Desi Express Newspaper April 2016

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Mumbai's Dabbawalas team up with KFC to announce the launch 5-in-1 Meal Box. They delivered the box during lunch hour.

A source of protein for the poor and rich alike, just one serving of pulses daily can also contribute to modest weight loss.

“Parenthood is a journey, it exposes your failings, fears, ability to love, hold on and most importantly, to let go.”

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NRIS WITHOUT PAN NOT TO BE SUBJECTED TO HIGHER RATE OF TDS

NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his Budget 2016 speech said that Non-resident Indians (NRIs) without PAN will not be subjected to higher rate of TDS. "Non-residents without PAN are currently subjected to a higher rate of TDS. Budget 2016 proposes to amend section 206AA of the Income-tax Act.

"It is proposed to amend the relevant provision to provide that on furnishing of alternative documents, the higher rate will not apply," the Budget says. FM Jaitley in his Budget speech outlined the nine pillars on the basis of which he hopes to enhance India's economic growth.

From focus on agriculture to tax and financial sector reforms, Jaitley said that Indian economy is resilient amidst the current global economic turmoil. "Global economy is in a serious crisis.

Financial markets have been battered but Indian economy has held its ground firmly."

INDIAN-AMERICAN REGISTERS BIG WIN IN CONGRESSIONAL PRIMARY

WASHINGTON: IndianAmerican Raja Krishnamoorthi, who was an adviser in President Barack Obama's 2008 poll campaign, has registered a big win in the Democratic Congressional primary in the US state of Illinois by defeating the state Senator. Krishnamoorthi's win brightens the chance of yet another person of Indian-origin to

be elected to the US House of Representatives in the November general elections.

Born in New Delhi, 42 year old Krishnamoorthi, an attorney and entrepreneur.

If elected, Krishnamoorthi would join Ami Bera, 51, the only Indian American lawmaker in the current US House of Representatives in the next Congress beginning January next year. Bera is seeking his third-term in the November general elections.

In the Nov 8 general elections, Krishnamoorthi now faces Peter DiCianni of Republican party who ran unopposed during the primary.

AT DINNER WITH OBAMA, MODI URGES GLOBAL UNITY AGAINST TERROR Washington (IANS) As leaders from over 50 nations gathered in Washington to discuss the nuclear terror threat, PM Narendra Modi made a strong call to the world to drop the notion that terrorism is someone else's problem and that "his" terrorist is not "my" terrorist.

Obama, who is hosting the summit to discuss how to prevent terrorists and other non state actors from gaining access to nuclear materials,

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Modi said "Terrorism is globally networked. But, we still act only nationally to counter this threat."

All participating nations will present their national progress reports on steps taken by them to strengthen nuclear security. "First, today's terrorism uses extreme violence as theatre. Second, we are no longer looking for a man in a cave, but we are hunting for a terrorist in a city with a computer or a smart phone.

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Life in Resonance BAPS WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

Sunday, March 13th, 2016 - In physics, resonance is defined by a phenomenon that follows when a powerful, vibrating system causes another system to oscillate with greater amplitude at a specific frequency. In life, resonance is defined by the innate beliefs and timeless principles that drive an individual’s actions as well as his/her physical and mental state of mind. Harmony within mind and body resonate harmony within our surroundings. This year, the tenth annual BAPS Women’s Conference at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn, Georgia provided a renewed approach to more than 600 attendees on balancing three major aspects of one’s life through the theme of “Life in Resonance”: cultural identity, work-life balance, and emotional health. In today’s world, everyone is constantly striving for balance, whether it be at school, work, or at home. While self-help books and online forums can be great sources of inspiration for those seeking this type of balance; open discussions among peers can often have a greater impact in making this a more achievable goal. Dr. Angelina Mehta, a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and Mrs. Kirna Parikh, a retired mother of three, were two of the selected speakers who delivered insightful messages on building pride in one’s identity throughconfidence in one’s intrinsic beliefs and practices. Dr. Mehta shared, “Embracing who I am as a culture and an individual with pride allows me to more openly accept and appreciate everyone else I encounter. By maintaining our culture, and appreciating others' cultures, we are an artistically tasteful society. ” Circling the ever-debatable topic of maintaining a work-life balance, a panel discussion moderated by Mrs. Sweeney Patel, explored various practical methods and solutions, including self-introspection, for our chaotic lives.

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Aries ( 21 March – 19 April ) - It is a particularly energized time for collective awakenings, political uprisings, personal discoveries of amazing innovation and of radical and seemingly overnight lifestyle changes. Potentials, whether they have been building for awhile or whether they show up fresh, can be especially vibrant now. Whatever is created is ultimately up to you, so know this is an exceptional time for you to take a test drive on a new course of action. You can make good progress with health regimes too. The period fires up fresh impetuous.

Favorable Dates : April 1, 8, 10, 19, 17, 28 Favorable Colors : Green & White Taurus ( 20 April – 20 May ) - This month puts the spotlight on family and home concerns, career security, material ambitions and needs, Watch for significant unearthing, surfacing and revelations to create a deep impact.

You could become clued in to something that completely alters your perspective or decisions.

There can be break-through or break-ups, startling news, information leaks etc. There can be a re-visitation or resurfacing of something from your past. It can force an official or legal stand, a significant re-prioritizing.

Favorable Dates : April 2, 7, 11, 16, 25, 29 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Red Gemini ( 21 May – 20 June) - It is not the time to focus on long-range plans, but to give your absolute all to the existing set-up. This month can signal your break-out or break-fee time. Once something launches, look for it to take-off with lightening speed. Work, health, physical appearance and your social life are likely to be on the betterment roster. Pay attention to those intuitive or inspirational flashes as they could lead to something quite significant.

Test the waters on a new way of living within yourself and concentrate on freeing yourself from self-undermining or other bad habits.

Favorable Dates : April 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23 29 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Red Cancer ( 21 June – 22 July) -. A new romance or creative project could fire up quite significantly for you. The period could put you on the move, professionally or personally.

There can be an important, perhaps official event to attend, legal matters or contract negotiations to deal with. An influential person could make a significant appearance too. You could hear long-awaited news or find yourself back in touch with someone you have not heard from in a very long time. Educational, marketing or publishing ventures can be advanced or revamped this time.

Favorable Dates : April 5, 14, 19, 23, 25, 29 Favorable Colors : Blue & Red Leo ( 23 July – 22 August ) - The stars write a new journal entry now. All you have to do is to keep yourself in motion, synchronicity will do the rest. You should find that you instantly gravitate to specific people or potentials and that you’ll know right away whether the fit is a good one for you or not. It’s wise to pull back expectations and to simply concentrate on doing your best with what you have to work in this particular moment. Watch for something unexpected to surface and be prepared to revamp your plans, strategies, or budget.

Favorable Dates : April 2, 9, 11, 18, 20, 27 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Red

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Virgo ( 23 August – 22 September) - It’s time for new might and new fight. Don’t hold back, stay ambitious, and give it your all. You could find yourself facing new options, challenges, or responsibilities, or suddenly find the need to scramble faster in order to bring things up to proper speed. It’s a great time to sign a contract, to make a large investment, or to seek attention and favour from the new person in charge. You should be better able to put focus to specifics and essentials, and find yourself to be less wasteful with resources, money, or time.

