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Ajit Doval

Doval meets Trump's NSAdesignate Details on page 5

Trump thanks Indian Americans Details on page 5

VOL 22, No. 1160

December 23, 2016

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OPPN DEFENDING THE DISHONEST: PM

KANPUR: Stepping up attack on Opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has alleged that Parliament was not allowed to function as rival parties were trying to defend the dishonest and were running away from a debate on issues like graft and simultaneous polls to Lok Sabha and assemblies. He also hailed the efforts of the Election Commission to get rid of black money from electoral system and said the BJP welcomes it. Addressing BJP's 'parivartan rally' here, he also said

that some politicians had tried to "provoke" people standing in ATM queues, but their designs did not succeed as the common man was patient and understood that larger interest of the country was at stake. "Our agenda is to fight for a country free of corruption and black money. But their agenda is to close (disrupt) Parliament...I am puzzled," Modi said, days after the Winter session ended in a washout due to the standoff over demonetization. Details on page 5

FBI named witness in Pathankot case

Dr Munish Raizada

NRI to start Satyagraha on AAP funding Details on page 17

Indian appointed to nuclear trade advisory panel Details on page 13

Swaraj recovers after kidney transplant Details on page 6

Kareena-Saif blessed with baby boy

Details on page 6

India seal 4-0 win over England

Details on page 6

CONTENTS Details on page 10

Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 52

INDIA POST SURVEY

Community Post -------------- 16-25

survey@indiapost.com

Edit Page --------------------------- 54

This week’s question

HealthScience Post --------- 44-47

Date Book -------------------------- 39

Horoscope ------------------------- 26

Indian sports performances are improving?

Immigration Post ------------- 34-39 Life Style ----------------------- 30-33

Last week’s result

Philosophy ------------------------- 53

Has Modi’s demonetization exercise been successful? YES 63%

NO 37%

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4

SPORTING GLORY: Indian Junior hockey players celebrate winning the trophy after their victory over Belgium in the final Junior World Cup Hockey 2016 in Lucknow on December 18. (Details on page 8)

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Real Estate -------------------- 50-51 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-15 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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ow that the Electoral College has formally sealed the election in favor of Donald Trump, I think we should call an end to Election 2016 and get on with preparing for life in Trump land. Actually, I am living in nervous anticipation, like how one feels before the big fireworks - hoping they don't fizzle out, or worse, set the neighborhood on fire. Mulling on elections in general, it's boggling to see how often people tend to back political leaders of redoubtable repute and willingly put them in positions of tremendous power. It takes a typical kind of human nature to be a politician. To understate it, politicians tend to be self-aggrandizing; and even if some do have intentions to serve the society, it is never above or beyond their partisan ideology. It takes a rather perceptible thickness of skin to carry what has come to be called during this election cycle as "the temperament". But that temperament is what really makes me wary of career politicians, especially the ones that profess lofty rhetoric shrouded in the shady cloak of vacuous vocabulary. Which then leads me to confess a long-held desire to see a successful businessman or a corporate chief executive to run the country. On hindsight, I think I should have been a little more specific on who, because that wish fulfilment seems to have come with a rider to be prepared for an extremely bumpy ride. It's bizarre to see so many people question the mental faculties of the Presidentto-be. Recently, some academic psychiatrics have asked President Obama to get a full medical evaluation of Trump conducted. "… (Trump's) widely reported symptoms of mental instability - including grandiosity, impulsivity, hypersensitivity to slights or criticism, and an apparent inability to distinguish between fantasy and reality - lead us to question his fitness for the immense responsibilities of the office," they wrote. But, for the millions of new-found Trump fans in the country those very traits seem to be endearing. What's wrong with a little insanity, at least he's not a politician. And in his promised land we'll all have jobs, and well, the right to say "Merry Christmas".

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Hindi-Chini bye bye Beautiful Chinese actress Zhu Zhu has left after shooting for her Bollywood debut movie 'Tubelight' with Salman Khan

Cover Story: Defending the dishonest Modi has alleged that rival parties are trying to defend the dishonest on issues like graft and simultaneous polls

Community: Incredible potential Incredible India conference in Chicago is told of the tremendous potential of India's 'Tourism & Hospitality Sector'

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Immigration: Trump warned The business community is beginning to press the president-elect to abandon campaign-trail pledges of mass deportation

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Oppn defending the dishonest: PM KANPUR: Stepping up attack on Opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has alleged that Parliament was not allowed to function as rival parties were trying to defend the dishonest and were running away from a debate

politicians had tried to "provoke" people standing in ATM queues, but their designs did not succeed as the common man was patient and understood that larger interest of the country was at stake. "Our agenda is to fight for a

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

on issues like graft and simultaneous polls to Lok Sabha and assemblies. He also hailed the efforts of the Election Commission to get rid of black money from electoral system and said the BJP welcomes it. Addressing BJP's 'parivartan rally' here, he also said that some

country free of corruption and black money. But their agenda is to close (disrupt) Parliament...I am puzzled," Modi said, days after the Winter session ended in a washout due to the standoff over demonetization. He said he had given a suggestion at an all-party meeting

convened before the Winter session of Parliament that a debate should be held on simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies and donations to political parties. "But Parliament was not allowed to function for a month as the opposition parties were not interested in a discussion on the two issues," the Prime Minister said. He said "earlier, the opposition would disrupt Parliament as they wanted to expose the corrupt and bring out scams. But this time, Parliament was disrupted as opposition wanted to defend the dishonest and hence were running away from debate." Singling out Congress, he said its leaders have often claimed that late Rajiv Gandhi brought computer and mobile phone to the common man in India. "But now when I say mobile phone can be used as a bank, they say the poor people do not have cell phone...they said people do not have bank accounts. Now they claim poor went to the bank, but there was no money...they are spreading lies," the Prime Minis-

Trump thanks Indian-Americans for role in 'triumph' WASHINGTON: US President- Indian-Americans and Hindus in elect Donald Trump has acknowl- his historic electoral victory. edged the contribution of Indian"Where are they? We have a Americans in his electoral tri- big group. There they are. I want umph, saying his victorious cam- to thank you. You folks were amazpaign did "great with the Hin- ing. They were amazing and voted dus". and they were fantastic," Trump "We have a lot of people here tonight from the Indian c o m m u n i t y, Hindus. We did great with the Hindus," Trump said while addressing thousands of his supporters during a "Thank You" rally in Orlando, Florida, the key battle ground state where he emerged victoDonald Trump's 'Thank You' Rally In Orlando, Florida rious. The event in Florida, which has a sizeable said, pointing his fingers to the Indian-American population, was Indian-American community attended by a large number of present at the rally. community members. This is for Fortnight before the elections, the first time that Trump has ac- Trump attended a charity event knowledged the contribution of organized by Republican Hindu

Coalition to raise funds for Hindu victims of terror in Kashmir and Bangladesh. This was for the first time a presidential candidate attended an Indian-American event. In his address, Trump pledged to work for betterment of India-US relationship and said he would be the best friend of India in the White House. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his economic reforms and steps that he has taken to remove bureaucratic red tape. After Trump's address, his family members visited temples in both Florida and Virginia; a first time for a presidential campaign. The Trump Campaign also released an advertisement in which he was seen saying "Aab Ki Baar Trump Sarkar", copying Modi's historic 2014 election punchline. Republican Hindu Coalition chairman Shalabh Salli Kumar said all this had an impact on voting pattern of Indian- Americans, who traditionally have been a strong Democratic supporters. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 8

ter said. He said Congress has always shied away from being accountable to the people and recalled a saying about then AICC Treasurer Sitaram Kesri to drive home the point. "Na khata, na bahi, jo Kesri kahe wahi sahi (neither accounts nor ledgers, only thing that matters is what is said by Kesri)," he said. Modi told the gathering that

scourge of black money. Attacking the Akhilesh Yadav government of Uttar Pradesh, Modi alleged that "goons are troubling the people openly as they have the blessings of those in power in the state". He hoped that people of the sate will "vote for change" in the assembly polls due early next year. The Prime Minister asked people to spread the word that government is beginning a lucky

The Prime Minister asked people to spread the word that government is beginning a lucky draw scheme for people using cards and E-wallets for purchases and merchants accepting digital payments the decision to demonetize Rs 1000 and Rs 500 currency notes has shown that there are two sides in the country - one consisting of a "handful" of people who have been defending those who exploit the middle class and snatch the right of the poor and the other comprising those who are fighting corruption and the

draw scheme for people using cards and E-wallets for purchases and merchants accepting digital payments. He said only those who buy anything between Rs 50 and Rs 3000 will be eligible for the draw as it is meant to encourage the common man and not the rich. PTI

Doval meets Trump's NSA-designate WASHINGTON: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has met President-elect Donald Trump's NSA-designate Gen (rtd) Michael Flynn here during which the two leaders are believed to have discussed a wide range of regional

Michael Flynn

and global strategic issues while exploring ways to further Indo-US ties. During the conversation, Flynn is believed to have expressed his "high respect" for India's growth in modern times and for its leadership, Indian embassy sources said. It is understood that Flynn spoke to Doval over phone a few days ago, during which he invited Doval to come to the US for a meeting. The first meeting between the two, which is believed to have lasted for over an hour, was an opportunity for them to exchange notes and views on global issues, and how to further strengthen India-US "co-operation and engagement in the months and years to come," embassy sources said. Flynn also expressed his "optimism" about India-US engagement as the two leaders reviewed the entire relationship including strategic and economic aspects. -PTI

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FBI named witness in Pathankot chargesheet NEW DELHI: Six protected persons, a jailed terrorist and officials of Federal Bureau of Investigation and US Department of Justice figure as witnesses in the charge sheet filed by NIA in the January 2 Pathankot air base attack. The NIA, which named Jaishe-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar and three others as accused, submitted scientific,

Abdul Rahman Mogul, a resident of Polas village of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir's Poonch district. These two witnesses had helped in identifying voices and a couple of bodies of the Jaish-eMohammed terrorists who had carried out attack at the strategic IAF base in which seven personnel were killed and 37 others injured.

