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Manu Vora honored for achievements
VOL 20, No. 1080
May 29, 2015
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Periodical Postage
MODI HASN'T DONE ENOUGH: U.S. MEDIA
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Indian-origin voters played big role in UK
Tanishq Abraham
11-year-old Indian-American genius graduates Details on page 8
Consulate kicks-off Yoga Day ceremony Details on page 17
NRI accounts to be reported to US authorities
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Chance of attack on US with Pak nuke
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ArcelorMittal, SAIL to set up plant in India
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Swiss begin naming Indians in probe
CONTENTS ACHE DIN OR BURE DIN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the Jan Kalyan Rally at Farah in Mathura district on May 25
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INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question
Modi’s one year in office shows lot of promise? Last week’s result
Modi’s China visit was a breakthrough? YES 62%
NO 38%
NEW YORK: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government marked its first year in office, American media has taken a critical view of his accomplishments, saying his flagship 'Make in India' drive is "so far mostly hype", job growth remains sluggish amid "outsize expectations". "India's Modi at One Year: 'Euphoria Phase' Is Over, Challenges Loom," reads a headline in the Wall Street Journal of an article on Modi's first year as Indian Prime Minister. "A year after Indian voters handed Narendra Modi a once-in-a-generation mandate for change and economic revival, messy realities are sinking in," the WSJ report
Bollywood ---------------------- 30-31 Classifieds ------------------------- 48
said. It said that Modi's 'Make in India' drive, aimed at supercharging manufacturing growth, "is so far mostly hype". It cited economic parameters like exports to say that the "economy is merely limping along". Inflation-adjusted lending for capital investment last year fell to a level not seen since 2004, it said adding that exports were down for the fifth straight month in April, corporate earnings were dismal and foreign institutional investors have pulled around USD 2 billion out of Indian stocks and bonds in May so far.
Community Post -------------- 16-26
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Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43
Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”
Date Book -------------------------- 47 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-35 Horoscope ------------------------- 46 Immigration Post ------------- 44-45 Life Style ----------------------- 50-53 Philosophy ------------------------- 49 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 36-37 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-15
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ow this is what I call the separation of Church and State in the truest sense. And that, if Ireland - yes, that traditionally conservative Catholic Church controlled nation - can do it, any nation can do it. As you may already know, Ireland last week, became the first country in the world to approve same-sex marriage, through popular vote. Well, I am not surprised that Ireland should have done it and not any of the other more liberal European nations or for that matter the United States. Social revolutions such as this happen when institutional oppression borders on the extreme. It leaves no doubt in the minds of the affected people as to what is right. And it is not easy and never overnight. Catalytic events have been piling up over the decades. The nation has been dealing with the shame of child sex abuse by Catholic priests for a long time now. And remember, less than two years ago, a young pregnant Indian woman living in Ireland died of an infection because the hospital denied her an abortion stating that it was against Catholic rules. But more than individual events, the gradual uprising against the church is a direct result of increasing economic empowerment of the Irish middle class that is breaking free from the stranglehold of organized religion. Extreme fundamentalists apart, people the world over are moving away from institutionalized religions and seeking rational explanations to realities of contemporary society. For me, it does not matter one way or the other - whether marriage is meant to be between men and women, or also between men and men; and women and women. These may be the ripples of impending social change, of role reversals, of stereotype breakdowns, of Darwinian reinterpretations of nature. Change in human societies is cyclical and inevitable. The society we live in today is not the same as that lived in by our forefathers; and it won't be the same for future generations. What religious conservatives need to understand is that there is no right or wrong when change occurs. It is the only constant in nature. So stop resisting.
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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Divorced! Anurag Kashyap and Kalki Koechlin were seen arriving at the Mumbai family court together to formalize their divorce
Cover Story: Critical media As Narendra Modi marked his first year in office, American media has taken a critical view of his accomplishments
Community: Life Sciences The Consulate General of India, Chicago, last week hosted a forum on Life Sciences at the Consulate premises
Immigrant rallies Immigrants and advocates rallied in cities across the country to push for a reprieve from deportation
Life style: Capturing hearts Bollywood divas Aishwarya Rai , Sonam Kapoor and Katrina Kaif have captured hearts at Cannes Film Festival 2015.
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Hiring boost Hiring in banking sector is expected to go up to 25 per cent this year on the back of a growing economy, policy overhauls
Pahalgam Astounding for the mesmerizing natural beauty, Pahalgam is located at the banks of Lidder River in Kashmir
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Modi hasn't done enough: US media NEW YORK: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government marked its first year in office, American media has taken a critical view of his accomplishments, saying his flagship 'Make in India' drive is "so far mostly hype", job growth remains sluggish amid "outsize expectations".
in-a-generation mandate for change and economic revival, messy realities are sinking in," the WSJ report said. It said that Modi's 'Make in India' drive, aimed at supercharging manufacturing growth, "is so far mostly hype". It cited economic parameters like
It said that Modi's 'Make in India' drive, aimed at supercharging manufacturing growth, "is so far mostly hype". It cited economic parameters like exports to say that the "economy is merely limping along "India's Modi at One Year: 'Euphoria Phase' Is Over, Challenges Loom," reads a headline in the Wall Street Journal of an article on Modi's first year as Indian Prime Minister. "A year after Indian voters handed Narendra Modi a once-
exports to say that the "economy is merely limping along". Inflation-adjusted lending for capital investment last year fell to a level not seen since 2004, it said adding that exports were down for the fifth straight month in April, corporate earnings were
dismal and foreign institutional investors have pulled around USD 2 billion out of Indian stocks and bonds in May so far. The New York Times, in a news analysis, said Modi must face the reality that much of his agenda is still only potential. "From abroad, India is now seen as a bright spot, expected to pass China this year to become the world's fastest-growing large economy. But at home, job growth remains sluggish. Businesses are in wait-and-see mode. And Modi has political vulnerabilities, as parliamentary opposition leaders block two of his central reform initiatives and brand him 'anti-poor' and 'antifarmer'," the NYT article titled 'After a Year of Outsize Expectations, Modi Adjusts His Political Course for India' said. It said "most formidable of all is a problem" Modi has "made for himself: outsize expectations that he would sweep away con-
straints to growth in India, like stringent laws governing labor and land acquisition. The NYT quoted senior vice president at leading Indian garment exporter Orient Craft's Vimarsh Razdan as saying that the Modi government's "image became larger than they them-
Sydney, helping put the country back on investors' maps, "on other key fronts, Modi has moved less decisively, frustrating investors who hoped for bolder change after last year's election." His government has avoided privatizing state-run banks and companies, which could trigger
"From abroad, India is now seen as a bright spot, expected to pass China this year to become the world's fastest-growing large economy. But at home, job growth remains sluggish. Businesses are in wait-and-see mode� selves. "They have become superheroes. And everyone knows superheroes don't exist," he said in the report. The WSJ article said that while Modi has swaggered across stages from New York to Paris to
unpopular job cuts. Despite vows to improve India's reputation for unpredictable tax collection, the government has hit investors with demands for back taxes they say they should not have to pay, it said. -PTI
Modi says it is 'bure din' for scamsters NAGLA CHANDRABHAN, Mathura: Marking the first anniversary of the NDA government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a report card for one year which he asserted has been free of corruption and scams but has brought "bure din" (bad days) for those who have "robbed" the country in their 60 years of rule. Attacking the previous UPA government, Modi said one more year to that government would have "sunk" the country and that now there were no stories of a scam involving "son-in-law or a son" of a political leader happening. "Some people are very troubled these days. Their trouble is with the fact that 'achche din' has come to all people but 'bure din' for them. Those whose 'bure din' have come, they are troubled. They are shouting. Because for 60 years, in Delhi's political corridors, only their voice was heard and the country was run as they wished... "I did not give guarantee of 'achche din' for those who looted the nation for years. We will run the country in a way that there will be more 'bure din' for them and their troubles will increase. Your money can't be looted by anyone," the Prime Minister said at a public rally here at the birth place of Deen Dayal Upadhyay, a BJP ideologue. BJP has planned nearly 200 public rallies by its main leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets people after paying homage to Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay at the Smarak Sthal at Deendayal Dham near Mathura on May 25
across to mark the first year of the NDA government. However, Modi, who made a very pro-farmer and pro-poor pitch during his hour-long speech, did not mention the contentious land acquisition bill, on which his government is facing tough opposition even from NDA allies. Noting that thoughts of three leaders "shaped us in the last sev-
eral years - those of Mahatma Gandhi ji, Lohia ji and Deendayal ji", the Prime Minister said. He therefore picked "Deen Dyal Dham" to share the one year achievements of his government. Earlier, the government was run by the remote control and every day a scam or corruption case was coming out, Modi alleged and asked people if "you have heard about any scams, any nepotism,
any remote control in the last year?" Reminding people of the "corruption scandals" during the UPA regime, Modi asked them whether those bad days have gone or not. Claiming that his government has brought to an end the "loot" in the country, the Prime Minister said that he is the "pradhan santri, pradhan sevak and pradhan trustee" of the country's re-
sources and will not allow its loot. Attacking Congress without naming it, he said that in the runup to the Lok Sabha polls, he had promised that he will not allow any "panja" (hand) to touch the nation's treasury. Congress' election symbol is hand. "In Delhi, power circles dominated more than any power centre... Abhimanyu had to destroy eight power circles. There were hundreds of power circles here. With your blessings, those hundreds of circles of power have been destroyed now," he said claiming that the NDA government has brought an end to nepotism and middleman culture. Recalling that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi used to say that only 15 paisa of one rupee sanctioned in Delhi reach the intended villages, Modi said that the NDA government has made arrangements that 100 paisa of the money reach intended beneficiaries and are not guzzled by touts. "We have succeeded in bringing to an end the business of loot, blackmarketing," he said as he made a contrast between the functioning of NDA government and that of UPA. Under attack from the Opposition for being pro-corporate and anti-poor, Modi sought to project the government as one, which is dedicated to the poor, farmer and deprived. Cont’d on page 7
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Economy rejuvenated, trust restored: Modi NEW DELHI: Completing one year in office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has enlisted the work done by his government, ranging from rejuvenating the economy to initiatives for the poor, and said this is just the beginning in the endeavor to transform the quality of life of people. In an open letter to the people, he said, "we have been able to restore trust in the government", ensure a "corruption-free" rule and made state governments equal partners in the quest for national development, building the spirit of Team India. Modi said he had devoted every element of his "body and spirit" in fulfilling with fullest sincerity and honesty the responsibility and honor entrusted by people a year ago in him of serving them as "pradhan sevak" (prime worker).
"We assumed office at a time when confidence in India story was waning. Unabated corruption and indecisiveness had paralyzed the government. People had been left helpless against ever-climbing inflation and economic insecurity. "Urgent and decisive action was needed," Modi said. While presenting the reportcard of one year in office, he said his government systematically went about addressing these challenges. Runaway prices were immediately brought under control. The languishing economy was rejuvenated, building on stable and policy-driven proactive governance, the Prime Minister said. He said discretionary allotment of the country's precious natural resources to a chosen few was replaced with transparent auction and firm steps were taken against
black money, from setting up an SIT and passing a stringent black money law, to generating international consensus against the same. Uncompromising adherence to the principle of purity, in action
He also mentioned other initiatives like empowering one and all with the rule on self-attestation to delivering subsidies directly to people's banks, from universalizing the banking system to funding the unfunded small businesses as well as intent, ensured a corruption-free government, he said. Significant changes have been brought about in the work culture, nurturing a combination of empathy as well as professionalism, systems as well as breaking of si-
It's Modi Sarkar not BJP Sarkar: Jairam Ramesh VARANASI: Congress leader and former Union minister Jairam Ramesh has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of weakening the democratic foundation of the country and threatening those who are raising their voice against his government, saying it was not a 'BJP Sarkar' but 'Modi Sarkar'. He also termed the performance of Modi government as "an arrogant one man-show," wherein ministers don't count, and ministries don't count. "Modi, despite being the PM is the minister in charge of all the ministries and all other ministers in his government are just mute spectators. Every decision is being taken by him," Ramesh told reporters here, while presenting the report card of Narendra Modiled NDA government which has completed one year in office. "Modi is weakening the democratic foundation of the country and threatening those who are raising their voice against his government. NGO's and civil society activists were being threatened with investigations and actions against them. "We (the UPA government) brought RTI, but this government was trying to suppress its use, activists were being threatened to file RTI applications in the NDA rule," he alleged. Ramesh advised Modi to follow the footsteps of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who had strengthened the democratic
foundation of the country and was not at all an arrogant, and did not believe in running a one-man show like him. "We do not expect Modi to take inspiration from Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru but he should at least
learn something from his party leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the way (style) of government functioning," he said. The former minister countered the claims by Modi and his ministers that there was no corruption
Jairam Ramesh
"There is corruption in the NDA government, but currently it is not making headlines as that of ours, and the recent Rafael deal with France by the PM was the latest example�
los, Modi said. Modi said state governments have been made equal partners in the quest for national development, building the spirit of Team India. Most importantly, "we have
in the NDA's one year rule unlike those of UPA. "There is corruption in the NDA government, but currently it is not making headlines as that of ours, and the recent Rafael deal with France by the PM was the latest example of corruption of the Modi-led NDA government. "When UPA had a deal it was 'Made in India and fly in India' but in NDA's government deal under Modi is 'Made in France and fly in India'," he said.-PTI
been able to restore trust in the government". The Prime Minister also said that his government is dedicated to the poor, marginalized and those left behind as it is guided by the principle of Antyodaya. "We are working towards empowering them to become our soldiers in the war against poverty," he said. Modi said numerous measures and schemes have been initiated from making school toilets to setting up IITs, IIMs and AIIMS, from providing vaccination cover
to children to initiating a peopledriven Swacch Bharat mission, from ensuring a minimum pension to laborers to providing social security to the common man, from enhancing support to farmers hit by natural calamities to defending their interests at WTO. He also mentioned other initiatives like empowering one and all with the rule on self-attestation to delivering subsidies directly to people's banks, from universalizing the banking system to funding the unfunded small businesses, from irrigating fields to rejuvenating "Ma Ganga". Modi listed efforts towards 24x7 power, connecting the nation through road and rail, building homes for the homeless, setting up smart cities, connecting the North East and prioritizing development of eastern India. "Friends, this is just the beginning. "Our objective is to transform quality of life, infrastructure and services. Together we shall build the India of your dreams and that of our freedom fighters. "In this, I seek your blessings and continued support," he concluded. -PTI
'Impressed by Modi commitment to clean energy' WASHINGTON: Lauding New York last fall, and on my Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit to India last winter," he for proposing new public health said. standards for emissions from The Environment Ministry coal-fired power plants, former has come out with a draft notiNew York mayor Michael fication that proposes stringent Bloomberg has said he is im- pollution norms, to be implepressed by the Indian leader's mented in two years, for coalcommitbased therment to mal power build a plants. clean enBloomberg ergy future said, "I for India. came away "Confrom both gratulameetings tions to Inimpressed dian Prime by his comMinister mitment to Narendra building a Modi for clean entaking such ergy future Michael Bloomberg a bold step for India toward his while clearvision of 'Swach Bharat - Clean ing its air, and this new proIndia' by proposing new public posal will go a long way toward health standards for emissions achieving those goals, while from coal fired power plants," also making a major contribusaid Bloomberg, the UN Secre- tion to the battle against climate tary-General's Special Envoy for change." Cities and Climate Change. "This is a great development "The Prime Minister and I not only for the people of Indiscussed the harmful effects dia, but also for the global comof coal pollution on his visit to munity," Bloomberg said. -PTI
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Modi says it is 'bure din' for scamsters Cont’d from page 5
Putting the blame on previous governments for the poor plight of farmers, he listed a number of measures like Jan Sinchai, Soil Health Card and other measures taken by his government to provide succor to the farming community. Claiming that his government is moving forward to provide good governance in tune with the ideology of Gandhi, Lohia and Upadhyay, Modi talked of the "miracle" that has happened after the new government came. "Who brought this change, this miracle that has happened, the wave of enthusiasm is rising. Had elections not happened in 2014
gone or not, bad deeds stopped or not, bad situations changed or not. For the last one year, have you heard about any scams from anywhere, any news of nepotism, any news of remote control," he asked. The Prime Minister, who had frequently taken barbs at Congress President Sonia Gandhi's son in-law Robert Vadra also asked the audience, "Have you heard about the news of any sonin-law of any neta, any news of any leader's son?" Alleging that the UPA government had given coal mines at throwaway prices, Modi said that within one year of his government coming to power, 29 out of 200 coal mines were auctioned,
"Who brought this change, this miracle that has happened, the wave of enthusiasm is rising. Had elections not happened in 2014 and had they got one more year, how much the country would have sunk deeper. What would have been the situation of the country and had they got one more year, how much the country would have sunk deeper. What would have been the situation of the country had you (people) not taken such a big decision? "As long as we do not decide from where we have come out, we cannot decide where we have reached. What was the situation in the country last year, when UPA was in power," Modi asked. With the Opposition targeting Modi government over BJP's 'achche din' slogan, the Prime Minister countered it saying that his government has freed the country of bad days, bad intentions and bad deeds in last one year. Alleging that there used to be a scam every day during the UPA regime, he said, "There used to be a case of corruption every day and officials and leaders had to go to jail. There was a scam in sports. What was the condition? How bad were the days then? What a bad atmosphere was there? Then the people of the country took a big decision." Going interactive with the audience, the Prime Minister asked them whether corruption, scams and blackmarketing have stopped or not after the NDA government came to power. "You tell me have the bad days
which fetched 3 lakh crore to the treasury. Modi said his government has brought foreign capital worth Rs 25,000 crore within a year in comparison to Rs 3,000 crore which had come during the UPA rule and that his government has been able to check the flight of Indian capital to foreign shores up to 90 per cent. He said that his government took measures to return the money of laborers and workers locked in the PF fund to the tune of Rs 27,000 crore while the previous government was "sitting over it". Attacking the UPA dispensation on the price rise issue, he wondered what price spiral could have done to the country had people not brought NDA into power. "We have succeeded in arresting the momentum of the price rise," the Prime Minister said. He said that the new schemes of the government like Mudra Bank and Clean India campaign aim at benefiting the poor and have nots. Modi said that his government is dedicated for the development and welfare of villages, poor, farmers, exploited, deprived and Dalits.
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Facing criticism over farmer issues, he said his government has finalized plans to revive urea plants in Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Sindri (Jharkhand), Barauni (Bihar) and Namrup (Assam). "We are working to ensure that farmers get urea. We are also working to increase the efficiency of urea fertilizer. This will save Rs 4000 crore, which we had to spend on im-
ports. "Along with this we have now coated urea with neem powder so that it can no longer be used by chemical factories due to which farmers used to face scarcity. It will also provide nitrogen content to the land, which is good for cultivation," he said. Modi also pitched for an end to open defecation and linked the issue with the honor of women. On power front, he said that his
government has succeeded in generating power within one year what could not be achieved in last 30 years. "If we could do so much in one year, what cannot be done in five years," he said. Belting out a number of schemes launched by his government, the Prime Minister also named various pension and insurance plans saying they aim at securing the future of every citizen. -PTI
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11-year-old Indian-American genius graduates LOS ANGELES: Creating a record of sorts, an 11-year-old Indian-American schoolboy has surprised one and all by graduating from a California college with three associate degrees in maths, science and foreign language studies. Unlike children of his age who are seen scrolling through iPads and smartphones or are into music and games, Tanishq Abraham graduated from American River College in Sacramento (ARC), California, alongside 1,800 students and wants to become the President of the United States. Abraham, a native of Sacramento, is the youngest to graduate from the college this year. "The assumption is that he's the all-time youngest," American River College spokesman Scott Crow told NBC News. Abraham last year became one of the youngest ever in the US to
Tanishq Abraham with his family. (Source: Twitter)
graduate high school. Home-schooled since the age
of 7, Abraham passed a state exam in March last year that certified
he had met the appropriate academic standards to receive his high school diploma. His achievement last year had earned the attention of President Barack Obama - who had sent Tanishq a congratulatory letter. Abraham joined MENSA, the prominent high IQ society, when he was only four-yearsold. He told a local TV station that the milestone of graduating from college was not "much of a big thing for me." His mother, Taji Abraham, said he has always been ahead of the
class. "Even in kindergarten he was pretty ahead, a few years ahead and then it just went from there," she told KCRA-TV. Abraham said some of the students at the college "were intimidated" by him but a lot of others "were really happy" to have a kid in their classes. He graduated with three associate degrees from the college. On his college graduation cap, Abraham wore his favorite "Toy Story" quote: "2 Infinity and Beyond." As for what comes next for the child prodigy, Abraham said: "I want to become a doctor, but I also want to become a medical researcher, and also the president of the United States." "I like to learn. So I just followed my passion of learning, and that's how I ended up here," he told Fox News. -PTI
Indian-origin voters played Chance of attack on US with nuke from Pak big role in UK polls LONDON: Indian-origin voters in the UK played a decisive role in Prime Minister David Cameronled Conservatives winning the elections, with one million ethnic minority votes going in his favor, a post-poll survey said. The Conservatives won a majority as a result of one million ethnic minority votes, new research by British Future think tank has found. Nearly 6,15,000 Indian-origin voters were expected to vote in the May 7 elections this year with many expected to switch loyalties
It found much higher support for the Conservatives among Asian voters this year with 50 per cent in favor of Cameron's party and only 38 per cent supporting Ed Miliband-led Labor. Along religious lines, nearly 49 per cent Hindus and Sikhs favored Tories as compared to 41 per cent for Labor. Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, said, "this research shows that ethnic minority votes are more 'up for grabs' than ever before. Minority voters still pre-
million ethnic minority voters taking part in the election, the results equate to the Conservatives securing a million votes for the first time in the party's history while Labor achieved 1.6 million. The Liberal Democrats and Greens both gained about 1,50,000 votes from this group, with antiimmigrant UKIP on 60,000 and the SNP on 40,000. It is not clear if those minorities that swung to the Conservatives were attracted by its entrepreneurial message or alienated by
from Opposition Labor to the Conservative party. While the survey does not break down the ethnic minority vote in the UK by countries of origin, its overall results confirm a significant swing in favor of the ruling Tories.
fer Labor to the Conservatives". "If it presents itself only as a party of the underdog, Labor may send a message to aspirational ethnic minority voters that, if you get on in British society, you 'trade up' to the Tories," Katwala said. Based on an estimated three
the tougher line from Labor on immigration. "The Conservatives have done well in extending their appeal to minority voters, even though these may have been votes for David Cameron rather than his party," Katwala added.-PTI
LONDON: There is an "infi- sibility under which ISIS operanitely" greater chance of the cash- tives in Pakistan bribe an official rich Islamic State smuggling its to provide them with a nuclear first nuclear weapon from Pakistan device which is then smuggled to attack the US within a year, ac- into America via Libya, Nigeria cording to the latest edition of the and Mexico, The Telegraph redreaded group's propaganda ported. magazine. The article presumed to be writIn what seems to be an exag- ten under pressure but in his hallgerated article in the IS' new edi- mark style combining hyperbole, tion of Dabiq, its English-lan- metaphor and sarcasm, Cantlie guage online magazine, attributed says that US President Barack to British journalist John Cantlie, Obama's policies for containing the outfit has suggested a unifi- the group have demonstrably cation of militant Islamist groups across the Middle East, Africa and Cantlie says that US Asia to create one gloPresident Barack Obama's bal movement. The terror group that policies for containing the has executed a number of Westerners in the group have demonstrably past months said it can use the "billions of dol- failed and increased the lars" in its coffers to risk to America purchase its first nuclear acquisition within a year. failed and increased the risk to It has used photojournalist America. Cantlie - held hostage for over two It comes at a time when the Isyears by the terror group also lamic State group fighters have acronymed as ISIS or ISIL - regu- gained grounds in Syria and Iraq, larly in its propaganda. storming the museum in the anThe article titled 'The Perfect cient city of Palmyra and capturStorm' reads: "The Islamic State ing Ramadi, capital of Iraq's larghas billions of dollars in the bank, est province. so they call on their wilayah The loss of Ramadi has been (chapter) in Pakistan to purchase termed as a "tactical setback" by a nuclear device through weap- Obama, who has insisted that the ons dealers with links to corrupt US-led coalition's campaign officials in the region." against the terror outfit is "not It raises a "hypothetical" pos- losing". -PTI
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HC order big embarrassment for Center: Kejriwal NEW DELHI: Buoyed by the high court judgment over jurisdiction of Delhi government's antigraft body, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said the verdict was a "huge embarrassment" for the Modi dispensation and has strengthened his government's fight against corruption. At an event to mark 100 days of his government, Kejriwal said the high court's order clarifying that the Home Ministry has no
tre issued an order restricting the ACB to Delhi government officials only. "It said the ACB won't look after the corruption of Union government officials, police and NDMC. Now Delhi HC has ordered that the Centre and MHA have no rights to interfere in the matters of ACB," he said addressing the "open cabinet" at the Central Park in Connaught Place. Kejriwal said the court's order
next five years, we will get back the powers that the Centre has taken from Delhi," he said. Presenting a report card of his government, he said no other government in the country has ever achieved so much in the first 100 days. All the ministers also presented their achievements and interacted with the people. "We don't want to fight with the Centre. We want to work together. The first thing we did after
already been initiated. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the biggest achievement of the AAP government is checking corruption in various departments and agencies and ending the "transfer posting industry". In the event, Transport Minister Gopal Rai said, "Media is analyzing 100 days of AAP government versus one year of Modi government which is merely a coincidence." He also announced the decision to provide a subsidy of Rs 15,000 to e-rickshaw owners upon new registration and said DTC would buy 1880 new buses in the coming months. Addressing the event, Health Minister Satyendra Jain an-
nounced that the government would increase the bed capacity of government hospitals from existing 10,000 to 20,000 in next two-and-half years. "At present, Delhi government has hospitals having a capacity of 10,000 beds, but government in next two and a half years, we will increase from 10,000 beds to 20,000 beds which could never be done in past 65 years. Government has prepared a plan of this project," Jain said. The ministers listed the AAP government's achievements including 50 per cent subsidy on monthly power consumption of up to 400 units and 20,000 liters of free water per month to all households. -PTI
Swiss begin naming Indians in probe Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addresses crowd during his public cabinet meeting on completion of his governments 100 days, at Connaught Places Central Park
rights to interfere in the matters of ACB was a major victory for people of the city. In a statement, the AAP government termed the high court verdict in "restoring the powers of the Anti-Corruption Branch" a "decisive victory" for the people of the city. "I want to congratulate and apprise you of a major high court judgment. Forty years ago, the anti-corruption bureau had come up in Delhi. 40 years ago, its jurisdiction was over officials of all
has strengthened the resolve of his government in its ongoing fight against graft. "We have got strengthened by this. All of them are after us. You must have been observing. But when you are in the path of truth, all the good forces of the universe help you. When the God is with you then there is no need to worry who is against you. Whoever is against will get destroyed gradually," he said.