Favorable Dates : April 3, 8, 12, 17, 26, 30 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Red

Libra ( 23 September – 22 October) – This month helps you to refine ambitions, wants, regimes and strategies and get better use out of your time too. It will make you more practical, regimented, or humbled. It’s a good placement for those looking for a new job or those working hard at studies, savings or health regimes. This month should help you to gain a better feel for what’s sitting on the horizon, what’s coming down too.

Favorable Dates : April 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 29 Favorable Colors : Blue & White Scorpio ( 23 October – 21 November ) - A consideration, ambition, personal slight, injustice, or cause can send you into over-drive. You’ll attack everything with great enthusiasm or great fight.

You may find yourself on the offense or the defense, but you certainly will not be playing middle of the road. It’s time for you to create a better degree of separation from relationships, selfsabotage, financial folly and from crisis consciousness too. You are at the helm of your own life and it’s up to you to create it better. This can be a pinnacle time for realization and actualization.

Favorable Dates : April 2, 5, 14, 20, 23, 28 Favorable Colors : White & Brown Sagittarius ( 22 November -21 December ) You can surpass a personal or professional milestone and achieve something of great significance to you. A previous goal or someone influential or important to you can factor into the equation. A contract, certified status, official position, or stand could mark the dividing between your past and your future. You may be forced to exert your authority more or take on a more responsible role regarding career, finances, or family matters. Don’t back down from a professional challenge, stretch your ambitions, let it fuel you to new heights.

Favorable Dates : April 3, 5, 16, 19, 22, 29 Favorable Colors : White & Brown Capricorn ( 22 December – 19 January ) Watch for clues and flashes of inspiration and let synchronicity light the way. You are about to discover new resources and capacities that have lived within you unrealized until now. A hot new source of income could be your new green initiative. Expectant parents can look forward to an especially smooth go of things. It’s also a terrific getaway month, especially for lovers and performers. When you meet someone new, you’ll feel like you have known them for lifetimes. Travel, romance, social, promotional activities, contract deals are favored.

Favorable Dates : April 2, 5, 11, 14, 23, 29 Favorable Colors : White & Brown Aquarius ( 20 January – 18 February) - You will want to make the most of this upcoming new cycle and it is important to set the stage now.

Looking to your short-range goals, the facilitating month can bring significant achievement and results. Whether your ambitions center on romance, creative endeavors, issues with children, or vocational or educational aspirations, the planets are set to help you to improve the odds and to make a good thing better yet. There can be a sudden pulling of the plug, but ultimately you stand to gain.

Favorable Dates : April 2, 11, 18, 20, 27, 29 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Green Pisces ( 19 February – 20 March) - Your work, business, or health regimes will benefit from a fresh infusion, so aim to create a freer schedule, scout for new product lines or investments, get more sports minded and try a new approach to your fitness programs. Keep an eye on the horizon, a new stream of prospects, considerations, or avenues are sure to appear as the month advances.

Take the stage or podium, implement new marketing strategies get out there to enjoy a busier social life. If your current circumstance offers freedom.

Favorable Dates ; April 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 22, 28 Favorable Colors : Blue & Brown Manish Kumar Arora K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant Phone: +91-9871062000 E-mail: manishastrologer@rediffmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/manishastroconsultant * All astrological predictions are to be considered friendly advice based on the author’s personal opinions and used for entertainment purposes only. These are not to be considered as promises, guarantees or psychic predictions. They are simply potentials to be used at the reader’s own discretion. For important decisions, consult your personal intuition, doctor, accountant, lawyer, educator, or clergy as needed. It is best to be informed on all levels.

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INDIAN-AMERICAN STUDENT EMPOWERING RURAL YOUTH AS INDIA GOES DIGITAL - "DIGITAL DIVIDE"

THE INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF LOS ANGELES (IFFLA) - NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

brought up in California, she stumbled upon a $35 computer developed by Raspberry Pi the makers of tiny and affordable computers for kids at the Bay Area Maker Faire an exhibition showcasing invention, creativity and resourcefulness in the Silicon Valley.

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) announced its 2016 lineup of narrative and documentary features, short films, and galas for its 14th annual festival.

Opening the festival on April 6th is the U.S. premiere of the ensemble powerhouse ANGRY INDIAN GODDESSES, from filmmaker and four-time IFFLA alum Pan Nalin. Anu Menon’s poignant WAITING, starring Naseeruddin Shah and Kalki Koechlin, closes the festival with its North American premiere on April 10th.

Gala tickets and passes are now available at www.indianfilmfestival.org.

Tickets for individual films will go on

sale on March 18, 2016. The festival is showcase of widely recognized as the premiere groundbreaking Indian cinema globally. IFFLA will run April 6-10 at Arc Light Hollywood in Los Angeles, the festival’s home since its inception.

“India’s independent filmmakers are taking bold risks, defying convention, and responding to injustice in each of these visionary films, and the results are breathtaking,” said Mike Dougherty, Director of Programming. “I’m extremely excited for our Los Angeles audience to experience these films, which have garnered raves from around the world, or are making their world premiere with us.”

New Delhi (IANS) Echoing PM Narendra Modi's call to bridge the "digital divide" in the country, a young Indian-American student has begun on her journey to empower rural youth in learning computer programming technology in a small yet picturesque town in Himachal Pradesh. Through "Pi A La Code" a project that began in 2014 California based Sonia Uppal is helping young talented minds at the Saraswati Niketan Senior Secondary School in a village in Kasauli learn computer programming.

"The experience of using immersive tools to build software that people loved to learn with always excited me and I decided to take computer science to the rural people in India," said Uppal. Born and

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE, BE CRAZY: A FOREIGNER'S MESSAGE TO INDIAN DESIGNERS

Mumbai (IANS) Indian designers can achieve a lot more in the international market if they take craftsmanship to a different level and become a tad bolder and crazier with designs, says Lisa Lang, founder of Germany-based ElektroCouture, a fashion technology house which pioneered bespoke innovative electronic wearable technology for the fashion. "I can see huge potential in Indian designers, but I would like to challenging themselves to be little bold

and crazy. I see designers putting so much energy here, but they can do more. The great thing is you (Indian designers) have substance and infrastructure, so I just want you to go little bit more crazy," said Lang. She is known for bringing creative minds together to create new, innovative products.

a long tradition and design. I can't emphasize enough how important craftsmanship is for me, because we are into high fashion. We hand -stitch pearls as well as micro chips. I think fashion is a very emotional subject and we use emotions to produce designs."

Lang said: "There are a couple of designers I have seen and I am going to sit down with them and talk about the future perspective with. My message to Indian designers is to be bold and be brave. If you want to lead a change, you have to take risks... You have to be brave enough to be different.

Raised in a Franconian craftsman family, she has studied art, new media, and international business management. More than 10 years into her technology and media career, she has lived and worked all around the world, gaining a reputation for being a gamechanger in digital product and media innovation. Lang, who established ElektroCouture in 2014, and is also a mentor to several European hardware start-ups

"In Germany, people are not so bold enough, so I love colors in India and I love big and bold patterns," added Lang, "You have (India has) technology, hoping to associate with Indian designers.

