India and also try to recruit someone from the Indian military to spy. I told Major Iqbal that I would do as he asked." -PTI
26/11 attackers' 2 earlier attempts had failed MUMBAI: The 10 terrorists, who attacked Mumbai on November 26, 2008, had attempted to carry out the strike twice earlier but could not execute the plan, Lashkar-e-Taiba operative David Coleman Headley has disclosed. Deposing before a court here via a video-link from the US, the Pakistani-American said the attempts were made in September and October that year. "LeT operative Sajid Mir (Headley's main contact man in LeT) told me that two earlier attempts to attack Mumbai had failed," Headley told Special Judge GA Sanap during deposition that lasted nearly five-anda-half-hours. He said the first attempt was made in September 2008 but it failed as the boat hit some rocks and the terrorists lost all the arms and ammunition into the
sea. "The boat, which started from outside Karachi, disintegrated and people on it had their life jackets on and they came to the shore, while the second attempt was made a month later (in October)," Headley told the court. The same 10 terrorists of LeT were successful in attacking Mumbai the third time, said Headley, the LeT operative who is currently serving 35-year prison sentence in the US for his role in the Mumbai attacks. Headley reportedly visited India many times between 2006 and 2008, drew maps, took video footage and scouted several targets for the attacks including the Taj Hotel, Oberoi Hotel and Nariman House. His recce provided vital information for the 10 LeT attackers and their handlers in the attack.-PTI
Headley gives details of 26/11 attacks to Indian court Cont’d from page 5
of Pakistan and Major Abdul Rehman Pasha of ISI was with him at that time. "I and Pasha were to meet a drug smuggler Zheb Shah as I suggested that this man (Shah) could help us smuggle weapons to India," Headley said. "I was arrested in Landikotal next to the Afghan border, in Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) Pakistan, and he (Major Ali) came to interrogate me. I was arrested as I looked like a foreigner and was carrying some literature on India," the PakistaniAmerican national said. However, Headley was not charged as he showed his Pakistani identity card, the court was told. "Major Ali (working for ISI at Landikotal) introduced me to Major Iqbal because he (Ali) thought that I could be of use of assistance in intelligence work," Headley said.
"I applied for change in name on February 5, 2006 in Philadelphia. I changed my name to David Headley to get a new passport under that name. I wanted a new passport so that I could enter India with an American identity. "After I got a new passport, I disclosed it to my colleagues in LeT of which one of them was Sajid Mir, the person with whom I was dealing with. The objective for coming to India was to set up an office/business so that I can live in India," he said. Headley said he had applied for business multiple-entry visa with the Indian embassy so that he does not have to apply for Indian visa repeatedly. "My office was established in Mumbai so that I could take cover in India," Headley told the court, adding he wanted the cover so that his real identity would not be known. He said while applying for the Indian visa, He said while applying for he cooked up a story the Indian visa, he cooked that he was an immigration consultant and had up a story that he was an furnished all wrong in- immigration consultant formation to protect his and had furnished all cover. "I had discussed it wrong information (cover story) with Sajid Mir and Major Iqbal of He also told the court that ISI, and they were very happy to see my Indian visa," Headley told Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a former Pakistan military physician conthe court. He said he knew Major Iqbal victed for providing support to of ISI and had met him in Lahore LeT for plotting an attack on a after one Major Ali (also from ISI) Danish newspaper, had helped him get a five-year visa to India. introduced him to the former. "Rana knows something about Nikam, who examined Headley, said, "I am absolutely satisfied with the 26/11 attacks. I told him not to what Headley had revealed in the come to India," Headley told the deposition. Headley has given cer- court. "Rana knew the purpose of tain sensational revelations during my visit to India." He also said that Pakistani terhis deposition. He confirmed that he met Hafiz Saeed and he identi- rorists attempted to attack Mumbai twice before the 26/11 fied his picture as well." The special prosecutor said, strikes that killed 166 people but "He (Headley) revealed a lot about both the times, the attempts failed. "LeT operative Sajid Mir (whom Major Iqbal and Major Ali, both of them were there in ISI. It was he admitted to be his main conMajor Iqbal who trained him and tact man in LeT) told me that two he also unraveled names of few earlier attempts to attack Mumbai had failed," Headley said. LeT trainers before the court." He said the first attempt was Nikam said Headley had "joined a leadership course where made in September 2008 but it both Saeed and Lakhvi used to failed as the boat hit some rocks. "The boat, which started from come and give speeches against India. He completed his educa- outside Karachi, disintegrated tion from Hasan Abdal Cadet Col- and people on it had their life jacklege in Pakistan but left for ets on and they came to the shore, while the second attempt was America at the age of 17." Headley's lawyer's Mahesh made a month later (in October)," Jethmalani said he has confessed Headley told the court. The same 10 terrorists of LeT that he had joined LeT after being were successful in attacking influenced by Hafiz Saeed. Headley told the court that he Mumbai the third time, said was once arrested in Federally- Headley, an approver in the case.Administered Tribal Area (FATA) PTI
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Pak to be given fresh evidence on ISI Indian fights off robbers NEW DELHI: India is likely to give Pakistan fresh evidence about the involvement of ISI officers in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack after Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley's deposition before a Mumbai court. India has given several dossiers to Pakistan incorporating evidence about the involvement of ISI officers, Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, LeT commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi besides others. "There has been no action against any one of them. Headley's deposition before court
again established that serving ISI officers, Hafiz Saeed and Lakhvi were deeply involved in the conspiracy. We will provide all these fresh evidence to Pakistan for action," a senior government official said. Headley told the court through video conferencing that he was trained by LeT in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Abbottabad near Islamabad under the guidance of LeT founder "Hafiz Saeed sahab", whose picture he identified in the court, as also its commander Zaki-urRehman Lakhvi. He said that he was in touch
with three officers of Pakistan's ISI -Major Ali and Major Iqbal and Major Abdul Rehman Pasha. Headley told the court that he had changed his name from original Dawood Gilani after instructions from LeT commanders, including Lakhvi, and ISI officials to carry out recce in India for an attack, an "adventurous" task for him. Headley said he joined LeT after being "influenced" by its head Hafiz Saeed and took his first "course" with them in 2002 at Muzaffarabad. Headley is currently serving 35 years prison sentence in the US for his role in the terror attacks. -PTI
Bring to book 26/11 guilty, says Congress NEW DELHI: As PakistaniAmerican terrorist David Coleman Headley illustrated how his outfit had planned the 26/11 attacks, Congress has asked the government what it would do now to bring the guilty of the Mumbai terror strikes to book. Party spokesman Manish Tewari told reporters that there
was never any doubt about Pakistan's involvement in the terror strikes and "strong evidence" had been provided to Islamabad. The question now is how the Narendra Modi government would respond to bring to justice LeT leaders like Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, who have been released from jail, Tewari asked.
He said Pakistan had a hand in the terror attacks and it is a fact that Masood Azhar who was released from jail following IC 804 hijack was behind the Pathankot terror strike. He said that while in the Opposition, the BJP had been harping that talks and terror cannot go together.-PTI
in New Zealand MELBOURNE: An Indian-ori- was too heavy for them. It is too gin dairy owner in New Zealand's heavy for me," Patel was quoted Christchurch has bravely fought as saying by Stuff.co.nz news off two robbers and caught one site. of them as they allegedly tried to Patel was at the shop with sevflee with his cash register, a media eral friends and family members. report said. The group held on to one of the Kamlesh Patel, whose shop offenders until police arrived a has earlier been targeted by shop- short time later. lifters in the past, chased down the man who was trying to steal A second man involved in Opawa Universal the attempted robbery, Dairy's cash register however, managed to and held him with the help of his friends until escape after his partner police arrived. was caught A second man involved in the attempted robbery, however, managed to He was robbed at gun-point escape after his partner was five years ago by a man demandcaught. ing cash and tobacco. He tried to Patel said two men entered his stop the offender that time too, and shop and tried to flee with the cash received minor head injuries as he register. tried to wrestle the rifle from the "They ran away with the cash offender. Patel said no-one was register. I started chasing him. He hurt in the incident. "Shoplifters dropped the cash register and I keep coming, but this is different," caught him. (The cash register) a police spokesman said. -PTI
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Sikh with turban barred from boarding plane NEW YORK: A Sikh-American actor has been barred from boarding a New York-bound Aeromexico flight after he refused to remove his turban during a security check. Waris Ahluwalia, 41, who had
from boarding. Ahluwalia said he checked in at the Aeromexico counter at Mexico City's international airport about 5:30 am and was given his first-class boarding pass with a code that he said meant he needed
Waris Ahluwalia
been on a trip to Mexico, took a photo of himself and his boarding pass for an Aeromexico flight back to NYC, explaining in a caption that he had been prohibited
secondary security screening. 'This morning in Mexico City I was told I could not board my @aeromexico flight to NYC because of my turban," Ahluwalia
wrote on his Instagram account, uploading a photo of himself holding up his now-useless Aeromexico plane ticket. When Ahluwalia showed up at the gate to board Flight 408 to New York City, Ahluwalia said, attendants told him he needed to step aside and wait for other passengers to board. After they did, his feet and bag were searched and swabbed, he was told to remove a sweatshirt and he was patted down, New York Times reported. Then, he said, he was asked to take off his turban. "I responded...that I won't be taking off my turban," he said in an interview from the airport in Mexico City. "And then they talked amongst themselves and they said, 'OK, then you are not getting on the flight.'" He said he was told by another airline security official that he would not be boarding any other Aeromexico flight until he met their security demands. "It is a symbol of my faith," Ahluwalia said, explaining why he would not remove the turban. "It is something that I wear whenever
Gang trafficking children to US busted BENGALURU: City police have claimed to have unearthed a crime syndicate allegedly involved in the illegal transportation of children to the US with 16 people, including the suspected kingpin, being taken into custody. In a crackdown, 14 teams of officers conducted raids in various police stations in Bengaluru City Commissionerate and registered about 13 cases and "secured" 16 persons including Uday Pratap Singh who was identified as the kingpin, and two women for various offences. Police said on the basis of information collected, it was found that Singh along with his other syndicate members lured a couple or a single male/female and projected them as real husband and wife, and accordingly documents were prepared to obtain passport and other travel documents. They said Singh through his agents in Gujarat, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other places brought children under the age of 10 years and paired them with the couples in Bengaluru who acted as family. While the couple and the children got trained about behaving
like a family, other team members prepared documents like rental agreement, birth certificate, voter cards, ration cards and applied for obtaining passport as family members. After obtaining passport through "fraudulent means", another team in Tamil Nadu used to
“The family group visited US on tourist visa, children were left in US, impersonated father and mother returned to India within a week which creates suspicion and needs further investigation" assist the "family" to get Non-immigration B1/B2 VISA (Business and pleasure visa) from the US consulate at Chennai. Police said based on credible information, collection of action-
able intelligence and preliminary inquiry, SIT has made prima facie case about human trafficking of children to US in which 16 couples were shortlisted and their antecedents verified clandestinely. Acting on the information about possible human smuggling racket in Bengaluru received by the Commissioner of Police a year ago, a SIT headed by Additional Commissioner of Police (East) P Harishekaran was formed to unearth the possible human smuggling racket and its ramifications. Police said that based on the available actionable data, the preliminary observations of the SIT show that "the family group visited US on tourist visa, children were left in US, impersonated father and mother returned to India within a week which creates suspicion and needs further investigation". Noting that in some cases, on landing in US, adult members either both or single parent returned back within 48 hours to Bengaluru, police said in all these cases children have never returned and their whereabouts are not known in US.-PTI
I am in public." A statement released by the airline said that Ahluwalia's screening was in compliance with Transportation Security Administration protocol and that the airline had offered him alternatives to "reach his destination as soon as possible". It gave no further details but added that it regretted the inconvenience.
Ahluwalia is also a social activist who has campaigned for greater awareness of the Sikh religion. In 2013, he appeared as a model in a Gap 'Make Love' advertisement that was posted in New York City subways and later defaced with racist graffiti. The letter 'S' was printed on it four times and encircled with a marker symbols he said were meant to alert airline crew that a
Ahluwalia is also a social activist who has campaigned for greater awareness of the Sikh religion. In 2013, he appeared as a model in a Gap 'Make Love' advertisement that was posted in New York City subways and later defaced with racist graffiti Ahluwalia, who grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, is an actor and a designer based in Manhattan known for his House of Waris jewelry line and other design work. He was recently nominated for best supporting actor by the 2016 Canadian Screen Awards for his role in a Canadian thriller 'Beeba Boys'.
passenger must go through an extra security check. He was still at the airport more than 12 hours later. Ahluwalia said he planned to remain there as lawyers from the Sikh Coalition, a civil-rights group, and Aeromexico discussed the matter by telephone. He said he had no immediate plans to board another flight. -PTI
Development through democracy big challenge BOSTON: In an apparent dig at China, Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad here warned against the impulse to become an autocratic society for attaining faster growth and said development through democracy is more stable. "Development through democracy is the biggest challenge today because in the heat of the moment people call for becoming some kind of an autocratic society," Prasad said during a panel discussion on India at the prestigious Harvard University. Referring to China's fast growth rate during the past decades, he said in a democracy development may be slower but it is stable. People in India, he said, wants the government to deliver with good governance and transparency. China, which is ruled by the Communist Party since 1949, witnessed close to double-digit growth for over three decades. However, growth has fallen steadily over the past five years and China clocked 6.9 per cent GDP growth in 2015, its weakest
performance in a quarter century, with analysts warning of a hard landing for the world's second largest economy. Responding to a question, Prasad opposed the idea of disbanding the Indian civil services, which he argued brings in continuity and stability. At the same time, he felt the
Ravi Shankar Prasad
need of creating opportunities for bringing fresh minds to governance. Speaking on the phenomena of regional parties in Indian politics, senior Member of Parliament Jay Panda said that it would be foolish to write off regional parties, which have been there for the past few decades.-PTI
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Net neutrality: Trai says no to differential pricing NEW DELHI: Backing Net neutrality, telecom watchdog Trai has barred operators from charging different rates for Internet access based on content, dealing a blow to Facebook's controversial Free Basics and other such plans. Ruling against discriminatory pricing for different data platforms or content, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) said operators cannot enter into pacts with Internet companies to subsidize access to some websites. Companies violating the rules will be fined Rs 50,000 per day for the duration of contravention, subject to a maximum of Rs 50 lakh. "No service provider shall offer or charge discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content," Trai said in its regulations for 'Discriminatory Tariffs for Data Services'. It gave six months to operators to wind down existing differential pricing services. "Anything on Internet cannot be differently priced. This is the broad point that we have highlighted in regulation," Trai Chairman R S Sharma told reporters issuing the regulations. However, services providers have been allowed to reduce tariff for access of providing emergency services. "We have not defined emer-
gency services. But in the case of such services, operators have to inform Trai within 7 working days," he said. The move dealt a blow to Facebook's plans to offer Free Basics service that allows free access to certain websites in partnership with a telecom operator. Zero tariff plans of other operators like Airtel would also be im-
"Anything on Internet cannot be differently priced. This is the broad point that we have highlighted in regulation," Trai Chairman R S Sharma told reporters pacted. The plans were seen as violation of the principle of Net neutrality that calls for all websites being equally accessible. Facebook expressed disappointment at the Trai move, saying its "goal with Free Basics is to bring more people online with an open, non-exclusive and free platform".
"While disappointed with the outcome, we will continue our efforts to eliminate barriers and give the unconnected an easier path to the Internet and the opportunities it brings," Facebook spokesperson said in a statement. Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, who had championed the cause of Net neutrality, hailed the move. "Welcome Trai's ruling in support of #NetNeutrality. Big win for Internet users in India. Congratulations to all those who campaigned tirelessly and fought hard to ensure that our Internet remains free and equal for all," his office tweeted. Telecom operators see Trai's regulations as "an attack on their freedom" to approach the market and expect adverse impact on expanding connectivity in the country. "In our judgment, we would have been able to approach market in a better way. The flexibility... for marketing will not be there. We need to discuss whether it's serious enough to contest," Association of Unified Service Providers in India (AUSPI) Secretary General Ashok Sud said. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which represents leading telecom players such as Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular, said it has been unable to understand the harm of differ-
ential pricing of data on consumers as "alleged" by Trai. "With blanket ban, you (Trai) have really indicated that there is definitive harm of differential pricing on consumers. Without defining Net neutrality, you (Trai) have jumped on tariff plans... Even in countries like the US, Net neutrality was defined followed by a zero rating defini-
Consultation round. Facebook claimed that the number of comments in support of Free Basics to be more than 1.35 crore as against Trai's official figure of around 24 lakh tion," COAI Director General Rajan S Mathews said. He took the line that litigation is the last resort and the industry will seek government intervention. "We will have a clear picture next week... We are going through the regulations," Mathews said. Facebook has launched an aggressive campaign to defend its
Flying from Delhi to get cheaper from May 1 NEW DELHI: Flying out from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the national capital will soon become cheaper, with regulator AERA directing the airport operator to International Airport Pvt Ltd covered by April 30, 2016 after tak- tion and Surveillance) on expendiscontinue levying development (DIAL), which is a joint venture ing into account the dues recover- diture basis. fee from May 1. between GMR group, Airports able from airlines," AERA said in a To cover the financial gap in Currently, a domestic passen- Authority of India and Germany's six-page order, dated January 25. developing the project, the allowger boarding a plane from IGIA Fraport AG. At the end of December 2015, able DF was determined at Rs has to shell out Rs 100 per flight 3,415.35 crore. towards Development Fee (DF) According to the order, the DF According to the order, the DF contribution by contribution by passengers till while the amount is Rs 600 for international flyers. April 30 would be accounted by passengers till April 30 would be accounted Citing the average monthly raising bills based on passengers' by raising bills based on passengers' collection of Rs 30 crore as DF, contribution details in airlines contribution details in airlines manifesto the regulator said the total sancmanifesto. tioned DF amount of Rs 3,415.35 "DIAL/AAI shall take steps to crore is likely to be recovered by collect the amounts due and the April 30, 2016. interest on belated payments from "The DF of Rs 100 per embarkthe airlines till all the outstanding ing domestic passenger and Rs receivables are realized," it added. 600 per embarking international When contacted, a DIAL spokesperson said, "The decision is in line with the original AERA approved timeline. In the said order. AERA has also given six months time, post April 2016, to reconcile and address over/under recovery of Development Fee to settle the approved amount of passenger... at IGI Airport shall be The regulator had earlier al- the DF amount to be recovered DF." continued only till April 30, 2016," lowed DIAL to levy DF through from passengers stood at around Based on AAI's report, the Airports Economic Regulatory an order issued in December 2012. Rs 121.48 crore. regulator would review and deAuthority of India (AERA) said. "Keeping in view the average This included Rs 30.59 crore to cide on the treatment of over-reIndira Gandhi International Air- monthly collection of Rs 30 crore, be paid for ATC/CNS (Air Traffic covery or under-recovery of DF. port (IGIA) is operated by Delhi the balance DF is likely to be re- Control/Communication, Naviga- PTI
Free Basics platform and argued that zero-rating plans can lead to increase in Internet adoption at no cost to the government, the content provider or consumers. It was available in India only on Reliance Communications network, but the same was put on hold after Trai's order. The debate on Net neutrality started after Airtel decided to charge separately for Internetbased calls in December 2014, but withdrew it later after protests. The debate heated up after Airtel launched free Internet platform Airtel Zero and later Facebook came out with its Internet.Org, renamed as Free Basics. This is the first ever regulation from Trai which saw record participation of 24 lakh people during the consultation round. Facebook claimed that the number of comments in support of Free Basics to be more than 1.35 crore as against Trai's official figure of around 24 lakh. IT industry through Nasscom, IAMAI and other bodies have appreciated Trai's decision. Talking about difference of prices on the basis of Internet speed like 2G, 3G and 4G, Sharma said Trai is discussing the same under the draft direction to service providers for delivering broadband services in a transparent manner. -PTI
India-Australia panel on cheap LNG supply BRISBANE: India and Australia have decided to form a subgroup, which will include senior officials from the government and industry from both sides, to prepare a roadmap on streamlining issues that would help in providing cheap LNG for power plants in the Asian country. "After my discussions with the industry on LNG, some representatives told me that Indian government will have to take concrete steps to help encourage trade relations. "So, I have now formed a subgroup, which will be under the Working Group on the India-Australia energy dialogue," Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters on the sidelines of the India-Australia Energy Dialogue here. After the energy dialogues with the US and Japan, Working Groups were formed that concentrate on issues which need to be resolved at the government level, he added. Cont’d on page 11
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PM flags sea-borne terror, piracy as threats VISAKHAPATNAM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged the threat of sea-borne terror and piracy as two key challenges to maritime security even as he pitched for respecting freedom of navigation against the backdrop of South China Sea dispute. In an apparent reference to the audacious 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, Modi said, the threat of sea-borne terror, of which India has been a direct victim, continues to endanger regional and global peace and stability. He said piracy, too, remains a strong challenge against the backdrop of Somali pirates targeting merchant vessels, including those of India. Addressing the valedictory function of International Fleet Review, the Prime Minister also made a veiled reference to the South China Sea dispute, saying countries must "respect and ensure freedom of navigation and cooperate not compete". He said after hosting the 3rd India-Africa Summit and the India-Pacific Island Cooperation, the country would now host the first-ever global maritime summit in April. Referring to his government's ambitious Make in India initiative, Modi said 37 of the Indian warships participating in the Fleet Review were made in India and their numbers will surely rise. He said the nation's ability to reap economic benefits from the oceans rested on our capacity to respond to the challenges in the maritime domain. "The threat of natural disasters like tsunami and cyclones is ever present. Man-made problems such as oil spills, climate change continue to risk the stability of the maritime domain," the Prime minister said. He said a peaceful and stable
maritime environment is critical for regional and global security. "It is also must to harvest the riches of the oceanic ecosystems," the PM said. Modi said India's 1200 island territories, and its huge Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.4 million sq km makes clear the economic significance of the Indian Ocean. "For us, it also serves as a strategic bridge with the nations in our immediate and extended maritime neighborhood. In March last year in Mauritius, I had spelt out our vision for the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean Region is one of my foremost policy priorities. Our approach is evident in our vision of 'sagar', which means ocean and stands for Security And Growth for All in the Region," he said. He said India would continue to actively pursue and promote its geo-political, strategic and economic interests on the seas, in particular the Indian Ocean. "To this end, India's modern and multi-dimensional Navy leads from the front. It is a force for peace and good. A network of growing political and economic maritime partnerships, and strengthening of regional frameworks also helps us pursue our
and its challenges complex. At the same time, the oceans are the lifelines of global prosperity. They present us with great economic opportunities to build our nations," he said. The Prime Minister noted that over 90 per cent of global mer-
the blue economy. An essential part of this pursuit is the development of India's coastal and island territories but not just for tourism. "We want to build new pillars of economic activity in the coastal areas and in linked hinterlands
Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking salutation of the march-past by ICP contigents, bands & tableaus, at the International Fleet Review-2016 in Visakhapatnam on February 7. Union Minister for Defense, Manohar Parrikar, Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Parliamentary Affairs, M Venkaiah Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu and the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral RK Dhowan are also seen
chandise trade is carried on the oceans. He said over the last 15 years, its value has grown from about
Terming the youth in the coastal areas as country's "true assets", he said they have a natural and deep understanding of the oceans. "They could lead the way in the development of blue economy in India goals," he said. Modi recalled that the last time India hosted the International Fleet Review was in the year 2001 in the city of Mumbai. "The world of 2016 is vastly different. Its politics is turbulent,
Given the scale and complexity of modern-day challenges, international maritime stability cannot be the preserve of single nation, he said, adding it has to be a shared goal and responsibility of all seafaring countries. "To this end, the navies and
USD six trillion to about USD 20 trillion. Referring to the economy of crude, he said oceans are critical for global energy security as over 60 per cent of world's oil production moves through sea routes.
maritime agencies need to work together and engineer virtual cycles of cooperation. "But where necessary, they also need to act to secure the international sea lanes of communication." As oceans today propel our economies, we must use seas to build peace, friendship and trust and curb conflict, he said addressing the gathering. Our Skill India program is building institutions that train, support, encourage and guide our 800 million youth to the path of entrepreneurship. He said an important part of India's transformation is his vision of blue Economy. "The blue Chakra, the wheel in our national flag, represents the potential of
through sustainable tapping of oceanic resources," he said. Terming the youth in the coastal areas as country's "true assets", he said they have a natural and deep understanding of the oceans. "They could lead the way in the development of blue economy in India. In partnership with all the coastal states of India, I want to shape a special program of skilling India's youth in the coastal areas of the country," Modi said. Chief Justice of India Justice T S Thakur, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union ministers M Venkaiah Naidu and Manohar Parrikar were present on the occasion where the PM released a photo essay book 'Maritime Heritage of India'. -PTI
Former Nepal PM Sushil Koirala dies KATHMANDU: Nepal's former Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, who was credited with promulgating the country's new Constitution in September last year to complete a stalled peace process, died here after a bout of pneumonia. 79-year-old Koirala, who was Nepal's Prime Minister from February 2014 to October 2015, died at his residence in Maharajgunj in the outskirt of capital Kathmandu, Nepali Congress general secretary Prakash Man Singh told PTI.
