IndiaPost_04-27-2012 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Ajay Banga elected USIBC Chairman Details on page 20

Senator calls for investigation of Infosys Details on page 34

US corporates plan agenda for UP progress Details on page 8

Indian Film Fest IFFLA comes of age Details on page 9

INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Agni-V test will earn more respect from China? Last week’s result

Will India win visa case in WTO? YES 63%

NO 37%

VOL 17, No. 919

April 27, 2012

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Periodical Postage

INDIA N-MISSILE CAN HIT 5000km

NEW DELHI: India on April 19 demonstrated the capability of launching a nuclear-tipped Long Range Ballistic Missile (LRBM) as AgniV hit a target over 5,000 km away. With this, India has joined an elite group of nations which have mastered such technology. The 5,000 kmrange missile gives India the capability to hit targets in China, including Beijing, eastern Europe, east Africa and the Australian coast. "This launch has given a message to the entire world that India has the capability to design, develop, build and manufacture missiles of this class, and we are today, a missile power," V K Saraswat, Director General, Defense Research and Development Organization, said. He said the missile launch was a major milestone in the preparedness of strategic defense of the country.

Details on page 5

The detention saga of Shah Rukh Khan Details on page 6 & 25

Shinde asks US corporates to invest in energy Details on page 7

Rao discusses US-India with Ros-Lehtinen Details on page 6

Trial begins in Dr. Divyendu Sinha murder case Details on page 10

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 38-39 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 10-18 Date Book -------------------------- 46 Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 40-42 Horoscope ------------------------- 37 Immigration Post ------------- 34-36 Life Style ----------------------- 25-28 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4

SUCCESSFUL TEST: This Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) picture shows the Long Range Ballistic Missile (LRBM) Agni-V (A-5) being launched from Wheeler's Island, in Odisha on April 19.

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Real Estate -------------------- 43-45 TechBiz Post ------------------- 20-24 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

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April 27, 2012

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Visit the AAHOA website www.aahoa.com/convention for complete Convention information, especially the Early Registration Discount

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April 27, 2012

IndiaNewsweekly Post Mission Statement To empower the Indian Diaspora and make their voice strong and effective in countries of their adoption. RJ Media conglomerate offers a credible, professional and complete package of news, opinion, entertainment, networking and information.

Publisher’s Diary

ver the past several months, India's Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao has been on an overdrive selling the India story to every possible group, be it of lawmakers, business organizations, students and academics, think tanks and even mainstream media. Although not overtly stated, it does appear the government of India is desperately trying to beat the pre-election political rhetoric in the US which invariably tends to target Indians and Indian IT companies as job grabbers. Although the US-India bilateral brochure continues to harp on the strategic partnership between the oldest and the largest democracy, and any fissures in the wecan-be-so-good-together bond are being covered up by visiting delegations on both sides, the 'irritants' spoiling the bonhomie are becoming increasingly noticeable. Last week, at least a dozen influential American trade and industry organizations dashed off a letter asking the US government to challenge some recent Indian tax amendments which they feel will be detrimental to the investment climate in India and their future business prospects there. A week before that, India lodged a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization about the cost of US work visas, which it says are too high and discriminate against a group of Indian IT companies. Despite knowing India's critical need for Iranian oil, the US continues to pressure it to sever all ties with Iran; and India seems to be voicing a bit too loudly even its knee-jerk reactions to instances such as Shah Rukh Khan being detained at a New York airport. The US is lusting after the potential returns on India's trillion dollar investment requirements; and India needs the US to patronize its IT companies and also keep its doors wide open to its skilled workers who in turn contribute to India's forex reserves. In trying to squeeze the most out of each other, the two are somehow defacing the façade of friendship. While India and the US can never be BFFs (best friends forever), one is only well aware that this is a relationship where a bit of warmth and a lot of mistrust mix together to make for a mutually beneficial society.

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Mrs won't miss Cannes Aishwarya Rai will make her presence felt this year too at the Cannes Film Festival, perhaps with her baby.

Cover Story: Agni V launched India has demonstrated the capability of launching a nuclear-tipped long range ballistic missile to hit a target 5,000 km away.

Community: Dr Sinha murder Alka Sinha, widow of Dr. Divyendu Sinha, the Indian American scientist who was beaten to death, testifies in court.

Immigration: Infosys probe Republican Senator from Iowa Charles Grassley has asked for an investigation of visa misuse by Indian IT giant Infosys.

10 34

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Life Style: Great entertainer Shah Rukh Khan tells Yale students he was not there to spread pearls of wisdom but to “tell you how to survive."

Techbiz: New USIBC chief Ajay Banga, President and CEO of MasterCard Worldwide, has been elected as the next chairman of USIBC.

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Travel: Shimla Shimla, one of India's most famous hill stations, derives its name from Goddess Shyamala, an incarnation of Goddess Kali.

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India N-missile can hit 5000km Successful test boosts capability NEW DELHI: India on April 19 demonstrated the capability of launching a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) as Agni-V hit a target over 5,000 km away. With this, India has joined an elite group of nations which have mastered such technology. The 5,000 km-range missile gives India the capability to hit targets in China, including Beijing, eastern Europe, east Africa and the Australian coast. "This launch has given a message to the entire world that India has the capability to design, develop, build and manufacture missiles of this class, and we are today, a missile power," V K Saraswat, Director General, Defense Research and Development Organization, said. He said the missile launch was a major milestone in the preparedness of strategic defense of the country. The Agni-V is 17.5m tall, solidfuelled, three-stage missile with a launch weight of 50 tons, which includes a 1.5 tonne warhead. This was the first launch of the missile after the country's defense scientists began work on it three years ago. "The first flight itself was demonstrated in user deliverable mode," Avinash Chander, Project Director of Agni-V, said, adding that it was indeed a rare achievement to launch the missile in such a short duration. The missile was launched at 8:07 hours from a mobile launcher

at the Wheeler Island off Orissa coast. It reached the apex at 600 kms and then re-entered the atmosphere to strike a target over 5000 km away from the launch site. The launch was monitored by three ships deployed in the Indian Ocean and radars were also there tracking the complete trajectory of the missile.

‘This launch has given a message to the entire world that India has the capability to design, develop, build and manufacture missiles of this class, and we are today, a missile power,’ V K Saraswat, Director General, DRDO said The personnel on the ships spotted a fireball as the missile reentered the atmosphere on its way to hit the target. "The sleek missile, within a few seconds of its blast-off from the Island launch pad, roared majestically into the sky leaving behind its trajectory a trail of thin orange and white smoke before disappearing," a defense official at the launch site said Saraswat said the missile had been achieved despite the strin-

gent export control regimes, which developed countries have imposed on India. "This shows that self-reliance in the area of this technology is now becoming a reality," he said. Saraswat said the DRDO would conduct two more validation tests before starting the production of this missile. The DRDO chief said that barring some electronic components, the Agni V was a completely indigenous product. "More than 80 per cent of the missile is indigenous, except for the electronic components which we import. Everything has been designed, developed and produced in our industry and our laboratories," he said. On the road ahead, Saraswat said the DRDO would now develop multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles for anti-satellite system. "Today, we have done a great event for the country. All the team work that has gone in for the last three years has given a fruitful result," Tessy Thomas, Chief Scientist, Project Agni-V, said. A senior DRDO scientist said that the missile would be ready for induction into the armed forces by 2014. "The 5000-plus kilometer range fulfils our strategic needs and moreover we are developing a deterrent capability," former DRDO chief M Natarajan said. "We have to develop a missile to meet our strategic needs and identified threat perceptions and this missile will answer all those,"

he said. New Delhi's deterrence capability will now be further strengthened and it will push its case for having a greater say at multilateral fora. India has at present in its armory of Agni series, Agni 1 with 700 km range, Agni 2 with 2,000 km range, Agni 3 and Agni 4 with

Apart from Saraswat, who is also the scientific advisor to the Defense Minister, a host of top defense scientists, military officials and functionaries of concerned agencies were present at the site to monitor and supervise the test 2,500 km to more than 3,500 km range. PM, Antony hail launch Hailing the successful launch of the indigenously developed missile, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said it represents another milestone in India's quest to add to its security preparedness. Defense Minister A K Antony described the maiden test flight of Agni-V as an "immaculate success" and a "major milestone".

"The nation stands tall today. We have joined the elite club of nations (to possess the ICBM capability)," Antony told Saraswat on phone after the test flight of the missile was declared successful. ITR Director S P Dass said, "It was a perfect launch and the missile hit the pre-determined target and the mission met all its parameters. "We can call it an ICBM as it has the capability to travel from one continent to another," Dass said. "The missile achieved exactly what we wanted to achieve in this mission. This missile from the prime board to launch pad has happened in about three years," the missile's Program Director Avinash Chandra said. The test-firing of Agni-V demonstrated giant strides taken by India in its integrated missile development program, he said. Preparation for Agni-V test had gathered momentum after India achieved successful results from the first development trial of Agni IV, which has a strike range of more than 3,500 km, from the same launch pad on November 15, 2011. Apart from Saraswat, who is also the scientific advisor to the Defense Minister, a host of top defense scientists, military officials and functionaries of concerned agencies were present at the site to monitor, supervise and witness the maiden test of the new generation missile. Cont’d on page 7

China reacts cautiously; says India not rival BEIJING/NEW DELHI: Reacting cautiously to India's test of Agni-V missile, China said the two countries are not rivals and enjoy "sound" relations though the sources in the Chinese establishment feel that the launch can give rise to another round of arms race in the region. "China has taken note of reports on India's missile launch. The two countries have sound relationship. "During the (recently held) BRICS meeting (in Delhi) the leadership had consensus to take the relationship further and to push forward bilateral strategic cooperative partnership," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin told a media briefing in Beijing when

asked about the launch. In Delhi, the diplomatic sources in the Chinese embassy said the "Agni-V launch can give rise to another round of arms race in this part of the world." They were also critical of the media commentary on the successful launch of the nuclear capable 5000 km-range Agni-V missile, saying it sounded provocative. Asked whether China was concerned as most of the country would come under the Agni's range, Liu said in Beijing that "both the countries are emerging powers. We are not rivals. We are cooperative partners. We should cherish the hard earned momentum of cooperation." To another question whether

it would affect the regional stability, he said "we hope Asian countries can contribute to peace and

‘India should not overestimate its strength. Even if it has missiles that could reach most parts of China, that does not mean it will gain anything from being arrogant’ stability." However, China's state-run Global Times came out with a strong editorial criticizing the

launch, claiming that the Chinese nuclear power is "stronger and reliable" and New Delhi has "no chance" to catch up. "India should not overestimate its strength. Even if it has missiles that could reach most parts of China, that does not mean it will gain anything from being arrogant during disputes with China," Global Times, the influential tabloid of China's ruling Communist Party, said in its editorial. Known for its scathing attacks on countries that have disputes with China, the daily said "India should be clear that China's nuclear power is stronger and more reliable." "For the foreseeable future, India would stand no chance," it said in the editorial titled "India

being swept away by military delusion." "India should also not overstate the value of its Western allies and the profits it could gain from participating in a containment of China. If it equates long-range strategic missiles with deterrence of China, and stirs up further hostility, it could be sorely mistaken," it said. The paper noted that India has moved rapidly in developing missile technology. "It successfully launched the Agni IV with a range of 3,500 km last year. Indian public opinion has long seen China as its reference point for military development. Cont’d on page 7

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April 27, 2012

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The detention saga of Shah Rukh Khan SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: "Shah Rukh Khan did not deserve to be detained at all," said India's Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao. She was referring to the recent detention of the Indian actor at White Plains airport in New York where he flew in especially for delivering the Chubb Fellowship Lecture at Yale University on April 12. He landed in a private jet along with Nita Ambani (wife of industrialist Mukesh Ambani). US customs officials detained Khan while clearing the others who accompanied him on the flight immediately while detaining Khan. At a breakfast interaction with the media organized by the Christian Science Monitor in Washington DC April 13, Ambassador Rao responded to a question regarding Khan's detention stating, "I think it's an unfortunate incident and we wish it had not happened." On the reason for Khan's detention itself, Amb. Rao said, "I believe what happened is that his (Khan's) name figures in what you call "the system", I mean the word itself conjures up different images, but apparently that was the reason why he was detained for 75 minutes at White Plains,

NY." Rao added that Khan "deserved to be cleared immediately… I hope it does not happen in the future." Asked if this was symptomatic of how Indians are treated by US government, especially the TSA Amb. Rao said, "No, I wouldn't

‘I believe what happened is that his (Khan's) name figures in what you call "the system", I mean the word itself conjures up different images, but apparently that was the reason why he was detained for 75 minutes at White Plains, NY’ say that. I think post 9/11 you (the US) have heightened levels of checks and we know you are super careful. I see the reasoning behind that, but I wish it hadn't happened in this case because I don't believe Mr Shah Rukh Khan deserved to be de-

tained at all. He was here to address a student audience at Yale and it was a prestigious event, and I wish it had happened smoothly. He is a star and he remains a star despite what happened at White Plains." The incident was almost as if it was scripted. For the second time in less than three years, Khan is detained at a US airport. News of it travels to India. Fans, media and the Indian government react strongly to the "insult". The US government apologizes for the inconvenience and seems to forget about it. The first time Khan was similarly detained leading to an uproar in India was in August 2009 at Newark International airport when he was visiting for a scheduled appearance at an event in Atlantic City. "Whenever I feel arrogant about myself, I take a trip to America; as always I get detained at the airport," Shah Rukh Khan joked characteristically as a preamble to his Chubb Fellowship lecture at Yale University on April 12. The nearly 1700 strong audience, the majority of them students, booed the authorities as they heard their favorite star inform them of his hour-and-half long detention at the airport. "But I have my small victories," the

actor said. "Whenever they ask me about my height, I get away by saying 5'10"; next time I am going to be more adventurous, when they ask me about my color, I'll say 'White'". While intervention by the Indian Consulate in New York saw the actor come through the or-

‘In order to convey the deep concern that has been expressed nationwide in India over this incident, the Embassy of India has taken up the matter with the US Department of State and sought the State Department's intervention’ deal, it undoubtedly left a bad taste in the mouth for all concerned. As the Indian media went to town screaming about the US slight to Khan, everyone from the man on the street in India to India's External Affairs Minister

S.M. Krishna expressed their displeasure and concern over the incident, and the US State Department issued an immediate apology. In a statement on its intervention with the US authorities on behalf of the 'internationally renowned Indian film star', the Indian Embassy in Washington DC said: "Approximately half-anhour after his arrival, the Consulate General of India in New York received information that he had not been cleared by the US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) at the Airport. “The Consulate General immediately intervened with the concerned authorities for his early clearance, which was done within 75 minutes of his arrival. Mr. Khan thereafter left the airport. The same evening, USCBP authorities, through an email to the Consulate General conveyed their profound apology for the incident." The Embassy further stated: "In order to convey the deep concern that has been expressed nationwide in India over this incident, the Embassy of India has taken up the matter with the US Department of State and sought the State Department's intervention to institute appropriate measures to avoid recurrence of such an incident in the future."

Rao discusses US-India prospects with Ros-Lehtinen India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao met with Chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen from Florida to discuss the present state of India-US relations, and

Asia-Pacific region, combat extremists, enhance stability in Afghanistan, and build an agenda for shared prosperity." Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen spoke of shared values and complementarities between India and the U.S. and the broad spectrum of opportunities, including

Their discussion also included the regional situation in India's neighborhood. Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen welcomed India's positive contribution to Afghanistan's reconstruction and viewed U.S.-India partnership as having an important role the global strategic partnership between the two countries. At the meeting on Capitol Hill on April 17, Ros-Lehtinen, who is presently the senior most House Republican in the US Congress, said, "The ever-expanding partnership between the US and India has never been more vital as we work together to ensure peace and security in the

in the economic sector, for the two countries to collaborate. "The future is bright for the US-India partnership, which continues to further both nations' goals of peace and stability in the region. I look forward to future meetings with Ambassador Rao and for the continued vibrancy of this important alliance," she said. On her part, Amb. Rao in-

formed the Congresswoman about the recent developments in the relationship and India's perspective on regional and global issues of common interest. Amb. Rao also gave an overview of trade and business ties between India and the US and the bright prospects for business and economic cooperation that existed in the partnership. The Indian Ambassador further expressed her deep appreciation of the commitment expressed within the US Congress to build a stronger and even more substantive US-India relationship. Their discussion also included the regional situation in India's neighborhood. Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen welcomed India's positive contribution to Afghanistan's reconstruction and viewed U.S.-India partnership as having an important role in contributing to Afghanistan's progress and wellbeing. Congresswoman RosLehtinen invited Amb. Rao to visit Florida, and conveyed her interest in continuing to remain in touch with her.

AMBASSADORIAL EMBRACE: Ambassador Nancy Powell and Ambassador Nirupama Rao share an embrace at the swearing-in ceremony of Nancy Powell as Ambassador to India at the State Department on April 17. Pic US Department of State

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April 27, 2012

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Shinde asks US corporates to invest in energy sector WASHINGTON: Indian Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has called on US corporate leaders to invest in India saying the country is moving on the path of massive investment in the energy sector. Shinde also met the US Energy Secretary, Steven Chu, during which the two leaders discussed ways and means to enhance bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, in particular the alternate sources of energy and energy conservation. In his address to a meeting of US private sector organized by US India Business Council, Shinde said India is moving on the path of massive investment in the energy sector, especially electricity generation and transmission. "Energy security is of vital economic and strategic significance for us. A number of financial, technological and exploratory initiatives already exist with the US in clean and renewable energy and energy conservation

and efficiency and we now need to explore economic partnerships between the Indian and US companies in this shift to clean energy," he said.

In his address to a meeting of US private sector organized by US India Business Council, Shinde said India is moving on the path of massive investment in the energy sector, especially electricity generation and transmission "There are excellent opportunities in India to examine the feasibility of clean energy technologies, which will be a win-win situation for India and the United

States," Shinde said. No doubt India's power sector presents a massive opportunity to the American companies, Shinde acknowledged the concerns of the investors from the US. "I am also aware of the concerns of investors with respect to land acquisition, coal sourcing, financial health of discoms, pricing reforms, payment security and contract sanctity," he said. "Recognizing the need for an overall and comprehensive legal architecture and a policy framework conducive to larger and more sustained investment in the power sector, the Government of India took numerous steps to facilitate reforms in the sector," he said. Shinde said the Indian government has proposed various proposals in the Budget 2012 to stimulate investments. A crucial Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill is under the consideration of the Parliament, he said. -PTI

Chief Justice's remarks can hit 'RTI journey' NEW DELHI: Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi has written to Chief Justice of India S H Kapadia about his recent remarks that irrelevant RTI queries hampered the work of judiciary, saying this may "dampen the RTI journey" of the country. In his letter to the CJI, Gandhi said, "I would like to submit to you that transparency in governance is a cherished goal and all functionaries and instrumentalities of the Government should be striving for greater transparency and accountability. Your comments - correctly reported - may dampen the RTI journey of India." The Chief Justice had said that while the RTI law was "good", certain information being sought

such as about invitations, attending lunches and the like went beyond the limit. "There should be some limit to all these," the CJI

Shailesh Gandhi

had observed. Contesting this, Gandhi said," ideally there should be very few limits to fundamental rights of the

citizens. These limits can only be set by Parliament which has already done this by codifying Right to Information in the RTI Act." Gandhi underlined that transparency law has started making small difference in the "power equation between citizens and government," given hope of bringing correction, making citizens effective monitors of government, and helping to unravel corruption. "Sir, the Nation has very great respect for you, and your remarks could have significant negative impact on RTI. Various functionaries would quote your remarks to justify putting fetters on the citizen's right," he wrote. -PTI

India N-missile can hit 5000km Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 5

Top scientists present at the test site said at least 20 laboratories of the DRDO were engaged for several months to prepare the state-of-the-art missile. About 800 scientists, staff and support personnel had been engaged to make the first ever launch of the Agni-V a success, they said. Unlike other missiles of indigenously built Agni series, the latest one - Agni V-is the most advanced version having several new technologies incorporated in

it in terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine, said a scientist associated with the project. Satish Reddy, architect of the missile navigation systems, said, "The systems have worked with high accuracy...We don't require any more technology from anybody else." DRDO plans to conduct more such tests of the missile over the next one year after studying and analyzing the parameters achieved in each subsequent trial, defense sources said. Regarding the timeline fixed for

fully developing the Agni V, Saraswat had earlier said another year of testing would be required. Known as 'Agni Lady', an elated Katy Thomas, who has been involved with the Agni project, said, "Today we have done a great event for the country. The mission was perfect with all the events being recorded and we had a perfect separation. The stages of guidance system worked wonderfully. "All the teamwork which has gone in for the last three years has given fruitful result today," she added. -PTI

IndiaĂs Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde with the US Energy Secretary Steven Chu at Washington, DC, USA on April 16

China reacts cautiously; says India not rival Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 5

"It seems India's path for boosting its military strength has not met too many obstacles. India is still poor and lags behind in infrastructure construction, but its society is highly supportive of developing nuclear power and the West chooses to overlook India's disregard of nuclear and missile control treaties," the editorial charged. The West remains "silent on the fact that India's military spending increased by 17 per cent in 2012 and the country has again become the largest weapons importer in the world," it said, without referring to China's own whopping defense budget of USD 106 billion listed for this year. The Global Times editorial, however, said "China and India should develop as friendly a relationship as possible. Even if this cannot be achieved, the two should at least tolerate each other and learn to co-exist." "Their status as newly emerg-

ing countries shows the two should cooperate on the international stage. It would be unwise for China and India to seek a balance of power by developing missiles," it said. "The geopolitics of Asia will become more dependent on the nature of Sino-Indian relations. The peace and stability of the region are crucial to both countries. China and India should both take responsibility for maintaining this peace and stability and be wary of external intervention," it said. China understands the Indian desire to catch up with China, the daily said. "China, as the most appropriate strategic target for India, is willing to take India as a peaceful competitor." "Due to historical reasons, China and India are sensitive toward each other. But objectively speaking, China does not spend much time guarding against India, while India focuses a lot of attention on China. China hopes India will remain calm, as this would be beneficial to both giants," it said. -PTI

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India, Afghanistan fail to agree on transit fee ISLAMABAD: India and Afghanistan failed to agree on transit fee for gas passing through Afghan territory under the USD 7.6-billion Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan- India (TAPI) pipeline project, officials said here. Consequently, Islamabad and New Delhi too could not agree on the transit fee for the segment of the pipeline passing through Pakistan, which has linked its fee structure to any India-Afghanistan agreement. Technical teams of Afghanistan, India and Pakistan held talks for two days in Islamabad. Pakistan's Petroleum Secretary Ejaz Chaudhry was quoted by The News daily as saying that the parleys had ended inconclusively. However, Indian officials told PTI that the talks were held in a positive atmosphere and there was considerable progress on all major issues. The three countries were trying to settle their differences on the issue of transit fees, the officials said. Afghanistan will charge Pakistan and India a transit fee for gas passing through the pipeline from Turkmenistan and Pakistan will charge India the same amount as the Afghan side. Chaudhry said Afghanistan had demanded 54 cents per MMBTU (million British Thermal Unit) as the transit fee but this was

rejected by India. Subsequently, the Afghan side made a demand of 50 cents per MMBTU and India responded with an offer of 47 cents, he said. The difference between the two sides was just three cents per MMBTU and could be settled if there was political support from the Indian and Afghan leadership and "a push from the US", which

Teams of Afghanistan, India and Pakistan held talks for two days in Islamabad. Pakistan's Petroleum Secretary Ejaz Chaudhry said the parleys had ended inconclusively is supporting the project, the Dawn quoted its sources as saying. The three countries agreed to hold another round of talks and if they again fail to reach an accord, a pipeline steering committee led by the Asian Development Bank will play the role of mediator. The committee is set to meet in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabat on May 6.