AMAL CLOONEY TO DISCUSS FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN INDIA India is seeing a debate on intolerance and freedom of speech and expression.

New Delhi (IANS) British human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, who is married to Hollywood icon George Clooney, says she is looking forward to her trip to India and is eager to initiate a dialogue on human rights and freedom of expression in the country.

The discussion comes at a time when

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Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, who walked a free man 23 years after his legal problems began over his possessing an assault rifle, will also open up on the 'hard road to freedom' at the two-day conclave, which begins on Thursday here. Amal will be a part of the second day.

The conclave will also feature a number of famous sportspersons, including Abhinav Bindra, MC Mary Kom and Gopichand Pullela, while from the cinema world, famed poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar and his wife, renowned

actor Shabana Azmi, as well as comedian-writer Varun Grover will delve into various issues.

"I hope we could have a healthy debate on the freedom of speech in India since it is well placed for such discussion,” Clooney said insisting free speech is not only a human right but also an essence of being human.

Clooney is a British-Lebanese lawyer, who has fought the case of Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, in his fight against extradition. She is married to popular Hollywood actor George Clooney.

The mere sight of the cost-efficient Pi computers brightened up her mind and she initially thought of taking the Pi device to India to The International School Bangalore (TISB) in Bengaluru where she was studying computer science during the period when her father was transferred to India. She realised that students at her school did not need this basic computer device. But what about students in rural India, she thought, for whom this simple device can become a useful learning tool?

After the initial hiccups, things quickly fell in place for her. Uppal got the necessary permission to teach computer science at Saraswati Niketan Senior Secondary School. With her broken Hindi, she started to teach computers and the basics of Python to Class 10 and 11 students.

Currently, Uppal is focussed on making an e-book compiling the lessons she implemented in her curriculum. She also wants to approach the Himachal Pradesh government start in the state.

News Brief Gautam Narula’s ‘Remain Free’ named INDIEFAB Book of the Year Awards finalist Each year, Foreword Reviews shines a light on a select group of indie publishers, university presses, and self‐published authors whose work stands out from the crowd. In the next three months, a panel of more than 100 volunteer librarians and booksellers will determine the winners in 63 categories based on their experience with readers and patrons.

Shruthilaya celebrates Annual Composers Day at Himdu Temple, Atlanta Shruthilaya Carnatic Music School celebrated the an‐ nual Composers Day event at the Hindu Temple of At‐ lanta. An ensemble was another highlight of the event.

Carnatic vocals by Shruthilaya students collaborated with Sebastian School of Music for western violins along with Indian and western percussion.

Invest in India: Ambassador Arun Singh tells Georgia businesses Ambassador Arun Kumar Singh’s visit to Atlanta was met with enthusiasm and sold‐out public events. Arun Singh is touring cities meeting with local political and business leaders to massage and grow the economic ties between the United States and India.

Jaya Kamlani honored with Bharat Samman and Hind Rattan awards Author and activist Jaya Kamlani received the NRI Institute’s Bharat Samman (Pride of India) award from former Army Chief, General V K Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs and Manu Jagmohan Singh, Secre‐ tary General of NRI Institute

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News Update

MODI GREETED BY INDIANS IN WASHINGTON

‘HISTORY OF YOGA’ SCREENING OF SPELL BOUNDING DOCUMENTARY India Awareness Foundation and Sewa International with other supporting organizations had organized screening of a path defining Yoga film ‘History of Yoga’ researched and produced by Mrs. Deepika Kothari and Mr. Ramji OM from India at Chinmaya Niketan, Norcross, GA on March 25, 2016. Nearly 175 invited guests, Yoga teachers, practitioners and enthusiasts were enchanted and enthralled by the most authentic and lucid history of Yoga enumerated in the documentary.

While welcoming the guests, Mr. Dhiru Shah, President of India Awareness (IAF), emphasized the need to understand the importance of knowing the correct and accurate history of any nation or civilization in planning for the future. He further stated that history is always written by conquerors and not by vanquished and quoted an old adage to support his argument: “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of hunt will always glorify the hunter.” He further stated that mainly the European colonialists and Indologists have distorted the Indian history during the last 300 years which has done a great damage to the psyche of the Indian people and the national as a whole. He quoted George Orwell as to why history gets distorted: “The most effective way to destroy a people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history”. He stated that it therefore important to rewrite the Indian history based on the current findings from archaeological excavations, DNA research, astronomical and carbon dating, satellite imaginary and literary evidences. The film is a priced possession for Yoga lovers, researchers, educational Institutions and a gift item. Highly researched and well interpreted this documentary is a delight to watch, 6000 years in just 98 minutes!! As ongoing education for all faiths, OLLI Emory University agrees to show this outstanding documentary again at ‘Lunch & Learn Program’ on Sept 27th again free! All are welcome. OLLI Emory.edu

Washington (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday was greeted by enthusiastic members of the Indian community in Washington DC where he is to attend the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit.

Modi, who arrived late in the night from Brussels, shook hands and smiled and waved at the Indian community members on way to the White House to attend the security summit where world leaders from over 50 countries are expected to share their assessment of the threat from nuclear weapons and materials.

During his two-day stay in Washington, Modi is scheduled to interact with a number of world leaders, including host President Barack Obama and UK Prime Minister David Cameron. As leaders from over 50 nations gathered in Washington to discuss the nuclear terror threat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong call to the world to drop the notion that terrorism is someone else's problem and that "his" terrorist is not "my"

terrorist. "Terrorism is globally networked. But, we still act only nationally to counter this threat," Modi said at a working dinner hosted by President Barack Obama Thursday night to kick off the two-day Nuclear Security Summit.

"Nuclear security must remain an abiding national priority and all states must completely abide by their international obligations," Modi told the world leaders meeting in the shadow of Brussels and Lahore terror attacks. "Without prevention and prosecution of acts of terrorism, there is no deterrence against nuclear terrorism," he warned lamenting that while "the reach and supply chains of terrorism are global, genuine cooperation between nation states is not".

Obama, who is hosting his fourth and last such summit to discuss how to prevent terrorists and other non state actors from gaining access to nuclear materials, was flanked by Modi to the right and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the left.

Modi, who has come to Washington after attending the India-EU summit in the Belgian capital, said: "Brussels shows us how real and immediate is the threat to nuclear security from terrorism. "Terror has evolved.

Terrorists are using 21st century technology. But our responses are rooted in the past," he said asking the leaders to focus on three contemporary features of terrorism.

"First, today's terrorism uses extreme violence as theatre. Second, we are no longer looking for a man in a cave, but we are hunting for a terrorist in a city with a computer or a smart phone. "And third, state actors working with nuclear traffickers and terrorists present the greatest risk." Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz co-hosted a separate working dinner for the visiting delegations. The first of these biennial nuclear security summits was held in Washington in April 2010 followed

by Seoul in March 2012 and The Hague in March 2014.