Besides Azhar, the NIA has named his brother Mufti Abdul Rauf Asgar and two handlers of four terrorists - Kashif Jaan and Shahid Latif in the chargesheet. There is no mention of Superintendent of Police Salwinder Singh oral and technical evidences before the special NIA court at Panchkula in Chandigarh. Among the list of witnesses is Mohammed Sadeek alias Muviya, a resident of Ghalotiakalan in Pakistan's Sialkot district and

NIA has submitted statement of six witnesses in a sealed cover before the court and prayed before the court that the names of these people should be kept secret under section 44(3) of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and

'Process to extradite Masood Azhar soon' NEW DELHI: The process of extradition of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar, his brother and two others will begin soon with the filing of a charge sheet by the NIA in connection with terror attack at Pathankot

Maulana Masood Azhar

airbase, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has said. "A total of eight people were involved in the terror attack at Pathankot. Four are dead and four are alive and living in Pakistan. Since the charge sheet has been filed, the process of extraditing them from Pakistan will begin with the issuance of Interpol Red Corner Notice," he told reporters here. Rijiju termed the filing of the

charge sheet at the NIA court at Panchkula as a "huge breakthrough". The Minister of State for Home said since Pakistan is "incorrigible", India has to put pressure on the neighboring country to extradite the four persons living in Pakistan on the basis of the evidence gathered by the NIA. "Pakistan is already under pressure. The world knows that these two brothers are living in Pakistan and doing all kinds of terror acts," he said. NIA has filed a charge sheet against Pakistanbased Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar, his brother and two others for hatching the conspiracy of the January two audacious terror strike that left seven personnel dead and 37 others injured. The charge sheet was filed in the NIA court at Panchkula in which all the four have been slapped with charges under Indian Penal Code, Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. -PTI

Section 17 of National Investigation Agency Act (Protection of witnesses). The list of witnesses also names a Special Agent of FBI and an official of US Department of Justice who had executed the Indian request sent under Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty for getting the details from Facebook and other websites on which Jaish had uploaded an audio file claiming responsibility for the attack. Besides Azhar, the NIA has named his brother Mufti Abdul Rauf Asgar and two handlers of four terrorists - Kashif Jaan and Shahid Latif in the chargesheet. There is no mention of Superintendent of Police Salwinder Singh, his cook Madan Gopal and his jeweller friend Rajesh Verma in the list of witnesses. Their vehicle was hijacked by four terrorists. While Singh and Gopal were released in a jungle, the terrorists had slit the throat of Verma, who managed to get immediate medical aid after the four terrorists abandoned him. -PTI

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ladakh needs all-weather connectivityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

NEW DELHI: Army Chief-designate Lt Gen Bipin Rawat and NorthernArmy Commander Lt Gen DAnbu have underlined the need for a "special focus" to achieve an all-weather connectivity to the strategic Ladakh region, which borders China. The Ladakh region, which has high significance from strategic considerations, remains cut-off for almost half of the year throughout the winter season from the rest of India. This happens due to intensive snow fall, avalanche and icing at passes viz Zozila on Srinagar Kargil Leh road and Rohtang, Baralacha La, Lachung La and Tanglang La on Manali Sarchu Upshi Leh road. "It, therefore, needs a special focus and network of tunnels to have an all weather connectivity," a statement by the army quoted them as saying at a one-day workshop organized by the Ministry of Defense on tunneling in North & North Eastern Region on December 17 here. Defense Secretary G Mohan Kumar highlighted that infrastructure development in North and North-Eastern part of the country has always been a matter of challenge due to adverse climatic conditions, fragile and young geology and remote location.-PTI

Swaraj recovers after kidney transplant NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has thanked the team of doctors, nurses and paramedics of AIIMS involved in her kidney transplant and subsequent recovery, saying the hospital lived up to its reputation. Swaraj said she has recovered with the blessings of Lord Krishna even as she thanked everyone who wished and prayed for her. Hours after she was discharged from AIIMS, the minister posted a series of tweets and said she has started looking at official papers, but added doctors have advised her not to receive visitors. "I am grateful to the dedicated team of doctors, senior residents, sisters, technicians and staff of AIIMS. They have lived up to the reputation of AIIMS," Swaraj tweeted. Swaraj was discharged from the AIIMS in the evening, 10 days after she underwent a kidney transplant. She particularly thanked Dr Mukut Minj who led the team

which had carried out her kidney transplant. "Dr. Mukut Minz - Thank you very much for my surgery Dr Minz. I am proud India has a Surgeon of your eminence in kidney transplant surgery.

Sushma Swaraj

"I am back from AIIMS after the surgery. I am seeing the necessary official papers. However, I am not allowed to receive visitors," she said in a series of tweets. Doctors decided to discharge her after all her latest biochemical tests were found normal including kidney function. "Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes," she said, adding "Lord Krishna's blessings made this possible". -PTI

Kareena-Saif blessed with baby boy MUMBAI: Bollywood couple Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan have been blessed with a baby boy. "We are very pleased to share with you all the wonderful news about the birth of our son: Taimur Ali Khan Pataudi, on the 20th of December 2016. "We would like to thank the media for the understanding and support they have given us over the last 9 months, and of course especially our fans and well wishers for their continued affection," Saif and Kareena said in a statement. According to sources,

Kareena delivered the baby in the morning at the Breach Candy Hospital, in south Mumbai and is reported to be in

good health. While it is the first child for the 36-year-old actress, Saif already has two kids Sara and Ibrahim with ex wife Amrita Singh. -PTI

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India win Junior Hockey World Cup after 15 yrs LUCKNOW: India has created history by winning the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup after a gap of 15 long years with a clinical 2-1 victory against Belgium in the final, here. The hosts scored two beautifully crafted field goals in the first half through Gurjant Singh (8th minute) and Simranjeet Singh (22nd) while controlling the proceedings for better part of the game to emerge as deserving winners. The team coached by Harendra Singh in association with senior team's chief coach Roelant Oltmans accomplished what the 'Class of 2001' comprising some of the best of their times like Gagan Ajit Singh, Yugraj Singh achieved then. Having finished a lowly 10th in the last edition of the tournament in New Delhi, it was a mission for the hosts to rewrite history and the hosts duly achieved that riding on its brilliant performance in the 11th edition of the event. It turned out to be a historic day for India as they reclaimed the title for the second time in the history of the tournament. India had last won the tournament way back in 2001 in Hobart. It was also the first time that a host nation had won the tournament since its inception. Cheered by a vociferous home crowd, the Indians produced a clinical performance a "perfect game" which the team's coaching staff was eying for in order to revive the fortunes of the game in a nation, which has boasted of a rich

hockey tradition. Belgium scored a late consolation goal through Fabrice van Bockrijck's penalty corner conversion in the 70th minute. With the title in sight, the Indians went on the offensive from the word go and put the Belgian

through Gurjant's fantastic field strike. The goal was set up by a brilliant scoop from Sumit from the deep which ricocheted from the Belgian goalkeeper's chest guard on to Gurjant's sticks and the lanky striker pounced on the op-

Indian Junior hockey players celebrate with the winning trophy after their victory over Belgium in the final Junior World Cup Hockey 2016 in Lucknow on December 18

defense under tremendous pressure with continuous raids. India's relentless pressure on the opposition striking circle earned them two penalty corners in the opening six minutes but as has been the case in the tournament so far, the hosts wasted both the opportunities. But it didn't take India too long to surge ahead as they drew the first blood in the eighth minute

portunity and unleashed a fierce reverse hit from a tight angle to beat Loic van Doren all ends up. A minute later Nilkanta Sharma came tantalizingly close to hand India a two-goal advantage but his shot from top of the circle went just wide. The Indians kept up the pressure and doubled their lead in the 22nd minute through Simranjeet's reverse shot from top of the circle