Pakistan has cleared the formal signing of a gas sales and purchase agreement (GSPA) with Turkmenistan. The pact is expected to be signed by Turkmengaz and Interstate Gas Company in the first week of May. Under the agreement, Turkmenistan will supply Pakistan 1.3 billion cubic feet of gas a day (bcfd) at a price equivalent to about 70 per cent of the Brent Crude Oil price. India too will get 1.3 bcfd and Afghanistan 0.5 bcfd. The 1,640-km TAPI pipeline is expected to bring gas to energystarved Pakistan by December 2016 if a credible security apparatus is put in place in war-torn Afghanistan. Pakistan's Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet constituted a committee to analyze the cost of risk sharing for gas transportation through Afghanistan and the overall cost of the project inside Pakistan. The pricing formula finalized by India, Pakistan and Turkmenistan was based on common principles but the base price for India and Pakistan is different. In view of the security situation in Afghanistan and its reluctance to bear the risks involved, Turkmenistan and Pakistan agreed to share the risk with an upper and lower limit of risk costs. -PTI

'Pak security establishment supports trade ties with India' ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's security establishment supports the civilian government's efforts to normalize trade relations with India as it believes the move will boost the country's economy and help create grounds for resolving political disputes between the two nations, security officials said. The Pakistan army supports trade with India because all stakeholders in the country "have been taken on board and the chambers (of commerce) want it," the security officials said during an interaction with Indian journalists. "The army fully supports trade because it will boost our economy," one official said. The security establishment backs the decision to normalize trade relations because it was made by a civilian government that is a coalition of various parties which have all supported the move, said the officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The security officials indicated that since political disputes between India and Pakistan can neither be put in cold storage nor resolved overnight, the two countries need to forge "some mechanism" that showed to the people

The Pakistan army supports trade with India because all stakeholders in the country â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;have been taken on board and the chambers (of commerce) want itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that they are working to address outstanding issues. "Trade may not be the alternative but it shows that the two sides are talking and taking some tangible steps. Unless something is

seen to be happening, non-state actors will get fuel to add to their propaganda that both governments are not doing anything. We need to keep talking," one official said. At the same time, the two countries must remain prepared for "spoilers," the officials said. In this regard, they referred to the situation in 2001, when a terrorist attack on India's Parliament was blamed on the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-eMohammed. That "situation in 2001" had led to the massing of troops "on the border and brought us close to war," the officials said. Giving "ultimatums" about another Mumbai-like assault or an attack on the US will "only provide an incentive to non-state actors" as neither India nor Pakistan can guarantee that there would not be another incident, the officials contended.-PTI

'Major economic reforms unlikely before 2014 polls' WASHINGTON: Major eco- the World Bank, said. nomic reforms in India would hit He was addressing the conthe roadblock and are unlikely to cerns expressed by the US corpohappen before the next Parliamen- rate on some recent decisions of tary elections in 2014, India's Chief the Indian government and its reEconomic Advisor Kaushik Basu luctance to initiate the series of has said. next phase of reforms. Addressing a meeting at the Basu said there is a slowdown Carnegie Endowment for Interna- in decision making. The unearthtional Peace, an eminent Washing- ing of a series of corruption and ton-based think tank, Basu said scams, he argued, is having its that relatively less important bills own impact on the psyche of the might go through Parliament. bureaucracy, who are not willing Post-2014, he said, "you would see a rush of important reforms" Reforms, he said, have also and after 2015 India slowed down because of would be one of the the coalition government. "fastest growing" economies of the Another reason for the slowdown is the battle world. The new govern- against inflation and drop in ment, if in majority, agricultural production would start with the reforms in a big way because there is a sense that it needs to take risks. to pick up, Basu added. Reforms, he said, have also At the same time, he said there slowed down because of the coaare some reforms that need to go lition government. Another reainto fast gear and identified the son for the slowdown is the battle opening up of the retail sector as against inflation and drop in agrione key reforms in waiting. cultural production. India, he said, also needs to India, Basu said, acted on both address the issue of massive sub- the fiscal and monetary policy. Fisidy leakage and that of poor in- nally, India too is impacted by the frastructure. global economic slowdown. After the elections, the govern"We are going through a diffiment of the day would take re- cult year," Basu, who is accompaforms on fast track and there nying Finance Minister Pranab would be a flurry of reforms, Basu, Mukherjee to the IMF- World who is here to attend the Annual Bank meet, said, adding that InSpring meeting of the Interna- dia is trying to go back to fiscal tional Monetary Fund (IMF) and consolidation.-PTI

US corporates preparing 'Agenda for Progress' for UP WASHINGTON: India-focused American companies are developing the "Agenda for Progress" for Uttar Pradesh with the objective of its all-inclusive and dynamic growth, the US India Business Council (USIBC) has said. The Agenda for Progress, tailored made for the state, is being prepared at the request of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. It would be developed within the first 100 days of the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh by USIBC, which is the apex body of American companies doing business in India. "Once Yadav fine tunes the agenda, USIBC will launch a major high-level executive mission to Uttar Pradesh to begin implementation," USIBC President Ron Somers said. "I look forward to working with this forward-thinking Chief Minister to help achieve his goal of

creating jobs and prosperity for the people of this great state," said Somers, who had met Yadav within the very first week of him taking over as the Chief Minister. Somers said he discussed the development priorities for the state, where American investment would be welcome. These areas include farming best practices; agricultural development, food processing, water development for drinking, irrigation, and treatment; connectivity - including by air, by roads, and via the internet. Other areas include health care development, vocational skills development; manufacturing - with an emphasis on Job creation and energy and power development. "American companies are keen to invest in all these sectors - so long as the business environment is welcoming," he said. PTI

April 27, 2012

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Indian Film Fest IFFLA comes of age PURNIMA MUDNAL

IFFLA Founder Christina Marouda, writer, director Prashant Bhargava and actress Seema Biswas (left to right) discuss the making of Patang at closing night gala

LOS ANGELES: As the sun set on the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles late Sunday evening (April 15), the fest marked its tenth anniversary but more importantly carved out a radiant character arc for itself. The festival opened with Bedabrata Pain's inspiring saga of revolution, triumph, sacrifice and love in "Chittagong" and closed with the Los Angeles premier of Prashant Bhargava's uplifting "Patang." The festival's growth was evident - from its humble beginnings in 2002 - it attracted more than 8,000 people who attended the

Actress Seema Biswas speaks to media on the red carpet

ing of age with sophisticated story telling." Perkash's credits include films like Salt and Enchanted. "Indians have been telling stories for thousands of years; it's in our blood," said veteran actor and jury member Iqbal Thepa, who appears as Principal Figgins in the Fox hit TV musical series Glee. Acclaimed actress Seema Biswas graced the red carpet on closing night and shared her experiences during the making of Patang as being nervous initially about working on an NRI project. Beautifully shot

Best jury short film honors went to Neeraj Ghaywan's "Noise" (Shor)" along with honorable mentions to performances by Ravi Kapoor in "The 5" and actress Meera Simhan in "Sujata."Gotham Chopra's film about his father won the audience award for best documentary

Actor and expert Kathak dancer Amprapali Ambegaonkar on the red carpet

for the first time at IFFLA and said the most enjoyable moments were observing Bhargava train inexperienced child actors. Karan Gour's Corrode (Kshay) won the jury prize in best feature Outdoor courtyard at ArcLight Hollywood buzzes with activity at IFFLA 2012 film category. Jury members picked Gemma Atwal's well-desix-day film fĂŞte at the ArcLight Hollywood in old Ahmedabad, the film engages unique served Marathon Boy in the best in Los Angeles. IFFLA received 350 sub- filming techniques to tell the story of a fam- documentary category. Atwal's missions and showcased 33 short films, ily and its hidden conflicts coming to the gut-wrenching documentary foldocumentaries and features with 45 film- fore during Uttarayan, the kite flying festi- lows four-year-old Budhia's jourmakers in attendance. val in Gujarat. Bhargava said the film be- ney from the slums to becoming Filmgoers gather outside screening theatre Aiming to be a portal between the two came the "anthem of the city" and thanked the world's youngest marathon runner before the age of 10; and largest film industries in the world, IFFLA the Amdavadi people for their support. founder Christina Marouda described the Biswas watched the film in its entirety the ramifications of that fame and glory for film and that's what people appreciated," the boy and his coach. Khosa said. "I hope people will realize that journey as: "We have grown Director Rajan Khosa's street kids aren't just street kids, they are and we've learned from our film Gattu garnered the Au- very smart." mistakes and we're celebratdience Choice award for Best ing our most successful fesBest jury short film honors went to Feature as well as received Neeraj Ghaywan's "Noise" (Shor)" along tival yet." an honorable mention from with honorable mentions to performances The transformation of the the jury in the best documen- by Ravi Kapoor in "The 5" and actress Indian film industry has tary category. The film cen- Meera Simhan in "Sujata." drawn attention in recent ters around a spunky street Gotham Chopra's film about his father times from many quarters. urchin's dream and desire to won the audience award for best documenIndy producer and IFFLA escape the drudgery of his tary for "Decoding Deepak" and Anirban jury member Sunil Perkash life in a village where kite-fly- Roy's Audacity (Aashprodha) for best described the changes in Ining is revered. It also earned short film. dian cinema as "Over the a special mention at the 2012 Notable films screened at IFFLA inpast five to 10 years, the InBerlin International Film Fes- cluded Black Friday, Paan Singh Tomar, dian film industry has betival. Local artistes perform on tabla and guitar in outdoor courtyard at IFFLA Udaan, Delhi Belly, Agent Vinod and Loins come a movement, experi"I wanted to make a fun of Punjab. enced a blossoming, a com-

Desi News Pandey elected AIA national president RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

President's Award for Lane Tech student SURENDRA ULLAL

Asian American Institute celebrates 20 years KIRAN SIDDIQUI

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Bill to protect Sikhs from job discrimination Details on page 18

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April 27, 2012

Trial begins in Dr. Divyendu Sinha murder case Wife Alka Sinha gives tearful testimony India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: It was an emotional day in the Middlesex County courthouse on April 12. Alka

"It was the worst day of my life," said a tearful Sinha testifying against Steven Contreras, one of the accused who is on trial facing 10 charges including murder and aggravated assault. Contreras (now 20) was the driver of the car that took the four assailants to and from the scene of murderous attack on Dr. Sinha Sinha, widow of Dr. Divyendu Sinha, the Indian American scientist who was beaten to death by

Alka Sinha

four teenagers near his home in Old Bridge, NJ, relived the moments before and after her husband was attacked on the night of June 25, 2010. "It was the worst day of my life," said a tearful Sinha testifying against Steven Contreras, one of the accused who is on trial fac-

Dr. Divyendu Sinha

ing 10 charges including murder and aggravated assault. Contreras (now 20) was the driver of the car that took the four assailants to and from the scene of murderous attack on Dr. Sinha. While Contreras is being tried separately, trial of the remaining four defendants will tentatively

start on July 10. Besides Contreras, the attackers who were indicted by a Grand Jury in Dr. Sinha's murder are: Cash Q. Johnson (now 20), Christian M. Tinli (now 21), Christopher Conway (now 20), and Julian C. Daley (now 19). Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 12

The second 'Hottest' researcher in science DR ENAS A ENAS

CHICAGO: The Intellectual Property & Science business of Thomson Reuters on April 11 announced the Hottest Research of 2011, a ranking of the most influential scientific researchers and research papers of the year. Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. Dr. Salim Yusuf, an Indo-Canadian cardiologist and epidemiologist was named the second hottest researcher and innovator with 13 Hot Papers in 2011. Yusuf just missed sharing the top spot. Lander had 14 of the most cited papers - called "hot papers" - last year. Yusuf had 13. Several of Dr. Yusuf's articles

are deemed to be citation classics. His work has transformed

bally. This year's group of 15 Hot-

Several of Dr. Yusuf's articles are deemed to be citation classics. His work has transformed the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases globally Dr Salim Yusuf

the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases glo-

test Researchers each contributed to at least 10 Hot Papers,

covering key areas such as genetics, cardiology, epidemiology and cancer research. Eric S. Lander of The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard topped the list of most influential researchers for the second year straight, recording 14 Hot Papers in 2011. The ranking of the top researchers was made by Science Watch, its open Web resource for science metrics and analysis. Tracking researchers whose recent published papers recorded notably higher levels of citations during 2011, along with the most highly cited individual papers of the year, the annual report spotlights emerging trends in science and the innovators behind them. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 14

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Meet on plight of women under Islamic law India Post News Service

DETROIT, MI: The Jessica Mokdad Human Rights Conference dedicated to exposing the plight of women under Islamic law will be held in Dearborn, Michigan on the anniversary of the honor murder of Jessica Mokdad, a 20-year-old Muslim woman from Warren, Michigan The Conference jointly hosted by American Freedom Defense Initiative (AFDI), its Stop Islamization of America (SIOA) program and the Virginia Anti-Shariah Task Force (VAST) is slated to be held at the Hyatt Hotel in Dearborn. After bowing to Islamic supremacist pressure and canceling a speech by Pamela Geller that had been scheduled for a Hyatt in Nashville, Tennessee, the Hyatt reversed its stance, recovered its understanding of the American principle of free speech, apologized and offered AFDI space in a Hyatt for a future conference to make it up the human rights organization. Geller chose the Hyatt in Dearborn to stand in solidarity there with girls who are in danger of being victimized like Jessica Mokdad. Jessica Mokdad, a young 20year-old Muslim woman in Warren, was brutally murdered in May 2011. Fox News Detroit reported: "Authorities say a Minnesota man killed his 20-year-old stepdaughter in Michigan because she left home and wasn't following Islam." Jessica's stepfather, a devout Muslim, tracked his stepdaughter over four states to murder her for bringing dishonor on her family.

Jessica Mokdad "loved Islam" according to her parents.

AFDI Executive Director Pamela Geller said in a statement: "We've named the Conference after her as part of our ongoing campaign to raise awareness and

that is offensive to Islam is increasingly forbidden. We're standing for the human rights of girls like Jessica Mokdad." Geller added: "AFDI tried to

‘These girls have rights, too, they're human beings, and yet they're completely forgotten in our politically correct culture, in which speech that is offensive to Islam is increasingly forbidden’ bring a stop to the phenomenon of Islamic honor killing. These girls have rights, too, they're human beings, and yet they're completely forgotten in our politically correct culture, in which speech

place ads on Detroit-area buses offering help to people wishing to leave Islam and threatened by their families. Detroit SMART Transit refused the ads, and we sued on free speech grounds. We

Stepfather Rahim A. Alfetlawi

won, and the ads were scheduled to run, but Detroit SMART still refused to run them - and the same week they were supposed to run, Jessica Mokdad was murdered. Perhaps if she had seen one of our ads, she would be alive today. This underscores the cowardice of Detroit-area officials and the need for this Conference in Dearborn. We welcome women seeking help and resources to escape dangerous and misogynist households." The confirmed list of speakers includes ex-Muslim human rights activist Nonie Darwish; Sudanese ex-slave and freedom fighter Simon Deng; and James Lafferty of the Virginia AntiSharia Taskforce (VAST), co-host

of the Conference. Also speaking will be David Wood of Acts 17 Apologetics, a Christian group that is suing the city of Dearborn for covering up Islamic honor killings performed in the area - that cover-up, and the resulting suit, will also be a focus of the Jessica Mokdad Human Rights Conference Hosting the Conference and also speaking are Pamela Geller, publisher of the acclaimed AtlasShrugs.com blog, executive director of AFDI and SIOA, and author of Stop the Islamization of America: A Practical Guide to the Resistance (WND Books); and AFDI/SIOA associate director Robert Spencer, the bestselling author and director of Jihad Watch. Stop the Islamization of America is a groundbreaking new book offering the fruit of a veteran national activist's years of experience fighting back against Islamic supremacist efforts to erode our freedoms. In it, Geller offers the fruit of her experience as the national leader of the fight against the Ground Zero mega-mosque and of numerous other initiatives to defend freedom against the encroachment of Islamic law. She offers practical, tested, effective guidance on how freedom lovers can stop jihadist initiatives in local communities. AFDI/SIOA is one of America's foremost organizations defending human rights, religious liberty, and the freedom of speech against Islamic supremacist intimidation and attempts to bring elements of Sharia to the United States.

Unique Hindu Baccalaureate Service at Nevada varsity HARISH RAO

NEVADA: One of its kind baccalaureate services in the world, was held at University of NevadaReno (UNR) on Sunday April 15 evening. "The Fifth Annual Hindu Baccalaureate Service (Dikshant Utsav) of UNR " blessed the graduating class in the traditional Hindu style, complete with applying tilak (religious mark) on the foreheads of graduates, participatory reading of Gayatri Mantra in Sanskrit, keynote address by a Swami and kirtan (sacred chant). In addition, it also included blessings by Christian (various denominations), Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, Native American and Baha'i representatives who recited prayers in Arabic, Pali, Hebrew, Paiute, besides English. Cont’d on page 14

Religious leaders belonging to various religions and denominations blessing graduating students at the "Fifth Annual Hindu Baccalaureate Service of University of Nevada-Reno", after tilak was applied to their foreheads. (Pic Debbie McCarthy)

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Ghanshyam Pandey elected AIA national president RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Chicago-based Indian scientist and a leading community activist, Prof Ghanshyam Pandey, has been elected as the National President of the Association of Indians in America (AIA) A Professor at College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Prof. Pandey has been associated with the Illinois Chapter of AIA for over two decades and has been instrumental in revamping this one of the oldest ethnic Indian organizations with numerous community based service activities. AIA was launched on August 20, 1967 as a grassroots national organization of Indians in the United States. It has applied democratic principles of one member one and has chapters and membership spread across the country. The objectives of AIA are to provide a forum of common action to those with Indian heritage and help them become a part of the American mainstream. The Illinois chapter is one of the largest and active organizations hosting youth and community programs in the Chicago area. The celebration of Gandhi Jayanti by AIA Illinois chapter is one of its signature events which have been conducted since 1983. The inaugural function of the

National Executive Committee with Professor Ghanshyam Pandey as the President will take place at the Ashyana Banquets on April 29. This will be in conjunction with the Annual Banquet and dinner of AIA Illinois. This will comprise cultural events as well as banquet dinner with Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court, and Jesse White, Secretary of State, as Guests of Honor.

Kriplani (Florida), Ramola Motwani (Florida), Claude Moraes (Florida), Chand Mehta (Genesse Valley, NY), Om Dhingra (Illinois) , Nand Kapoor (Illinois), Prem Mehrotra (Illinois), Manoranjan Mishra (Illinois), Beena Patel (Illinois). Anjana Chaudary (St. Louis, Missouri), Ravi Prakash Singh (St. Louis, Missouri). D.C. Agarwal (New Jersey), Bharati Palkhiwala (New Jersey), Ravi Mehrotra (New

The objectives of AIA are to provide a forum of common action to those with Indian heritage and help them become a part of the American mainstream. The Illinois chapter is one of the largest and active organizations hosting youth and community programs in the Chicago area Prof Ghanshyam Pandey

The following were elected to the AIA Executive Committee: President: Ghanshyam Pandey; Vice Presidents: Virendra Gupta, Naren Patel, Surinder Rametra, Durgesh Thakur; Treasurer: Lucy Pandey; Secretary: Salil Mishra; Members at Large: S.S R Mehta (California), Hansa Ashar (Connecticut), Uma Eniasivam (Florida), Rakesh Gupta (Florida), Maya

Jersey), Anwar F. Siddiqi (New Jersey), Asmita Bhatia (New York), Indu Jaiswal (New York), Usha Kapoor (New York), Santosh Khera (New York), Sushma Kotahwala (New York), Sunil Modi (New York), Beena Sabharwal (New York), Yogeeta Purohit (Washington), Kamlesh Saini (Wisconsin), Puneet Saini (Wisconsin) and Shanti Tangri (New Jersey).

Sikh restaurateur obtains exemption to wear Kara DULUTH, GA: A Sikh small business owner who was cited repeatedly by the State of Georgia, has obtained a "variance" to wear his Kara to work at his restaurant. Navraj Singh Banga, owner of Lajawaab Indian Cuisine, was told by a Georgia health inspector that wearing the Kara violated state health regulations. The repeated citations could have resulted in the state shutting down his business. However, the Sikh Coalition successfully represented Mr. Banga in obtaining a variance from state health regulations. Georgia's health regulations disallow restaurant food preparers from wearing jewelry, except for wedding rings. Mr. Banga cooks food at his restaurant. He contacted the Sikh Coalition after state health inspectors told him that no accommodations would be made for his religiously-mandated Kara. However, the Sikh Coalition's research revealed that the state does allow exceptions to the health regulations on a case-by-case basis. The organization represented Mr. Banga in his application for a variance, and argued that the state's position violated state and federal constitutional guarantees of free exercise of religion. On March 23 the state agreed and is allowing Mr. Banga to wear his Kara in his restaurant without penalty. The decision is listed on the state's official "Rules Waiver Register" website, and sets precedent in the State of Georgia. Thus, no other Sikh restaurant owner in the state should be penalized for wearing his or her Kara to work. "I would like to thank everyone at the Sikh Coalition for fighting

Navraj Singh Banga

However, the Sikh Coalition's research revealed that the state does allow exceptions to the health regulations on a case-by-case basis for me, supporting me, and for winning! This victory will raise awareness among the Sikh community and will encourage other Sikhs to fight to practice their faith," said Mr. Banga. "No one should live in fear that the government will shut down their business because of their religious beliefs," said Harsimran Kaur, the Sikh Coalition's Legal Director. "We are pleased that the State of Georgia recognizes its constitutional obligations." The Sikh Coalition thanked Guru Nanak Mission Society of Atlanta, which provided a supporting letter, for their assistance in this matter.

Trial begins in Dr. Divyendu Sinha murder case Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 10

The courtroom was packed with nearly two dozen Indian Americans who turned out to show support to the Sinha family. The trial began before Superior court Judge Bradley Ferencz on April 12, with counsel for both sides making their opening statements. Sinha was the first to testify on behalf of the prosecution. Alka Sinha, 47, who holds a Masters in Computer Science, had been married to Dr. Sinha for 20 years. Dr. Sinha worked as a manager in the imaging division of Siemens in Tarrytown. That fateful evening, the couple, along with their sons Ashish and Ravi were out for a walk in front of their house on Fela Drive when they heard footsteps coming up behind them. As they hurried back home, one of them came up, tapped Dr. Sinha on his

shoulder and said, "Hey man I have to ask you something." Even as Dr. Sinha turned around, they began pummeling him on his face and continued to take turns beating and punching him after he lost

with Alka Sinha screaming for help. Eventually, Dr. Sinha was taken to hospital and three days later, he passed away. Alka Sinha said that Dr. Sinha never left the Robert Wood Johnson hospital and

Middlesex County Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Kuberiet said he plans to call 34 witnesses including doctors who treated Dr. Sinha, Medical Examiner who performed the autopsy, Police officers and detectives, and his sons Ashish and Ravi his balance and fell on the ground. The four teens also beat up Ashish and Ravi who received minor bruises. The attackers ran away when they realized that they were in front of a friend's house. They left Dr. Sinha on the grass

he never came back to his home from that walk. To another question from the prosecutor Alka Sinha said that they had never known the assailants and that there was no bad blood between them and her fam-

ily. She also said that they did not fight back when the guys attacked them. Middlesex County Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Kuberiet said he plans to call 34 witnesses including doctors who treated Dr. Sinha, Medical Examiner who performed the autopsy, Police officers and detectives, and his sons Ashish and Ravi. Hassen Abdellah, attorney for Contreras tried to establish that the defendant was merely driving the car in which the four teenagers who attacked Dr. Sinha came in. He said Contreras did not even physically touch Dr. Sinha and that there was no proof that he shared the same criminal purpose, intent or state of mind as the four others in the car that night. "Mere presence at the scene is not culpable," he said in defense of Contreras.