INDIAN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TO TWO 17 YEAR OLD HIGH SCHOOL ATTRACT $1 BILLION INVESTMENT: INDIAN-AMERICANS WIN FIRST MILESTONE CAPITAL ADVISORS PLACE IN SCIENCE CONTEST

PAKISTAN WIN OSCAR FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY-SHORT SUBJECT “A GIRL IN THE RIVER”

2012 when Nithin Reddy Tumma received it for cancer research. Two of the $75,000 second prizes, and two of the $35,000 third place prizes this year were also bagged by Indian Diaspora teenagers. Amol Punjabi won the First Place Medal of Distinction for basic research for developing a software that could help drug makers develop new therapies for cancer and heart disease. He is from Massachusetts. Maya Varma smartphone-based lung function analyzer won her the First Place Medal of Distinction for innovation.

Maya Verma used $35 worth of electronics and free design tools to create the device

won the Oscar for her 2012 documentary "Saving Face" where she brought forth the plight of Pakistan's acid attack victims. Her film, "A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness", is about Saba Maqsood, whose only "fault was falling in love". It follows her journey for justice after she survives being shot and thrown in a canal by her family members for marrying a man of her choice. For the 88th Academy Award ceremony, Pakistan's leading fashion label, Sana Safinaz have created a bespoke ensemble for Obaid-Chinoy, complemented by custom jewelry exclusively designed for Sharmeen for the occasion.

SINGAPORE: Residential property in India is expected to receive USD 1 billion investment this year, given its attractive rate of returns averaging at a high of 20-22 per cent per annum, an industry expert said here today.

"Private Equity funds in Indian real estate sector has already raised USD 420 million in the first two months of this year, compared to USD 520

million for the whole of last year," said Rubi Arya, executive vice chairman of the Mumbai based Milestone Capital Advisors Ltd. Investors can look forward to far higher transparency and ease of doing business with developers with the recently passed real estate bill. This has led to a lot of warming up of Non Resident Indians (NRIs) and Foreign Direct Investments towards Indian real estate," she noted. The availability of foreign capital will naturally increase with the government permitting NRI investments into domestic Alternate Investment Funds.

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New York (IANS) Breaking a three-year dry spell for Indian-Americans, two 17 year-old high school students have won the top prize of $150,000 with their medical-related projects in the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search contest, the society for Science and Public (SSP). Although Indian-Americans have formed one of the largest ethnic contingents year after year at the contest and won several prizes, none had won the top prize since

Los Angeles, Feb 29 (IANS) Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy won the Oscar for Best Documentary-Short Subject for her project based on honor killing titled "A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness" at the 88th Academy Award ceremony.

"This is my second Oscar," said Obaid-Chinoy, while receiving the trophy at the gala event taking place at Dolby Theatres, here on Sunday. She has previously

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Take Charge Of Your Inventory Proper management of your inventory is key to your bottom line. To get a handle on what's in your shop, you need to either choose the right inventory software program or decide where to outsource inventory management.

Your inventory is the lifeline of your retail business, and it's vitally important to monitor that lifeline consistently. Your goal is to be well stocked on inventory items that are moving, be on top of hot-selling items that need to be re-ordered, and stay aware of the dead wood, that is, inventory items that are not selling but merely taking up space on your shelves. While a wide range of excellent point of sale (POS) inventory management software products are on the market, the bottom line is that you, as a retailer, need to be on top of your inventory situation.

Computer programs cannot, and should not, make your decisions for you.

There's an art to inventory management that comes with experience and observation.

Remember, software programs are simply tools of the trade. A good retailer analyzes the data from the software and plans ahead.

Looking at an inventory spreadsheet, you should be able to track ongoing sales of each item, find the profit margins, and know how much of an item remains in stock.

While the printout may tell you it’s time to re-order, only you can determine if the item is out of favor with clientele, out of season, or out of date.

Choosing the Right Software Obviously, comparison shopping and recommendations from other retailers are advantages when shopping for inventory management software. Most software today can provide data in many configurations, such as best-selling items, most overstocked or under stocked items, etc. Additionally, many software applications can produce purchase orders and keep send track of orders.

There are other things to consider in a good POS inventory system.

Does the software track inventory by classification and department? Note: This feature can be very helpful to determine where to best display merchandise for optimal sales

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With current economic conditions, the student loan burden may grow even more quickly in the years ahead.

Even as enrollment at state colleges and universities has increased, many states facing budget shortfalls have either cut spending or failed to allocate enough resources to keep pace with the growing student body. Tuition costs have more than doubled, far outpacing the rate of inflation.

At least statistically, a college degree is still a good lifetime investment. But what is the tipping point for students when it comes to taking on debt? The high unemployment rate and competitive job market are compounding the problem. When graduates earn a starting salary of $30,000 on the average, a heavy loan burden forces many to make tough decisions.

Being saddled with such a significant debt burden right out of school may limit the choices for the next generation of students. Achieving such life goals as buying a home, starting a family, or launching a new business, may be postponed until much later in life.

And some young adults may struggle to attain the standard of living they enjoyed growing up.

Ways to Reduce: Cost of College ● Encourage your child to take Advanced Placement courses in high school, earning college credits at no cost to you! If she also takes a class or two at your community college over the summer, your student could graduate from high school with a full year’s worth of college credits that can be transferred to the university of choice. ● Take advantage of any student interest and aptitude testing or research on in-demand career opportunities available at your child’s high school or elsewhere in the community. With a clear path in mind, your child will be more likely to stay on course and finish her degree in four years. ● Discuss with your child the option to spend the first two years at a local community college before transferring to a four-year university.

As parents and grandparents, we certainly want to give our children the best start possible. But meeting our own financial obligations and challenges sometimes means balancing and prioritizing our goals and resources. The best strategy is always to start saving early, albeit circumstances do not always permit us to set aside as much money as we would like. So how do we send our kids to college with-out either selling off their future or compromising our retirement?

College financing experts say, involve students in the college planning process, learn as much as you can about how the system works, and develop strategies and compromises (if necessary) to help them reach their goals. Here are some options to consider that may help your student avoid the college debt conundrum.

● Room and board makes up about a third of college expenses. Talk to your child about living at home and commuting to school to save on costs now, so he can af-ford to move out and live independently after graduation.

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data in order to make all of your numerous inventory decisions knowledgeably? Are you comfortable with such inventory management?

Many retailers learn by trial and error and see huge profits in the end.

Conversely, some retailers prefer to pay for expertise. After all, professionals in inventory management have a background in the field and can use their knowledge and training to make quick and sound decisions based on sales data. An expert can more accurately forecast future trends, find vendors or product lines that will increase your sales profits, and weed out failing product lines. Outsourcing can be a timesaver and ultimately a cost saver if you do not have enough time to handle it.

Can the software track seasonal products?

Is there a manner of tracking of special orders?

Purchases ordered electronically from vendors?

How are returns integrated into the system when items are re-stocked?

5. The bottom line is to ensure that the software suits your needs and is user-friendly.

In-House or Outsourcing A few factors can help you to determine which is best for you. First, the size and diversity of inventory items will affect your decision. If you are not closely familiar with all of the inventory that you carry, then you may have a more difficult time passing that intimate knowledge on to someone else. Next, time will be a factor. Do you have time to analyze the

● Apply strategically to colleges. State universities are not the least expensive option in all cases.