Pakistan resumes screening Indian movies LAHORE: Cinemas in Pakistan have begun screening Indian movies, over two months after film exhibitors and theatre owners suspended it amidst Indo-Pak tensions following the Uri terror attack and cross-border firing incidents. 'Freaky Ali', a romantic comedy of Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Arbaaz Khan and Amy Jackson, which was released in September, is the first film being screened in the Pakistani cinemas after the film exhibitors and cinema owners lifted the self-imposed suspension on Indian movies' screening. Theatre owners are currently screening those Indian movies which are already released and the decision regarding new films will be taken later as a lot of people are involved in the process of importing a film, Centaurus Marketing and Call Centre Supervisor Anil Altaf said. The Pakistan Film Exhibitors

after he was fed by a measured pass from Nilkanta. Stunned by India's aggression with a partisan crowd to contend with, Belgium went for goals and in the process secured their first penalty corner in the 30th minute but the opportunity went waste

and Distributors Association, which includes most owners of cineplexes, multiplexes and single screen cinemas in the country, had announced to "temporarily" stop screening Indian films soon after tensions escalated following the Uri terror attack and cross border

association decided to lift suspension with the consent of other exhibitors and film stakeholders. "A couple of months ago we had stopped screening of Indian movies in reaction to a ban on Pakistani artistes in India by Indian Motion Picture Producers

'Freaky Ali', a romantic comedy of Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Arbaaz Khan and Amy Jackson, which was released in September, is the first film being screened in the Pakistani cinemas after the ban firing incidents in late September. The exhibitors and cinema owners had taken the decision voluntarily after the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA) announced a ban on Pakistani artistes and technicians working in India. Film Exhibitors Association Chairman Zoraiz Lashari said the

Association. We showed our reaction to India. Now it is time to see other ground realities as well," Lashari said. Cinema owners across Pakistan have suffered about Rs 150 million loss and some 100 employees lost their jobs since the nonscreening of Indian movies, he said.-PTI

as the hosts went into breather with a comfortable 2-0 lead. Earlier in the day, six-time champions and title holders Germany

had to contend themselves with the bronze medal after outclassing Australia 3-0 in the third-fourth place play-off match. India continued in the same vein after the change of ends and secured their third penalty corner in the 48th minute but skipper Harjeet Singh failed to stop the injection but recovered enough to take a shot which was saved Belgium goalkeeper van Doren. The hosts kept up the pressure on the Belgian defense and in the 60th minute an unmarked Gurjant came close to registering his second goal of the match from an open chance but his march was stopped by an onrushing Belgian custodian van Doren who did enough to get his stick on the ball to avert the danger. Penalty corner conversion has been India's only bane in the tournament and it continued to be so as the hosts wasted two more back-to-back set pieces in the final 10 minutes of the game. With nothing to lose, Belgium gave their all in the final few minutes and managed to secure two consecutive penalty corners just 20 seconds from the final hooter, the second of which was converted by Van Bockrijck to give the something to cheer about for the Red Cougars.-PTI

Trump thanks IndianAmericans for 'triumph' Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 5

Based on a survey, Kumar said more than 60 per cent of the community members voted for Trump this time. In his address, Trump asked people to dream big. "Dream big and bold and daring. I am asking you to believe in yourself and asking you to believe in America. Together we will make America great again," he said. Trump reiterated his plan of extreme vetting of refugee, asylum and visa applicants seeking to enter the US from regions where terrorists have strongholds. He said his administration will suspend immigration from some regions where applicants "cannot be safely processed or vetted" due to a lack of government records. Pledging to keep Islamic terrorists "the hell out of our country", Trump said the attack on Pulse Nightclub in Orlando was the worst mass shooting in American history and the deadliest assault on the LGBTQ community in

American history. "We have seen Islamic terror attacks from Paris to Belgium to San Bernardino. One after other, again and again. We are going to stop it. Let me state this as clearly as I can: I am going to keep radical Islamic terrorists the hell out of our country," Trump said. Trump also thanked the large Cuban community in Florida. "America will also stand with the Cuban people in their long struggle for freedom. And I want to appreciate I tell you what, their support has been unbelievable," he said. "The Cuban people we know what we have to do and we will do it so do not worry about it. The numbers the numbers have been incredible. "In fact, they gave me just prior to the election, the Bay of Pigs award and, that was a great honor for me," Trump said, referring to the endorsement he received from Miami- based veterans who fought in the Bay of Pigs invasion in October, the first such endorsement from the group in its more than 50-year history. -PTI

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Modi unveils initiatives for skill development KANPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid here the foundation of the first 'Indian Institute of Skills' in the country and inaugurated an exhibition on developing skills for the youth of Uttar Pradesh. Modi launched an array of skill development initiatives for the country's youth, including Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs) and Drivers' Training Institutes.

Prime Minister during his visit to Singapore's Institute of Technical Education. "Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, headed by Rajiv Pratap Rudy, in partnership with the Institute of Technical Education, Singapore decided to open an institute first ever of its kind in the country. The institute is inspired by the Singapore model of training and would adopt various best practices from the coun-

"There are only 23,000 private companies that are engaged in apprenticeship across the country. It is MSDE's Endeavour to encourage state Government support and ensure engagement with more corporates on apprenticeship trainings A strategic partnership was also forged with various industries that will train and employ approximate 4 lakh youth over the next 3 years. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has plans to open one PMKK in each district of the country to create growth opportunities for the youth locally. The Prime Minister announced launching of 31 PMKKs. The Indian Institute of Skills had been conceptualized by the

try," an official statement said. The ministry has decided to have six such institutes all across the country. Modi also inaugurated a Kaushal Pradarshini (skill exhibition) for the youth of Uttar Pradesh. The exhibition showcases state-of-the-art vocational training practices across different sectors, and will be open for public here from December 19-22. "Prime Minister had shown concern about the training of drivers so to achieve his dream Min-

istry has decided to open up 100 Driver Training Institutes all across India soon. NSDC has signed a MoU with OLA cabs. OLA cabs need 1 lakh drivers and we will ensure we provide trained drivers," the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship said. The Prime Minister had announced "National Apprentice Promotion Scheme" in the state where the state Government has a major role in its successful implementation. "There are only 23,000 private companies that are engaged in apprenticeship across the country. It is MSDE's Endeavour to encourage state Government support and ensure engagement with more corporates on apprenticeship trainings. "This is one direct way of bridging the gap between the potential employee and the employer and has models under Apprenticeship training has benefited economies of many countries. The financial year target for 2016-17 is to ensure enrolment of 5 lakh apprentices at least across the country," the statement said. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras are iconic state-of-theart skill development centers with modern infrastructure to facilitate skill trainings in the country.-PTI

Dhanoa transformed IAF's air operations NEW DELHI: It was the air force chief designate Air Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa who developed the country's aerial targeting philosophy against potential adversaries and transformed the concepts of air operations of the Indian Air Force to contemporary war fighting practices. Announcing that Air Marshal Dhanoa will be the new chief, two days after his appointment was made public by the government, the IAF in a statement said he has mainly flown the Kiran and MiG-21 aircraft and has flying experience across the entire spectrum of fighter aircraft from the Jaguar to the state-of-theart MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI. The IAF statement said the officer has an immaculate record of flight safety throughout his distinguished career as a field commander. Dhanoa, who will be the 25th chief of the IAF since Independence, was commissioned in the

IAF in June 1978 as a fighter pilot. The Air Marshal has many feathers in his hat. As Commanding Officer of a front line ground attack fighter squadron, he led the IAF punch during the "Limited

Air Marshal BS Dhanoa

War" against Pakistan to evict the enemy from their "dug in" defenses in the icy heights of Kargil region. During the conflict, under his leadership and supervision, the squadron devised unique and in-

novative methods of bombing in the night at altitudes never before attempted in the history of air warfare, the IAF said. While prior to the war, the squadron, for its high degree of professionalism and peace time training had been adjudged as the best fighter squadron of western Air Command, post the conflict it emerged as the most decorated IAF unit of Kargil War. The Air Marshal himself was awarded Vayu Sena Medal for his exceptional devotion to duty prior to the war and the coveted Yudh Seva Medal post war for his outstanding bravery and leadership during the conflict, both in the year 1999. His command tenure of a Forward (Fighter) Base Support Unit was equally illustrious with the base being adjudged as the best in maintenance despite being an FBSU and was runner-up for the Pride of SWAC Trophy.-PTI

Rs 2,000 cr package for POJK refugees NEW DELHI: A Rs 2,000-crore development package, approved by the central government recently, will be applicable to the displaced people of Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and not to those from West Pakistan. The central assistance of Rs 2,000 crore would be given to

Jammu and Kashmir. A series of relief and rehabilitation packages have been extended by the Governments of India and Jammu and Kashmir from time to time to mitigate the hardship of displaced persons from POJK and Chhamb and to rehabilitate them, an official said. PTI had on November 30 inad-

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) refugees shouting slogans during a protest for their various demands in Jammu on December 20

36,384 displaced families from POJK and Chhamb following an announcement of Prime Minister's Development Package for Jammu and Kashmir in November, 2015, according to the Union Cabinet decision on November 30. In the aftermath of partition of the country in 1947, thousands of families from Pakistan occupied areas of Jammu and Kashmir migrated to Jammu and Kashmir. Subsequently, during Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 and 1971, a large number of families were displaced from Chhamb Niabat area of

vertently reported that refugees from West Pakistan, mostly from PoK, settled in different areas of Jammu, Kathua and Rajouri districts will receive the package. The POJK refugees are bonafide state subjects of Jammu and Kashmir as they originally belonged to Jammu and Kashmir and migrated only from one side of the state to the other. Since POJK refugees are state subjects of Jammu and Kashmir, they are eligible to cast their votes to Lok Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and local body elections. -PTI