Koirala, the president of the country's biggest political party, the Nepali Congress, was suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pul-
Born in Varanasi, India, Koirala entered politics in 1954 and was in political exile in India for 16 years following the royal takeover of 1960
monary Disease (COPD). Koirala was earlier successfully treated for lung cancer in the US. Born in Varanasi, India, Koirala entered politics in 1954 and was in political exile in India for 16 years following the royal takeover of 1960. He was credited with promulgating the new Constitution of Nepal in September last year to complete a stalled peace process and bring stability to the nation. The new Constitution sparked violence in the country. More than 50 people were killed
Sushil Koirala
in clashes between police and Madhesi demonstrators, mostly of Indian-origin, protesting
against the charter, which they say leaves them politically marginalized. He also spent three years in Indian prisons for his alleged involvement in a plane hijacking in 1973. The plane was said to be carrying boxes of cash, which he and his relatives wanted to use to fund the Nepali Congress. He faced heavy criticism for his government's response to a massive quake that devastated the country last April, killing nearly 9,000 people. -PTI
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'Modi govt will spread India's spiritual message' VRINDAVAN: BJP chief Amit Shah has said the Modi government had taken measures to preserve and promote 'Sanatan Dharma', while politics in the country had earlier got "detached" from religion. The BJP government will not only make India a prosperous nation, but also spread its spiritual message worldwide, he said at the inauguration of the 125 feet high 'Priyantakju' dedicated to 'Radha-
Minister who went to Kashi to perform 'Ganga Aarti' after being nominated the party's prime ministerial candidate," he said. "Not only Ganga, he is taking initiatives to clean all our rivers. It was due to Modi s efforts that the UN announced International Yoga day and now the whole world is celebrating it. We do not ask for any patent. Whatever is there in Hindu culture and Sanatan Dharma, it is for everyone. They
BJP National President Amit Shah speaks at the inauguration of Shri Priya Kantju Temple in Vrindavan, Mathura
Krishna' in this holy town. "We have a government in this country which will not only take it forward on the path to prosperity but will also spread its spiritual message worldwide," he said, adding it has taken steps to preserve Indian culture and symbols of Sanatan dharma (Hinduism). "We saw how in the past our politics had got detached from religion, but Modiji is one Prime
can come and learn it in India," he said. During the visit to this temple town, he said Lord Krishna established an "unbreakable" link between Gujarat and Vrindavan. "I live in Delhi but I belong to Gujarat. There is an unbreakable link between Gujarat and Vrindavan due to Lord Krishna. I get energy to work more whenever I come here," said Shah.
The new temple will help spread our culture, he added. Addressing a gathering on this occasion, Deviki Nandan Thakur Maharaj, the president of Vishva Shanti Charitable Trust which constructed the temple, urged him to take initiatives to bring river Yamuna to Vrindavan, ban cow slaughter and end the "English medium culture" in education. "I share your feelings. BJP governments have walked the same path and will continue to do so. The greater the blessings of people, the faster will be the progress," he said. Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said only Hindu culture and Sanatan Dharma can take humanity on the path to peace. Kaptan Singh Solanki, Haryana Governor, M a d h y a Pradesh government minister Maya Singh, Chhatisgarh minister Brij Mohan Agrawal, MPs Meenakshi Lekhi and Hema Malini and senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar were also present. Vishwa Shanti Seva Charitable Trust also said it was adopting 125 underprivileged girls to support the Centre's 'Beti bachao beti padhao' initiative. Shah distributed cycles and cheques to some of these girls. -PTI
Pakistan approves Hindu Marriage Bill ISLAMABAD: After decades approving the bill but members of delay and inaction, the Hindu of other parliamentary parties minority community in Pakistan persisted with raising objections. will soon have a marriage law as a Shagufta Jumani of Pakistan parliamentary panel has unani- People's Party and Ali mously approved the Hindu Mar- Mohammad Khan of Pakistan riage Bill. Tehreek-i-Insaf raised many queThe National Assembly Stand- ries about minimum age of a ing Committee on Law and Jus- Hindu girl to be married and the tice passed the final draft of Hindu status of marriage if any of the Marriage Bill 2015, where five partners converted to Islam. Hindu lawmakers were specially "Under the banner of Pakistan invited. Hindu Council, I arrange mass Though the delaying tactics marriage of around 100 girls evcontinued almost to the last, the ery year and we clearly deny committee adopted the bill unani- marriage of even an orphan who mously after making two amend- is under 18. People do not insist ments to fix the minimum age of the marrying male and female at ‘If we 99 per cent of the 18 and making the law applicable to the whole population are afraid of one country, Dawn news re- per cent, we need to look ported. The bill will now be deep inside what we claim tabled in the National Assembly where it has to be and what we are,’ fair chances of being passed as the ruling Pakistan on marrying anyone below 18 Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) years," Vankwani said. party is supporting it. He wanted to drop a clause in Committee Chairman Chaudhry the bill that said the marriage will Mahmood Bashir Virk expressed be nullified if any of the partners regret over the long-drawn tacti- converted to Islam. It was incal delay in framing family law for serted by the Council of Islamic the Hindu community. Ideology when the bill was sent "It was unbecoming of us for 'Sharia vetting' some six Muslims in general and the po- months ago. litical leaders in particular. We "Why a Hindu and a Muslim were required to facilitate the leg- or Christian cannot live together islation, not obstruct it. If we 99 as happily married couple?," per cent of the population are Vankwani said. afraid of one per cent, we need to His suggestion to drop the look deep inside what we claim clause met stern resistance from to be and what we are," he said. Jumani and Khan after which Virk and ruling PML-N law- Committee Chairman stopped the maker Dr Ramesh Kumar discussion to avoid "total colVankwani had been pushing for lapse" of the meeting.-PTI
India-Australia panel on cheap LNG supply Cont’d from page 9
This sub-group will have officials from the Ministries of External Affairs and Petroleum and Natural Gas. Representatives from PSUs such as NTPC, GAIL and Petronet LNG will also be a part of the group. It will also have two representatives from private firms who have gas-based power plants, Goyal, who also has the portfolio of Renewable energy, added. This sub-group, in about two or two-and-a-half months, will submit a detailed report on what needs to be done and what are the requirements that need to be taken care of so that power plants in can get cheap LNG from Australia, the Minister said.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy, Piyush Goyal meeting the Premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk, in Brisbane on February 8
"From their side, Austrade, the Australian government's trade commission, senior Energy Ministry official, official from the High
Commission in India looking after energy and representatives from the private sector will be part of the sub-group," Goyal said.
This group will prepare a roadmap on what steps need to be taken from both the sides so that power producers in India can get
access to cheaper LNG from Australia, he added. Goyal is heading a delegation of senior officials for the India Australia Energy Dialogue. Industry body CII is leading a delegation to the four-day dialogue, which will witness roundtable meetings between the government of the two countries as well as businesses from both sides on energy related issues. The move will lead to committed LNG supply to gas-based power plants, which are running below their capacity due to lack of availability of gas. The grid connected gas-based power generation capacity in the country is around 24,150 MW. Of this, a capacity of 14,305 MW had no supply of domestic gas.-PTI
Tech News EPFO investment offers better hedging NEW DELHI: Favoring increase in EPFO investment in the equity market to 15 per cent, Union Minister Jayant Sinha has said the benefit of average costing must be available to the people saving for their retirement. Citing global empirical studies, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha said that it has been established that systematic investment plans and average costing approach generate the best returns for long-term investors. "As you know there is an ability for EPFO to go up to 15 per cent in the equity markets (investment)... The benefit of average costing should be available to people saving for retirement because the equity markets will go through ups and downs," he said. Sinha was talking to the reporters on the sidelines of PFRDA's Pension Conclave. "There will be bull markets and there will be bear markets but if you follow an average costing approach, you will be building your own position in the market at appropriately low cost when the market is down," Sinha said. -PTI
In touch with US on cyber security: Prasad BOSTON: With India placing high priority to cyber security, the government is in talks with a number of countries, including the US, for co-operation to check cyber espionage and other attacks, Union Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said here. "The Prime Minister himself has said, cyber security represents something like bloodless war. Therefore, cyber security is an agenda of great importance for our government," Prasad, who was here to attend the annual India Conference of the Harvard University, told PTI. Emphasizing that India is very particular on the issue of cyber security, the minister said the government is in talks with a number of countries including the US in this regard. "Internet is the finest creation of human mind. It should not be allowed to be abused by a few. In that scenario there is greater cooperation among countries world over," he said. The minister said the ambitious Digital India campaign has aroused great interest about the country across the world and the total digital economy being pursued by India is going to be USD one trillion in the next two-three years. -PTI
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SBI trying to develop women entrepreneurship KOLKATA: Country's largest lender State Bank of India is taking steps to develop women entrepreneurship in the country, its chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya has said. "We are trying to create special schemes for women so that they may become entrepreneurs and create jobs," Bhattacharya said at the Kolkata Literary Festival here. Bhattacharya, who was speaking on 'Being Woman', said that employment had to be generated through entrepreneurship as government jobs would not be sufficient to absorb all unemployed.-PTI
US welcomes India's ratification pact on nuclear compensation WASHINGTON: Welcoming India's ratification of the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for nuclear damage, the US has hoped that the move will soon see deals for American companies to build new reactors and cheap energy to millions of Indians. India's membership in the CSC
Agency's Nuclear Safety Action Plan to provide prompt compensation in the event of an accident and to establish a legal framework for commercial arrangements, he said. "I welcome India to the CSC and look forward to their deployment of civil nuclear energy technologies to help provide reliable, lowcost power to millions of Indians," Moniz said in a statement. These efforts will help spur a low-carbon economy to combat climate change. "Additionally, we are eager to work Ernest Moniz US Energy Secretary with India, and all is a crucial step toward facilitating CSC member countries, to facilithe growth of safe, civilian nuclear tate the use of advanced nuclear energy in the world's second most technologies developed in the populous country, said Ernest United States," Moniz said. Moniz, the US Energy Secretary. According to a senior adminisIn addition, India's membership tration official CSC membership is a major step towards the global will facilitate international coopliability regime called for by the eration in expanding the use of International Atomic Energy nuclear power in India, thereby
contributing to India's energy security and its efforts to address climate change. "The United States is hopeful that we will soon see deals for US companies to build new reactors, which will mean more reliable electricity for Indians," the senior State Department official told PTI. Following India's ratification of
made. This important step would facilitate the commercial suppliers to close their nuclear deals with India that would end up in generating at least 12,000 MW if both the US companies go ahead," Vijay Sazawal, an expert on US India nuclear agreement, told PTI. However, at this time only one vendor Westing House - is fully
A leading American nuclear reactor vendor is planning to submit its proposal by the end of February to Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) with an objective of having some kind of agreement CSC, a leading American nuclear reactor vendor is planning to submit its proposal by the end of February to Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) with an objective of having some kind of agreement with that can be signed at the time of NSS in DC on April 1. "This is a big accomplishment. This was the pledge that India
engaged, with NPCIL. "The contract that NPCIL and the American nuclear vendor are negotiating has many parts. They have to agree on who would be responsible for doing what work, who would provide financing and when, the contract terms and conditions, which would include the supplier liability as per the Indian nuclear liability law," Sazawal said. -PTI
IMF hopes India will implement reforms WASHINGTON: Bullish on India, IMF chief Christine Lagarde has hoped that the Government would be able to implement a series of "critically important" economic reforms including GST for unleashing the country's growth potential. "The IMF is quite bullish about India, and our forecast for 2016, 2017 is 7.5 per cent growth," Lagarde said in response to a question at the University of Maryland. "So we see India as benefitting, actually it's one of the major beneficiaries of the lower oil prices. When you look at the scale of benefits for particularly the emerging countries, India comes out, you know, way ahead," the IMF Managing Director said. "IMF also believes that the
monetary policy, the taming of in- portant" for the unleashing of flation is also going to benefit the growth potential that India has to very large domestic market of In- offer. dia," she said, noting that con"One additional component sumption is also going to be one which we regard as important, and of the key drivers. "All of that of course, with the hope and the provision, if I may say, that the trend of reforms identified by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, can actually proceed, whether it's in the fiscal area, by way of implementIMF chief Christine Lagarde ing the Goods and Services Tax, significant reform like the land reform that would be the investment in that is considered," Lagarde said. infrastructure that is so badly She said those reforms are ac- needed in many countries, but in tually going to be "critically im- India in particular, where there are
bottlenecks, both in terms of physical infrastructure, as well as, I would say, administrative infrastructure, and those are key policies to implement," she said. GST, which will subsume all indirect taxes such as excise duty, service tax and sales tax into one uniform rate, is stalled in the Rajya Sabha as Congress is pressing for three changes. The Congress has stalled the passage of the constitutional amendment Bill, derailing the government's plan to roll out GST from April 1, 2016. The three demands are a cap on the GST rate in the Constitution itself, removal of the proposed 1 per cent additional tax on inter-state movement of goods and setting up a judicial panel to adjudicate disputes among states. -PTI
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Finmin alarmed at low IT collections NEW DELHI: Alarm bells have rung in the Finance Ministry after net direct tax collections are showing a 35 per cent shortfall with only two months left for closing of the financial year. Concerned over this, the CBDT has written to the Income Tax department to pull up its socks and
sponding growth of 17.25 per cent last year. While the target for direct taxes collection this fiscal is Rs 7.98 lakh crore, the department has made a net collection of about Rs 5.21 lakh crore by January 31, thereby falling short, at present, by over 35 per cent to reach the target.
step up the drive for collection of revenue. In an urgent missive to the top brass of the department in the country, the Board has asked them to give their "highest priority" to get as much as they can on the regular tax front as it is showing a negative growth rate of '-10.44 per cent' as compared to the corre-
In his first general communication to the department, newly appointed Central Board of Direct Taxes Chairman Atulesh Jindal asked the department to tighten their belts after a Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia raised a similar concern in a meeting recently. "The gross collection grew only by 8.13 per cent. Chairman CBDT
needs to ask all Commissioners to achieve their target," Jindal wrote to his Principal Chief Commissioners quoting Adhia. "In the area of net direct tax collections, the present growth rate is not encouraging if compared with the preceding financial year. The net collections as on January 31, 2016 stand at Rs 5,21,853 crore indicating achievement of 65.40 per cent of budget estimates with a growth rate of 10.87 per cent. "Looking at the overall minor head-wise growth rate, it is seen that except TDS all other minor heads are having a growth rate which is less than the growth rate of immediately preceding year at this time of the year," he said. The main cause of concern in this regard, the CBDT boss said, is the "decline in the regular tax collection which is showing a negative growth rate of (-) 10.44 per cent as compared to the corresponding growth of 17.25 per cent last year. "This suggests that either regular demand has not been raised due to non-completion of scrutiny assessments or adequate efforts are not being made to collect the arrear demand. This is being seen as matter of concern by the government," he said.-PTI
Patel opposes proposal to dilute airlines' substantial control NEW DELHI: Former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has strongly opposed NDA government's proposal to hand over substantial control of Indian airlines to foreign carriers, terming the suggestion "ridiculous" and saying such a move, if approved, would harm national interests. Patel, during whose tenure the civil aviation policy was formulated, also stressed that the government should not be seen to be favoring select Indian carriers while bringing in a new policy and instead ensure a level-playing field for all of them, while continuing the "time-tested" route dispersal guidelines to ensure air connectivity across the country. Asked about the proposal to raise the FDI cap in airlines from 49 to beyond 50 per cent, he said "all over the world, the issue of substantial ownership and effective control (of an airline) is very
minutely scrutinized" as aviation industry is different from any other and is affected by several factors including external. "I am surprised that the draft aviation policy carries a provision
Stressing the need for having national flag carriers, he said "this template also goes against the spirit of the ICAO resolutions" to increase the FDI limit over 50 per cent. That is ridiculous. You have already done 49 per cent. 50 per cent or more will hurt the country," Patel told PTI. He said the United States does not allow more than 25 per cent
voting rights by foreigners in an airline's board, while in Malaysia and Singapore, "you may not be allowed to buy into their airlines ... Do these countries have reciprocal policies (on FDI in airlines)?" "If the country's carrier has to carry the Indian flag, its foreign ownership cannot be 50 per cent or more. It (increasing the existing FDI limit) will hurt the country," he said, adding that an airline that carries the national flag on its tail has to be substantially owned by Indians. Stressing the need for having national flag carriers, he said "this template also goes against the spirit of the ICAO resolutions". The UN body ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) has evolved a series of rules and procedures on various aspects of the aviation industry business which are being followed by all governments and their airlines.-PTI
Budget to provide Rs 1.10 lakh cr for Pay panel NEW DELHI: Budget for the ing agriculture production and next fiscal needs to provide Rs 1.10 productivity," he said. lakh crore for implementing the India, he said, continues to be OROP and 7th Pay Commission one of the fastest growing econoaward, besides a higher allocation mies in the world, but there is still for the farm sector, Finance Min- potential to grow at a much faster ister Arun Jaitley has said. pace. Addressing the Consultative "The world economy is passCommittee attached to the Finance ing through an uncertain and fragMinistry, he also said that India ile situation... The silver lining is has potential to grow at a much faster pace even as he exuded confidence that fiscal deficit target for current financial year will be within target. "During the financial year 201617, the central government has to make proviFinance Minister Arun Jaitley sion for about Rs 1.10 lakh crore in order to meet the liabilities on ac- low international commodities and count of implementation of 7th Pay oil prices which in turn has helped Commission recommendations in better macroeconomic situation and One Rank One Pension of the country," Jaitley said. (OROP) Scheme," Jaitley said. The 7th Pay Commission in He also said that the agricul- November recommended increase ture growth in the last two years in remuneration of about one crore has suffered mainly due to insuf- government employees and penficient monsoons and highest ever sioners which is estimated to imamount was given to the states for pose an additional burden of Rs drought relief during the current 1.02 lakh crore in 2016-17. The new financial year, 2015-16. pay scales, subject to acceptance "More incentives will be given by government, will come into efto agriculture sector for increas- fect from January 1, 2016.-PTI
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Rs 1 lakh crore disbursed under MUDRA: Modi PARADIP, Odisha: Loans worth about Rs 1 lakh crore have been sanctioned to small entrepreneurs under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here, emphasizing that the government wants youth to be job creators and not job seekers. Speaking at the inauguration of Indian Oil Corp's (IOC) Rs 34,555crore Paradip Refinery, Modi said apart from public and private sector, there was a need for developing "personal sector" in which youth can become self sufficient, start businesses and generate new employment avenues. "We do not want youth of the country to become job seekers, we want that they become job creators so that they give employment to one, two or five people. "So, under MUDRA Yojana we are giving fund to the youth. We have disbursed about Rs 1 lakh crore. Within such less time, giving so much money to such people is not a small thing," Modi said. Under Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, which was launched in April last year, loans between Rs 50,000 and Rs 10 lakh are provided to small entrepreneurs. In India, about 65 per cent of
the population is below the age of 35 years and for the progress of these youth, there was a need to boost entrepreneurship, Modi said. "We need to create employment opportunities for youth in the country. So, through MUDRA
talked out. "I'm giving emphasis on third sector. If there is importance of public and private sector in the economy, then the third sector on which emphasis should be given is the personal sector." The Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency Ltd
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Yojana, we wanted to make the youth self sufficient," he said, adding that the government is moving ahead with the economic principle to make each individual and every family self sufficient. Modi said whenever there is a discussion on economy, it is only public and private sector that is
(MUDRA) focuses on the 5.75 crore self-employed who use funds totaling Rs 11 lakh crore and provide jobs to 12 crore people. The banking sector has been allocated an overall disbursement target of about Rs 1.22 lakh crore during 2015-16 for MUDRA loans. -PTI
Make in India and hate in India can't go together: Tharoor BOSTON: Taking a jibe at the Modi government, former minister and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has said policies like 'Make in India' and hatred cannot go together as he asserted that "outrageous" statements against minorities by ruling party members only undermine the country's soft power. To attract foreign direct investment, which is key to the construction and modernization of the infrastructure sector and manufacturing, the Congress MP stressed on the need to maintain the pluralistic character of the country. Before India tries to leverage its soft power to increase its standing in the world, Tharoor said first there is need to fix the problem at the domestic front. "For us to be credible as a nation that enjoys and wields soft power, we have to fix our domestic problems first. The truth is that we have to do enough to keep our people, healthy, well and secure not just from jihadi terrorism.
Progress is being made but not enough to reach everyone," Tharoor said in his keynote address to the Harvard University's annual Indian convention 2016.
said in reference to the flagship schemes launched by the Narendra Modi-led government. "It is not good when people in the ruling party make outrageous
Shashi Tharoor
"If on one hand, we go around saying Make in India, Startup India and Digital India and want to attract foreign investors, we can't do so if we are condoning hatred in India at the same time," Tharoor
statements against minorities. These are not good because they undermine the soft power of India," Tharoor told the students in the packed Harvard Business School auditorium.-PTI
Modi slams Congress for project delays PARADIP, Odisha: Blaming again during the NDA Congress for delay in implemen- government's tenure. tation of plans and policies, Prime Citing another example of deMinister Narendra Modi has said lay in implementation by previous the government is trying to bring regimes, Modi said, "Around 26 a culture of completing projects lakh cooking (LPG) gas connecwell in time. tions were given in last 60 years in "We are trying to bring a work Odisha whereas Dharmendra culture where projects are con- Pradhan gave 11 lakh connections ceived in time and completed on in one year in the state after he time. The initiatives have to be took over as Petroleum Minister. futuristic and completed before the This is the way work should be designated time period. done." "Delays shouldn't occur as "For the development of the they affect people," Modi said country, we all - citizens, bureauwhile addressing a public rally here after dedicating Indian Oil Corp's "Around 26 lakh cooking largest greenfield refinery at Paradip to the na- (LPG) gas connections were tion. given in last 60 years in The Prime Minister Odisha whereas Dharwas of the view that it is not good that tender- mendra Pradhan gave 11 ing, agitations and un- lakh connections in one� necessary processes delay projects and plans as this affects people. cracy, industry and policy makers Attacking the Congress he - have to give birth to such a culsaid," My Congress friends often ture where projects start on time, say it was started by us. I don't progress within the scheduled relish such ceremonies, rather I time, and finish within the pre-dewould have been happy if the cided time so that the country gets projects were completed 15 years the benefit, (and) the benefit ago (well in time)." comes before scheduled time," he Talking about the Paradip refin- said. ery which has a 15 million tonnes The government, he added, annual capacity, he said the foun- was "trying to bring in this change dation stone was laid by former so that there is no serious loss to Prime Minister Atal Bihari the exchequer because of delay." Vajpayee in 2000 and completed -PTI
Aamir Khan loses Snapdeal contract NEW DELHI: Online retailer Snapdeal has decided not to renew its contract with Aamir Khan as its brand ambassador within months of the Bollywood actor's comments on perceived intolerance in the country that made him and the e-commerce giant target of severe criticism. Khan's contract expired on January 31 and Snapdeal has not renewed it, sources said. When contacted, a Snapdeal spokesperson said: "We would not like to comment on this." The actor was also not available for comment. Three months ago, the Bollywood superstar had made controversial comments on perceived intolerance in the country that evoked criticism from many quarters.