Many private colleges offer generous merit aid for students with strong grades and standardized test scores who pursue specific courses.

Sources: 1) Peter Coy, “Student Loans: Debt for Life,” Business Week, September 6, 2012. 2) “The Next Debt Bubble: College Loans,” New York Post, August 23, 2011. 3) “The Economic Case for Higher Education,” U.S. Department of Treasury and U.S. Department of Education, June 21, 2012. 4) Blake Ellis, “Kids: Live at Home, Get a Job,” CNN Money, August 29, 2012.

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Mumbai Mumbai (IANS) "Tamasha" director Imtiaz Ali feels there is a difference between style and fashion, which people should understand. Imtiaz said he was excited to be present at HT Mumbai's Most Stylish Awards.

Asked what style tips he would like to give youngsters, he said: "I don't know if I am the right guy to give tips on that, but I think style is different than fashion, and people should understand the difference."

Imtiaz has a simple yet distinct style of fashion sense, and is usually spotted in a simple shirt and jeans, and hardly ever in heavy tuxedos or outfits that industry celebrities usually wear.

About the most stylish actor and actress in the industry, he said, "I think Jackie Shroff is the most stylish man in Bollywood. But there are too many stylish actresses, it's hard to name one but I think Smita Patil was very stylish."

Jackie was one of the top actors in the industry in the 1980s and 90s, not just for his performances, but also for his fashion sense, and especially for his dialogue delivery in films and his 'Mumbaiyaa' style of talking where he regularly uses words like 'bhidu'.

And the late Smita Patil was known for her strong performances in non-commercial films of the 1970s the 80s, where she was largely seen in simple outfits.

Imtiaz's last film "Tamasha" starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone released last year. He is currently in talks with Shah Rukh Khan for his upcoming untitled project.

Fashion in films has changed, has become more real: Farhan Akhtar

“While every person has an individual style and may get inspired by a style and incorporate things that you are impressed by, but eventually you have to be comfortable with what you wear".

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Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) Bollywood actor-producer Farhan Akhtar says, there's a change in the fashion code in Bollywood movies as characters have moved towards "real and believable" looks. "I think the biggest change that has happened in fashion in films is that now the characters really don't look like they have made an effort to look a particular way, there was a time when everyone on screen looked like they were made to wear clothes that they necessarily didn't pull out of their own wardrobes that has changed."

"Now when you watch a movie, everyone looks like they belong to the character and even their clothes belong to that character. I think this is a very big change as this has made the experience of watching a movie feel more real and believable. You can say so much more about a person just by the way they dress, hence, costume plays a huge role in the viewing of a film. And yes, it has definitely changed a lot, looking smart without making it seem like you’ve put in an effort is a big trend.”

Vibrant Lahore Lahore: Open and Vibrant Lifestyle in a City that Never Sleeps Lahore (IANS) My fear was palpable as I entered this graceful and cultured Pakistani city that was quite high on my "I cannot ever go there" list because of its projection as a home to violent Islamist fundamentalism. But the moment I stepped in, a lot of misconceptions driven mostly by the media about this country of 200 million people.

The city of monuments, which has a history that stretches even to the times of the epic Ramayana (11th century), is high on food, fashion and fiesta. And as the world goes to sleep, Lahore wakes up with its nightlife.

Across the border, approximately a km from the last Indian point, a wide canal guides your way to the capital of Pakistan's Punjab province. On entering the city in the afternoon, after travelling for about an hour from the Wagah border between India and Pakistan, the hustle and bustle starts and never ends. The markets and roads remain crowded throughout the night. Men and women hang out, and eat out, until late into the night.

Locals say this is quite normal.

There are coffee shops elegantly set up that offer spaces to read, discuss and hang out.

There were boys and girls chatting, laughing and hi-fiving without appearing gender conscious. The Hollywood and Bollywood presence at such places is widespread. The place I was sitting constantly played "Gerua" from the Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer "Dilwale". There were black and white posters of some vintage Hollywood actors adorning the walls.

Apart from the Hindi and the Western cinemas, Pakistani popular film industry, called Lollywood and based in Lahore, also has been instrumental in driving the fashion industry.

Lahore looks glorious because it has retained its past in Mughal architecture, engulfing its peripheries. Lahore fort, Badshahi mosque, and Shalimar Gardens bring the city more charm. A visit to Minar-e-Pakistan, the historic tower on which the Lahore resolution is engraved, completed the trip. The city also has an enchanting orchard along its canal.

The heavenly flora mesmerize one and offer a sight which is surely a treat for the eyes and the heart.

By Ruwa Shah | Photo: Ssuronin/Shutterstock.com

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This season to be beautiful, it’s a great idea to start with things at home. We suggest these ingredients for glowing skin…Argan oil: Women from Morroco swear by this, as it treats wrinkles, burns, acne and even Psoriasis.

Aloe Vera: From drinking aloe vera juice to applying the gel on the face, this plant has medical values. Its calming and restorative properties can heal damaged skin 72 hours faster, say experts.

Baking Soda: Yes, you might think it is harsh, but baking soda can wash your sink, and also whiten your teeth, banish your bad breath & get rid of bad smells.

Coconut Oil: As children, we were all forced to apply coconut oil on our locks. While we cringed over it, now we understand its worth. Coconut oil penetrates in the skin and prevents water loss and replaces lipids that deplete with aging, it’s a double winner.

Green Tea: Several studies have shown that green tea reduces the effects of UV damage, enhances wound healing, and treats acne.

Honey: Before we had creams and gels, there was honey. Years ago, it was used in wound dressing to accelerate healing. It’s no surprise then that science says it helps. Its topical application also demonstrates antibacterial action, and helps prevent scarring.

Olive oil: Already proven to be a powerful antioxidant in food, olive oil may play an exciting role in reducing DNA damage in skin, too.

Vitamin C: Soak your face in orange juice to get the topical benefits of this powerful antioxidant.

Tea Tree Oil: A study found tea tree oil effective in treating pimples, acne and more.

KFC takes over lunch hour with Mumbai's dabbawalas Mumbai (IANS) It was not the same day for Mumbai's dabbawalas when they teamed up with KFC to announce the launch of the latter's all-new 5-in-1 Meal Box. The fast food restaurant worked with dabbawalas to deliver the box during lunch hour. Carrying KFC 5-in-1 Meal boxes for the first time ever, the dabbawalas made their way through the streets of the city to a wide section of influencers, food lovers and media.

The dabbawalas also surprised their existing customers with complimentary 5-in-1 Meal Boxes along with their ordinary meal. The insight was simple people want more in less! Our new offering is the ‘perfect lunch meal’ consumers can opt for and we are thrilled to launch it in association with dabbawalas in Mumbai,” said Lluis Ruiz Ribot, CMO of KFC India.

Mumbai's Dabbawalas daily serve home-cooked food to over 200,000 Mumbaikars, on occasions risking their own lives.

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Bouncing Back After a Rough Patch may Take SOME Time New York (IANS) Bouncing back when someone goes through a rough period in life say a divorce or losing a job, people can struggle considerably and take much longer time to recover back to previous levels of functioning, says a new study. The new research finds that natural resilience may not be as common as once thought and that when confronted with a major life-altering event many people can struggle considerably and for longer periods of time.