UN told of terror from outside Afghanistan UNITED NATIONS: In a clear reference to Pakistan providing safe havens to terror groups, India has told the UN that the international community needs to urgently address the backing outfits like the Haqqani Network, LeT and JeM draw from their "shadowy supporters" outside Afghanistan. "Experience, as well as academic research, provides ample support for the assertion that conflicts in which foreign assistance is available to shadowy entities that fight legitimate state authorities tend to

be more severe and last longer than other types of conflict," India's Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin said in a Security Council session on the situation in Afghanistan. Without naming Pakistan, Akbaruddin said sustainable peace in Afghanistan is contingent upon terror groups and individuals being denied safe havens in the country's neighborhood and the international community must address the issue of the support that terror outfits like the Taliban and al-Qaeda get from their supporters outside Afghanistan.-PTI

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India seal 4-0 win over England; Jadeja takes 7 CHENNAI: India pulled the curtains down on England's winter of discontent in the manner befitting their dominance as the hosts clinched the five-match series 4-0 with an innings and 75run victory in the fifth and final cricket Test here. Spinner Ravindra Jadeja was the hero of the day as he returned exceptional figures of 7/48 to spell doom for England. Jadeja's effort deserves special mention as he shone on a pitch where there were no demons. However, triple-centurion Karun Nair walked away with the Man of the Match award for his unbeaten 303-run knock that set the tone for the victory. In the process of winning their ninth match of the year to stretch an unbeaten run to 18, the hosts wrote and rewrote a plethora of records, including notching up

Indian cricketers celebrating after the fall of the tenth wicket in Chennai on December 20

their biggest-ever series victory over England. Their previous best was the 30 verdict under Mohammed Azharuddin's captaincy in 199293.

From 192 for four, the scoreline suddenly read 200 for eight, with plenty of overs left for Indian bowlers to wrap up the tail. It soon became 207 for nine as the inevitable dawned on England and the end came when the last line of defense. Jake Ball, was foxed by Jadeja for a three-ball duck. Celebration erupted in the stands at the M A Chidambaram Stadium, and the Indian players also broke into wild celebrations following the team's fifth successive Test series win since September last year. The win also made it India's longest unbeaten run in

Having made a sedate start to the day, England made a hash of it after tea as they lost their last six wickets for a mere 15 runs. England were staring down the barrel at 200 for eight, with Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja returned with career-best figures of 7 for 48

doing the bulk of damage in an exceptional display of slow bowling on a pitch that was one of the flattest in recent times. The left-arm spinner, who also pulled off a brilliant catch earlier in the day, triggered the English slide when he lured Moeen Ali into playing a casual shot after the tea break.

Test cricket, surpassing the previous best of 17 wins between 1986-87. In front of the plenty of heads bobbing in the stands, the Indian players went on a lap of honor. A pall of gloom, however, descended on the English camp, while the Indians' joy knew no bounds. -PTI

PM hails Karun Nair for triple century NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed Karun Nair for scoring triple century in cricket test match against England. "Congratulations on the historic triple century @karun126! We all are delighted & proud of your remarkable feat," Modi tweeted. 25-year-old Karun scored 303 not out, becoming the second Indian batsman after the legendary Virender Sehwag (twice) to hit a triple hundred in Test match cricket. -PTI

December 23, 2016

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Tech News Max Life-HDFC Life fresh merger plan KOLKATA: In the wake of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India's (IRDA) reservation about the deal structure in the proposed merger of Max Life Insurance Company with HDFC Life, a new structure is likely to be submitted soon, IRDA officials said. "They (Max Life and HDFC Life) will submit a new revised structure of merger deal after we expressed reservations on the structure they had submitted," IRDA officials told PTI declining to be quoted. IRDA expressed concerns about the deal structure since the last stage of the merger was between a holding company and a life insurance company. An application was filed on September 21, 2016, by Max Life and HDFC Life, seeking in-principle approval of IRDA for the above-mentioned scheme. Max Financial Services Ltd last month had informed BSE, "IRDAI has expressed reservations to accept the scheme of amalgamation in its current form. The Company believes that the scheme of arrangement as submitted to the IRDAI is in compliance with all applicable laws and proposes to represent and clarify the matter to IRDAI."-PTI

RBI pumps in Rs 5.5 lakh cr in markets NEW DELHI: The Reserve Bank of India has pumped in INR 5.50 lakh crore in new currency so far and more currency will be infused in the system as soon as possible, a top finance ministry official said. "So far 5.5 lakh crore fresh currency notes have been infused in the market, because old notes of worth INR 5.50 lakh crore have come back to RBI," Department of Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das said. In the last five weeks, the situation has improved everywhere, he told a news channel. The Economic Affairs Secretary said the Finance Ministry has held meeting with NABARD to identify daily cash requirement of 360 District Co-operative Banks. "We have identified daily cash requirement of 360 District Cooperative Banks with NABARD officials. NABARD has given us list of daily cash requirement of each district cooperative bank and we have sent that list to RBI," Das said.-PTI

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December 23, 2016

'Maharashtra leads in foreign investments' NAGPUR: Maharashtra has bagged a big portion of the Foreign Direct Investments that have come to the country in first six months of the current financial year, a state minister has said. Of the total investments of Rs 1,44,674 crore that have come into the country in April-September period this year, the state has got investments worth Rs 68,409 crore, Industries Minister Subhash Desai said. "The state has achieved a percentage value of 84.5 in terms of ease of doing business. It has gone up substantially from 49.5 per cent and is expected to rise up to 90 pc in near future," Desai said, while releasing the data, here recently.-PTI

Budget to focus on higher spending to boost economy: Jaitley MUMBAI: Finance Minister of India Arun Jaitley has said infrastructure investment needs a booster and his next Budget in February will focus on encouraging more public as well as private spending to boost economic growth. Speaking at ET Now awards, he said India aspires to become a developed economy from a developing economy and a 7- 7.5 per cent GDP growth does not satisfy its requirements. "Therefore spending more and now" is the focus, he said adding infrastructure spending "certainly needs a booster." The Finance Minister said there is a long-term potential of more resources getting into the system and that is going to be the top priority. "Therefore, the areas where we were lacking, whether in terms of encouraging investment of the private sector and so on, I think these are going to be the areas where budget should concentrate on," he said. The government is likely to advance the date of budget presentation for 2017-18 to February 1 next year as against the usual date of February 28. On the impact of demonetization on the economy, Jaitley admitted that "altering this normal is extremely disruptive" but "in the long run you will have a higher GDP, a higher revenue and probably far cleaner economy and far cleaner public life." He further said it was "a courageous decision to withdraw 86 per cent of the paper currency, replace it and then say that replacement will now be substantially and significantly in digital." Regretting that a small section of people was trying to take advantage of the situation, Jaitley said, "This Indian normal where recovery of taxes is terrorism and non-payment is a way of life...has to change. With this new normal that is being created, if we succeed in doing, India would be a happier place." On the controversy relating to tax scrutiny of political parties,

Jaitley said, "This is a complete media creation" and pointed out that no changes have been made in the law in that regard. "Has a single change made in the last two months or so or in the last two-and-a-half years with re-

... obviously law will step in." Referring to the issues relating to roll out of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Jaitley said that some political parties were trying to delay its implementation but it cannot be postponed beyond

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

gard to taxation of political parties? The answer is "No". "Nothing has been done, whatever was the existing system which has been existed for the last 15 years is continuing and if somebody creates a political party for the purposes channelizing funds

September 2017. "I am conscious of that fact that the current political attitude of some political parties is to delay the implementation of GST but the Constitutional mandate is very clear," he said, adding the old taxation regime can continue for one

year from the date of notification which was September 16, 2016. "Nobody has the luxury of time to be in the position to pressurize if not blackmail and say it will be deferred. The Constitution today mandates that the GIST has to come in place before September 16, 2017 and states who do not do it will lose the right to collect taxes." Observing that all issues except the one relating to division of assesses between the Centre and states have been sorted out, Jaitley hoped that states would resolve that issue also. "It's more a turf issue...At least one state has suggested that which translated into simple language means, the 93 per cent of total assessment should be done in the states. "India is a union of states. Federalism does not mean that union becomes so weak that its ability to hold federal India itself is weakened...I am sure on this one issue, we will rise above and resolve this issue," he said. The GST Council will once again attempt to resolve the issue of cross empowerment at its next meeting on December 22-23. -PTI

Trump bid to make up with Silicon Valley

Trump had a meeting with some of the biggest tech titans in Silicon Valley. (L-R) Amazonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief Jeff Bezos, Larry Page of Alphabet, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, Vice President elect Mike Pence, President-elect Donald Trump, Peter Thiel, co-founder and former CEO of PayPal, Tim Cook of Apple and Safra Catz of Oracle

NEW YORK: US Presidentelect Donald Trump has sought to smooth over frictions with Silicon Valley's most powerful execu-

tives including Microsoft's Indian-American CEO Satya Nadella seeking their support for his push to "spark innovation

and create more jobs" in world's biggest economy. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 14

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December 23, 2016

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Indian appointed to nuclear PepsiCo chief Nooyi joins Trump team trade advisory panel WASHINGTON: A noted Indian-American expert on India-US civil nuclear deal has been re-appointed to the Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee of the US

"Maintaining US leadership in the nuclear industry is critical to our country's economic vitality and to global efforts to combat climate change," Pritzker said.