At an event, Khan had said his wife Kiran Rao had asked if they should move out of the country, as she feared for the safety of their child in a climate of insecurity. Following the remarks, many netizens vented their ire on social
networks and even deleted Snapdeal's app to show protest against the company. Snapdeal had distanced itself from the remark, saying the comments made by the actor were "in his personal capacity" and it was in no way connected with them-PTI
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'Hong Kong can build & finance India infra' dustry in New Delhi. Mr. Leung highlighted the fact that Hong Kong's position as a NEW DELHI: The Chief Execuglobal financial services hub tive of Hong Kong Special Adminplaces it in a unique position to help finance India's infrastructure requirements. He stated that India's economic rise has caught the attention of the world and of Hong Kong as well. He pointed out that bilateral trade between India and Hong Kong was growing at a healthy pace of 12% in 2014 and was confident that this growth would continue in the coming years as well. Mr. Leung invited Indian indusDr Naushad Forbes, President Designate CII with Honourable C Y Leung, GBM, GBS, JP, Chief Executive – Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China and try to invest in Mr Naresh Goyal, Chairman, Jet Airways at a keynote Address by the Hon’ble C Y Leung Hong Kong. Some during a Business Session organized on 4 February in New Delhi of the areas, in his view, where Indian istrative Region C Y Leung says ness Opportunities organized by and Hong Kong companies Hong Kong can help build and fi- the Confederation of Indian In- could cooperate include informa-
India Post News Service
nance India's infrastructure. The Chief Executive was speaking at a Session on India - Hong Kong SAR: Translating Ties into Busi-
tion technology and technology and innovation. Addressing the participants, Mr. Naresh Goyal, Chairman, Jet Airways (India) Ltd., stated that Hong Kong was the gateway for Indian companies to enter China. He was of the view that the reforms being undertaken in India can offer many opportunities for Hong Kong companies to invest in India. He was of the view that tourism offered tremendous potential for cooperation between
the two companies. Earlier, welcoming the participants, Dr. Naushad Forbes, President Designate, CII stated that sectors such as Media & Entertainment, Healthcare, Education and Tourism offered much scope for cooperation between India and Hong Kong. He also announced the setting up of a CII Core Group on Hong Kong which would work on a strategy to forge closer bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries.
Desi News Bay Area joins global protest on Malda India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: In recent months the onslaught of Islamic Jihad has taken alarming proportions in different parts of the world. The groups ISIS and other Jihadi organizations have attacked different cities like Paris, San Bernardino, Pathankot, Jakarta, Lagos and many more. India is also under severe threat from these Jihadi organizations which are hell bent to bring communal disturbance by killing of innocents in the name of religion. Recently a violent mob of more than 2,50,000 Jihadis created havoc in the city of Kalicachak near Malda where they attacked Border Security Force of India, burnt down police stations, attacked local Hindu minority houses, business and temples under the banner of a Jihadi organization called Erada-e-Sharif, Kaliachak.
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A welcome, wholesome play on gay couple Details on page 22
February 12, 2016
Illinois among most important business partners of India Big response to 'Make in India' seminar ABDUL SIDDIQUI
Details on page 18
Yoga practitioners in US jump to 37 million SURENDRA ULLAL
CHICAGO: Yoga has been catching up fast in USA with many Americans opting for it for better mental and physical health, according to a survey conducted by Yoga Journal & Yoga Alliance. The "2016 Yoga in America Study" revealed that yoga practitioners have reached the level of 37 million. It will not be surprising that the number may cross 50 million in the next couple of years, judging by the pace with which has grown in the last two years. Details on page 19
Twins jazz up Bharatantayam at NY debut
From Left, Consul General of India, Chicago, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Amy Hariani, Director & Legal Policy Counsel for the US-India Business Council (USIBC), Kishen Kavikondala, President SK International, Mrs Poonam Gupta-Krishnan, Founder of Iyka Enterprises, Brad Perine, VP of Marketing, Esayfe & Tom L Kelly, Director of Government Affairs, Clark Hill PLC
CHICAGO: The Consulate General of India, Chicago in partnership with International Business Council, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, hosted an Executive Seminar on "Make in India Week" on Wednesday February 3 at the premises of the Chamber in Chicago. The Seminar was attended by
nearly hundred leading business persons and entrepreneurs working in different sectors of economy in the US-Midwest, besides senior officials of the State of Illinois, World Business Chicago, Sister City International, Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO), The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Illinois
Chamber of Commerce, US-India Business Council (USIBC), US-India Chamber of Commerce and the Kellogg School of Management. The main speakers in the event were Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India, Hardik Bhatt, Chief Information Officer, State of Illinois; Amy Hariani, Director & Legal Policy Counsel, US-India
India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Twin sisters Riya and Sara Kapoor made their Rangapravesh, or onstage debut this past December 2015 at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall in a show they called "A Night of Moves." In the ceremony, the girls performed the traditional Bharatantayam dance form and were accompanied by a Carnatic orchestra and a New York Jazz Quartet, marking the first time this ancient tradition was done in this format and choreography. Details on page 19 Group of attendees at the Seminar
Business Council, Kishen Kavikondala, President, SK International, Tom L. Kelly, Director of Government Affairs, Clark Hill PLC, Poonam Gupta-Krishnan, Founder of Iyka Enterprises and Brad Perine, Vice President of Marketing, Esayfe. Cont’d on page 19
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Indians back Andrew Seo for Water Dept Commissioner A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service
CHICAGO: Iftekhar Shareef, a senior trustee of Federation of Indian Associations in Chicago (FIA) and a prominent community leader, hosted a press conference for Andrew Seo, a candidate for Metropolitan Water Reclamation for Greater Chicago, on Tuesday February 2 on Devon Avenue, the heart of mini India town area. The conference, co-chaired by Balvinder Singh, a mainstream political activist, was well attended by media representatives and a group of invited guests. Both Iftekhar Shareef and Balvinder Singh welcomed the guests and introduced Andrew Seo, seeking support for him from Indian American voters. Iftekhar Shareef formally read an introductory brief about Andrew Seo, a Chicago engineer by profession taking up a new challenge for water management in greater Chicago. Andrew plans that Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) shall take over Chicago Dept of Water Management as a Primary Agency for purification and transmission of potable water to the residents and
ages reduced water and sewer fees for the city and suburban taxpayers. Shareef also requested Andrew to speak more about his plans as the Commissioner of MWRD. Andrew Seo thanked Iftekhar Shareef, Balvinder Singh and Indian media persons for joining the press conference. He requested for a wider support from the South Asian American communities for his election as the Commissioner for MWRD. Andrews said he had already spoken to a group of prominent Chicago community and business leaders about development plans for city water management. Andrew said his plans include more jobs for Illinois residents. "Modernizing our water and sewer infrastructure means jobs for Illinois" he said. He is also concerned about chronic urban flooding problem in Chicagoland area that affects many. Sewer backups and flooded basements
Andrew said his plans include more jobs for Illinois residents. "Modernizing our water and sewer infrastructure means jobs for Illinois" he said. He is also concerned about chronic urban flooding problem in Chicagoland area that affects many. businesses in Chicago. His plan includes shifting the burden of maintenance of aging water and sewer infrastructure
caused by incessant rainfall is a major issue for residents and it can be solved by modernizing our storm water infrastructure. An-
ness environment creating more jobs in Chicagoland area. Asian Media USA adds:
drew also supports and is dedicated to work with groups and organizations promoting a pro-busi-
standing pension liabilities, and impending tax hikes", Andrew Seo added. Andrew Seo said that
Andrew Seo, a candidate for Metropolitan Water Reclamation for Greater Chicago with Iftekhar Shareef and Balvinder Singh. - Pics Asian Media USA
"I have an ambitious and far reaching plan of action aimed at transforming the way water is treated, managed, and delivered in Chicago and Cook County, which will be greatly instrumental not only in creating a reliable and resilient water infrastructure but also in facilitating multifaceted prosperity," he said. Explaining his plan in detail, Seo said that Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago shall assume control of the city of Chicago Department of Water Management, including the City's two water treatment plants, 12 pumping stations, water/server Mains and Personnel. He added that, as a part of his plan, MWRD would take
Speakers Seo and Shareef
from the City of Chicago to the MWRD and at the same time modernizing it. The plan also envis-
County as well as responsibility for the transport of waste water and storm water throughout the city of Chicago.
over maintenance and operations of potable water to the residents/ businesses in Chicago and Cook
Andrew Seo claimed his proposed plan had a number of beneficial outcomes, which includes shifting the burden of maintaining/modernizing Chicago/Cook County's aging water and sewer
Chicagoland's ability to provide clean and safe water is being challenged, as existing waste water and water infrastructure is aging and deteriorating. "Unless we start updating and modernizing
Andrew Seo claimed his proposed plan had a number of beneficial outcomes, which includes shifting the burden of maintaining/modernizing Chicago/Cook County's aging water and sewer infrastructure from the city of Chicago to the MWRD infrastructure from the city of Chicago to the MWRD, generating at least USD 5 billion for the city of Chicago to re-allocate it to funding Police/Fire/ Teacher pensions, as well as for other essential city services, streamlining Government and eliminate bureaucratic red tape for homeowners and businesses, and reducing water and sewer fees for the city and suburban taxpayers. "My plan has the ability to do everything Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants and needs at this critical time in Municipal Government", said Andrew Seo. "The plan is in response to the call given by him last year to Chicagoans to come up with ideas to help make Government operate more efficiently and raise much needed revenue to successfully grapple with the problems relating to budget shortfalls, out-
our water and waste water systems soon it will become exponentially more challenging to retain and attract industry, business, and a skilled work force", he added. Andrew Seo argued that investments in creating a state-of-the-art water infrastructure will be greatly instrumental in creating jobs, sustaining public health, sustaining environment, and boosting economy. "The US Department of Commerce estimates that each job created in the local water and waste water industry creates 3.5 jobs in the national economy and each dollar spent yields $2.50 dollars in GDP", he added. Andrew Seo, a Chicago Engineer, is a former employee of both the MWRD and the City of Chicago's Department of Water Management. He has got an impressive track record of experience in the fields of treating, managing, and delivering water. He has already pitched his plan to a number of prominent municipal and business leaders and received huge appreciation from them.
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Bay Area joins global protest on Malda
India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: In recent months the onslaught of Islamic Jihad has taken alarming proportions in different parts of the world. The groups ISIS and other Jihadi organizations have attacked different cities like Paris, San Bernardino, Pathankot, Jakarta, Lagos and many more. India is also under severe threat from these Jihadi organizations which are hell bent to bring communal disturbance by killing of innocents in the name of religion. Recently a violent mob of more than 2,50,000 Jihadis created havoc in the city of Kalicachak near Malda where they attacked
Border Security Force of India, burnt down police stations, attacked local Hindu minority houses, business and temples under the banner of a Jihadi organization called Eradae-Sharif, Kaliachak. The mob went ahead shouting ISIS slogans and vowed to make India an Islamic slave. Experts say this was part of the effort to destroy the evidence by burning proof against fake currency trade, poppy growing business and anti-Indian activities. Apart from many sections of mainstream media and Indian government, Indians globally have reacted strongly against this acute threat by protesting and showing solidarity to the persecuted lot. A series of
protests were organized in New York, Washington DC, London, Manchester, Houston, Chicago, Edison, Tokyo, Calgary, Brazil and some other locations too. As part of this global protest, many entrepreneurs, technocrats and local IT engineers came out under the banner of "Overseas Friends of Bengal" to protest against this ongoing Islamic Jihad against people of other faiths. This event took place in Centerville Community Park at Fremont.
taken up the cause to let the world know what's happening all around. We can't let some opportunists to ruin the life of those persecuted". Community leaders like Dr Romesh Japra and Chandru Bhambra have echoed the same emotion and showed their strong support towards the cause. Local media in charge of Hindu American Foundation Somanjana Chatterjee, Spiritual leader Yogi Mahender and technocrats/entrepreneurs
As part of this global protest, many entrepreneurs, technocrats and local IT engineers came out under the banner of "Overseas Friends of Bengal" to protest against this ongoing Islamic Jihad against people of other faiths. Community leaders like Dr Romesh Japra and Chandru Bhambra have echoed the same emotion and showed their strong support towards the cause. Talking to the press, President of Overseas Friends of Bengal, Judhajit Sen Mazumdar said, "When a Dadri happens, every other celebrity or political party flies down to comment and gather support but when a Malda happens, no one cares. So it's we, the global community, which has
from the Valley like Joydeep Dey, Shashi Rao, Manas Roy, Anirban Kundu, Mainak Mitra, Debasish Bose, Sourav Dutta etc. also joined the event. People from far way places like Sacremento,Tracy etc. also took part in this protest by holding posters and sharing intellectual discourse.
February 12, 2016
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Yoga practitioners in US jump to 37 mn SURENDRA ULLAL
CHICAGO: Yoga has been catching up fast in USA with many Americans opting for it for better mental and physical health, according to a survey conducted by Yoga Journal & Yoga Alliance. The "2016 Yoga in America Study" revealed that yoga practitioners have reached the level of 37 million. It will not be surprising that the number may cross 50 million in the next couple of years, judging by the pace with which has grown in the last two years. According to USA's National Institutes of Health, yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress. Yoga was the repository of something basic in the human soul and psyche. This comprehensive national study points out that there is about 50 percent increase in the number of yoga practitioners in the last four years; raising the annual practitioner spending on yoga classes, clothing, equipment,
and accessories to $16 billion. The Study also indicates that 86 percent of practitioners self-report having a strong sense of mental clarity and 79 percent give back to their communities-significantly higher rates than among non-practitioners. Among all Americans;
Although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, yoga was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all, according to Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism. He pointed out that yoga, referred to as "a living fossil" whose traces
Much of yoga's appeal is the fact that it can be traced back roughly 5,000 years. In a world of exercise trends and diet fads, it's a tradition that has stood the test of time. Traditionally, Yoga (Sanskrit for "divine union") has one single aim: stilling the thoughts of the
postures, or asana, is one of eight traditional limbs of yoga, as outlined in the foundational text of yoga philosophy, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, thought to be over 2,000 years old. These limbs present a sort of eightfold path to enlightenment,
34% (over 80 million) say they are likely to try yoga for the first time in the next 12 months, 28% have participated in a yoga class at some point in their lives, 90% are aware of yoga and 75% agree "yoga is good for you". Yoga is strongly correlated with having a positive self image, the Study adds.
went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civilization, was a mental and physical discipline for everybody to share and benefit from. According to Patanjali who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical
mind in order to experience one's true self, and ultimately, to achieve liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara), or enlightenment. The Westernized, modernized form of the ancient practice expresses just one component of what was originally considered yoga. The physical practice of
which includes turning inward, meditation, concentration and mindful breathing. The Sutras make no mention of any specific postures, but the original 15 yoga poses were later outlined in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, dated 15th century CE, making it one of the oldest surviving texts of hatha yoga, the yoga of physical exercises.
Illinois among most important business partners of India Cont’d from page 16
Dr Ausaf Sayeed said that "Make in India" is one of the flagship programs of the Indian government that aims at transforming the Indian economy from servicesdriven growth model to intensive manufacturing-driven growth; not
synergy between states in India and those in the US Midwest and this could be effectively utilized to boost the manufacturing sectors in both countries. A promotional film on "Make in India" was shown as part of the presentation. He made a power presentation on "Make in India highlighting the
In the context of the US Midwest, the Consul General mentioned that there is considerable synergy between states in India and those in the US Midwest and this could be effectively utilized to boost the manufacturing sectors in both countries. only to increase productivity but also to promote India as an international manufacturing hub. He said that there are at least 30 key economic sectors which international companies can consider for setting up manufacturing bases in India, adding that the manufacturing sector in India offers US dollars one trillion of economic opportunity. In the context of the US Midwest, the Consul General mentioned that there is considerable
robust health of Indian economy. IMF in its World Economic Outlook (WEO) sees India as the world's fastest growing economy in 2016-17 with GDP growth of 7.5%. India continues to be the Top Global Destination for FDI with 32% of investors ranking India as Most Attractive Market in 2015 while 60% placing it among the top 3 investment destinations. He said that at present India is considered as one of the most open economies in the world al-
lowing 100% FDI in most of the sectors of its economy. He mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal is "Reform to Transform" in order to make India the easiest and simplest place to do business by eliminating paperwork and easing cumbersome procedures. Four major business delegations - one each from the States of Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan and Missouri are to participate in "Make in India Week", scheduled in Mumbai from February 13-18. Hardik Bhatt, Chief Information Officer of the State of Illinois, said that Illinois is one of most important business partners of India. He said that as leader in the field education, global connections and innovation ecosystem, the State of Illinois is keen to collaborate with India in developing smart cities, citing his recent useful interactions with the visiting high-level trade missions from the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Amy Hariani, Director and Legal Policy Counsel, US-India Business Council (USIBC) said that Prime Minister Modi's government has made steady progress to de-
liver on its promise of economic reforms. Efforts such as lifting of FDI caps in several sectors, reducing red tape, implementing a transparent tax environment, improving the country's intellectual property regime have sent a clear message to the global investment community that India is ready and open
ington D.C. office and Kishen Kavikondala, President S.K. International, gave a joint presentation focused on introducing the American skilled training model to Indian students. Poonam Gupta, Founder and CEO of Iyka Enterprises, Inc., gave a presentation on simplifying technology for the
She added that the US enterprises have also displayed their commitment to the "Make in India" program in a number of areas such as defense, health, power generation, media and entertainment and technology and have the potential to do much more. for serious business. The results of these efforts are also visible in India's rise in the World Bank's "Ease of Doing Business Index". She added that the US enterprises have also displayed their commitment to the "Make in India" program in a number of areas such as defense, health, power generation, media and entertainment and technology and have the potential to do much more. Tom Kelly, Director of Government Affairs in Clark Hill's Wash-
manufacturing industry and customizable data management solutions to a specific, targeted market. Brad Perine, Vice President of Marketing of M/S Esayfe gave a presentation on software security applications to protect and secure sensitive data, while expressing their company's interest to support the 'Make in India' initiative. The seminar concluded with an interactive "Question & Answer" session.
Community Across America
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Japanese firm using Lord Krishna in video game SURENDRA ULLAL
CHICAGO: Indians across the USA are upset at "Shin MegamiTensei IV: Final" roleplaying video game being developed/published by Sega's subsidiary Atlus depicting Lord Krishna. They complain it trivializes their highly revered deity. They have urged Tokyo headquartered Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. CEO Hajime Satomi to not include Lord Krishna character in its "Shin MegamiTensei IV: Final" Atlus video game. Taking a lead, Rajan Zed President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that in a video game set-up, the player would control the movements of Lord Krishna, while in reality the devotees put the destinies of themselves in the hands of their deities. Moreover, Lord Krishna depicted by "Shin MegamiTensei IV: Final" wears fedora type hat (widely associated with gangsters), tall riding boots, knickerbockers pant, blue hair, fancy jacket and shirt with neckscarf, and has brown face; while
in Hindu images he is usually depicted wearing dhoti and is blue-skinned; he pointed out. Sega needs to follow its own
phy", which includes striving "to enrich our society and culture". But here it is offending a large number of Indians across the globe. It has crossed the boundary of respecting other religious beliefs and norms, said Madhu Patel, President of NRI Press Club Chicago Rajan Zed indicated that reimagining Hindu scriptures, symbols, concepts and deities for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees. Controlling and manipulating Lord Krishna with a joystick/ button/keyboard/mouse was denigration. Lord
"Group Management Philoso-
Lord Krishna in Sega Video Game
Krishna was meant to be wor- tic Alliance in it who interrupts war shipped in temples and home between Lucifer and God to subshrines and not to be reduced to jugate humankind. just a "character" in a video game Atlus claims to have published to be used in combat in the virtual games for every major video game battleground. console and handheld system and Hinduism was the oldest and positions itself as one of the third largest religion of the world industry's "most consistent, celwith about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought Sega needs to follow its own and it should not be "Group Management Phitaken frivolously. No faith, larger or smaller, losophy", which includes should be mishandled, striving "to enrich our society Zed noted. and culture". But here it is According to reports; post-apocalyptic offending a large number of "Shin MegamiTensei IV: Indians across the globe. It Final", featuring 8-bit- has crossed the boundary of inspired graphics, which takes place in respecting other religions 2030s and which the official website describes as "This ebrated companies". Atlus ComEpic is Not Sweet...!", and priced pany Limited is one of the subsidat $54.99 (with Famitsu DX Pack iaries of Sega Sammy Holdings at $129.99), is releasing on Inc. headquartered in Tokyo, Nintendo 3DS platform. Directed which claims itself as "world's leadby Satoshi Ohyama, Lord Krishna ing entertainment company" and is shown as selfish and manipula- whose consolidated net sales in tive enigmatic leader of Polytheis- 2015 was about 짜355 billion.
Cleft lip surgeries help kids smile V SUNTHAR
CHICAGO: Dr. Geetha and Tom Chitta of Foundation for Children in Need (FCN), a not-for-profit organization based in Arlington Heights, a northwest suburb of Chicago, have coordinated free Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Surgeries in collaboration with Smile Network International, Minneapolis, MN, USA headed by Dr. Bob Friedhoff and Dr. Uldis Bite of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Min-
nesota, USA. Santhiram Medical College and General Hospital, Nandyal, Kurnool District generously hosted the surgeries from February 1 to 5. The surgeries are done totally free through the generosity of Smile Network and their Medical team of 25 volunteers, Santhiram Hospital and FCN. 68 children and adults from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
The medical team with patient and family
The surgeries are done totally free through the generosity of Smile Network and their Medical team of 25 volunteers, Santhiram Hospital and FCN Child patient before and after surgery
States have been enabled to smile by this program. FCN has provided travel
expenses. These surgeries will be done again in February 2017.
February 12, 2016
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Twins jazz up Bharatantayam at NY debut etry and mathematics. When combined, the audience experienced a beautiful display of a dance and acting performance, invoking varied emotions over the course of the twohour, ten part recital. At her students' request, Swati Bhise melded jazz into the usually classical program, all the while staying true to the Carnatic and Bharatanatyam traditions. This was important to Riya and Sara as they wanted to recognize their ancestral heritage and pay homage to their New York identity as both worlds are a reflection of who they are as people and performers. Additionally,
Riya Kapoor and Sara Kapoor. -Pics Aurora Rose/PatrickMcMullan.com India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Twin sisters Riya and Sara Kapoor made their Rangapravesh, or onstage debut this past December 2015 at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall in a show they called "A Night of Moves." In the ceremony, the girls performed the traditional Bharatantayam dance form and were accompanied by a Carnatic orchestra and a New York Jazz Quartet, marking the first time this ancient tradition was done in this format and choreography.