Report card
Among the officials present in the event included Shakuntala Gamlin, the IAS officer whose appointment as acting Chief Secretary by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung had triggered a full-blown war between him and Kejriwal. Chief Secretary K K Sharma was also present at the event agencies based in Delhi, be it of the Union government, DDA, police, MCD, the ACB could probe instances of corruption of all these bodies," he said. The chief minister said the powers of the ACB were taken away last year by the NDA government after it filed a case against a leading industrialist. "Last year when our 49-day government was formed, we had filed a case against a big person of this country, Mukesh Ambani. After our government quit, Cen-
In an address at an "open cabinet" to mark 100 days of AAP government, Kejriwal said the Center's notification giving absolute powers to the Lt Governor reflected its "dictatorial attitude" and accused the BJP-led government of taking revenge against people of the city for handing the party a crushing defeat in the assembly polls. "The fight to liberate us is on alongside work. This fight will continue and I hope that in the
winning was to meet Prime Minister Modi. We told him you have full majority in the Parliament and we have the same in the Assembly. This is a golden opportunity bestowed by God upon us. If PM and we converge then I think Delhi would get full statehood in 10 days," Kejriwal said. Referring to the notification issued by the Home Ministry, he said, "Issuing such notification amounts to dictatorship and the public will avenge such decisions." "We never thought they would get down to take revenge against the people of Delhi in this fashion. I think we should accept people's verdict and work together," he said. Among the officials present in the event included Shakuntala Gamlin, the IAS officer whose appointment as acting Chief Secretary by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung had triggered a full-blown war between him and Kejriwal. Chief Secretary K K Sharma was also present at the event. The AAP government has convened a two-day emergency session of the Delhi Assembly to discuss the Center's notification. When asked why he had a bitter relationship with the media despite the perception that it had helped AAP to rise, Kejriwal said, "Thank you media." On women's security, he said marshalls would be deployed onboard DTC buses where process of installation of CCTVs has
BERNE: Two Indian women figure among scores of foreign nationals with Swiss bank accounts, whose names have been made public by Switzerland in its official gazette for being probed in their respective countries. Making public these names, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has asked the two Indians to file an appeal within 30 days before the Federal Administrative Court if they do not want their details to be shared with the Indian authorities under their 'mutual assistance' treaty on tax matters. However, no further details - other than their dates of birth - were made public for the two "Indian nationals" - Sneh Lata Sawhney and Sangita Sawhney. Similar is the case of other foreign nationals including the British, Spanish and Russians. However, in case of American and Israeli citizens, their full names have been withheld and they have been identified by their initials and dates of birth. At least 40 such 'final notices' have been published in the Swiss Federal Gazette so far this month, while more such names are expected to be published going forward.
The alleged stashing of wealth by Indians in Swiss banks has been a matter of great debate in India. The Indian government has been pushing the Swiss authorities for a long time to share information on the suspected tax evaders, while Switzerland has shared some details in cases where India has been able to provide some independent evidence of suspected tax evasion by Indian cli-
ents of Swiss banks. While there was no immediate reply to queries mailed to the FTA spokesperson in this regard, these names are being published in the Swiss Federal Gazette in the backdrop of the Swiss government being flooded with requests on suspected black money hoarders in Swiss banks from various countries including India. The notices for the two 'Indian nationals' and many others are dated May 12, while other such notices are dated May 19 and May 5.-PTI
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India Inc raised Rs 11,500-cr via rights issue India sponsoring NEW DELHI: India Inc raised a staggering Rs 11,500 crore through rights issue offering since the beginning of 2015, making it the highest fund mobilization through the route in seven years. In a rights issue, shares are issued by firms to their existing investors as per their holding at a pre-determined price and ratio. As many as six companies collectively raised about Rs 11,500 crore this year so far as against Rs 5,224 crore in 2014, according to an analysis based on information available with stock exchanges. Fund mobilization through rights issue in 2015 so far has already surpassed the amount garnered through this platform in each of the past six years.
In 2008, 26 companies had raked in a total of Rs 29,6990 crore. Market experts believe that improvement
in the stock markets scenario has helped in raising fund through rights issue mode. The fund-raising through this route was hit among biggies like Tata Motors and
GMR Infrastructure and Future Retail. The largest rights issue was from Tata Motors (Rs 7,500 crore), followed by Future Retail (Rs 1,600 crore), GMR Infrastructure (Rs 1,402 crore), State Bank of Travancore (Rs 474 crore), Can Fin Homes (Rs 276 crore) and Zee Media Corporation (195 crore). At present, there are only two companies planning to raise Rs 135 crore and they have already received capital markets regulator Sebi's approval. Besides, three firms have approached Sebi to raise Rs 56 crore via rights issue. -PTI
terrorism, says Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Manohar Parrikar's remarks that "terrorists have to be neutralized only through terrorists" is the "worst" declaration by a state functionary and "confirms that India is sponsoring terrorism against its neighbors", his Pakistani counterpart, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said. Parrikar's statement at an event in New Delhi last week has triggered a strong reaction from Pakistan, with many top officials condemning it. Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said Parrikar's statement was a blatant admission of sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan,
Khawaja Asif
Parrikar's statement at an event in New Delhi last week has triggered a strong reaction from Pakistan, with many top officials condemning it according to a report by state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). Parrikar's remarks confirm "our assertions of Indian involvement in terrorist activities on Pakistani soil", Asif said, adding that the Indian minister had categorically stated that rules would not be followed to quell terror activities; instead terrorism would be promoted for the purpose. "This is the worst kind of declaration by a state functionary of cabinet level which confirms that India is sponsoring terrorism against its neighbors in the name of preventing terrorist activities," Asif said. Parrikar had said India will take "proactive" steps to prevent a 26/11 type attacks hatched from a foreign soil. "We have to neutralize terrorists through terrorists only. Why can't we do it? We should do it. Why does my soldier have to do it?" he had said. The Pak Foreign Office issued a statement by Advisor to Pakistan Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz expressing concerns over Parrikar's remarks. "This statement only confirms Pakistan's apprehensions about India's involvement in terrorism in Pakistan," Aziz had said. Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid had also condemned Parrikar's statement the same day, calling it dangerous for regional peace and exposed Indian designs.-PTI
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Indian-origin bizman elected head of global firm LONDON: A leading Indianorigin entrepreneur has been elected as the head of the Bureau of International Recycling, a glo-
The election was held at the association's World Convention & Exhibition in Dubai. The Bureau of International
Ranjit Singh Baxi
bal organization that facilitates free and fair trade of recyclables in a sustainable and competitive world economy. Ranjit Singh Baxi, chairman of J & H Sales (International) Ltd, will serve a two-year term as president of the Brussels-based recycling association.
Recycling (BIR) is a global recycling industry, headquartered in Brussels. It represents more than 700 companies from the private sector and 40 national trade federations from 70 different countries, including India. In his acceptance speech, Baxi recalled the famous words of Ma-
hatma Gandhi, who said "You must be the change you wish to see in the world". "This, Gandhi believed can only be achieved if you lose yourself in the service of others," Baxi said. Baxi, who succeeded Bjorn Grufman, a Swede, noted that the precursor of climate change is the reduction of carbon emissions. "Recycling does exactly that. Since 2000 we have saved over 10 billion tonnes of carbon emissions, at a time when carbon dioxide levels are rising having both economic and ecological effects," he said. He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative called "Swatch Bharat", a campaign which would help to reduce waste and promote recycling. He emphasized that recyclables must be provided with free passage globally by reducing Trade Barriers and minimum legislative controls. "We must also work together to ensure that both the volumes and quality of recyclables are enhanced and that recycling is always kept at the forefront of all Climate change discussions." -PTI
India simplifies Nepal relief supply procedure KATHMANDU: India has said it has put in place a simplified procedure to expedite and facilitate transit clearances of relief supplies to Nepal which is still reeling under the impact of the massive devastation caused by two earthquakes. The decision came after India
ETF commander and his team being felicitated by locals of Barpak, Nepal on May 24
received several requests from governments and global relief organizations for facilitating the movement of relief materials to
Jaipur's Apra Kuchhal at Shah in Bihar says doors open for new allies Fortune magazine dinner leaders. Kuchhal was also invited for her singular contribution as an JAIPUR: Jaipur's well-known entrepreneur. The New York City dinner social worker, entrepreneur as well as the immediate past chairperson brought together the area's most of FICCI Ladies Organization prominent women in business, philant h r o p y, governm e n t , academia, and the arts. CEO of Yahoo, Marissa M a y e r gave a talk on strategy and was in conversation with Pattie SellApra Kuchhal with CEO of Yahoo Marissa Mayer in New York ers of the Fortune (FLO), Jaipur Chapter, Apra Magazine. On the occasion Kuchhal attended the Fortune Kuchhal said that at the Fortune magazine's 'Most Powerful Meeting she got first-hand knowlWomen Evening With' series din- edge through peer-level interacner in New York on May 18. This tion and focus on strategy. Kuchhal was in New York to series of 'invitation-only dinner' is held in various cities of the United attend a global mentorship proStates to celebrate global women gram. India Post News Service
NEW DELHI: Hinting at the possibility of joining hands with former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi in Bihar polls, BJP President Amit Shah said are on and his party's doors are open for new allies. With Bihar polls due later this year, seen as a crucial test for the saffron party after it was routed in the Delhi Assembly election, Shah stressed that BJP was giving it "great importance" and expressed confidence that the party will get a majority in the state it has never ruled on its own. Asked whether his party would go to polls with existing allies or join hands with likes of Manjhi and expelled RJD MP Pappu Yadav, he said, "Presently, talks are on. Our doors are open." Shah, who did not name any
Nepal. "Government of India examined these requests and it was decided that in order to enable expeditious and smooth clearance of the relief supplies for onward movement to Nepal, a simplified procedure of transit clearance would be put in place by the Central Board of Ex-
prospectively ally, was speaking to reporters at the party headquarters. Party sources said BJP could ally with Manjhi, who comes from politically crucial Mahadalit community. However, the party is unlikely to join hands with Pappu
Amit Shah
Yadav. Asked if the Bihar election was test for him after the defeat in Delhi, Shah said every poll is a "test" for him and went on to add that the party was taking it very seriously. "We are taking it very seriously and attaching great importance to it," he said.-PTI
cise and Customs (CBEC), Ministry of Finance, Government of India," a statement issued by the Indian Embassy here said. The 7.9 magnitude earthquake on April 25 killed nearly 9,000 people besides displacing thousands others. It was followed by a 7.3-magnitude quake on May 12 and around 260 aftershocks. Accordingly, CBEC has notified a 'Simplified Transit Procedure' for transit of relief cargo to Nepal, when supplied by foreign governments and multi-lateral relief agencies such as UNWFP, Red Cross and others. "To facilitate movement of these supplies it has been decided that no Bond, security or bank guarantee, which are normally taken for transit cargo to Nepal, would be obtained for the purpose of transit of relief materials," it said. The simplified procedure would be applicable to goods destined to Nepal via the Land Customs Stations at Raxaul, Jogbani, Sunauli, Panitanki and Nepalgunj Road. "The simplified transit procedure would be applicable for six months with the option of being further extended for a period as mutually agreed between Government of India and Government of Nepal," it said. While as per the India-Nepal Treaty of Transit, the transit of cargo to Nepal is allowed only through Kolkata or Haldia Ports, transit of relief cargo has been additionally allowed transit by the India government via airports at Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patna, Kolkata, Bagdogara.-PTI
Tech
News
Punjab plans cotton cultivation mechanization CHANDIGARH: Punjab government has said it has launched an ambitious program of complete mechanization of cotton cultivation over an area spread over 4,000 acres in south west Punjab in current Kharif season. Stating this, Tota Singh, Agriculture Minister, Punjab stated encouraging results of last year project in an area of 1,400 acres in Fazilka and Muktsar has prompted the government to expand the project in 4,000 acres this year, with complete mechanization from sowing to picking to cotton drying. He said project has been expanded so that the technology could be successfully demonstrated to the cotton cultivators. PAU has been asked to further improve the packages and practices required for cotton cultivation under new mechanized crop production regime. Minister said hydraulic cotton seed planters have been arranged which are being provided to the farmers on custom hire basis and subsidy for purchase of special Cotton Seeds under the project at a rate of Rs 3,000 per acre is being given to farmers.-PTI
CII for review of Punjab infra development levy CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government should review its decision to levy infrastructure development (ID) fee on power and fuel as the move will "hamper" the prospects of attracting new industrial investments in the state, according to industry body CII. Besides, the fee will also make the existing industry uncompetitive in the state as its input cost will go up considerably, the Confederation of Indian Industry said. "This fee and cess has indeed taken the whole of Punjab industry by surprise. As energy costs happens to be a major component of any trade and manufacturing activity, this state government's decision will certainly impact the overall competitiveness of Industry based in Punjab. "In addition, it would also hamper Punjab's plans to attract new investments in state," said D L Sharma, Convenor, CII Punjab Public Policy & Advocacy Panel & Director, Vardhman Textiles Limited. The state government has already announced to hold investment summit in October to attract new investments into the state.PTI
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Blackberry job cuts may not affect India NEW DELHI: Canadian technology firm Blackberry is cutting jobs globally as it plans to consolidates its various business verticals -Sevice software, hardware and applications. "We have made the decision to consolidate our device software, hardware and applications business, impacting a number of employees around the world. We know that our employees have worked hard on behalf of our company and we are grateful for their commitment and contributions," Blackberry said in a statement. However, the process is unlikely to impact jobs in India, an industry source told PTI. In India, the company employs less than 50 people and thus the job cut announcement is unlikely to impact headcount here.-PTI
Banking sector likely to witness 25% increase in hiring MUMBAI: Hiring in banking sector is expected to go up to 25 per cent this year on the back of a growing economy, policy overhauls and improved business sentiments in the country, say industry experts. "We foresee an increase of about 25 per cent in hiring in the banking sector this year, compared to 2014. Hiring will be across levels, with more action happening at the entry and middle management levels," PeopleStrong CoFounder and CEO Pankaj Bansal told PTI. With new players entering the market, new opportunities would be created for the senior layer as well, he said, adding that it has been a standard industry trend that a sector undergoing growth phase experiences an increase in salary levels. "Same will be the case with banking industry. There will be a
significant increase in the salary at mid and senior levels," he said. Echoing similar views, Michael Page India Regional Director
stable government at Centre, policy overhauls, improved business sentiments and improved global outlook.
Nicolas Dumoulin said hiring is expected across the board in investment banking, corporate and private banking and NBFCs, given
"We are also expecting team expansions across the board in the BFSI space after a long gap of 3-4 years. Two new banking licenses
given to IDFC and Bandhan will also create plenty of job opportunities," he added. Further, Dumoulin said the new bank licenses are in the process of expanding their leadership teams with candidates from domestic banks as they are more accustomed to the Indian market and assure scalability. Lower down the chain of hierarchy, banks are more willing to fill positions with people from MNC banks and there is also a rise in demand in skill sets within remittances and cash management as well as a need for product specialists, he said. This increase in hiring will result in 15-25 per cent hike in increments, Dumoulin said, adding that banks are still maintaining some decorum to maintain consistency and avoid disparity across levels. Cont’d on page 13
NRI accounts to be reported to US authorities
A
RAJESH H DHRUVA
s India has agreed to sign the Inter Governmental Agreement with USA and almost all banks and mutual funds have applied for USA GIIN under FATCA; they are to report accounts of USA NRIs to US Authorities in time to come. Indian banks involved are ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Bank of Baroda, State Bank of In-
dia, Bank of India etc. All these banks and MFAs have been asked to inform all the USA NRI account holders holding NRO, NRE or FCNR accounts that their account is being reported to IRS through Central
Rajesh Dhruva
Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) under Inter Governmental Agreement (IGA). As the matter has far reaching implications for all USA NRIs, it will be in the fitness of the things that all Indian American organizations, the
community group or professional or business groups should approach the Indian banks and mutual funds urging them to intimate USA NRIs about their accounts being reported to US Authorities. The E-mail addresses of leading banks and mutual fund houses mentioned along with a model letter to be sent to these agencies are furnished here below:
NO. NAME OF THE INSTITUTION
NAME
DESIGNATION
E-MAIL ADDRESS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Smt. Arundhatti Bhattacharya Shri Ranjan Dhawan Smt. Kochhar Shri Aditya Puri Smt. Shikha Sharma Smt. V.R. Iyer Shri Saurabh Nanavati Shri Pankaj Razdan Shri Kailash Kulkarni Shri Sundeep Sikka Shri Debashish Mohanty Shri Raamdeo Agarwal
CEO MD MD & CEO MD MD & CEO MD CEO CEO CEO CEO Country Head MD
chairman@sbi.co.in cmd@bankofbaroda.com managingdirector@icicibank.com managingdirector@hdfcbank.com shikha.sharma@axisbank.com cmd@bankofindia.co.in saurabh.nanavati@religareinvesco.com pankaj.razdan@adityabirla.com kailash@lntmf.com Sundeep.Sikka@relianceada.com debashish.mohanty@uti.co.in motilal.oswal@motilaloswal.com
State Bank of India Bank of Baroda ICICI Bank Ltd. HDFC Bank AXIS Bank Bank of India Religare Invesco Mutual Fund Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund L&T Mutual Fund Reliance Mutual Fund UTI Mutual Fund Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund
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ArcelorMittal, SAIL to set up steel plant in India LONDON/NEW DELHI: NRI billionaire Lakshmi Mittal-led ArcelorMittal is partnering PSU giant SAIL to set up an automotive steel plant with an estimated Rs 5,000 crore investment, taking a fresh shot at entering India after nearly a decade-long wait for its earlier projects to take off. The details of the investment and plant size were not disclosed. However, a source said the plant size discussed is "1.5 million tonne (MT) and the investment could be in the range of USD 850 million". "The proposed JV will construct a state-of-the-art cold rolling mill and other downstream finishing facilities in India that will offer technologically advanced steel products to India's rapidly growing automotive sector," ArcelorMittal and SAIL said in a joint statement. "We can't put a definitive timetable on this project. However, as
a broad guide...it could take up to two years to carry out all necessary due diligence and cement our relationship into a formal joint ven-
ture company," a Steel Authority of India spokesperson told PTI. The project needs formalizing the JV structure, assessing the
Lakshmi Mittal (right), Chairman and CEO, ArcelorMittal, and CS.Verma, Chairman, SAIL, signing the MoU in London. Also seen is Aditya Mittal (left), CFO and CEO, ArcelorMittal Europe
Irani discusses recognition of degrees with China BEIJING: Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani, on her maiden visit to China, broached the idea of establishing a consortium of higher educational institutions as part of greater collaboration between India and China besides mutual recognition of academic degrees. Irani, 39, arrived in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao on May 22 to take part in the 'International Conference on ICT and Post-2015
Education' organized by the Chinese Government and UNESCO on a four-day visit. She held talks with top Chinese officials and discussed steps to follow up on agreements signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit here. The Minister held talks with her Chinese counterpart Yang Guiren on mutual recognition of academic degrees, collaboration in teacher's training besides establishing a
Minister for Human Resource Development, Smriti Zubin Irani speaking at the Minister's round table titled "Inclusive and Relevant Lifelong Learning" at the international conference on ICT and Post-2015 Education, Qingdao on May 24
consortium of higher educational institutions, an Indian Embassy press release here said. The collaboration in teachers training helps both the countries to share their vast experiences in education, Irani told PTI. The discussions focused on establishing a consortium of higher educational institutions, and sharing experiences on their respective systems for ranking universities, it said. Her talks have a significance as about 13,000 Indian students currently study in China, mostly medicine. Mutual recognition of universities were expected to pave the way for more educational exchanges. The Indian medical students have to pass Medical Council of India examination to qualify to practice in India. Besides Yang, Irani also held talks with Chinese Vice Education Ministers Liu Limin and Du Zhanyuan. Her talks focused on the implementation of the new Educational Exchange Program (EEP) signed during Modi's visit during which the two sides also agreed to expand cooperation to newer areas. One MoU dealt with bilateral cooperation in the field of Vocational Education and Skill Development between India and China. Under the framework of the MoU, India and China agreed to work towards capacity development. PTI
various options regarding potential plant locations, costing the project and so on. The MoU towards setting up the JV was signed by Lakshmi Mittal, Chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal, and SAIL's Chairman CS Verma. The move is being viewed as a big step for ArecelorMittal which has been trying to make inroads into India after failed attempts to set up plants at Odisha and Jharkhand. Its work on USD 6.5 billion Karantaka plant is yet to take off. The JV proposal comes at a time when South Korean steel giant POSCO is also in talks with SAIL to set up an integrated steel plant.
Steel Secretary Rakesh Singh said: "Increasing the availability of indigenously produced automotive steel would reduce India's reliance on imports and provide the Indian steel industry and the automotive industry with a sustainable competitive advantage." He added that India is expected to grow as a hub for automobile export manufacturing facilities to cater to the international market. "This proposed collaboration between ArcelorMittal and SAIL is a positive and welcome step towards fulfilling the objectives of the 'Make in India' campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi." -PTI
Banking sector likely to witness 25% increase in hiring Cont’d from page 12
GlobalHunt MD Sunil Goel said that the banking sector is likely to witness 15-20 per cent growth in hiring this year as a large pool of jobs is expected to be created. The two new banking licenses, that were given by RBI to infrastructure financing firm IDFC and micro-finance firm Bandhan Financial Services, are also expected to create job opportunities across the board in the banking space, he said. The maximum number of jobs will include the bottom of the pyra-
mid, but existing banking and financial professionals will get recruited by the new players, Goel added. Due to the surge in the demand, the sector will grow 30-40 per cent and this will be good news for fresh graduates to fill the gap of resources for the sector, he said. "Most of the companies will expand their portfolio in the sector to retain the talent and compensation and increment rate can go anywhere between 10-15 per cent for top performers," he added. -PTI
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Agrarian situation is posing challenge: Jaitley NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said inflation has been brought under control in the past one year but global economy and agrarian situation as well as domestic investments pose challenge to the Indian economy. Addressing his second press conference in as many days to highlight achievements of Narendra Modi government in first year in office, Jaitley said "restlessness" of people for the economy to grow at a faster pace should put pressure on Congress to shed anti-growth and anti-development agenda. "In the past one year inflation has been under control to a great extent...Overall inflation situation has been much better than it has
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
been in the past one decade," he told reporters at the BJP headquarters here.