Vijay Sazawal

Department of Commerce. Vijay Sazawal's appointment to Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee (CINTAC) was announced by US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker along with 38 other members.

"The Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee is a valuable mechanism for private sector representatives to contribute to policy discussions and work with government leaders to create the conditions that will strengthen US

competitiveness in this sector," Pritzker said in a statement. Sazawal is the only IndianAmerican in the advisory committee. Born, raised and schooled in Srinagar, Sazawal came to the US in 1970 to pursue his doctoral degree in Structural Mechanics at Michigan Tech. He received a distinguished alumina award from the university in 2015. After completing his doctoral degree, Sazawal joined Westinghouse Electric Corporation in the Advanced Reactors Division as part of the design and technology team working on the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Project. His tenure at Westinghouse lasted 20 years during which time he rose through successive management positions with responsibility for fast reactors, advanced terrestrial and space reactors, nuclear defense programs, and US government programs to promote safety upgrades of Russian-built reactors in Central and Eastern Europe. Vijay is also a founding member of the Indo-American Kashmir Forum (IAKF) and in the past has been its president. -PTI

More stashes of new currency seized NEW DELHI: In continued post-demonetization crackdown on black money, stashes of new notes have been seized in several states, including Rs 1.05 crore from a tea seller-turned-financier in Gujarat and nearly Rs 90 lakh in Andhra Pradesh. Rs 12 lakh were seized by police from three alleged drug smugglers in Punjab while Rs 18 lakh in

These included new currency of Rs 1.05 crore, bullion worth Rs 1.49 crore, gold jewellery valued at Rs 4.92 crore, other ornaments worth Rs 1.39 crore and silver ingots priced at Rs 1.28 crore. "The total value of the assets seized from the financier, who earlier worked as a 'chaiwala', is Rs 10.50 crore," I-T sources said. They said of his bank lockers

Rs 12 lakh were seized by police from three alleged drug smugglers in Punjab while Rs 18 lakh in new currency notes were recovered from Sector 57 in Noida on the outskirts of national capital and three men arrested new currency notes were recovered from Sector 57 in Noida on the outskirts of national capital and three men arrested by a team of Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad and Income Tax Department. The Income Tax department seized alleged unaccounted assets worth Rs 10.50 crore from a former tea seller after raids were conducted against him in Surat.

have been opened till now, and there are four more. The department seized Rs 66 lakh cash, all in new Rs 2000 notes, in Hyderabad. The first incident was reported at the Telugu Academy in Himayatnagar on December 16 when an I-T team intercepted few people who ran into a nearby apartment on seeing the team. "Search of the apartment led to

recovery of Rs 36 lakh cash, all in Rs 2000 denomination. Sources of the cash are being probed into," IT sources said. In the second incident in the same city on December 17, department investigators along with police intercepted a speeding Honda Activa in the Tank Bund area. "Cash of Rs 30 lakh in Rs 2000 denomination was found with two persons. The case is being probed," they said. More seizured were made in Andhra Pradesh as nine persons were detained in Duppada village in Vizianagaram while trying to exchange notes. "Cash worth Rs 18.7 lakh, most of it in new Rs 2,000 denomination and rest in Rs 100 notes, was recovered from them after police raided a house near Palanuru at Duppada junction," said I Town Circle Inspector P. Sobhan Babu. A senior official of Excise and Prohibition Department was allegedly found in possession of assets worth about Rs five crore and Rs seven lakh in Rs 2,000 notes were also seized from him, Anti-Corruption Bureau sources said today.-PTI

WASHINGTON: Indian-American PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi has joined Donald Trump's Strategic and Policy Forum that aims to assist the president-elect in implementing his economic agenda, the presidential transition team said. Chennai-born Nooyi, 61, is the only Indian-origin executive in the 19-member President's Strategic and Policy Forum, which was first announced early this week. Three new members were also announced in addition to the current 16. The other corporate bigwigs to join the forum are Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, and SpaceX and Tesla chairman Elon Musk. The forum, composed of some of America's most highly respected and successful business leaders, will meet with the president frequently to share their specific experience and knowledge as the president implements his economic agenda, a media release said adding the forum will be chaired by Stephen A Schwarzman, chairman, CEO, and cofounder of Blackstone. "America has the most innovative and vibrant companies in the world, and the pioneering CEOs joining this forum are at the top of their fields," Trump said. "My administration is going to work together with the private sector to improve the business climate and make it attractive for firms to create new jobs across the United States from Silicon Valley to the heartland," he said. According to the presidential transition team, members of the forum will be charged with providing their individual views to the president informed by their unique vantage points in the private sector on how government policy impacts economic growth, job creation and productivity. "The forum is designed to provide direct input to the president from many of the best and brightest in the business world in a frank,

non-bureaucratic and non-partisan manner," the media release said. As chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, Nooyi heads a company that has more than USD 63 billion in annual net revenue, and more than USD 35 billion in the US alone. PepsiCo is the largest US food and beverage company with about 110,000 employees and 100 plants across the country. During the general election, Nooyi was a known supporter of Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Indra Nooyi

After Trump's victory she said that Clinton's defeat in the election has left her daughters, gay workers, employees and nonwhites devastated as there was "serious concern" among them about their safety in the US with Trump as president. "I had to answer a lot of questions from my daughters, from our employees. They were all in mourning. Our employees were all crying. The question that they are asking, especially those who are not white - 'Are we safe', women are asking 'Are we safe', LGBT people are asking 'Are we safe'," she said at a New York conference on November 10. At the same time she congratulated Trump on his victory. "The process of democracy happened, we just have to let life go on. We have to come together and life has to go on," she said. PTI

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Political parties liable to I-T query: FinMin NEW DELHI: Clearing the air on tax exemption with regard to depositing old notes by political parties, India's Finance Ministry has categorically said they do not enjoy "any immunity" and are liable to be questioned like anyone else by the tax authorities. Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia clarified that political parties can not accept old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes as donations as both these bills have ceased to be legal tenders. "All reports on the alleged privilege to political parties are false & misleading. Political parties have not been granted any exemption or privilege, post demonetization & introduction of Taxation Amendment Act, 2016," he said in a series of tweets.

"Post demonetization, no political party can accept donations in INR 500 and INR 1,000 notes since they were rendered illegal tenders.

change in its provision. "This is a provision of law which is more than 35 years old and no change is made in that

The exemption from Income-tax is given to only registered political parties subject to certain conditions, which are mentioned in Section 13A of I-T Act, which includes keeping and maintaining books of accounts and other documents If there is any discrepancy, political parties are as liable to be questioned by IT authorities as is anyone else. They enjoy no immunity," he added. He said that income and donations of political parties fall in the purview of Sec 13A of the Income Tax Act 1961 and there is no

now," Adhia said. Earlier the Central Board of Direct Taxes said that there are enough provisions in the Income Tax Act to scrutinize the accounts of political parties even though their income is tax exempt. Donations to registered political parties are exempt from income

Axis Bank chief embarrassed, upset NEW DELHI: "Embarrassed and upset" over the conduct of a handful of employees bringing the organization into disrepute, Axis Bank MD and CEO Shikha Sharma has said the bank has hired KPMG to conduct a forensic audit for enhanced due diligence and building more safeguards. Assuring that the fundamentals of the bank is on a "solid footing', Sharma said in a letter to Axis Bank customers that the

taken the toughest action against such employees and we will do so in every case of divergence from our Code of Conduct. "I regret that the misdeeds of a few people have eroded the hard work of 55,000+ employees, who have been at the front end beyond working hours, displaying extraordinary patience and commitment to their responsibilities," she said in the letter. The Income Tax Department had last week conducted a raid at