Performance
In their Rangapravesh, 15-year-old artists Riya and Sara Kapoor shared with the audience the culmination of over 10 years of intensive dance training and mastery of the Bharatanatyam dance form. According to their Guru Swati Bhise, the 2,000-yearold dance form requires mastery of dance, music, theater, mime, iconography, geom-
they wanted to share their unique spin on this traditional ceremony, which until Night of Moves had remained mostly unchanged for generations. The girls chose to honor jazz music legend George Wein and salute his countless contributions to music and the performing arts. The girls were introduced to jazz through his Newport Folk Festival, which they have attended every year since they were young. Cont’d on page 23
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Nevada upbeat on welcoming Indian tourists India Post News Service
LAS VEGAS: On returning from his trip to India to open the TravelNevada office, Lt. Gov. Hutchison is even more upbeat and positive about the potential of welcoming increased numbers of Indian tourists to Nevada. On his return, he issued the following statement: "I'm deeply honored by the hospitality that was shown to me by the wonderful people of India, and even more excited about their desire to travel to Nevada. After my experiences in India, the wisdom in opening a new TravelNevada office there is clear. The people are warm, engaging, and excited to learn more about the many tourist destinations and entertainment options in the Silver State, and they are eager to travel here." Why should Indians choose Nevada? "Research shows that a top reason for travel from India is to visit family living in the United States. Nineteen percent of Indian immigrants to the U.S. have settled
in California, and a majority of those have settled in the Bay Area, an area in which we actively mar-
ket Nevada. "Destination Analysts produced the 2015 State of the Inter-
national Traveler study that surveyed 829 likely international travelers in India. Indian travelers take
an average of 9.1 overnight trips and 2.5 international trips. 59% expect to travel more internationally in the next twelve months, and 59% expect to spend more internationally in the next twelve months. Their maximum annual budget for international travel is $5,451. "Indian travelers stay in midpriced hotels, post pictures or video to social media, bring gifts back for friends and relatives, visit famous and/or iconic American landmarks and attractions, and want to experience duty free shipping, large malls, wildlife viewing, camping, and historical monuments." India statistics: • Population: 1.2 billion, 65 percent are under the age of 35 • Fastest-growing major economy in the world • More than 50 million passport holders • Those with disposable income has grown 14 percent in the last three years • Third largest economy in the world in Purchase Power Parity • 50 percent go overseas to shop
A welcome, wholesome play on gay couple
E
nacte Arts seems to have hit a home run this time around, in all aspects of theater: the perfectly written story by Madhuri Shekar, well handled by theater veteran Ranjita Chakravarty in her second directorial venture, witty dialogues delivered to perfection by a talented cast, sparse yet efficient sets, with excellent stage management. Wholesomeness exuded from the time you set foot in Cubberly Theater in Palo Alto on the opening Friday night to the time you
ARCHANA ASTHANA
left. The audience engaged with the actors (or EnActeurs as they are fondly referred to by Vinita Sud Belani, the force behind the company) at every level. In today's day and age, the gay and lesbian topic has come a long way from even a few years ago...in terms of legislation and propositions, media coverage, and has earned enduring global presence and acceptance. Except when it comes to Indians and their beloved children, even in a liberal setting as the Bay Area.
The saying, "Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) can just as well be applied to this sentiment. A Nice Indian Boy focuses on the dichotomy of the perceived and real world of gay couples, where the parents struggle to accept their son's sexual orientation, and are faced with accepting the guy he brings home. When the real identity of the boyfriend is revealed as a Caucasian, true emotions sur-
face, drawing in a prodigal daughter of the family into the cross hairs as well, subjecting her "perfect marriage" to a nice Indian boy under immense scrutiny. This is a tale of love above all love between mature couples engaged in exasperated banter, having struggled through their youth and conquered their fears, superbly executed by Dilip Ratnam and Sukanya Sarkar, as the loving,
yet, squabbling parents. The parents try their utmost to understand more about the unfamiliar world that their son has introduced them to…presented with great humor when they are shown watching the movie, "Milk". Such light hearted moments are strewn with regularity all through the story, and emerge as the punch lines in many a dialogue exchange. Cont’d on page 25
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How to tell if Congress is working again
T
here have been encouraging signs that the Republican leadership on Capitol Hill wants to make Congress function again. They've talked about a series of changes to make the process more open for rank-and-file members, and insist they want to restore a healthy legislative process. This is heartening, but how can we tell if Congress is actually fixing itself? Here's what you should keep your eye on: First, differences in emphasis separate the leaders of the two houses, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan. Ryan wants a bold Republican legislative agenda; McConnell seems to be focused on maintaining his Senate majority, which makes boldness a risk. This difference could lead to slim production. The second big indicator is whether Congress has the political will to fix itself. Most members
LEE H. HAMILTON
say publicly that they are dedicated to making the institution function smoothly. The key measure of whether they really mean it is the attitude they take toward their political adversaries. If what you hear on Capitol Hill is nothing but distrust, then they're not serious. If they're willing to negotiate and compromise with one another, then there's hope. Third is what you might think of as the rolled-up-sleeves test. How hard are members of Congress willing to work at addressing the key issues facing the country? So far, the evidence is disappointing. The legislative schedule put out by the congressional leadership is, to be blunt, lax. You cannot run a government that is not in session. The best we can hope for is an obvious sense of urgency when members of Congress are in Washington. Look for it. If you don't see it, little will get done on Capitol Hill.
tinue to pursue efforts to make voting harder - which, like gerrymandering, has the effect of shoring up the extremes in Congress? In the end, good intentions and fine rhetoric don't accomplish much. I hope you'll keep an eye on Congress and cheer for its members to act in accord with their own advice. If they do, Congress
Lee H. Hamilton
Not all the responsibility for restoring Congress rests at the federal level. The states, too, have a key role to play. Will they get serious about how they draw congressional districts, so that politicians no longer have the luxury of picking their voters rather than the other way around? Will some states con-
Twins jazz up Bharatantayam at NY debut Cont’d from page 21
The debut performance of Night of Moves was attended by over 1,100 friends and family with notable attendees covering cross-sections of finance, law, technology, civic life and the arts. In addition, Riya and Sara invited students and faculty from several schools throughout Manhattan to view their groundbreaking performance. The ceremony, started with an introduction by Emcee Kavi Kapoor, Riya and Sara's younger brother, who welcomed everyone to the performance and delighted the crowd with his personal anecdotes. Then, the girls took to the stage to receive their blessing from their Guru Bhise and the orchestra before launching into their performance. What followed were dances that showed the characteristics of Bharatantayam, including its intricate movements with all parts of the body, including calculated foot patterns and facial expressions. Each movement within this dance form is utilized to convey a wide spectrum of emotions, best captured in the Navarasa section of the performance. For that component, the girls depicted the nine core emotions of Classical Indian Dance - beauty and love (Sringara); valor or heroism
(Viram); sorrow (Karunyam); laughter (Hasya); anger (Raudram); surprise (Adbhutam); fear (Bhayanakam); disgust (Bibhatsam) and peace (Santam) all of which were conveyed through subtle facial expressions and body contortions. In addition to testing the girls' ability to act and convey emotion in the Navarasa, their Rangapravesh performance also tested their physical and mental stamina in the Varnam. According to their Guru Bhise, this segment is where both girls are expected to
practitioner of the Pandanallur style which emphasizes geometric movements of the Bharatantayam form, took to the stage to congratulate the girls on their accomplishment at the performance's conclusion. For her, the girls became more than just students-they became an extension of her. "We became more than just student and teacher, we became the ones who make fun of the parents," she quipped. Bhise said she found teaching them to be fulfilling, adding "I'd like to say Sara and Riya,
The debut performance of Night of Moves was attended by over 1,100 friends and family with notable attendees covering cross-sections of finance, law, technology, civic life & the arts. In addition, Riya & Sara invited students and faculty from several schools throughout Manhattan improvise as they execute the mnemonics recited by Bhise and produced by the drummer. The girls used their knowledge of the intricate footwork patterns, movement, music and acting to convey a classical love story of a young girl enchanted, but constantly rebuffed by the Lord Shiva. Guru Bhise, a protĂŠgĂŠ of Sonal Mansingh, India's pre-eminent
you have done me proud." Prior to "A Night of Moves," Bhise announced that Riya and Sara Kapoor's Rangapravesh would be her final student presentation. In addition, World renowned jazz producer, George Wein congratulated the girls on their debut and said, "All I could think of is the majesty and ethereal beauty of all women."
will take a giant stride toward improved performance. Lee Hamilton is a Distinguished Scholar, Indiana University School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.
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Modi is action king: Kailash Vijayvargia PRAKASH M SWAMY
NEW YORK: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has enhanced the image of India in the comity of nations resulting in larger Foreign Direct Investment and drastic improvement in credit ratings. "We have proved that this is the government that works for the welfare of nation unlike the corrupt Congress Government. Modiji is an action king and has no other interest than developing India as world leader. We are fortunate to have him lead the nation at a very crucial time," said Kailash Vijayvargia, BJP National General Secretary, here. In a talk to this paper, he observed that the Modi government at federal level has stood for overall development and he has ushered in a spate of welfare schemes like taking banking to the doorsteps of the poor and illiterate and provision of loans to women and weaker sections without any guarantee. His actions are praised by world economists and after so many decades, India is now on the path of sustained growth. Vijayargia who was made party
election-in-charge of Haryana ensured that the BJP captured power first time since independence of India. "BJP reflects the aspirations of common man and it's not a political party of nawabs and landlords. People have identified BJP
Kailash Vijayvargia
with development and progress and are happy to see the deliverable in all the BJP-ruled states," he said. He was responsible for BJP's tally from four seats in the previous elections to 47 seats and helped form a government in Haryana. He was named as National Gen-
eral Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Party as well as state in-charge for West Bengal in 2015.Entrusted with the task of capturing power in West Bengal, he was recently named as Prabhari and election strategist of BJP for West Bengal now being ruled by Trinamool Congress Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "West Bengal remains an island in India with no democracy and rule of law. It's run by a powerhungry dictator who has lost all interest in a democratic set up. There is no development and no efforts are taken to alleviate the poverty of the poor. " West Bengal has become a threat to national unity with antinational elements running amok in the state. Fake Indian currency bills smuggled from Pakistan and Bangladesh go unchecked in West Bengal and insurgents have a free run. ISI agents and forces inimical to national unity are not crushed with iron hand resulting in grave danger to democracy," he said. Vijayvargiya, said West Bengal government poses a threat to the internal security of the country due to cross-border arms, drug and
ronmental improvement works in Indore, the city was conferred the "Clean City, Green City Award" in year 2002. The same year, he was invited by the British Prime Minister to share experiences of public participation in urban development. Later, he was invited by Garland City in the US for signing an agreement for urban development through part"West Bengal remains an nership. He was nominated as President of island in India with no deSouth Asia Mayors' mocracy and rule of law. It's Council in 2003 and led the Indian Voluntary run by a power-hungry dicOrganization's team at tator who has lost all interest World Earth Summit in Durban. in a democratic set up.� Due to Vijayvargiya's efforts, elections in Uttar Pradesh. He also Madhya Pradesh received 3 pressaid that the PDP-BJP alliance in tigious awards in information techJammu and Kashmir will continue. nology sector in 2007. Kailash Vijayvargiya entered Vijayvargiya has also received the politics through Vidyarthi prestigious Building Industries Parishad in 1975. He was National Leadership Award. In second cabiGeneral Secretary of Bharatiya net under Shivraj Singh Chauhan Janata Yuva Morcha and in-charge he held portfolios of IT and Indusof Gujarat in 1993. He was elected tries. In the third cabinet post 2013 Indore Mayor with huge support elections, Vijayvargiya held the Consequent to his excellent envi- portfolio of Urban Development. currency trafficking. The only way out is to throw Mamata Banerjee government in the elections to State Assembly and give power to the BJP. The state cannot be saved if it remains in the hands of Trinamool Congress, he said. The BJP leader said that his party was ready to enter into an alliance for the 2017 Assembly
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A welcome, wholesome play on gay couple Cont’d from page 23
The love between Naveen, the son, played by Aditya Thakur, and his white boyfriend, Keshav (Erik Scilly) is sweet, tender, touching, while going through the ups and downs of any normal relationship, especially in the scenes where the rejection Keshav feels at Naveen's house causes him to leave Naveen, but bonds of their love reunite them ultimately. The sibling, a sassy Arundhuti, well characterized by Prathima Vadiraja, is all sour on the outside and sweetness on the inside for her brother and parents. She is herself conflicted about the true nature of her love for her husband of six years, and questions the relationship. The play is impressively produced with a lot of heart and brain, and an audience member shared that she cried and laughed at the pathos and comedy which could really be anyone's life. At times, the audience laughed till they cried, and cried till they were made to laugh again.
at Naveen's parents' feet! Or, when Keshav shows his tattoo of Lord Ganesha on his back, and claims that "Lord Ganesha has his back"! Arundhuti's recalling of Baba Ramdev Arundhuti's recalling of Baba Guru, sardonically referring to Keshav's exRamdev Guru, sardonically treme Indian-ness has referring to Keshav's exthe audience in splits. The underlying subtext treme Indian-ness has the of the movie, "Dilwale audience in splits. Dulhaniya Le Jayenge", (DDLJ) was used to adTense moments are punctuated vantage to the hilt, in the recurring with pithy dialogue, or a change theme song, and subtle references of scenery to transition quickly peppered throughout, without reinto the appropriate mood, with- sorting to making it a caricature or out losing sight of the thread. The stereotyping. story is told with honesty and The slow acceptance of humor...too many instances of Naveen's father for this strange situational comedy, or a cleverly match is poignantly played out in juxtaposed word‌as in Keshav the kitchen on stage, where, Dilip prostrating himself in front of Lord permits Keshav to tweak his famGanesha in the temple, and then ily recipe of dal makhani by add-
ing parseley, and claiming to love it; even proudly declaring this twist to Naveen. In another heartfelt exchange, the siblings share confidences, and inner turmoil while trying to make sense of what life has unfolded for them, ultimately acknowledging their parents' love towards them, and for each other. Arundhuti is convinced by her brother to reexamine her own relationship and seek the truth, even if it does not involve a racing heart at the sight of her husband. Perhaps a quiet, mature love as seen in her parents' marriage is a possibility. In a sweet culmination of this dramedy, the boy and the boy are blessed at their nuptials, keeping alive the DDLJ sentiment! Kudos to the entire EnActe team for courageously raising the curtain on this tough issue and opening a dialogue with gut and sincerity, and a lot of humor!
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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Soch na Sake: Airlift 2 Gerua: Dilwale 3 Sanam Re: Sanam Re 4 Deewani Mastani: Bajirao Mastani 28 India Post
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5 Yeh Fitoor Mera : Fitoor 6 Agar Tum Saath Ho : Tamasha 7 Janam Janam : Dilwale 8 Hua Hai Aaj Pehli Baar : Sanam Re 9 Aayat : Bajirao Mastani 10 Rom Rom Romantic : Mastizaade
"I was a very shy person, I am not good at public speaking and I have got stage fright. I gave a stage performance eight years ago and I didn't perform on stage after that till I did Stardust and that's only because I did Neerja."
S
onam Kapoor, who will soon be seen in Neerja Bhanot's biopic 'Neerja,' recently revealed that she used to be afraid of what will people think about her. During a song launch from her film, when the 30-yearold actress was asked what she fears, she said, "I was a very shy person, I am not good at public speaking and I
K
atrina Kaif has three romantic films lined up for release this year and the actress says that in real life she gives a lot of importance to love. Kaif will be seen in "Fitoor", "Baar Baar Dekho" and "Jagga Jasoos" opposite Aditya Roy Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra and Ranbir Kapoor respectively. "It has been a while since I did a love story. This year I have three love stories that are different from each other. It is good that all these films are unique. I am lucky as all the three directors have a different and unique vision," Katrina told PTI. "You can have beliefs and ideals about love. I know it's very important to me. I give lot of importance to it in life. I have an idealistic view about it," she said. The 32-year-old actress however feels it is difficult to describe love. "The greatest poets like Ghalib and all could not define love. It is not precise how you want it and how should be love."
have got stage fright. I gave a stage performance eight years ago and I didn't perform on stage after that till I did Stardust and that's only because I did Neerja." Sonam further said that she realized that going up on the stage and facing the people is a small thing. She added, "Only because I did Neerja I realized, what have I done in my life that I cannot do this. This girl (Neerja Bhanot) faced fear; she saved lives. She was fearful for her life and she still did it. What am I fearful for ki log kya kahenge (What will people think of me)?" Claiming that most of the people today have the same fear, the actress said she has started a campaign named 'Fear vs Neerja' and 90 per cent of people who have been tagging her are afraid to be themselves, afraid of log kya kahenge.
Bollywood
February 12, 2016
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t a time when actors like Deepika Padukone, Dhanush, Priyanka Chopra are grabbing opportunities in the West, Irrfan has turned down Steven Spielberg's latest starring Scarlett Johansson. The rea son, he is just not excited about the role. "I didn't feel the character offered me much scope. So I said 'No'; though Scarlett Johansson is an actor I would have loved to share screen space with," the 48-year-old actor told NDTV in an interview. Irrfan who has wrapped up the shooting of Ron Howard's 'Inferno' with Tom Hanks praised the 'Angels & Demons' actor saying, "Tom Hanks was an actor secure in his space. He has no air and is so talented."
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anveer Singh, known for being a livewire, says he takes his work seriously, but not himself. Ranveer says that making a place in showbiz was no easy task. The actor, who has also spoken about facing the casting couch while entering the industry, opened up about his struggle at an event here. The actor was in the national capital to pick up the Entertainer of the Year trophy at the NDTV Indian Of The Year 2015 award ceremony. When asked about his journey, he said: "The hustle was too long, too many bitter pills to swallow. You have to swallow your pride and have to grovel a bit. Times, however, are changing. Things are getting more streamlined; there is much more straightforward approach, things are cleaning up. It isn't too far-fetched an idea that someone who doesn't come with lineage or legacy can get a foothold in the industry."
V
arun Dhawan, who stars in elder brother Rohit's second directorial, Dishoom, has been diligently learning how to drive a speedboat in Abu Dhabi for a highoctane action sequence. A source from the sets says, "Varun wakes up at 6 am, earlier than the rest of the unit, to start training. This particular scene will be high on action and Varun is working hard to make it look authentic. He's in the UAE for a 35-day schedule." When contacted, the actor said, "The team has got me a trainer called Tony who has worked with several stuntmen for water-based action sequences. It's a big and expensive scene so I have to be very confident when I'm driving the speedboat. We have to clock speeds of 200 km per hour. I have had a couple of sessions already. It's a lot of fun to be hitting the waters at that speed."
Varun wakes up at 6 am, earlier than the rest of the unit, to start training. This particular scene will be high on action and Varun is working hard to make it look authentic. He's in the UAE for a 35-day schedule
Realty Tidbits
Residents around Brant Lake to form new city MADISON, S.D.: Some people who live around Lake County's Brant Lake want to incorporate into what they say could be the first new city in eastern South Dakota in half a century. The effort is driven by a ``change in the dynamic of residents'' over the years, proponent Dave Philips told the Lake County Commission. The lake area had only about 12 full-time residents two decades ago, but now there are dozens, he said. Being a municipality would allow the people who live there to have more of a say in their community, according to Philips. ``We are looking to reduce government and bring decisions to people living there, and bring forward thinking to that area,'' Philips said. The new city likely would adopt the current zoning ordinances of Lake County, and it doesn't plan on bringing in its own law enforcement, he told commissioners. The group of residents who wishes to incorporate has held three town hall meetings and has received enough signatures for the application, the Madison Daily Leader reported. Lake County States Attorney Manuel de Castro told commissioners that all of the paperwork is in order. ``Whether you think it's a good idea or not doesn't matter ... I think you've got to sign it,'' he said. -AP
Six-story residential building in Portland PORTLAND, Maine: A developer has submitted plans for a sixstory residential building in Portland. The Portland Press Herald reports the Luminato Condominium would be located in the city's India Street neighborhood and consist of 26 units of ownership condos. Prices would range from $200,000 for a one bedroom to around $400,000 for three-bedroom units. Developer Chip Newell says he hopes the project will be affordable to young professionals and help address the city's shortage of workforce housing. He says two vacant three-story apartment buildings on Newbury Street would be demolished. The $8 million project would be subject to three ordinances, including one that requires new housing developments with 10 or more units to include one unit of workforce housing. -AP
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Fugitive heir to have change-of-plea hearing NEW ORLEANS: A New York real estate heir has pleaded guilty in New Orleans to a weapons charge and agreed to an 85-month prison sentence, a move that could usher in his extradition to California to face murder charges. U.S. District Judge Kurt Engelhardt said that he would provisionally accept the plea from Robert Durst, 72. The judge said he will make a final decision after he receives a pre-sentencing report, expected in two weeks.
February 12, 2016
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6 questions before deciding between renting or owning MICHELE LERNER
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ising rents and low mort gage rates have made house payments cheaper than rent in many housing markets. But the flexibility and freedom that come with renting can sometimes tip the scale in that direction. Ask the right questions before you decide to buy Here are 6 questions to consider as part of your decision to buy or rent. 1. How long do I plan to live in the home? "The most important consideration is how long you intend to stay in a home," says Kelley Long, CFP professional with Financial Finesse in Chicago. She recommends owning a home for a minimum of 5 years. "If home prices don't go up, you need time to build up equity so you don't have to bring money to the table when you sell," she says. 2. How much of a down payment can I make? The next question to answer is
how much cash you have for the down payment. If you put down less than 20%, you'll have to add private mortgage insurance to the monthly payments. Look up low mortgage rates in your area.
3. Is there a home available in my price range? Finding a home that satisfies your wish list and matches your budget can be challenging, particularly for 1st-time buyers in cities with high housing costs. Long
recommends that buyers spend no more than 28% of their before-tax income on their total monthly housing payment, ideally 25%. 4. Am I prepared to handle home maintenance or pay someone to
do it for me? Renters often are unaware of the time and money consumed by basic tasks such as lawn care, much less major repairs such as a leaky roof. "If you're not handy, you have to be prepared to pay someone to repair your toilet or fix
a dripping faucet," says Stanley Corey, CFP professional and managing director of United Capital Financial Advisers in Great Falls, Virginia. 5. What's the cost of owning vs. renting? Nationally, the median monthly rent in 2014 was $920, including utilities, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For homeowners with a mortgage, the median cost of ownership was $1,522 a month, including taxes, insurance and utilities. Ownership tends to cost more, but owners build equity. Homeowners do get the benefit of a tax deduction for mortgage interest, but Corey says buyers "shouldn't have blinders on" about the costs of insurance, property taxes, maintenance, repairs and association fees. 6. How do I balance stability and flexibility? Cont’d on page 31
Corporates bullish on expanding offices NEW DELHI: Corporate real estate occupiers are bullish on expanding offices across the country in next two years, says a survey by property consultant CBRE. According to the survey, respondents across major industry sectors remained bullish on their India expansion plan and are also likely to increase their headcount by 5-20 per cent in the next two years. "The findings of our survey indicate that office occupier sentiment is largely positive towards India's business environment for the next few years," said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and Managing Director of CBRE South Asia. The choice of corporate work-
place is being progressively driven by three objectives - Talent (cost and availability), Infrastructure (physical and social) and Real Estate Options (cost and availability), it pointed out. Respondents of the survey in-
IT/ITeS firms are likely to expand operations across leading southern cities while respondents of other key sectors preferred Delhi NCR and Mumbai for future expansions. Most IT/ITeS firms (about 70
Corporate offices are expected to increase headcounts over next two years. Respondents across major industry sectors remained bullish on their India expansion plans and are likely to raise their headcount cluded corporates based across different industry sectors and representatives of typical Indian office space occupiers.
per cent) are likely to expand their operations in the southern cities of Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad while media, e-com-
merce and BFSI respondents (about 55 per cent) chose to expand in Delhi National Capital Region and Mumbai in the next two years. Corporate offices are expected to increase headcounts over next two years. Respondents across major industry sectors remained bullish on their India expansion plans and are likely to raise their headcount in the next two years, the survey said. About 80 per cent of respondents from industries such as IT/ ITeS, research, consulting and analytics, media, e-commerce and BFSI are aiming for a 20 per cent increase in employee headcount over the next two years, it added. -PTI
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Nitish for Patna in Smart City Mission NEW DELHI: Seeking inclusion of Patna in the Smart City list, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar here met Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and discussed various issues related to urban development in the state. Kumar insisted on factoring in parameters like regional imbalance, existing gaps in institutional capabilities and variation in current level of development while selecting cities under the Smart City Mission. Noting that state capital Patna could not be shortlisted for inclusion in Smart City Mission, Kumar suggested that all such state capitals should be given another opportunity to compete for selection in the Centre's ambitious project. Besides Smart City, he took up
Noting that Patna could not be shortlisted for Smart City Mission, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar suggested that all such capital cities should be given another opportunity to compete for selection.
the issue of implementation of new urban sector initiatives of the Centre and Swachh Bharat Mission. The Chief Minister suggested Naidu to consider increasing the central assistance of Rs 4,000 per toilet being provided under Swachh Bharat Mission in rural areas and said the state government was providing an additional Rs 8,000 per toilet. Naidu told Kumar that inclusion of cities from each state in Smart City Mission was based on the evaluation of all claimant cities by respective state governments. The selection of first batch of 20 cities was based on a competition among 97 cities as per criteria evolved in consultation with states, he told the Chief Minister.