While the decline in international oil and commodity prices have helped cool inflation, the
Squeeze parallel economy in a fair manner: FM NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has asked taxmen to squeeze the parallel economy but gave an assurance that while doing so honest taxpayers may have nothing to fear about the new black money law. "The parallel economy has to be squeezed...and (it) has to be done in very fair manner, not in a harsh manner. In doing so, as senior officers you have to... maintain the highest standard of integrity," he said while addressing a conference of top officials of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). On the new black money law which seeks to bring back the illicit funds stashed abroad, Jaitley said, "No honest taxpayer has anything to fear. It's targeted only against those who have stashed assets abroad." The minister further told the tax
officers, "Every well meaning advisor will tell you, tax base has to be expanded. Black money has to be squeezed out and at the same time if you take steps to do that,
"Black money has to be squeezed", he said, adding only those who have defied the system in the past and intend to defy the compliance window to come clean have to worry. you have to listen to the taunt of draconian steps which are being taken." The government, the minister said, has taken a host of measures
to curb the menace of black money. These include passage of the black money law by Parliament and introduction of Benami Transactions (Prohibition) bill to deal with the unaccounted domestic wealth. "Black money has to be squeezed", he said, adding only those who have defied the system in the past and intend to defy the compliance window to come clean have to worry. Jaitley further said that improvement in tax collection will increase the ability of the government to step up spending on social and infrastructure projects and provide relief to individual taxpayers. For the current financial year, the minister said, direct tax collection was likely to improve by 1415 per cent and there was possibility of government improving upon the fiscal deficit target of 3.9 per cent.-PTI
Jaitley stresses BJP opposed to retail FDI NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said that foreign investors proposing to enter the multi-brand retail business in India should know that they can face problems as the ruling BJP is not in favor of it. "I owe it to all investors to make it absolutely clear that the DIPP's circular clearly indicates what the old policy is, but I have put a caveat to say that the present party in power has never been enthusiastic about this. Therefore, investors should know candidly what the position in India is. "If they want to come, they can come, but as far as the govern-
ment is concerned, the party in power has not been (in favor of the policy)...so they can have a lot of problems. Even during UPAs you had a lot of problem," he told Karan Thapar on Headlines Today. He was asked what the government would do if foreign players apply for setting up retail stores in India. "With regard to this decision as of today we have not decided to reverse that policy. So on paper, that policy continues but I was candid enough to say my party was not in favor of it but the old policy is continuing and that is factually the truth," he said.
Talking about the future course of action on the economic front, the minister said the government would focus on structural reforms to achieve 9-10 per cent growth, which is India's potential. Jaitley further said he was not satisfied with 7.5 per cent GDP growth and added "India's potential is far more. And I have a longer list of reforms for the second year and third year, which is certainly ready". The objective is clear and the decision making process is reasonably quick, he said, adding that India has the cleanest government with a "decisive leadership." -PTI
government too has taken steps to control food inflation that has led to both wholesale and retail inflation come down from a peak of 11 per cent, he said. Asked about the challenges facing the economy, Finance Minister said global economic situation and domestic agrarian scenario were a challenge. "Domestic investment has to pick up, that is a challenge and even though on economic front we have succeeded in some areas...these are three areas where there are challenges," he said, adding the global economic situation was beyond the control of the government. Listing out initiatives of the government, Jaitley said the financial inclusion and social security schemes have been a big success with over 15 crore Jan Dhan accounts being opened and 7.5 crore people availing life and accidental
insurance cover under the Jan Suraksha and Jeevan Jyoti schemes. The government, he said, wants to more than double the insurance coverage to 40-50 per cent in the near-term. With 11 per cent of population having pension plans, the Atal Pension Yojana wants to "make India into a far bigger pensioned society". "If India grows by 7.5 per cent, India should never be satisfied. We have to aspire for more and this aspiration and restlessness of people should be a pressure on parties, especially Congress, which have adopted an antigrowth and anti development agenda," Jaitley said. The wholesale inflation dropped to a record low of (-)2.65 per cent and the retail inflation was at a four year low of 4.87 per cent in April. -PTI
Jaitley launches media blitzkrieg on anniversary NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has launched a publicity blitzkrieg marking one year of the Modi government saying it has eliminated political and governmental corruption, put the economy back on track and accused the Congress of adopting obstructionism to growth. Maintaining that the BJP-led NDA government has created an environment of enthusiasm in which decision-making process has become transparent, he said the government's decisiveness in the face of obstructionism has been its hallmark with speed of taking decisions. Addressing the first of the two dozen press conferences to be addressed by union ministers throughout the country, Jaitley
asserted that the country is getting investment and there is a need to ensure ease of doing business and expand economic activity to achieve double-digit growth. At the 90-minute media interaction, Jaitley, who is also the Information and Broadcasting Minister, answered a number of questions on economy and politics and how the government dispelled the general environment of gloom that prevailed during the UPA regime which encouraged crony capitalism. He expressed confidence that the controversial land bill will be passed in the next Parliament session because "the numbers are clear". Similarly, the indirect taxation reforms measure Goods and Service Tax (GST) will be passed in the next session.-PTI
CII favors slow and gradual growth by govt NEW DELHI: As Narendra Modi government celebrates one year in office, industry body CII has said there has been no bigbang investments in the first year and issues on ease of doing business still need to be addressed. Stating that investments will gradually come in, CII President Sumit Mazumder termed as "ambitious" the government's aim of notching up the country's ranking to 50 on the World Bank's ease of doing business index. In an interview to PTI on the
one-year performance of the Modi government, Mazumder said: "What has not shown is, no big bang investments have come on the ground. But that will take time. "I would much rather see the government do a slow and gradual growth, scaled up gradually where all the structural issues are in place. How long it will take is difficult to tell, but based on my discussions with various people, we should definitely start seeing results by the third or fourth quarter of this year".
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Technology, Internet to make Delhi smarter city NEW DELHI: The Delhi government is trying to integrate transport, health and power sector services through technology and Internet to make the national capital a smart city. As part of the initiative, the city government is moving towards a paperless citizen service which will enable users to access government documents through the Internet. "There are 219 forms for different services like birth and death certificates. At present one needs to take a day off and go to a government office, stand in a queue and chances are high that they have to pay bribe to the officer for the service. The entire process takes three days. "So we are in process of identifying various services where with proper authentication and digital signature one can take a printout sitting at home or at office. Therefore, cutting more layers of corruption and bringing efficiency," Parliamentary Secretary to minister of IT, Adarsh Shastri said. Likewise in the transport sector, government is planning to bring smart cards for all modes of transport. "Delhi has moved to multi-transport system. We have buses, autos, cabs, metro and the process is to integrate it all together and issue single card which can be used to access all transport modes. Through this card one can pay in the metro bus and even pay for the parking and toll taxes," Shastri said. The city government is following the example of London where one card is used to pay for boat, bus, metro and parking. The move will also help government track the vehicle and improve the safety mechanism in transport sector.
India denies scrapping of Afghan iron-ore project KABUL: India has dismissed reports that an Indian consortium has scrapped a multibillion dollar iron-ore mining deal in Afghanistan, saying only an analysis of the proposed project's opportunities and strengths had been done. Media reports had stated that after developing cold feet over the proposed USD 10.8 billion steel Hajigak iron ore mine project in Bamiyan province, conceived in November 2011, the SAIL-led consortium of leading Indian steelmakers has now decided to scrap the project altogether. Dismissing the reports, India's Ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha tweeted, "Not correct. Meeting only did a SWOT analysis of opportunities and strengths. No decision of this sort." The Hajigak mine is expected to be one of the largest economic projects in Afghanistan. After winning bids for three iron ore mines at Hajigak in the war-torn Afghanistan in November 2011, the Indian consortium AFISCO had then said that it would invest USD 10.8 billion to set up a 6.2 mtpa steel plant in two equal phases along with a 800 MW power plant, besides creating the necessary infrastructure. -PTI
Similarly in the health sector, government is planning to give health cards to each citizen and entire data of the card holder along with his medical history will be stored in it.
"If a patient goes to any hospital or dispensary then through this card his entire medical history, how many times the patient has visited a hospital, name of the doctor
he has consulted along with medicines prescribed and his reports will come before the doctor treating him.-PTI
Desi News Kick Off party held for Kapil comedy show India Post News Service
SAN JOSE: Kick Off party for the upcoming mega comedy show Comedy with Kapil was recently held at the M-Lounge in downtown San Jose. Kapil Sharma is an Indian stand-up comedian, actor, TV anchor and singer. He is ranked 33rd on the Forbes India Celebrity list 2014. Currently he is hosting the super hit Indian comedy show Comedy Nights with Kapil (CWK) on Colors TV Channel where he interviews celebrity guests. Kapil Sharma along with his onscreen family from the show, comprising Sumona Chakravarti, Sunil Grover, Kiku Sharda, Upasana Singh and Ali Sagar will be on six city tour of North America and Canada in July/August. The show is called Comedy with Kapil and Family and is promoted nationally by Prria Haider Productions in association with Sai USA Inc. Details on page 25
St Louis raises $42,000 for Nepal victims ASHWIN PATEL
ST LOUIS: A fundraising dinner for Nepal Earthquake Disaster Relief was held at Mahatma Gandhi Center on Friday May 15. The St Louis Hindu Temple organized this historic event with support of Mahatma Gandhi Center, India Association of St .Louis, Gujarati Same St. Louis, Telugu Association, Bal Vihar, Ohmkaram, NATS & other organizations. Details on page 20
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Right knowledge will help us do the right thing
May 29, 2015
Details on page 24
Lively Life Science Summit at Chicago Indian Consulate RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: The Consulate General of India, Chicago, hosted a forum on Life Sciences titled 'Life Sciences Summit - Bringing Knowledge, Capital and Industry Together' on Monday, May 18 at the Consulate premises to project the strengths and opportunities in India's Life Sciences and Pharma sectors to the business community from the Midwest area here. The aim was also to create awareness of the developments in this sector in India. Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India, welcomed the community elites attending the event. Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, was the keynote speaker. In his address, Prof Raghavan emphasized the importance of Biotechnology in the Health Sciences sector. The speakers appreciated the importance attached to the Healthcare sector in India and the efforts of the Government of India to include the various segments of the scientific community and the industry to accelerate the pace of development in this sector
Life Science Summit speakers: Secretary Indian Minister of Science and Technology Prof Vijay K Raghavan and Indian CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed
Raghavan praised the American "can-do" attitude adopted by immigrants here. He touched upon the
Biotech composition in India
policy of promoting sustainable development underlining the importance of people over mere technol-
ogy. India, he said, with its exploding workforce has an edge here. Alluding to the Indian lull in institution building in the 60s, he observed that the quality leadership is the key. There had been greater reliance to date on chemistry than on biosciences, basic sciences and academia. His biotechnology dept. brings solutions but implementation is left to the relevant ministries. The new government has now taken up the indepth reviews of specific areas and things seem moving in the right direction, he added. Cont’d on page 19
Modi navigates well first year in saddle NARAIN KATARIA
NEW YORK: On the occasion of the First Anniversary of Modi Government, I am going to inform you in nutshell as to what actions the Modi Government has taken to make India economically prosperous and militarily strong. Here are some of the important initiatives taken by it. Under the Jan Dhan Yojna, 115 million poor people have opened bank accounts which was considered almost impossible for them one year ago. One hundred Smart Cities have been planned. Details on page 21
Indian Ministry Secretary Prof Raghavan and CG Dr Sayeed with group of participants (from left) Dr. Manish Kohli, Manu Nair, Alex Alexander (Behind CG Sir), Prof. Azeem Ansari (Behind CG Sir), Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Prof. K Vijayraghavan, John DeBlasio, Warren Ribley, Michael Rose, Prof. Yamuna Krishnan, Trevor Gunn (Behind Prof. Yamuna). Dinesh Jain, Seann Nelipinath and Vineeth Sinha
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Manu Vora honored for achievements in quality SURENDRA ULLAL
CHICAGO: Dr. Manu K. Vora of Naperville, Illinois, was honored by ASQ, the world's largest network of quality resources and experts, for his innovative contributions and achievements in quality. Dr. Vora was recognized with 24 others on May 3 in Nashville, TN, ahead of ASQ's World Conference on Quality and Improvement. He received the 2015 ASQ's Ishikawa Medal for his extraordinary commitment to teams in corporate, academic, professional, and philanthropic domains. Dr. Vora is Chairman and President of Business Excellence, Inc., a global qual-
ity management service firm. He has over 40 years of leadership experience guiding Fortune 500 companies with Baldrige Performance Excellence in the areas of leadership development, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and process excellence. For over 22 years, he has taught Quality Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, and Project Management courses at various business schools globally. He is a Past Vice President of ASQ, ASQ Fellow, and ASQ Certified Quality Engineer. Dr. Vora has B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in
Consulate kicks-off Yoga Day ceremony MADHU PATEL & RAMESH SOPARAWALA
CHICAGO: Community organizations established yoga and spiritual centers and the Media came out in good numbers to attend the kick off ceremony for the first of
CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed addressing the Yoga meet at the Consulate
its type International Yoga Day (IYD)hosted by the Indian Consulate on May 20 at the Consulate office in Chicago downtown Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, the Consul General, briefed on various activities planned by the Indian Consulate in collaboration with the participating organizations to commemorate
IYD on June 21. The Consul General pointed out that the UN General Assembly had adopted an India-sponsored Resolution on December 11, 2014 declaring June 21 each year as the "International Day of Yoga". This was an outcome of the proposal made by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the 69th UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014. Several cities all over the world, including USA and Canada, have supported the idea of commemorating the First International Day of Yoga [IYD] in a befitting manner. The Consul General introduced the Organizing Committee and participating organizations which include Art of living Foundation, Gayatri Gyan Mandir, Isha Foundation, Brahma Kumaris Meditation Carters, SEWA International, Eye on India, Science of Spirituality, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Cognizant and several community organizations. He said that the official celebration in Chicagoland will take place on June 21 between 10:30 am and 4:00 pm. The venue will be notified later. The Consulate has planned the following activities for the celebration:
A group of guests and invitees at the Yoga kick off ceremony
Cont’d on page 19
Dr Manu Vora (second from left) with recognition plaque
Chemical Engineering and MBA with Marketing Management. He is a sought after speaker on business excellence and quality management topics with over 440 presentations globally and has published over 50 articles in professional journals. He has delivered executive education to audiences in Africa, Caribbean, Europe, Far East, Latin America, Middle East and USA. He is recognized with numerous honors from ASQ including Grant Medal for
quality management training, Hutchens Medal for Social Responsibility, Lancaster Medal for International quality contributions, and Distinguished Service Medal for his life-long service to Society. ASQ headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a global community of people dedicated to quality who share the ideas and tools that make the world work better. It has national service centers in China, India, Mexico and a regional service center in the United Arab Emirates.
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Asian American Festival held at Daley Plaza India Post News Service
CHICAGO: The 14th Annual Asian American Festival at Daley Plaza, a weeklong event, was inaugurated on May 18 with a ribbon cutting ceremony by the Asian American community leaders of Chicago led by the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, Evelyn Sanguinetti and Andriana Supandy, the Consul General of Republic of Indonesia in Chicago. The festival is presented by the Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC) and was hosted this year by Chicago's Indonesian American Community. It is in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month which falls in the month of May. The festival ran Monday through Friday, May 18 to May 22, 2015 from 9 am to 5 pm at Daley Center
Ribbon cutting by Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti (4th from right), Andriana Supandy, CG of Indonesia Consulate Chicago (5th from right) and special guests during the opening ceremonies on May 18. Rajinder Singh Mago Executive Secretary AACC (2nd from right) and Prem Lalvani (first on the left) represented Indian American community
Asian American Community leaders at the opening ceremonies on May 18 of the weeklong Asian American Festival organized by the Asian American Coalition of Chicago at Daley Plaza
Plaza, Chicago. Cultural performances emceed by TV celebrities of Chicago took place onstage over the lunch hour beginning at 12 noon each day of the festival. A variety of delicious authentic Asian food was available at the
Asian American Festival food court from the five restaurant vendors. One could experience an open market and the hustle and bustle of an Asian marketplace of 20 merchandise vendors by strolling through exhibits of art, gift items, jewelry, beautiful traditional
clothing, and much more! Themed "E Pluribus Unum Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" (meaning: Unity in Diversity)," the festival was free and open to the public. Martino Tangkar the festival chair flanked by Miss Illinois 2014 Marissa Buchheit on his left and Miss Friendship Ambassador Jennifer Zhang on his right, addressing the audience
Elgin Senior Parivar celebrates Mothers' Day ARVIND THAKKAR
ELGIN: Senior Parivar, Elgin celebrated the first anniversary of its formation with a beautifully organized Mothers' Day program. The day long event, held at the residence of Chairman Dhirubhai Suvagia, was attended by more than 250 seniors and their families on Saturday, May 16 from 11 am to 7 pm. The program was studded with songs appreciating mothers, recital of bhajans and Garba dance by the female members of the
group. Snacks and a delicious dinner was fully sponsored by Dhirubhai's family. Mansukhbhai Patel offered flowers to members whose birthdays and wedding anniversaries fell in the month of May. The weather was beautiful with the sun shining the entire day. Seniors were seen mingling, talking and enjoying the day. It certainly felt that life is enjoyable at any age. The day's events were efficiently handled by Chairman
Dhirubhai Suvagia, Secretary Jayendrabhai Desai, Treasurers Jagdishbhai Thakkar and Sureshbhai Parikh. It was announced that the next program will be Samuh Satyanarayan Katha on 28th June in Stream Wood.
Elgin Seniors enjoy meal at their first anniversary gathering that combined Mother's Day celebration
The weeklong celebration featured Cultural Immersion Performances, a Food Court, a "Unity in Diversity" Marketplace, a "Remarkable Indonesia" Pavilion, an Activity Tent, a Community Tent, and fun activities for various ages. The Asian American Festival celebrates approximately 17 different cultures. Over the years, the Coalition has included representatives of the Bangladeshi, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Indian, Indonesia, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Malaysian, Nepalese, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Thai and Vietnamese communities. Every year a different Asian community takes turn playing host of the Festival and of the Coalition's Lunar New Year Celebration. This year it was the Indonesian American Community which hosted the Asian American Festival, for the second time.
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Consulate kicks-off Yoga Day ceremony Cont’d from page 17
Book Exhibition: A special book exhibition on Yoga will be exhibited on the occasion. Selected photographs on Yoga by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and by Raja Choudhury will be displayed. Documentary film "History of Yoga: the path of my Ancestors" will be screened. The film is a 109 minutes episode with Hindi subtitles. It involves a 6000 year journey into the origin and evolution of Yoga. The film explores the elements of Yoga in the Harappan civilization, Vedic times, Jainism, Buddhism and the Hatha-yogic practices of medieval times. The Consul General appreciated the efforts of the participating organizations which are actively involved in the promotion and propagation of Yoga in Chicagoland. The activities to be performed by these organizations on the First International Yoga Day are as follows:
Yoga book exhibition
Lively Life Science Summit at Chicago Indian Consulate Dinesh Jain, Founder CEO of Agami Inc. and Michael Rosen, Managing Director, Professor K. Vijayraghavan, a distin- Rosen Bioscience Strategies, Manish Kohli, guished Professor and Director of The Na- Consultant, Division of Medical oncology tional Center for Biological Science, was Associate and Professor of Oncology, appointed Secretary, Department of Bio- Mayo Clinic, Suman Ramachandran, Chief technology (DBT) in January 2013. He has Scientific Officer of Hospira, Dr. A. Alexander, a Bachelor of Technology degree in Chemi- Healthcare IT and health outcomes, Mayo cal Engineering and Master of Technology Clinic, Dr. Sindhu Rajan, Founder and CEO, degree in Bio-Medical Engineering from In- Prana Diabetes, Manu Nair, Vice President, dian Institute of Technology, Kanpur be- Technology Ventures, Oklahoma Medical sides a PhD in Molecular Biology from the Research Foundation, Dr. Vemuri Murthy, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Diplomat, American Board of AnesthesiolMumbai. In recognition of his many contri- ogy, Anesthesiology Department, Chicago butions as a developmental geneticist and Medical Society and Dr. Shekhar Mishra, neurobiologist he was bestowed with Life Deputy Project Manager, Indian Institute and Fermilab Professor K. Vijayraghavan, a distinguished Pro- Collaboration, Fermi National fessor and Director of The National Center for Bio- A c c e l e r a t o r logical Science, was appointed Secretary, De- Laboratory. The Life Scipartment of Biotechnology (DBT) in January 2013. ences Summit the second He has a Bachelor of Technology degree in was event in the seChemical Engineering and Master of Technology ries of commercial events orgaScience award five years ago. nized by the Consulate after the 'India and The Summit was also addressed by the Midwest - An Economic Partnership Warren Ribley, Illinois Biotechnology In- Seminar' in collaboration with the dustry Organization President and CEO, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce on FebJohn DeBlasio, Director, Illinois Department ruary 18 early this year. The next event beof Commerce and Economic Opportunity, ing organized by the Consulate in collaboTrevor Gunn, Vice President, International ration with the India Chamber of Commerce Relations, Medtronic, Steven Collens, CEO USA is the 'US-India Healthcare Summit' in of MATTER, Chicago's healthcare and tech- Minneapolis from August 3 to 5 at Radisson nology startup center and community hub, Blu Minneapolis. Cont’d from page 16
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Common Yoga Protocol / demonstration of common asanas for 30 minutes and breathing techniques by Art of Living Foundation. Surya Namaskar by Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh; Meditation Workshop by Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centre; Lecture & presentation by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha; Meditation for optimal wellbeing by Science of Spirituality; Skit by Isha Foundation and Yoga related activities by various other organizations Eye on India will also celebrate Yoga Day from sunrise to sundown. The morning session will take place at 63rd Street Beach, 6300 S. Lake Shore Drive from 5: 30 am to 8
am, Daley Plaza from 10 am to 2 pm and at Mozart Park from 4 pm to 8 pm. AYUSH had initiated a design competition via their website for logo and tagline for the Yoga Day. A committee headed by Dr. HR Nagendra, Chancellor, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana University chose the logo. The Consul General & the members of organizing Committee unveiled the official logo during kick-off ceremony. Tech Mahindra has developed a website: www.idayofyoga.org to support the whole cause of the International Day of Yoga. The objective of the website is to provide impetus to Yoga in general and to the International Day of Yoga in particular. The website has multiple features and has been designed to cater to a diverse audience. The website consolidates yoga related contents in the form of text, images, videos, blogs, news articles, opinion etc. from the most authentic sources. CG Dr Sayeed pitched for all-round support from across Midwest for a grand success in celebrating the First International Yoga Day. NRI Press Club came out with a wonderful suggestion that to get more and more people involved in the celebration, including mainstream Americans, the CG office should consider placing and running signs on CTA, RTA buses and Metro stations. The suggestion got overwhelming approval and support from many attendees.
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St Louis raises $42,000 for Nepal victims ASHWIN PATEL
ST LOUIS: A fundraising dinner for Nepal Earthquake Disaster Relief was held at Mahatma Gandhi Center on Friday May 15. The St Louis Hindu Temple organized this historic event with support of Mahatma Gandhi Center, India Association of St .Louis, Gujarati Same St. Louis, Telugu Association, Bal Vihar, Ohmkaram, NATS & other organizations. The event started with welcome address by Dr G.V. Naidu, Hindu Temple chairman, followed by speech from Nepali Association leader Balram Panthi and representatives from various associations. Over 200 members attended the fundraising dinner which raised $42,000 for the Nepal Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund.
(From left) Dr G.V. Naidu Hindu temple chairman; Dr. Sharad Parikh Hindu temple fundraising chair; Balram Panthi Nepali Association President; Doug Clements Himalayan health care project representative
It will be sending through Shri Ramakrishna Mission & Himalayan Family Health care project. "A very enjoyable night and a fantastic outcome which will help the Nepalese get
back on their feet," said a coordinator of the event congratulating all associations which participated in this event. Prasad Swarna, an executive member of the Temple Board proposed the vote of thanks.
Idaho Governor proclaims 'Rajan Zed day' MADHU PATEL Other attendees
IDAHO: C. L. "Butch" Otter, the Governor of Idaho, has issued a proclamation declaring April 1 as "Rajan Zed day", after distinguished Hindu leader Rajan Zed. The proclamation, carrying the Seal of the State of Idaho and signatures of Governor Otter and Secretary of State Lawrence Denney, says: "…Zed's initiatives to bring various religious communities together throughout the world so that they can live in peace and mutual trust and enrich themselves through dialogue should be honored…" The proclamation states' it is important to honor Zed's leadership role in attempting to help the helpless…" and also points out: "…Zed works tirelessly to uplift about 15 million Roma (GypIdaho Governor Otter's proclamation
Rajan Zed
sies) people of Europe who live in apartheid conditions by frequently speaking about their maltreatment, issues and concerns; and urging other religious leaders to do the same…" It adds: "…on March 3, 2015 the historical first Hindu invocation in the Idaho State Senate was read by Rajan Zed, President of the Universal Society of Hinduism…" Three Idaho state senators reportedly refused to attend this Hindu invocation and one of them reportedly stated in a media interview: "Hindu is a false faith with false gods".