April 27, 2012

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Ekal Vidyalaya raises funds with concert

One of the Ekal organizers Kamlesh Shah (second from left) with artists Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Ekal Vidyalaya, a no profit body resolved to eradicating illiteracy among children of rural and tribal India, organized a musical concert with artists from Mumbai to raise funds for its activities. The event was held on Saturday April 14 at Glenbard East High School, Lombard, a Chicago suburb. Ekal had invited two young rising sing-

ers Samir Date and Dipalee Somaiya from Mumbai. The program started after a sumptuous dinner with Aum Stuti and Prarthan from Yash Desai and his group. Dr. Hasmukh Shah and Harish Doshi narrated in brief activities of Ekal. Samir and Dipalee won over the audience with their rendering of songs and lively stage performances. The singers used only two musicians one keyboard player (Samit Puddar) and the other octopad player

Children saying prayers during Ekal fundraiser

(Sanjeet Birha). With such a small orchestra, Dipalee and Samir belted out nostalgic old songs as well as newer ones for about three hours. While Sushma Patel provided picturesque backdrop in blue and white wavy design and soothing light effects, Salim Panjwani managed the sound system. Ekal was able to raise donations for approximately 450 schools. Besides its initiative in eradicating illiteracy from rural and

tribal belt of India by 2015, it is also aiming to go beyond this through its four important domains: Empowerment (Empowerment education), Knowledge (Developmental Education), Arogya (Health care Education), and Literacy (Primary Education). Ekal is offering holistic village development through functional education and is in a process to make villages liquor free (tulsi plantation) and land chemical free (Promoting Vermicompost).

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Tech student SURENDRA ULLAL

Ayesha Siddiqui

CHICAGO: 15-year old Ayesha Siddiqui, a 9th Grade student at Lane Tech High School Chicago, has been honored with President's Education Award for her Outstanding Academic Excellence. The certificate duly signed by President Barack Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan was presented to Ayesha by the Principal of Lane Tech High School. Ayesha, a former student of Clinton Elementary School Chicago and daughter of AQ Siddiqui, owner of Evia Travel Inc, is also among top 50 students of Lane Tech High School. The President's Education Awards Program, sponsored by the U. S. Department of Education was developed to help principals recognize and honor those students who have achieved high academic goals by their hard work and dedication to learning. The select students receive certificates signed by the President, the U.S. Secretary of Education and a congratulatory letter from the President. Since 1983, the program has provided individual recognition from the President and the U.S. Secretary of Education to those students whose outstanding efforts have enabled them to meet challenging standards of excellence.

SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Ganesh Gayathri Temple has organized a new comedy play by renowned Tamil actor Crazy Mohan and his troop on Saturday, April 28 at Balaji Temple, Aurora, a south west suburb of Chicago. The play titled "Chocolate Krishna" is nearing its 500th performance. An engineer by qualification, Crazy Mohan with his distinctive brand of humor has enlivened the life of millions with his memorable plays. He has authored 24 plays and scripted 29 super hit films in Tamil. His association with actor Kamal Hassan has produced massive humor epics such as Avvai Shanmugi, Aboorva Sahodarargal, Michael Madana Kamarajan, Tenali, Vasool Raja MBBS, etc. Mohan's movie Arunachalam with Rajnikanth was an all-time hit. The mega event will start at 4 p.m. at the Temple auditorium. Ganesh Gayathri temple at Lockport, IL is giving its patrons a double treat of comedy play and

light music during the presentation. The play will be followed by a light music concert with live orchestra which includes old, new and devotional movie songs performed by the professional artists from the Chicago area.

Ganesh Gayathri temple at Lockport, IL is giving its patrons a double treat of comedy play and light music during the presentation Approved by the Lockport City Council, this event is geared towards collecting funds for the building, sewage maintenance and installation of security system as required by the city. The GG Temple is an IRS approved tax exempt organization and donations to the temple are tax deductible.

Unique Hindu Baccalaureate Service at Nevada varsity Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 11

Organized by Universal Society of Hinduism in collaboration with Indian Student Organization of UNR, it started with lighting traditional lamp before the statue of goddess Saraswati, patron of learning and the arts, and included blessing of the upcoming graduates with wisdom from Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita ancient Hindu scriptures, by wellknown Hindu monk Swami Vedananda from California. Prominent musician Jim Eaglesmith chanted kirtan number "Hare Krishna, Hare Rama" and the au-

dience followed him on the chant. While Vedananda read a universal prayer, all religious leaders repeated after him and raised their hands blessing the graduating students who stood in front of them and all other upcoming graduates in absentia. US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, US Senator Dean Heller and US Congressman Mark E. Amodei sent recognition certificates for the Baccalaureate Service. Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism, recited Gayatri Mantra in Sanskrit and the audience repeated it after him. Education in Hindu tradition has been

The flagship institution of the state established in 1874, UNR is one of the top 120 universities in America for funded research having internationally known researchers in renewable energy, earthquake engineering, environment, etc

deep rooted, Rajan Zed pointed out and added that after many important universities in ancient India, like Taxila, Nalanda, Sarnath, Amaravati, Banaras, Kanchi and Ujjain; great Indian universities also flourished in medieval period, like Odantapura (745 CE), Vikramasila (810 CE), Somapura (480 CE), Jagaddala (1090 CE). Washoe County issued a special Resolution to mark the significance of First Annual Hindu Baccalaureate Service of UNR. Baccalaureate service basically means service where a sermon is delivered to the graduating class. In use since the eighth century, origins of the baccalaureate service point to an Oxford University

statute of 1432, which required each bachelor to deliver a sermon in Latin as part of the academic exercise. The flagship institution of the state established in 1874, UNR is one of the top 120 universities in America for funded research having internationally known researchers in renewable energy, earthquake engineering, environment, etc. It is helping to create the world's most accurate atomic clock and is home to one of the largest earthquake-simulation labs. Various Hollywood movies have been shot at UNR, which has about 18,000 students with Marc Johnson as interim President.

The second 'Hottest' researcher in science Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 10

Dr Yusuf has been included in the top 15 most influential researchers in the world several times, including being ranked in 2009 as No.8, and now no. 2 in 2012. He is likely the most influential health researcher of Indian origin of all time. Making it more remarkable is that Yusuf does clinical research. Usually the top spots are taken by genetics. His work on heart disease, stroke, blood clots and the causes of illness are cited by other

scientists more often than any other researcher except one famed geneticist Dr. Eric Lander, president and founding director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. Dr Yusuf has been the chief scientific advisor to CADI (Coronary Artery Disease among Asian Indians) Research Foundation USA from its very inception. He is also an esteemed member of the AKMG which represents more than 3000 Indian physicians of Kerala heritage in the US and Canada.

Community Across America

April 27, 2012

India Post 15

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Jalaram Mandir health fair a big success

Group of people waiting for their turn Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: The third annual health fair organized at Shree Jalaram Mandir in Hoffman Estates, a northwest suburb of Chicago on Sunday, April, 15 was a great success by all accounts. More than 325 patients availed the free services provided at this health fair - a community service program mainly for the benefit of devotees and all those without medical insurance, visitors and others in need of medical checkups. People came from all over Chicago Metropolitan area and more than 100 enthusiastic health care volunteers of Jalaram Mandir participated to make this community service event a success. Bakulbhai Thakkar, one of the main coordinators and Chiryau Parikh, the president, were overjoyed at the success of the fair and they thanked the volunteers and doctors for their services. The fair started at 8 am and concluded at 1 pm. According to

surance coverage, or had no access to medical services due to transportation or language barrier, due to economic constraints or residency requirements. Volunteers managed the flow of patients from one station to another in a smooth fashion without much chaos or confusion. Patients received height, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, urine analysis, EKG and bone density testing. Specialty consultants of internal medicine, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology, dentistry, podiatry and optometry rendered free services at this event. Attendees were served hot Masala Chai, breakfast and snack after blood work was completed. At the conclusion of the event, hot lunch was provided to all the hard working volunteers. The following are Trustees and Office Bearers of Shree Jalaram Mandir 2011-2013: Trust Board Members: Madhusudan Thakkar, Chairman,

Patient being examined for BP

Mandir organizers and volunteers

tor. Chandrakant Thakkar, Kitchen Coordinator. Dr. Ghanshyambhai Thakkar, Dinish Thakkar. Executive Board Members: Chirayu Parikh, President, Bhupendra Thakkar, Vice President, Vipul Thakkar, General Secretary, Ravi Thakkar, Treasurer, Rajendra Thakkar, Finan-

Attendees were served hot Masala Chai, breakfast and snack after blood work was completed. At the conclusion of the event, hot lunch was provided to all the hard working volunteers Doctors & pharmacist volunteering at the fair

Chirayu Parikh, the primary goal was to provide comprehensive medical checkup and needed consultations with various specialists all under one roof. Most attendees who took advantage of this event were those who could not afford medical in-

Hasmukh Thakkar, Vice Chairman, Yogesh Thakkar, Secretary, Jasvant Patel, Comptroller, Dharmendra Thakker, Treasurer, Arvind Thakkar, Construction Coordinator, Ashwin Thakkar, Cultural, Coordinator. Chandubhai Thakkar, Maintenance Coordina-

cial Auditor, Rajni Modi, Publication & Mailing, Saurin Thakkar, Parking Coordinator, Ramesh Thakkar, Kitchen Coordinator, Rajesh Thakkar, Cultural Secretary, Jigna Thakkar, Youth Coordinator, Bakul Thakkar, Public Relations.

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April 27, 2012

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Asian American Institute celebrates 20 years KIRAN SIDDIQUI

CHICAGO: Asian American Institute (AAI), a member of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice, hosted its 14th annual Milestone Awards at Harold Washington Library on Tuesday April 17. The event, both a fundraiser and a celebration of AAI's 20th anniversary drew attendees from both the public and private sector, including Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. The program, emceed by local Fox news reporter Joanie Lum included an address from Helen Zia, activist and former editor of Ms. Magazine, a speech from Executive Director Tuyet Le, and an awards presentation to 12 community partners; all members of the Pan Asian Voter Empowerment group (PAVE). The awardees were: Alliance of Filipinos for Immigrant Rights and Empowerment, Cambodian Association of Illinois, Chinese American Service League, Chinese Mutual Aid Association, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, Hamdard Center, IndoAmerican Center, Korean American Community Services, Korean American Resource and Cultural Center, Lao American Community Services, Lao American Organization of Elgin and Muslim Women Resource Center. This year PAVE actively organized its membership for Springfield Advocacy day on February 29 presenting an Asian American legislative agenda to elected officials. The second half of the event

included a reception in the Winter Garden where local band Funkadesi performed and raffle prizes were awarded. The Mile-

The second half of the event included a reception in the Winter Garden where local band Funkadesi performed and raffle prizes were awarded

Celebration of 20 years of Asian American Institute

stone Awards represent AAI's largest annual fundraising event, and this year, an opportunity to showcase its major accomplishments and partners from the last 20 years.

Vedic Day Care Center celebrates Ram Navmi KRISHNA DAS

CHICAGO: The Vedic Day Care Center, a pre-school and kindergarten educational facility, celebrated its annual Ram Navmi function on Sunday April 8. Close to 100 teachers, parents and invited guests attended the program. The children of the Vedic Day Care Center recited Bhagavad Gita slokas, sang nursery songs and performed folk dances. There were two plays, one based on Lord Ram's pastime and another based on Lord Krishna's pastime. The director of the Center, Vrashabh Das, briefly enlightened the crowd on the progress of the

Vedic Day Care Center children with organizers and guests

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facility and spoke on the significance of Ram Navmi. "The Day Care Center is really appreciative of the generous donations made by the parents of children and the community leaders for their help and donations," Das said. Parents were honored to show the gratitude of the Day Care. Amongst the many that financially

"The Day Care Center is really appreciative of the generous donations made by the parents of children and the community leaders for their help and donations" supported the Center are Bharat Rabari & family, Chetan Patel & family, Sohan Joshi, Mahesh Panchal, Piyush Desai, Roopal Bhrambhatt, Kalpesh Patel, Dr. Modi, Dr. Agarwal, Hansa Ben of Swati Restaurant, Valabbhai Patel and Niru Kapadia of Jai Hind Restaurant.

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April 27, 2012

India Post 17

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Rangla Punjab 2012 a memorable event RAJINDER SINGH MAGO

Punjabi youth doing an item

CHICAGO: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) presented their flagship annual event "Rangla Punjab 2012" to celebrate Vaisakhi festival on Saturday April 7 at Copernicus Theater in Chicago. More than 250 performers rendered 30 delightful variety acts in a show attended by more than 1500 guests. Punjabi Cultural Society of Chi-

young boys and girls to exceptionally entertaining adult artists in a variety of colorful costumes from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa performed their best on stage. Well choreographed and energetic college Bhangra teams "University of Chicago Bhangra," Illinois Institute of Technology "Tech De Fateh," University of Illinois

PCS women artists presenting a performance

ence. The program opened with singing of a prayer "shabad" by a group of young children. Divided in four segments, the program was emceed by Mona Bhalla, Harpreet Singh Grewal, Thakar Singh Basati, and Gurmukh Singh Bhullar. Sajid Caudhary entertained the audience with Punjabi poetry. Siobhan and Mehervaan Henegan and Mona Bhalla ren-

PCS program starting with prayer by children

cago (PCS) has been organizing this traditional Punjabi cultural program "Rangla Punjab" for more than two decades. Mrs. & Dr. Bhupinder Singh Saini of Advanced Pain Management Clinics in Wisconsin were the chief guests. The program included Bhangra, Giddha, Punjabi songs, music, poetry, recognition of sponsors, guests, and the P.C.S. officials including the 2012 new board of directors. Bhangra and Giddha artists of all ages ranging from talented

Chicago "UIC Bhangra," "DePaul University Bhangra," and Iowa State University Ames Iowa "I.S.U. Bhangra" were a delight to watch. The Giddha dance moves by the colorfully dressed ladies from "Milwaukee Giddha" team performed with a serious message to stop female infanticide, and "Giddhe Diyan Ranian," the young Chicago Giddha team, and "Shaunkanna Chicago Diyan" won the hearts of the audience. PCS vice president Surinder Singh Sangha welcomed the audi-

dered melodious Punjabi songs. PCS recognized its permanent Board of Governors and Board of Advisors. The new Board of Directors for 2012 as announced are Dr. Amarjit Singh (Hon. Chairman), Baljit Singh Sidhu (President), Surinder Singh Sangha (V. President and Finance Secretary), Pardeep Singh Deol (Executive Secretary), Harpreet Singh Grewal (Sports Director), Gurmit Singh Dhillon (Youth Director), and Vick Singh (Inter-community Director). The immediate past President Balwinder Singh Girn was honored

with a plaque for his excellent services by the chief guest Dr. Bhupinder Singh Saini. President Baljit Singh Sidhu and the PCS officials honored the Chief guests Mrs. & Dr. Bhupinder Singh Saini with a plaque for his continuous support. Irene Cualoping, Managing Partner, ENERI Communications, said that it was "always great to feel the energy in "this theater" at "this event." ENERI Communications will be presenting this year "Music on My Mind," the release of the 2012 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Commemorative Bookmark, in Chicago land. PCS is one of the honorees on this year's bookmark. 10,000 commemorative bookmarks will be printed and distributed all over through community groups, schools, libraries and governmental entities. Prominent musical art-

ist and filmmaker Tatsu Aoki will be presenting a short video tribute featuring the honorees. Many youth volunteers also helped in organizing and running the show. The theater stage was beautifully decorated by Silverleaf Events and Wedding Designs Inc. The next P.C.S. participation programs are: "Passport to the World - India" at Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier on May 20, 2012. The upcoming P.C.S. organized events are "Punjabi Youth Graduation & Scholarship Night" on June 17 at Viceroy of India Banquets in Lombard, IL. All the Punjabi graduates are requested to register with PCS. "PCS Sports Festival" including a basketball tournament is slated for July 28 and July 29 at Community Park, Addison IL.

Community/California

18 India Post

April 27, 2012

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Bill to protect Sikhs from job discrimination

India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Surrounded by members of the interfaith community, California Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada held a press conference here at the West Sacramento Gurdwara to unveil legislation to protect Sikhs and others from job discrimination in the workplace. The legislation, known as the Workplace Religious Freedom Act of 2012 (AB1964), will be considered by two legislative committees this month. California Sikhs continue to experience job discrimination because of their Sikh articles of faith. According to a Sikh Coali-

tion report published in 2010, approximately 12% of Sikhs in the San Francisco Bay Area believe that they have experienced job dis-

vulnerable to workplace segregation. If AB1964 passes, it will significantly reduce job discrimination against Sikhs and other reli-

The Sikh Coalition expressed gratitude to Assemblywoman Yamada and her staff for introducing AB1964, and to the Sikh sangat and committee members of Gurdwara Sahib West Sacramento crimination. Major law enforcement agencies in California refuse to hire Sikhs. In addition, loopholes in federal law make Sikhs

gious minorities and outlaw segregation in California, one of the largest economies in the world. The proposed law is part of the Sikh

Coalition's ongoing efforts to strengthen civil rights laws throughout the nation. Last fall, a six-year effort by the Sikh Coalition culminated in New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg signing into law a city version of the Workplace Religious Freedom Act. In a statement, the Sikh Coalition expressed gratitude to Assemblywoman Yamada and her staff for introducing AB1964, and to the Sikh sangat and committee members of Gurdwara Sahib West Sacramento, including Public Relations Officer, Mr. Darshan Singh Mundy, for hosting the press conference and promoting interfaith understanding and civic engagement in their community.

Gill outraises McNerney - again India Post News Service

Ricky Gill

LODI, CA: Congressional candidate Ricky Gill reported receiving more than $316,000 in contributions in the first quarter of 2012, a total that exceeds incumbent Rep. Jerry McNerney's take of $267,000. Gill, a Lodi small business owner and family farmer, now has outraised Pleasanton's McNerney in three of four

fundraising quarters. Gill also ended the first quarter with more cash on hand ($988,000) than McNerney ($937,000). Gill now has raised more than $1.1 million since entering the race in mid-2011, almost exclusively from individuals and largely from the San Joaquin Valley and Delta areas of the 9th Congressional District. Gill consistently has outraised

McNerney despite the incumbent having accepted more than $425,000 from PACs this cycle alone. "It's humbling to see our grassroots support translate into another strong fundraising quarter," said Gill. "Unlike my opponent, I draw my financial support primarily from voters in the 9th District, where I was born and raised."

April 27, 2012

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Tech News Air India posts healthy growth revenue MUMBAI: Riding on high yields and an increased passenger load factor, state-owned Air India posted a healthy 46 per cent revenue growth last month over the same period last year, airline sources said. "The yields on domestic sector had significant improvement of 38.5 per cent in March vis-a-vis last year. The seat factor during this period also increased nearly 7.9 per cent. Consequently, the airline posted a healthy growth in revenue of 46.1 per cent," the sources told PTI. On international routes too, the airline put up a good performance, clocking a nearly 33 per cent growth in passenger revenue. The higher growth came on the back of an eight per cent jump in load factor and higher yields at 28 per cent.-PTI

Microsoft, Google win Indian developer awards

lobal software major Microsoft and global search engine Google bagged the Great Indian Developer Awards 2012 for innovative products and applications at the IT developers' fifth annual summit in Bangalore. Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 has been selected in the development environment category and Google Android in the mobile development category for the prestigious awards, instituted by Saltmarch Media, a platform of professionals from diverse sectors with an objective of informing, networking and serving them with information, evaluation and guidance to excel in their jobs.

PayPal executive to lead Yahoo business

ahoo! the premier digital me dia company, has announced that former PayPal executive, Sam Shrauger, and current Yahoo! executive, Mollie Spilman, will co-lead the new consumer commerce business unit for Yahoo!. Both executives will hold titles of senior vice president, reporting to CEO, Scott Thompson and sit on Thompson's executive leadership team. Under Shrauger and Spilman's leadership, the new commerce business will focus on delivering engaging and personalized consumer commerce experiences which will connect consumers to marketers and merchants.

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April 27, 2012

Upgraded Aakash tablet launch next month NEW DELHI: A faster and enhanced version of low-cost tablet PC, Aakash, would be launched next month, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said here. "The second version of Aakash will be launched in May," Mr. Sibal told reporters on the sidelines of World IT forum 2012 in New Delhi. The tablet will be produced domestically, and in this regard the government is talking to various manufacturers from across the world.

MasterCard CEO Ajay Banga elected Chairman of USIBC India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Ajay Banga, President and CEO of MasterCard Worldwide, has been elected as the next chairman of the US-India Business Council (USIBC), the organization's Board of Directors announced. The transition comes at the end of a record-setting twoyear term by USIBC's previous Chairman, Harold "Terry" McGraw III, President, Chairman, and CEO of The McGraw-Hill Companies. "The US-India relationship is strong and only going to get stronger over the long term," said McGraw. "We have made good progress to improve the trade and investment environment and pushed aggressively on an agenda that supports economic and job growth in both of our countries. By expanding the partnership between our two nations over the next several years, including passage of a bilateral investment treaty, we can move from $100 billion in two-way trade to $500 billion by the end of the decade."

During his time as Chairman of USIBC, McGraw blazed an equally impressive path by adding nearly 100 new member companies while increasing staff levels two-fold to more effectively serve members. "As a long time supporter and

McGraw," said Banga. "It is an exceptional honor to be entrusted with such a legacy and I look forward to building on their successes as USIBC's next Chairman." Banga joined MasterCard as President and Chief Operating Of-

on Foreign Relations, the Business Roundtable, and the Foreign Policy Association. "The USIBC Board is delighted to have Ajay serve as Chairman," McGraw added. "His deep business experience in India, as well his global business acumen and leader"The USIBC Board is delighted to ship, will be enormously helpful as we have Ajay serve as Chairman," move forward to reMcGraw added. "His deep busi- alize the full potenness experience in India, as well tial of closer US-Inrelations." his global business acumen and dia"MasterCard's leadership, will be enormously activities in India empowering people via helpful as we move financial inclusion forward to realize the and making available full potential of closer to every segment of Indian society innoUS-India relations" Ajay Banga vative payment solutions are central to member of USIBC, I have wit- ficer in August 2009 and was later the future US-India growth story," nessed the Council's stature and named President and CEO, effec- said USIBC President, Ron Somers. influence rise dramatically as a di- tive July 1, 2010. He currently "I look forward to working closely rect result of the iconic leadership serves on the board of Kraft with Ajay and the USIBC Board to provided by former chairs Chip Foods and is a member of such build on the India Council's proud, Kaye, Indra Nooyi, and Terry prestigious groups as the Council 37-year history."