Naidu said only 20 cities were to be selected in the first round and nominees from all states would be covered under the next two rounds of competition. Naidu also informed Kumar that a special fast track competition is being conducted for one top ranked city from each of the 23 states that could not make it to the first list in which Bhagalpur, ranked 65, can participate. Of the three cities from Bihar included in the Smart City Mission, Biharsharif was ranked 91 and Muzaffarpur 94. In the meeting, Naidu underscored the need for focusing on improving urban governance in the state given the importance of towns and cities in catalyzing economic growth.-PTI
Fugitive heir to have change-of-plea hearing NEW ORLEANS: A New York real estate heir has pleaded guilty in New Orleans to a weapons charge and agreed to an 85-month prison sentence, a move that could usher in his extradition to California to face murder charges. U.S. District Judge Kurt Engelhardt said that he would provisionally accept the plea from Robert Durst, 72. The judge said he will make a final decision after
he receives a pre-sentencing report, expected in two weeks. Durst, who appeared in shackles and an orange prison jumpsuit, admitted he illegally carried a .38caliber revolver after being convicted of a felony. The charge stems from Durst's arrest at a hotel in New Orleans last year by FBI agents who feared he was about to flee the country. A weapon was found at the time
Robert Durst is transported from Orleans Parish Criminal District Court to the Orleans Parish Prison after his arraignment on murder charges in New Orleans. U.S. District Judge Kurt Engelhardt has scheduled Durst’s rearraignment for on a charge of illegally carrying a .38-caliber revolver after a felony conviction.
of Durst's arrest. He was also found with $117,000 in cash, which he will forfeit under the plea deal. Durst was charged last year with the 2000 death of his friend Susan Berman after mumbling that he ``killed them all'' during the taping of an HBO documentary. His lawyer, Richard DeGuerin, says Durst did not kill Berman. The deal is another step toward getting Durst back to California to face trial in Berman's death. If Englehardt accepts the plea, prosecutors in Los Angeles have agreed to arraign Durst by Aug. 18, assistant U.S. attorney Michael McMahon told the judge. ``This agreement has a lot of moving parts and a lot of jurisdictions. What we're doing and have been trying to do from the start is get Bob Durst to Los Angeles,'' defense attorney DeGuerin said after the hearing. ``Bob Durst did not kill Susan Berman, does not know who did, and wants to prove it.'' Although Durst waived extradition from the start, he will remain in Louisiana at least until after his
6 questions before deciding between renting or owning Cont’d from page 30
For many millennials, the ability to change jobs and try out new cities is the ultimate freedom, and Corey says that embracing the "sharing economy" lifestyle of using Uber instead of owning a car means that some people don't necessarily want to be tied down
by homeownership. The ready-to-buy scenario, while different for everyone, should include a look at your cash flow and job stability, Corey says. "Some people get caught up in the idea that buying a home is a good investment, but it's never a good idea to make a decision
based on that," Long says. "You have to live there and you can't put a price on living somewhere you want to be rather than in a property where you feel stuck. It's important to realize that home values won't always go up, so you need to buy a home where you want to live for the long term." -Courtesy Bankrate.com
sentencing. If the judge accepts the sentence, then it is up to the Bureau of Prisons to decide where
Durst will serve it, though Englehardt can recommend a prison. -AP
Haryana govt. nod for housing scheme CHANDIGARH: The Haryana Government has approved the implementation of Deen Dayal Jan Awas Yojana in the State and decided to implement 'Relocation Policy' for shifting of Industries operating in residential areas in the interest of industrial units and public at large. The decision to approve the implementation of the policy was taken in the Haryana Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Later Khattar told reporters that the Deen Dayal Jan Awas Yojana is a policy for providing affordable plotted housing for low and medium potential towns. "It aims at development of 'High Density Plotted colonies' in low and medium potential towns of the State wherein small plots are made available through a liberal policy framework," he said. Mr Khattar said that under the scheme, all such projects shall be required to be necessarily completed within seven years from the
date of grant of license. The chief minister said the Cabinet decided to implement 'Relocation Policy' for shifting of Industries operating in the residential areas in the interest of industrial units and public at large.
Manohar Lal Khattar
As per the policy, the State government will facilitate shifting or relocation of industrial units to the conforming areas. He said in case of shortfall of the industrial zone space, additional zones will be identified and notified by the Department of Town and Country Planning Department and Urban and Local Bodies as per their respective mandates, in consultation with the Industries department.-PTI
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Facebook shuts down medical marijuana pages TRENTON, N.J.: Three of New Jersey's five medical marijuana dispensaries have had their business pages shutdown by Facebook, cutting off what advocates call an integral place for customers to learn about which plant strains best treat their illness and where to find discounts. Compassionate Sciences in Bellmawr, Garden State in Woodbridge, and Breakwater Treatment and Wellness in Cranbury had their pages shut down. Facebook's advertising policy bans promotion of selling drugs as well as tobacco and guns - and the medical marijuana pages weren't spared even though they have been legally allowed to operate in New Jersey since 2011. The shutdowns reflect similar measures taken by the social media giant in other parts of the country. At one point last year, Facebook took down the page for the Harborside Health Center, a dispensary in Oakland, California, although the page is now up and running. ``It's doing a real disservice to the patients of New Jersey,'' said Peter Rosenfeld, a board member of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey. ``They're treating it like they're selling marijuana illegally when it's a fully sanctioned nonprofit that's controlled and regulated by the state of New Jersey.''
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Senators honor Mali terror victim Anita
WASHINGTON: Anita Ashok Datar, the lone Indian-American killed in a terrorist attack in Mali last year, has been honored by the US Senate which unanimously passed a resolution praising her work for the advancement of international development and public health. The resolution recognized and honored the commitment of Datar to connect low-income women to quality health services. "Through her life and her work, Anita Datar selflessly and bravely worked to advance international development and public health," said Senator Cory A Booker, who along with Senator Robert Menendez, introduced the resolution. "Her death is a devastating loss not just for her son, Rohan, her family, and friends, but for the greater cause of bringing stability to communities around the world," Booker said. -PTI
Health Science
Clip-on device can protect against Zika
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On World Cancer Day, experts pitch for a national database NEW DELHI: Lack of a national database on cancer in India remains a huge concern and there is an urgent need to make cancer noticeable with an electronic database, experts said on World Cancer Day. According Dr Sunil Kumar, Assistant Professor in Surgical Oncology at AIIMS, India doesn't have a comprehensive national picture as far as cancer burden is concerned though the disease has been found to be on the rise as per the population registry which is region specific. "Absence of National Registry leads to difficulties in formulating a nationwide policy on preventive as well as therapeutic measure to be taken to fight this menace," said Dr Kumar said. It will help ensure optimal utilization of resources in areas with high prevalence of cancer. "A majority of cancer treatment centers are restricted to major urban areas and a vast majority of the rural population is not catered to through these centers located
only in metropolis," said Dr Kumar. Having a national registry will generate the true picture of vari-
"That way, we will have data as to how many lives cancer has claimed in our country along with those getting affected."
ous types of cancer existing in the country, said Dr Shyam Aggarwal, Chairperson of Department of Medical Oncology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, even as he stressed that not only diagnosis but the deaths should also be recorded.
"Currently, most of the cancer registries are hospital-based and some hospitals do not even have registries. So, now when we talk about the cases going up, we are extra-collating from the hospitalbased registry and thus the data is limited," said Dr Aggarwal.
"Yet, even in the absence of comprehensive data, the trends indicate rising numbers. The incidence is rising faster in urban areas but the rise is also apparent in rural areas. Another worrying trend is increasing incidence in younger patients, those in their 20s and 30s," said Dr Vineet Talwar, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute. "As compared to the West, Indians have an earlier age of presentation and to make it worse a more advanced stage of diagnosis compromising the cure rates and needing a lot more chemotherapy and radiation as the presentations are late." "Urbanization contains several accompanying attributes such as obesity, lack of exercise, more consumption of fats, lifestyle changes and intake of alcohol. These factors tend to increase risk of cancer. Pollution is another factor of urbanization that further encourages cancer," Dr Talwar said.-PTI
65 To 79 'happiest age group' in UK LONDON: Sixty-five to 79 is the happiest age group for adults in the UK, according a new survey of over three lakh adults. The survey by the Office for National Statistics found that life satisfaction, happiness and feeling life was worthwhile all peaked in that age bracket, but declined in the over-80s. Those aged 45 to 59 reported the lowest levels of life satisfaction, with men on average less satisfied than women. That age group also reported the highest levels of anxiety, the BBC reported. Researchers said one possible reason for the lower happiness and well-being scores among this age group might be the burden of having to care for children and elderly parents at the same time. Meanwhile, those who were
younger or retired had more free time to spend on activities which promoted their well-being, the researchers suggested. Happiness and well-being dropped off again in those over 80, however, with researchers
rate out of 10 how happy and how anxious they had felt the day before, how satisfied they were with their life generally, and how much they felt what they did in life was worthwhile. The published results have
suggesting this could be down to personal circumstances such as poor health, living alone and feelings of loneliness. The survey asked people to
been broken down by age, ethnicity, religion, marital status, employment status, religion, and where in the country people live. Researchers found a strong link
between health and well- being. People who said their health was very good reported an average life satisfaction rating of 8.01 out of 10, compared with people who said they were in very bad health, whose average rating was 4.91 out of 10. The over-90 age group reported by far the lowest levels of feeling their life was worthwhile, even though their reported levels of happiness and life satisfaction were comparable to those in their 20s and 30s. Understanding how people of different ages rated their personal well-being could help policy makers target issues to improve lives, the study added. "We know that the UK population is ageing. There were more than half a million people aged 90 and over living in the UK in 2014 - almost triple the number 30 years ago," it said. -PTI
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Zika case sparks questions about sex & mosquitoes NEW YORK: A sexually transmitted case of Zika in Texas has scientists scrambling to understand how much of a risk infection through sex is for the usually mosquitospread illness. Experts still stress that mosquitoes are the main culprit in the Zika epidemic menacing Latin America and looming over the United States. ``Mosquitoes would be the great river of transmission, while sexual transmission is going to be akin to a mountain stream,'' said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University. But the Texas case has spurred more discussion about additional ways in which Zika and other illnesses, commonly thought to be carried only by mosquitoes, might be spread. Other types of transmission can be hard to spot in the midst of outbreaks in which many mosquito-borne infections are occurring, noted Dr. Ali Khan, a former disease investigator for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ``It's very hard to parse this out in the middle of an epidemic,'' said Khan, now dean of the University of Nebraska's college of public health. Discerning something like sexual transmission would have to occur in a place where an outbreak was not raging, he said. That's what happened in Dallas. The current Zika epidemic is on track to cause millions of infections in Latin America and the Caribbean, but no transmission was reported in the United States until the Dallas case. Health officials said a person there - who had not traveled to an outbreak area - was infected. An investigation concluded the person caught the virus through sex with a person who had recently returned from Venezuela, where Zika infections have been growing. Officials released few details about the case, except to say both patients have recovered. But it wasn't the first to raise the possibility of sexual transmission of the virus. A Colorado State University researcher, Brian Foy, picked up the virus in Africa and apparently spread it to his wife back home in 2008. More recently, it was found in one man's semen in Tahiti. Now, in the wake of the Dallas case, ``we're all kind of scrambling in the scien-
tific community how best to tackle this and how best to research it,'' said Foy. Most people infected with Zika experience, at the most, only mild symptoms. But
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says there are no approved tests for routine screening of blood donations for Zika virus, but it is looking into the issue. Zika virus usually remains in the blood of an infected person for a few days but it can be found longer in some people, the CDC says. The Red Cross said they are asking travelers to Zika outbreak countries to wait at least 28 days before donating blood. Canadian Severina Raimunda holds her granddaughter Melisa Vitoria, left, who was born with microcephaly and her twin brother Edison Junior at the IMIP health officials hospital in Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil, The Zika virus is spread by the have anAedes aegypti mosquito, which is well-adapted to humans, thrives in nounced that people's homes and can breed in even a bottle cap's-worth of stagnant people who water. The Zika virus is suspected to cause microcephaly in newborn have travelled children. outside of mounting evidence in Brazil has suggested Canada, the continental United States and a connection between the virus and babies Europe will be ineligible to give blood for born with brain defects and abnormally 21 days after their return. Canadian Blood small heads. The Zika epidemic and possible link to microcephaly cases in Brazil prompted the World Health Organization to declare a global emergency, calling the virus' rapid spread and its apparent link to the birth defect an ``extraordinary event'' that poses a threat to the rest of the world. WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said that the Texas sexual transmission case is ``obviously a concern.'' ``We need to know more about how likely this is to happen. We also have to understand whether there are other human-tohuman transmission routes, such as blood transfusion, such as mother-to-child transmission,'' he said. Perhaps a bigger worry than sex is what dangers may lurk in blood donations from people who have been in Zika outbreak areas, said Dr. W. Ian Lipkin, a Columbia University infectious diseases researcher. ``I would raise caution that any blood used in pregnant women should be tested for the presence of Zika virus,'' something that currently doesn't happen, Lipkin said.
1st travel-related case of Zika virus confirmed ATLANTA: Health officials say the first travel-related case of the Zika virus has infected a person from Georgia. The Georgia Department of Public Health said that the person traveled to Colombia between the end of December and the first of January. Officials say the unidentified person has made a full recovery. The person was not pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still testing specimens from
several other Georgia residents who traveled to areas with Zika outbreaks. The virus, primarily spread through mosquito bites, has been linked to birth defects in the Americas. U.S. health officials say a person in Texas became infected with Zika through sex, in the first case of the illness being transmitted within the United States amid the current outbreak in Latin America. AP
Services says it is implementing the waiting period to mitigate the risk of the Zika virus entering the Canadian blood supply. Meanwhile, the CDC said it will issue guidance in the coming days on prevention of sexual transmission of the Zika virus, focusing on the male sexual partners of women who are or may be pregnant. It's a tall order, because so much is unknown about sexual transmission and Zika, experts said. How long is someone infectious? How long does the virus live in the sperm? Does it only spread if the first person is suffering symptoms? Foy said that in his case, he didn't begin to experience symptoms until after he and his wife had sex. ``It's completely black box right now'' in terms of how little is known about the risk of sexual transmission, Foy said. As worrisome as possible sexual transmission may be, experts stress that mosquitoes will continue to be the far greater concern. The bugs inject virus right into the blood stream - an extremely efficient way of spreading dangerous germs through the body. ``The mosquito is the deadliest animal on the planet,'' Schaffner said.-AP
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Clip-on device can protect against Zika WASHINGTON: A wearable device may effectively prevent bites from the mosquitoes primarily responsible for the spread of the Zika virus suspected of causing abnormally small heads in babies, a new study has claimed.
The OFF! Clip-On repellent device could be an effective tool against the Aedes aegypti mosquito - the primary vector of Zika, chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever. The device repels mosquitoes by releasing a vapor in the form of insecticide through a batterypowered fan, forming an insecti-
cide "cloud" around the wearer of the device. In order to test the effectiveness of the device, Christopher Bibbs and Rui-De Xue of the Anastasia Mosquito Control District in Florida studied how
the device performed against hungry Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The study was done outdoors in order to replicate real-world conditions. They found that the device caused high mosquito mortality and knockdown rates up to 0.3 meters from the device, enough to protect a single per-
son wearing the device. "In vector control, we see more often than not that tools available for consumers don't work for the intended purpose," said Christopher Bibbs. "Just look at all the bug zappers, repellent bracelets, sonic bug repellents, and other zany creations that wax and wane in popularity," Christopher Bibbs said. "Skepticism is inherent to the trade. But it was nice for a change of pace that one of these devices could actually do some good," he said. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an emergency over the Zika virus linked to microcephaly - which causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads. Latin American countries, particularly Brazil, have reported a surge in cases of microcephaly since the Zika outbreak was declared in the region last year. The study was published in the Journal of Medical Entomology. -PTI
Officials want more Zika samples from Brazil RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil is not sharing enough samples and disease data to let researchers determine whether the Zika virus is, as feared, linked to the increased number of babies born with abnormally small heads in the South American country, UN and US health officials have said. The lack of data is forcing laboratories in the United States and Europe to work with samples from previous outbreaks, and is frustrating efforts to develop diagnostic tests, drugs and vaccines. Scientists tell The Associated Press that having so little to work with is hampering their ability to track the virus' evolution. One major problem appears to be Brazilian law. At the moment, it is technically illegal for Brazilian researchers and institutes to share genetic material, including blood samples containing Zika and other viruses. "It's a very delicate issue, this sharing of samples. Lawyers have to be involved," said Dr Marcos Espinal, director of communicable diseases in the World Health Organization's re-
gional office in Washington. Espinal said he hoped the issue might be resolved after discussions between the US and Brazilian presidents. He said WHO's role was mainly to be a broker to encourage countries to share. When asked whether the estimate of other scientists that Brazil had provided fewer than 20
The ban does not necessarily mean foreign researchers can't access samples. Some were shared with the United States, including tissue samples from two newborns samples was true, he agreed it probably was. "There is no way this should not be solved in the foreseeable future," he said. "Waiting is always risky during an emergency." Last May, as the first cases of Zika in Brazil were emerging, Presi-
dent Dilma Rousseff signed a new law to regulate how researchers use the country's genetic resources. But the regulatory framework hasn't yet been drafted, leaving scientists in legal limbo. "Until the law is implemented, we're legally prohibited from sending samples abroad," said Paulo Gadelha, president of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil's premier state-run research institute for tropical diseases. "Even if we wanted to send this material abroad, we can't because it's considered a crime." The ban does not necessarily mean foreign researchers can't access samples. Some were shared with the United States, including tissue samples from two newborns who died and two fetuses recently examined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But a US official said that wasn't enough to develop accurate tests for the virus or help determine whether Zika is in fact behind the recent jump in the number of congenital defects. -AP
Taller people have higher risk of cancer BERLIN: Tall people have a lower risk for cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes, but a higher risk of cancer in comparison to short people, a new study has claimed. The findings shows that height has an important impact on the mortality from certain common diseases, irrespective of body fat mass and other modulating factors, researchers said. Previous studies have shown that tall people, in comparison to short people, have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes but have a higher cancer risk. "Epidemiological data show that per 6.5 centimeters in height the risk of cardiovascular mortality decreases by six per cent, but cancer mortality, by contrast, increases by four per cent," said Matthias Schulze from the German Institute of Human Nutrition. Researchers feel that the increase in body height is a marker of over-nutrition of high-calorie food rich in animal protein during different stages of growth. Thus, already in utero, lifelong programming might take place that until now has mainly been established for the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 and 2 and the IGF-1/ 2 system. Among other consequences, activation of this system causes the body to become more sensitive to insulin action, thus positively influencing the lipid metabolism. "Accordingly, our new data show that tall people are more sensitive to insulin and have lower fat content in the liver, which may explain their lower risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes," said Norbert Stefan from
the German Centre for Diabetes Research. These findings fit in with published data that suggest that tall people have relative protection against disorders of the lipid metabolism. However, this activation of the IGF-1/2 system and other signaling pathways may be related to an increased risk of certain cancers, especially breast cancer, colon cancer, and melanoma because cell growth is permanently activated, researchers said. The result is an inverse asso-
Researchers feel that the increase in body height is a marker of over-nutrition of highcalorie food rich in animal protein during different stages of growth. ciation with the risk of cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes, but a positive association with the risk of cancer. Researchers advocate considering the factor growth and adult height more than hitherto in the prevention of major diseases. In particular, physicians should be made more aware of the fact that tall people - although less often affected by cardiovascular disease or type-2 diabetes - have an increased risk of cancer, they said. The findings were published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology. -PTI
Facebook shuts down medical marijuana pages Cont'd from Page 32
But a spokeswoman for Facebook, Arielle Aryah, said in an email to The Associated Press that the pages were ``removed for violating our Community Standards.'' More than 5,500 patients have registered for medical marijuana in New Jersey and more than 300 doctors have participated. Amy Marie Keller, 40, of Roselle Park in northern New Jersey, said she checked the Garden State dispensary's Facebook page daily. She suffers from Variegate
Porphyria, a disorder that limits the amount of oxygen in her blood and can cause seizures and painful intestinal issues. The best brands that work for her - Blackwater, Sour Diesel and Nigerian Haze - are often in limited supply. Knowing when they're available is important, she said. ``Now I have no idea,'' she said. ``I tried calling but they didn't pick up. Probably everybody is calling. I would hate to tie up their phone lines and bother them every morning about that.'' -AP
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New Cancer-killing technique found LONDON: Scientists in the UK have found a new way to combat cancer by getting tumor cells addicted to drugs that will kill them in minutes. Scientists at the Beatson Institute in Glasgow, which is run by Cancer Research UK and closely linked to Glasgow University, developed the "significant" technique as a research tool while trying to understand how cancer cells die. The technique called "mito-priming" was published in 'Nature Communications' as the latest method to be developed by researchers in the fight against cancer. It
Researchers are hopeful the pioneering mito-priming method can be applied to screen for new drugs to target BCL-2 proteins and help find new ways to kill cancer cells. Stephen Tait, the lead author of the paper 'Mito-priming as a method to engineer Bcl-2 Addiction', writes: "We have developed a new way to make any cell type sensitive to BH3-mimetic treatment. We term this method mito-priming." "Mito-priming can be used to rapidly screen for new BH3-mimetics and other anticancer drugs, and should improve ways to kill cancer cells. It can also be used to rapidly define the potency and specificity of BH3mimetics," he wrote. Finally, the technique will allow us to understand how drug resistance occurs thereby allowing us to prevent this from happening in the first place, he added. "There is currently a lot of interest in targeting BCL2 proteins in the fight against cancer and there will be new theraThe technique called “mito-priming” was published in ‘Nature pies emerging in the future. We Communications’ as the latest method to be developed by are hopeful our new method of researchers in the fight against cancer. mito-priming can be used as a means mito-priming can be applied to iden- platform to discover new drugs to target tify new anti-cancer drugs to screen their BCL-2 proteins". Mr Tait said. effectiveness. The scientists developed mito-priming According to the paper, BH3-mimetics by producing equal amounts of toxic and are a promising new class of cancer drugs protective BCL-2 proteins in cells. Mr Tait developed to specifically kill tumor cells. said: "Cells in this state are very sensitive They target a family of proteins called to inhibition of protective BCL-2 function BCL-2 proteins, which function to keep by BH3-mimetics, such that they die within cancer cells alive. a few minutes of drug addiction". While not yet in use in clinical practice, The research was funded by Cancer ReBH3-mimetic anti-cancer drugs are show- search UK, the Biotechnology and Bioing promise in late-stage clinical trials, par- logical Sciences Research Council ticularly in the treatment of chronic lym- (BBSRC), Royal Society and Tenovus phocytic leukemia (CLL). Scotland. -PTI
First anti-diabetic Ayurvedic drug launched KOZHIKODE: The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has launched the country's first anti-diabetic Ayurvedic drug for type two Diabetes mellitus. The drug BGR-34 is developed jointly by National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) and Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), the Lucknow-based research units of CSIR. Launching the drug at a function in Kozhikode, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NBRI, Dr A K S Rawat said, "Six crore adult Indian population has been found to be diabetic and there is no effective solution for diabetes as yet. We are sure that eminent medical professionals will recommend it to their patients suffering from type two Diabetes melli-
tus for quicker and consistent response." "The scientists of NBRI and CIMAP joined hands to develop an effective, safe, patient-friendly solution towards management of type two Diabetes. While the modern diabetes drugs are known for side-effects and toxicity, BGR-34 works by controlling blood sugar and limiting the harmful effects of other drugs," he said. Dr Ch V Rao, Principal Scientist CSIRNBRI said, "BGR-34 is a unique product that manages the lives of people suffering from diabetes. One of the critical ingredients is that it inhibits DPP-4 and enhances insulin secretion. The product has passed several battery of tests and showed hypoglycemic activity in experimental subjects." -PTI
Republican for birth control drugs from pharmacists JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.: A Republican lawmaker wants to make it easier for Missouri women to get birth control. Rep. Sheila Solon told a House committee decades of use have shown oral contraception is safe and critical for many people and pharmacists should be able to prescribe the drugs after undergoing some training. The Republican from Blue Springs said her proposal is ``the ultimate pro-life bill'' because easier access to birth control would lead to fewer unwanted pregnancies and fewer abortions. Under the measure, pharmacists could prescribe only birth control pills. A woman would be required to visit a doctor within three years of the pharmacist's initial prescription to continue receiving the contraceptives. Those under 18 would have to show pharmacists a previous doctor's prescription. The bill would allow women to receive birth control in one-year increments after their first three-month prescription. A pharmacist could still refer someone to a physician if necessary, Solon said. This bill wouldn't affect state laws allowing pharmacists to decline to fill prescriptions they object to, she added. Oregon, California and Washington, D.C., have passed comparable policies, with at least four other states considering similar
bills, said Mara Gandal-Powers, an attorney with the National Women's Law Center. Although nobody testified against the bill, some lawmakers on the panel said they were concerned about sidelining doctors. Anne Zerr, a Republican from St. Charles, said she worries pharmacists might not have the training to consider nuances of dosage and drug interaction.