Axis Bank MD and CEO Shikha Sharma

bank is tracking sudden surge in account activity and have 'proactively identified potentially suspicious accounts". "The recent media reports around the conduct of a few of our employees have left me embarrassed and upset. We have fallen short of your expectations because a handful of people did not follow our fully compliant and robust processes. We have

an Axis Bank branch in Noida and unearthed Rs 60 crore from the accounts of 20 shell companies. Sharma said the bank has proactively identified suspicious accounts and has given inputs to regulatory authorities for further investigation. "I would like to reassure you that the bank has always been committed to the highest standards of operational control and

continues to fully cooperate with the authorities. We have been tracking sudden surges in account activity and have proactively identified potentially suspicious accounts. "This proactive identification has been one of the inputs in investigation by the regulatory authorities, who are visiting some of our branches to seek out information. Further, we have hired KPMG to conduct a forensic audit for enhanced due diligence and building more safeguards," she said. Thanking customers for the support and understanding since the demonetization initiative, Sharma said it has been a challenging time and the bank has tried its "level best" to make it easier for customers. "We have made every effort to ease the transition by making special arrangements for senior citizens and differently abled people at our branches, using micro-ATMs to deliver cash to BSF personnel, ensuring salary disbursement to government and corporate employees across the length and breadth of our country," Sharma wrote. "I assure you that the fundamentals of the bank, built painstakingly over the last 22 years, focused on serving its retail and corporate customers are on a solid footing... We will always safeguard your interests because your trust matters the most. I look forward to your continued confidence in making us a safe, strong bank that is always focused on you," she said in the letter. -PTI

tax subject to certain conditions including audit of accounts and all donations above INR 20,000 taken in tax, it said. Clarifying on reports that it cannot scrutinize tax returns of political parties, CBDT said: "There are enough provisions in the Income Tax Act to scrutinize the accounts of the political parties and these political parties are also subject to other provisions of Income -tax including filing of return." The exemption from Income-tax is given to only registered political parties subject to certain conditions, which are mentioned in Section 13A of I-T Act, which includes keeping and maintaining

books of accounts and other documents as would enable the Assessing Officer to deduce its income therefrom "In respect of each voluntary contribution in excess of INR 20,000, the political party will have to maintain a record of such contributions along with the name and address of such person who has made such contribution," the CBDT said in a statement. Further, the accounts of each political party are to be audited by a Chartered Accountant. Besides, political parties have to submit a report to the Election Commission about the donations received within the time-frame prescribed. -PTI

Trump bid to make up with Silicon Valley Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 12

have massive problems. But we are going to solve those problems," Trump said. In addition to Nadella, other leaders who attended the meeting were Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Safra Catz of Oracle, Tim Cook of Apple, Alex Karp of Palantir, Brian Krzanich of Intel, Elon Musk from Tesla, Larry Page and Eric Schmidt of Alphabet - parent company of Google, Chuck Robbins of Cisco, Ginni Rometty of IBM and Sheryl Sandberg from Facebook. During the Tech Summit, Trump

"I am here to help you folks do well," Trump told the group of Silicon Valley CEOs at the Trump Towers here, in the first high-profile summit with technology leaders with whom he was at odds throughout his campaign. The purpose of the meeting was to begin a conversation and partnership "in order to spark innovation and create more jobs" in the US, particularly for working Americans, the transition team said in a readout. During the meeting, which his spokesman said was one of the se- Trump expressed an open ries of such interactions, mind and willingness to Trump expressed an open mind and willing- listen, which was greatly ness to listen, which received by the industry was greatly received by the industry leaders in leaders in attendance attendance. "There is nobody like you in the world. There is no- and the CEOs discussed a wide body like the people in this room range of issues including creating and anything we can do to help more jobs for Americans, eliminatthis go along, we will be there for ing barriers preventing US comyou and you will call my people, panies from doing business outyou will call me, it does not make side, America's competitive trade any difference, we have no formal dynamic and market access with chain of command around here," China, cutting taxes, repatriation Trump said. of American profits kept overseas He told the CEOs to reach out by prohibitive tax rates, improvto him anytime they want. ing physical and digital infrastruc"We are gonna do fair trade tures, and protecting intellectual deals and make it a lot easier for property rights among others. you to trade across borders beThey also discussed improving cause of a lot of restrictions, a lot US' cybersecurity, updating govof problems and if you have any ernment software systems, techideas on that that would be, that nology in schools, the need for would be great because there are greater vocational education opa lot of border restrictions and a portunities, reducing bureaucracy lot of border problems, you prob- and introducing greater accountably have less of a problem than ability in the government procuresome companies. Some companies ment process. -PTI

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New Year challenge for job seekers, pay hikes NEW DELHI: After a challenging year amid global headwinds and cash-crunch back home, the job market is heading for yet another gloomy year with employers already on 'wait and watch' mode and pay hikes indicating a weak trend, say experts. As per month-on-month analy-

did well initially. However, the recent demonetization move has had a drastic impact on the sales and currently we are seeing a slack in hiring there as well for the next 2 years," said Joseph Devasia, Managing Director of global executive recruitment firm Antal International India.

sis, hiring saw lower growth this year as compared to 2015, and actual salary increase was lower than the projected figures of 20 per cent on the higher side, and above 10 per cent on average. The Centre's demonetization move and the election of Donald Trump as US President are the two factors likely to impact certain sectors in the New Year. "Consumer driven sectors like ecommerce, FMCG/CD and retail

The hiring outlook for India got a significant blow post- demonetization and segments like real estate, construction, infrastructure and high-end automobiles will be impacted in the longer term, experts said. They believe however, that although demonetization seems like a dampener as of now, it will eventually benefit the country and its youth by creating more formal jobs like never before.

"A bold move which is definitely pro formal jobs. Such moves also build confidence of external investors to set up shop and contribute to the economy," staffing services firm TeamLease CoFounder EVP Rituparna Chakraborty said. Moreover, sectors like fin-tech, digital payments and banks would be positively impacted by this move and would exponentially multiply their hiring projections. According to Willis Towers Watson, going ahead, only 31 per cent companies are positive about their hiring outlook in the next 12 months and employees are likely to see a single digit salary increase for the first time since 2011. "In 2016 salaries were projected to rise by 10.8 per cent, but in reality rose just by 10 per cent. If that pattern continues in 2017, Indian employees could see a single digit salary increase for the first time since 2011," Sambhav Rakyan, Data Services Practice leader, Asia Pacific at Willis Towers Watson said. According to global recruitment tendering platform MyHiringClub.com, though a majority of companies are giving increments this year across professions, the percentage increase is not very attractive and average increment will be just 9 per cent. PTI

HDFC Securities suspends employee CHANDIGARH: HDFC Securities said it has suspended its employee after he was arrested by the Chandigarh police for alleged involvement in unauthorized exchange of banned currency notes. The company in a statement said that one of its employees posted at Mohali was arrested in Chandigarh for his alleged involvement in unauthorized money exchange. "The employee has been put under suspension under immediate effect pending investigation. HDFC Securities is extending its full cooperation and support to the authorities as they conduct their investigation," said a spokesman in a release issued here. The employee was accused of exchanging the demonetized currency of city-based cloth merchant by charging hefty commission. The Enforcement Directorate had raided the house of cloth merchant here on December 13 and

had seized Rs 2.19 crore of cash, including 17.74 lakh in Rs 2,000 denomination and Rs 12,500 in Rs 500 denomination. After the arrest of cloth merchant, the police apprehended the employee for allegedly exchanging the money. "We emphasize that the company has a zero-tolerance policy for any staff misconduct or deviation from its clearly defined processes," said the release.

HDFC Securities is a brokerage firm and a subsidiary of HDFC Bank. On December 3, private sector lender HDFC Bank had sacked its four employees, including a branch manager, posted here, for allegedly indulging in "unauthorized" exchange of demonetized notes with new currency. -PTI

EC wants law changed on Railways seek ideas on coach design contribution to parties NEW DELHI: The railways has sought from the public innovative ideas to increase passenger-carrying capacity of coaches, ensure easy accessibility to trains from low-level platforms and develop new digital capabilities at stations. It has announced cash rewards for best innovative ideas on various aspects, including new design of wagons for efficient loading and transportation of new commodities. A campaign has been launched by the railways seeking innovative ideas from all citizens/sections of the country to improve working of the public transporter, said a senior Railway Ministry official. Almost every citizen of the country has personal experience with the railways, thus it is hoped that they will participate in this campaign with full zeal and zest. In order to encourage people's participation in the contest, the railways has offered total six prizes worth Rs 12 lakh. The railways has categorized five challenges that

are aimed at promoting innovation in the country by focusing on specific problems being faced by the public transporter.

generation is very innovative and technology savvy and the coming time will be completely digital. Thus, the railways can benefit a

Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu had announced in his budget that a campaign would be launched in this regard. The official said that today's

lot if innovative ideas are sought from all citizens and the chosen ones are implemented. The campaign will be a kind of brainstorming for all.-PTI

NEW DELHI: Seeking to check the use of blackmoney and money laundering in politics, the Election Commission has recommended that the government amend laws to allow exemption from tax only to parties that win seats in elections and ban anonymous contributions of Rs 2000 and above to parties. Section 13A of the Income-tax Act, 1961 confers tax exemption to political parties for income from house property, income by way of voluntary contributions, income from capital gains and income from other sources. Only income under the head 'salaries and income from business or profession' are chargeable to tax in the hands of political parties in India. The Commission has now proposed that exemption of Income Tax should only be extended to political parties that contest elections and win seats in Lok Sabha or assembly polls.