"Give the person time to heal" has been the common mantra. This often meant that when these people struggled, they would be left to deal with their situation largely on their own. "We show that contrary to an extensive body of research, when individuals are confronted with major life stressors, such as spousal loss, divorce or unemployment, they are likely to show substantial declines in well-being and these declines can linger for several years," said co-author of the new study Frank Infurna from Arizona State University in the US. "Whereas when we test these assumptions more thoroughly, we find that most individuals are deeply affected and it can take several years for them to recover and get back to previous levels of functioning," Infurna added in the paper published in the journal of Perspectives on Psychological Science.

The team used existing longitudinal data from Germany (the German socioeconomic panel study), which is an on going survey that began in 1984 and annually assesses participants over a wide range of measures.

The previous research postulated that most people, anywhere from 50 to 70 percent, would show a trajectory characterized by no change. "We found that it usually took people much longer, several years, to return to their previous levels of functioning," Infurna said. A finding that means giving a person time alone to deal with the stressor might not be the best approach to getting them back to full functionality, Infurna said.

"It provides some evidence that if most people are affected then interventions certainly should be utilized in terms of helping these individuals in response to these events."

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'CHARITABLE GIVING' PLANNING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE You'll want to include cauliflower as one of the cruciferous vegetables you eat on a regular basis if you want to receive the fantastic health benefits provided by the cruciferous vegetable family. At a minimum, include cruciferous vegetables as part of your diet 2-3 times per week, and make the serving size at least 1-1/2 cups. Even better from a health standpoint, enjoy cauliflower and other vegetables from thecruciferous vegetable group 4-5 times per week, and increase your serving size to 2 cups. As with all vegetables be sure not to overcook cauliflower.

Health Benefits: While cauliflower is not a well-studied cruciferous vegetable from a health standpoint, you will find several dozen studies linking cauliflower-containing diets to cancer prevention.

Detox Support Provided by Cauliflower: The detox support provided by cauliflower includes antioxidant nutrients to boost detoxification activities.

Through planned giving, donors take a more deliberate approach to giving that considers their personal values, select the non-profits and gift-giving methods that best honor those values, and maximize the financial and tax benefits of their gifts. Whether your gift is in the hundreds of dollars or the thousands of dollars, a planned approach to charitable giving can help your donations go farther and make a greater impact.

Cauliflower and Digestive Support: The fiber content of cauliflower over 9 grams in every 100 calories makes this vegetable a great choice for digestive system support.

Other Health Benefits from Cauliflower: The anti-inflammatory nature of glucosinolates/isothiocyanates and other nutrients found in cauliflower has been the basis for new research on inflammation-related health problems and the potential role of cauliflower in their prevention.

Evaluating Charitable Causes Before you donate, take some time to be proactive and intentional about your giving.

To create a charitable giving plan, give some thought to these questions:  What causes are important to you ?  How much involvement do you want to have with the charity?  What are your specific goals for giving?  What changes would you like to affect?  How much do you want to give?  Is max tax benefits an imp consideration?  Would you like to make charitable provisions in your estate?

INGREDIENTS:               

1 large onion chopped finely 1 tsp ginger, minced 1 tsp minced garlic 2 green chillies slit lengthwise 1 bell pepper, finely chopped 3 tomatoes, finely chopped 1 cup vegetables (boiled: green beans, carrots, cauliflower) 1 cup boiled and peeled potatoes 1/2 cup boiled green peas 3 tsp Pav Bhaji Masala 1 tsp red chili powder 1/4 tsp turmeric powder Salt to taste 1/2 tsp lemon juice 2 buns (called Pavs)

Cauliflower's Antioxidant: As an excellent source of vitamin C, and a very good source of manganese, cauliflower provides us with two core conventional antioxidants.

Cauliflower's Anti-inflammatory: As an excellent source of vitamin K, cauliflower provides us with one of the hallmark antiinflammatory nutrients. Vitamin K acts as a direct regulator of our inflammatory response.

PREPARATION 1. Heat oil in a pan. Add onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies and sauté till golden brown.

2. Add boiled vegetables and stir.

3. Stir in the Pav Bhaji Masala, turmeric, tomatoes, capsicum and salt. Add slit green chilies and water and mix it well.

Cook for 4‐5 minutes.

4. Mash the vegetables till they are little pulpy.

5. Add lemon juice and serve with toasted buns or other bread.

Even eating pulses can help you shed a bit of weight Toronto (IANS) A source of protein for the poor and rich alike, just one serving of pulses daily can also contribute to modest weight loss, reveals a study.

According to researchers, consuming 3/4 cup (130 grams) a day of beans, peas, chickpeas or lentils led to a weight loss of 0.34 kgs or 340 grams in over six weeks.

Despite their known health benefits, not many people eat pulses on any given day and most do not eat the full serving. "So there is room for most of us to incorporate dietary pulses in our diet and realize potential weight management benefits," said lead author Russell de Souza from St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. Pulses have a low glycemic index meaning that they are foods that break down slowly and can be used to reduce or displace

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animal protein as well as "bad" fats such as trans-fat in a dish or meal.

The study analysed 940 participants who lost an average of 0.34 kg over six weeks with the addition of a single serving of pulses to the diet -- and without making a particular effort to reduce other foods. The new study fits well with previous work which found that pulses increased the feeling of fullness by 31 percent which may indeed result in less food intake. "Though the weight loss was small, our findings suggest that simply including pulses in your diet may help you lose weight and we think more importantly, prevent you from gaining it back after you lose it," de Souza noted.

Knowing which foods make people feel fuller longer may help them lose weight and keep it off. "So eating more pulses means, being more sustainable and receiving many health benefits," he said.

Reducing Income Taxes If you itemize deductions, your cash gift to a qualified non-profit may entitle you to a charitable contribution deduction on your income taxes. If you’re in the 33% tax bracket, the actual cost of a $100 donation is $67 ($100 less the $33 in tax savings). The real cost of a charitable contribution decreases as the income tax bracket increases, providing the wealthy with the most incentive to donate. There are limits to how much you can deduct, but the limits are very high.

If you contribute to a public charity, your deduction maximum is 50% of your adjusted gross income.

Making a Difference Charities need monetary donations to do their good work, but they also need willing volunteers. Plus, volunteering with an organization is a great way to familiarize yourself with an organization’s programs.

As we approach the season of gratitude, consider giving your time or resources to help your community or a cause that’s close to your heart.

— Akbar Kassam

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London, (IANS) If you have been diagnosed with diabetes for 10 years or even longer than that, don't give up hope as major improvement in blood sugar control is possible! According to a new study, individuals who suffer from diabetes and successfully lose weight through a very low calorie diet, can reverse their condition and remain free of diabetes for the long term.

In addition, even patients who had type 2 diabetes for up to 10 years can also reverse their condition. The findings showed that the fat, which accumulated in their pancreas, gets removed as a result of a low calorie diet and thus leads to the normal production of insulin.

Though the volunteers lost weight they remained overweight or obese but they had lost enough weight to remove the fat out of the pancreas and allow normal insulin production, the researchers pointed out.