Oregon, California and Washington, D.C., have passed comparable policies, with at least four other states considering similar bills, said Mara Gandal-Powers Solon said people had similar concerns when pharmacies began administering immunizations. Just like then, the benefits outweigh the risks, she said, especially considering the hazards of pregnancy or an abortion. Blood clotting is the primary risk of oral contraceptives, and pharmacists can screen for that by testing patients' blood pressure, said M'Evie Mead, director of statewide organizing for Planned Parenthood Action, which supports the bill. -AP
36 India Post
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February 12, 2016
Horoscope
February 12, 2016
India Post
www.indiapost.com
February 12th - February 18 th 2016
ittle exercise and walking will bring health issue under control. Money wise you will be lucky and get some money back from a government agency also. Do not hesitate to buy few lottery tickets. You may also purchase some expensive items for the house. You may cancel or postpone an important meeting.
l
resence of Venus and Mercury in your sign is lucky. Things going haywire will come under quick control. It will be plain easy to hit your goals, whether they are professional or financial. Try to cut down on caffeine or nicotine if possible. Bachelors will spend quality time with a great personality. You may be looming for another vehicle.
P
D
D
o complete research before you sign and send the important documents. Some of you may have to travel in connection with business this week. Spouse will suddenly become health conscious and make drastic changes in diet. You may also take family out for dinner at a very high end restaurant this weekend. Bank balance will increase.
Y
ou may start working on another project. It will be very difficult to let the past go as future will be built on foundation laid in the past. Eat at proper intervals in order to avoid burning sensation in stomach. Developments in litigation will be encouraging and the settlement could come any day. Try eating Green vegetables and Red Apples to improve memory.
D
o not ignore any health issues and seek appropriate help. You may get a chance to spend quality time with some well known person this week. just handle all tools with care and especially the electric items. People in business will spend more money on reaching out customers. Some of you will start looking for another job.
Y
ou will regain control over situation in career. Recent developments will prove to be a blessings in near future. Do not show any sign of weakness in your actions. You will be on the move most of the time and may take family out to a nice place for dinner. Little exercise will reduce aches and pain in the joints.
on't feel disheartened if the results do not come right away. Mind will be restless and you will be looking for guidance and may contact a trusted person for advise. Recent payments you made may put a hole in your savings. You may change or cancel to attend an important event this weekend. New job offer is just around the corner.
V
t will be slightly hard to find solution to growing financial pressure. New commitments will become hard to handle and you may start thinking about leaving the project immediately. There will be improvement at existing work place. You may also receive some kind of refund from a government agency this week.
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T
andle all legal matters with care and seek professional opinion if necessary. this is the right time to approach a government agency and seek for the favor. You may miss an important event because of some last minute commitments. Recent investments will turn profitable quickly. Chance of an addition in the family improves for those looking for one.
H
eek outside opinion if necessary. You may be looking for avenues to make additional money. Some one close will make a decent offer. Some of you will be traveling to another state to attend an important business meeting. Child not doing so well in the past, will suddenly start doing better. Mail will bring some good news and papers.
alue of your stocks and other assets purchased recently will keep appreciating at fast pace. Positive developments will bring confidence back and you will try to implement your other plans very aggressively. There is absolutely no harm in applying for opportunity away from home and in the direction West.
ired of stale life, you will make some attempts and wait for the response. Opportunity will come associated with bigger rewards and compensation. You may be charging heavily on your credit cards this week and purchase few high tech and expensive items. legal matters will continue to take favorable turn.
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February 12, 2016
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February 12, 2016
be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is between March to June and mid-September to November. History: Palampur got its name from the word pulum that means abundant water. It was a part of the local Sikh kingdom and later came under British rule.
P
alampur is the tea capital of North India. This hill station is known not only for its numerous tea gardens and paddy fields but also for its colonial architecture and temples. One can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Dhauladhar range and the slopes of the Kangra valley from Palampur. Palampur and places around it are popular for adventure sports like hang-gliding and trekking. Location: Palampur is located in the northwestern part of the state of Himachal Pradesh, in the northern region of India. It is situated in the Kangra valley, near the Dhauladhar ranges. Its altitude is 1,220 m above sea level. It is 30 km from Dharamshala. The weather in Palampur is moderate. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters (November-February) are cold but pleasant. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September. Best time to visit: Palampur has a mild climate and can
Tourist attractions: The tourist can take a walk in Palampur and enjoy its colonial architecture. The tea factory and St John's Church are important places to visit. A walk beyond the town will take one to the Bundla Chasm, where a waterfall drops into the Bundla stream. One can see the captivating Dhauladhar range from Neogal Park, which is 1 km from Palampur. One can go on innumerable promenades along the tea gardens and the nearby forests or into the Dhauladhars. Places around: There are a number of places of tourist importance near Palampur: The village of Andretta, 13 km from Palampur, is an important craft center known for its pottery. A number of well-known artists had made their base in Andretta. Sujanpur Tira, which is 42 km from Palampur, is famous for its fort and old temples. The town of Baijnath is 16 km from Palampur and is known for its Shiva temple. A mini zoo is also located at Gopalpur, which is 13 km from Palampur.
February 12, 2016
Travel & Hospitality Post
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Air India Express adds Delhi in its network NEW DELHI: Air India Express (AIE) has said it will introduce flight services to Dubai and Sharjah from New Delhi from May and also enhance connectivity to the Gulf region from Mumbai. It also said it was adding RasAl-Khaimah as its new destination in the Gulf region. This is the first time since its launch in 2005 that the Kochibased airline, the international budget arm of national carrier Air India, will be spreading its wings to the national capital. The flights from Delhi are set to be launched from May 10 and are a part of the recently announced summer schedule of Air India Express, a release said. The two new routes will be ser-
viced by one of the six brand new Boeing 737 leased aircraft, which are being inducted in the Air India Express fleet, it said. Air India Express will commence two new daily air services
to Dubai and Sharjah from Mumbai from April 7 as part of its plan to increase connectivity to the Gulf from the commercial capital. AIE had earlier announced that it was increasing its frequency be-
Govt to offer SIM cards with e-visa NEW DELHI: Foreigners visiting India with e-tourist visa are likely to be given mobile SIM cards soon with the Home Ministry giving its in-principle approval to the proposal for promotion of tourism. The Tourism Ministry's pro-
posal was discussed by the Foreigners Division of the Home Ministry threadbare and given its nod as part of the larger goal of attracting more tourists to India. "Even though there are issues of security, communication is important for any visitor. Since we are giving e-tourist visa to citizens of a limited number of countries and that too after proper verification, we are giving our approval to the proposal of giving SIM cards to tourists," a senior Home Ministry official said. As part of the proposal, the Tourism Ministry is planning to
gift a kit comprising a SIM card, maps, booklets and CD with information about various tourist destinations, guidelines relating to dos and don't, details regarding whom to contact in case of any emergency, among other things. The etourist visa is currently given to citizens of 113 countries and government plans to raise it to 150 countries by
scheme, an applicant receives an email authorizing him or her to travel to India after it is approved and he or she can travel with a print-out of this authorization. On arrival, the visitor has to present the authorization to the immigration authorities who would then stamp the entry into the country. According to an official estimate, during January-November of 2015, a total of 3,41,683 tourists arrived on e-tourist visa as compared to 24,963 during the corresponding period of previous year, registering a growth of 1268.8 per cent. The UK accounted for 23.93 per cent share of availing e-tourist visa facilities during Novem-
March 31, 2016. Tourists can arrive in 16 designated airports across the country. TVoA (tourist visa on arrival), enabled by Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), popularly known as e-tourist visa scheme was launched on November 27, 2014. Under the e-tourist visa
ber 2015, followed by the USA (16.33 per cent), Russian Federation (8.17 per cent), France (7.64 per cent), Germany (5.60 per cent) and Australia (4.82 per cent). Canada had a share of 4.71 per cent, while that of China stood at 3.26 per cent, Ukraine 2.03 percent and Netherlands 1.75 per cent. -PTI
tween Kerala and Middle East to 119 flights from the present 96. The move was to be introduced in a phased manner, starting from March 28, as part of the summer schedule. The frequency between Kozhikode and Dubai has also been doubled to two flights per day, it said, adding that a morning departure flight would now also be in service apart from the night departure flights. Acknowledging Kozhikode as its largest revenue centre, the airline has also increased offered capacity to an all-time high of 11,718 seats per week from 8,184 seats.
In addition, Air India Express will also introduce two daily separate non-stop services between Kozhikode and Bahrain and Doha in the new schedule. Non-stop flights from Kochi to Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Thiruvananthapuram and Dubai, and increasing the seats from 930 to 1,116 on the route are part of the airline's new schedule, it said. Ras-Al-Khaimah is being introduced as a new destination with a frequency of four flights per week from Kozhikode, it said. This flight will be shared with Al-Ain, thereby increasing the frequency of flights between Al-Ain and Kozhikode also to four flights per week from the current one flight per week. PTI
Editors told of initiatives to boost tourism JAIPUR: Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma addressed the All India Regional Editors Conference here and apprised the media persons of various initiatives of his ministry. The two-day conference has been organized by the Press Information Bureau to familiarize regional media persons with various ongoing programs and schemes of the government. "The minister interacted with the visiting media persons and apprised them of the achievements and successes of the Ministry of Tourism," an official release said. Sharma, who is also Culture
Wellness Tourism Promotion Board has been formed to tap the potential and advantage that India has in the field of medical and wellness tourism. He said his Ministry has also launched a "Welcome Booklet" for distribution at immigration counters to tourists arriving at international airports which will be helpful aid to foreign tourist immediately on arrival. Besides introducing round-theclock 'Incredible India Help Line', he said the Ministry has launched e-tourist visa scheme which is now available for 113 countries arriving at 16 airports in India. He said that Foreign Tourist Arrivals (provisional) in 2015 were 8.02 million, representing an increase of 4.4 per cent over 7.68 million in 2014 and Foreign Exchange Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma Earnings Minister and Minister of State for (provisional) was Rs 1,26,211 crore Civil Aviation, said India has in 2015, an increase of 2.3 per cent moved 13 positions ahead from over Rs 1,23,320 crore in 2014. 65th to 52nd rank in Tourism and Swadesh Darshan and National Travel Competitive Index as per the Mission on Pilgrimage RejuvenaWorld Economic Forum (Davos) tion and Spiritual Augmentation Report. Drive (PRASAD), among other Highlighting the other achieve- schemes, were also highlighted by ments, he said a Medical and the minister. -PTI
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Cont’d from page 40
The Chamunda Devi Temple located on Baner River, 10 km from Palampur, is an important place to visit. There is a Tibetan monastery at Tashijong, which is 12 km from Palampur. The monastery complex
is famous for producing traditional Tibetan handicrafts. Adventure: Several trek routes lead out of Palampur, particularly over the Dhauladhar Mountains towards the town of Chamba. Some important treks are over the Sanghar pass to Bharmaur via Holi
and from Baijnath over the Jalsu pass to Bharmaur. A four-day trek will lead the traveler to Holi, via Waru La. Twenty-eight kilometers from Palampur is an important center for the adventure sport of hang/ paragliding. It also has numerous Buddhist monuments and is famous for its Tibetan handicrafts. The town of Billing, 42 km from Palampur and 14 km from Bir, is also an important center for hang-gliding. How to reach: Palampur does not have an airport or railway station. The nearest railway station is at
Maranda, two km from Palampur and on the narrow-gauge line between Pathankot and Jogindernagar. The main bus station is located 1 km south of the main Bazaar. The bus service
from Palampur to Dharamshala (2 hours), Mandi (4 hours), and Pathankot (4 hours) is frequent. Travelers can also make use of taxis to travel to these towns from Palampur.
India mulling easing visa for Buddhist tourism BANGKOK: India has said it is considering liberalizing visa for the 10-member ASEAN to boost Buddhist tourist arrivals due to links of "shared heritage" including spread of Buddhism across parts of Southeast Asia from India. "The spread of Buddhism from India is attributed to Emperor Ashoka, who sent Buddhist emissaries to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Indian mythology and folklore finds reflection here," Vice President Hamid Ansari said in his address at the Chulalongkorn University here. He said the trident of 'Commerce, Culture and Connectivity' defines the future focus areas of cooperation between ASEAN
members and India. Ansari, who flew into this Southeast Asian country on the first visit by an Indian Vice President in half a century, noted that from Borobudur in Indonesia to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, India's shared heritage finds an "exuberant manifestation". "The Thai epic, Ramakien is based on the Ramayana. The Ahoms, the Khamtis and the Khasis have links with Thai people. In modern times, many Indians emigrated to South East Asia in the 18th and 19th centuries. "Their descendants today constitute a vibrant community of people of Indian origin, contributing actively to their respective countries of adoption.
"In consideration of these links, India is considering the feasibility of liberalizing our visa regime for
ASEAN countries to facilitate Buddhist tourist arrivals," he said. During his address on 'India, Thailand and ASEAN: Contours of a rejuvenated relationship' at the prestigious university, the vice president also referred to the re-establishment of the Nalanda University, which has strong support from several ASEAN members, and said efforts are on to set up a similar world-
class varsity. "Nalanda was once a world-renowned knowledge hub where scholars from around the world, including South East Asia and India, exchanged knowledge and ideas. Now, we are working to create a similar world class university in the 21st century, with the support of our East Asian partners, and have offered scholarships to students from CLMV countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) to study there," Ansari added. The Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) has 10 member states - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. -PTI
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'National Parks must appeal more to millennials' LITTLE ROCK, Ark.: The National Park Service needs to broaden its appeal to millennials as it celebrates its 100th birthday this year, the director of the agency said as he touted civil rights sites that aren't traditionally viewed as parks to a younger audience.
parks, Jarvis said, includes a ``Find Your Park'' website and social media campaign that the service and the National Park Foundation launched last year to promote the parks and encourage people to share their experiences. ``We set a goal for our centen-
Big Bend National Park
Park Service Director Jon Jarvis spoke during a visit to the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, marking the formerly all-white institution that was desegregated by nine black students in 1957. Part of the plan to attract more 18- to 35-year-olds to national
nial, which is to create and connect with the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates,'' Jarvis told The Associated Press in an interview at the Central High site. He says he's tasked every park to ``think about what they do on a day-to-day basis, in their existing operations and
what more they could do that will achieve that goal. What are they doing to connect with the next generation?'' Jarvis said the effort includes highlighting civil rights sites such as Central High School. He also plans a visit this month to the Colonel Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers Monument in Ohio, which commemorates one of the first AfricanAmericans to graduate from West Point and the first black to achieve the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army. After that, he plans to visit the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. ``We put a lot of emphasis on them because we think they are key to being relevant to a much more diverse generation that we have out there,'' Jarvis said. ``Clearly we already know statistically that the visitation to the national parks does not represent the diversity of the nation and we want to change that dynamic.'' Jarvis compared the effort to reach a younger audience to the National Park Service's ten-year ``Mission 66'' program launched in 1956 to expand and improve its facilities. ``It's a modern invitation to that generation to find their park, find that space, find that place, find that story that resonates with them,'' he said. -AP
India's domestic passenger traffic grew by 20 pc NEW DELHI: India's domestic air passenger traffic grew by a whopping 20.2 per cent in 2015 over the previous year, helped by higher economic growth and increase in number of flights across domestic airlines network, according to the global airlines body IATA. "Total domestic travel grew by 6.3 per cent in 2015, although there was a wide dispersion in performance by market. The India and China domestic markets led the way, with both registering double-digit annual growth (20.2 per cent and 10.9 per cent respectively)," the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said in its latest report. Globally, international passenger traffic rose 6.5 per cent during 2015 compared to 2014 while capacity (addition of aircraft in the network) increased by 5.9 per cent. As per the IATA, Indian carriers also recorded higher seat oc-
cupancy during 2015 over 2014, IATA said. The growth in India's domestic air traffic was more than threefolds of the global average of 6.3 per cent. "All markets (globally) showed growth, led by India and China but there was wide variance. Capacity
According to IATA, the domestic load factor of Indian airlines' jumped by 6.7 per cent from 2014 to a record high of 83.2 per cent. rose 5.2 per cent and load factor by 0.9 per cent over 2014 to a record 81.5 per cent," it said. In the case of India, rise in domestic traffic was strongly helped
by solid economic growth and an 8.3 per cent increase in the average frequency of flights on each route over the year, the airlines' body said. India's economic growth for the fiscal 2014-15 stood at 7.2 per cent against 6.6 per cent recorded in FY14. According to IATA, the domestic load factor of Indian airlines' jumped by 6.7 per cent from 2014 to a record high of 83.2 per cent. "Last year's very strong performance, against a weaker economic backdrop, confirms the strong demand for aviation connectivity. But even as the appetite for air travel increased, consumers benefited from lower fares compared to 2014," IATA Director General and Chief Executive Officer Tony Tyler said. Aviation delivered strong results for the global economy in 2015, enabling connectivity and helping drive economic development, he said. -PTI
TripAdvisor expands instant hotel booking to India MUMBAI: Leading global travel site TripAdvisor has expanded its instant hotel booking service to nine countries, including India. The other eight countries are Australia, Canada, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore and South Africa. "Travelers in these markets can now book a hotel on all of TripAdvisor's platforms, desktop and mobile, without leaving the site," it said in a release issued here. TripAdvisor instant booking is now fully rolled out across 11 countries, following the launch of instant booking in the US and UK, with a global rollout expected in the first half of 2016. "We're excited to help even more travelers around the world to conveniently plan and book their trip
on our site as we rollout instant booking to more global markets. "The momentum we're building is remarkable and we look forward to continuing our expansion throughout 2016, with the help of our trusted partners," TripAdvisor President and CEO Stephen Kaufer said. TripAdvisor now works with eight out of the top ten hotel
brands in the world and these names have joined a growing list of more than 70 hotel chains, groups and online travel agency (OTA) partners that will power bookings on the platform, the statement said. -PTI
Double decker buses for tourists in Punjab CHANDIGARH: To boost tourism, the Punjab government will launch five hop-on hop-off double decker buses in Amritsar that sees a daily footfall of around 8,000 tourists. Punjab Tourism Minister Sohan Singh Thandal said the tourists can avail the bus services to visit prominent places in the city like Golden Temple, Rambagh Gate, Rambagh Garden, Town Hall, Durgiana M a n d i r , Gobindgarh Fort, Heritage Village, War memorial, Wagah Border and Ram Tirath Temple, any number of times during the day. The minister said the initiative was taken after it was noticed that the major places of interest in the city were not connected by public/mass transportation systems. The buses would be operational during the daytime and the tourists would be offered a single
ticket to board the buses any number of times during the day. After visiting the places of interest, tourists can board the next available bus in the beat, Thandal said. The minister said that the tourists need to buy just a single ticket for the whole day. "The tourists will have the flexibility to hop-off at any tourist
destination in the circuit and after site seeing they can hop-on the next bus in the beat," he said. Thandal noted that the proposal was finalized in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal. -PTI
In Brief Immigration protests lead to arrests ATHENS, Ga.: Police say they made several arrests during protests at two Georgia college campuses over how state universities treat people living in the U.S. illegally. Six protesters were arrested on misdemeanor trespassing charges at the University of Georgia in Athens, while a similar pro-
test at Georgia State University in Atlanta resulted in eight arrests. The demonstrations followed a Georgia Supreme Court decision against several people brought into the country illegally as children who were seeking instate tuition. The Athens Banner-Herald reports (bit.ly/1JVEJC6) UGA police charged protesters who refused to leave a campus building after it closed. Georgia State University Deputy Police Chief Carlton Mullis tells the Atlanta JournalConstitution protesters staging a similar sit-in were arrested after the demonstration became unruly, with some participants shoving police officers. -AP
„ Stiffer penalties for immigrants who break the law PHOENIX: The Arizona Legislature made its latest foray into the immigration debate by giving initial approval to stiffer penalties for immigrants who break the law while in the country illegally, forbidding judges from giving them any leniency in the courts. Arizona passed a series of immigration crackdowns last decade that culminated with the approval of SB 1070, which launched protests, lawsuits and national controversy with its provision requiring police to try and determine the immigration status of people during routine stops. The Republican-dominated Legislature has largely avoided passing immigration proposals since SB 1070, although Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa, has sponsored several measures in recent years that have gone nowhere. Details on page 46
Immigration
Florida passes sweeping immigration measure
44 India Post
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Details on page 46
Finger print provision scuttles deal on immigrant licenses SANTA FE, N.M.: Leading Republicans in the New Mexico Legislature are insisting that immigrants in the country illegally provide fingerprints when applying for a special driver identification card under amended legislation designed to make state driver's licenses compliant under federal regulations. Republican House Majority Floor Leader Nate Gentry during a news conference described the Senate amendments that stripped fingerprinting provisions from House-approved legislation as a deal killer. Pressure is mounting in the Legislature to pass a fix that meets federal security requirements under the REAL ID Act. A possible compromise seemed within reach after a Senate committee passed a measure aimed at making the state compliant. It would allow all New Mexico residents to apply for REAL ID-compliant licenses or obtain a ``driver's authorization card.'' Rep. Paul Pacheco, R-Albuquerque, sponsored the original House legislation and said the Senate amendments took away a key security measure by dropping the requirement for fingerprints. ``In my opinion we need them
for public safety,'' said Pacheco, invoking his past experience as a police officer. ``We had a lot of problems with individuals getting driver's licenses using family members, could be cousins, could be distant relatives, using their information.'' Pacheco's original bill specified
tion under the federal REAL ID Act. However, fingerprints and retinal scans are not required. At least two states - Utah and Delaware - require fingerprints from immigrants in the country illegally who want driving privilege cards. The information is submitted to state and federal databases
Some Senate Democrats including Sens. Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, and John Arthur Smith, DDeming, expressed optimism that a compromise with the governor's office was within reach. ``The bill that is out there now,'' said Smith, ``it's got a lot of support in the Senate.� that finger prints submitted by immigrants in the country illegally would be checked against state, regional and federal criminal databases. Those applicants would be required to submit a signed waiver allowing fingerprints to be provided to the FBI for a new biometric identification database, known as Next Generation Identification that is still under construction. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, states are required to use a face biometric standard that allows for facial recognition and authentica-
for criminal background checks. Republican Gov. Susana Martinez has for years attempted to rescind a state law that issues driver's licenses to New Mexico residents regardless of immigration status, arguing that it is dangerous to provide licenses to those who are in the country illegally. Michael Lonergan, press secretary for the governor, issued a statement saying that Martinez wants ``common-sense security measures and standards that New Mexicans expect and deserve. Anything less will be vetoed.'' The
statement made no specific mention of fingerprints, and Lonergan did not respond to further questions. Some Senate Democrats including Sens. Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, and John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, expressed optimism that a compromise with the governor's office was within reach. ``The bill that is out there now,'' said Smith, ``it's got a lot of support in the Senate. And hopefully we can come to an agreement with the executive branch.'' Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, D-Albuquerque, expressed reservation about allowing fingerprinting, saying that state photo requirements and facial recognition software are adequate. Fingerprinting provisions in the original bill ``sought to make the Motor Vehicle Division a prosecutorial agency,'' he said. ``That's inappropriate.'' Republicans Reps. Pacheco and Gentry accused Democrats of acting in bad faith by stripping out the fingerprinting provisions after a January letter signed by Democratic Senate and House leaders said they were ready to support ``security measures such as fingerprinting and photographing applicants.'' -AP
Japan gives 10-year visa to Indians TOKYO: Japan is set to relax visa norms for Indian nationals as multiple-entry visa terms are to be doubled for people from the country to 10 years, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said. The move will also benefit Vietnamese nationals. The easing of visa rules, effective from February 15, will initially benefit businesspeople, academics and artists from the two countries, Japanese Kyodo news agency reported. The Foreign Ministry said that the move was part of the government's drive to increase the number of foreign tourists to Japan, as well as people-to-
people exchanges. The 10-year validity of multiple-entry visas is the longest issued by the Japanese government,
visa will increase repeat visits to Japan and enhance convenience in businesses," Kishida said. Holders of such multiple-entry
Fumio Kishida
the ministry said. "We hope that the relaxing of
visas will be restricted to visiting Japan for business and academic
exchange purposes on their first visit but can enter Japan for tourism or to meet friends and families on subsequent trips, the ministry said. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced the planned visa relaxation in his summit with Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party last September, and in his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last December. In December, Modi had also announced that India will extend 'visa on arrival' to all Japanese citizens from March 1 this year. PTI
Immigration Post
February 12, 2016
India Post 45
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Group aims to help undocumented students JOLIET, Ill.: When Brian Herrera came to Joliet Junior College, he felt alone and different from other students. Unlike most students at the school, Herrera was an undocumented U.S. resident. He didn't find out about his legal status until he was 16 because his parents wanted him to be safe and avoid his status affecting him. When he came to JJC in 2012, he didn't realize there was support and resources for undocumented students until he came to the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Herrera said many undocumented students live in fear. ``They stay in the shadows and in fear of deportation or being exploited because that's what they grow up in,'' he said. Now Herrera, along with other students and JJC educators, want to make college life easier and more welcoming for undocumented students. Last fall, a new support group was established called Dreamers Advancing in Leadership and Education. ``It takes a lot of courage for students to say they are undocumented,'' said Martha Villegas Miranda, JJC Latino outreach and retention specialist. ``If we know
they are here, we can help them.'' Miranda said the need for DALE was apparent after a focus group was held last spring semester. The goal of the organization is to help students connect with resources, develop their leadership skills and to distribute information about scholarships.