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Modi navigates well first year in saddle NARAIN KATARIA
NEW YORK: On the occasion of the First Anniversary of Modi Government, I am going to inform you in nutshell as to what actions the Modi Government has taken to make India economically prosperous and militarily strong. Here are some of the important initiatives taken by it. Under the Jan Dhan Yojna, 115 million poor people have opened bank accounts which was considered almost impossible for them one year ago. One hundred Smart Cities have been planned. Three Mega Life Insurance and Pension Projects have been set in motion. In order to reduce corruption Digital India Project has been launched. Due to that Transparency International has announced that in the 18 years, this is the first time that India ranks below China in corruption list. India has also improved in the index, jumping 10 places. The goal of the "Make In India" project is to create millions of jobs for Indians, make India a manufacturing hub, bring billions of dollars in investment to India and make India self-sufficient in the field of arms manufacturing. When UPA Government led by Sonia Gandhi and its cohorts was in power, we used to hear every other day about one scam or the other; Bofors Scam, Commonwealth Games Scam, Coal Scam, Adarsh Scam, 2G Spectrum Scam, and others. Their job was to plunder poor Indians. But after the in-
The goal of the "Make In India" project is to create millions of jobs for Indians, make India a manufacturing hub, bring billions of dollars in investment stallation of Modi Government at the Center we have not heard even one such scam. For this achievement, Modi Government deserves our heartiest adoration. As a result of this, inflation is at all time low. U.N. World Economic Report says that India's economy is projected to grow at 7.6% this year and 7.7% in 2016 overtaking China. There are more than 330 billion dollars in foreign reserves. Modi has put India on the track of being a super power. Modi has changed India from a very weak country to an assertive nation. All over the world people are talking about the progress made by India in such a short period. In the last one year, the world's perception about India has been completely metamorphosed. The world is watching India's progress with amazement and wonder. The Times of India survey of May 16 says that Namo remains the best bet for India but he does not have the magic wand. Dr. Natwar Singh, former Foreign Minister says that Narendra Modi is the real leader whereas Dr. Manmohand Singh was not a leader at all. Thus, Modi has become a very popular Prime Minister. Modi has a total number of 28 million followers on
Facebook; out of which 12 million joined him this year. Senior American expert Rick Rossow at the Center for Strategic Studies says that Modi's first year in office was the best for
India in terms of economic recovery. Christine Lagarde of International Monetary Fund says that India is fuelling global economic growth. Modi has created confidence, respect-
ability and pride in Indians about their culture, civilization and capability. Indians all over the world feel that they are second to none. People are looking towards Modi as the harbinger of hope. Cont’d on page 22
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Tagore bust unveiled in Belgium University India Post News Service
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bronze bust of India's Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) was recently inaugurated in the Literary Garden of prestigious Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven in Belgium, coinciding with his birthday on May 7. Tagore, who besides being the first non-European to receive Nobel Prize in literature, also composed the national anthems of India and Bangladesh, authored Gitanjali and established India's Visva Bharati University.
Tagore bust in Belgium University
Calling it a step in the positive direction, Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged other European universities to honor the intellectuals of East, thus bridging the East-West gap, which was the need of the hour. Founded in 1425 by Pope Martin V, Belgium's largest and renowned research-intensive university KU Leuven with a mission of "providing highquality interdisciplinary research and education with a Catholic signature" has over 41,000 students. Rik Torfs is the Rector of this female-majority university.
AAP in power with 100* not out
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hey say that 'With great power comes great respon sibility'. But in a democracy, 'With great mandate, comes a great responsibility'. The unprecedented mandate given to the Aam Aadmi Party in the recent Delhi elections meant that expectations of Delhi's citizens from the 'new kid on the block' were sky high. Now with the Delhi Government's 100 day anniversary overlapping with one year anniversary of the Modi Government at the Center, many political pundits have taken out their yellow legal pads and drawn a point by point comparison of the performance showed by the respective Governments. It is amusing to note that even decades old political parties fail to get the kind of scrutiny offered to AAP ever since its inception. The AAP government in Delhi remains the most reported state Government in the country. While others may get bogged down by such intense scrutiny, AAP has happily taken it in its stride and involved the aam aadmi at every possible step of decision making. AAP's 100 days journey has seen many hits and a few misses. A flashback of some of the major decisions taken by the Delhi Government in the past 100 days might just remind us why the people of Delhi chose AAP over others. 1031 rings all day long Political parties in India have a simple rule. Come to power, enjoy for 4 years, fulfill a couple of promises from the manifesto in the fifth year, make a new manifesto with same points for the next election! So when AAP got down to work
DR MUNISH KUMAR RAIZADA
from the very first day, it raised many eyebrows. AAP wasted little time in re-introducing the corruption helpline 1031 and get the ball rolling on its most critical election promise eradication of corruption. The helpline got 12,731 calls in the first 24 hours of its operation. By the time the helpline had completed one month in operation in the first week of May, it had received over 1.25 lakh calls, resulting in 25 ar-
AAP continues to stick its neck out and demand a CAG audit of the discoms to derive their actual running cost and to see if they are actually running into any loss. The AAP is starting to make holes in the nexus between the power discoms and the well-established political class rests, including that of a Delhi Police constable. At the time of writing this piece, more than 35 officials have been arrested and 152 suspended. The investigations into the complaints are handled by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which comes under the direct purview of the Delhi Government - thus enabling speedy resolutions. The willingness of the Government to stay
true to its corruption free image is evident. The vibes of a corruption-free Delhi aren't confined to the public offices only. The Delhi secretariat has a new feel to it. A casual tour of the Secretariat would offer you a view of several bill-boards being put up by the Government, which not only talk about the Government's zero tolerance towards corruption but also name the officials who have been found to be involved in such malpractices. Dipping electricity & water bills One of the most striking features of the 100-day tenure of AAP government has been a large dip in electricity and water bills. Thousands of people have come out in the open and accepted that their electricity bills have dropped by over 50% ever since AAP assumed power. At a time when discoms have expressed their desire to increase the electricity rates citing financial losses, the AAP Government has shown immense courage in taking the fight to the discoms, which are run by some of the most influential families in the country. Without any support from any other political party, AAP continues to stick its neck out and demand a CAG audit of the discoms to derive their actual running cost and to see if they are actually running into any loss at all. Within the first 100 days, the AAP is starting to make holes in the nexus between the power discoms and the well-established political class, which exemplifies crony capitalism. Cont’d on page 26
Modi navigates well first year in saddle Cont’d from page 21
"targeted kills" against terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir while military is dominating the line of control with Pakistan, forcing 30% drop in both cross-border ceasefire violations as well as infiltration bids, reports The Times of India, dated May 22. Thus Modi has repositioned himself at the center-stage of the world. Before Modi's arrival on the scene, India was being ruled by minorities led by Sonia Gandhi in collaboration with the deadly combination of Islamists and Marxists. Even though Hindus are the backbone of India - about 80% they were treated as second class citizens in their own country. They were denigrated, humiliated, demoralized and terrorized into submission. Had Indian people not
He has used his consummate skills and untiring efforts to reenergize and reinvigorate their inner spirit and patriotism. He is also using the potential of NRIs to develop Indian economy. Modi has allotted 8 billion dollars for construction of warships. He has approved six nuclear submarines for Indian Navy to combat the influence of Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean. In view of the increased threat from Pakistan, a new naval base named after Sardar Patel near Porbandar in Gujarat has been planned to strengthen surveillance and security apparatus in the region. In addition to it, India is developing Agni 6 missile and ICBM guidance system like China against warships and Before Modi's arrival on the submarines. Modi Government is scene, India was being building roads in the ruled by minorities led by Himalayas. BrahMos supersonic cruise mis- Sonia Gandhi in collaborasiles have been given to tion with the deadly combiIndian army to counter nation of Islamists and the Chinese in the North and North East India. Marxists. Even though These missiles have the Hindus are the backbone capability to hit targets of India - about 80% - they hidden behind mounwere treated as second tains. In addition to that class citizens India is developing two new Islands in the Indian Ocean voted Modi to power, radical Islamists supported by defrom military point of view. Hinduized corrupt and selfish Hindu leaders, would have almost Foreign policy Modi has established cordial obliterated Hinduism from the Inrelations with America, Russia, dian soil in due course. Now India is progressing in all UK, France, Germany, Canada, China, Israel, Japan, Australia, directions with leaps and bounds. South Korea and other countries. However, the threat to India's inHe has signed agreements with ternal security from radical IslamChina worth 22 billion dollars. He ists and Jihadists still persists. At is the first Indian leader who is the moment crafty radical jihadists handling China with great confi- are lying low. They are down but dence and courage. South Korea not out. They have changed their has pledged $10 billions for infra- strategy but not their goals. Muslim population in India afstructure projects in India. Japan will invest 35 billion dollars over ter Partition of India has more than the period of five years. Modi is doubled. This is a very dangergetting 36 jet fighters from France, ous trend. So far no serious ac3000 metric tons of uranium from tion seems to have been taken by Canada and 500 tons of uranium Modi Government to smash the insidious designs of Jihadists from Australia. Russia has agreed to build ten who are secretly planning to more nuclear reactors in India. balkanize and Islamize India. The Modi Government will, America will supply India with an aircraft carrier equipped with most however, be well advised to demodern missile guidance system. vise solid strategies at an early date Israel in partnership with India is to crush the diabolical designs of building most advanced anti-war- anti-national forces before they ship missiles. As a result, soon assume an alarming proportion to India will be a great military power destabilize India. Jai Ho. EMail: Katarian@aol.com in the world. B l o g : Under Modi's leadership, India is going in for intelligence-packed Narainkataria.blogspot.com
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Shaan enthralls with vast repertoire of songs India Post News Service
CUPERTINO, CA: On May 22, the "Shaan Live in concert" arrived at the Flint Center, Cupertino. This was part of a month long International tour, Shaan and his team performed in an effort to raise money for Sankara Eye Foundation, the host of the event. Shantanu Mukheerjee, famously known as Shaan, has created his name in the music world with his versatile singing style. He also known as an anchor on many shows such as ZeeTV's "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa". He hails from a musically talented family, which comes as no surprise that he is a lyricist, music composer and has judged many reality-singing competitions. The press conference for the show was held on May 21 at San Jose Marriott. When it comes to working the stage or the audience, there are
L to R: Murali Krishnamurthy, Gagan, Shaan, Ambili Menon and Arunita
few as good as the Bollywood singer Shaan. When you talk of a "performance" in his context, it's
Bollywood singer Shaan
not just singing but a mix of acting, mimicry, dancing and singing. The show opened with some of Shaan's popular songs like Jabh Se Tere Naina (Saawariya), Daastan-e (Om Shanti Om), Shikhdum (Dhoom), Hey Shona (Ta Ra Rum Pum), Mein Hoon Don (Don), Chand Sifarish (Fanna) and many others. Ambili Menon, an upcoming singer and power house performer, enthralled the audience with a vast repertoire of songs for more than three hours, including recent hits as well as some evergreen numbers from an era gone by. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa's Lil Champs on Zee TV, Gagan Gaonkar and Arunita Kanjilal left one speechless with their multitude of talents and mesmerizing numbers. Shaan paid tribute to legendary singers, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi. The concert was a great success, filled with high energy performances as well as touching moments. The audience was en-
tertained brilliantly by all the performances throughout the three and half hour concert. The proceeds from this concert will benefit a wonderful organization, Sankara Eye Foundation, in its goal of eradicating preventable blindness in India. The Sankara Eye Foundation is
istic of SEF is that it provides free eye care for those unable to afford it - the rural poor. Today, SEF is the largest free eye care provider in the world with 9 community hospitals as well as 2 city hospitals performing over 150,000 free eye surgeries each year. The tireless efforts by the
The concert was a great success, filled with high energy performances as well as touching moments. The audience was entertained brilliantly by all the performances throughout the three and half hour concert. The proceeds from this concert will benefit a wonderful organization, Sankara Eye Foundation a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide 20/20 vision for the people of India by the year 2020. In partnership with SEF, India, it has been working towards eradicating curable blindness throughout India. By far the most unique and remarkable character-
Sankara team since inception has enabled over 1.2 million eyes to receive the gift of vision, utterly free of cost. SEF will focus its fundraising activities for 2 new projects, Focus Madhya Pradesh and Focus Telangana.
Right knowledge will help us do the right thing
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t the end of the third chapter, Arjun asks Shree Krishna a very practical question. He wants to know why it is that we do wrong things, even when we know it is wrong. What force is it that compels us to knowingly do wrong, almost against our will (chapter 3, verse 36)? Shree Krishna answers that kam (desire) is the cause of our sinful actions (chapter 3, verse 37). How does desire cause us to do wrong things, seemingly against our will? He says that it veils our power of discrimination, like smoke veils a fire, like dirt covers a mirror, and like amniotic fluid covers an em-
SWAMI NIKHILANAND
bryo (chapter 3, verse 38). Normally, our knowledge of right and wrong allows our intellect to discriminate between what is a good action and what is a wrong action. But under the effect of desire, our intellect becomes clouded, and loses this ability to discriminate. For example, out of a desire to possess something, we may steal -not because we don't know stealing is wrong - but because the desire overpowers our discrimination. Due to the desire, we feel it is more important to possess that thing than to be "good". Another example is that out of a desire to be popular, we may lie about some-
thing. We know it is wrong to lie, but the desire makes us feel that it is more important to be popular then to be truthful. This shows that our discrimination has been clouded by desire. Where does desire come from? Desire is a natural product of rajogun, which is one of the 3 qualities of maya (sattva gun is the pious quality, rajogun is the selfish quality and tamogun is the impious quality). The whole world is made of maya, so the whole world inherently has these three qualities. Our mind is also made of maya, so these 3 qualities of maya are inborn in the mind. Thus, de-
sire is inborn in the human mind (chapter 3, verse 40). We all naturally have desire, thus we are all in danger of doing sinful actions under the influence of desire. How can we overcome the effect of desire? There are two facets of our mind referred to in the Gita. They are man (the emotional mind) and buddhi (the intellectual mind). Man is the part of the mind that generates desires and feels the impulses to do something. Buddhi is the part of the mind that decides whether or not to do something. In other words, the buddhi is the seat of the power of discrimina-
tion. Ideally, the buddhi should govern the man - then the power of discrimination is allowed to function properly. But what often happens is that we allow our man to govern our buddhi - then we regress to the state we were in as children, when we always acted on impulse, and didn't know right from wrong. Or you could even say that we regress to the same level as animals, who always act on instinct, and do not possess a power of discrimination (to know right from wrong). Cont’d on page 26
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Kick Off party held for Kapil comedy show India Post News Service
SAN JOSE: Kick Off party for the upcoming mega comedy show Comedy with Kapil was recently held at the M-Lounge in downtown San Jose. Kapil Sharma is an Indian stand-up comedian, actor, TV anchor and singer. He is ranked 33rd on the Forbes India Celebrity list 2014. Currently he is hosting the
super hit Indian comedy show Comedy Nights with Kapil (CWK) on Colors TV Channel where he interviews celebrity guests. Kapil Sharma along with his onscreen family from the show, comprising Sumona Chakravarti, Sunil Grover, Kiku Sharda, Upasana Singh and Ali Sagar will be on six city tour of North America and Canada in July/August. The show is called Comedy with Kapil and Family and is promoted nationally by Prria Haider Productions in association with Sai USA Inc. "We are proud to be able to bring the only show of Kapil Sharma on the West Coast to the Bay Area. We hope people will enjoy and laugh their worries away" said Bikram Jeet, Founder Bollywood Events. The Kick Off party saw attendance by who's who of Bay Area Indian community. Dr Romesh Japra, Chairman of The Federation of Indo Americans of Northern California (FIA) said "Our federation fully supports such shows which promote Indian performing arts". "Comedy With Kapil and Family will be held at the SAP- Center, San Jose on 1st August at 7:30 PM PST.
"The show will take place at the SAP Center as we wanted a central location for Bay Area residents. We have released tickets online in addition to local grocery stores," said Ricky Singh, Co-presenter of Comedy with Kapil show. For Sponsorships contact Bikram Jeet (650-771-0933) or Ricky Singh (408-2341502).Tickets can be bought in person at the local grocery stores or online at www.sulekha.com
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Right knowledge will help us do the right thing Cont’d from page 24
In this case, how do we increase the ability of the buddhi to govern the man and resist wrong impulses? Buddhi is also the part of the mind that understands concepts and acquires knowledge. The type of knowledge that our intellect gains impacts its strength and ability to govern the man and resist impulses. Spiritual knowledge is called 'tattva gyan'. When we have correct spiritual knowledge, it strengthens our intellect so that it can overcome the effect of desire. Tattva gyan helps you overcome desire What type of spiritual knowledge do we need to help us in this situation? Although very simple, it is the most important piece of knowledge - God is always watching us, keeping track of our actions, and arranging for us to get the reward or punishment for our good and bad actions in our future lives. In reality, we will refrain from doing a wrong thing even if we feel that a single person is watching us - then who could do a wrong thing if they felt that God is watching them? We actually have this tattva gyan - that God is omnipresent,
He sees everything, He resides in our heart and knows our every thought, He notes all our karm and gives us the results. We have been taught this since childhood. The problem is that we only keep this
Swami Nikhilanand
knowledge on a very superficial level, thus it is easily overpowered by the desires and impulses of our man. Under the influence of desire, we conveniently forget that God is watching us, and we feel that we are alone and have our privacy. In other words, we think, "Nobody knows what I am doing or thinking right now, other than me." In this state of mind, we become
nastik -non-believers in God. Then we feel that we can get away with it, so just go ahead and give in to the desire. The solution to this problem is to strengthen this tattva gyan by repeatedly contemplating on it in our mind. The more times we think deeply about something, the more deeply that concept or belief becomes ingrained in our mind. To whatever degree this tattva gyan becomes ingrained in our mind, our buddhi gains the power to overcome the effect of desire and remain in control of the man so that it can exercise its power of discrimination. In other words, the more we believe in God, and feel His presence near us all the time, the more power we have to overcome the negative effects of desire. Shree Krishna also mentions that desire gives rise to anger. This is another culprit responsible for causing us to do wrongs things. How anger affects us, and how we can overcome it, will be discussed in the next article. Disciple of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj: S w a m i Nikhilanand Ji is a Canadian born Hindu spiritual leader based in Austin, Texas. He is a sanyasi disciple and pracharak of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Attracted to the teachings of Hinduism from a young age, Swamiji eventually let his deep spiritual longing lead him to India, where he was most fortunate to come under the guidance of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Thereafter, living in the ashrams of JKP, he extensively studied Hindi, the philosophy of the prime Sanskrit scriptures (Vedas, Darshan Shastras, Gita, Bhagwatam), and practiced meditation in the tradition of
raganuga bhakti. In 2003, he was given sanyas. Now, with the blessings of his Guruji, he offers satsang programs throughout America, engaging audiences with his clear explanations of Hindu philosophy coupled with inspired chanting of Sanskrit mantras and shlokas and charming nam sankirtan. His informative and compelling speeches provide practical in-
sight into how to adopt the teachings of Sanatan Dharm into our daily lives, and inspire us to awaken our inner spiritual potential. To stay in touch with Swami Nikhilanand Ji, like his Facebook page at https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / SwamiNikhilanand or follow him on twitter at https:// twitter.com/Swami_Nikhil.
AAP in power with 100* not out Cont’d from page 22
directive. The Health Minister has committed to several reforms in the health care sector, notably increasing the bed capacity in hospitals, strengthening primary health care access and digitization of medical records. No more tobacco in Delhi At a time when the central Government has spent months discussing the ideal size of pictorial warning on the packs of tobacco products, the AAP Government took little time to ban the sale and purchase of chewable tobacco in the capital. The Government also kicked off a number of awareness campaigns to educate people regarding the ill-effects of chewable tobacco.
Bringing Delhi's Government schools back to life Delhi's municipal schools are in a despicable condition. Interestingly, this fact is no secret. But that didn't push any of the previous Governments to look in the school system in Delhi and revamp it. After AAP came to power, Education Minister Manish Sisodia took it upon himself to see Delhi's school system up close and personal. A number of surprise inspections were made and many teachers were found missing from their duty. Such unprecedented steps have increased the accountability on part of the teachers. A number of mid-day suppliers were also Manish Sisodia took it upon pulled up by the Minis- himself to see Delhi's school ter for supplying low system up close and perquality food to the kids. Such inspections have sonal. A number of surprise now become a routine in inspections were made and the capital. many teachers were found
Ensuring capital's well missing from their duty. being Mr. Satyendra Jain has been a While PM Modi is tagging cebusy man from Day 1 of the swear- lebrities on twitter to take forward ing of the government. Health min- the Swachh Bharat abhiyaan, it is ister in the AAP Government, Jain the AAP which seems to be doing can be seen conducting visits to him a favor by ensuring that Delhi the hospitals very often. He has gets rid of those red stained walls. also given his phone number and Many other notable achievee-mail address to all the doctors in ments of AAP have gone unnoGovernment hospitals and asked ticed, including asking for them to get in touch with him 'at people's suggestion for the state's any time' for any matter which is budget, fulfillment of promises to related to patient care. the auto rickshaw drivers, digitiIn February, Delhi was hit by a zation of government processes, major swine flu outbreak. The asking for public's suggestion on AAP Government put its best foot the city-wide Wi-Fi program and forward in perhaps its first big test much more. If the past 100 days after assuming power. The Gov- are any indication, AAP Governernment was quick to put Rs 4500 ment seems on track to fulfill much cap on the swine flu tests con- of its pre-poll promises and more, ducted at any private lab in the with some time to spare. capital. In fact, a number of priThe writer is a Chicago-based vate labs were also served notices medical doctor. Email: after they were found violating this pedia333@gmail.com,
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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Jeena Jeena : Badlapur 2 Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan : Roy 3 Jee Karda: Badlapur 4 Khamoshiyan : Khamoshiyan 5 Sooraj Dooba Hai : Roy 30 India Post
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6 Tu Hai Ki Nahi : Roy 7 Judai : Badlapur 8 Tu Har Lamha : Khamoshiyan 9 Chhil Gaye Naina : NH10 10 Dard Karaara : Dum Laga
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riyanka Chopra's performance in her first American drama series 'Quantico', as seen in the trailer, has garnered rave reviews from her friends, family, colleagues and fans, on the social media. She plays FBI agent Alex Parrish in the show. The three-minute trailer showcases her journey as a fresh recruit at Quantico to bei n g t h e suspect behind a terrorist attack in New York City. It also gives a hint that the character played by J a k e McLaughlin p l a y s Priyanka's love interest in the drama. However, there was someone else who wanted to play the role of Priyanka's lover in 'Quantico'. Siddharth Mallya, who adopted the stage name Sid Mallya, had also auditioned for the role, but did not get it. Instead, Jake McLaughlin was cast for the part. Sid, son of liquor baron Vijay Mallya, has been a model and television host and is now looking forward to a career in acting.
Ke Haisha
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ack in 2011, the wedding of A n u r a g Kashyap and Kalki Koechlin made headlines. The director and actress who started dating after working on the film Dev D together, tied the knot soon after. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing, with the couple deciding to part ways a few years later. Now we hear that Kalki and Anurag Kashyap have formalized their separation with a divorce. In fact both, Anurag and Kalki were seen arriving at the Mumbai family court together to formalize the divorce that they had filed for back in October 2014.
Rohit Shetty and action stunts go hand in hand, and so is the case with his next film 'Dilwale' where Shahrukh Khan will be seen doing an underwater action sequence. The team of 'Dilwale' is making preparations for the shooting of the underwater scene in Mauritius. The movie features Shahrukh, Kajol, Varun Dhawan and Kirti Sanon. Rohit has conceived a short film titled 'The Dilwale Drift', featuring an amazing car sequence to give fans a taste of what to expect from the film. "The short film is more like a trailer to a perfect film. There is so much more in the film itself. In fact, there is a particular underwater action sequence by Shahrukh. It is something Rohit has not tried out before," the source added.
May 29, 2015
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adhika Apte, who has found critical acclaim with her performances in films like Badlapur and Hunterrr, will be seen flaunting a new look in Bombairiya. The Antaheen actress will be playing the role of Meghna, a public relations executive in the forthcoming film, produced by Michael Ward and directed by debutante Pia Sukanya. Radhika was recently spotted wearing a white lace sari clubbed with green sneakers for the movie. "Radhika is a great collaborator. She and Pia decided on a shorter hairstyle to create the character of Meghna. She even introduced us to Clover, a British hair and makeup designer working in Bollywood like me, and they came up with a modern urban look that also conceals a mystery," Ward said in a statement, on the look of the 29year-old actress. "Radhika has three specific looks as Meghna who goes on the roller-coaster ride of her life," Ward added.