The team was also able to identify in advance participants who would not respond to adequate weight loss by reversing their diabetes as at the start they had almost absent insulin production from the pancreas. "This is good news for people who are very motivated to get rid of their diabetes.

But it is too early to regard this as suitable for everyone," Taylor concluded.

"What we have shown is that it is possible to reverse your diabetes, even if you have had the condition for a long time, up to around 10 years," said lead researcher Roy Taylor, professor at Newcastle University in Britain. Individuals vary in how much weight they can carry without it seeming to affect their metabolism. If a person gains more weight than what he or she personally can tolerate, then diabetes is triggered, but if they then lose that amount of weight then they go back to normal.

"The bottom line is that if a person really wants to get rid of their type 2 diabetes, they can lose weight, keep it off and return to normal," Taylor maintained.

For the research, published in the journal Diabetes Care, 30 volunteers having type 2 diabetes for between six months and 23 years embarked on a diet of 600 to 700 calories a day. Participants lost on average 14 kg. Over the next six months they did not regain any weight. Overall 12 patients, who were having diabetes for less than 10 years, reversed their condition.

Six months later they remained diabetes free.

Mindfulness and Well-Being

6:00 am - Wake Up | 6:05 am - Workout | 6:35 am - Get Dressed | 6:45 am Wake up the Kids | 6:50 am - Prepare breakfast | Handle morning tantrums, reminders to take important materials and books to school, reminders about evening activities and so on.

7:30 am Leave for school drop-off 8:00 am. Drop off done! And a big sigh of relief!

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The afternoon routines include activities ranging from piano lessons, Tae Kwon Do lessons, Soccer, Kumon, early childhood education classes, visit to the library, assisting with homework assignments and everything in between.

Cooking, cleaning and laundry are on-going tasks in the midst of these busy days. Other activities such as academic and sports camps, and organizing play dates are always on the horizon, hence on the To-Do list.

The above schedule tells it all. This is a typical day in my life as a mother of two young boys.

This could be a typical day for any parent in today’s fast-paced, highly competitive world. There is a growing concern amongst professionals in the field of education and psychology that the children of today have no space for free, unstructured play time in their day. I am as guilty of not providing this to my children.

Research also shows that the most creative ideas and learning takes place in such unstructured moments in our day. And yet we fail to incorporate quiet and calm relaxing moments in our daily lives. Being busy is becoming a ‘distinctive characteristic’ to have in present times. Every free moment I get, I am planning the next item on my schedule or trying to squeeze in responding to text messages, emails while keeping up with the current news and peeking into the social media sites. Even as we walk into the home, kids are observing their parents are on the phone talking or texting. What message are we conveying to the children? From the perspective of the child, he feels he now has to compete with this device which is stealing his parents away from him.

It is time to slow down. It is time to reconnect and be in-sync with our own mind and bodies; in-sync with our children and their enormous sponge-like minds and tiny bodies. In the race to check off the tasks on our lists we are losing touch with Reality.

Reality with an uppercase “R”. This term can be interpreted in a variety of ways. In my opinion, a simple explanation for this term is the reality of our body, mind and spirit.

At a personal level, recognizing and reprioritizing life goals and values took up half of my lifetime. It is ironical, that there was a time in my life when as an idealistic adolescent I was more aligned with my spirit.

The realization to re-adjust the moral and spiritual compass is just the beginning.

Re-centering and aligning my mind, body and soul has been an uphill challenge.

I can say I am still at the bottom of the mountain summoning up inner resources to undertake the climb. The Eastern world, where we come from, has been the cradle of millennia-old tradition of meditation and mindfulness. A seamless connection between the mind, body and soul has been foundational to many faith traditions. It is only a matter of re-centering ourselves to connect with our deeper inner being.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, a biologist coined the term “mindfulness” in the ’70s and brought it into a medical setting. He “defines it as a state of mind: the act of “paying attention on purpose” to the present moment, with a “non-judgmental” attitude.” Research on mindfulness has been growing and its practice shows improvements in well-being and positive impact on mental and behavioral health. Mindfulness practice improves attention, reduces stress, and results in better emotional regulation and an improved capacity for compassion and empathy.

I would like to leave you, the reader, with this question, what resources can we tap within ourselves and in our traditions to restore our mental and behavioral health and those of our loved ones?

—Shamsha Issani

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TODAY’S MODERN WOMEN HAVE A STRONG SENSE OF IDENTITY New Delhi (IANS) National Awardwinning actress Kangana Ranaut, known for her outspoken and honest views, feels that the modern woman is smart, confident and has a "strong sense of identity".

"The modern woman is smart, confident and independent. She has her own opinions and a strong sense of identity. Today's women know how to express themselves and carry their attitude with unmatched style!" Kangana told reporters here.

"Women are no longer allowing anything to define them, apart from their own selfexpression," she added. "There are no hard and fast rules that I play by. My sensibility is all about boho chic," Kangana said, while adding that modern Indian women are "way more fashion forward and confident in the way they dress. They're experimenting, they're moving forward with styles, they're looking fresher, and edgier styles, but most of all, they're reinventing.

ANUJA SATHE TO PRESENT AWARD AT INDIA-BANGLADESH MATCH

PREITY ZINTA SHARES 'CHOORA' SELFIE POST MARRIAGE Los Angeles (IANS) Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, who married American beau Gene Goodenough last month, shared an image of herself in a 'choora' (red and white bangles, denoting a newly married woman in Hinduism in North India) on social media. The dimpled beauty, who made the announcement on her official social media pages just days after news of her secret wedding here surfaced, held a chat on the microblogging website on Sunday where her fans asked her about the new things which are part and parcel of marriage. The “Salaam Namaste” actress posted a selfie of herself, flashing the "choora" with a smile on her face

Mumbai (IANS) Actress Anuja Sathe, who is currently playing the role of an aspiring cricketer Dharaa in TV show “Tamanna”, will be part of the post-match presentation ceremony of the India-Bangladesh World Twenty-20 match in Bangalore on Wednesday and will give away the Man of the Match award. “Tamanna”, aired on Star Plus, tells the story of a small town girl, Dharaa Solanki who aspires to make it big in the field of cricket. Anuja will get a chance to witness her "idols" Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli.

MY FANS DESERVE TO KNOW WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO ME: HONEY SINGH Dubai (IANS) Popular rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh, who has opened up about his struggle with bipolar disorder and alcoholism, says he disclosed his issues to his fans and well-wishers because they deserve to know the reason behind his absence from showbiz. Asked how he gained courage to speak about his problems to the world, Singh said : “As an artiste, I believe that I am not my own property. I am the property of my fans.

So I thought that they deserve to know about what exactly happened to me.”

“I’LL MEET YOU AGAIN ON THE OTHER SIDE MAA”

PARENTHOOD EXPOSES YOUR FAILINGS: SRK Mumbai (IANS) Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who has three children sons Aryan and AbRam and daughter Suhana says parenthood is a journey that exposes one's “failings” and “fears”. “Parenthood is a journey through someone else’s life into your own.

It exposes your failings, fears, ability to love, hold on and most importantly, to let go,” Shah Rukh posted on Twitter.