``They are some of our best students on our campus. They want to use education as a catalyst to move from their current financial situation to a better one for themselves and their families,'' Miranda said. One of the issues DALE plans to address is how undocumented
Samantha Ante, treasurer for Latino Unidos, discusses plans to increase membership through public engagement at Joliet Junior College in Joliet.
Miranda said providing undocumented students with access to higher education would help many with their financial situation, establish an educational record that shows commitment and help them with their path to citizenship.
students struggle with access to scholarships. Many scholarships require students to apply for financial aid, and those who are undocumented can't receive federal or state financial aid.
Herrera said it's rare for an undocumented student to complete his or her studies at JJC in two years because they have to work and help pay not only for expenses at home, but for tuition. After JJC student Samantha Ante, who is undocumented and immigrated from Mexico, graduated from Lockport Township High School in 2014, she took off what would have been her first fall semester in college to save money for tuition by working two jobs. She said she gets mad when she sees her friends who not undocumented receive scholarships and have better opportunities for education. ``We want to study, we want to make this country better, we want to contribute to this country,'' she said. Herrera said DALE hopes to support Senate Bill 2196, also known as the Student ACCESS Bill. The proposed state legislation would provide legal authority to four-year universities in Illinois to provide financial aid to undocumented students, according to a website for the bill. Besides focusing on access to scholarships, DALE also plans to address the JJC Board of Trustees in February about the needs
of undocumented students. Herrera said he also wants the support group to collaborate with Latino student group Latino Unidos, which he previously led. DALE is personal for Herrera because when he graduated high school he thought he had few opportunities available to him. Realizing there are students like him as well as support and resources made him the person he is today, he said. Since coming to JJC, he's been president of Latino Unidos and a JJC student trustee. ``When you got to a campus that supports you and is willing to help you, you feel like it becomes a part of your home,'' he said. Herrera said the issues affecting undocumented students have been more visible since the passing in 2012 of the federal program DACA - or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - as it which provides some undocumented youth relief from deportation. Undocumented students are coming out of the shadows, Herrera said. ``They know there is a need to not sit there and stay silent. You will make a difference if you take action instead of living in the shadows,'' he said. -AP
Love stories of early immigrants at museum NEW YORK: Immigrant life in New York City at the turn of the 20th century could be tough - but there was always room for love.
stories of several former tenants who lived in the cramped conditions of a tenement building at 97 Orchard St.
Feb. 12. The evening tours will take visitors inside the third-floor apartment of Fannie and A b r a h a m Rogarshevsky, a Lithuanian couple who shared their claustrophobic quarters with six children. To help make ends meet, they took in a 20year-old boarder, Morris Cohen, a Polish immigrant who made a living selling pots and pans. That wasn't unusual. In 1900, 10 out of the 20 households at 97 Orchard had boarders, with some taking in two or more. The situaThe Lower East Side Tenement Museum shows a love letter found in 1993, seen at the tion often added museum in New York, In time for Valentine?s Day, The Lower East Side Tenement Museum more strain on alwill share rarely-told love stories of several former tenants who lived in the cramped ready challenging conditions of a tenement building at 97 Orchard Street before it became a museum living conditions, according to the In time for Valentine's Day, The The special ``Love at the Ten- museum, located inside the reLower East Side Tenement Mu- ement'' tours will be offered at stored 4-story tenement building seum will share rarely told love the building, now a museum, on that housed 7,000 working class
immigrants between 1863 and 1935. But in the Rogarshevsky household the tight space brought love to their eldest daughter, Bessie, a garment worker. Bessie and Cohen married and moved across the street. Later, they moved to the Bronx, where they had three children. All went well for a while until ... . To find out - and learn more about the love stories of other
former tenants - visitors will have to take the tour. The museum also will share its 1993 discovery of a love letter on the building's first floor. Much about the missive remains a mystery, including who wrote it, because part of it is cut off. But it's believed to date to the 1910s or 1920s. It reads in part: ``Nobody can keep us apart ... I'll give the usual whistle, pack suitcase and we'll elope ... Your own only-est.'' -AP
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February 12, 2016
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Stiffer penalties for immigrants who break the law PHOENIX: The Arizona Legislature made its latest foray into the immigration debate by giving initial approval to stiffer penalties for immigrants who break the law while in the country illegally, forbidding judges from giving them any leniency in the courts. Arizona passed a series of immigration crackdowns last decade that culminated with the approval of SB 1070, which launched protests, lawsuits and national controversy with its provision requiring police to try and determine the
since SB 1070, although Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa, has sponsored several measures in recent years that have gone nowhere. Smith chairs the Senate committee that passed a pair of measures targeting immigration. Smith said he sponsored the bills to ensure that everyone is following the letter of the law. Sen. Lupe Contreras, DAvondale, was the only Latino on the committee and the only member to vote against both measures.
Sen. Lupe Contreras, D-Avondale, was the only Latino on the committee and the only member to vote against both measures. ``We need to fight for the rights of every person good, bad or indifferent,'' Contreras said. immigration status of people during routine stops. The Republican-dominated Legislature has largely avoided passing immigration proposals
``We need to fight for the rights of every person good, bad or indifferent,'' Contreras said. ``When we start classifying certain laws to do certain things to certain in-
dividuals, I can't stand for it.'' The committee passed a measure requiring judges to sentence people to the fullest possible term in jail or prison for new crimes when they have already violated immigration laws. Smith said the bill came in response to a case from last year in which an immigrant who entered the country illegally and was out on bail for a separate crime shot and killed a 21-year-old convenience store employee over a pack of cigarettes. His proposal is designed to ensure that people who already broke immigration laws are penalized if they violate state laws, Smith said. Contreras said the measure could violate the Constitution's equal protection clause, but Smith countered that immigrants who are in the country illegally do not have equal protections under law. ``People who are not citizens of this country are not afforded the same rights as our citizens,'' Smith said. ``You can like that or you can not like that. I don't care. That is the law.'' Another bill by the Maricopa
lawmaker would take state revenue grants from any municipality that enacts sanctuary-city policies benefiting immigrants. Such polices are already illegal in Arizona as a result of SB 1070, but Smith's bill adds penalties. ``All we are saying is, `If you can't follow the law you aren't going to get paid,' " Smith said. The measure defines a sanctuary city as any municipality that limits federal authorities from enforcing immigration laws and violates application requirements for
the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. Still, the measure could affect Phoenix if it enacts a city-issued ID program that would allow residents, including immigrants who have entered the country illegally, to receive banking services, report crimes and get a library card. The Senate Public Safety, Military and Technology Committee passed Senate Bill 1377 on a 5-1 vote and Senate Bill 1378 on a 4-1 vote with Sen. Barbara McGuire, D-Kearny, not voting on the sec-
Smith said the bill came in response to a case from last year in which an immigrant who entered the country illegally and was out on bail for a separate crime shot and killed a 21-year-old convenience store employee over a pack of cigarettes. public benefits that require proof of citizenship. The state does not currently have any sanctuary cities, said Dale Wiebusch, who lobbies for
ond measure. The proposals will now undergo a standard constitutional review before going to a Senate vote. -AP
Florida passes sweeping immigration measure TALLAHASSEE, Fla.: Saying Florida cities and counties must ``follow the rule of law,'' the Florida House passed a sweeping immigration measure that would penalize those who don't cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Florida is one of several states considering a crackdown on so-called ``sanctuary cities.'' The House voted 80-38 for the bill that could lead to fines and even removal from office for officials who fail to follow the proposed law. Rep. Larry Metz said that while many immigrants are ``good people'' he argued that the state needed to ensure local authorities follow the law. The Pew Research Center in 2012 estimated there are 925,000 unauthorized immigrants in the state and that the number had been rising. ``There's too many good people like that in the world for us to say if they are good they can come here,'' said Metz, a Republican from Yalaha. ``We would be overrun.'' While immigration has become a hot-button issue during the GOP presidential contest, Metz said he filed the bill in response to a 2015
incident in San Francisco in which a woman was fatally shot by a Mexican immigrant. The suspect had been released earlier that year by the San Francisco Sheriff's De-
ited cooperation between law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities. The American Civil Liberties Union maintains the number is much
partment, despite a request by federal immigration authorities to detain him. ``It was a sort of a very tragic reminder of what can happen when we have sanctuary policies and we certainly don't want that to happen anywhere,'' Metz said. A House analysis has identified seven counties _ all located in South Florida and in the Tampa Bay area _ that have policies that lim-
higher and that at least 30 counties could be affected by the bill if it became law. But opponents, including immigrant advocates who testified before lawmakers, contend that the legislation would discourage immigrants to report crimes or problems to local law enforcement agencies out of fear they could get turned over to federal authorities. ``I know what it is for someone
to assume what I am not, I know what it is when you speak a different language,'' said Rep. Hazelle Rogers, a Lauderdale Lakes Democrat who was born in Jamaica. ``This is not good for our local communities and the state of Florida.'' Rep. Joe Geller, an Aventura Democrat, called the bill ``an assault on people who choose to immigrate to this great country of ours.'' If the bill becomes law cities and counties would have 90 days to repeal sanctuary policies. Local
prosecutors could investigate violations of the law and courts could fine those governments that do not repeal the policies. Local officials could also be removed from office by the governor if the policies led to the injury or death of someone. Despite the overwhelming vote by the Florida House, the legislation may not make the desk of Gov. Rick Scott. A similar bill has not yet been heard in the Florida Senate and the sponsor Sen. Aaron Bean sounded doubtful it would be taken up during the 60-day session that ends in March. -AP
Datebook
February 12, 2016
NEW JERSEY Upcoming
NEW YORK
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Upcoming
Upcoming
Sat, Feb 13 • Ishqwala Love Valentines Day Grand Gala Dinner
Sat, Feb 13
Venue: RASOI III, 620 Geoges Road, Manmouth JN, NJ 08852 Time: 6:00 pm
Venue: Antun's by Minar, 244 W Old
Sun, Feb 14
• Harry Malhotras Valentines Party
Venue: India Community Center, 525 Los
Contact: 917-325-4903
Time: 7:00 pm
Sat, Feb 13
Venue: Fame Bolloywood Studio (Next to Krauser's Food Store), 488 Oak Tree Ave, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 Time: 5:00 pm
Venue: Carolines on Broadway, 1626 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
• NJTS 2016 Annual Membership Venue: New jersey Tamil Sangam, 30 Ginger Dr, NJ 08837 Time : 9:00 pm
• “Valentine Bash 2016” with “Mastani”
Country Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801 Time : 8:00 pm
• BYOB Valentines Day Party & Couple Pageant
Sun, Feb 28
Fri, Feb 12
• Papa CJ Naked at Carolines
Time : 7:00 pm Contact: 646-481-1687
Coches Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 Contact: 510-673-0153
Sat, Feb 13 • “Surati Ponk – Undhiyu” Ujjani 2016 Venue: Shreemaya Krishnadham, 25, Corning Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035
Mon, Feb 29
Time: 05:30 pm
• Sulekha Seating
Contact: 408-586-0006
Venue: Tester Venue, 123 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036 Time : 1:00 pm
Sun, Feb 14 • Valentine Party 2016 with Evelyn Sharma in Milpitas Venue: India Community Center,, 525 Los Coches Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 7:30 pm
Sun, Feb 28 • 2016 Annual passes
India Post 47
CHICAGO
Upcoming
ILLINOIS Upcoming
Sat, Feb 13 • Valentine, Candle Light Dinner, DJ, Couple Photo Shoot and Games.
1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's
Venue: Dosa bawarchi, 1380 South Main
Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807
Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 650 669 0281
Sun, Feb 14 • Valentine’s Night Venue: Center At Twenty Three Hundred, 2300 Sierra Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95825 Time: 05:00 pm Contact: 4087186678
ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, Feb 13 • Big Valentines Extravaganza Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture Drive, Duluth, GA 30096 Time: 9:00 pm
Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes
Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105
Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105
Swami Ishatmananda
Street, San Jose, CA 95110
Sun, Feb 14 • Gujarati Samaj of Atlanta Valentine Party
Time: 4:00 pm
Venue: Sardar Patel Bhavan, 5331 Royal
Contact: 408-252-1359
Woods Pkwy, Tucker, GA 30084
Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662
Venue: CET Anthony Soto Theater, 701,Vine
Time: 3:00 pm
Fri, Mar 4 • Pankaj Udhas Live In Concert - Bay Area Venue: India Community Center, 525 Los Coches Street, Milpitas, CA 9503 Time: 8:30 pm
Fri, Mar 11 • Purani Yaadein Bollywood Musical Journey Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture Dr, Duluth, GA 30096 Time: 08:30 pm
• Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life
• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822
India Post
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Philosophy
February 12, 2016
India Post 49
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W
hat is Man? It is never possible for you to define Man, because Man refuses to come under the categories of objects perceived by your sense-organs or by mind. All that the sense-organs can perceive are forms. That is all. But Man as such is not perceived at all, not even conceived. One man is distinguished from another on account of his complexion, on account of his parentage, on account of the country to which he belongs, and an account of various other things. But these things do not go into the make of Man at all, Parentage does not go into the make of Man; country does not go into the make of Man; is it possible for you to distinguish one man from another? Impossible. And therefore it follows that conception of Man is brought from Beyond; and that is beyond the realm of the mind. What is beyond the realm of the mind is the absolute Reality itself, and therefore Man stands for the absolute Reality. If you rightly conceive of it, you will find that man is the right Absolute itself, because there is absolutely no instrument by which man can be perceived. You can say he is of that complexion or this complexion, etc. but these are not relevant at all. The complexion does not go into the make of man. And
SRI CHANDRASEKHARENDRA SARASWATHI
N
ow people want to live in comfort and to be pro vided with all sorts of amenities. There is no end to their unseemly desires. In America, it is said, everybody has a bungalow, car, radio, telephone, etc. But are people there contented? No. There is more discontent in that country than in our own. There the incidence of crime is more than anywhere else. It is all right that every American has a car. But today's car is not good enough for them tomorrow. More and more new models keep coming in the market and each new model offers more comfort than the previous one. This means that the American citizen is compelled to earn more with the appearance of each new car. A time may come when aircraft will be used in the US for people to fly from house to house. Similarly, we see such a progression all over the world in the matter of housing. First there was the hovel or the hut; then came the dwelling with the tiled roof; afterwards houses with cement and concrete walls. The flooring also changed over the years. First the floor was wiped with
there it is in that sense that I say: Man transcends mind. Mind is not capable of defining man as he is, well, it shows that the conception was had from the Beyond. It is only the right Absolute that is beyond the mind. Therefore, man when strictly viewed, will be nothing other than that absolute Reality. Q: Then, the God-self? There is something of an objective conception about it when you
name. Well, you have been given the name, J….., by your parents-so you must take it that way. What does it denote? You must tell me. You are not prepared to change your name. From babyhood up to now, you have not changed your name. So it must necessarily denote a changeless something within you. Your body, you will admit, has undergone many, many changes. The body that you did have in ba-
lished in your real Nature. That is what I say. Every name, likewise. Q: Even after dissolution of the body? Well, the Name continues. Because it is deathless. Q: Sometimes our activity is so much that we cannot think Thinking can be had only when thinking is directed to an outside object. Otherwise there is no possibility for you to think at all. If you want to think, you must bring in
Just like God, you cannot define Man Conception of Man is beyond the realm of the mind. What is beyond the realm of the mind is the absolute Reality itself, and therefore Man stands for the absolute Reality. Sri Atmananda (Krishna Menon)
bring in God. But when you bring in Self, there is absolutely nothing of it. The Self is the inmost core of your being. And therefore there is no possibility of mistaking it. If you bring in God, there is always the objective coming in. Q: Just like Man, every name is in the Universal. Yes, it is therefore that the Upanishads say, "Every name denotes the absolute Realty." Every
byhood is not the body that you now possess. Likewise, sense-perceptions have changed. Mind has changed. Everything has changed. And what is it that has not changed, from babyhood up till now? There is only one thing and that is the real "I"-principle. Therefore, J…denotes the real "I"-principle, the absolute Reality. So you stand for that. Well simple thinking, J…, J…, J…, you stand estab-
sense-objects. But here, the thought is going to be directed to your real Nature, and therefore the thought loses the characteristic of being a thought. It used to be attributing reality to the outside world, but here, it is going to attribute realty or give realty to the Reality itself. Excerpted from 'Atmananda Tattwa Samhita - The Direct Approach to Truth'
cowdung; then it was plastered and cemented; the mosaic flooring came later; and the search is on for smoother and shinier surfaces. It is the same case with clothing - better and finer fabrics are being made everyday. Although we are already living in comfort we are all the time using our ingenuity to discover objects and gadgets that will make
ostentatious living in the name of progress. So long as the hunger for new comforts continues neither the individual nor society will have contentment. There will always be feelings of rivalry, jealousy and heart-burning among people. The ideal of equality can be achieved only if all people live a simple life. No man, whatever his voca-
man who has such contentment is the Ultimate Truth realized as a reality. When a person has too many comforts he will be incapable of going beyond the stage of sensual pleasures. If he is addicted to enjoyments, without any need for physical exertion, he will do injury to his mind, and his inner being. Hard work and the capacity to suffer discomforts are
Neither too much ease nor too many comforts The American citizen is compelled to earn more with the appearance of each new car. A time may come when aircraft will be used in the US for people to fly from house to house. our life still easier. However, all the time we are likely to have the feeling of uneasiness with all the comforts we already possess and this means there will be no end to our yearnings. This truth was known to our sages, to our forefathers. They taught us that we ought not to seek more than our bare needs. In this century, people seek
tion, should have either too much money or too many comforts. Above all what is important is that for which all these are intended but that which cannot be truly obtained through them: contentment and a sense of fullness within. Only when there is inner satisfaction can one meditate on the Lord. And only in the mind of a
Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi
essential for those who yearn for Atmic uplift. They will then learn to realize that there is comfort in discomfort and in hard work. Excerpted from 'Hindu Dharma'; Collection of English translation of speeches by 68th Jagatguru Kamakoti Shankaracharya Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi (1894-1994)
The garden of love is green without limit and yields many fruits other than sorrow or joy. Love is beyond either condition: without spring, without autumn, it is always fresh. -Rumi A hush is over everything, Silent as women wait for love; The world is waiting for the spring. -Sara Teasdale Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come. -Robert H. Schuller All men's misfortunes spring from their hatred of being alone. -Jean de la Bruyere We cannot stop the winter or the summer from coming. We cannot stop the spring or the fall or make them other than they are. They are gifts from the universe that we cannot refuse. But we can choose what we will contribute to life when each arrives. -Gary Zukav Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. -Albert Camus Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!' -Robin Williams
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50 India Post
NEW DELHI: Sixty eight years after he had first met Mahatma Gandhi at a post-Partition refugee camp in the city, artist Suraj Sadan continues to be inspired by Bapu and his message of non violence. On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's 68th death anniversary, the National Gandhi Museum here is displaying an exhibition of Sadan's portraits of the Father of the Nation. Miniature models of various ashrams set up by Gandhi ranging from that in Sewagram, Maharashtra to Phoenix in South Africa, have been included in the show that is set to continue till February 14. "I met him when I was 8 years old at Kingsway Camp in Delhi. From that day onwards I decided to draw his portraits and spread his message around the world. Since the year 1969, I have been creating images of Mahatma Gandhi," Sadan said. Among the artist's favorite images he has created is a sepia tinted profile of the late freedom fighter. "Looking at the image I have always found his expression to be sarcastic and I am fond of this image," Sadan said. The artist, who now lives in Canada, organizes an annual international-level competition that encourages people to send in
1234567890123 1234567890123 1234567890123 The artist being honored 1234567890123 by Ambassador C.R. 1234567890123 Gharekhan, Chairman 1234567890123 1234567890123 Indira Gandhi Center for 1234567890123 the Arts, at National 1234567890123 Gandhi Museum 1234567890123
123456789012345678 123456789012345678 At the exhibition with students of 123456789012345678 Miranda House College, Delhi 123456789012345678
February 12, 2016
their paintings of Mahatma Gandhi. "We select the best four among them, two from India and two from Europe," says Sadan. Winning artists receive a cash prize of USD 100. Chairman of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) C R Gharekhan inaugurated the exhibition. "It is a fabulous collection. Despite residing in Canada, it seems he has India in his heart," the former diplomat said, adding that he hoped the exhibition would draw many visitors to the Gandhi Museum in the coming days. "People, especially those living in Delhi, should not miss this opportunity," he said. Apart from Gandhi portraits of several other world leaders including Martin Luther King and Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi whom Sadan considers "a fan of the Mahatma" has also been showcased. Works by the over 70-year-old artist had previously been on display at several prominent places including WHO, UNESCO and Parliament of Canada. In 1969, in the birth centenary year of the Mahatma, stamps on Bapu designed by Sadan for the Indian government were issued in October in the same year.-PTI
On Mahatma Gandhi's 68th death anniversary, the National Gandhi Museum in Delhi is displaying an exhibition of Sadan's portraits of the Father of the Nation.