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akistani heart-throb Ali Zafar who recently announced his venture into filmmaking with his upcoming production 'Deosai' is on the look-out for a suitable lead actress for the action thriller. Ali aims to revive Pakistani cinema with his production. Having worked in Bollywood, Ali had thought of giving better recognition to Pakistani films. "The revival of local cinema will help in economic growth," said Ali, who waited for the right time to start his film. 'Deosai' will be directed by prominent Pakistani director Imran Babur who has directed short films such as 'Kashmir Without Shephard' and 'Toba Tek Singh'. The director said the plot of the film was interesting and will offer him immense scope for creativity. Imran liked the concept of 'Deosai'. Deosai is a place in northern Pakistan, which is famous for its unexplored mountainous terrains. The film titled after the name of the place, will be shot in real location to get an authentic feel and capture the scenic beauty of the place.
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arun Dhawan has done rap in his forthcoming film ABCD 2, but he says he does not intend to take it up full-time. The actor was present at a radio station to promote the film, when he was asked if he would ever be seen as a full-time rapper or singer. To that, the 28-year-old said: "No, nothing like that. I think rapping is a way of expression. I have worked with SachinJigar during Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania also and this rap (in ABCD 2) has been written beautifully by D Soldierz." Talking about why a rap was added in the dance-based 3D film ABCD 2, Varun said: "I am a Punjabi and this film has everything for every culture and religion. It has something for Gujaratis, Maharashtrians and all the other cultures. "But I felt that even though few things were there for Punjabis, I knew that the people in the North would love rap. So, we added that."
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„ Health
Line
Anti-polio drive suspended in Pakistan KARACHI: An anti-polio campaign has been suspended in 18 union councils of Pakistan's troubled Baluchistan province as authorities failed to provide timely and proper security cover to health workers and volunteers. The campaign was suspended after health workers complained of inadequate security cover for them. The polio health workers fear for their security since militants have attacked them in the past. Last November, four polio health workers, including three women, were killed when gunmen attacked an anti-polio team in Quetta's Eastern Bypass area. The Baluchistan Health Department with the cooperation of Unicef and other international agencies has drawn an ambitious plan of providing anti-polio vaccine drops to around 400,000 infants in Quetta in the ongoing campaign. The campaign, during its first phase, was launched in 18 union councils. -AP
„ Doctor helps woman give birth on train ITARSI: On a vacation, little did Dr Vidya Deshmukh know that she will have to attend the call of duty on a moving train for the birth of a baby girl. 25-year-old Sabha Parvin, who had boarded Patna-bound 'Sanghmitra Express' from Bangalore, developed labor pains when the train was crossing Itarsi station. The next station Piparya was an hour away but time was running out as the amniotic sac (bag of waters) that surrounds the baby had also burst. The passengers of S-7 coach immediately alerted the TTE who used his presence of mind and scanned through the entire passenger manifest to locate Dr Deskhmukh traveling in the AC3 tier coach. The coach was cleared off all the males, as Parvin's four-yearold son silently looked at the unfolding events involving his mother. As Dr Deshmukh, a social activist who treats patients without any fee, prepared for the nervewrecking emergency situation, all women passengers contributed with whatever they had at their disposal which included bedsheets, tissues, sanitizers and mineral water. -PTI
Health Science
Pharma body to regulate prices of cardiac stents
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30 nations have dangerously weak health systems: WHO GENEVA: About 30 countries have health systems that are as dangerously weak as the ones that allowed Ebola to ravage Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the World Health Organization has warned. The UN health agency stressed the urgency of learning the lessons drawn from the outbreak that has killed more than 11,100 people in West Africa, calling for strengthening health systems so they can rapidly detect and counter looming disasters. "We must reverse the trend in global health where we wait for the fire to flare up, run to put it out but then forget to fireproof the building," said senior WHO official Ruediger Krech. The world, he told reporters, had to create a health system "built to withstand shocks whether from an outbreak like Ebola, a natural disaster or a financial crisis." The fragile health systems in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Libera, weakened by conflict and poverty,
were an important factor in Ebola's rapid spread through the three countries last year. And Krech said at least 28
Haiti. "So our work will not be limited to west Africa," he said. The Ebola outbreak began in
other countries worldwide, mainly in Africa, but also in Asia and Latin America, had similarly weak systems. The list includes Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Burundi, Sudan, Afghanistan and
late 2013 in Guinea, but was permitted to spread silently for three months before the WHO and the region raised the alarm. The crisis sparked a global health scare, with the humanitarian response especially gaining
momentum once stray cases were detected in the United States and some European countries. Liberia, once the worst-hit country, was declared Ebola-free on May 9. But Krech said the crisis was far from over in the two neighboring countries and refused to give a timeframe for them to acquire a similar status. The WHO's annual decisionmaking assembly approved a significant hike in its budget for 201617 to among other things help strengthen health systems in West Africa and elsewhere. Just pouring in money will not fix the problem, Krech warned, adding that "corruption is rife in many countries." "The elephant in the room" in many nations with poor health systems is endemic corruption and a lack of transparency of how funds are spent in key sectors such as health, he told AFP. "To further complicate things, the private health sector in many countries in unregulated," he said. -AFP
23 percent with health coverage underinsured
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early a quarter of U.S. adults who were insured last year lacked adequate protection from big medical bills based on their income, according to Commonwealth Fund research. The nonprofit foundation estimates that about 31 million people between the ages of 19 and 64 were underinsured due in part to the out-of-pocket expenses they have to pay for care. That includes deductibles, or payments a patient has to make before most coverage begins. Insurers and employers who offer coverage have been raising deductibles for years as they try to contain premiums, or the price of insurance coverage. That means more of the bill for care is being passed along to patients. Some benefits advisers say this approach can help lower health care costs because
it compels patients to shop for better deals on care, and insurers and employers are providing tools for patients to do that.
get a recommended medical test. Commonwealth found that 51 percent of the underinsured had problems paying medical bills or were paying off debt over time. Almost 60 percent of underinsured adults had coverage through an employer, the most common form of health insurance in the United States. Rates were highest among those working for small firms. Commonwealth considers most people to be Maya Perezsign helps a woman sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act underinsured if their out-of-pocket costs - a at the Orlando Enrollment Assistance Center, in Orlando, Fla. total that doesn't include Skipping care altogether is anthe premium - equal 10 percent or other approach patients are more of their household income. choosing, according to CommonThe foundation uses a lower perwealth. It found that 44 percent of centage for those with incomes the people considered close to federal poverty levels. underinsured skipped doctor's It compiled its estimates using visits or a prescription or did not data from a health insurance sur-
vey conducted in the second half of last year. The telephone survey involved a random sample of more than 6,000 adults. Overall, the percentage of adults considered underinsured has stayed fairly stable since 2010 but has nearly doubled since 2003. The federal health care overhaul expanded insurance to millions of U.S. residents last year, with many gaining coverage with help from income-based tax credits or subsidies. Commonwealth said it could not assess the overhaul's impact on underinsurance. The New York-based Commonwealth Fund is a private foundation dedicated to expanding coverage and improving health care quality. While those goals generally align with the overhaul, the foundation is non-partisan. -AP
May 29, 2015
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World's largest kidney tumor removed at AIIMS NEW DELHI: In what is claimed to be the first such case in the world, Indian surgeons have removed a kidney tumor weighing 5.018 kg from a patient suffering from kidney cancer along with dissection of the lungs. "The patient's right kidney had bloated 35 times the normal size making it the world's biggest ever kidney tumor on record as per the medical literature. The previous record was removal of a 2.5kg (5.5lb) tumor by doctors at Sir Gangaram hospital," said Dr M D Ray, consultant at department of surgical oncology, AIIMS. The patient, 66-year-old K L Das, a resident of Darbhanga who has been living in Delhi for the last 25 years, had approached doctors at AIIMS with a huge mass in the right side of the abdomen with discomfort and heaviness.
"The mass was rapidly progressing for the last two and three months and the cancer had spread to the lungs. Surgery was
the only option left before it spread to other parts of the body," said Ray. So, after a pre-anesthetic check up, Das was operated on May 14 through a long incision of almost 25 cm from chest to abdomen, a procedure which is called thoracoabdominal incision in medical terms. Chest was cut open and a part of rib was taken out.
"The tumor was compressed to the inferior vena cava (IVC) which is the main vein of the body. The surrounding structure was stuck to the mass so that had to be separated and another important gland that is adrenal gland was spared. "That gland is important for fluid electolyte balance and metabolism of food. Also, it produces the sex hormone," explained Dr Ray. Ultimately the mass was removed along with the part of the lungs to which the cancer had spread. Chest and abdomen were closed separately and respiratory muscles were repaired. "It was five and half hour long procedure. After the operation, the patient was in the ICU for a day after which he was shifted to a general ward. He is doing well." Dr Ray added. -PTI
AMR development challenge, not health security risk GENEVA: India has said that the issue of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) should be seen holistically as a "development challenge" instead of interpreting it narrowly as a health security risk. "We believe that AMR should be seen from a broader perspective as a development challenge rather than limiting it to a health security risk," India said during a debate on the draft global action plan on AMR at the 68th World Health Assembly (WHA). "Emphasis should be on raising awareness, infection prevention, promoting ra-
argued. AMR can develop in human and animal health as well as through food and agriculture sectors. WHO has warned of a "post-antibiotic era" where common infections could become difficult to treat due to the overuse or misuse of antibiotics and other microbial medicines. All member states are expected to have in place, within two years of the endorsement of the draft action plan by WHA, national action plans on AMR aligned with the global plan.
Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda addressing the Health Ministers Meeting on the sidelines of the 68th World Health Assembly in Geneva
tional use of antibiotics and addressing the needs of developing countries in strengthening access to health care facilities, promoting availability and affordability of existing and new antibiotics, diagnostics and vaccines," India said. Developing countries and health activists have been concerned about resources for implementing AMR plans particularly, affordable, point of care diagnostics to inform health practitioners and veterinarians of the susceptibility of pathogens to available antibiotics. The draft in its current form emphasizes surveillance but doesn't mention any financial commitment crucial for developing countries to implement the plans, they have
India also pointed out that there is not only a need to accelerate R&D for new antibiotics since no new class of antibiotics has been developed in the last 30 years but also for the global health body to ensure the affordability of new antibiotics. Currently, most major pharmaceutical companies have stopped research in development of new antibiotics; a situation described by WHO's Consultative Expert Working Group on Research and Development, as a "serious market failure." India had in January called for de-linking the cost of investment in R&D from the volume of sale. In the same meeting, they had also indicated the role of phar-
maceutical industries in unethical marketing practices that may lead to overdose in antibiotics - which the draft global action plan on AMR does not address. "All five objectives identified in the AMR should be simultaneously pursued with equal emphasis and priority," India
stated and requested the Chair of the Assembly for further consultations before the resolution is adopted. The five objectives mentioned are "whole-of-society engagement, prevention first, access not excess, sustainability, incremental targets for implementation." -AP
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Pharma body to regulate prices of cardiac stents MUMBAI: Charging the importers and distributors of cardiac stent of making over 100 per cent profit, Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said it has asked the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority to regulate its "high prices". "It has come to FDA's notice that demand for cardiac stents has increased considerably and also the fact that cardiac stents are being exorbitantly priced," FDA Commissioner Harshadeep Kamble said here. "There were complaints from the public and also from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) regarding overpricing and overcharging of cardiac stents to needy patients," the senior IAS official said. Based on its inputs, Maharashtra FDA's Vigilance Branch conducted a detailed probe against a major importing company dealing in cardiac stents.
The probe included investigation of six distributors and also involved seven hospitals in Mumbai, Pune and Nasik divi-
he said. The study revealed that the MRP itself is exaggerated and to the tune of more than 300 to 700
sion, Kamble said. The enquiry was conducted to know the cost to the importing company, also cost to the distributors, hospitals and cost to the patients vis-a-vis maximum retail price (MRP) of the cardiac stents,
per cent of the actual cost of importing cardiac stents by the importing company, Kamble said. The profit margin earned by the importing company with respect to its distributors on an average is about 120 per cent and the av-
Cold weather kills 20 times more than hot spells LONDON: Cold weather kills 20 times as many people as hot spells, according to a global study that analyzed over 74 million deaths in 384 locations across 13 countries. The findings, published in The Lancet, also show that deaths due to moderately hot or cold weather substantially exceed those resulting from extreme heat waves or cold spells. "It's often assumed that ex-
treme weather causes the majority of deaths, with most previous research focusing on the effects of extreme heat waves," said lead author Dr Antonio Gasparrini from the London School of Hygiene &
Tropical Medicine in the UK. "Our findings, from an analysis of the largest dataset of temperature-related deaths ever collected, show that the majority of these deaths actually happen on moderately hot and cold days, with most deaths caused by moderately cold temperatures," said Gasparrini. The study analyzed over 74 million deaths between 1985 and 2012 in 13 countries with a wide
range of climates, from cold to subtropical. Data on daily average temperature, death rates, and confounding variables (eg, humidity and air pollution) were used to calculate
the temperature of minimum mortality (the optimal temperature), and to quantify total deaths due to non-optimal ambient temperature in each location. The researchers then estimated the relative contributions of heat and cold, from moderate to extreme temperatures. Around 7.71 per cent of all deaths were caused by non-optimal temperatures, with substantial differences between countries, ranging from around 3 per cent in Thailand, Brazil, and Sweden to about 11 per cent in China, Italy, and Japan. Cold was responsible for the majority of these deaths (7.29 per cent of all deaths), while just 0.42 per cent of all deaths were attributable to heat. The study also found that extreme temperatures were responsible for less than 1 per cent of all deaths, while mildly sub-optimal temperatures accounted for around 7 per cent of all deaths with most (6.66 per cent of all deaths) related to moderate cold. "Current public-health policies focus almost exclusively on minimizing the health consequences of heat waves. Our findings suggest that these measures need to be refocused and extended to take account of a whole range of effects associated with temperature," Gasparrini added. -PTI
erage profit margin earned by distributors to the hospital is about 125 per cent, he said. The profit margin earned by hospitals is also about 25 per cent, he said. Due to such an exorbitantly high MRP, it is clear that importing companies, distributors and hospitals mint huge profits while patients suffer by paying such huge prices, he said. Since these types of heart related operations are emergency surgeries related to patients' lives, they are left with no choice but to pay high costs, he said. "Considering all the above facts, I have recommended the NPPA to regulate prices of cardiac stents under the Essential Commodities Act, so that their exorbitant prices can be brought down considerably to help poor patients," he said. The Maharashtra FDA's main recommendation is that prices of cardiac stents must be brought
under the National List of Essential Medicines as well as Drugs Price Control Order, since these are life saving drugs. "There has to be a fixed profit margin for importing companies, distributors and hospitals. Also, cardiac stents must be brought under National List of Essential Medicines as well as Drugs Price Control Order since these are life saving drugs," he said. Appropriate directions should be issued in public interest so that reasonable and uniform prices of cardiac stents are maintained throughout India, he said. Cardiac stents which fall under the medical devices category, are 'drugs' as defined under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Therefore, the NPPA can issue these directions, he said. Maharashtra FDA Minister Girish Bapat is also taking up this issue with the Union Health Minister to expedite this process, he said. -PTI
Wockhardt gets FDA nod for pneumonia drug NEW DELHI: Drug firm Wockhardt says a product from its new drug discovery program, which aims to treat pneumonia, has received QIDP status from the US health regulator. Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) status is given by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to drugs, identified by CDC (Centre of Disease
pany. WCK 4873 is a new class of antibiotic drug, which will be used for treatment of community acquired bacterial pneumonia (CAPB)...." There is a global crisis of availability of antibiotics to fight the resistant bacteria, he added. WCK 4873 will be entering phase II global clinical trials this year. Emphasizing that India should
Control, US) that act against pathogens, which have high degree of unmet need in their treatment. QIDP status provides fast-track clinical development and review of the drug application by FDA for approval and a five year extension of market exclusivity post product approval in the US. Wockhardt Chairman Habil Khorakiwala said: "We are pleased that WCK 4873 has received the QIDP status, third for the com-
also follow the USFDA steps, Khorakiwala said: "Indian regulator also needs to recognize this crisis and evolve new regulatory pathway for faster clinical trials and approvals on line with USFDA." The company has already received QIDP status for WCK 771 and WCK 2349, which are effective in hospital acquired bacterial pneumonia and skin structural infections (SSSI) caused by a class of pathogens.-PTI
May 29, 2015
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Re-engineered antibiotic could help fight superbugs WASHINGTON: Scientists have developed a promising second-generation antibiotic that has shown effectiveness against common drug-resistant bacterial infections that pose a serious health threat. Researchers led by St Jude Children's
"The growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria has created an urgent need for new antibiotics that use novel mechanisms to treat adults and children worldwide," said corresponding author Richard Lee Research Hospital scientists created the antibiotics by changing the chemical structure of an old antibiotic named spectinomycin. Spectinomycin is a safe, but weak drug first introduced in the 1960s. Investigators built on research published in the 1980s to create new, more potent versions or analogs of spectinomycin. The analogs include one named 1950 that proved as effective as the antibiotic ampicillin at protecting mice from an often lethal strain of Streptococcus pneumonia. The bacterium cause pneumococcal in-
fections, including pneumonia, meningitis, the ear infection otitis media and sepsis in humans. In the laboratory, the spectinomycin analogs blocked the growth of strains of the pneumococcal bacteria resistant to commonly used antibiotics. The second-generation spectinomycins demonstrated increased antibacterial activity against Haemophilus influenza and Moraxella catarrhalis, which are additional common causes of respiratory infection. The spectinomycin analogs were also more effective against bacteria responsible for most cases of Legionnaires' disease and the sexually transmitted diseases gonorrhea and chlamydia. "The growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria has created an urgent need for new antibiotics that use novel mechanisms to treat adults and children worldwide," said corresponding author Richard Lee, a member of the St Jude Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics. Researchers used a structure-based design to map and re-engineer how spectinomycin binds to the ribosomes of clinically important bacteria with a focus on generating compounds that work on a broader spectrum of disease-causing bacteria. "The re-engineered spectinomycin has a new hook it uses to enter a broad range of bacteria, bind to the ribosome and block protein synthesis," Lee added. The findings appear in the journal Science Translational Medicine. -PTI
UP asks Nestle to withdraw Maggi noodles batch NEW DELHI: Nestle India has been asked to withdraw a batch of popular snack Maggi noodles from the market after it was found to contain high level of lead, Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Adminis-
tration officials said. While a company spokesperson did not reply to repeated calls and emails queries sent for comments in this regard, UP FDA officials said the order pertained to a 2014
batch of Maggi noodles. Confirming the order asking Nestle to recall a batch of Maggi noodles, Additional Commissioner Ram Arya Maurya said, "Whatever action we had to take we have taken. I don't wish to say anything more." Tests of the said batch had also reportedly found high levels of added monosodium glutamate (MSG), a taste enhancer, in the noodles. Sources close to the company said Nestle has contested the findings and said subsequent batches have passed all the tests. They also contested the conclusion based on testing of just "one pack" of Maggi noodles. Nestle India, a subsidiary of Swiss conglomerate Nestle SA sells instant noodle, ketchups, sauces under the Maggi brand. It has around 60 per cent market share in the instant noodle category. -PTI
Elite athletes' brains 82 per cent faster LONDON: Elite athletes are blessed with an area of the brain that performs 82 per cent faster than average under intense pressure, a study claims. A series of tests commissioned by Dunlop Tyres in conjunction with University College London (UCL) found that extreme sportsmen and women performed significantly better under physical and mental duress than members of the public. Test subjects were given tasks that required the use of the parietal cortex, a key part of the brain that determines reaction speed. The study found that the athletes had "an exceptional advantage". "What often sets some people apart from the rest is not how good they are in the practice arena, but how good they are under pressure," said UCL professor Vincent Walsh, who has worked on mental conditioning with British Olympic athletes and the England rugby team. "We wanted to test these guys to see if we could probe what sets them apart. In some of the participants' fields, split-second decision-making can result in the ultimate difference." The five athletes who took part in the study were motorcyclist John McGuinness, a multiple Isle of Man TT
winner, leading free climber Leo Houlding, racing driver Sam Bird, wing-suit daredevil Alexander Polli and skeleton bob Olympic gold medalist Amy Williams. The quintet and five members of the public were subjected to mental and physical pressures before performing a timed visual task that required participants to identify a series of shapes and patterns.
"What often sets some people apart from the rest is not how good they are in the practice arena, but how good they are under pressure" After the physical exercises, which included the participants working until exhaustion on exercise bikes, the elite sportspeople were 82 percent quicker than the other participants. In particular, McGuinness, 43, performed more quickly under physical pressure than under no pressure at all, making no errors in the test. -AFP
Realty Tidbits
DLF deposits Rs 525 cr with Supreme Court NEW DELHI: Realty major DLF has deposited Rs 525 crore with the Supreme Court and will pay the balance by early July to comply with the apex court's direction to deposit Rs 630 crore fine slapped by fair trade regulator CCI. "The company has deposited Rs 525 crore with Hon'ble Supreme Court against a total penalty of Rs 630 crore. Balance amount shall be deposited by early July," DLF said in an analyst presentation. In August 2011, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) had found DLF violating fair trade norms and imposed a fine of Rs 630 crore on it following a complaint by a Belaire Owners' Association in Gurgaon. The Supreme Court had said in August last year that the total amount should be deposited within 3 months with its Registry, pending the outcome of the appeal filed by DLF against the May 19 order of the Competition Appellate Tribunal's (COMPAT) upholding the penalty imposed by CCI. But later in November 2014, the apex court allowed DLF to deposit the remaining Rs 480 crore, out of the Rs 630 crore penalty, in monthly installments. Meanwhile, DLF also informed that CCI has passed one more decision in the matter of its housing project 'New Town Heights' in Gurgaon. -PTI
DLF's Pia Singh resigns as wholetime director NEW DELHI: Realty major DLF has said Pia Singh, daughter of company's chairman K P Singh, has resigned as a whole-time director but will continue as a nonexecutive member of the board. Pia Singh had 1.2 per cent stake in the company as on March 31. DLF said the company's board, in its meeting held on May 20, has "accepted the resignation of Ms Pia Singh from the position of Whole-time Director. However, she will continue as Non-executive Director on the Board." The board also appointed A S Minocha as a non-executive Independent Director, DLF said in a filing to the BSE. Minocha is a Chartered Account, Company Secretary and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Delhi having 50 years of industry experience, it added. Rajiv Singh, son of KP Singh, is the Vice Chairman of DLF. DLF promoters have 74.91 per cent stake in the company. Rajiv Singh has 0.92 per cent stake and K P Singh 0.59 per cent. -PTI
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Lowe's profit up but it still disappoints MOORESVILLE, N.C.: Lowe's sales and profit rose in the first quarter as the housing market began to thaw, but the performance was far from what Wall Street had expected and shares slid 4 percent. The performance was a stark contrast to that of its rival, Home Depot Inc., which beat almost all projections and raised its outlook for the year. Cont’d on page 37
Florida eyeing tiny homes, mobile homes for homeless ORLANDO, Fla.: Must see to appreciate! Cozy two-story cottage with bath, kitchenette, loft, spacious porch and community garden. Walking distance to health care, bus line, library and shops. Sound appealing? Tim McKinney thinks so. He's CEO of United Global Outreach, the nonprofit working to improve life for low-income residents in Bithlo. His vision for this tiny home - just 456 square feet - is one of the solutions Central Florida leaders are eyeing to house homeless people at a time when rents for conventional housing have soared. McKinney's plan, due to have its first unit built by mid-June, includes 43 tiny homes in a community connected by walking paths to a large main building with a full kitchen and meeting and recreational space. Part of a national tiny-homes movement still in its infancy, the cottages will house chronically homeless people with disabilities as well as families currently living in cars, tents, abandoned campers and dilapidated mobile homes. ``Housing has been one of our biggest challenges, to say the least,'' McKinney says. ``But we looked at a lot of options and found the perfect housing model
for us, and it's a great replacement for those decades-old trailers. We're calling it Dignity Village.'' McKinney unveiled the blueprint this week, but he already has purchased the initial $26,000 unit with funding from Florida Hospital. The home can be assembled from a kit using only a wrench and a screwdriver, he says, yet the construction is solid - meeting all the current hurricane standards. The
nance, colorful, stylish and energy-efficient,'' McKinney adds. ``This isn't something that's just `better than being homeless.''' Rents would be 30 percent of the tenants' income, if any. McKinney still has to raise $1.1 million to buy the other 42 units, though he hopes to work with Orange County to acquire the land at little or no cost. The first model will be built on existing United Glo-
Lisa Reyes poses outside her new home in Kissimmee, Fla. Family Promise of Greater Orlando presented the mobile home to Lisa Reyes, a single mother of two. The region's lack of affordable housing is leading two local nonprofits to an unusual solution: Tiny homes.
siding and roof have a 40-year warranty. ``And we've designed them specifically to be low-mainte-
bal Outreach property a half-block south of State Road 50. ``We're trying to address this huge need to house homeless
people who are already in east Orange County,'' he says. ``And we want to do it without displacing them, which sometimes happens when agencies try to make improvements.'' Andrae Bailey, CEO of the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, says he's a believer in the project. ``It's not the total solution to homelessness, but it's definitely one piece,'' he says. ``We need creative ideas like this.'' According to federal officials, in March the average two-bedroom apartment in the Greater Orlando area went for $1,028 - a figure that has continued to rise just as the region's leaders vow to provide permanent housing for hundreds of chronically homeless individuals, some of whom have been on the streets for decades. Even if you can afford the going rate, Bailey says, availability is also limited. The dilemma has prompted another local nonprofit - the interfaith Family Promise of Greater Orlando - to explore a different option. This weekend, it opens its first refurbished mobile home to a formerly homeless woman and her two children. Cont’d on page 37
Housing.com eyes international foray MUMBAI: Property portal Housing.com is eyeing international realty market for expanding business and is looking at regions like South East Asia and Middle East, a top company official said. "We have been looking at various opportunities for spreading our network and the international markets, especially the developing countries, are also looking promising," Housing.com Chief Operating Officer Rishabh Gupta told PTI here. He said South East Asia and Middle East are on its list, but it has not finalized its plans on the same. "At present, our focus will be
on deeper penetration in Indian markets as the scope here is immense. We are already live in 101 cities and we will like to increase it to more than 150 in the next one year," he said.
terms of land prices and manpower. "The pro-growth reforms recently introduced by the government and its impetus to infrastructure upgrades and improving public transport and airports are some
Gupta said the intent is to reach to the Tier-II cities that have shown immense potential and are increasingly becoming investment hubs backed by rapid growth and substantial cost advantage - in
of the key factors encouraging growth in the Tier-II cities," he said. Gupta further said the company will continue to partner with customers and offer them comprehen-
sive real estate solutions backed by superior technology, easy-tonavigate platform and unique products. When asked whether the company was planning to raise funds for the expansion, Gupta said, "We already have raised money and we will be first utilizing them. We will not be raising further at least for the time being." The Mumbai-based startup has so far raised over USD 120 million across four institutional rounds from private equity firms like SoftBank, Falcon Edge, Nexus Venture Partners, Helion Venture Partners, Qualcomm Ventures, among others. -PTI
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Renters appear satisfied in many pricey US cities WASHINGTON: High rents are worth it. At least that's the sentiment of apartment dwellers in New York, San Francisco and Washington, who say they're more satisfied living in those cities than do renters in far more affordable areas such as Milwaukee, Albuquerque and Detroit. The finding comes from a survey by Apartment List, a San Francisco-based company that helps renters find homes. It dovetails with other evidence that people are spending more on rent yet avoiding home ownership given the high cost of a down payment. Tenants in the most expensive cities expressed more confidence in the local economy, felt safer from crime and enjoyed the parks, recreation and nightlife, according the survey of more than 18,000 renters. ``These are all places that are very, very expensive,'' said Andrew Tam, vice president of data science at Apartment List. ``It's this combination of having excellent job opportunities and an amazing lifestyle.'' In other words, it appears to reflect the adage that you get what you pay for. The higher prices
point to strong demand from renters in cities with solid job markets and cultural and recreational amenities but also limited supplies
$4,250. Even so, the availability of higher-paying tech jobs, outdoor space and lifestyle caused renter satisfaction there to be rated ``A+.''