Citi shareholders against $15 mn package for Pandit NEW YORK: Showing frustration with large payouts to Wall Street executives, Citigroup's shareholders have voted against the bank's proposal on top level compensations, which included a USD 15 million package for its Indiaborn CEO Vikram Pandit. The vote came at Citi's annual shareholder meeting held in Dallas. While the vote is not binding, it is the first time that investors at one of America's largest banks have voted against a board's compensation plan, the New York Times said. Only 45 per cent of shareholders supported the plan while the rest voted against the proposal on executive compensation, which included approving Pandit's USD 15 million pay

package. Since Citi does not have to act

packages but the rejection nonetheless sends out a strong sig-

Vikram Pandit

on the vote, Pandit and other top executives could still get their

nal. "Citi's board of directors takes

the shareholder vote seriously, and along with senior management will consult with representative shareholders to understand their concerns," said Jon Diat, a spokesman for Citi. Last year, Pandit's USD 14.9 million compensation included USD 1.67 million salary and USD 5.3 million cash bonus. He had also received a retention package valued at USD 40 million. However, at the height of the financial crisis in 2009, Pandit had said he will take home just a dollar as salary. "CEOs deserve good pay, but there's good pay and there's obscene pay," the report quoted Brian Wenzinger, a principal at a Philadelphia money management company that voted against the pay package, as saying. -PTI

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April 27, 2012

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IMF lowers India's 2012 growth projection to 6.9 pc WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has marginally lowered India's economic growth forecast to 6.9 per cent in 2012, from 7 per cent projected earlier, on weak global and domestic demand. In its World Economic Outlook (WEO), released ahead of the IMFWorld Bank Spring Meetings here, the IMF said that world economic growth rate would slump to 3.5 per cent from 3.9 per cent in 2011. As regards India, the WEO lowered India's growth forecast for 2012 to 6.9 per cent, from earlier projection of 7 per cent made in January. It has pegged India's growth during the 2013 calendar year at 7.3 per cent and for 2011 it was 7.2 per cent. "In emerging Asia, including India, strengthening domestic demand will require improving the conditions for private investment, including by addressing infrastructure bottlenecks and enhancing governance and public service

delivery," WEO said. Referring to the declining growth rate in India, the WEO said domestic factors also contributed to the slowdown, as a deteriora-

"In emerging Asia, including India, strengthening domestic demand will require improving the conditions for private investment, including by addressing infrastructure bottlenecks” tion in business sentiment weakened investment and policy tightening raised borrowing costs. As per the estimates of India's Central Statistical Organization

(CSO), the growth rate during the financial year 2011-12 slipped to a 3-year low of 6.9 per cent. While the government has projected a growth rate of 7.6 per cent for the current financial year which began on April 1, 2012, the Reserve Bank of India expects it to be 7.3 per cent. The WEO said that "fiscal consolidation remains a priority in India, to anchor confidence and rebuild room to meet future challenges". The IMF said that the room for further easing of monetary policies in countries with high inflation, including India, is constrained. "Although monetary tightening has been appropriately paused in many Asian economies, and cautiously reversed in some, room for further easing is constrained in economies where underlying inflation pressures remain (India, Indonesia, Korea)," the IMF report said. After a gap of three years,

India's Reserve Bank has lowered the interest rates by 0.50 per cent thereby making credit cheaper. India Inc has been demanding easing of interest rates in view of

“Growth is going to be slow in advanced economies; sustained, but not great, in emerging market and developing economies. But the risk of things turning bad again in Europe is high” slowing investments and slumping industrial output. As regards Asia, the IMF said the outlook has been deemed on account of weaker external demand

and growth in the region would average 6 per cent in 2012. "For the past six months we have been on a roller coaster ride," IMF Chief Economist Olivier Blanchar said. "Our baseline is that growth is going to be slow in advanced economies; sustained, but not great, in emerging market and developing economies. But the risk of things turning bad again in Europe is high," he said. The IMF report emphasized that governments should strengthen policies to solidify the weak recovery and contain potential risks that can weigh on consumer and investor confidence. "Advanced economies should implement medium-term budgetary savings, but not in a way that could undermine the recovery. In developing countries and emerging markets, policies should be geared toward ensuring a soft landing for economies that have seen sustained credit growth," it added. -PTI

Amending tax rules won't hurt India warns UK on tough visa norms investments: Sharma LONDON: India's move to amend the Income Tax act retrospectively is not Vodafone-specific and won't hurt the country's investment climate, the visiting Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma has said. "The clarificatory amendment is retrospective in character and it was not Vodofone-specific. I don't

"The clarificatory amendment is retrospective in character and it was not Vodofone-specific. I don't see, in any manner, the investment climate will be hurt," Sharma said at a media briefing here, after meetings with Britain's Chancellor of Exchequer George Osborne see, in any manner, the investment climate will be hurt," Sharma said at a media briefing here, after meetings with Britain's Chancellor of Exchequer George Osborne and Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills Vince Cable. "India remains one of the best investment destinations.

Returns on investment in India are the highest in the world," he added. Sharma said the issue was discussed when Chancellor Osborne met Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in Delhi. "We have a very stable tax regime and policy regime which is judicious," Sharma said, adding that the Finance Minister will re-

challenged the move. The Supreme Court ruling held that Vodafone wasn't liable to pay tax on the deal, following which the government has proposed to amend the tax laws retrospectively to bring in the net such deals. On Pakistan's move to grant India the Most Favored Nation (MFN) status, Sharma said, "In the last one year there has been much

Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Textiles Anand Sharma meeting the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, in London

spond to debate in Parliament on the issue. UK-based mobile operator Vodafone purchased Hong Kongbased Hutchison's telecom business, which included operations in India, in 2007 for about USD 11.2 billion. Indian income tax authorities said the deal will attract tax on it and sought Rs 11,000 crore from Vodafone, which

forward movement. There is a growing realization that economic engagement can yield positive dividends." He said, however, that it is well below the potential -- given the trade between the two countries, the formal trade is less than USD 3 billion, while informal trade through 3rd countries is close to USD 10 billion.-PTI

LONDON: India has warned the operations of Indian companies UK that its IT majors may relocate here. their business to other European "He specifically referred to the countries, if the British government UK Border Agency treating Intra insists on tough visa rules which Company Transfers of IT experts, affect Indian IT professionals. professionals and highly skilled The issue came up for discus- workers as prospective immigrants sion during meeting of India's which has affected has badly afCommerce and Industry Minister fected the performance of Indian Anand Sharma with UK Secretary companies operating in the UK," of State for Business, Innovation it said. and Skills Vince Cable and the Besides, Sharma also expressed Chancellor of the Exchequer concern over the issue that Indian George Osborne. However, Osborne assured Sharma that the "He specifically referred to British government has the UK Border Agency treatdecided not to make any ing Intra Company Transfers change in the 'Intra Company Transfers' for of IT experts, professionals the next two years. The and highly skilled workers proposal had upset the Indian IT industry and as prospective the government as it immigrants” meant that the professionals on intra company transfers companies who want to acquire to UK would be treated "prospec- UK firms have been facing contive immigrants". siderable delay and long legal Sharma said this rule has badly hassles. affected the performance of Indian "He highlighted the concerns companies operating in the UK. of Indian companies who want to "Sharma also expressed con- visit UK for business meetings and cern that this move may force In- also the long delay in obtaining dian companies, especially IT visa by Indian nationals," it said. companies to relocate to other He said Indian experts coming European capital," an official state- to the UK leave the country after ment said. completion of their contractual The Minister also raised the is- obligations with their employers sue of the restrictions imposed on in the UK and "therefore they cannon-EU immigration into Britain not be treated as economic miwhich is adversely affecting the grants".-PTI

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April 27, 2012

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Tata Comm withdraws from Cable&Wireless bid NEW DELHI: Tata Communications pulled out of the acquisition bid for Cable&Wireless Worldwide (CWW) as it has failed to reach an agreement on offer price with the British firm. "TCL confirms that it has been unable to reach agreement with CWW on an offer price and therefore confirms that it does not intend to make an offer for CWW," Tata Communications said in a statement. With TCL moving out, UKbased telecom giant Vodafone is the only contender for the bid. CWW owns fixed lines that are used by mobile operators to provide links to mobile transmitters and switching offices. It also provides voice, data and host-

ing services to major British companies such as Next, Tesco and United Utilities, and retains an international cable network connecting more than 150 countries. The acquisition would have provided TCL, which owns undersea cable assets and provides telecom and internet services to companies across countries, a larger footprint in voice and data carrier businesses as well as in the undersea cable network. CWW said discussions with Vodafone Group are on. "In accordance with Rule 2.6(a) of the Code, Vodafone must, by a deadline of not later than 5.00 p.m. on April 19, 2012, either announce a firm intention

to make an offer for CWW in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Code or announce that it does

The acquisition would have provided TCL, which owns undersea cable assets and provides telecom and internet services to companies across countries, a larger footprint not intend to make an offer for CWW," CWW said. However, there is no certainty

that any offer will be made, it added. Comments of Vodafone could not be received till the time this report was written. Also, TCL has the option of rebidding if the deal with Vodafone does not go through. "TCL reserves the right to announce an offer or possible offer or make or participate in an offer or possible offer for CWW (and/ or take any other action which would otherwise be restricted under Rule 2.8 of the Code) within the next six months following the date of this announcement in the circumstances," TCL said. Had the Tatas prevailed, it would have marked the latest in a series of British acquisitions by the

Indian giant which already owns Jaguar Land Rover and Corus, the steel-maker. TCL had appointed Standard Chartered Bank and Morgan Stanley as financial advisors for the deal. The company had on March 1 announced that as part of its ongoing review of potential acquisition opportunities, TCL is evaluating a possible cash offer for Cable and Wireless Worldwide Plc. CWW had extended the last date for both TCL and Vodafone from March 29 to April 19 to make the offer for acquiring the company. Prior to that, the CWW board had extended the deadline from February 13 to March 29 for Vodafone. -PTI

Daimler to manufacture Actros trucks in TN CHENNAI: Daimler India, the subsidiary of Stuttgart-based Daimler AG, would set up a new assembly line at their new manufacturing facility in Oragadam near here to manufacture Actros brand of trucks, a top company official said. "We will be shifting the CKD (completely knocked down) line from Pune to Chennai. It is premium product. Yes we will be setting up an assembly line (here)", Daimler India Managing Director and CEO Marc Llistosella told reporters after the inauguration of the Rs 4,400 crore new facility at SIPCOT Industrial Park in Oragadam by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. Jayalalithaa said the presence of Daimler here strengthened "Chennai's reputation as the Detroit of India." She said after her government came to power last year, there has been an overwhelming response from investors. "Our government will soon sign MoUs with a number of companies including both vehicle and component manufacturers." According to company officials, currently, Actros range of products are assembled at their Pune facility. Since 1996, the company has sold six lakh Actros trucks in more than 100 countries. Talking about future plans, Daimler AG Board of Management Chairman Dieter Zetsche said their plan of introducing compact cars was progressing well and they would soon introduce their third model - a compact car in Beijing. "We have planned to have five members of the compact car segment. Already two are present the B and A Class. In Beijing we will present a concept car. After

Bharat Benz trucks are seen on the assembly line at the Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DCIV) Plant at Oragadam in Chennai on April 18

that we will be introducing a sporty "SUV", he said, declining to elaborate. Regarding the launch of

'Bharat Benz' range of trucks from the Oragadam plant, Llistosella said production would begin from the third quarter of this year.

Asked about their exports of Bharat Benz trucks, Daimler Board of Management, Member and Daimler Trucks and Buses-Head,

Andreas Renschler said they were looking at shipping of the trucks to South Africa, Middle East and Far Eastern markets. "Right now our purpose is to serve the Indian market. From 2013, we are looking at exporting to some countries in Africa, Middle East and also in the Far Eastern markets", he said. On whether the company can manufacture buses from Bharat Benz platform, Zetsche did not rule out the possibility, saying, "Yes. it is possible to produce front engine buses like front engine trucks." Llistosella said the company would have a product portfolio of 17 Bharat Benz range of trucks by 2014 and they have aimed to target 20 per cent market share by 2020. He said the company would "double" its employee base from the present 1480 in the next two years. The company plans to have about 70 dealerships in 12 States and plans to take it up to 110 in the next two years. -PTI

Major funds boost for India-UK project LONDON: The UK has announced 10 million pounds funding for a joint research project with Indian institutes to boost India's internet capabilities with rural access to broadband and health monitoring systems among others. The project aims to develop solutions that can scale to benefit the lives of millions of users as well as the digital economy in both countries. The funding - considered one of the largest for any project between the two countries - was announced by Universities and Sci-

ence Minister David Willetts during a meeting with Science and Technology Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh here. The 10 million pounds investment will support the second phase of research into next generation telecommunications networks - the development of stateof-the-art platforms and applications that will carry voice, video and data in the future on the Internet. The project involves the employment of 200 scientists. The research is a key part of

The funding will allow the Centre to focus its efforts to develop low-cost solutions for rural access to broadband and improved use of available spectrum the work of the India-UK Advanced Technology Centre (IU-

ATC), a collaborative program funded by the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), India's Department of Science and Technology (DST) and industrial partners in both countries. The funding will allow the Centre to focus its efforts to develop low-cost solutions for rural access to broadband, improved use of available spectrum as well as applications for rural health monitoring, emergency and disaster communications, social TV-Virtual Classrooms and other services.-PTI

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April 27, 2012

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Obama confident new WB chief will be an inclusive leader WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has exuded confidence that new World Bank president Jim Young Kim will prove to be an inclusive leader with a commitment to sustained economic growth. Kim, Obama's personal nominee, was selected by the World Bank Executive Board as the next president. He will take over at the beginning of July, after current president Robert B Zoellick steps down at the end of his five-year term. Congratulating Kim on his selection, Obama appreciated the strong support offered to him from leaders around the world. "I am confident that Dr Kim will be an inclusive leader who will bring to the bank a passion for and

tion to lead the World Bank forward, build consensus with donor and borrowing countries, and encourage the increasingly important leadership role of devel-

For over 25 years, he has worked to fight disease and hunger by pioneering innovative solutions and investing in people and communities, she said World Bank President Jim Young Kim with Barack Obama

deep knowledge of development, a commitment to sustained economic growth, and the ability to respond to complex challenges and seize new opportunities," the US President said.

He also expressed satisfaction on the "open" and "transparent" selection process. Delighted at his selection, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Kim "is an excellent selec-

10 sec limit set for delivering banking messages NEW DELHI: Trai has fixed a time limit of 10 seconds for telecom service providers to deliver banking transaction-related messages to customers. "Every Access Provider, acting as bearer, shall facilitate the banks to use SMS, USSD and IVR to provide banking services to its customers and deliver the message generated by the bank or the customer within the time frame specified...," said Mobile Banking (Quality Of Service) Regulations, 2012 issued by Trai. The regulation asks Telecom Service Providers (TSP) to deliver the message generated by

the bank or the customer within specified time frame under new regulation which is less than equal to 10 seconds for SMS, IVR, WAP, STK (a technology built in SIM card) and 2 seconds for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). "These time frames are for the first delivery attempt," the regulations said. The regulations have been issued following recommendation of Inter-Ministerial Group on delivery of financial services through mobile phone that asked Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to draw up guidelines

to ensure high availability of associated communication services. Under the new regulations, TSP have been asked to facilitate banks with SMS, USSD and IVR (Interactive Voice Response) service for providing banking services to its customers. USSD messages are generally used by companies to inform user when they finish calls. "Being a financial transaction the consumer would like to receive confirmation of the outcome of the transaction at the earliest," Trai said. -PTI

Plan panel encourages setting up of more ITIs: Montek BANGALORE: The Planning Commission has said it is encouraging setting up and upgrading of more ITIs and Skill Development Centers to meet the Labor Ministry's target of developing a skilled workforce of 50 crore by 2020. "For producing 50 crore skilled force by 2020, the Planning Commission is encouraging upgradation and setting up of more ITIs and SDCs," Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said. Speaking at the foundation stone ceremony for a Multi Skill Development Centre (MSDC) here, he also called upon state governments to establish statelevel MSDCs headed by Chief Ministers to produce skilled laborers.

worked to fight disease and hunger by pioneering innovative solutions and investing in people and communities, she said. "We look forward to working

"Skill development is an important tool to achieve economic growth as it is felt that we cannot achieve nine per cent growth in targeted plan period," he said.

Montek Singh Ahluwalia

Skill development not only helps GDP growth but also creates broad-based employment generation, Ahluwalia said. Union Labor Minister Mallikarjun Kharge said a pro-

posal to set up 1,500 ITIs and 5,000 MSDCs on Private Public Participation model has been sent to the Planning Commission. At present there are 50,460 ITIs in the country and about 4,000 have been started in the last five years, he said. On MSDCs, Kharge said the centres would train 1,800 students every year in each of the two centers - Gulbarga and Bangalore. "The skill development courses will offer five subjects," he said. German Industrial Cooperation (South Asia) Regional Director Hans Hermann Dube said skilled labor is the backbone of his country's economy. Germany has 400 years of history in imparting vocational training to students, he said. -PTI

oping countries". He has demonstrated a deep commitment to solving some of the most pressing challenges we face. For over 25 years, he has

with Dr Kim as he shapes an even stronger World Bank. Together, we will help develop economies, build partnerships, and alleviate poverty," Clinton said. -PTI

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April 27, 2012

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Vodafone issues notice to Indian govt over tax issue NEW DELHI: Vodafone has threatened to drag the government to international arbitration over retrospective tax legislation under the bilateral investment treaty (BIT) between India and the Netherlands. Dutch subsidiary Vodafone International Holdings BV (VIHBV) has served a notice of dispute on the Indian government regarding proposals in the Finance Bill 2012 which it claimed violated the international legal protections granted Vodafone and other international investors in India. In a regulatory filing to the London Stock Exchange, Vodafone has asked the Indian government to abandon or suitably amend the retrospective aspects of the proposed

legislation as Vodafone would prefer to reach an amicable solution to this matter. "However, if the Indian government is not willing to do so, Vodafone will take whatever steps are necessary to protect its shareholders' interest, including investment treaty arbitration proceedings under the BIT against the Indian government," the company said. In the Budget, the government announced a proposal to amend the Income Tax Act to bring overseas deals such as Vodafone's purchase of Hutchison under tax net after the Supreme Court held that the UK firm was not liable to pay the Rs 11,000 crore in taxes. -PTI

Fish Feed Mill shipped to J&K from Holland JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir will have the latest Trout Fish Feed Mill (TFFM) by June this year as the mill, which has been shipped from Holland, is undergoing installation process. “This is first state of art technology based Trout Fish Feed Mill (TFFM) not only in J&K but in the country. It would fully operational by first week of June this year in the state”, Director Fisheries, Ahowkat Ali, told PTI. Trout Feed Mill has been shipped from Holland recently and has been assembled

and grouted to the foundation by the engineers and suppliers in Manasbal belt in the outskirts of Srinagar summer capital city. “The civil work is going on at the site. After its completion trial runs would be carried out by April 25 by the foreign experts who will arrive here to train the people”, Ali said. The coming up of Rs 10 crore Manasbal Trout Feed Mill would be to boost trout production in the state and ensure availability of feed to the government and private fish farms, he said.-PTI

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April 27, 2012 SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

CONNECTICUT: Entertainer. Entertainer. Entertainer. One word that defines the actor, persona and individual that Shah Rukh Khan, the immensely popular Indian actor with billions in fan following worldwide, is. Whether he is talking about the humiliation of being detained at an airport or talking of fighting failure, or sermonizing students on keeping the hunger for success burning through all odds, he is entertaining. Whether he is talking about simply keeping up with his impervious tech savvy teenage son or deeply philosophizing about his dreams and aspirations, he is making people laugh. In his Chubb Fellowship lecture, Khan was unapologetic about his capitalistic mantra to monetary success ("I'm the greatest capitalist on the face of the earth") and unabashed about crying in the bathroom over lay criticisms about his work. What you

theater before they could see and hear Shah Rukh Khan. For them, the wait was part of their pilgrimage to see their idol. And he made every moment of those hours worth their weight in his 'performance' spiced with self-deprecating lessons in survival, of pragmatism and practicality while being true to one's creative aspirations and of love for one's parents - all delivered in his uncanny style with just a hint of seriousness and loads of humor. And the students expected nothing less, going by the spontaneous laughter, cheers, applause and ecstatic sounds of sheer adulation throughout his hour long speech. In a conversation onstage after the speech, with Jeffrey Brenzel, Yale dean of undergraduate admissions and master of Timothy Dwight College, the Yale residential college that administers the Chubb Fellowship; Yale College alumna Sarika Arya; and Yale Law School student Nihkil Sud, Khan said, "One thing I'd never ever do is take myself seriously. I never intellectualize about myself; the day I do that, I'll lose it. So long as I am being silly and childlike, my art will be honest." Khan said it was okay to do mundane, unsatisfying jobs in order to pay the bills, so long as one used the stability thus gained to eventually pursue one's creative goals. "People question me all the time on the many uncreative things I do. But I use the money I get from those things to run my production house to pursue my creativity," he said. He, however, cautioned against living in poverty over empty idealism in the

"One thing I'd never ever do is take myself seriously. I never intellectualize about myself; the day I do that, I'll lose it. So long as I am being silly and childlike, my art will be honest."

PEARLS OF WISDOM FROM A SUPERSTAR And whale of fun for Yale

see of him is what there is - as an actor on screen, as the superstar before his fans, and as the person he is off screen - an honest merger of make believe art and reality. He was not there to spread pearls of wisdom, Khan told his young audience who will soon be stepping out into the big bad world. "I am here to tell you how to survive," he told them. Hundreds of fans, some of whom had traveled from as far as Alabama and California to join with members of the New Haven and Yale community braved unusually chilly winds and a sudden downpour to wait over four hours outside the Shubert Theater on the Yale University Campus and a couple of hours more inside the

name of creativity. "You have to survive," he said. Asked if there was something he really aspires to do, Khan said, "Sure I want to create a studio, a stadium and well, make my (IPL) cricket team win, but basically all I want to do is make people smile. Keep it simple." Earlier in a giddy introduction of the star, Isha Ambani (daughter of Mukesh Ambani) who is president of the South Asian Society at Yale said seeing him in person was a dream come true for all Shah Rukh fans on the campus. She said Khan had kept a promise he made to her four years ago to visit Yale to meet the students there. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 28

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'Failure is a fiendish friend' Excerpts from the Chubb Fellowship Lecture delivered by actor Shah Rukh Khan at Yale University on April 12.

was told not to dwell too much on my movies when I spoke to you, I am to give you an inspirational talk - tell you stuff you can think about when you leave this room. That worries me, it gives me performance anxiety. Here

you are, 1500 of you, hoping to hear words of wisdom from this sexy, desirable man… but I'm not about to leave you anymore inspired than when you walked in here. I will tell you simple experiences of my life's journey, with simpler words, which may not leave you inspired but will help you survive this life. And if you can survive, happiness, creativity and success will follow on its own…or maybe not but you will have to live this life nevertheless. As for my destination, I don't think I ever knew one. I

walk, I run, in the direction of my dreams. Things change along the way, people change, I change, the world changes, even my dreams change. I don't have a place to arrive, I just keep doing what I know how to do the best that I can do it. "Be a funambulist" However I look at it, in its eventual analysis, my life has centered around my creativity. I have assimilated the world through creative expression and in return the world has experienced me. I have grown to understand that on one hand the world will always uphold creativity as the most honest feeling possible. On the other hand the portents of fame (the glitz, the glamour, the wealth) that arise from this very recognition of creativity will always be questioned. Creative expression comes from the deepest experience of the artist himself. A good artist cannot be separate from his creation. Good art is honest art. A man may be an artist, a writer, a sculptor, an actor or a totem pole carver…whatever he is, if what he creates is true to himself, it becomes a vivid testimonial to human creativity. If it lacks honesty, its entire premise is a waste. Many a nights I have gone back home after receiving an award, pumped up and all happy….just to read that what I

Life as a creative person is like being on a tight rope. I begin to lose myself, in my own melodrama. It's frustrating that I find myself living up to other people's interpretation of what I ought to be really deserved was the golden banana for worst actor of the year…. I become heartbroken, angry and completely convinced that bananas and critics, both should have their skins peeled and fed to the monkeys. I momentarily lose my ability to give and close up. And here's where the trick is - when you are in this place of despair, where the world is staring you down into yourself. There's only one thing you can do to survive - hang on to who you are inside. The world will be unkind to you, it will not be able to see you. You must learn at such times, to be able to see yourself. Life as a creative person is like being on a tight rope. I begin to lose myself, in my own melodrama. It's frustrating that I find myself living up to other people's interpretation of what I ought to be. And when faced with dissent or unappreciation, I start losing my love affair with my audience. It becomes a tight balance act to keep doing what I do best and not be bothered by the reactions of people I do it for in the first place. All I am is a funambulist trying to balance my action and exterior reaction to my naked show of who I am inside. Cont’d on page 28

April 27, 2012

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'I'd dedicate my life to education of girl child' Quoting his late father, Khan said education should be such that one can understand every page of the newspaper. Much as he would like to devote more of his resources on issues he believes in, Khan said that in India they don't expect film stars to be part of activism; "I really hoped to do something good through my films. (But) Back home they don't measure me by the issues I may believe in or the money I give to charity; I am measured by my creative success." Still, if he were to dedicate his life for anything besides the work he does, it would be for the education of the girl child, Khan said. "Education for women, amenities like public toilets for womenâ&#x20AC;Ś these are things that are not yet developed in India," he added. Khan, who is known not to rest or even sleep much, said he did not believe in holidays or relaxing.

SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

CONNECTICUT: "I wish my parents were alive today," said Shah Rukh Khan responding to a reporter's query on what it meant to have been honored with the Chubb Fellowship by the Ivy League Yale University. "I am still numb from the fact that I am getting this honor; I don't know what I've done to deserve it." Addressing the media before delivering his Chubb Fellowship public lecture at Shubert Theater on the Yale campus, Khan said it was very humbling for him to be in the august company of all the people who received the prestigious fellowship before him. Former Chubb Fellows include

Presidents George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and Jimmy Carter; authors Octavio Paz, Carlos Fuentas, and Toni Morrison; filmmaker Sofia Goppola; and journalist Walter Cronkite. Khan said he had visited the Yale campus about five years ago when he shot some of the scenes for his film 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna'. "I always wanted to study here and I hope students understand how lucky they are to be studying here. I hope that at least my children will come to study here." Talking about his philosophy in taking life head on, the star said, "I didn't know I'd be where I am today; I wanted to be a sportsman. Life takes its own course, so you need to be prepared for anything."

As an advice to students he said, "You have one life, one chance, so be relentless in the pursuit of what you want to achieve. There are three things he follows, which he hoped youngsters would take as his advice: "Be cre-

operations of government and in public service. Established in 1936, through the generosity of Hendon Chubb (Yale 1895), the program is based in Timothy Dwight College, one of Yale's residential colleges. Each year three or four distin-

Talking about his philosophy in taking life head on, the star said, "I didn't know I'd be where I am today; I wanted to be a sportsman. Life takes its own course, so you need to be prepared for anything."

ative, figure out what makes you happy, and don't be afraid of failure." The Chubb Fellowship is devoted to encouraging and aiding Yale students interested in the

guished men and women have been appointed as visiting Chubb Fellows. Chubb Fellows spend their time at Yale in close, informal contact with students and deliver a public lecture.

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Zee launches new show-

PHIR SUBAH HOGI India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Despite all the progress in society, injustice towards women is rampant all over India and one such reality is prevalent in the 'Bedia' community of Bundelkhand region (Uttar PradeshMadhya Pradesh). They are a tribe known for their beautiful 'Raai dance'. Zee TV's brand new offering, Phir Subah Hogi traces the journey of 'Sugni', a bedni (member of the Bedia tribe) by birth who wants to break free from traditions and customs and dares to dream of a life that is different from the women around her. Theatre artist, Gulki Joshi has been roped in to play the pivotal role of Sugni. This is Gulki's television debut but she is already in the news for her acting prowess and diligence. During a recent shoot, she chauffeured Varun Badola on a rustic cycle rickshaw that put her strength and stamina to test. Gulki's eyes twinkled when asked about her journey so far, "My mother says that

Gulki's eyes twinkled when asked about her journey so far, "My mother says that I've always dreamt of being an actor… I was never too keen to do daily soaps which involved the rona dhona rigmarole I've always dreamt of being an actor… I was never too keen to do daily soaps which involved the rona dhona rigmarole. But the eureka moment in my life happened when I read the script and Sugni's character... After auditioning for the role, I was very keen that Sugni of Phir Subah Hogi should be my launch pad as this is exactly the kind of role I was waiting for…. the opportunity to work with such veteran actors like Varun Badola and Narayani Shashtri is quite something else."

Pearls of wisdom from a superstar Cont’d from page 25

The evening of course could not have ended without a piece of quintessential Bollywood action on stage. Khan taught Brenzel a bit of Hindi dialogue from his movie 'Don' and later joined by Yale sophomore Natalia Khosla, Sud and Arya he brought the house down by dancing to 'Chammak Challo' from his movie Ra.One. "This was one of the most vibrant and

exuberant Chubb fellowship events ever. Shah Rukh Khan is so comfortable in his own skin and loves to make connections with people that you have to say he makes happiness contagious," said Brenzel. "I think students were paying attention to who he is as well as to what he was saying. They learned a lot about a rare generosity of spirit." "This is the most fun I have had in months!" Khan concluded. Well, not more than what his fans did.

'Failure is a fiendish friend' Cont’d from page 26

Laugh at yourself Learn to laugh at yourselves too. Never become cynical about yourself and your life. Becoming cynical about your life is the single most destructive thing you can do to it. Creativity is your gift to the world. It was never meant to be barter for anything, not even appreciation. Your work of art may never be complete in your lifetime. Your fulfillment will always lie in your creative expression not in its products. Do not try to feed your stomach with creativity, it is food for your soul, not your stomach. Do not be afraid to defy conventions. Do not be afraid to destroy systems that kill art and your souls. Do not be afraid to be hungry. Do not be afraid to walk alone if necessary. Gift of parents Your age is the age when we most confuse happiness with gratification. Happiness, in other words, lies in the things you will never be able to count. (For your parents) you kids are their greatest source of happiness. Parents want nothing in return….just that you respect that feeling…that's all. They might be boring, silly or stern at times. Maybe some of you are embarrassed of yours, I know my kids are of me….but if ever any of you are in trouble of any kind the best friends you can always trust to watch your backs are your parents. They will always come good.

Waiting for Shah Rukh

I call parents unconditional and forgiving punching bags who feel happiest when they get bashed up by their kids. Fear of failure I feel that talking about how to become successful is a waste of time…instead let me tell you very honestly whatever happened to me happened because I have always been terrified of failure. I don't want as much to succeed as much as I don't want to fail. Failure is a fiendish friend that can lead to success by teaching one to be pragmatic, to work harder, and to be true to oneself. Sometimes our success is not the direct result of our actions. Success just happens. Really. It is accidental and we take credit for it. I know I have done this even out of embarrassment sometimes. You have to know and learn that life is a not just a check list of acquisitions, attainments and fulfillments, your qualifications and c.v.'s don't really matter. Instead life is difficult and complicated…and beyond anyone's control. The humility to know this will help you survive its vicissitudes. My hope for all of you is that you retain a lifelong love of learning, that you never cease to dream exciting and inspiring dreams, and when you fail, you fail well enough to succeed the next time. Don't be afraid of being afraid, be afraid of not facing your fears and failures. So remember you are fortunate enough to be a funambulist, who has an amazing set of punching bags (loving parents), cherish them… and failure is your fiendish friend… keep him close… and don't take no shit from anybody.

29 India post

Shimla is a perfect haven for the ones in search of tranquility. Nature has blessed this capital city with innumerable gifts and man has used them to make Shimla one of India's best locales

himla, one of India's most famous hill stations, derives its name from God dess Shyamala, an incarnation of Goddess Kali, the deity of power and wrath. However, unlike its name, Shimla is a perfect haven for the ones in search of tranquility. Nature has blessed this capital city with innumerable gifts and man has used them to make Shimla one of India's best locales. Perched at an altitude of 2159 m above sea level, Shimla is located towards the

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southern parts of the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is the state capital and is at a distance of 343 km from Delhi, 260 km from Manali, and 119 km from Chandigarh. The temperature range is not very high and the maximum temperature rarely crosses 25Â°C during summers. Winters are cold due to the chilly winds from the upper Himalayas. Around Christmas, Shimla experiences snowfall. The best season to visit Shimla is between September and November. The British discovered Shimla in the

April 27, 2012

form of a little village in 1819. Until then, it was a part of the Nepalese kingdom. It was during Lord William Bentinck's time that Shimla was truly acquired by the Government of India. The British persuaded the local Raja to part with the land in 1830, and the settlement became the subcontinent's most fashionable summer resort. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of India. After the independence of India, Shimla became the capital of Punjab until 1966, when it came under Himachal Pradesh. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 30

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April 27, 2012

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Shimla: Perfect haven for beauty & tranquility

The ridge in Shimla Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

Tourist attractions: The hub of Shimla is the Mall, which runs along the Ridge and is crowded with tourists. It is the city's most famous shopping center, with shops selling all items, from clothes to junk food. The Ridge is a large open space in the heart of the town and presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. Most of Shimla's landmarks are located here. The Mall further joins the Ridge at the 'Scandal Point' of Kipling's Shimla, where a statue of the nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai has been erected. The six-storeyed Vice-Regal Lodge or Rashtrapati Niwas, about 4.5 km from Scandal Point, attracts many visitors. It was built in 1888 and was formerly the residence of Lord Dufferin, the British Viceroy. The style of architecture is English Renaissance, the masonry of the walling is light blue limestone and the wrought stonework is done in sandstone in a beautiful light gray tint. It has magnificent lawns and houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Nearby is the Himalayan aviary that has a good collection of birds, including the Monal pheasant, Himachal's state bird. About 2.5 km from Scandal Point is the State Museum, which has a good collection of statues, miniatures, coins and photos from in and around Himachal Pradesh. It was built in 1974. Another of Shimla's major landmarks is the Christ Church and St. Michael's Cathedral. It is the second oldest church in Northern India built between 1846 and 1857. It is located just off the Mall, below the District Center and is known for its stained glass windows. Jhaku temple, dedicated to Hanumanji, the attendant of Lord Rama, is to the east of the town center, near the highest point of the Shimla Ridge. It is at a height of 8048 feet above sea level and offers a panoramic view of the city. The temple just below the Grand Hotel is the temple dedicated to Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Kali. Southeast from Jhaku is the long spur of Chotta Shimla, with Barnes Court. Once the residence of the Governor General of Punjab, it is now the official residence of the Governor of Himachal Pradesh. About 4 km from the Ridge, a sprightly

stream flows through the Glen forests at an altitude of 1830 meters. It is a secluded picnic spot. Beyond the Glen is Annandale, another picnic spot. It is covered with deodar forests and was once the playground of Shimla, where racing, polo and cricket entertained the Britishers. Elysium Hill, on the road leading through Lakkar Bazaar, houses the famous Auckland House, the former residence of Viceroy Lord Auckland. It is a well-known girls' school now. Nearby is the Stirling Castle, now an orphanage for Tibetan children and a center for Tibetan exiles who have settled locally. Places around Rampur has the Padam Palace built in

A folk procession in Shimla

1925. The whole area is a maze of lanes, shops and temples. In the month of November, the Lavi Fair is organized here. On the Mahasu range, at Charabra, 13 km from Shimla, is the Wild Flower Hall situated at an altitude of 2,498 m. Nestling among picturesque sylvan surroundings, the Wild Flower Hall commands a breathtaking view of the snows. A major fire damaged it in 1993. Serving as a hotel today, it attracts many tourists who wish to revisit the grandeur of a bygone era. About six miles from the Shimla Church, in Koti, lay the village of Mashobra, at a height of 2149 m. A place of unique beauty, Mashobra is an ideal interlude beneath the oaks and the pines. Featuring beautiful gar-

dens spattered with the daffodils, hyacinths, asphodels and celandines, it is a popular weekend resort, dotted with delightful villas and innumerable picnic spots. From here, a track leads down to Sipur, which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. A fair is held here every April/May. About 3 km from Mashobra is the lovely resort of Craignano. At a distance of 5 km from Shimla is Summer Hill, a quiet suburb with peaceful environs ideal for secluded walks. About 2 km from Summer Hill are the Chadwick Falls, a silent gorge frequently visited by picnickers. Narkanda, 64 km from Shimla, offers wonderful slopes for skiing. At an elevation of 2708 m, it has dense pine forests. Hatu peak, 8 km from Narkanda, provides a striking panorama of the plains below. Chail, 43 km from Shimla, is a lush green setting and was the former capital of the Patiala State. It has the world's highest cricket ground at a height of 2250 m, built in 1893. It is also a hiker's paradise and there is a wildlife sanctuary at a distance of three km from here. Sarahan is a small village worth visiting. It provides a spectacular view of Shrikhand Mahadev and hiking opportunities to the nearby villages such as Ranwin and Bashal Peak. The Bhimakali temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is the finest example of Himachali architecture. Best time to visit: May-July and September-November. How to reach Air - The airport at Shimla, 22 km from the main city, has connecting flights to Delhi and Kullu. The nearby Chandigarh airport is, however, more handy. Road: The national highway connecting Shimla with Chandigarh is an excellent road including the hill stretch (7 hours from Delhi, 3 hours from Chandigarh). Rail: Shimla is connected to Kalka (96 kms) on Meter Gauge and it takes around six hours from Kalka to reach Shimla. There are 103 tunnels on the route, the longest being 1.2 km.

Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital at Shimla

India working to attract 1 billion tourists JAIPUR: Describing India as a high potential tourist destination, Union tourism minister Subodh Kant Sahai has said the government is working 'proactively' to achieve the target of one billion tourist footfalls every year. "India is a high potential tourist destination. We want to double the number of tourists coming here every year to about one billion," Sahai said at a hospitality event here. Addressing the Great India Travel Bazaar here, Sahai said tourism sector is top priority for the government of India. "At present India gets about 5.7 million tourists annually, we want to double that as a target in the current five year plan," Sahai said. To achieve the target, India is "proactively" working with other countries, the minister said. He also sought greater participation from hospitality players to create supporting infrastructure. "We have started visa on arrival for 1314 countries and have started working with them to facilitate flow of tourists to India," Sahay said. He also said that to cater to growing number of tourists, the country also needs to create additional hotel rooms. "We need at least 20 million hotel rooms in India," he added.-PTI

'Involve local people to boost tourism' JAIPUR: The government should take steps like involving rural people in decision making and improving marketing strategy and infrastructure to boost indigenous tourism, a report has said. A FICCI-YES BANK report said that despite a plethora of problems such as absence of a policy framework, inadequate involvement of local community, indigenous tourism has a huge potential to contribute to socially and economically inclusive growth. Suggesting steps to enhance the sector, the report said that there is a need to review the policies dealing with the sector, as they are very basic in nature and far from ground scenario, which makes its implementation difficult. "Now that there are successful models running in the country, it might prove to be beneficial to revisit the frameworks in their light and bridge the lacunae," it said. It recommended a better marketing strategy and creation of modern infrastructure to boost indigenous tourism. The report said the government should focus on creating quality human resources for the sector. "One of the major reasons why India, despite having so much potential, loses out on tourism footfalls is the lack of quality human resource, especially when it comes to service - oriented roles," it said. -PTI

April 27, 2012

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Huge potential for religious tourism in India JAIPUR: The government should take steps like special marketing strategy, developing tourism circuits and scrutinizing religious trusts to boost religious tourism in the country, a report has said. Laying out a roadmap for the development of religious tourism in the country, a FICCI-YES Bank report said that there is a need to develop integrated infrastructure for religious tourism development and improving connectivity to specific religious tourism circuits. "The huge potential for religious tourism in India can be realized if problems associated with the carrying capacity on the region, waste management, air pollution, monetization of religion and lack of scrutiny of religious trusts are dealt with in earnest," it said. As India has abundance of religious centers across the country, there is need to create nodes near religious centers, where there is already a basic infrastructure present and plan day trips from there. "For example, Chennai in South India can be a node for excursions to Madurai, Thanjavur and Trichnapalli," it said.

It said that a special marketing strategy should be worked out for religious tourism destinations and provide special training to people involved in the sector. "Infrastructure development requires that religious tourism circuits be identified and state gov-

‘There needs to be a practice for reviewing the financial status and regulation of religious trusts as it will allay global concerns about money laundering and terrorist financing activities" ernment is required to streamline the development of the entire religious tourism circuit existing in a given region/area," it said. The report said that as religious tourism is endemic to a given geography, the local population who are earning their livelihood from such tourism should be trained in

a better way. Further, "there needs to be a practice for reviewing the financial status and regulation of religious trusts as it will allay global concerns about money laundering and terrorist financing activities". "This is especially crucial in a scenario when some of India's religious trusts are among the richest in the world," it added. A separate board should be set up to prepare and implement plans to provide necessary facilities to the devotees and also ensure conservation of cultural atmosphere consistent with sentiments of visiting devotees. "The pricing of religious tourism products needs to be in tandem with the different sectors of people visiting the sites. In India, the prices paid are only for the tertiary services provided and not for the actual services of the religious flavors one intends to experience," it added. Hence, attempts need to be taken to ensure that the pricing of the tourism product is such that it compensates for educational and cultural services provided to those interested. -PTI

19th century palace ruins to get makeover KOLHAPUR: It would stretch anyone's imagination to believe that a maze of dilapidated buildings along the banks of the Panchganga River here was once a magnificent palace, the abode of a famous Maharashtrian king. Visitors to this city though, are often asked to believe this fact, even as the sprawling "palace" with six wings seems to crumble right before their eyes. The birthplace of the famous Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj who brought the 'golden period' in Kolhapur from 1884 to 1922 by abolishing several evils like untouchability and child marriage, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace is in an advanced state of ruin, its cultural

and historical significance overlooked and neglected. However, this is soon about to change with the state archaeology and tourism departments joining hands to restore it and develop it as a modern tourist facility. "Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj is one of the few kings who used his wealth for the welfare of his subjects. He was an ardent social reformer and is well known for promoting education amongst all castes and women," Amarja Nimbalkar, core committee member of the state archaeology department told a delegation of visiting journalists. "The importance of Laxmi Vilas Palace in the history of Kolhapur

and the surrounding region is almost forgotten and not many are aware of its existence. Hence it is paramount to bring it to the public notice and at the same time develop it as a monument," she said. Once the archaeology department has worked its magic by recreating the original 19th century architecture using old photographs and conservation with locally available materials, visitors to this site will see a majestic palace, inlaid with pristine white marble and modern tourist facilities like guided tours, souvenir shop and sound-and-light show. "Laxmi Vilas Palace will be developed as a museum dedicated to Shahu Maharaj. -PTI

Suchetgarh as border tourism destination JAMMU: Suchetgarh would be developed as a mega border destination for pilgrim tourists visiting the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi and other holy shrines of Jammu division, Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora said here. In this regard a project of Rs 6.39 crore is under implementation for creation of tourist related infrastructure in the area, he said after laying the foundation of restoration and conservation work of historical Raghunath temple at Suchetgarh in R S Pura belt of Jammu district. Jora said conservation work of the temple would be completed at a cost of Rs 1.25 crore. He said an amphitheatre would

be also constructed in Suchetgarh and instructed concerned authorities to evict the encroached land at the temple site at the earliest for the purpose.

A project of Rs 6.39 crore is under implementation for creation of tourist related infrastructure in the area The minister said celebration of Baisakhi festival would now be made an annual feature in Suchetgarh. -PTI

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In Brief Immigration & customs workers on strike NASSAU, Bahamas: Hundreds of immigration and customs workers in the Bahamas are on strike and likely won't go back to work until after the May 7 general elections, a union official said. Customs union spokesman K. Renaldo Collie said his union and others have been demanding new contracts for two years and accuse the government of slashing some salaries by as much as 60 percent without consultation. They also said the government is not allowing sufficient rest between shifts. Air traffic controllers and other workers have supported the strike through sickouts and work stoppages since the walkout started on April 5, Collie said. -AP

Detained immigrant children moved to US air base SAN ANTONIO: U.S. officials are making an Air Force base in Texas the temporary home for 100 unescorted immigrant children stopped by the Border Patrol because shelters are overwhelmed with kids. The children arrived at Lackland Air Force Base, the San Antonio Express-News reported. The children are under the charge of the Department of Health and Human Services. The department has taken in 7,000 to 8,000 illegal immigrant children in each of the past three years and has sheltered more than 4,000 since October. It has seen a 77 percent jump in the number of children in the first quarter of 2012.-AP

House panel OKs immigration law change MONTGOMERY, Ala.: A bill making some changes to Alabama's immigration law has been approved by a House committee, but Democrats complained it does not go far enough to alleviate concerns that the law allows police to engage in racial profiling. The House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee voted 6-3 in favor of the bill by Republican Rep. Micky Hammon of Decatur. It addresses some concerns of critics to the immigration law, which was adopted by the Legislature last year. The new bill adds language that says church groups and members can minister to people regardless of immigrant statue. -AP

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Border Patrol agent accused of immigrant abuse SAN DIEGO: Federal prosecutors have filed a civil rights complaint against a San Diego-area Border Patrol agent accused of kneeing and choking an undocumented immigrant at the Imperial Beach station on July 26. -AP

Senator calls for investigation following suit against Infosys visa fraud SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Republican Senator from Iowa Charles Grassley has asked for an investigation by the Department of State and Homeland Security of the B-1 visa program following a whistleblower's 'expose' on visa misuse by Indian IT giant Infosys. Jay Palmer, an employee of Infosys spoke out on CBS This Morning recently where he talked of his lawsuit against Infosys for using the B-1 visa as subterfuge to the H-1B visa which has more stringent requirements. Grassley is the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee which has jurisdiction over federal immigration policy. Grassley has asked investigation into the use of the B-1 visa program by employers to recruit foreign workers who are then not subject to the cap and the prevailing wage requirements of the H1B program. According to Grassley, the State Department, in its response, acknowledged the need for greater fraud prevention in the visa approval process as well as changes to policies that incentivize employers to go around the H-1B program in the Foreign Affairs Manuel. The Department of Homeland Security told Grassley that they would work to "develop guidance clarifying the scope of activi-

Republican Senator from Iowa Charles Grassley

Palmer described ways that Infosys, one of the top 10 H-1B petitioning companies, had worked to "creatively" get around the H1B visa program in order to bring in low-skilled, low-wage workers, resulting in visa fraud against the US government ties permissible in the B-1 business visitor classification." Grassley said that however, to date it appears nothing official has been done to remedy the situation. "Infosys continues to bring in foreign workers. In fiscal 2011, Infosys petitioned for nearly 4,700 H-1B workers. Last year, they also petitioned to bring in 300 or more L visa workers," he said in a statement. "People had come to me with concerns that the B-1 business

visa was being abused by companies and putting American workers at risk. Jay Palmer was the first person to stand up with convincing evidence. It confirmed our fears. Mr. Palmer was being asked to do shady things, and instructed to 'be creative' and find a way around the H-1B visa program. Mr. Palmer has endured a lot of criticism from fellow employees and foreign workers who fear losing their job or being sent home. I

very much appreciate him bringing this problem to the world's attention," he said in his statement. In February 2010, Palmer, a US employee of Infosys filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of Lowndes County, Alabama alleging that his employer was "sending lower level and unskilled foreigners to the US to work in full time positions at Infosys' customer sites in direct violation of immigration laws." Palmer described ways that Infosys, one of the top 10 H-1B petitioning companies, had worked to "creatively" get around the H1B visa program in order to bring in low-skilled, low-wage workers, resulting in visa fraud against the US government. The formal complaint against Infosys details how the company management in India decided to use the B-1 business visitor visa program to get around H1-B visa restrictions. Palmer alleged that the company was importing foreign workers under the guise of attending meetings rather than as full time employees for a wage. Under State Department rules B1 visa holders cannot engage in local employment or labor for hire. Sen. Grassley said that more troubling than the "illegal" ways a company can get around the H1B visa restrictions using the B-1 visa program, are the "legal" ways they can use the B-1 visa program to defy Congressional intent. Cont’d on page 36