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Mumbai (IANS) Actor Rajkummar Rao, whose mother breathed her last on March 11, has penned an emotional tribute to her, saying “I’ll meet you again on the other side”. He wrote on his Facebook page on Saturday: “You are the best mother in this whole world. Thank you for being my mom, my strength, my inspiration and my pride. Thank you for always being there.

Thank you for teaching me everything in life and for always supporting me in everything.

EACH FILM A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE: SIDHARTH Mumbai (IANS), Actor Sidharth Malhotra, who is basking in all the positive response coming his way for “Kapoor & Sons”, says he is still a ‘student’ in showbiz as “each and every film has been a great learning experience” for him. “I have been fortunate enough that different kind of roles are coming my way.

Each and every film has been a great learning experience for me as an actor,” Sidharth said in a statement. Sidharth entered Bollywood with “Student of the Year” in 2012, and since then he has explored various roles like a lover out for vengeance in “Ek Villain”, guy-next-door in “Hasee Toh Phasee” and a boxer in “Brothers”. The latest is family drama “Kapoor & Sons”. Sidharth will be seen next in “Baar Baar Dekho” opposite Katrina Kaif in a love story

SEVEN SINGERS CELEBRATE UNITY Mumbai (IANS) A music video titled 'Deewaren-#IndiaUnites', featuring singers Sukhwinder Singh, Shaan, Kunal Ganjawala, Javed Ali, Suraj Jagan, Ash King and Jonita Gandhi, has been launched with the motive to celebrate unity for the festival of Holi. "There is something about music that can heal you, we fused music and a strong story to drive home the message that we need to stand together and unite in the face of adversity,” said Vinay Jaiswal.

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EMRAAN HASHMI TURNS AUTHOR WITH THE "KISS OF LIFE"

Mumbai, (IANS) Actress Shraddha Kapoor is humbled to find a spot in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, and says it comes as a motivating factor for her to push the envelope. “It has not been easy to reach this level in order to feature in this prestigious list of achievers. I am humbled and motivated to keep pushing myself," Shraddha said in a statement. Shraddha is said to be the only name from Bollywood in the list, which also features names like cricketer Virat Kohli and international actor Liam Hemsworth. The 26-year-old star features in the 2016 magazine issue, and the list features other 3 00 of the top promising young leaders from 10 different sectors. The “Ek Villain” star is listed under the entertainment and sports sector. Back home, the daughter of actor Shakti Kapoor is known for her acting, dancing as well as singing skills. This would mark her second time on a Forbes list. Shraddha has earlier ranked 57th on the 2015 Forbes Indian Celebrity 100 with annual earnings of $1.3 million.

Shraddha Kapoor says “Probably it has a big hand to play in it. In all my films, I have played the common woman. Now coming to think of it, I feel it is the biggest reason why audiences have connected with the past three films I have done. In ABCD 2, I come from Nallasopara, so I am a middle-class woman.

I am the common man’s heroine (laughs).

Maybe that identification factor makes people come to the theatre to watch my films.

On the film front, she is now prepping for “Rock On 2” and “Baaghi”.

Fan RELEASE DATE: APRIL 15, 2016 STARRING: SHAH RUKH KHAN, WALUSCHA DE SOUSA, SHRIYA PILGAONKAR Mumbai (IANS) From panning the camera to the life of a celebrity to splashing shades of darkness with a focus on a fan's obsession the trailer of Shah Rukh Khan's “Fan” didn't just turn out to be a treat for the superstar's real life fans, but also left stars of the tinsel town spellbound. From Salman Khan, Karan Johar to Varun Dhawan, members of the film fraternity raved about the film, calling it 'FAN'tastic, and saying that they can't wait for the film to hit the screens. The film will bring forward a story about a fan's obsession towards a star, and how the admiration turns into a negative thing.

DESI EXPRESS NEWSPAPER

New Delhi, (IANS) Actor Emraan Hashmi, who has penned his struggle around his son Ayan's cancer treatment in a book titled “The Kiss of Life: How A Superhero and My Son Defeated Cancer” will launch the cover. The cover image will be picked on the basis of votes received from his fans online.

Currently filming the fourth installment of "Raaz", Emraan shared a video on Facebook urging his fans to vote for the best cover image.

Actor Emraan Hashmi, who has penned his struggle and hardship around his son Ayan's cancer treatment in a book, has now added a superhero touch to it by titling it “The Kiss of Life: How A Superhero and My Son Defeated Cancer”.

The actor announced the title via Twitter, and thanked the publisher of the book, which is co-authored by Bilal Siddiqi. “So happy to announce the title of my book... 'The Kiss of Life: How A Superhero and My Son Defeated Cancer'. Emraan tweeted. The book will be published by Penguin Books India in three languages. He added: “Book will release in English, Hindi and Marathi... Will update you all on the release dates soon”. The actor, known for films like “Murder” and “The Dirty Picture”, had last year shared that with his son battling cancer, “the last two years have been the most trying phase of my life.

Through it I have found two of my greatest teachers. Cancer and my son”.

Reliving the time from Ayaan’s diagnosis to treatment to leading a cancer-free life, has been a learning experience for Emraan. “Before I started writing I knew it was hellish for me to relive those 10 months.

But at the same time it proved to be so therapeutic. I had to bring out details, so often I would write about something then think about it deeply and come back with more details after a few days. Sometimes you don’t talk about certain things that you go though, but reliving it can give you a closure. I think that’s what happened with me.”

Excerpt: Akshay’s Foreword: “When I heard of Ayaan’s diagnosis, I felt as if I had been punched in the stomach. I remember I was driving at that time. I pulled over, found Emraan’s number and called him immediately because I know what it’s like to have someone you love deeply fall prey to this disease.”

Baaghi

Love Games

RELEASE DATE: APRIL 29, 2016 STARRING: TIGER SHROFF, SHRADDHA KAPOOR, SUDHEER BABU Mumbai (IANS) Actors Shraddha Kapoor and Tiger Shroff sport a grunge rebel look as they exude a fierce attitude in a poster of upcoming film "Baaghi". Tiger, who is seen flaunting his toned abs in the poster, captioned the image on Twitter: "Abhi toh humne start kiya hai! (We have just started!) Presenting the 'Baaghi' poster." Sporting a rugged attitude, Shraddha, who can be seen sitting on a chair wearing a pair of grey jeans and an orange ganji, shared the same caption for the poster. Baaghi" marks the second film for Tiger, who is the son of actor Jackie Shroff.

RELEASE DATE: APRIL 01, 2016 PATRALEKHA, TARA ALISHA BERRY, GAURAV ARORA, RUKHSAR REHMAN Mumbai (IANS) Actress Patralekha, who debuted in Bollywood as a devoted wife and doting mother in "CityLights", was appreciated for her performance in the film. However, she says many offers that came her way post its release, weren't to her liking. The actress will now feature in Vikram Bhatt's "Love Games". she will be seen in a bold avatar, something different from what she played in her debut film. "As an actor, what I am doing now is exactly opposite to what I did in 'CityLights', so it was very challenging for me. My character in 'Love Games' is very different and not relatable, so I had to work a lot on it," she said.

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