A luxury rental building rises high above other buildings in the East Harlem section of New York. High rents are worth it. At least that's the sentiment of apartment dwellers in New York, San Francisco and Washington, who say they're more satisfied living in those cities than do renters in far more affordable areas such as Milwaukee, Albuquerque and Detroit, according to a survey released by Apartment List.
of apartments. Renter priorities do shift with children. For parents, safety tends to edge out the local economy as the dominant factor. Monthly rent for a two-bedroom in San Francisco averages
Washington, with its plum legal and government-related jobs, also earned an A+, and New York drew an A. (A grade at B- or lower was deemed below average.) Cheaper rent proves to be a
poor predictor of satisfaction, Tam said. Milwaukee, where rent for a two-bedroom averages $960 a month, earned a C -. Albuquerque ($750 a month) received a C-. Detroit ($610) flunked with an F. Renters enjoyed the best of all worlds in Louisville, Fort Worth, Texas, and Columbus, Ohio: High satisfaction at roughly the same levels as the most expensive cities but with average rents below $800. Evidence suggests that many renters are accepting the financial pressures created by expensive cities. About a third of apartment dwellers in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami are forking over half their paychecks for rent, said Jonathan Eppers, CEO of RadPad, whose company is slated to process up to $70 million in rental payments this year. The government defines housing costs in excess of 30 percent of income as burdensome. Nearly 50 percent of renters using RadPad choose to pay with a credit card, even though the company charges them an additional fee for doing so. This suggests to Eppers that they're trying to smooth out their cash flow
because payday seldom lines up with due date for the rent. ``More renters than we think are living check to check,'' Eppers said. ``They're willing to pay that 3 percent fee in order to make sure that they pay their rent on time.'' Nationwide, rents are consuming a greater share of incomes. In April, the median rent climbed 4 percent over the previous 12 months to $1,364, real estate data firm Zillow said. That's nearly double the 2.1 percent annual increase in hourly wages tracked by the Labor Department. Many renters aspire to own a home. But 70 percent of tenants who dealt with a rent hike in the past two years say they ``cannot afford'' to buy at this point, according to survey by mortgage giant Freddie Mac. ``We've found that rising rents do not appear to be playing a significant role in motivating renters to buy,'' David Brickman, an executive vice president at Freddie Mac, said in a statement. ``This contradicts what some in the housing market think as they expect more renters ought to be actively looking to purchase a home.'' -AP
Florida eyeing tiny homes, mobile homes for homeless Cont’d from page 36
``I first heard about this idea when I attended a national conference last fall - the weekend before I started this job,'' says Tia Aery, the organization's executive director. ``It was all the buzz.'' For years, Family Promise has used its network of churches to house homeless families - moving them from one congregation to another each week for a year while parents pursue employment and save money. Churchgoers provide the families with meals, hygiene supplies, moral support and sometimes job connections, but Aery admits the program had its drawbacks. ``They have to move every week, and that gets old,'' she says. ``And too often we find our families are able to gain employment, but they can't move on to permanent housing because there is nothing in their price range.'' The charity's new Partners in Housing program will purchase used mobile homes and recruit businesses and volunteers to refurbish them. Participating families pay the monthly lot fee and utilities, but Family Promise covers insurance and some repairs. If the parents prove reliable tenants, at
the end of a year, the place is theirs. ``I think my cheeks are worn out from smiling,'' says Lisa Reyes, a 30-year-old medical assistant who is the first tenant. A divorced mother of two girls - one 7, the other 15 months - she was giddy at the ceremonial opening. ``I am going to have my own place, with my own space to wash my car, my own screened porch where my kids can play, my own laundry room. I have two bedrooms, two baths and even a little garden area
program will need about $10,000 apiece to purchase the homes. The Michigan program, now in its sixth year, boasts a 97 percent success rate in keeping families permanently housed. One shortcoming in Florida, though, is manufactured housing's vulnerability to hurricanes. Aery says her group will ensure up-to-date tie-down standards and emphasizes that the program is still a work in progress. The tiny-homes trend, on the
One shortcoming in Florida, though, is manufactured housing's vulnerability to hurricanes. Aery says her group will ensure up-to-date tie-down standards and emphasizes that the program is still a work in progress. outside where I can plant something.'' Reyes, homeless since she fell behind on rent in November, will pay about $500 a month. How many more mobile homes the agency will be able to offer, though, depends on how much funding it can raise. Based on a similar initiative at the Family Promise of Grand Rapids, Mich., the
other hand, seems to be gaining considerable traction, with projects underway from New York to Texas to Washington State. ``I do see this idea being replicated elsewhere in Central Florida, and I support that, as long as the homes are of the same quality as Dignity Village,'' Bailey says. ``A lot of things that people call tiny homes are little better than glori-
fied doghouses. If you don't have toilets, sinks, heat and air conditioning, to me that's not a home.'' Quixote Village, a community of tiny homes in Olympia, Wash., has all those things - plus a closet and sleeping area - in just 115 square feet. Opened in 2013 for chronically homeless individuals, it has 30 tiny homes and a large community building with a big kitchen and showers. It also has a system of
mostly self-government, with oversight by a nonprofit. ``It works quite well,'' says Timothy Ransom, president of Panza, the nonprofit that oversees and raises money for the village. ``We've had gazillions of calls, not just from across the nation but from Australia, Europe. . We're still giving one or two tours every week. It's obvious that a lot of people are looking for solutions.'' -AP
Lowe's profit up but it still disappoints Cont’d from page 38
Investor hopes may have been buoyed even further after the U.S. released data that appeared to reveal a housing market on the cusp of a boom. According to the Commerce Department, housing starts last month increased to a pace that has not been seen since the start of the recession. That growth did not lift sales as much as had been hoped at Lowe's Cos., and a number of analysts pointed to the locations of its stores as one of the culprits. Industry watchers say Home Depot has capitalized on its strong presence in states that have had a strong rebound in housing, places
like California and Nevada. ``We continue to believe they are regularly hit by less than ideal real estate they built'' after 20032004, said David Strasser of Janney Capital Markets. For the three months ended May 1, Lowe's earned $673 million, or 70 cents per share. While better than the $624 million, or 61 cents per share, a year earlier, it was far from the per-share earnings of 74 cents that industry analysts were projecting. Revenue for the Mooreseville, North Carolina, retailer climbed to $14.13 billion from $13.4 billion. That also fell short of the $14.23 billion that Wall Street had expected. -AP
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40 India Post
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stounding for the mesmerizing natural beauty, Pahalgam valley is located at the confluence of Lidder River and the streams originating from serene Sheshnag Lake. The valley is located 96 km from Anantnag district. At an altitude of 2,130 m above sea level, this lush green valley is most sought after by travelers seek-
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ing relaxation and leisure. The valley offers breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful Himalayan Ranges. Pahalgam is the base camp for the renowned pilgrimage to Amarnath and also a famous shopping place for woolen products. It forms a part of the region in Asia where Saffron is growing. Pahalgam valley is perfectly suitable for
May 29, 2015
adventurous activities like golf, horse riding, trekking and many water sports. The unexplored undulating hilly terrains and the plain valley regions included in Kashmir tour packages are equally eye catching. Baisaran, a calm and beautiful meadow, is a nearby attraction. This meadow is located at an altitude of 2,438 m above sea
level. Snow clad mountains and lusting pine forests add to the beauty of this meadow. One can have breathtaking views of Pahalgam valley and the Lidder river valley from this hilltop. Snow covered Tulian Lake is another impressive spot for natural views located nearby Pahalgam. Cont’d on page 42
May 29, 2015
Travel & Hospitality Post
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High-tech views atop One World Trade Center NEW YORK: From the top of One World Trade Center, the nation's tallest building, it really does seem as if you can ``see forever.'' Those two words are the motto of the center's new observatory that opens May 29, offering spectacular, wraparound views stretching 50 miles past the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty to the Atlantic Ocean. But even when the 1,776-foot building disappears into the clouds, as it did on a recent day, there are still plenty of hightech videos and multimedia displays that reflect the hope and optimism of a building and a city that rose from the ruins of the nation's deadliest terror attack. ``This is a reminder of moving forward,'' said David Checketts, the CEO of Legends, which operates the $86 million observatory atop the 104-story skyscraper. ``The World Trade Center got knocked down and we built it back up.'' Visitors who enter the One World Observatory - its official name - encounter a delicate balance of future and past, with only brief references to the twin towers that were slammed by terrorist-hijacked planes on Sept. 11, 2001, killing more than 2,700 people.
than four seconds before dissolving out of view. Stepping from the elevator, visitors are greeted with display panels showing 3-D, bird's eye scenes of the metropolis. The panels then lift to reveal New York City - right now. There's another display called ``City Pulse,'' a ring of high-definition video monitors marking popular city activities, neighborhoods and ``hot spots.'' A wave of the hand in the direction of any of these subjects opens the latest details A woman photographs the Manhattan skyline from the One World Observatory observation deck on the 100th floor of the One World on everything from sports and theater to the Trade center tower in New York best pizza locations. For tunnel that replicates the trade center's bed- an additional $15, visitors may use iPads rock, their recorded voices filled with both that scan the skyline, popping up imagery and information narrated by novelist Jay pain and pride. And during the lightning-fast, 48-second McInerney. elevator ride up to the 102nd floor, a threedimensional, time-lapse panorama shows 515 years of history at the tip of Manhattan, with the twin towers appearing for less Just above the street-level entrance, faces of men and women who toiled to erect the mammoth, gleaming tower appear in a jagged
Domestic tourists throng Goa beaches PANAJI: With mercury soaring to unbearable levels across the country, domestic holidayers are flocking Goa beaches to cool-off lending a much-needed fillip to tourism sector in the picturesque state. "People prefer going for trips during summer vacations. And Goa is surely one of the most ideal destinations one can visit. We have number of tourists visiting Goa during this sum-
mer considering a lot of activities that one can enjoy," state Director of Tourism Amey Abhyankar told PTI. He said the trend is likely to continue till monsoon arrives in the state. The rains hit the beaches in the first week of June every year. "We have tourists coming from all over the country, majorly from North India like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kolkata, etc. Goa has its own beauty and is different from all other states. Hence, North Indians prefer spending their vacation in Goa to explore the beauty which is anytime different from any
other state," he said. The State Tourism department is upbeat on the increase in tourist footfalls, especially during long weekends. "Weekend holiday in Goa is the new trend among domestic tourists and is precipitated on account on many public holidays falling either on a Friday or a Monday during the year. This gives domestic tourists an extended weekend holiday," the director said. Hoteliers are reporting full occupancy during such occasions and weekends as well. Domestic tourists from the neighboring States of Goa drive down to enjoy the short weekend holiday, he added. The department says, for summers people prefer beaches to get relief from sweltering heat, till it rains while people rush to hinterlands when it showers. "In summer, the tourists enjoy swimming in the sea or relaxing on the beach while children like to play with the sand," he added. The state tourism department has also introduced Hot Air Balloon and Amphibious vehicle services to attract more visitors. "People are much aware about these initiatives by the Goa Tourism and are anxiously waiting to witness these activities," he said. -PTI
There's no need to creep to observatory's edge for a dizzying view of the city about a quarter-mile below. Visitors can stand on a round video platform that shows an actual livestream of the view straight down. And perhaps the most hair-raising moment of the whole visit is the elevator ride down. LED screens surrounding passengers simulate the flight of a bird or plane high above the site, dipping and soaring around the skyscrapers all the way back to the ground. The observatory is open to adults for $32, and less for seniors and children - comparable to Empire State Building fees. Tickets may be purchased online, for a precise time to avoid overcrowding. Checketts, who expects about 3 million to 4 million visitors a year, said the symbolic importance of the building makes a visit to the observatory a special experience. ``I was just looking out at the Statue of Liberty, and frankly, I got emotional about it,'' he said of his first visit. ``It's this point in New York, in this city that we all love and it's rebuilt. It's back up.'' -AP
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May 29, 2015
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PAHALGAM Breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayan Ranges Cont’d from page 40
Lidder valley with mind blowing and eye catching natural views, the snow flowing river Lidder and the ancient Mamal Shiva temple are nearby attractions in Pahalgam. Pahalgam offers all necessary facilities for the tourists to have a rejuvenating and impressive vacation travel. Tourist Attractions
able by walking along a mountain path. The village also serves as the starting point for trekking to Kolahoi glacier. Another long trek for the serious trekker is to Sonmarg, which can be covered in 3 days! Besides, the valley is also known to be a good site for camping. Instead of taking the regular pony ride it is recommended that tourists explore the surrounding valley on foot to get a full sense of its beauty. Betaab Valley: Located on the
Amarnath Yatra
Aru Valley
Aru Valley: Aru Valley is a small yet self-sufficient scenic village located 12 km from Pahalgam. The drive up to the village is alluring too. The location of the village among the grasslands make this place a tourist delight. It is reach-
way to Chandanwari, the valley was named Betaab after the Bollywood movie by the same name! Earlier known as Hajan Valley, after the release of the movie, it was renamed as major part of the movie was shot here.
Set amid picture perfect environs complete with snowcapped mountains, gurgling streams, colorful willow trees and the warm sun; making it an ideal for an artist's canvas! The valley is at a walkable distance from Pahalgam. Amarnath Yatra: The famous Amarnath Yatra which takes place every year during the month of Sawan (July to August) commences from both the routes, of Pahalgam and Baltal. Chandanwari, which is around 15 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point for Amarnath Yatra. Trekking: Spell binding natu-
Horse riding
ral setting, adventurous trekking trails, snowcapped undulated hilly terrain and the pleasant climate during springs and summers make the trekking expedition in Pahalgam a wonderful experience. Formidable mountain ranges, amazing valleys and plateaus make the region of Pahalgam suitable for all types of trekking, mild to very challenging.
Betaab Valley
Best time to visit Pahalgam has a cool and pleasant climate in summers and very cold climate in winters. The best season for Pahalgam tourism is
from March to November. How to reach By Train: The nearest major railhead is at Jammu, which is 255 km away. One can reach Pahalgam from the railway station by taxis or buses. By Air: The nearest airport to Pahalgam is at Srinagar. It is 95 km from Pahalgam. Srinagar is air connected to Delhi with regular flight services. By Bus: Pahlagam is connected by Jammu and Kashmir state owned road transport corporation buses.
May 29, 2015
Travel & Hospitality Post
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London received record Museum celebrates life of John Wayne foreign tourists in 2014 LONDON: London received record number of foreign visitors last year with 17.4 million tourists pouring into the UK capital, a new survey reported. There were 17.4 million visits to the city in 2014 up by 3.5 per
amounts of dosh in our amazing city," said Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London. "Our status as the number one destination in the world is surely beyond any doubt, and with incredible attractions like the
cent from the previous record of 16.8 million in 2013, according to new figures released by the Office for National Statistics International Passenger Survey. "These terrific new figures confirm that record numbers of tourists are spending record
Rugby World Cup heading our way we look forward to welcoming many thousands more visitors to London," he said. The city proved to be one of the world's biggest tourist magnets with a diverse and eclectic mix of blockbuster exhibitions and
events, the city's promoters London & Partners said. The uplift in visitor numbers is reflected across the UK which welcomed nearly 34.4 million visitors, a 5.2 per cent increase compared to 2013. International tourists spent 21.8 billion pounds, up 2.8 per cent compared to the previous year, the report said. A record 58 million people from the UK and overseas visited the city's 40 most popular tourist attractions last year, up four per cent compared to 2013, according to the Attractions Monitor, a detailed visitor survey compiled by London & Partners. "London continues to attract record numbers of international visitors, injecting billions into the capital's economy each year," said Gordon Innes, Chief Executive of London & Partners. "Royal occasions, like the arrival of Princess Charlotte, combined with London's heritage, attractions and world-leading cultural offer, is expected to attract many more millions from the UK and abroad, continuing the growth of international visitor numbers in 2015," Innes added. PTI
WINTERSET, Iowa: Like many rural communities, the central Iowa city of Winterset has an idyllic town square, variety stores and a historic movie theater. But Winterset also has a unique claim to fame: It's the birthplace of John Wayne, and a new museum opening here is celebrating the late actor's life, career and local connections. Wayne was born Marion Robert Morrison in Winterset in 1907. Although he moved to California at a young age, Winterset has been showcasing his local roots for years. In addition to the new museum, the small wooden house where he was born offers tours and there's a large bronze statue of the actor in his signature cowboy hat. ``One of the things that keep a small town alive is to share their
a frustration there ... It was really time to step up.'' Wayne, who was nicknamed the Duke, died in 1979. The museum was funded over seven years through grants and private donations, including doorto-door pledges from residents of Winterset, population 5,000. ``It was a dream for a little town to accomplish something like this,'' Downes said. Bill Ward, 59, of Rockford, Illinois, visited the museum with his wife during a soft opening this month. ``He's part of my youth,'' Ward said. ``When you think of John Wayne, he's an American. He loved America.'' Not all museums about 20th century celebrities remain successful. The Jimmy Stewart Mu-
history,'' said Shirley Roach, owner of a boutique in town that devotes a section to John Wayne merchandise. ``John Wayne is a part of our history.'' The new 6,100-square-foot (566-square-meter) museum displays his film wardrobes, a signed Andy Warhol print of the actor and his customized 1972 Pontiac Grand Safari station wagon. It's parked inside the gallery, near decorative wooden panels from the closing barroom fight scene of Wayne's final film, ``The Shootist.'' Visitors can also see an ashtray from his yacht, his briefcase, his personal address book - with contact information for Ronald Reagan when he was the California governor - and the eye patch Wayne wore in the movie ``True Grit.'' Brian Downes, executive director of the $2.5 million museum, said the museum was built partly because tours of his childhood home were not enough to satisfy his fans. Long lines at the house meant the tours ``could only be 20 minutes long,'' he said. ``There was
seum in Indiana, Pennsylvania, has seen a decrease in attendees and financial support over the years. A museum dedicated to Liberace closed in 2010 near Las Vegas after more than 30 years in business. But Ruth Reed, a tour guide for Wayne's birthplace, said the Duke has staying power. Over the years, she's welcomed visitors from around the world. A recent Friday included visitors from Florida, Ireland, New Zealand and Puerto Rico. ``He's still one of the top 10 movie stars in people's memories,'' she said. ``Who do we have today that has anything that you'd even care to honor?'' The general $15 ticket to the museum includes a tour of Wayne's birthplace, which has been restored to its appearance when Wayne lived there. The museum also suggests a trail of spots near and around town linked to Wayne's family. Organizers are packaging the museum as part of an overall experience to Madison County, where Winterset is located. -AP
Conservation of environment a priority: Mufti SRINAGAR: Noting that environmental issues have affected tourism in several popular destinations around the world, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said promotion of tourism will always be subservient to the conservation of environment in the state. "J&K has to be careful as at several popular destinations around the world, tourism has plummeted because of environmental issues, given the fact that visitors globally have become conscious of ecological conservation," he said. The Chief Minister said the promotion of tourism will always be subservient to the conservation of "our priceless environment". He said construction for creating basic facilities for visitors
would be regulated by strictly abiding to proper procedural norms as laid down in the Master Plans. "Resorts will be developed in a planned manner and construction for creating basic facilities for visitors will be regulated by strictly abiding to proper procedural
norms, as laid down in the Master Plans," Sayeed said chairing separate reviews of Sonamarg, WullarManasbal and Gulmarg Development Authorities. Asking private stakeholders in
tourism sector to plant trees to protect environment as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sayeed asked Tourism authorities to provide mandatory guidelines to hoteliers and restaurateurs for landscaping and facade control of their assets to improve the ambiance of tourist resorts. Calling upon promotion of well-known tourist destinations as ecoresorts, the Chief Minister also directed the Tourism Department to conceive a plan for underground ducting of power, water and telecommunication facilities so that footfall of high-spending visitors is increased. "The government will reserve funds, and if need be, explore financing the plan under Ministry of Tourism's scheme of 'Destination and Circuit Development'," he said. -PTI
In Brief Activists push Nevada AG to ditch lawsuit LAS VEGAS: Immigration activists and community leaders are again demanding Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt remove the state from a federal lawsuit aiming to stop a White House proposal granting deportation reprieves to parents of U.S. citizens, in the country illegally. The Progressive Leadership of Alliance of Nevada, Culinary Union Local 226 and Mi Familia Vota Nevada said the groups
Adam Paul Laxalt
would deliver Laxalt a letter calling the lawsuit mean-spirited, saying resources could be better spent than picking a fight with the president. Nevada is among 26 states suing to stop the proposal due to take effect May 19 if not for a court injunction. The proposal's supporters held rallies nationwide. Laxalt says in a statement the lawsuit transcends immigration policy and rather questions the president's ability to make laws unilaterally. -AP
„ Woman settles Oregon detention lawsuit PORTLAND, Ore.: A woman whose case figured prominently in court scrutiny of the use of immigration detainers has settled a lawsuit against Oregon's Clackamas County. Maria Miranda-Olivares sued the county in U.S. District Court, contending she was unlawfully imprisoned at the county jail in 2012. The Oregonian reports that the county and Miranda-Olivares recently agreed to settle the case for $30,100 and payment of her legal bill. A federal judge in Oregon earlier found that her constitutional rights were violated when she was held in jail without probable cause at the request of U.S. immigration authorities. It was one of several federal court rulings to make it clear that local officials are not required to honor immigration authorities' requests that someone in custody continue to be held even though their original charges were resolved or they are eligible for bail, and that local jurisdictions may be held liable for doing so. -AP
Immigration 44 India Post
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Sentenced to life for slaying of immigrant Details on page 45
Immigrants rally for deportation reprieve blocked by lawsuit NEW YORK: Immigrants and advocates rallied in cities across the country to push for a reprieve from deportation that has been blocked by a lawsuit. The demonstrations aimed to mark the day when immigrants in the country illegally who are parents of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents would have been able to start applying for work permits and deportation protection. The program announced last year by President Barack Obama along with an extension of another geared toward immigrants here illegally who were brought here as children - was put on hold after a coalition of 26 states sued. Events were held in cities spanning from Miami to Denver in support of the programs aimed at protecting as many as 5 million people. In New York, about 100 people attended a demonstration, including 41-year-old Ecuadorean Lucia Freire. The mother of two Americans said she was counting on Obama's program to be able to drive and travel in the country
where she has lived for a decade. ``I feel frustrated,'' she said, ``I feel like no one supports us, the immigrants.'' A handful of critics mounted a counter protest, where immigration enforcement proponent
extends to Washington, where Obama has said a lack of action by Congress forced him to make sweeping changes to the immigration rules. Republicans say Obama overstepped his authority. After the states sued, a federal
Edita Nolasco, second from right, who is originally from the Dominican Republic and currently lives in Brooklyn, chants slogans with other demonstrators during a National Day of Action to Fight for DAPA rally, in New York.