123456789012345 123456789012345 The artist with ICCR Dy 123456789012345 123456789012345 Director General 123456789012345 Namrata S. Kumar and 123456789012345 Canadian High Commis123456789012345 sioner Nadir Patel 123456789012345
February 12, 2016
India Post 51 www.indiapost.com
Sunny's sons not in six pack fad MUMBAI: Sunny Deol is regarded one of the fittest actors in Bollywood but the star says he does not understand the current fad among the young actors to get six pack abs. The 58-year-old actor is clear on one thing that his sons, Karan and Rajvir, will never obsess with getting the perfect physique and rather work on their acting skills.
Govinda & Raveena Tandon turn judges B eing one of the most on screen jodis of the 90s, Raveena Tandon and Govinda's comic timing have always received acclaim. And now the couple is all set to come together for a dance reality show. While they have had several hit dance numbers to their credit including the cult 'Kisi Disco Mein Jaaye' (from Bade Miyan
Chote Miyan), the on screen Jodi will now be judging contestants in the upcoming reality show 'Shine of India'. Raveena Tandon who was unaware of the fact that her cojudge will be her favorite co-star not only expressed her excitement about shooting with Chi Chi (as Govinda is fondly known as) after years but also mentioned
that they have always shared a common interest in dance and music. 'Shine of India' will also have the dance master and famous choreographer Saroj Khan as the third judge. Raveena Tandon also revealed that this dance reality show will not be a usual one but will have several twists as they proceed.-PTI
Alia Bhatt 'too hot' on Grazia Cover
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oung and sensational Alia Bhatt has graced the cover page of the popular magazine 'Grazia'. Alia confidently flaunts her beauty and looks quite appealing. On the cover page, Alia Bhatt is seen wearing a low-neckline top and camisole designed by Rasa Jaipur and Anamika Khanna, and her shoes are the iconic Jimmy Choo. She is wearing accessories from Pipa+Bella, Bhane, Fendi and Minerali. She gives an intense look and poses quite confidently for the cover page of Grazia India February 2016 edition. She was cap-
tioned under "the heartbreak kid". In the inside photo, Alia was
seen lying on a sofa in a skirt and top with a guitar on her one side and an old television set on the other giving a retro look. On the work front, Alia is currently busy shooting for Shakun Batra's 'Kapoor and Sons'. The movie also stars Sidharth Malhotra and Fawad Khan in the lead. The movie is set to hit the big screens March 18.
Karan Deol
"My sons approach towards cinema is similar to what I have had. My approach has been towards acting and not training for being an action guy. You will not see my sons build six pack abs or something like that for the sake of doing it," Sunny told PTI. "It (creating six packs abs) seems to have become necessary to become an actor. If the youth
today would stop doing that and work on their belief and increase their confidence, then these cosmetic things are not important," he said. Karan and Rajvir have been working with Sunny on his films to understand the craft of acting and filmmaking. "They (Karan and Rajvir) were not assisting me as such for this film ('Ghayal Once Again')... My elder son (Karan) was assisting me on 'Yamla Pagla Deewana'. For 'Ghayal Once Again', they were there in the writing area as I used to discuss things with them," Sunny said. "We are working on a project with my son (Karan). It would happen after 'Ghayal Once Again'. Both my sons want to become actors, they are focused about it. They are not someone trying to get six pack abs, they want to do good work," he added. It is not a conscious decision to launch Karan in Bollywood but as he did not get any interesting script or a good director, so he himself stepped in for his son's debut project. "If we have a great script and director then why not (someone else launch Karan). My father (Dharmendra) did not direct me. We haven't got anything interesting, so I am looking into it and will take it ahead. -PTI
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Beyonce changes management team NEW YORK: R&B queen Beyonce has parted ways with her general manager of five years, Lee Anne Callahan-Longo. The "Drunk In Love" hitmaker has hired Steve Pamon, the former head of sports and entertainment marketing at JPMorgan Chase, reported the New York Post. "Beyonce basically cleaned house, got rid of her whole team, which included her cousin, and hired a new team. She wants to surround herself with business people who could take her career to an even higher level," a source said. "She has one album left to deliver before her deal is up with Columbia, plus she wants to make smarter decisions where it comes to touring, sponsorships and acting roles." Parkwood Entertainment, the
34-year-old singer's company, said the shake up is just due to the addition of "new departments". "Last year, Parkwood Entertain-
ment created new departments and recruited new executives from the tech, business and entertainment sectors who joined the team to help grow Parkwood and its interests … Some senior staffers were given the opportunity to reposition and stay on. Some members … awakened [to] new interests and decided to follow personal routes," a statement read. "Lee Anne CallahanLongo has worked with Beyonce for the last 10 years. Their friendship supersedes business, and while she is no longer an employee of Parkwood, she will remain an imperative part of Beyonce's life." -PTI
Designer Siki Im marches out vampires NEW YORK: Are we afraid of monsters, or afraid we ARE the monsters? It's a question for the ages and one designer Siki Im decided to present in clothes of black, oxblood and aubergine as the second New York Fashion Week: Men's drew to a close. Some of his models were painted in drips of black and yellow as they walked a stark runway in looks that included a killer pair of black leather pants and woolen blazers he should be proud of. These architectural clothes, reflecting his training as an actual architect, are for the truly urban and cultured male, not easily thrown on to run suburban errands or attend a neighbor's cocktail party. But back to his undead. ``We went a little bit crazy this time,'' said Siki, who worked under Karl Lagerfeld and as head designer at Helmut Lang before he launched his namesake line in 2009. ``The collection is about my fascination with vampires, watching movies like `The Hunger' and `From Dusk Till Dawn,''' he explained. ``But I went even further, looking at our fears. We all have certain darkness and the question is embracing that and hopefully
through that process finding liberation.'' There's a certain luxe lurking among Siki's vampires. He used fabrics from Italy that lent texture and depth, including cashmere coats and pants. Subtle prints played out in the wool of a few blazers but also car coats com-
way of Oxford University. He presented two lines at once, his namesake Siki Im and his extension line, Den Im. He intends the two to be mixed and matched. He wanted this show to be raw, strong - and more personal as he has sought out his own inner resilience by becoming less afraid
Siki Im Mens Fall 2016 collection is modeled during Men’s Fashion Week
bined with leather. Some canvas jackets and pants were Teflon coated and tops were furry for the winter season. Siki was born in Germany and made his way to New York City by
of our demons. Death, after all, may not be the end. ``I've learned to be more honest and transparent with myself,'' Siki said. ``I'm embracing my own darkness. There's always hope.'' -AP
Let women wear what they want to: Vidya MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Vidya Balan believes that respect for women should not depend on the length of the clothes that they wear. "It is important that one's view point changes. Girls should be allowed to wear what they want to. Their honor is not related to their clothes. The respect for them (girls and women) should not depend on the length of their clothes," the 38-year-old actress told reporters at the 'Youth For Unity' event here. "It is important for girls to stand on their own feet like boys. There should be no distinction between girls and boys. Even our world is moving to equal space," the "Parineeta" star said. In case of eve-teasing, the National-award winning actress feels girls should act fearlessly. "I think eve-teasing happens everywhere, at some places the incidents are more and some there are less. I have not experienced it after college. Girls have to be strong either (to) beat them up or abuse or yell," she added. At the same time, Vidya feels proud of the achievements of women in every field.
"When I go for any event and I see more women, I feel good that they are in the forefront. Today girls are everywhere and in every field," the "Dirty Picture" actress added.
The "Kahaani" actress is happy being associated with issues related to women. "I am doing my bit. There is nothing else that I want to campaign for. Education, sanitation and women's issues are the three areas about which I feel strongly. Whenever I get opportunity to be associated with such programs I am there," she added. -PTI
Singer, composer Shan Johnson found dead CHENNAI: Singer and music composer Shan Johnson, daughter of late music director Johnson, was found dead in her flat, police said. They said her mother and another close relative went to her flat in Ashok Nagar on not getting any answer from her to repeated calls on her mobile and found her dead. The two stay in another locality in the city. Police said Shan (29) had come to her flat after completing a recording session and was scheduled to go for another assignment. Other details were not known immediately. Shan, a trained Carnatic and western musician, had rendered songs for "Engeyayum Eppothdum and "Paravai" (both Tamil), 'Praise the Lord' and "Thira" (Malayalam), among others. She had also composed music for a Malayalam film "His Name is John."
Shan's father Johnson, fondly known as Johnson Master, was a renowned and respected music composer in Malayalam film industry. He passed away on August
18, 2011. In February, 2012 his son Renn Johnson (23) was killed in a motorbike accident. -PTI
February 12, 2016
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Visiting day at summer camp can be hard
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ometime next summer, a few weeks after sleep-away camp starts and a few weeks before it ends, campers' parents will come for a visit. Will the day be: • a fun-filled family reunion where kids get to show why they love camp so much, or • a stressful few hours that leaves campers homesick and parents sad? You hope for (a) but sometimes you get (b). Here are some tips to make the day a good one.
THE DAY CAMPS LOVE TO HATE ``No more visiting day? Sign me up!'' joked Sandy Rubenstein, coowner of Camp Wingate Kirkland on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. ``It's hard for the camper and for the family, and sometimes it's unpredictable who it affects more,'' explained Sandy's husband, Will. ``There are veteran overnight campers who've been here two, three, four even five years. They can be sailing along just fine and then on visiting day, they hit the reset button emotionally.'' ``Visiting day is beneficial to the parents, not necessarily the campers,'' said Matt Stoltz, director of Island Lake Camp in Pleasantville, New York. ``While
they look forward to showing their parents all that they have learned, they are apprehensive about their parents leaving.'' Aside from the day's emotions, logistics can be challenging too. A few years ago, Amy Selling posted photos and video clips on her blog, http://
mination of wanting to see your kid,'' Selling wrote, ``this just goes beyond any level.'' PUT THE FOCUS ON THE CHILD Back in the 1960s and `70s, before helicopter parenting, before online photos, there was no vis-
AVOID TALKING ABOUT HOME Camp Pemigewassett in Wentworth, N.H., shows families listening to a guitarist by If your camper asks the lake at the camp on visiting weekend. how things are at home, ``don't bite'' and don't let www.luluandlattes.com , show- iting day at the camp Melanie visiting siblings ``needle the ing crowds of parents on visit- Kwestel attended. ``We loved the camper about missing out. As ing day behind yellow ``CAU- break,'' recalled Kwestel, of Fair soon as you can, turn the conTION'' tape - the type used by Lawn, New Jersey. ``We didn't versation back to your camper,'' police for crowd control - before want to see our parents. ... I think advised Matthew Smith, director racing in to find their kids. my parents were happy not to at Longacre Camp, a leadership ``While I completely under- come to camp as well.'' camp for teens in Newport, Pennstand the feeling and the deterAt the camp she sent her kids sylvania. Alternatively, don't say ``you are missing the child so much that you wish camp was already over and that he was home,'' said Dr. Carole Lieberman, a Beverly Hills, California, psychiatrist and former camp counselor who also them, but also fed biscuits attended sleep-away camp and to the birds lest they flew sent her daughter to one. And don't ``push negatives,'' away on not getting any Rubenstein added. ``Some parfood there. ents are like, `What's wrong? Interestingly, the art team also planted a tree that What's not going well?' They they had been transported for the setting. Considering that Ladakh is a barren land, tourists mistook it for a real tree that had been there for ages and even clicked pictures with it.
'Divya' tea in Ladakh
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hen director Divya Khosla Kumar asked her art team to set up a tea stall by the Pangong Lake in Ladakh for a few scenes of 'Sanam Re' with Pulkit Samrat and Yami Gautam, little did she know that the idea would become a hit with tourists. The stall looked so authentic that travelers would stop by and order chai-coffee and biscuits. The movie's team not only obliged
to, though, visiting day was part of every summer. Her advice? ``While we really miss our kids, visiting day is about their needs and not ours.'' To start visiting day on the right foot, Jennifer Topiel of Chappaqua, New York, plans a meeting spot in advance with her daughter, Sydney, 10, who's heading to her third camp summer. And she lets Sydney be the tour guide: ``We trek around camp to see her in action at all of her favorite activities.'' That's exactly what Island Lake Camp recommends. ``Let your child do the talking and tell you all about their experience,'' Stoltz said. ``Let them introduce you to their counselors and their activities.''
push until the kid says something.'' SAYING GOODBYE Visiting day is a great way for parents to ``experience a piece of the magic that camp offers,'' said Elijah Geller, associate director of Camp Manitou in Ontario, Canada. But it's also stressful, reigniting for some kids ``the anxiety of separating from home.'' To help your child transition back to the camp community when the day is over, ``say goodbye quickly, make sure your child's counselor is there and ready to restart the fun of camp, and tell your child you know they will have a great end to camp,'' said Adam Weinstein, executive director of Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp in New York. Camps will turn any lingering sadness around by having counselors ``swoop in'' as soon as parents leave to immerse campers back into upbeat, engaging activities. One thing you won't find at campfires on visiting weekends: ``No strumming the guitar with `I miss my mama and my dog just died' songs,'' said Dottie Reed, who works for Camp Pemigewassett in Wentworth, New Hampshire. IF VISITING DAY IS SO HARD, WHY DO IT? ``Doing away with it would make life easier on us, and on the boys and parents for whom it is a trial,'' said Reed. On the other hand, ``learning how to cope with life's inevitable sadnesses is a powerful outcome of the camp experience, and what better place to practice these crucial skills than when surrounded by a community that is ready to (offer) support?'' -AP
Salman no longer in Revital ad
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hile Salman Khan still continues to be a big draw amongst the filmmakers, the latest news (as per Bollywood Hungama's reliable sources) is he has been dropped from endorsing the health supplement 'Revital', a brand with which he was associated for a long time now. And the person who has replaced Salman Khan in the 'Revital'
ad is none other than India's 'Captain Cool' M.S. Dhoni. Even though the real reason behind the replacement is not known, it is assumed that with the most awaited upcoming cricket season that's about to start, maybe the brand wanted to 'replace' cricket with Bollywood.
Camp Manitou shows parents and kids reuniting on visiting day at Camp Manitou in Parry Sound, Ontario.
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Civilian control in Pakistan after Musharraf
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n 2008, the then President of Pakistan, Gen Pervez Musharraf, allowed relatively free general elections in the country. Islamabad's first peaceful transfer of power from one civilian government to another took place in 2013. Here is an analysis of the state-of-affairs of civilian control over the military in Pakistan, based loosely on the theory of civil-military relations. Military in Civilian Institutions Contesting elections, participating in parliamentary proceedings, and/or manipulating polls, by the military, would mean the military guards itself. In 2010, the 18th Amendment to Pakistan's constitution was implemented, which disallowed military personnel from contesting parliamentary elections. Resultantly, active members of Pakistan's armed forces are not entitled to assume ministerial or other high offices such as that of the President. Nevertheless, clientelism between the military and civilian actors is still a continuing issue, and
policy areas relevant to the former. However, the civilian government should have the final say on decisions, including those on military budgets. In Pakistan, cleavages between the military and the civilian leadership in matters of external defense are fewer, because they often share the same opinion. For instance, since incumbent Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took office, the Pakistan Army has relatively practiced restraint visĂ -vis impeding efforts towards Indo-Pak rapprochement. Regardless, many experts assess a continuing strong influence of the armed forces in these matters. Pakistan's National Security Council (NSC) is responsible for issues of national security, and is currently led by the prime minister as well as cabinet ministers. Formed in 1969, the NSC has fluctuated between being active and inactive. The Council was abandoned after Musharraf's tenure too, in 2009, but was revived by Sharif, in 2013. Between 2013-2016, the Council seldom met - and many
As regards internal security, although the responsibility of planning operations officially lies with the civilian leadership, the military's influence remains high because civilian authorities are heavily dependent on the latter to execute those plans. This is an outcome of the poor capabilities of the police forces, and the numerous domestic conflicts the former remains an important player behind the scenes. Until 2008, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) often manipulated the elections in favor of the military. To prevent this situation in the future, Parliament strengthened the mandate of the election commission. Consequently, manipulation did decrease during the 2013 general election; but did not cease. Influence in Policy Areas Although external defense is the primary duty area of any military, surveillance and control over the operations must lie with the civilian government; and likewise for internal security operations. Furthermore, the military has to be separated from other security-related actors. The military can, however, advise the civilian government in terms of agenda setting, policy formulation and adoption, in other
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MIRJAN SCHULZ
decisions on external defense were taken between the prime minister and military officers itself. As regards internal security, although the responsibility of planning operations officially lies with the civilian leadership, the military's influence remains high because civilian authorities are heavily dependent on the latter to execute those plans. This is an outcome of the poor capabilities of the police forces, and the numerous domestic conflicts. Furthermore, structures of the military and those of other security-related actors, overlap. For instance, military officers comprise half the members of the ISI. In other policy areas, that the armed forces did not intervene when the parliament amended the constitution in 2010, was a positive signal. However, due to corruption and inefficiency in the civilian institutions, military institutions often deliver better than the
former. According to Christine Fair, previously, "the military had submitted a number, stating the overall funds request which would be approved without scrutiny." However, since 2008, the military budget has been discussed in parliament. Nevertheless, the military is not entirely dependent on annual domestic budget allocations alone. The Pakistan Army reportedly owns shareholdings and land ownerships estimated at approximately $21 billion, enabling it to establish an initial framework of a parallel state. Functional Aspects of Military Structures Although a military can independently decide on matters of recruitment, training, and operational doctrines, it still must follow guidelines set by the civilian leadership. Yet, military courts have been set up in Pakistan, the provision for which the military has often abused in order to protect its members from civilian courts. Furthermore, in the past, members of the Pakistan Army have often been awarded unprecedented extensions to their tenures - highlighting the powerlessness of the civilian government. Since 2008, Pakistan's Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) has been chaired by the prime minister. There exists a 50-50 representation of military personnel and civilian authorities in the NCA membership. During peace time, the prime minister's decision is final in an event of a stalemate on use and movement of nuclear weapons. However, during war time, the military can override him/ her. Overall, the 2008-2016 period witnessed some progress towards limiting the military's formal involvement in civilian institutions, and towards a comparatively empowered election commission. Yet, Pakistan continues to be beleaguered by a severe lack of civilian control; and the civil-military power imbalance, especially in the ISI and the NCA, remains one of the most problematic issues. These, coupled with the military's unwillingness to relinquish the control and influence it wields on matters of national importance, indicate that chances of a change in status quo are low in the near future. The writer is Research Intern, IPCS
More questions
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ven after conviction and undergoing a 35 year sentence in the US, American terrorist and 26/11 Mumbai attacks conspirator David Headley has not lost his respect for "Saeed Saheb", the Lashkar-e-Taiba chief and Pakistani mastermind of the attacks. In his deposition via video link from a US prison, Headley repeatedly paid respect to his mentor Hafiz Saeed even as he implicated him and the Pakistani spy agency ISI in the attacks. The deposition has confirmed many facts which were known earlier also but it has raised more questions than answers. One of the major questions arises about the role of the US. Even after eight years of knowing who was the mastermind behind the Mumbai attacks, the US has done little by way of action against the perpetrators and conspirators of the Mumbai attacks although six Americans were also killed in the terror attack. Obviously, the US must have made sure about what Headley reveals and what he hides. It has been speculated that the US was aware of Headley's activities and was, in turn, using him to serve their own purposes in Pakistan. Following Headley's deposition, US State Department Spokesman John Kirby told reporters in Washington that the US, "is committed to doing all we can to assist the government of India in pursuing every possible lead to bring to justice those responsible for that attack to the fullest extent permitted by US law." These are beautiful words but the US has done little to convince India that it means to be severe with Pakistani terrorists. After eight years of the Mumbai attack, the same or allied groups of terrorists from Pakistan are continuing to conspire, train and attack Indian targets - Pathankot being the latest example. If indeed the US had taken some action these might have been stopped. At least it could have punished Pakistan by stopping its generous aid which is appropriated mainly by its rogue army. Another question arises about the US taking two years to let Indian investigators interrogate Headley. Security agencies believe he was not just an informant for the US Drug Enforcement Administration but played a bigger role in South Asia. They cite evidence that the US agencies knew from Headley himself about plans of attacks in Mumbai. In fact the US had given a warning to India about a possible attack on the Taj Hotel In September of 2008, two months before the actual attack. It was reported that Taj Hotel took the warning seriously and security was tightened around the hotel. But since nothing happened, they withdrew security and became complacent. This also fits into the revelation of Headley that earlier attempts to break into Mumbai, particularly in September, had failed. This might have been the attempt about which the US had warned India. Pakistan celebrates Kashmir Day every year where terrorists are allowed to shout slogans against India and pledge to continue their attacks. At one such recent gathering, LeT Chief Hafeez Saeed accused his own Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of being soft on India. Immediately after the Pathankot attack PM Sharif had set up a high level committee to probe if there was involvement of Pakistanis in the attack. India had given clear evidence that it was carried out by men of Maulana Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed. But Sharif's committee has come out with its verdict that there is no evidence to prove involvement of Jaish or any other group of Pakistan in the terrorist attack. This exposes how "soft' is premier Sharif towards India. The hard-practiced denial machine is always overactive in Pakistan. Even in the matter of David Headley's deposition, a Pakistani official has responded by blaming the US and questioning the credibility of Headley because he was "a spy in the drug enforcement agency in the US." This is not very surprising and leads to the conclusion that nothing will come off the deposition by Headley.
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