The Commission said, "There could be cases where political parties could be formed merely for availing of provisions of income tax exemption if the facility, that are at the expense of the public exchequer, is provided to all political parties." There is also no constitutional or statutory prohibition on receipt of anonymous donations by political parties. But there is an "indirect partial ban" on anonymous donations through the requirement of declaration of donations under section 29C of The Representation of the People Act, 1951. But, such declarations are mandated only for contributions above Rs 20,000. As per the proposed amendment, sent by the Commission to the government, and made part of its compendium on proposed electoral reforms, "anonymous contributions above or equal to the amount of Rs two thousand should be prohibited".-PTI

Desi News NJ Leadership Fellowships for South Asian youth NEELA PANDYA

JERSEY CITY, NJ: The New Jersey Leadership Program (NJLP) has announced the opening of its application for the NJLP 2017 Summer Fellowship Program. The Program aims to expose South Asian youth in New Jersey to local government and politics. This is a six-week program in which students of South Asian descent ranging from middle school through college will be placed in a full time internship with their local Mayor's office, State legislator or the Governor's office. In addition to the internship, fellows also take part in a leadership component which includes a weekly speakership series, networking events, career development workshops and field trips. Details on page 19

Tamil Sangam honors Dr Karthik Ram PRAKASH SWAMY

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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BAPS organizes local bone marrow drive

December 23, 2016

Incredible India conference promotes 'Tourism & Hospitality Sector' SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Indian Consulate in Chicago in partnership with Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce organized a seminar on "Incredible India- Tourism and Hospitality" at the Consulate premises on December 14. The event was attended by about 90 business persons, hoteliers, entrepreneurs, members of various chambers of commerce of US Midwest, officials of IIT School of Business, Managers of different airlines, travel agents and media persons. The event was addressed by Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India, Chicago, Bharat Patel, Chairman & CEO, Sun Companies, Guljit Singh, Chairman, SKP International and Mr. Nakul Chand, Manager Midwest, Air India. In his keynote address the Consul General mentioned about India's growth story and its emergence as the world's fastest growing major economy with GDP growth rate expected to remain on the upper side of 7% in the years to come. He also informed the participants about the Flagship

Incredible India speakers Indian CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Bharat Patel and Air India Manager Nakul Chand

Schemes of GOI such as 'Make in India', 'Start-up India', 'Digital India', 'Skills Development' etc. and the emphasis of the government on improving the physical infrastructure in the country through setting up of Industrial Corridors, 100 Smart Cities in Tier-2 and Tier3 cities and the push for greener and sustainable solutions for our development.

He said that one of the sectors of economy that offers tremendous potential in India is the 'Tourism & Hospitality Sector', which has largely remained unexplored and untapped. India as a land of considerable beauty and diversity across its length and breadth offers many exotic and unexplored tourist destinations. The tourism sector, now open for 100 % FDI,

Details on page 20

Sher -E-Punjab Sports Club holds meet & greet Asian Media USA

Details on page 24

CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed with Bharat Patel, Chairman & CEO, Sun Companies, Guljit Singh, Chairman, SKP International and Ms. Blanca Berthier, Director International Programs, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

offers vast opportunities of doing business in India. He also informed the audience that the Government of India has recently introduced a 24x7 Toll Free MultiLingual Tourist Helpline to facilitate visits of foreign tourists to India. The 24x7 Toll Free Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline has been launched in 12 international languages namely, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Portuguese, Russian and Spanish apart from Hindi and English. This service is available on toll free number 1800111363 or on a short code 1363 and operational 24X7 (365 days in a year) offering a "multi-lingual helpdesk". The objective of this multi-lingual helpline is to provide information relating to travel and tourism in India to domestic and international tourists. The helpline also advises callers during the times of distress, if any, while travelling in India and alerts the concerned authorities, if required. The Consul General also invited the interested investors to attend India Tourism Summit organized by the Government each year. Guljit Singh, Chairman SKP International, highlighted the opportunities available in the hotel and tourism industry in India. He said there is a huge market available in India in the hospitality sector. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 20

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NRI to start Satyagraha on AAP funding SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: A Chicago-based Neonatologist and a former coconvener to NRI Cell, Dr. Munish Raizada has taken up the cudgels to make transparent the funding practices of Aam Aadmi Party. He has called upon party workers, volunteers and the public to take a pledge not to donate to AAP until it makes its donations list

Gandhiji at Rajghat, the volunteers and participants of Satyagraha will proceed to New Delhi Assembly area. Over next several days, they will cover the assembly area door to door and through market places and metro stations. They will seek signatures from the public and voters on a pledge form which states: "I take a pledge NOT to

He says that the idea of Aam Aadmi Party is still very relevant, but the vested interests at the helm of affairs are bent upon destroying the efforts put in by thousands and thousands of selfless volunteers to build up the party. public. Dr Raizada announced that a ground Satyagraha on this issue will be started at Rajghat in New Delhi on December 24. An online Stop Donation (Chanda Band Satyagraha) was started on December 4. Giving the details, Raizada says that after seeking inspiration from

donate to Aam Aadmi Party until it makes its donations public." Raizada says that the campaign will also seek apology on behalf of the voters of Delhi for the betrayal in the name of transparent funding. He says that we at AAP sought donations from the public with a promise that each penny donated would be put in public

domain, but since June 2016, the party has shut down the Donors' list from its website. He says that transparent political funding was the raison-d'ĂŞtre of the party, but its refusal to divulge details of donations is a big setback to its ideology. He claims that a few individuals have taken over the party and have blatantly made mockery of its promise of clean politics and transparent funding. Raizada says that AAP was born out of a movement and it promised to bring vyastha parivartan and an era of honest politics. But, by hiding donations, AAP has damaged its credibility. He says that the idea of Aam Aadmi Party is still very relevant, but the vested interests at the helm of affairs are bent upon destroying the efforts put in by thousands and thousands of selfless volunteers to build up the party. It may be mentioned that Raizada had written an open letter to Aam Aadmi Party on Nov 26 (Foundation Day) with an appeal to restore the practice of display-

ing donors' lists on the official website of the party within a week. Getting no response from the party, Raizada launched a website called www.NoListNoDonation.com with the stated objective that if the

serve the party in India. He was a co-convener of the NRI cell of the party during 2015 and also assisted the health ministry of Delhi Government as a pro-bono advisor. He was suspended from the

Dr Munish Raizada, a former co-convener of the NRI cell of Aam Aadmi Party

party does not show (donors') list, the public should not donate to the party. Raizada practices Neonatology in Chicago, but had quit his job to

party on Nov 2015 when he fell out with the leadership over his public criticism of Kejriwal supporting Laloo Prasad Yadav in Bihar Assembly elections.

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49ers join Holiday Toy Drive at M Lounge India Post News Service

SAN JOSE: M Lounge in downtown San Jose was buzzing with excitement as 49ers fans, young and old, gathered to meet some of their favorite players. It was ArieWings Annual Holiday Toy

Drive held at M Lounge with players like 49ers linebacker Navorrow Bowman gracing the event. "Giving back to the community and helping during the holiday season is engrained in the value system of M, add sports especially 49ers and charity and it's a

win-win combination. We are glad to have hosted this event, I am personally a football fan and glad to host other fans at M Lounge" said Ashwini Kumar, Founder & CEO M Lounge. "About 31 items ranging from

caps, Jersey, Tshirts and other 49ers autographed merchandize was given away to the attendees.

The turnout was pretty good, more than 200 fans showed up and raised about 1200 toys for the ArieWings Toy Drive. Very thankful to the 49ers and the community who came together for such a great cause at M Lounge. And of

course ArieWings for bringing it all together," Said Kavi, Marketing Consultant, M Lounge.

ArieWings is an annual Toy Drive started in 2011 by Arie Rose with the mission to bring a smile to the underprivileged kids in the holiday season, Arie's Toy Drive has the motto "It's a Blessing to be a Blessing".

IIFA 2017: Greece & France face-off KAVI AGRAWAL

fter the stupendous success of IIFA 2016 in Madrid, Spain, all eyes are set to see where IIFA heads to in 2017. IIFA Madrid 2016 showcased Bollywood in all its glory to all of Europe. Bollywood Aces like Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra performed in Spain earlier this year. The three day Bollywood extravaganza comprised IIFA Expo, IIFA Rocks - musical night and IIFA - Awards Event. It not only helped boost Spanish tourism but also showcased Indian arts and culture to the Spaniards boosting the ties of arts, tourism and business between the two countries. Every year IIFA selects a different city and even continent to be its host, honoring the city in a unique fashion. Little birdy tells us that this year Greece and France are the top runners for being the host city for IIFA 2017. Whoever is the winner - it will be quiet a destination! The official confirmation is eagerly awaited in January 2017. Stay tuned.

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NJ Leadership Fellowships for South Asian youth NEELA PANDYA

Summer Fellowship students with Assemblyman Craig Coughlin

ship program this past summer, hosting ten fellows based throughout the State. Internship placements included the Office of Community Relations within Governor Chris Christie's office, several State Senators and assembly people, as well as the office of South River Councilman Ryan

Students with Government Panel

perience in their local government, South Asian youth will go back to their respective schools and realize that they too can be government officials or elected representatives in the future," said NJLP President Amit Jani. Applications for the fellowship program are currently being accepted on a rolling basis through February 17, 2017. Interested candidates can apply at h t t p : / / w w w. n j l e a d . o rg / www.njlead.org. "The hope is to build off our

launch year for the NJLP Summer Fellowship Program this past summer, which was very successful and far surpassed our expectations," said NJLP Vice President Amman Seehra. "We clearly saw a demand with our first class of fellows and the additional applications we received from the South Asian community throughout New Jersey. We hope to continue meeting this demand and training the next generation of leaders in our state." The NJLP held its first fellow-

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Jones. The fellows also heard from multiple elected officials, senior government staffers, business leaders and nonprofit executives during their weekly speakership series. Speakers included Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, Chief of Staff to Congressman Pascrell Assad Akhter, Chief Executive Officer of the Newark Boys and Girls Club Kavita Mehra, and many more.