Joanna Marzullo said people living in the country illegally were using their children to gain permission to stay here. The divide over the programs
judge in Texas issued an injunction blocking the program. A decision from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans is pending on whether to lift it.
4.2 mln from Asia stuck in visa backlogs India Post News Service
WASHINGTON, DC: Adding to the previous work on Asian American and Pacific Islanders, the Center for American Progress has published analysis looking at the demographics and contributions to society of Asian immigrants in the United States today. Today's Asian immigrant community is diverse: Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese immigrants are the top six nationalities of Asian immigrants and account for 85 percent of the total Asian immigrant population. These immigrants have contributed greatly to the overall growth of the U.S. Asian population. Since 2008, Asian immigrants have represented approximately 40 percent of the U.S. foreignborn population compared to 27
percent in 2005. The U.S. Asian population is also majority-foreign born: 66 percent of Asian Americans were born in another country, compared with only 37 percent
An estimated 4.2 million individuals from Asian countries are currently stuck in family-visa backlogs. of Latinos. While many reasons bring Asian immigrants to the United States, the biggest migration pathway is through family-sponsored visas for relatives of U.S. citizens. For example, among Asian immigrants, 55 percent of visas in 2012
were issued through familysponsored preferences, of which 35 percent were issued to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. Nonetheless, Asian immigrants face some of the longest backlogs for visas of any immigrant group. The Immigration and Nationality Act caps visas at 26,000 for any single country. Consequently, countries with the highest family - and employer - sponsored visas have to wait years before reuniting with their families. For example, siblings of adult U.S. citizens from the Philippines wait for more than 25 years for a green card, while the siblings of adult Chinese Americans wait for more than 14 years. Overall, an estimated 4.2 million individuals from Asian countries are currently stuck in family-visa backlogs.
Activists speak out DENVER: Activists, politicians and immigrants in Denver are calling on elected leaders to support President Barack Obama's stalled deportation relief effort. A news conference in Denver was among several organized nationwide to press elected leaders to support Obama and adopt broader immigration reforms. This week would have been the start of a program Obama announced in November benefiting immigrants who lack legal status but whose children are Americans. In February, a federal judge in Texas temporarily blocked Obama's action, responding to a suit by 26 states accusing the president of unconstitutional overreach. Denver housekeeper Yolanda Larios came to the country more than two decades ago from Juarez, Mexico and has three grown children who were born here. At the news conference, she called on politicians to help keep families together. -AP
Colorado expands immigrant driver license tests DENVER: Colorado is again taking appointments to test drivers for licenses regardless of their immigration status. The resumption of tests will begin June 1. The State Department of Motor Vehicles made the announcement after getting a compromise level of funding to do the tests. The agency initially asked for $166,000 to keep open five offices that handle the licenses, and potentially expand the program. Lawmakers readjusted the request to $66,000, allowing for three offices to be open. The offices are in Colorado Springs, Denver and Grand Junction. State officials had only one such office available to immigrants since February because lawmakers were gridlocked on the funding request. -AP
Immigration Post
May 29, 2015
India Post 45
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Britain pledges crackdown on immigration LONDON: Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged a crackdown on immigration into the UK after latest data showed the figures were at their highest level for a decade.
continued its downward trend with an 8 per cent fall in 2014. But Cameron expressed his determination to not "cave in" on tough immigration targets, blaming former coalition partners
David Cameron
The latest quarterly migration figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) showed that net immigration from outside the European Union is rising almost as strongly as from within Europe, with a surge of 318,000 in 2014. It flies in the face of Cameron's election pledge of getting net immigration figures down, leading to a new immigration bill to be unveiled as part of the Queen's Speech when the business of the new government is officially announced in the House of Commons. The worrying trend for the government would be a continuing fall in the number of overseas students from India, which
that are dedicated to delivering this agenda, whether they are in the Home Office, or the Health Department, or the Education Department or wherever else," he stressed. Cable, a veteran Lib Dem MP who lost his seat at the general election earlier this month, had frequently clashed with his Conservative Cabinet colleagues over the issue of business-related and student migration into the country. The Conservatives had pledged before the 2010 election to reduce numbers coming into the UK to less than 100,000, a target they have failed to meet as it remains nearly three times that target figure. Central to a new crackdown now are plans to seize the wages of illegal workers as proceeds of crime. The Liberal Democrats retaliated and warned that "not all immigration is bad". Lib Dem peer Lord Paddick said: "If she [Home Secretary Theresa May] was serious about
Liberal Democrats for delays in implementing tougher rules. "Today's figures show how far we have to go to reach our goal. Frankly, in the last Government the Home Secretary was The Conservatives had very keen on controlling immigration, I was pledged before the 2010 very keen on control- election to reduce numbers ling immigration, but coming into the UK to less sometimes when we got to the Department than 100,000, a target they for Business [headed have failed to meet by Lib Dem minister Vince Cable] we got a rather unwelcome response," he cracking down on illegal immisaid, during a speech at the Home gration, she should concentrate on what works and not tar all imOffice here. "We now have a team of min- migrants with the same brush." isters in every single department PTI
Sentenced to life for slaying of immigrant COLUMBUS, Ohio: A central Ohio man has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 18 years after admitting he was responsible for the drive-by shooting of a 19-yearold Ethiopian immigrant last year. A judge in Columbus sentenced 21-year-old Anthony Monaco after his guilty plea to charges including murder with a gun specification.
The Columbus Dispatch re-
The two men didn't know each other but attended the same party with separate groups of young people at a hotel prior to the incident.
ports that Dinkisra Mengistu was shot in the head on March 9, 2014, on the city's far north side. A prosecutor said the reasons for the shooting remain unclear. The two men didn't know each other but attended the same party with separate groups of young people at a hotel prior to the incident. Mengistu's family moved to the United States from Ethiopia when he was in middle school. -AP
Nebraska Senate okays licenses for immigrants LINCOLN, Neb.: A bill that would allow driver's licenses for immigrant youths brought to the country illegally as children has advanced to a final vote in the Nebraska Legislature. Senators gave the measure second-round approval with a 37-9 vote. Opponents mounted a fourhour filibuster but failed to block the proposal. Nebraska is the only state that does not give licenses to the
youths who stayed in the country under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, approved by President Barack Obama in 2012. Supporters of the bill say the youths contribute to Nebraska's economy. Some conservative senators say it rewards illegal behavior. Gov. Pete Ricketts supports the current state policy, but has declined to say whether he would sign or veto the bill. -AP
Man assaults immigration enforcement agent WICHITA, Kan.: Federal prosecutors have accused a Mexican man living illegally in the United States of assaulting an immigration enforcement agent who arrested him for deportation. A criminal complaint filed in federal court in Kansas accuses Emmanuel Rodriguez-Torres of assaulting a federal officer involving physical contact. Prosecutors allege he tried to kick the agent in the head and face. He is also accused of twice spit-
ting on the officer's face and clothing. No defense attorney is listed for Rodriguez-Torres in court records. The case stems from a May 6 incident during which agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement went to Great Bend to arrest him. A court filing says Rodriguez-Torres had been previously convicted of violent offenses such as assault and battery and was therefore eligible for immigration removal. -AP
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Horoscope
46 India Post
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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar May 29th - June 4th 2015 (March 21 to April 20)
A
nd you will keep re investing in your bright ideas. This project may shake up your finances temporarily but will be beneficial in long run. Some kind of divine protection will help you get out of messy situation. Interest in religion and spirituality will increase. Students will be preparing or appearing in a big exam.
(April 21 to May 20)
M
ind will stay very restless. It will be better to calm down and take a deep breath and analyze the whole situation will cool and rational mind before it's too late. Some of you will be seriously looking for a possible change in career and start applying. You may also go see an old friend with family during the week.
(May 21 to June 20)
P
resence of Jupiter and Venus in second is favor able for all financial matters.You could strike it rich if you play your cards right and opt for the right deal. Some one from past will surface and try to flirt with you. You may be working on an upcoming short vacation also. Little juggling can save tons of money in long run.
(June 21 to July 22)
Y
ou will be torn between right and wrong but will end up making the correct choice with long term gains. Children will excel in their fields. You may also receive some kind of refund in mail. Mind will be relaxed and you may take family out to a nice place for dinner. There is absolutely no harm in buying few lottery tickets this week.
(July 23 to August 22)
(November 23 to December 22)
Y
ou will not be given much notice and forced to take quick decisions in career. It will turn out the right thing sooner than expected. Some money will go towards repairs to a vehicle. You may also take a trip on a short notice to attend an important meeting. Some of you may buy another franchise or start another location this week.
(August 23 to September 22)
O
bstructions will be se vere but with the help and advice from a friend you will overcome them. Bank balance can shot up suddenly. People in business will experience better sales and will serve first time customers. You may also have to answer a legal query. If you maintain a stand and stick to your demand, the other side will agree quick.
(September 23 to October 22)
Y
ou will enjoy the company of a new colleague and even plan to have a get to gether at your place. You will need to do lots of juggling in order to meet your recent commitments. An old health issue will flare up again and this time surgery may be one of the options. Some of you will be negotiating hard with another company for the job.
(October 23 to November 22)
T
hings will keep getting hot at the existing place forcing you to apply else where. Boss will understand your dilemma but express his inability to do something and help you move on. You may finalize the date to have minor surgery to correct some problem. You will spend some quality time with few successful and well known people this week.
PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
Y
ou may feel tired of constant battle and take a break for few days and deeply analyze the situation. Solution is there if you are ready to bring some drastic changes in your thinking and join hands with fresh blood in the field. Children will make some plans and need some money to enforce them. Try buying few lottery tickets this week.
(December 22 to January 19)
P
resence of Jupiter and Venus in seventh will bring situation under control. Help and guidance from a matured person will steer you in the appropriate direction. You will quickly grab the new opportunity. You may also do some cleaning in the house and get rid of lots of stuff. You will make good use of extra time on hand and enjoy life.
(January 20 to February 18)
Y
ou may devoting extra hours at work to finish pending work in order to meet the deadline. It will be better to eat food on regular intervals and protect your self from severe weather. You may also attend a big function in close family circle. You may have to send reminder in order to fix an important meeting with new business partners.
(February 19 to March 20)
S
ome changes at work will release the pressure and make the working environment friendly. You will also study some useful material to update your knowledge. Trip will take final shape and family will show the excitement. You will be little aggressive on the phone but this is the only way the job can get done. try few lottery tickets.
510-886-4370 www.parashar.com
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Sat Jun 6 • Vocab Bee 2015 in Sherman Oaks
Sun, Jun 14 • EKTAA- Chhandam School Show (Fremont)
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Venue: Centerville Jr. High School Audi-
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Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807
Venue: Nicholas Music Center Rutgers University, 85 George St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 Time : 3:00 pm
Venue: Valimar Club House, Valimar Blvd, White Plains, NY 10603 Time : 3:00 pm Contact: 9149488969
Sun, Jun 7 • Kumar Sanu Aashiqon Ki
Sat, Jun 27 • The Classic Burmans
Mondays and Fridays
Sat, Jun 13 • 9th Annual Kite & Color Festival
Fri, Jun 26 • Exclusive Indian Standup
North First Street, San jose, CA 95112
Venue: Buena Vista Camping Resort, 775 Harding Hwy, Buena, NJ 08310 Time: 11:00 am Contact: 856-503-6606
Venue: Broadway Comedy Club, 318 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 Time : 6:30 pm
Upcoming Fri, May 29
• A Night of Chicks and Cheers Venue: Jewel of India (Hotel 999), 999 U.S. 1, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 732-822-6163
Sun, Jun 7
• Ek Shaam Ekal Ke Naam With Rana Chatterjee & Sangeeta Melekar
Upcoming Fri, May 29
• A Night of Chicks and Cheers Venue: Jewel of India (Hotel 999), 999 U.S. 1, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 732-822-6163
• 18th Annual Concert of Asavari
Comedy Show
Mehfil Live in Bay Area Venue: San Jose Airport Garden Hotel, 1740 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 408-579-9426
Wed, Jun 10 • Jbl Presents A.R.Rahman The Intimate Concert
Venue: Carrington Hall, 1201 Brewster Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94062 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 408-802-5128
ATLANTA Upcoming
Venue: Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, 777 Chick
Sat, May 30 • Amjad Sabri Live In Concert
Hearn Ct, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Venue: 5th Avenue Event Hall, 2720 Mall
Time: 8:00 am
of GA Blvd, Buford, GA 30519
Contact: 207-401-9800
Time: 8:30 pm
Fri, Jun 12 • Dil to Pagal hai ..Unforgettable Hits of 90s Venue: Mehran Restaurant, 5774 Mowry School Rd, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 408-646-0330
Sat, Jun 13 • Hindustani Classical Vocal by Smt. Kalpana Zokarkar
Sat, Jun 6 • Help Nepal (Dayro and Hasairo) Venue: Sardar Patel Bhavan, 5331 Royal Woods Pkwy, Tucker, GA 30084 Time: 8:00 pm
Mon, Aug 31 • MITHAS 2014 Membership Venue: Wong Auditorium, MIT, 70 Memo-
Venue: Rainbow Court, 21690 Rainbow Ct,
rial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02142
Cupertino, CA 95014
Time: 07:00 pm
Time: 07:30 pm
Contact: 857-205-9731
Upcoming 1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes
• Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105
Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105
Swami Ishatmananda • Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662
• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822
India Post
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May 29, 2015
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48
Philosophy
May 29, 2015
India Post 49
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Page Sponsored by Sahanis RAMESH S. BALSEKAR
T
he following is translation of one of the dialogues of Nisargadatta Maharaj by Ramesh S. Balsekar in his book 'Pointers from Nisargadatta Maharaj.' He clarifies that the translation is "not purely literal, but necessarily contains an interpretation of what seemed clearly implied in the imaginative, forceful, sometimes terse but virile use of the Marathi words by Maharaj." Visitor: My only son died a few days ago in a car accident, and I find it almost impossible to accept his death with a philosophic fortitude. I have in my mind sought solace from all the usual ploys by which one consoles oneself and others in such predicaments. And yet, I come back to the tragic fact that a cruel fate should deprive my son of everything in the prime of his life. Why? Why? I keep on asking myself. Sir, I cannot get over my grief. Nisargadatta Maharaj: (After sitting for a minute or so, with his eyes closed) It is unavailing and futile to say that I am grieved because in the absence of 'self ('me' as an individual) there are no 'others', and I see myself mirrored in all of you. Obviously, you have not come to me for mere sympathy, which you surely must have received in abundance from your ROBERT ADAMS
W
hen I tell you there is no God, and there is no universe, and there is no world, and there are no people, there's only absolute reality, do not take it too seriously. See where you're coming from. Be true to yourself. Do not fool yourself. Whatever you're into, whatever you're going through, if you sit in the silence and practice self-inquiry, things will begin to stir within you. Things will begin to happen. You will find that your feelings change, your reaction changes, you become less selfish, you develop loving kindness. Student: Robert do you think that worshipping God, or believing in God, impedes realization? Robert: On the contrary, worshipping God makes you pure. It makes you pure enough so that you can follow the I back to the source, whereas, if you did not worship God, you would just know everything intellectually, and you would have a hard heart. Worshipping God softens you up, makes you mellow, kind, causes you to become one pointed, and lifts you higher. So, by all means, worshipping God is good. But what kind of God will you worship? Worshipping God in the form
relatives and friends. Remember, one goes through life, year after year, enjoying the usual pleasures and suffering the usual pains, but never once seeing life in its true perspective. And what is the true perspective? It is this: There is no 'me', nor 'you'; there never could be any such entities. Every man should understand this and have the courage to live his life with this understanding. Do you have this courage, my friend? Or, must you wallow in what you call your grief? V: Maharaj, pardon me, I do not fully understand what you have
ing: Just see the transient as transient, the unreal as unreal, the false as false, and you will realize your true nature. You have mentioned your grief. Have you ever looked at 'grief' in the face and tried to understand what it really is? To lose somebody or something you have loved dearly, is bound to cause sorrow. And since death is total annihilation with absolute finality, the sorrow caused by it is unmitigated. But even this overwhelming sorrow can not last long, if you intellectually analyze it.
chance? That the fetus survived the many hazards in the womb was another matter of chance. That the baby was a boy was yet another chance. In other words what you called your 'son' was just a chance event, a happening over which you have had no control at all at any time, and now that event has come to an end. What exactly are you grieving for? Are you grieving for the few pleasant experiences and the many painful experiences that your son has missed in the years to come? Or, are you, really and
What you called your 'son' was just a chance event Since death is total annihilation with absolute finality, the sorrow caused by it is unmitigated. But even this overwhelming sorrow can not last long, if you intellectually analyze it. Ramesh S. Balsekar
said, but I do feel startled and shaken. You have exposed the core of my being, and what you have said so pithily appears to be the golden key to life. Please elaborate on what you have just said. What exactly is it that I must do? M: Do? Do? Absolutely nothof a sat-guru, or in the form of a Buddha, or a Christ, whatever, is even better. Student: Why so? Robert: For if you worship God without form, the energy is not as strong. For what kind of a God are you worshipping? An invisible God that has no form, no shape. Therefore you have doubts. You're not too sure, and the energy you send out is not that strong. But
HEBREW PROVERBS • If a word be worth one shekel, silence is worth two. • Pride is the mask we make of our faults. • Ambition destroys its possessor.
What exactly are you grieving for? Go back to the beginning: Did you and your wife make any agreement with someone that you would have a son - a particular body - and that he would have a particular destiny? Is it not a fact that his conception itself was a
truly, grieving for the pleasures and conveniences that you will no longer be able to receive from him? Mind you, all this is from the point of view of the false! The 98th birth anniversary of Ramesh S. Balsekar was observed on May 25.
Student: Is it better, Robert, to focus on one form? Robert: Yes, of course, for you become one pointed. It causes your mind to become one-pointed. And then your mind becomes your servant, and finally the mind disappears. It's like the sun. When the sun spreads its rays all over the place, it's not as powerful as if one ray of the sun moved to a certain place. A fire would start. That's
the same consciousness? Robert: That's hard to do. You can't worship Buddha, and Christ, and Muhammad, and Krishna at the same time. You'll think of each one of them, and dissipate you energy. Whereas, if you have one, they will eventually all merge into oneness. In other words, if you worship Krishna, if you worship Krishna correctly, eventually Buddha, Christ, Shiva, everyone will become Krishna. So it's better, in
• Love him who tells you your faults in private. • Love tastes sweet, but only with bread. • Love and hate always exaggerate. • Love me a little but long. • A woman prefers poverty with love to wealth without love.
Worshipping God softens you up, lifts you higher
• Be careful not to make a woman weep.
Worshipping God makes you pure enough so that you can follow the I back to the source,
• A wedding is like a fu-
whereas, if you did not worship God, you would
neral, but with musicians.
just know everything intellectually, and you would have a hard heart.
Robert Adams
• An old man in the house is a burden, but an old
when you worship God as form, you can give that God all of your energy or totally surrender to that particular deity. That's the purpose of worship, to finally, totally surrender your ego, your pride, your body, your affairs, your life, to that deity. And then you become that deity itself.
how powerful it is. But when the sun dissipates its rays they're not as powerful. In the same way, when you worship many deities, you dissipate your energy, and the worship is not as powerful. Student: Even if you think of them as more or less representative of
the beginning, to worship one. Then the whole universe will become that one. Excerpted from Satsang with Robert Adams contained in omnicircle.blogspot.in. Robert Adams was an American Advaita teacher & a disciple of Ramana Maharishi.
woman is a treasure. • A man without a woman cannot defend himself against seductions.
sure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs
50 India Post
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May 29, 2015
B
ollywood divas Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor and Katrina Kaif have captured hearts at the Cannes Film Festival 2015. The ambassadors of L'Oreal Paris took over the red carpet with poise along with other Hollywood stars. The B-Town actresses also shared a few pictures with their Hollywood buddies on social media platforms Sonam Kapoor is the goddess of fashion in India. Styled by her sister Rhea Kapoor, who knows the actress' fashion sensibilities in and out, Sonam walked the red carpet twice looking no less than a vision. For the first red carpet appearance Sonam made a splash in a blue Ralph and Russo gown. For the second red carpet appearance she wore an haute couture Elie Saab gown. While fashion police raved about her first look, the Internet community didn't quite get her second look. In between, Sonam rocked our world Ash remained an Elie Saab loyalist for her first red carpet appearance and her amFAR gala outing but she put on a voluminous Ralph and Russo gown for her second red carpet appearance and boy, did she look heavenly! Aishwarya was styled by debutante Aastha Sharma for her Cannes visit this year. She juggled be-
tween an all white 'I mean business' look in Stella McCartney and a Disney princess look in Oscar De La Renta. Her Georges Chakra gown was so flaming hot and revolutionary that the fashion gurus couldn't stop talking about it! Her Sabyasachi look for the UN panel discussion for gender equality was a tad bit boring but being the first look it was remedied with the looks that followed! Kat made her Cannes red carpet debut this year and she was styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania for the press interactions. She began her Cannes stint with a Milly crop-top and skirt that turned a lot of heads back home. But her red carpet debut in Oscar De La Renta wasn't received all that well from the fashion police. Her second red carper look was in Elie Saab and that won her a lot of praise although certain sections of fashion circles claimed that she went into a red overdrive for her second look. Cont'd on Page 52
India Post 51
May 29, 2015 www.indiapost.com
Biker events off after deadly Waco shootout SAN ANTONIO: Motorcycle clubs have gathered dozens of times at Roy Barnett's bar for meetings just like the one that led to a shootout among rival biker gangs at a Waco restaurant. The setting, Barnett said, offers bikers the equivalent of Switzerland - a neutral zone where different clubs can come together to discuss issues, most of which are mundane. And they've always been peaceful affairs, he said. Barnett, a biker himself, considers motorcycle groups his core clientele at the Deer Crossing Saloon in Selma, Texas, about 30 miles north of San Antonio. But he and others who regularly host biker events are reconsidering the risks of doing so in light of the shootout, which left nine dead and 18 wounded. Barnett has decided to forbid any more meetings of the umbrella group that was gathering in Waco when the killings occurred. ``I'll help them out,'' he said. ``But I'm a businessman before I'm a biker.'' Police have said the meeting of the Confederation of Clubs at the Twin Peaks restaurant was
meant to settle disagreements over turf among five gangs. Some bikers dispute that idea, insisting that the meeting was organized to discuss motorcycle laws and other matters. In the aftermath of the shooting, the Twin Peaks restaurant immediately revoked the Waco franchise's license. Twin Peaks also suspended ``bike nights'' at all of its locations, including those in Texas, Nevada and Nebraska, to review safety procedures and out of respect for those killed and injured, company spokesman Rick Van Warner said. The restaurants, known for their waitresses' revealing uniforms, were not trying to attract outlaw motorcycle gangs by promoting biker nights, Van Warner said, and the shooting did not happen on one of these nights. One restaurant in Plano used to hold a bike night every Thursday. ``What happened in Waco is no reflection'' of bike nights at Twin Peaks restaurants, he said. ``The people you see at our bike nights are doctors and lawyers
riding Harleys.'' Other restaurant chains are known to host the odd bike night, but the events are more typically held at local bars serving only beer that cater to bikers and allow them to walk outside with their drinks and examine the motorcycles.