BALCA clarifies on ads placed by private firms CORA-ANN V. PESTAINA

s usual, BALCA (Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals) decisions are very important for practitioners as they offer crucial insights into how to avoid some of the pitfalls in preparing and filing a labor certification application under Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) or into what arguments can be made in response to the unfortunate receipt of a PERM denial notice. BALCA recently issued some notable decisions. Documentation of the SWA job order

While the Department of Labor ("DOL") is obsessed about the employer presenting proof of publication of its recruitment, BALCA recently held, in an en banc decision, A Cut Above Ceramic Tile, 2010-PER-00224 (Mar. 8, 2012), that based on the history of the PERM regulations and the plain language of 20 C.F.R. §656.17(e)(2)(i), proof of publication of the State Workforce Agency ("SWA") job order is not required supporting documentation. The PERM regulations at 656.17(e)(2)(i) require an employer

filing a PERM application to place a job order with the SWA serving the area of intended employment for a period of 30 days. That same section of the regulations also states, "[t]he start and end dates of the job order entered on the application serve as documentation of this step." Pursuant to 656.10(f), all documentation supporting the PERM application must be retained for five years after filing the application. 656.17(a)(3) mandates that the employer must furnish "required supporting documentation" to the Cer-

tifying Officer ("CO") if the PERM application is audited. A substantial failure by the employer to provide the required documentation will result in a denial of the PERM application. 656.20(b). In A Cut Above Ceramic Tile, the employer attested, on an ETA Form 9089 filed on January 8, 2007, that, as part of its domestic recruitment efforts for the position of Tile Setter, it placed a job order with the SWA in the area of intended employment from July 13 to August 12, 2006. Cont’d on page 35

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BALCA clarifies on ads placed by private firms Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 34

On June 11, 2009, the DOL issued an audit notification, which included the request for a copy of the job order placed with the SWA downloaded from the SWA internet job listing site; a copy of the job order provided by the SWA; or other proof of publication from the SWA containing the content of the job order. As part of its audit response, the employer included a copy of its completed Employer Job Order Information Sheet from VaEmploy.Com, the SWA for the state of Virginia. Citing 656.20(b) as authority, the CO denied the PERM application based on the employer's failure to provide proof of publication of the SWA job order containing the content of the job order, as requested in the audit notification letter. The CO found that the employer's submission of the Employer Job Order Information Sheet did not show the final content of the job order as run by the SWA. The Employer filed a motion for reconsideration of the PERM denial arguing that the PERM regulations provide that the SWA job order is documented by the start and end dates entered on the ETA Form 9089. The employer also argued that it had tried to obtain proof of publication from the SWA but had been informed that proof of the publication of its job order had been deleted. The CO affirmed the denial and forwarded to case to BALCA which also affirmed the denial and held that the employer's documentation only showed that the job order was placed for the required 30-day period but did not provide proof of its contents. The Employer then filed a petition for en banc review which BALCA granted to resolve the issue of whether a CO may deny certification of a PERM application based on the employer's failure to provide proof of the publication of the SWA job order. BALCA invited the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) to file an amicus brief

which it did. There was a conflict between BALCA panels because, in another case, Mandy Donuts Corp., 2009PER-481 (Jan. 7, 2011), a BALCA panel compared the PERM regulations at 656.17(e)(2)(i) on placement of the job order and the regulations at 656.17(e)(1)(i)(B)(3) and 656.17(e)(2)(ii)(C) on placement of a newspaper advertisement and pointed out that the PERM regulations for documentation of proof of newspaper advertisements specifically require the employer to provide copies of the newspaper pages in which the advertisement

The CO found that the employer's submission of the Employer Job Order Information Sheet did not show the final content of the job order as run by the SWA appeared or proof of publication furnished by the newspaper. The panel held that the PERM regulations only require "placement" of the job order for 30 days which is documented by the start and end dates entered on the PERM application. The en banc panel in A Cut Above Ceramic Tile agreed with the Mandy Donuts panel and held that the distinction in the regulations is clear. The drafters of the regulation could easily have included a requirement that employers provide proof of publication of the SWA job order. In fact, the regulations governing the placement of a job order for the H-2B temporary nonagricultural labor certification program, also administered by the Employment and Training Administration ("ETA") specifically require that the employer maintain a copy of the SWA job order or other proof of publication containing the text of

the job order. 656.15(e)(1). The en banc panel reasoned that the ETA intentionally drafted the H-2B and the PERM SWA job orders regulations differently. In fact the ETA specifically stated in its response to comments regarding the audit process, that the employer is only required to provide the start and end date of the job order on the application to document the job order has been placed and the gathering of additional information on the job order from the SWA will not be necessary. See ETA, Final Rule, Implementation of New System, Labor Certification Process for the Permanent Employment of Aliens in the United States ["PERM"], 69 Fed. Reg. 77326, 77359 (Dec. 24, 2004). Essentially, the CO does not have the power to request just any type of documentation and the employer's application may only be denied under 656.20(b) when the absent documentation is required. While this en banc decision may appear attractive, and is certainly useful when inheriting flawed cases, practitioners ought to continue the practice of printing copies of the job order to demonstrate good faith recruitment. The BALCA en banc panel made sure to comment, in note 5, that "the spirit and the context of the PERM regulations, which are grounded in attestations backed up by retained documentation to support attestations, strongly suggest that an employer should retain and be able to produce documentation about the content and dates of action on all elements of recruitment. We would anticipate that most employers recruiting in good faith will have retained documentation in some form to show the content of the job order, and if so be able to produce it." However, it is now clear that failure to produce the SWA job order cannot be the sole basis for a PERM denial. (To be continued) * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

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Rubio's immigration push a potential lift for GOP WASHINGTON: Florida Sen. Marco Rubio's push for a Republican version of immigration legislation looks like the answer to the election-year prayers of the GOP and Mitt Romney. Rubio - telegenic son of Cuban exiles and potential vice presidential pick - is pulling together a bill that would allow young illegal immigrants to remain in the United States but denies them citizenship, an initial step in the drawn-out, divisive fight over immigration policy and the fate of the 11 million people here illegally. The freshman senator calls his evolving legislation a conservative alternative to the DREAM Act - the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors measure. That Democratic-backed bill, which is overwhelmingly popular with Hispanics, would provide a pathway to citizenship to children in the United States illegally if they attend college or join the military. The measure came close to passage in December 2010 but has languished since then. ``We have to come up with an immigration system that honors both our legacy as a nation of laws and also our legacy as a nation of

immigrants,'' Rubio told The Associated Press. An immigration plan from Rubio, the GOP's best-known Hispanic, could help Republicans make some headway with the fastest growing minority group and its 21 million eligible voters, many concentrated in the contested presidential battleground states of Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Colorado. Democrats maintain a significant political advantage with Hispanics, numbers that were only strengthened by the harsh rhetoric from Republican presidential candidates in this year's primary. Hispanics overwhelmingly backed Barack Obama over Republican presidential nominee John McCain, 67-31 percent, in the 2008 presidential race and they favored Democratic congressional candidates 60-38 percent in 2010, according to exit polling. A Pew Research Center survey showed Obama with a solid edge over Romney among Hispanic registered voters, 67-27 percent. It's a reality the likely Republican presidential nominee clearly recognizes. ``We have to get Hispanic vot-

ers to vote for our party,'' Romney told a private fundraiser in Florida in which he insisted the GOP needs an alternative to the DREAM Act. He warned that a significant number of Hispanics backing Obama "spells doom for us," according to NBC News.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio

Rubio, who notably called on his party to tone down the antiimmigrant talk earlier this year, is working on a plan that would allow young illegal immigrants who came to the United States with their parents to apply for non-immigrant visas. They would be permitted to stay in the country to study or work, could

Woman denied bond in immigrant smuggling case MCALLEN, Texas: A US judge denied bond for one of six people facing federal charges for their alleged involvement in an immigrant smuggling operation that left nine Mexican citizens dead. Gloria Solis was ordered held on charges of harboring illegal immigrants by U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Ormsby, who noted the seriousness of the case and the

suspect's tenuous ties to the area. Solis is a US citizen but moved to South Texas recently. Border Patrol agents pulled over a van April 10 about 10 miles west of McAllen. As it stopped, one person jumped from the vehicle and ran. When agents pursued him, the van sped off. It crashed just a few blocks away scattering a parking lot with bod-

Senator calls for investigation following suit against Infosys visa fraud Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 34

According to the CBS News reporter Palmer and a fellow Infosys employee were appalled by the living conditions of the Indian workers being brought to the US by Infosys. They were allegedly appalled to see that the employees were "stacked three in motel rooms; in tiny apartments" and that Palmer had spent his own money to buy them air mattresses to sleep on and that many of them did not want to come here. CBS News reported that Infosys has categorically denied all allegations and that it would address the facts in court. Infosys has denied the allegations in a statement April

13 saying: "Any allegation or assertion that there is or was a corporate policy of evading the law in conjunction with the B-1 visa program is simply untrue." At a breakfast interaction with the media organized by the Christian Science Monitor in Washington DC on April 13, Ambassador Nirupama Rao when asked about the case against Infosys said, "The company is cooperating and let us what comes out of it." In general, she said, the Indian information technology community has contributed a great deal to the enhancement of Indo-US relationship in terms of business, which continues to grow.

ies, backpacks and water bottles. The 15-year-old driver escaped but was arrested two days later at his home. He faces nine state murder charges. Sixteen illegal immigrants were stuffed into the van, along with the driver and another alleged smuggler. Interviews led federal agents to a stash house in Mission where they found 25-yearold Solis and two other alleged accomplices. Four of the six defendants waived their detention hearings. One requested a continuance. Assistant US attorney Linda Requenez said ``this wasn't your typical alien harboring case,'' noting that in addition to the nine killed, one remained in a coma. She said that besides the 16 people who were packed into the minivan for the fated trip from Solis' house, 12 others were still there when agents arrived. Someone with common sense would have questioned loading so many people into a small van, she said. Carlos A. Garcia, Solis' attorney, pointed out to Ormsby that his client was a U.S. citizen with no prior criminal record. He said the tragic accident was not ``reasonably foreseeable'' for her. -AP

obtain a driver's license but would not be able to vote. They later could apply for residency, but they would not have a special path to citizenship. Rubio said he has not talked to the Romney campaign about his plan but definitely would. ``He's our nominee and I think it's important for him to feel comfortable with and be supportive of whatever endeavor we pursue,'' the senator said. The 40-year-old freshman lawmaker is looking at unveiling his bill in the coming weeks. The early outlines have drawn interest and skepticism from pro-immigration groups. Rubio's political motivation also has been questioned, especially since congressional Republicans and Democrats say legislation as ambitious as immigration is unlikely to be done seven months from the election. `Ìs this really a legislative initiative or a political ploy?'' asked Frank Sharry, executive director of America's Voice. `Ìf it's about a political ploy, it's about throwing a lifeline to Romney, rather than throwing a lifeline to the dreamers.'' Joaquin Castro, a Democratic member of the Texas legislature and a candidate for the U.S. House, said Rubio must be troubled by the GOP anti-immigrant talk. `Ìt must be difficult for a Hispanic Republican to sit there and listen to all of the harsh rhetoric coming from the Republican Party about his community,'' Castro said in an interview. Rubio insists that Democrats, who controlled the White House, Senate and House for two years and never completed immigration legislation, are ``just panicked about the prospects of losing this issue as a campaign tool.'' Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., signaled that Rubio's effort has little chance in the Demo-

cratic-controlled Senate, telling reporters that he won't accept an alternative that stops short of providing a path to citizenship. Brent Wilkes, national executive director of the League of United Latin American Citizens, said if it's Rubio's bill or nothing, ``I think we would have to look pretty hard at the offer because the most important thing for these students, at least initially, is for them to get right with the law and get on with their lives.'' But Wilkes cautioned against creating an apartheid-like system in the United States with a permanent group of second-class individuals. President Barack Obama challenged the GOP for opposing changes to immigration while Rubio works on an alternative. ``Somehow Republicans want to have it both ways. That looks like hypocrisy to me,'' the president said in an interview with Telemundo News. Rubio faces a major obstacle in pushing his measure. The Republican Party and its allies remain fiercely divided over immigration policy, a split even more pronounced in an election year. Moderates who favor a route to citizenship are pitted against lawmakers who want tough laws cracking down on illegal immigrants. The agriculture industry, which relies heavily on illegal immigrants, and its GOP backers in Congress have challenged Republican legislation in the House requiring employers to use an electronic database to determine whether a new worker is legal, commonly known as e-verify. Businesses fear it will be an unnecessary regulation while tea partyers worry about government intrusion. Opponents of Rubio's work-inprogress already have appealed to their rank-and-file members to contact the senator and express their opposition. -AP

Obama vows immigration reform in 2nd term CARTAGENA, Colombia: President Barack Obama is promising to tackle immigration reform in the first year of a second term. Obama says in a television interview that he would work on immigration this year, but can't get support from Republicans in Congress. Obama also tried to paint his Republican presidential challenger, Mitt Romney, as an extremist on immigration, saying he supports laws that would potentially allow for people to be

stopped and asked for citizenship papers based on an assumption that they are illegal. Hispanics are an increasingly important voting bloc in presidential elections. Obama won a sizeable majority of the Hispanic vote in the 2008 election and his campaign is hoping to similar results this November. Obama spoke in an interview with Univision while in Colombia for the Summit of the Americas.-AP

Horoscope

April 27, 2012

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

APRIL 27TH - MAY 3RD (November 23 to December 22)

(March 21 to April 20)

ry to deal with issues diplomatically rather than getting frustrated and angry. You will try to stay focused on real issues and try to forget about past incidence. Few issues involving children will get resolved. You will be in touch with a fatherly figure for some advice and encouraging words. Keep an eye on credit cards.

o not feel disheartened if things do not happen on time. If you stay focused and have patience, you will accomplish a lot soon. Planets help you make money through stocks. You will get to meet very old friends this week. You will be studying some very useful material. Spouse may feel little exhausted and need extra rest for few days.

(April 21 to May 20)

(December 22 to January 19)

ou may have to settle for lot less than what you really deserve. Some one from distance will call to give you some good news. You will travel to a nice area with family to meet few old friends. People on the other side will respond quickly to your mail. Spouse will continue to give good ideas. Bank balance will grow suddenly.

ou are really going to enjoy this week. Choice will be in between opportunity poles apart in benefits and risks. You will have few other reasons to celebrate this week. You will hear from an almost forgotten friend. Some of you will start a new relationship with a wonderful person. Bank balance will shot up suddenly.

(May 21 to June 20)

(January 20 to February 18)

f you play your cards right and ready to accept the challenges, you will be rolling into big money soon and for a long time thereafter. You may also visit a holy place with family this week. Plans to buy a property for investment purpose will need to be put on hold. Some one who was close in the past will try to come back in life.

n order for you to implement your plans, you will need to confront someone you like very much. Luck is on your side and as a result you will accomplish a lot this week. Journey will be fruitful. No harm in going for a new venture in partnership. You will receive a very interesting phone call. Expenses will stay under controls.

(February 19 to March 20)

(June 21 to July 22)

here will be few positive developments at work. You will be in line for a dream assignment or promotion. An overseas or long distance trip is also in the air. Health issues will continue to bother. Ongoing legal matters will take a favorable turn. You will get a big check from an insurance company in near future.

ou will not only receive good advice but also get a chance to learn little diplomacy. You will attend an interesting get together and win a small bet too. There will be tension at work but you will continue to stay strong and keep doing your job right. Spouse may feel exhausted and need extra rest. A long distance trip is in the air.

(July 23 to August 22)

resence of helpful planets in fifth will bring big relief. Issues stuck for some time and giving big headache will clear and once again everything will start moving in correct direction. You will make few intelligence choices in career. Expenses will come under control finally. You will finish some important paperwork. (August 23 to September 22)

ou will have couple of chance to make some easy money. Expect less pressure at work. Boss will appreciate your work and send a favorable report. You will make new friends and enjoy a small get together this week. It will be a wise idea to get rid of money making stocks. You will hear good news from distant places. (September 23 to October 22)

eople prone to litigation should be careful for next few weeks. Running around will increase and the results will come very slow. It is a favorable week for job seekers as strong planets in sixth can help them achieve their goals. You will meet a very interesting person this week. There will an addition in the family soon.

(October 23 to November 22)

ou will try to dodge unnecessary stress at work as well at home. You will be working really hard to obtain a new assignment. You may need to use some part of your reserves to meet your commitments. It's not a bad idea to contact the person who was always helpful in the past. You may decide not to go to the party and focus on work.

2012 will prove a very busy year for John Abraham

ohn Abraham burst into the Bollywood scenario with the murder mystery Jism (2003) and immediately caught attention with his drop dead good looks and portrayal of a passionate lover. John is a Sagittarian and his ruling number is 8 and his lucky days are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The planet Saturn and Jupiter governs this number, which means that he is disciplined and dutiful. Being a Sagittarian he has a strong sense of adventure and loves traveling a lot. He is an optimist and always looks at the sunny side of life. He is honest and outspoken. The sun in his chart is reflected in his wide smile and cheerful personality. He remains optimistic in times of failure and that is the reason behind his success. 2012 will prove to be a very busy year for John with his signing up a number of new projects. The year started with a bang especially with his finances taking a brilliant turn. He will be required to take an important decision about his love life that will help bring stability back into his life. His personal life suffered a jolt when he

Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

broke-up with girlfriend Bipasha Basu. But now John seems all set to pull up his socks and make a mark for himself as a creditable actor. As the key planet of Sagittarius, Jupiter will encourage him to live life like an adventure and its radiance will make him happy. Breaking from the norm and expressing his individuality will help see the start of a great new phase in his life.

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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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April 27, 2012

1 Chikni Chameli: Agneepath 2 Hosanna: Ek Deewana Tha 3 Jhoom Jhoomta Hun Main : Players 4 O Saiyyan: Agneepath 5 Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu : Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu 6 Aromale: Ek Deewana Tha 7 Kal Chalna Shuru Tu : Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu 8 Zara Dil Ko Thaam Lo: Don 2 9 Dil Yeh Bekarar Kyu Hai : Players 10 Sharminda Hoon : Ek Deewana Tha

t the Cannes Film Fest this year, we will not be missing Aishwarya Rai as the lovely actress will make her presence felt, this year too. It is heard that she will most likely take along with her her five-month-old daughter. The 65th Cannes Film Festival will be held from May 16 to 27. Ash has been associated to L'Oreal, the cosmetic brand for years now and has always made it to the Cannes fest, every year. This will be the eleventh year in a row that she will sashay down the red carpet at the event. Aishwarya first made her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in 2002 for the premiere of her film Devdas. Ever since, she has been under the eyes of the fashion police. Last year, besides being the face of L'Oreal, the actress also announced the film Heroine with Madhur Bhandarkar at the film fest. This year, her appearance will be solely for L'Oreal.

GIMME MORE

fter doing more than 30 movies in Bollywood, playing 12 characters in "What's Your Raashee?" and seven characters in "7 Khoon Maaf," actress Priyanka Chopra still craves for more. Director Kunal Kohli roped her in for his forthcoming film "Teri Meri Kahaani", in which she plays three different characters with Shahid Kapoor opposite her. "When I went to narrate the story to Priyanka, she didn't say a word. But after the narration, the first thing Priyanka asked me was: 'I have to play only three characters?' I was amazed. She still has the hunger to do more and do far better," Kohli said in a statement. "Teri Meri Kahaani" is set in three eras - 1910, 1960 and 2012. Priyanka said: "I enjoy doing such characters. It gives me a high."

Bollywood

April 27, 2012

NO HURRY I

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rrfan was Bollywood's Khan with a difference, until he dropped his surname. He is unhappy with the way his decision is being talked about in the industry, and says being a Khan does not translate into success. "I don't understand why you want to put all the Khans in one bag and mix them up. Had I been put together with them if my name was Irrfan Ali?" the actor said to a question about the dominance of Khans in Bollywood. "Everyone has his own place and a surname doesn't benefit you, otherwise there would have been so many Khans roaming around in the industry," added the 49year-old. Irrfan has been highly praised for his last movie "Paan Singh Tomar", before which he dropped his surname. But name and success have nothing to do with each other, he said, adding: "Khan is just a surname and it is up to you how much importance you give to it." Irrfan says "Paan Singh Tomar" owes its success to the way public promoted it on social networking sites. The actor has finished shooting for a European film "Qissa" and also "The Amazing Spider Man." He will soon start shooting for Tigmanshu Dhulia's "Sahib, Biwi aur Gangster Returns."

A KHAN DROPPING A KHAN

Vegetarian Khan

A A

ctor Kunal Khemu and his girlfriend Soha Ali Khan have rubbished reports that they are set to tie the knot by November this year. The wedding plans are yet to be put in place, says the couple. "None of them (reports) are true as of nowâ&#x20AC;Ś As and when we discuss it among ourselves, we will share it with everybody. But not as of now," said Kunal. Asked if they will pip Soha's brother Saif Ali Khan and actress Kareena Kapoor to the wedding post, Kunal said: "It's not like we are ahead of someone or behind. There is no hurry that if they are getting married, we should also do it." Soha added: "It's not a race! Whenever it is the right time, we will talk." For now, Kunal, whose last release "Blood Money" fared average at the box office, is currently shooting for Saif's home production "Go, Goa, Gone". Soha was last seen in "Soundtrack" and is busy with Deepa Mehta's "Midnight's Children".

ctress Zarine Khan says she is trying to become a vegetarian, but finds it difficult to abstain from non-veg food. "I have been a non-vegetarian since birth, so it is not very easy. Hats off to vegetarian peopleâ&#x20AC;Ś I am trying my level best to turn vegetarian," the 27year-old told reporters. The actress, who joined the industry two years ago with the 2010 release "Veer", got a lot of flak for her plump look. But she has since shed a lot of weight. Talking about the secret behind her trim figure, she said: "I eat whatever I want to in the right quantity and at the right time. If I have a craving for something, I make sure I indulge in it but not too much." The actress featured in the recently released "Housefull 2?. Although Zarine did not put enough light on her future projects, she thanked her fans for appreciating "Housefull 2? and making it a huge success.

Health

Line

Court: Prison doc can't be sued over eye surgery

LANSING, Mich.: A federal appeals court has cleared an exMichigan prison official of liability for an inmate's four-year delay in getting cataract surgery. In a 2-1 decision, the court said Dr. George Pramstaller has immunity, overturning a federal judge's decision. He was chief medical officer at the Corrections Department. Dallas Cobbs had cataract surgery on his right eye in 2004 but didn't get the other eye fixed until 2008, despite recommendations that it be done sooner. Vision in the left eye was as bad as 20/600. Cobbs says his right against cruel punishment was violated. -AP

Cost of 2006 Mass. health care law 'modest' BOSTON: A new study has concluded that the state's landmark 2006 health care law has come with only modest additional costs for Massachusetts taxpayers. The report by the businessbacked Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation concluded that direct state spending on the health care law grew from just over $1 billion in the 2006 fiscal year to more than $1.9 billion in the 2011 fiscal year. After accounting for federal reimbursements, that translates into about $453 million in state spending or about 1.4 percent of the entire $32 billion Massachusetts state budget for 2011 fiscal year. -AP

Officials report 3 cases of suspect PSP ANCHORAGE, Alaska: There's been three suspected cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning in the Juneau area. Alaska health officials say in a release that all three cases were related to the consumption of shellfish that was harvested over the Easter weekend. All three people involved are recovering. One man went to the hospital after eating razor clams from Admiralty Island. The other two cases were form eating butter clams from either Lincoln or Ralston islands. Early signs of possible paralytic shellfish poisoning include tingling in the tongue and lips. That can go to the fingers and toe, extending even to loss of control of limbs and difficulty breathing. -AP

Health Science 40

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April 27, 2012

NH Senate hearing on birth control exemption CONCORD, NH: A Senate committee is taking up the issue of whether employers with religious objections should be allowed to exclude contraceptive coverage for health plans for their New Hampshire workers. -AP

Beyond drowsy, too little sleep ups diabetes risk WASHINGTON: Increased number of workers pull the night shift. Teenagers text past midnight and stumble to class at dawn. Travelers pack cheaper overnight flights. Nodding off behind the wheel is not the only threat from lack of sleep. Evidence is growing that people who regularly sleep too little and at the wrong time suffer long-lasting consequences that a nap will not cure: increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and other health problems. ``We have a societal conspiracy for sleep deprivation,'' says Russell Sanna of Harvard Medical School's sleep medicine division, who attended a TEDMED conference where scientists called sleep loss one of health care's big challenges. Just how unhealthy is it? Consider how sleep may play a role in the nation's diabetes epidemic. Studies have long shown that people who sleep fewer than five hours a night have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabe-

tes, the kind that tends to strike later in life. Rotating shift work, three or more night shifts a month interspersed with day or evening hours, raises the risk, too, says a recent report from researchers who analyzed years of medical records from the huge Nurses' Health Study.

disrupted, a person's body physically changes in ways that can help set the stage for diabetes, reports neuroscientist Orfeu Buxton of Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital. Buxton's team had 21 healthy volunteers spend almost six weeks living in a laboratory where their diet, physical activity, sleep

What happened was startling: Blood sugar levels increased after meals, sometimes to pre-diabetic levels, because the pancreas stopped secreting enough insulin Diet and physical activity are big factors in Type 2 diabetes. Certainly it is harder to work out or choose an apple over a doughnut when you're tired, especially at 3 a.m. when your body's internal clock knows you should be sleeping. A study, however, shows sleep plays a more complex role than that. As sleep drops and normal biological rhythms are

and even the light was strictly controlled. The volunteers started out well-rested. But for three of those weeks, they were allowed only about 51/2 hours of sleep every 24 hours - at varying times of the day or night, to mimic a bad shift rotation or prolonged jet lag. That knocked out of whack the body's ``circadian rhythm,'' a master biological clock that regulates such

patterns as when a person becomes sleepy or how body temperature rises and falls. What happened was startling: Blood sugar levels increased after meals, sometimes to pre-diabetic levels, because the pancreas stopped secreting enough insulin, Buxton reported in the journal Science Translational Medicine. At the same time, the volunteers' metabolic rate slowed by 8 percent. The researchers had them on a diet so they did not gain weight, but Buxton says typically, a metabolism drop of that size could mean gaining 10 to 12 pounds over a year. The results make sense, says Dr. Michael Thorpy, sleep center director at New York's Montefiore Medical Center and a neurology professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. ``If we're going to spend a third of our day sleeping, there's got to be a good reason for it,'' says Thorpy, who notes that diabetes is far from the only worry. Cont’d on page 42

WHO urges priority to health needs of poor India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Health experts from the 11 Member States of WHO's South-East Asia Region met in New Delhi on 16-17 April to brainstorm about universal health care in the Region. WHO is urging countries in the Region to give priority to public health and the health needs of the poor through appropriate technology and health systems that are anchored at the community level. The three strategic dimensions for universal health coverage are: population coverage, where all citizens are covered by health services irrespective of capacity to pay; a service package offered universally to all citizens customized to meet ground realities and all resource needs, including financing; and ensuring utilization, affordability and sustainability. Countries have placed a different emphasis on each of these three dimensions in their path to univer-

sal health coverage. China for example is targeting access to a limited package of services for its entire population in its first phase of universal health coverage. Nepal is committed to providing maternal and child health services free at primary level and prioritizing better access for the poor in secondary care. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has

more complex and health ministries must now lead and coordinate multi-sector action for improving health for all". Experience shared from Costa Rica at the consultation highlighted the importance of leadership and governance in maintaining solidarity for equity. This has been at the core of Costa Rica's 50-year trajectory to universal

"Health systems are becoming more complex and health ministries must now lead and coordinate multi-sector action for improving health for all" been successfully delivering a more comprehensive package for sometime now. "Equity remains the underpinning principle that we must not lose sight of" said Dr. Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia. "Health systems are becoming

health coverage even at low and middle levels of GDP. Importantly, health has been part of a broader effort for social development which has had a reinforcing impact on health, and particularly on education. Influences outside the health sector impact health as well, such

as, the rising burden from highcost, life-style related noncommunicable diseases, health risks from climate change, social determinants of health and health implications of the financial crisis. Bhutan is now leading the world in reassessing our priorities as captured by economic growth. The UN is discussing indicators for Gross National Happiness (GNH) to replace measuring of GDP to capture development. The nine domains under the four pillars of GNH are: living standards, health, education, culture, ecological integrity, community vitality, time use, good governance, and psychological wellbeing. Universal health coverage must prioritize the poor and public health including a renewed focus on costeffective prevention and promotion activities by revitalizing Primary Health Care (PHC). This is the feasible and sustainable way forward given the resource context of countries of South-East Asia.

April 27, 2012

Health Science Post

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Health executive scammed tax returns HAUPPAUGE, N.Y: Dozens of victims of severe brain injuries had their identities stolen by a man who worked at the New York center where they were treated, a prosecutor said here. The suspect then filed phony tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and in at least two states, pocketing over $200,000 in refunds. Benjamin Achampong, 30, was charged with grand larceny, identity theft and other crimes in a 48-count indictment, Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said. Achampong pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was being held on $50,000 bail. His attorney, Michael Alber, declined to comment on whether his client would post bail and said he did not want to comment on the specific allegations. In addition to the charges against Achampong in New York, Spota said he is suspected of using the same victims' Social Security numbers and other identification to obtain $30,000 in refunds in New Jersey, though charges have yet to be filed there. Achampong had been in custody in Georgia, facing credit card fraud, forgery and identity theft charges stemming from a November 2011 arrest. Spota said authorities in Charleston County, Ga., contacted his office late last year after an arrest warrant had been issued in New York, and Achampong was extradited to Long Island. He said the suspect took the identities of 56 brain injury victims who were in such

severe condition they were unable to qualify for any employment that would make them subject to paying income taxes. He added that because of the victims' conditions, they were sometimes unable to assist detectives; a factor that slowed the investigation. Achampong also is on probation in Nassau County, Long Island, for his conviction in a 2009 case, where he admitted stealing the identity of a dead developmentally disabled man to obtain debit cards,

Through a spokesman, the association said Achampong had not worked at the facility since 2006. The phony returns were filed that year and the following year, prosecutors said. "The agency is shocked and appalled by the possible victimization of our clients by this former employee,'' the statement said, noting the agency has cooperated with investigators and turned over all information and records that could assist them.

Spota said Achampong stole the brain injury patients' personal identification while working as a manager for Long Island's Head Injury Association, an agency that provides housing and services for people disabled by head trauma; either by stroke, disease, or as accident victims the prosecutor said. Spota said Achampong stole the brain injury patients' personal identification while working as a manager for Long Island's Head Injury Association, an agency that provides housing and services for people disabled by head trauma; either by stroke, disease, or as accident victims. During the opening of a press conference to announce the charges, Spota described Achampong as a ``shameless, incorrigible thief who has absolutely no moral standards whatsoever.''

TIP OF THE WEEK

The prosecutor said Achampong usually had the tax refunds, which ranged between $200 and $2,000 each, transferred electronically to one of at least 16 bank accounts he controlled. Spota noted that tax officials do not question where to send a tax refund, as long as the filer provides a bank account and routing number for an account. Achampong allegedly used the money to buy a Range Rover and to pay his own personal expenses and the rent and expenses ``of a number of girlfriends.'' -AP

Tame chronic pain with turmeric

tudies show turmeric, a popular East Indian spice, is actually three times more effective at easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, plus it can help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of people struggling with arthritis and even fibromyalgia, according to Cornell researchers. That's because turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2, an enzyme that churns out a stream of pain-producing hormones, explains nutrition researcher Julian Whitaker, M.D. and author of the book,Reversing Diabetes. The study-recommended dose: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of this spice daily onto any rice, poultry, meat or vegetable dish.

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April 27, 2012

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Colo. GOP rejects health law passed by their own DENVER: Colorado Republicans aren't happy with a health care law promoted by some of their own leaders in the state Legislature. In a platform resolution, Republicans at the state GOP convention voted overwhelmingly to seek repeal of the Colorado Health Benefits Exchange. The exchange is a marketplace for health insurance and was supported by business groups and Republican leaders in the Legislature. But the exchange has riled many conservatives because private insurance exchanges are required under the new federal health care law. ``Any time you have what you call a private industry solution coming from a government agency, it sets off alarm bells,'' said Ken Clark of Longmont, a conservative who wrote the platform resolution. Clark is Colorado field director for the FreedomWorks group and host of a conservative Denver talk-radio show on Grassroots Radio. The platform resolution vote does not affect public policy, nor does it reflect the opinion of all Republicans. But the health exchange vote could be another portent of danger for Republican lawmakers who supported it. The exchange was sponsored by House Republican Leader Amy Stephens, who now faces a primary challenger who backed an

unsuccessful effort earlier this year to repeal the exchange. Stephens declined to comment on the exchange vote before results were announced. Political platform votes don't mean the party leadership supports an idea, and

"Any time you have what you call a private industry solution coming from a government agency, it sets off alarm bells," said Ken Clark of Longmont, a conservative who wrote the platform resolution conventions are routinely stuffed with hot-button policy questions that may not reflect the opinions of everyone in the party. Still, platform resolutions can be telling guides to the questions that Democratic and Republican activists consider important. Mixed in with no-brainer positions many associate with either party often lie indications of where some in the party would like to head. -AP

NJ gives group permit to grow pot legally NEW JERSEY'S first legal medical marijuana can now be planted after the state Health Department granted a permit to a group to start growing pot for patients. Under the permit, Montclair-based Greenleaf Compassion Center is allowed to start growing but will need an additional permit to start selling cannabis to patients with qualifying medical conditions. Still, the announcement means that New Jersey's often-delayed medical marijuana program could be providing the drug to patients within three or four months - the time it takes to grow a crop. The state posted online the list of 109 physicians who have registered to be able to recommend marijuana to patients. The list includes doctors in every county except for Sussex and Salem. The Health Department also said a registry for patients is being developed, a necessary step for patients to get the drug legally. Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine signed a law allowing medical marijuana in January 2010 as one of his last acts before leaving office. Gov. Chris Christie, the Republican who replaced him, had serious misgivings about the law, though he says he supports making pot available for patients it would truly benefit. Fifteen other states also have laws allowing medical marijuana, though New

Jersey's is considered the most stringent. In New Jersey, patients could only be recommended the drug by doctors with whom they have an ongoing relationship and only certain conditions would qualify. Advocates for medical marijuana say it eases pain and nausea associated with multiple sclerosis, glaucoma and other conditions.

Gov. Chris Christie, the Republican who replaced him, had serious misgivings about the law, though he says he supports making pot available for patients it would truly benefit Implementation of the law has been slow as the state took more time than expected to develop regulations. The state selected six nonprofit groups to grow and dispense the drug last year. But those groups have struggled to find communities willing to host them. So far, just two of the six have announced local zoning approvals. -AP

Beyond drowsy, too little sleep ups diabetes risk Cont'd from page 40

Up to 70 million Americans are estimated to suffer from chronic problems with sleep, from insomnia to sleep apnea. Impaired sleep has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, depression, memory impairment and a weakened immune system. Still another concern: The World Health Organization has classified night shift work as a probable carcinogen, because too much light at night may hamper a hormone involved both with sleep and suppressing tumor cells. Don't people adjust to the night shift if they are on it long enough? Buxton says rotating shifts probably are most worrisome. In his study, the volunteers' bodies went back to normal after nine nights of sufficient sleep at the right time. No one knows how long it takes before sleep deprivation and an off-kilter biological clock may cause permanent damage. Montefiore's Thorpy says natural night owls seem to adapt better to night shifts, but that people never fully adapt if they swing back to daytime schedules on their days off. Also, about 30 percent of regular night workers have trouble sleeping during their off hours or are particularly fatigued, he says, something termed ``shift work disorder.'' The consumer message: • The National Institutes of Health says adults need between seven and nine hours

of sleep daily for good health. • People you work nights, should go straight to bed when they get home, Buxton advises. Avoid too much light along the way. Thorpy says wearing yellow - or orange-tinted sunglasses on the drive home can block short -wavelength ``blue light'' that triggers wakefulness. • Let natural light help keep the biological sleep clock on schedule, advises Harvard's sleep-education Web site. For

Buxton says rotating shifts probably are most worrisome. In his study, the volunteers' bodies went back to normal after nine nights of sufficient sleep at the right time most people, sunlight in the morning is crucial. For the night shift, more bright light in the evening shifts people's internal clock, Buxton explains. • For anyone, a sleep-inducing bedroom is one that's dark, quiet and cool. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and stressful situations near bedtime. Electronics right before bed aren't advised, either. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day also helps. -AP

Realty Tidbits

HC arbitrators for Emaar MGF, DDA row NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has set up a 3-member arbitral panel, headed by Justice V S Aggarwal, to resolve a dispute arising out of DDA's decision to forfeit a bank guarantee of Rs 183 crore furnished by Commonwealth Games village builder Emaar MGF. "DDA states .... it would nominate its nominee arbitrator and the arbitral tribunal be declared by this court to consist of Justice V S Aggarwal (Retd) (Presiding Arbitrator), S B Lal, Chief Engineer (Retd), BSNL, (of Emaar MGF) and the person to be nominated by DDA. "Ordered accordingly. DDA is directed to nominate its arbitrator and convey the decision to the appellant latest by April 13," Justices Pradeep Nandrajog and Siddharth Mridul said while disposing of the petition of the real estate firm. DDA had on October 21, 2010, ordered the forfeiture of the Rs 183 crore bank guarantee furnished by CWG Games village builder Emaar MGF after charges of various irregularities were leveled against the private construction firm. Thirty four towers, comprising 1,168 flats, were built in the CWG village in public-private partnership. Aggrieved by the decision, Emaar MGF had moved High court. -PTI

Mumbai rentals to be dearer

n a move that would impact existing tenants and migrants moving into Maharashtra, the state government has proposed a hike in stamp duty on Leave and License Agreements (LLAs). The state's move, if implemented, could potentially increase the cost of renting a property in Mumbai, Pune and the tier-II cities and may end up as a good example for other states on what not to do. The scenario Property prices in all metros across India are very high. Mumbai leads the list followed by Delhi-NCR. Cities such as Pune, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Chennai, Ahmedabad have witnessed high appreciation in capital value of property. Interest rates being high, make home loans increasingly unaffordable. In this situation, rental accommodation is the default affordable option. In Maharashtra, Mumbai tops the list followed by Pune, Nasik and Nagpur. Cont’d on page 45

Real Estate

Buying dream cottage in Himachal may get tougher Details on page 44

India Post

April 27, 2012

www.indiapost.com

7 questions to ask before buying a home DANA DRATCH

efore you make an offer on a house, it pays to ask a handful of questions. While the answers might scare you off or make you rethink your bid, they could make you feel more confident that you're making the right move on the right house. As you prepare for buying a home, here are seven questions to ask before you make the offer. For ethical reasons, agents can't tell you how much to offer, says C.D. "Chip" Boring, broker/owner of Re/Max Realty Plus in Sebring, Fla. Instead of asking directly how much the home is worth, you ask indirectly, by seeking information about comparable sales, or "comps." An agent should arm you with plenty of comparables -- prices of similar, nearby homes that have been sold recently -- along with high and low ranges for a particular property, Boring says. Your agent can tell you how long homes are staying on the market, and the percentage of the asking price sellers are getting, says Dick Gaylord, past president of the National Association of Realtors and broker with Re/Max

Real Estate Specialists in Long Beach, Calif. This information tells you how hot the market is where

has been on the market. If it's been languishing for months with nary an offer, it could be slow market or

Not every seller will be willing to bargain, so if your strategy is to make lowball offers, plan to make "offers on several properties before you connect with a seller who will deal," Irwin says you are looking, he says. Also ask how long the property

When Negotiating Real Estate." If you insult the seller with a lowball offer, you could lose your shot at the house. To avoid offending the homeowner, ask the seller's agent how firm the seller is on price, Irwin says. You can have this conversation directly with the seller's agent or have your agent ask the question. Keeping it in terms of "how flexible are they on the price?" instead of "how much less will they take?" allows you to feel out the situation without offending the seller, Irwin says. Not every seller will be willing to bargain, so if your strategy is to make lowball offers, plan to make "offers on several properties before you connect with a seller who will deal," Irwin says. A question that often goes hand-in-hand: Is the seller willing to help with the closing costs? On foreclosed homes, a seller's contribution to closing costs "certainly is common with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac because they want to sell their properties," Gaylord says.

it could be overpriced, says Robert Irwin, author of "Tips and Traps

Cont’d on page 44

Shree Kailash's Logistics Park is ready CHENNAI: Shri Kailash Logistics, part of Kochi-based Sree Kailas Group, said here first phase of its Rs 320-crore logistics park

The company has completed construction of 3.25 lakh square feet of warehouses and 25,000 square feet of commercial complex, with technical support of a Singaporebased consultant set up at Oragadam near here is ready to go on stream. The company has completed

Shri Kailash Logicity at Oragadam, near Chennai.

construction of 3.25 lakh square feet of warehouses and 25,000 square feet of commercial complex, with technical support of a Singapore-based consultant, Shri Kailash Logistics Managing Director S Giridhar said in a statement.

The company is expanding the facility by adding another 7 lakh square feet of modern warehouses in the park with a total investment of Rs 320 crore for both first and second phases. Formal inauguration of the first

phase of the park is scheduled for the first week of May, he said, adding the entire logistics park is expected to be commissioned in two years. Cont’d on page 45

Real Estate Post

44 India Post

April 27, 2012

Buying dream cottage in Himachal may get tougher SHIMLA: Buying an ultraluxury cottage or a flat in the idyllic settings of Himachal Pradesh will get tougher and costlier if the state government accepts a commission's report recommending scrapping of the Himachal Pradesh Apartment and Property Regulation Act of 2005. The Act was brought into place by the previous Congress government and enables builders to construct and sell flats in various categories. Probing 'benami' or illegal land transactions in the state, the commission headed by Justice D.P. Sood, a former judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, in

hence no private player should be allowed," Sood said in his 147page report. Representatives of real estate say if the recommendation of the commission is accepted, the construction of new cottages and flats will virtually come to a halt while demand remains high. Sood observed that the basic purpose of the act has been violated since it came into being in 2005. "It was enacted with the purpose of setting up housing complexes in the state consisting of 20 dwelling units for the labor class within a radius of 10 km of an established industrial area. But per-

Spot inspection of the builders by the commission noted that the builders are catering to the needs of the rich people of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and non-resident Indians his report tabled in the assembly recommended to the government that the act be immediately withdrawn. "Builders are creating concrete jungles and spoiling the natural forested environment of the state. Since the government lacks manpower to check and monitor each and every construction activity, the act should be withdrawn. The demand of Himachalis (to own a flat) can be easily met by HIMUDA (Himachal Pradesh Urban Development Authority);

mission under the act has been given indiscriminately," he said. As many as 173 builders and promoters have been issued licenses by the government to construct apartments, cottages and dwelling units. Spot inspection of the builders by the commission noted that the builders are catering to the needs of the rich people of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and non-resident Indians. "They are not serving the needs and requirements of the

people of Himachal Pradesh. Moreover, 90 percent of colonizers (those moving into the new neighborhoods) are not from the state," the commission observed. The builders, it said, have purchased a huge chunk of agricultural land, thus defeating the purpose of Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reform Act of 1972. The land reform act intends to preserve agricultural land and prevent it from being converted for non-agricultural purposes. The report also observed that the builders normally shrug off the responsibility of providing essential services like water and elec-

tricity in the housing projects despite an assurance to buyers of providing these at the time of selling. It cited the case of the promoters of Sugandha Apartments in Solan town. Rajeev Chopra of Sugandha Apartments in reply to the commission stated that "water is the basic need of the human being and it's the duty of the government to provide water to members of the society". According to the commission, the builder has promised 24-hour electricity and water supply in the project report. The commission suggests vesting of the land of 42 promot-

ers in the government, while the builders, who have been given permission between 2008 and 2011, should be asked to complete the projects within a stipulated period. The builders who have been asked to complete the projects included Bemloe Development and Infrastructure Company, Janta Land Promoter Ltd, Optima Construction Pvt Ltd, Soma New Tom Pvt Ltd and Surya Builders. Bemloe Development and Optima Construction are accused of serious environmental violations. They are constructing ultra-luxury cottages in Shimla and Kasauli towns respectively.

7 questions to ask before buying a home Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 43

"And sellers who have equity in their property and want to help are helping." "One of the things that's happening now is every house is in 'perfect condition,'" Irwin says. "The sellers really want to get rid of the properties, so they're failing to disclose any real problems." Take the direct approach, he says. Ask: "Is there a problem with this house?" Irwin recommends reminding sellers that with inspections and disclosures, chances are you'll find any problems. "So if the sellers just get it out in the open, they'll avoid wasting your time and theirs," he says. Some sellers' agents recommend a home inspection before putting the home on the market, Boring says. If one has been done, ask to read it. Some states, such as Texas, mandate disclosure forms in which sellers have to reveal any issues or problems with the house, says James Foltz, who recently bought a home there. In his case, the disclosure not only provided information, but it also started a dialogue with the seller. Foltz learned that there

had been a problem and that it had been fixed. In the end, Foltz says, "It wasn't that big a deal." In a short sale, the bank allows the property to be sold for less than the amount of the outstanding mortgage. If the seller's bank doesn't give its consent, the short sale can't happen. But some sellers simply decide to list their properties as "short sales" before even

be sold for less than the outstanding mortgage amount. "Find out if there has been communication with the lender," Gaylord says. Do a little investigation, too, he urges. If the buyer has gotten permission for a short sale, what was the bank's reason for granting it? Does that reason sound plausible (divorce, job loss, transfer)? And are banks typically granting short sale requests in that

Irwin recommends reminding sellers that with inspections and disclosures, chances are you'll find any problems. "So if the sellers just get it out in the open, they'll avoid wasting your time and theirs," he says talking with their lenders, Gaylord says. These sellers don't realize that their financial situations might not meet the lender's criteria for short sales. So even if the buyer and seller settle on a price, without the bank's permission there won't be a deal. That's why, when a home is advertised as a short sale, the buyer should ask whether the lender has agreed to allow the home to

situation? It's the question sellers (and their agents) hate: Are foreclosed homes for sale nearby? Foreclosures usually cost less, and that has to figure into your buying decision. "It always makes sense to ask if there are other houses for sale in the neighborhood," says William Poorvu, professor emeritus of entrepreneurship at Harvard Business

School and co-author of "The Real Estate Game." "In today's world, you should also ask if any of these sales are as a result of foreclosures." With foreclosures in the neighborhood, "you can assume there will be a lot of price competition, and you may offer less money," Poorvu says. Foltz says he should have asked more persistently for receipts and documentation about his new home's appliances and mechanical systems. "But it's something you don't have that much control over," he says. The seller replaced the air conditioner shortly before putting the home on the market, but didn't save the paperwork. Without documentation, the new buyers didn't have a lot of options when the unit malfunctioned. Foltz says he didn't know who sold the air conditioner or if it was under warranty. "So we paid out of pocket." The seller did pass along all the documentation on the home's hardwood floors. So when the new owners wanted to install that same hardwood in the hallway and office, they had the information they needed to get an exact match. - Courtesy Bankrate.com

Real Estate Post

April 27, 2012

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Equinox to invest in Bangalore housing project

NEW DELHI: Essar Group real estate company Equinox Realty will invest about Rs 600 crore on construction of its first housing project in Bangalore. The company, which forayed into the realty sector in 2007, has appointed construction major L&T to build its housing project 'Water's Edge' spread over 8 acres of land. "This will be our first residential project. We will develop about 400 flats in this project. The starting price in the initial phase would be Rs 1.5 crore onwards," Equinox Realty Chief Executive Officer Cherag Ramakrishnan told PTI. "We have appointed L&T for construction of this project with a total built-up-area of about 2 million square feet," he said, adding

that the project would be completed in the next four and half years. Asked about the project cost, he said "it would be about Rs 550-

40-storeyed towers, which will be among the tallest buildings in the city. Ramakrishnan said the company is targeting people who want to experience luxury lifestyle with all urban conveniences. The sizes of the flats would be between 2,500 square feet and 3,800 square feet and the basic selling price has been fixed at Rs 5,660/square feet. Apart from this project, he said the company is developing a 1.2 million square feet office complex in Mumbai. It is also developing many projects for other Essar Group companies which are used for captive purposes.