Law enforcement and emergency medical personnel work the scene of a shooting at Twin Peaks
Barnett, who has owned his establishment for 18 years, sees problems with bars that promote
New York Asian Film Festival from June 26 India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), North America's leading festival of popular Asian Cinema, is back for its 14th edition. Co-presented with Film Society of Lincoln Center and Subway Cinema, the festival will run from June 26 to July 11. The festival takes place from June 26 to July 8 at the Film Society and July 9 to 11 at SVA Theatre (333 W. 23rd Street). Initial details include notable awards to be presented to director Ringo Lam, superstar Aaron Kwok, and actor Shota Sometani. The festival will also host a slew of North American film premieres, as well as spotlight the works of Korean female directors and honor the memory of Japanese legends Ken Takakura and Bunta Sugawara with a joint tribute.
Hong Kong's legendary director Ringo Lam (City on Fire) will receive the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award. One of Hong Kong's most influential directors, Lam was directing comedies when City on
Fire was released in 1987, fusing the social-protest movie with kinetic action filmmaking. It was followed by the massive hit Prison on Fire later that year, and then
biker events but don't really have a relationship with them. ``They don't want bikers there,'' he said, ``They want their money.'' Barnett has no trouble with bikers whose leather vests feature club colors and logos, saying there were rarely tensions among different groups. He made
School on Fire, a movie so unblinking that nervous Hong Kong censors sliced it to ribbons. Hong Kong's superstar actorsinger Aaron Kwok (Divergence, After This Our Exile, Cold War) will receive the festival's 2015 Star Asia Award on June 26. Japanese actor Shota Sometani will attend the festival on July 4, on the occasion of the New York premiere of Kabukicho Love Hotel, to receive the Screen International Rising Star Award. Director Ryuichi Hiroki will also be in attendance. Notable NYAFF titles this year will include the North American premieres of Nobuhiro Yamashita's La La La at Rock Bottom and Yim Soon-rye's The Whistleblower and the international premiere of Namewee's Banglasia, which was banned in Malaysia, its home country.
a distinction between run-of-themill motorcycle clubs and outlaw motorcycle gangs. Other owners agreed that you have to know bikers in order to serve them. Mike Trainer, owner of Cannon Bar on the Backbone in the hilly forests around Austin, said that it's not unusual for his bar to have up to 200 bikes stacked side by side in the parking lot. ``We have people wearing colors, people not wearing colors,'' he said. ``As an owner you have to keep your eyes open and make judgment calls.'' Trainer said he has had to reach out through a motorcycle
club's chain of command to let them know that a member is no longer allowed in the bar, but the majority of bikers never cause trouble. ``It's 1 percent of the motorcycle community that is a problem,'' he said. ``I'm not going to alienate the other 99 percent.'' The Waco incident has elevated security concerns for motorcycle events in general. A Memorial Day motorcycle rally is expected to attract 20,000 bikers to New Mexico this weekend. But local and federal agencies say they have no reason to believe tensions from the Waco brawl will carry over to the event in Red River. Austin's Republic of Texas Biker Rally, scheduled for this June and expecting 40,000 bikers, will go on as planned, organizers said, with the help of state and local police. Officials and rally organizers of the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota say they are well prepared, having already added extra law enforcement for the up to 1 million people expected in August. Sturgis and other cities that annually put on large rallies, such as Daytona Beach, Florida, routinely beef up law enforcement to aid crowd control and prevent incidents arising from the large influx of motorcyclists. Ray Gold, founder of OneEyed Jack's Saloon in Sturgis, said his simple solution to avoid trouble with biker gangs has been not to serve anyone wearing vests with gang colors. ``We don't want the gangs here,'' he said, ``because we lose good customers.'' -AP
52 India Post
May 29, 2015 www.indiapost.com
Pasco's nudist resorts draw global tourism LAND O' LAKES, Fla.: It was a relatively slow morning at the opulent, clothing-optional Caliente Resort and Spa off U.S. 41. Beneath 20-foot-high ceilings inside the resort's large clubhouse, workers were preparing to lay new carpet in the piano bar - where visitors were greeted by a sunsplashed view of an 8,500-squarefoot artificial lagoon and manmade waterfall surrounded by palm trees and one young woman who was sunbathing naked. ``We're redoing all of the carpeting, artwork and furnishings,'' said Steve Dorsey, the resort's general manager and chief operating officer. ``We'll redo the restaurant next, then the nightclub.'' The work is being done in advance of the resort's busiest time of year, when people from around the globe travel to Land O' Lakes one of the world's most popular hubs for nudists and naturists. Memorial Day traditionally ``kicks off our season,'' Dorsey said. The work at Caliente was being conducted a week after Pasco County officials issued a news release saying the county is on pace to rake in more tourism dollars than it has since 2008, when the economic recession was at its worst. Ed Caum, Pasco's tourism manager, said in the release that tourism supports 12,000 full-time jobs in Pasco, including hotel employees and restaurant and retail workers. Local sales tax revenue from about 500,000 visitors to Pasco totaled nearly $15 million in 2013, according to statistics compiled
by the U.S. Travel Association and provided by the county. ``Tourists in Florida pay about 23.4 percent of all of our taxes,'' Caum said. ``They pay 7 percent to Pasco County. Even when people just drive through and get gas, there's gas tax (collected). A lot of people don't see the hidden value of tourists.'' Nor, Caum said, do many people seem to understand the positive effects that Pasco's clothing-optional or nudist tourists have on the local economy. ``We truly are internationally known as a nudist destination,'' Caum said. ``On our (county) website, there is substantial traffic viewing our clothing-optional page to find out'' what's available in Pasco. ``We know there continues to be global interest. I do specifically advertise in Germany and some print media that reaches out to people who would like to have the clothing-optional experience here.'' The county also has helped sponsor clothing-optional events, such as Caliente's annual Bare Dare 5K race. ``When (nudist resorts) come to us with requests for event sponsorship, we treat it like any other'' tourism-related request, Caum said. In central Pasco alone, nudists have an array of options, from Caliente, which opened in 2002, to the 72-acre Paradise Lakes Resort and the rustic Lake Como Resort, a central Pasco fixture since 1941. In all, there are a dozen nudist or clothing-optional resorts around the county.
Australia, New Zealand, South America, the Caribbean ``and even Russia.'' ``Taking a couple days off to come to one of the resorts in Pasco is like going to a resort in the Caribbean, only less expensive,'' Caroline said. At Lake Como, community manager Van Bradley said there are 23 rental units available and about 325 resident members. He said about half of the resort's visitors are from out of town, the majority of whom live outside
capital of the world,'' she said. ``Local resident nudists also like to `get away' from it all and seek the ambiance of the resorts as their vacation place even though they may only live across the bay. ``(For us), out of town could mean Tampa or St. Petersburg or Sarasota, Jacksonville or Miami.'' She said the resort also attracts visitors from out of state, especially from around the Southeast, as well as from Europe, Canada,
Florida. International guests account for about 1 percent of Lake Como's yearly visitors, Bradley said. Asked if he believes most Pasco residents understand the financial effects nudist-based tourism has on the local economy, Bradley said many people around Land O' Lakes, Lutz, Spring Hill and Brooksville seem to get it. ``I really can't say about the west side of Pasco,'' he said. At Caliente, a convertible Mercedes 350 was parked under the They may not like to wear awning at the club- clothes, but Caliente's clienhouse entrance. In the parking lot was a tele clearly have deep pockChrysler 300, another ets. Dorsey said the resort genMercedes, a late- erates about $2 million in outmodel convertible Mustang and a collec- of-state revenue each year. tion of sparkling sport one else: They buy homes, send utility vehicles. They may not like to wear their kids to school, buy grocerclothes, but Caliente's clientele ies, shop in the malls, eat in the clearly have deep pockets. same restaurants, same banks, Dorsey said the resort generates salons, entertainment areas, pay about $2 million in out-of-state taxes and vote.'' The large nudist community in revenue each year. ``For a lot of people who come Pasco has ``gotten the attention'' here, this is their base,'' said of the cruise industry, Caroline Dorsey, who is not a nudist or said. ``Thousands of nudists stay in naturist. ``But they go to Tarpon Springs, Clearwater Beach, Busch Pasco County before or after their cruise to complete their vacation,'' Gardens.'' Lots of Caliente visitors also she said. ``This helps to fill up the shop at The Shops at Wiregrass hotels and restaurants. It pours mall in Wesley Chapel, Dorsey tourists' and locals' dollars into Pasco County.''-AP said.
Bolly maidens sparkle at Cannes Cont'd from Page 50
We wished for her to be a little less minimalist in her red carpet debut and we hope that her next Cannes appearance is solid! Actresses Mallika Sherawat and Richa Chadda also walked the red carpet this year. While Richa opted for understated style statements during her visit, Mallika went overboard and her style bordered on tacky (barring the magenta Alexis Mabille gown and 2 million dollar Boucheron necklace!) Film Critics' award for Masaan Indian filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan's indie project "Masaan", centered around a group of people in Varanasi, was awarded the International Federa-
tion of Film Critics (Fipresci) award at the 68th Cannes International Film Festival. Actress Richa Chadha, who
Ghaywan's debut feature project, "Masaan" is set in Varanasi and follows the stories of four people from a small town and how they fit in to the moralities. features in a key role in the film, says the team feels "blessed". "#MasaanAtCannes just got
``They definitely spend money,'' he said. ``It's expensive to stay here. Dorsey has run Caliente for eight years, so he was at the helm through the worst of the recession. ``It was real tough,'' he said. ``We lost a lot of local membership back then and the local daytrip people. At the same time, though, we started (attracting clientele) through Internet marketing and social media. ``There's been less of a resurgence from the local standpoint, but we're now getting a lot of people from Atlanta, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale. They're coming and spending more than they were five years ago.'' That's great news for Caum, who mentioned that local nudists in the past have conducted $2 bill campaigns - paying for gas, groceries and other items with $2 bills to demonstrate their financial contributions to the local economy. Caum also said that ironically some nudist and clothing-optional resorts conduct the best clothing drives. ``These people don't wear clothes, but they'll collect them and turn them over to our centers like Goodwill and the Salvation Army,'' Caum said. ``They're actually very active in that.'' Caroline, from Paradise Lakes, said that despite all of the positive financial effects that nudists have on the local economy, lots of ``textiles'' (nudists' term for non-nudists) don't understand the lifestyle. ``Nudists are just like every-
Caliente has 320 residences, from million-dollar homes to condominiums and casitas. There are also 100 hotel rooms and rental units - but, Dorsey said, ``We need more.'' At Paradise Lakes, Toby Caroline, who helps manage the resort and sits on the county's Tourist Development Council, said the hotel features 56 cabanas and several private condos. She said it is hard to gauge how many guests are from out of town. ``Pasco County is the nudist
the Fipresci award, given by the international critics. #blessed :-) team, take a bow," Richa tweeted. Showcased in the UnCertain Regard section at the movie gala, "Masaan" received a five-minute standing ovation post its screening here, leaving Richa and Ghaywan in tears of joy. Ghaywan's debut feature project, "Masaan" is set in Varanasi and follows the stories of four people from a small town and how they fit in to the moralities. It also features Shweta Tripathi, Sanjay Mishra and Vicky Kaushal. It is an Indian-French co-production with names like Manish Mundra of Drishyam Films, Macassar Productions, Phantom Films, Sikhya Entertainment, Arte France Cinema and Pathe productions.-Agencies
India Post 53
May 29, 2015 www.indiapost.com
Portrait Gallery show explores nature of celebrity WASHINGTON: In the age of selfies, social media and streaming videos, the idea of what makes a celebrity has expanded far beyond the Hollywood icons of the past. Now scientists, technology geeks, designers, writers and YouTube stars achieve fame alongside athletes and entertainers. Curators at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery have examined how celebrity images are cultivated and how they've evolved for the new exhibition ``Eye Pop: The Celebrity Gaze.'' The exhibition includes dozens of new paintings, photographs, sculptures and digital portraits by leading artists that the museum acquired in recent years. ``Eye Pop'' will be on view through July 2016. Curators narrowed their list to 54 influential figures still living and active in their fields. Images of Brad Pitt, Barbra Streisand, Oprah Winfrey and Katy Perry made the
cut, along with the founders of Google, star architect Cesar Pelli and food-to-table pioneer Alice Waters. Many of the portraits are being shown to the public for the first time. Asma Naeem, one of six curators on the exhibit, said everyone these days is trying to reach celebrity status in some way, posting carefully selected images on social media sites to shape how they are seen by others. And quick access to information and photos online makes it easier to recognize stars in many fields. ``Celebrity is really a very elastic concept now. It's far-reaching. It dips into fields that we would never have considered typical of celebrity 50 years ago,'' Naeem said. ``It also has many different edges to it. Celebrity encompasses not just somebody who is accomplished and who garners our admiration but somebody who has also fallen ... has been able to put
themselves back together again.'' Britney Spears' new portrait at the Smithsonian was created by multimedia artist Luke DuBois as a mashup of images from her mu-
A painting of Brad Pitt by Colin Davidson is among the work on display in "Eye Pop: The Celebrity Gaze," at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington. Brad Pitt, Barbra Streisand, Michelle Obama, and Katy Perry all make the cut. Curators at the National Portrait Gallery are taking a close look at how celebrity images are cultivated and how they’ve evolved in the new exhibition “Eye Pop: The Celebrity Gaze.”
Foreign authors censored in China without knowing WASHINGTON: A U.S.-based advocacy group is warning Western authors to be vigilant of censorship of their work in China's fast-growing book publishing industry, which is sometimes done without their knowledge. A report from the PEN American Center says translated versions of foreign books may be excised because of political sensitivities, like Taiwan, Tibet and the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on democracy protesters. But references to sexually explicit material and gay and lesbian issues are also frowned upon. The report intends to draw attention to how pervasive Chinese censorship could affect writers outside the country as China takes an increasingly prominent place in the global publishing industry. China will be the regional focus of this year's BookExpo America in New York next week, with a delegation of hundreds of state writers and publishers. China is one of the largest book publishing markets in the world, with total revenue projected to exceed $16 billion in 2015 and a growth rate of roughly 10 percent per year, according to the report. Chinese publishers acquired 16,115 foreign titles in 2012, up 60 percent from 2004. American and British books are
the most popular. The report says that in many instances, foreign authors and their agents and publishers do not have sufficient knowledge of the workings of Chinese censorship to ensure books aren't censored. Many have signed contracts that promise the preservation of the author's original content but leave the translation to the Chinese publisher and fail to vet the resulting
Foreign authors and their agents and publishers do not have sufficient knowledge of the workings of Chinese censorship to ensure books aren't censored. copy. Other authors consent to some censorship, reasoning that even in diluted form, getting new ideas into China will help the cause of free expression. American novelist Paul Auster told PEN he did not discover the changes made to the translated version of his book ``Sunset Park'' until after publication in China last
sic videos. The small piece is housed within a decorative gilt frame that would normally surround a religious artwork, playing on the idea that the pop icon is an
November. He said he felt his book was ``mutilated.'' The plight of dissident and Nobel peace laureate Liu Xiaobo is a minor plot in the book. The publisher cut several pages, and in other places replaced the dissident's name with ``L.'' The New York-based agent of author Barbara De Angelis consented to the removal in Chinese translation of about 30 percent of the text of her ``Secrets About Men Every Woman Should Know,'' without the author's knowledge, according to the report. The Chinese publisher found the sections dealing with bedroom secrets and advice too sexually explicit, it said. PEN said it interviewed dozens of authors, publishers and literary agents in the United States, China, Taiwan, Australia, and Europe for the report. It says that as book advances and royalties payments rise in China, there are serious concerns about the kinds of compromises foreign authors and publishers may make and the impact this can have on free expression. ``If we don't act, how long will it take before a wide swath of writers begin to simply avoid taking up topics that could complicate access to readers in China or elsewhere once their books are translated?'' said Suzanne Nossel, PEN Executive Director.. -AP
object of veneration. Instead of playing Spears' music with the moving images, DuBois used the white noise reverberations of an Italian basilica. Katy Perry's portrait was the culmination of her collaboration with artist Will Cotton, who designed the candy-land theme of
Perry's ``California Girls'' music video. Cotton went on to design the album cover and then painted Perry's portrait dressed in a cupcake wrapper and candy tiara. Perry visited the National Portrait Gallery after the painting arrived and took a selfie with her image. ``This to me shows how art is intersecting with celebrity-making in such interesting ways,'' Naeem said. Other artists would try to strip away any notion of celebrity, which also drew the attention of museum curators. Pitt's first painted portrait is being revealed for the first time in the exhibit with a newly acquired large-scale piece by artist Colin Davidson. The two began collaborating in 2012 when Pitt asked Davidson to give him painting lessons. Pitt was drawn to Davidson's style from other portraits. When they agreed that Davidson would paint Pitt's portrait just before the actor's 50th birthday, ``he knew it wasn't going to be the airbrushed, flattering way in which we normally see him,'' Davidson told The Associated Press. Instead, the artist spent time with a jet-lagged Pitt, talking and drawing, trying to catch a raw moment of humanity.
Michelle offers glimpse of workout routine WASHINGTON: Michelle Obama has finally revealed some of her workout secrets. The first lady skips rope, does abdominal crunches with a weighted ball and jumps on and off a bench in a White House video released as part of the fifth anniversary celebration of her ``Let's Move'' initiative against childhood obesity. She also chest presses 35pound dumbbells and kickboxes with a heavy bag in the brief video, which was recorded in the gym in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next door to the White House and blasted out on the first lady's Twitter feed. Mrs. Obama, 51, has been asking the public to use social media to tell her what five things they do to stay healthy.
Celebrities are helping the first lady promote her ``GimmeFive'' challenge and, this week, she began responding on Twitter to challenges from the public to reveal her five favorite workout songs, ways her family stays active and strategies to minimize stress. She said meditation is one stress reducer. The video was Mrs. Obama's answer to President Barack Obama's video of his five healthy things - and his challenge to her to do the same. In his video, the president and Vice President Joe Biden jog along the White House colonnade. The president is also shown jogging up the stairs to Air Force One and holding walking meetings. ``So that's me. What about you? Give me five FLOTUS-style,'' Obama says, using the acronym for ``first lady of the United States.'' -AP
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Northeast disappointed with Modi's China visit
India Post
WASBIR HUSSAIN
P
rime Minister Narendra Modi's high-on-optics China visit may have generated enough signals about the two Asian giants attempting to move beyond the status quo on key fronts, but in Northeast India, the mood after the trip, if anything, has been gloomy. That is because there has been no indication that the concerns of the region - that include China building mega dams on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) or even planning to divert the river, or the issue of people from Northeast India, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, being given stapled visas by China - were raised by India or accepted by the Chinese of their own as matters that need consideration or re-consideration. No wonder, as the three-day visit came to a close, Assam Chief
forward negotiations on the framework for a boundary settlement based on the outcomes and common understanding achieved so far..." If a settlement has to be reached keeping in view the "outcomes and common understanding achieved so far," one must remember the 2005 agreement between the two nations on 'Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the IndiaChina Boundary Question'. Article Seven of this Agreement says: "In reaching a boundary settlement, the two sides shall safeguard due interests of their settled populations in the border areas." If Beijing is to honor this 2005 commitment, China simply cannot or should not lay claim on Arunachal Pradesh that has a settled population along the bor-
File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in China
Minister Tarun Gogoi lamented over Modi not raising the issue of China building dams on the Tsangpo, close to the Indian border as the river enters Arunachal Pradesh. "By not raising the serious issue and putting it on the backburner, the Prime Minister has done grave injustice to Assam and its people," Gogoi said. If Gogoi did some thinking aloud on the issue of dams that can deplete the quantum of water flow on the Brahmaputra, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki expressed "shock" at the "inappropriate response" from New Delhi to a section of the Chinese official media showing a map of India that excluded Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. "Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and we expect a strong stand from the Centre to settle this (border) issue once and for all," Tuki said. There is a very interesting sentence in the joint statement that talks about the two nations reaffirming their commitment to "push
der who have time and again expressed their unflinching allegiance to India as its citizens. The way market forces are beginning to dictate or determine bilateral ties between nations, the border dispute between India and China can remain on the backburner for an indefinite period and there can be business as usual on other matters. But that may not be the case on the issue of waters of shared rivers between the two neighbors. China has already operationalised a unit of the 500 MW Zangmu dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo, 3300 meters above sea level. Besides, Beijing has already cleared the construction of three new dams on the Yarlung Tsangpo. A 640 MW dam, obviously bigger than the Zangmu project, is to come up at Dagu, around 20 km upstream of Zangmu. Two smaller dams are on the cards at Jiacha and Jiexu, also on the middle reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo. China has made it clear it would
'vigorously' push hydropower projects in Tibet in its current Five Year Plan (2011-15) to reduce the energy shortfall in the region. Northeast India aside, China's massive plan to dam the Yarlung Tsangpo has raised serious concerns in other lower riparian states like Bangladesh. Green groups at home are mounting pressure on New Delhi to respond because they fear this would lead to reduction in the water flow on the Brahmaputra and cause other disasters like massive siltation. New Delhi is disadvantaged because of the absence of a water treaty between the two nations. The only agreement that India and China have on the subject is over hydrological data-sharing. Once again, China has made no effort to indicate it was ready to share its plans about building dams on transboundary rivers. The only official mention of the subject during the Modi visit was a reiteration on providing flood-season hydrological data and "assistance in emergency management." The two sides, of course, agreed to further strengthen cooperation through the Expert-Level Mechanism on the provision of floodseason hydrological data and emergency management, and exchange views on other issues of mutual interest. This actually means nothing as Beijing has been less than transparent on what its plans are on rivers that flow out to India, particularly the Yarlung Tsangpo. Yes, New Delhi and Beijing did note the increasingly important role played by Indian states and Chinese provinces in advancing the bilateral relationship. The two sides agreed to establish a State/ Provincial Leaders' Forum and the first meeting of the Forum, attended by Prime Minister Modi and Premier Li Keqiang, was held in Beijing on 15 May. Whether the possible role of states in India's Northeast figured in this Forum is not known, but unless border regions are factored in any confidence-building measures, the desired results may not really be achieved. The writer is Executive Director, CDPS Guwahati, & Visiting Fellow, IPCS
Kejriwal's Jung
D
elhi's set up is quite confusing and the dual power centers can easily get into confrontations whichever may be the party in power. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has raised a ruckus over not being allowed to name his own chief secretary and other such high bureaucrats. The constitution sides with the Center but the man on the street, who voted overwhelmingly in favor of Kejriwal's party, is unable to see why a chief minister cannot name his own chief secretary. Although every political party has campaigned for full statehood for Delhi, when ruling at the Center, it has refused to let go of any of the powers that India's capital demands. And it is not without reason. Delhi is not merely a city. It is an international center, capital of a rising Asian power. The size of Delhi doesn't merit it to be called a state. It is merely a city. If it were not the capital, it would be ruled by, at best, a Mayor. And by virtue of being India's capital, it is a union territory to be administered by the Union through its appointed Lt. Governor.It is by sustained agitations by interested parties that it was granted an assembly and its executive head to be called a chief minister. Earlier the chief functionary used to be called Chief Executive Councilor. Kejriwal has won a temporary victory in the Delhi High Court which has said the Lt Governor must act on the "aid and advice of the council of ministers" and the "mandate of the people must be respected by the Lt Governor in respect of matters which fall within the domain of the legislative assembly". The AAP government was considering challenging the notification of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs which had underlined that the Lt Governor is the "administrative head" of Delhi and "services" are out of the purview of the Delhi government. The power struggle between chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and L-G Najeeb Jung is rooted in Delhi's unique position as a union territory functioning as the Capital, with the state government having no power over several important departments and agencies like law and order and land that function under the lieutenant governor, who reports to the Centre. In this particular case however the Lt Governor putting his foot down and insisting on naming the chief secretary may have been wrong. He could easily have done it in consultation with the chief minister. It was merely a matter of filling in a gap. Frontline Editor R Jagannathan, who calls Kejriwal "Delhi's fulltime Don Quixote and part-time Chief Minister" has come up with an interesting solution to this Center-Delhi fight. He says that full statehood is not possible in the current geography of Delhi, which houses not only Delhi's population, but the offices of the central government and its ministries, key state-level representative offices, and the diplomatic enclaves, among other things. "Delhi can get full statehood only by excluding these areas from the local government's jurisdiction. Kejriwal cannot be given the ability to mess around with the center's jurisdiction - something he is prone to do all the time. "The way out would be to bifurcate Delhi vertically - that is, geographically - to create two states, one run by Kejriwal, which contains all areas that are not of interest to the central government, and another which remains a Union territory run by the home ministry. In the portions to be run by Kejriwal he can get all powers now with the centre, including land and police; in the portions excluded, he should get no say whatsoever. Also, any central office or diplomatic enclave anywhere in the National Capital Region should automatically be seen as the center's jurisdiction. Just as any diplomatic mission is the territory of the country that runs it, any central office in Delhi should be out of bounds for Kejriwal."
May 29, 2015
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