L&T's scope of work includes all shell and core and the finishing works. The project will have five 40-storeyed towers, which will be among the tallest buildings in the city 600 crore excluding land price". The planned investment would be largely funded through internal accruals. L&T's scope of work includes all shell and core and the finishing works. The project will have five

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 43

Existing Regime The current stamp duty is irrespective of the period of LLA or market value of the premises being rented. The duty is fixed as per the annual average rent (AAR). This AAR comprises the total rent per year along with the deposit amount. For example, a flat in the tony Peddar Road area in Mumbai, worth Rs 5 crore is rented for a year at Rs 1 lakh per month with a deposit of say Rs 5 lakh. The total rent per year is Rs 12 lakh and with the deposit added becomes Rs 17 lakh. As per the current fixed structure determined by the ready reckoner, the stamp duty would be Rs 2,000 for that year. "One can observe that the stamp duty has nothing to do with the market price or capital value of the premises but is depen-

On expansion, Ramakrishnan said the company is looking for more projects in Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune. "We have land in Mumbai and we are in active discussions to acquire land in Bangalore and Pune". -PTI

Noting that 2.5 lakh square foot was leased out to major multi-national automobile companies, he said the company has received an offer from another MNC to take the entire park on a long-term lease. The company is currently in talks with certain strategic investors and private equity investors to fund the project, he said, add-

wing to global issues, liquidity is becoming a problem. Though the phase is temporarily, the concern cannot be ruled out. Indian real estate sector is banking on the fact that change will take place and market will come out of the situation. The fact of the matter is that next 12 months and in fact 2012, does not look too bright for the sector. The global debt worries have led to more and more uncertainty. In the last few months, the sector has been plagued by a potential liquidity squeeze. The situation is very unsettling and the fear is that we might end up looking at the year 2008 situation. It is certain that banks will get into selective lending with more strict verifications. In 2012, we are expecting that interest rates might get stabilized but disbursal of home loans will come down. As RBI has been steadily increasing interest rates, debt for developers is becoming expensive. Also many banks are right now not keen to lend to real estate projects. Due to global uncertainty even private equity is cautious of investing in India. In fact, companies have started looking at alternative routes of fund raising. And many a deals are being done as structured debt deals hiding behind the facade of an equity

structure. In structured debt deals, the companies - investor and investee - sign two agreements. In the publicly announced agreement the investor - a PE or a VC fund - buys an equity stake in the company; and in the second contract they have buyback clause, which allows investee company to buy back its shares from the PE/VC

Due to global uncertainty even private equity is cautious of investing in India. In fact, companies have started looking at alternative routes of fund raising fund at a price that will give the fund a return of about 20% per annum over the duration of the investment. All signs currently suggest that 2012 would not be an easy year. As debt becomes more expensive and PE funds find it difficult to deploy cash due to global economic conditions, we would see higher number of structured deals taking place in 2012.

Mumbai rentals to be dearer dent solely on the amount being paid as rent and deposit i.e. duty is on the gain made by the licensor in that particular tenure." says S Bharat, a property consultant. The current maximum stamp duty for the residential premises for the tenure of maximum five years stands at Rs 25,000. Proposed Regime The proposed stamp duty structure takes into account the market value in comparison to the total gains the licensor makes. The proposed duty for residential premises is divided into two slabs depending on the tenure. For the LLA of 36 months, the stamp duty proposed is either 0.1 per cent of the market value or 1 per cent of the AAR - whichever

is higher. For periods from 36-60 months, the proposed stamp duty would be 0.2 per cent of the market value or 2 per cent of the AAR - whichever is higher. Market value is determined by the government every year in the form of a ready reckoner. Consider the earlier example. Under the proposed structure, 0.1 per cent of the market value i.e. Rs 5 crore would be Rs 50,000, and 1 per cent of the AAR, i.e. R17 lakh would be Rs 17,000. The proposed stamp duty now could be R 50,000 as that is the higher figure of the two - a 25-fold increase! In addition, it would not be a fixed but will vary on the market value and the tenure of the agreement for residential premises. For commercial properties, the proposed

Shree Kailash's Logistics Park is ready Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 43

A tougher year for fund raising

ing, they were also planning to set up similar logistics parks in Coimbatore and Bangalore. On their future plans, Giridhar said they were also planning to set up another 50 acre park in North Chennai, close to the ChennaiKolkata Highway aimed at serving the fast moving consumer goods companies. The logistics park, he said, would offer spacious roads for 40

feet containers, uninterrupted power supply, IT and communication connectivity, water supply and drainage network for the clients. Sree Kailas Group, engaged in manufacturing of paper products and paper conversion, transportation and logistics and development of logistics parks, real estate and construction, is expecting to report a total turnover of Rs 400 crore this financial year. -PTI

stamp duty would stand at 0.4 per cent of the market value. Possible Reasons The state government gets 60 per cent of its revenue from sales tax/VAT and 20 per cent from the excise duty, electricity charges, vehicle tax etc. The balance 20 per cent is from stamp duty. A hike in LLAs can generate Rs 1,000 crore additional revenue per year. An official on condition of anonymity said, "Since 2002-03 when registration for LLAs were made mandatory, the stamp duty was not revised in order to encourage rental housing. Hence it was fixed as per AAR. It has been a decade since and with overall growth in economy, the taxes usually go up with time."

Datebook

India Post

April 27, 2012

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

Upcoming

Sat April 28 • Pankaj Udhas in New York Venue: Colden Auditorium, Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, New York Time: 8pm Contact: 732-277-6687

Fri April 27 • Maharaniís Night Venue: Fire n Ice Restaurant Lounge, 583 Ford Ave, Fords, NJ 08863 Time: 7pm Contact: 347-724-5202

Thurs May 10

Sat April 28

• The Luxury Review

• Vishu Festival 2012

Venue: The Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, New York Time: 6pm

Venue: Crossroads North Middle School Auditorium, 635 Georges Road, Monmouth Juction New Jersey Time: 3pm Contact: 732-333-3952

Sat May 5 • Desi Speed Dating NYC Venue: Pranna NYC, 79 Madison Ave, New York Time: 7:15pm Contact: 732-444-8781

ILLINOIS

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Fri April 27

Sat April 28

• Pankaj Udhas A Live Ghazal Concert

ï Kailash Kher Kailasa

Venue: The Meadows Club, 2950,W.Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 Time: 8:30pm Contact: 815-404-3473

Venue: Chabot College Performing Arts Center, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA94545 Time: 8pm Contact: 510-509-1990

Sat April 28

Sun May 6

• Vaisakhi 2012

• Kathakaanjali of Dance Karishma Anniversary 2012

Venue: TAFT High School, 6530 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, Il Time: 7pm Contact: 224-388-9393

Sat May 5

• Musical Melange

• Rang De Basanthi-2nd Annual Spring Dance Festival

Venue: JP Stevens Hingh School, 855 Grove Avenue, Edison, NJ Time: 4pm Contact: 732-800-2336

Venue: Balaji Tremple, 1145 W. Sullivan Rd, Aurora, IL 60506 Time: 4pm Contact: 630-664-1099

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming

Venue: De Anza College Visual & Performing Art Amphitheater, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA Time: 4:30pm Contact: 40257-2436

Upcoming Sat April 28 • Javed Ali in Concert Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466

Sat April 28 • Kailash Kher Live in Concert Venue: Chabot College performing Art Center, 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward, CA Contact: 510-453-1521 Highlights: Winner to winn Greet and Dinner with Kailash Kher

Sat May 5 • Vaisakhi 2012 Celebration

ï Hinduism Summit (Dharmajagruti Sabha)

Venue: Birminghuam Charter High School, 17000, Haynes Street, Van Nuys, CA Time: 3pm Contact: 818-835-3374

Venue: Vedic Dharma Samaj Fremont, Hindu Temple, Fremout, California Time: 2:30pm to 4:45pm Contact: 877-303-3342

Sun June 10 • Songs & Dances from Vibrant Gujarat

Sat May 12

Sun May 13

Sun April 29

• One God One World Family

• Priyadarshini Govind (Bharathanatyam Dance)

Venue: Anubhuti Meditation & Retreat Center, 820 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, CA Time: 11am Contact: 415-884-2314

Venue: Kresge Auditorium, MIT, 48 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA Time: 4pm Contact: 857-205-9731

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Mon May 14

Venue: Palace Theater, Stamford Time: 8pm Contact: 203-322-9862 Highlights: Gujarat, the Land the Legends: Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Vikram Sarabhai, Jamshedji Tata and visionary Dhirubhi Ambani go down in history. But, Gujarat also stands for its literary tradition in the form of folk songs, narratives and theater.

ï Amjad Sabriís Qawwali Program

Thurs Sept 27 • Ballet Folklorico De Mexico

Venue: Chinmaya Mission Auditorium, 1 Union St, Andover, MA Time: 5pm Contact: 978-681-5678

Venue: India Community Center, ICC, 525 Los Coches St. Milpitas, CA Time: 9pm Contact: 510-754-0129

Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466

Sat May 19

Sat July 14

• Hindu Heritage Day

ï Summer Picnic

Fri Oct 19 • Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi

Venue: Marlborough Middle School, 26 Union Street, Marlborough, MA Time: 3pm Contact: 508-789-3548

Venue: Lake Elizabeth Park, 4000 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA Time: 10am Contact: 510-713-2686

Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466

Sun May 6 • Grand Qawwali

April 27, 2012

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Philosophy

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April 27, 2012

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis ANANDAMAYI MA

ife and religion are one. All that you do to maintain your life, your everyday work and play, all your attempts to earn a living, should be done with sincerity, love and devotion, with a firm conviction that true living means virtually perfecting one's spiritual existence in tune with the universe. To bring about this synthesis, religious culture should be made as natural and easy as taking our food and drink when we are hungry and thirsty. With earnestness, love and goodwill carry out life's everyday duties and try to elevate yourself step by step. In all human activities let there be a live contact with the Divine and you will not have to leave off anything. Your work will then be done well. Just as a mother nourishes her child with all possible care and affection and makes him grow up into a healthy boy and a handsome youth, so you will find the subtle touches of the Divine Mother shaping your inner life and making you reach your full height and stature. Whatever work you have to do, do it with a singleness of purpose, with all the simplicity, contentment and joy you are capable of. Thus only will you be able to reap the best fruit of work. In full-

amanujacharya revealed the philosophy of vishishtadvaita Vedanta or qualified nondualism, which was opposite to Shankaracharya's philosophy of Advait Vedanta. Ramanuja has bequeathed three works on the Brahma-Sutra: the Vedanta-Sara, Vedanta-Dipa, and the Sri-Bhashya. The first work merely enunciates the meaning of the Sutras. The second goes beyond this summary of conclusions and indicates the dialectical framework. The third is the fullest and allsufficient commentary. Pious tradition records that Goddess Saraswati was so charmed by it that she blessed it with the prefix 'Sri'. Ramanuja stated the God is one, but with internal differences, represented as the souls and the material creation. God has qualities. He is ocean of Divine knowledge, bliss, compassion and other unlimited attributes. The world, comprised of souls and lifeless inert matter, is a part of His being. He is referred to as 'nirgun', without any qualities, but what this indicates is that God is without the 'mayic' qualities of sattva, rajas and tamas. The material creation

ness of time, the dry leaves of life will naturally drop off and new ones shoot forth. Just as there is a definite timetable for work at school, office or the shop, so should we set apart for divine contemplation a few minutes out of the twenty-four hours of every day, preferably in the morning and evening. One must make a fixed resolve that this little time shall be dedi-

all your thoughts and giving you new strength. You get a pension or bonus after years of hard work, so that you need no longer earn your livelihood. In the spiritual realm the reward for good, sincere and selfless work is even far greater and can be obtained more easily. Your earthly pension expires with your life, but the divine pension continues long, long after

single-minded devotion and you will obtain joy and power in proportion. If you cannot do anything else, at least morning and evening at the appointed time, lay down your body, mind and life before Him in salutation and surrender, and think of Him just a little. There are two kinds of pranamas: Offering to Him your whole body and mind with all

In all activity, let there be live contact with Divine

Anandamayi Ma

Just as a mother nourishes her child with all possible care and affection and makes him grow up into a healthy boy and a handsome youth, so you will find the subtle touches of the Divine Mother shaping your inner life

cated to God throughout life. During this period no worldly activity should be allowed. A fixed time for prayer or meditation must be allotted to all members of the family including the servants. If this practice is continued for long, divine contemplation will become a part of your nature. Once the habit is established, the future course of your life will be made quite easy. You will feel the flow of the mysterious Divine Grace feeding

death. Those who amass money, store it up in a hidden chamber of their house, add to this store what they can save from time to time, and keep a constant watch over their treasure. So also reserve a little corner of your mind and heart for God and always steal an opportunity to add to your stock in the shape of the invocation of His name or some pious work or divine thought. Lose yourself altogether when bowing down to God with a

thoughts, desires, sense-impressions, love, affection, devotion, just like emptying the contents of a full pitcher to its last drop. The other way is like scattering face-powder through the minute holes of a powder-box: the major portion of your thoughts and desires is kept back in a hidden chamber of your mind, and only a little dust is allowed to escape. The 116th birth anniversary of Anandamayi Ma will be observed on April 30

arose from God, therefore it is not an illusion. Maya is a power of God and established in Him. A soul is an infinitesimal fraction of God, just as a spark is a part of a fire. It remains at one place at a time, whereas God is omnipresent. The soul is ignorant, but God is omniscient and omnipotent. Being a fraction of

dependently established in God. Mayic ignorance can delude a soul, but not God. Ramanujacharya gave special emphasis to selfless surrender to God, which he called 'prapatti'. He said to renounce all material attachments, remove one's prideful ego, and to entrust one's everything to God. It is only

fore the duty of the child is to attain the grace of His Divine Mother and Father. A bhakta (devotee) should remember God's name and serve God with his body, mind and wealth. A soul should sincerely and humbly beg for forgiveness of his sins; then God, who is

Creation arose from God, so it is not an illusion Worldly happiness is an illusion in the same way that a rope may be mistaken for a snake. God is our Mother and Father, therefore the duty of the child is to attain the grace of His Divine Mother and Father God, the soul will always remain in existence. The soul could be considered equal to God only with respect to the experience of Divine bliss. The only means for a soul to be liberated from maya is selfless, whole-hearted devotion to God. The soul is an eternal servant of God. To refer to himself as God is a great sin. Maya is a power of God and

through God's grace that a soul can attain ultimate Divine happiness. He said that God resides in the heart of every soul as a witness. He is the supreme Divine personality. He alone is the Creator and Lord of the universe. Worldly happiness is an illusion in the same way that a rope may be mistaken for a snake. God is our Mother and Father, there-

One who has become enamored with the song within, one who is united with the inner universal pulse, such a one has become immune to the buffeting of the storms of circumstance without. -Ramesh Balsekar Stop trying to be a better person, and you are a better person - Adyashanti We search for love out there in the world, only to discover that we never lacked love, and there is no 'out there'. -Jeff Foster There is a joy and a love for all of creation that is there when you fall out of your head into the stillness of your pure heart. -Solane To see myself in everybody, and everybody in myself, most certainly is love. -Nisargadatta Maharaj

Ramanujacharya

causelessly merciful, will forgive him and grace him with supreme Divine bliss. The relationship that exists between Brahman (Narayanan) and the Universe of sentient souls and insentient entities, is inseparable and irrevocable, known as "aprthaksiddha". The 995th birth anniversary of Ramanujacharya will be observed on April 29

The illusions of the mind may hold our love for a time, but to love Love itself, we must turn within. -St. John of the Cross Relationship can be a shortcut to enlightenment. -Isaac Shapiro

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April 27, 2012

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NLD's victory: Still a long way to go in Myanmar MEDHA CHATURVEDI

n the historical bypolls in Myanmar, Daw Aung Saan Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), has been declared victorious by a huge margin. This has led the country to a point of no return in terms of credible reforms which will make the civilian government a lot more trustworthy internally as well as globally. Are the reforms already progressing at a pace acceptable to the people of Myanmar and the West, and more importantly, where does Myanmar go from here? NLD's victory The bypolls were conducted following the resignation of members of the parliament who were elected in the November 2011 national elections and were nominated to the Council of Ministers (as specified in the constitution). The NLD decided to re-register itself as a political party and contest these elections after the civilian government amended certain party registration provisions to which the NLD had earlier objected. Although the NLD, having won 43 of the 45 contested seats, will only have a limited representation in the parliament, there is sufficient optimism that Suu Kyi's would be a strong presence. The USDP and the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party won the final two seats. Suu Kyi will be representing her constituency of Kawhmu near Yangon, most probably from July, when the lower house of the parliament starts its new session. With only 37 out of 440 seats in the lower house, the NLD may not have a big voice, but it will be the largest individual opposition party. With these results, the NLD will now have 37 seats in the lower house, four in the upper house and two in regional assemblies. Suu Kyi has heralded these results as a "triumph of the people, who have decided that they must be involved in the political process of this country." So far, no indiscretion has been reported in the polling process. The road ahead The biggest problem which still remains in a state of ferment is the ethnic conflict. Despite ceasefire agreements and peace talks with some of the ethnic armies, many of them, including the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), continue to fight the military. In fact, in the run up to the bypolls, the fighting intensified in Kachin state and polling in three constituencies in the state was postponed. This is a problem which cannot

be solved without a political dialogue with all the stakeholders, considering that many of the ethnic armies still control some of the most resource-rich areas of Myanmar. There has been a demand for a federal structure of government for self-determination of the ethnic minorities to break this impasse, and Suu Kyi's presence in the parliament may facili-

tricky issue given that the military representatives to parliament would also need to come on board with this. President Sein also needs Suu Kyi in parliament to provide legitimacy to the political process in the country. To show just how open these bypolls were, President Sein invited observers and journalists from all over the world to

India Post Rise of States

I Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi talks to supporters at the headquarters of her National League for Democracy party in Rangoon.

tate a formal dialogue on the issue. Economically, these bypolls are significant because the fact that a pro-democracy dissident party has managed to triumph in almost all the seats contested sends out a positive message to investors outside of the regular economic allies of the country. Furthermore, the ASEAN countries are urging the West to lift economic sanc-

Assuming that these results would help Suu Kyi to speed up the process of reforms and encourage transparency in the government would be na誰ve. At best, NLD would hold about seven per cent of the seats in the parliament (43 of the total 664 seats) tions on Myanmar. The EU, Australia and Canada have already expressed their willingness to relax some sanctions starting endApril. Another issue that is likely to be on NLD's priority list is the amendment of the constitutional mandate of 25 per cent of the seats in the parliament to be represented by the military. However, this is a

Myanmar. Although, the West has appreciated Sein's steps to ensure transparency in these bypolls, a section of the incumbent cabinet is reportedly unhappy at the pace at which power is being devolved, and NLD's resounding victory may cause this divide to deepen. There is also the possibility that Suu Kyi would be offered a cabinet position, like heading the Foreign Ministry, however, it is unlikely that she would take that up and leave the opposition. The NLD has sufficient time to prepare for the 2015 national elections. However, it is unclear whether Suu Kyi would be able to contest then. In addition to the constitutional disqualifications she faces on account of being married to a British national, there are concerns about her health. While campaigning for her party in the run up to the bypolls, she collapsed twice due to exhaustion. Assuming that these results would help Suu Kyi to speed up the process of reforms and encourage transparency in the government would be na誰ve. At best, NLD would hold about seven per cent of the seats in the parliament (43 of the total 664 seats) with all important ministries like Home, Defense and Border Management still under direct military control. Nevertheless, this will serve as a big step in the direction of recognizing Myanmar as attempting to achieve a functional democracy. The writer is Research Officer, IPCS

n a long list of election debacles, the Congress has added one more - the municipal corporation of India's capital Delhi. This closely follows setbacks in elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the state assemblies in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Goa. The BJP won all the three corporations in Delhi but with a reduced margin. As an incumbent party the focus was not on its performance which was not very promising, but on the issue of Congress corruption and rising prices. If the Congress is learning any lesson it is not apparent from the reactions which say civic elections are fought on local issues and this defeat will in no way impact the chances of Congress in the Delhi assembly elections which are due next year. The BJP is crowing but the message from this election has been the large number of independents who won and the rise of "other" parties like the BSP, NCP, SP and Janata Dal. The overall impression is that of a growing disenchantment with the national parties. It was a local election but the image of the dysfunctional UPA at the Center was writ large before the voters even without any persuasion. This bodes ill for the ruling Congress party but there doesn't seem to be any corrective move. It seems the Congress is so numbed in its second avatar in UPA that it doesn't know what to do. Any initiative it takes falls flat with the states and the people in general questioning its motives. A conference of chief ministers in Delhi turned into a litany of complaints of high handedness against the Center. Non-UPA CMs launched a blistering attack on the Congress-led UPA at the meeting on internal security. They accused the Centre of meddling in states' affairs by seeking to arm the National Counter-Terrorism Centre with police powers and proposing intrusive changes in the Border Security Force Act. While Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi accused the Centre of "meddling with subjects under the state list," Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa went a step further to say that states were being treated as ``glorified municipal corporations.'' She also complained that her government was not informed about the recent Indo-US naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal adjoining Tamil Nadu and her attempts to elicit some information about this exercise involving Nuclear armed ships was rebuffed by the Center. The NonUPA CMs also got together in a move to coordinate their plans to choose a candidate for the forthcoming Presidential elections. The weakening of the Center will have far reaching consequences. Used to dominating over the states when a majority of them had Congress governments, the grand old party has never practiced internal democracy. Instead of allowing the states to choose their own leaders, it used to nominate leaders and impose them on the states. The result was factionalism and disaffection among the cadres of the party. It has now come home to roost with the Congress losing states one by one. But its old practice of disregarding local voices continues with the latest instance in Uttarakhand where it won a narrow majority. While the local MLAs wanted to choose their own leader, the so called high command of the party as expected snubbed them and foisted their own choice. The result has been a non-functional government in that state. The newly confident states make the point that while the Center enacts laws, it is the States which have to implement them. So for better governance, it is reasonable to consult them and act in cooperation with them. If the present ruling party doesn't listen, writing is on the wall for it in 2014.

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