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Tamil Sangam honors Dr Karthik Ram PRAKASH SWAMY

NEW YORK: Dr. Karthik Ram, a leading plastic and reconstructive surgeon of India recently appointed as international member of American Society of Plastic Surgeons, was honored with a special proclamation by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano at a function organized by America Tamil Sangam in Queens. On the occasion, a book for laymen titled "Liposuction - Big Fat Story" brought out by Dr Ram's Chennai Plastic Surgery Group in Chennai and authored by Sunitha Raj was released by Dr Rajivee Madan Raj, a Long Island gynecologist and genetic specialist. The book focuses on the advantages of undergoing liposuction for weight reduction. The first copy was given to John Joseph, chairman and Jaya Sundaram, senior vice president of the Sangam. The author Sunitha Raj is the CEO of Chennai Plastic Surgery Group and a leading expert in the field. Presenting the Nassau County special recognition, Long Island community leader Bina Sabapathy said Dr Ram's induction into the American Society was a proud moment for global Tamils. John Joseph said the honor was a proof that young Indian surgeons such as Dr Ram have branched off into new areas such as plastic and reconstructive surgery and had indeed made a glo-

Bina Sabapathy (third from left) hands over the Nassau County Proclamation to Dr Karthik Ram as John Joseph, Sriram Elango, Dr. Madan Raj and Jaya Sundaram look on

bal mark. He also presented America Tamil Sangam's Excellence Award for the recent recognition. Dr Ram answered questions from the audience in an interactive session and explained in detail on tummy tuck, liposuction, hair transplant, male chest reduction and said these treatments are available in India and on par with the same offered in the US. Dr Ram was in New York to attend the annual conference of American Society of Plastic Surgeons and interacted with surgeons across the US. He discussed with them the formation of Indian chapter to promote the

medical discipline in India. Dr Ram is the Managing Director Cosmoglitz International Pvt. Ltd, Chief Cosmetic Surgeon of Chennai Plastic Surgery and Ad-

visory Board Member Beauty Because Club. He did his DNB in Plastic Surgery with a gold medal from Apollo hospitals, Chennai, MRCSEd from the Royal College

of Surgeons, Edinburgh; DNB (General surgery) from Stanley Medical College, Chennai and MBBS from Dr MGR Tamil Nadu State Medical University, Madras.

Incredible India conference promotes 'Tourism & Hospitality Sector'

Incredible India attendees Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

In the recently held Incredible India Tourism Summit, 86 MoUs worth $ 2.04 billion were signed while Ministry of Tourism approved projects worth $ 67 million during 2016 itself. He also spoke about the taxation and legal aspects of doing business in these sectors. Bharat Patel said there is a

huge potential for developing hotel industry in India and the recent demonetization of 500 and 1000 rupees notes done by the Government of India would go a long way in removing corruption from the system which in turn would boost the confidence of the investors. He said that it is opportune time to invest in the hotel and tourism industry in India.

Nakul Chand informed that Air India now provides non-stop flights from Chicago, New York, Newark and San Francisco to Delhi and Mumbai. He also mentioned about various services and facilities being provided by Air India to its customers. During the course of the event, the speakers also answered the questions asked by the audience on the topic of the seminar.

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Amir Foundation gets big boost from Chicagoans ing shelvesâ&#x20AC;Ś As it was the birthday of Amir Khan, a lovely cake was cut and everyone joined in an energetic singing of Happy Birthday to him. Amir Khan, a former two time world champion boxer, raced to the top with his explosive hand speed and entertaining fighting style. At the age of 17, he was Britain's youngest boxing Olympian. He is

Celebrating Amir Khan (former two time World Champion boxer) birthday where he raised over $73,000 for clean water projects in Pakistan and Africa

Jinnah." He observed that Amir Khan has achieved a glowing repuCHICAGO: The Amir Khan tation not only as world class boxFoundation's First Community ing champion but also committing Awareness and Fundraising Din- his life and energy for the welfare ner was held on Saturday, Decem- of poor people, especially children ber 10 at Shalimar Banquets in of Pakistan. A lively Question & Answer Chicago with over 200 of Amir's supporters and donors braving session with Amir Khan was conthe first major snowstorm and ducted by Rizwan Malik, a corough weather to participate in founder of the Foundation. Rizwan this noble cause which raised over Malik, briefly outlined history of $73,000 for clean water projects in The Amir Khan Foundation. Question: What was the best time Pakistan and Africa. The program began with the of your boxing career? Answer: First one was at the Master of Ceremonies, Arshia Hasnain welcoming all the guests age of 17 in Olympic Games when and informing that the 100 per cent I won gold medal and became tax free donations would give the Britain's youngest boxing medalworld's most vulnerable children ist. Second was being youngest the clean water they desperately professional boxer to win a world need to survive and stay healthy. title at the age of 22. A beautiful recitation of the Quran Q: If boxing was not in the cards, what other career might you have was conducted by Hasan Najfi. Then, famous Olympian and chosen and why? A: Every child should be enWorld Champion Amir Khan made an electric entrance to his theme couraged to follow his/her dream. song "Amir King Khan" and video In our Asian society a child is presentation showcasing all the given narrow choice of pursuing work The Amir Khan Foundation a career to study medicine, engineering, law etc. However, if the child wants to pursue any other goal like becoming a sport hero in games like cricket, basketball or boxing etc. or follow other career 'outside the box' they should be encouraged and allowed to fulfill their ambition. I myself was discouraged by Amir Khan at The Amir Khan Foundation's First Commusome family nity Awareness and Fundraising Dinner at Shalimar Banquets members, clerics, teacher etc. is doing. The crowd stood up to forget boxing and choose other cheering loudly. The Pakistan options. However, my parents Consul General, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi were fully supportive of my wish had graced the occasion and said and that is why I am today a recthat" we are all very proud of how ognized word champion in the Amir Khan tries to emulate and sport I liked. Without my parent's follow the word and wisdom of support, I would be probably Quaid e Azam Mohammed Ali working in a Safeway store stackAsian Media USA

also one the youngest professional boxers to win a world title at the age of 22. In 2014 he launched the Amir Khan Foundation dedicated to empowering young people who are disadvantaged around the world. He is devoted to helping those who need guidance and assistance regardless of their race, religion or geographic location -

all children deserve to live happy and healthy lives. This event concluded with Maz and Ziggy Bonafied from England entertaining the crowd with their Punjabi Rap style music which was much appreciated by the crowd. Amir Khan Foundation thanked all the volunteers and supporters and donors, as well as the sponsors.

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Sher -E-Punjab Sports Club holds meet & greet Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: The annual meet and greet of Sher-E-Punjab Sports Club Midwest Chicago was held at Cascade Banquets in Bensenville, on Saturday December 17. Parminder Singh Walia and Amardev Singh Bandesha coordinated the event to acknowledge the support of all the sponsors and committee members. The president of the club Gurdev Singh Gill welcomed the guests and thanked everyone for joining the celebration despite inclement weather. Jesse Singh started off the evening with his beautiful melody "Jinne de Teri Jean ...".Amardev Singh thanked all the distinguished guests. Other sponsors and supporters that were thanked were Balwinder Singh, Gurmit Singh Sallan, Jaswinder S. Gill, Hardeep S. Amardev Singh, Parminder Singh Walia and Gurdev Singh Gill with club members

Bandesha, Jinder S. Banipal, Najar S. Gill, Babbi S. Bath Baljit S. Tiwana, Kabul S. Bhullar, Parminder S. Walia, Lakhwinder S. Biharipur, Jindi S. Khangura,

vi siyane". DJ was provided by Rishpal Singh who made the guests dance on some very famous Bhangra songs. Parminder Singh Walia mesmerized the audi-

Amardev Singh and president of the club Gurdev Singh Gill

Amardev S. Bandesha, Surinder S. Bhati, Amritpal S. Gill, Dharminder S. Jaswal, Harwant S. Grewal, Jaswinder S. (Jassie), Darshan S. Pamma, Rachhpal S. Khangura. Happy Multani sang some beautiful Punjabi numbers like "Soni Lagdi" providing a beautiful mood to the occasion. He also sang "Jidi kothi daane, ode Kamle

ence with his spectacular Bhangra moves and his wonderful sense of humor. After acknowledging all the 2016 patrons, everyone gave best wishes to the club and its members for the next tournament with a renewed focus on making the 2017 tournament even more successful

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SubDrift's delightful open mic program GEETHA PATIL

BOSTON: Boston Subcontinental Drift (SubDrift), Boston chapter arranged a wonderful open mic program on the coldest day of the Winter for the South Asian community of New England area to showcase their artistic hidden talents on Friday, December 16 at East Meets West (EMW) Bookstore, a community space in Central Square, Cambridge, MA. The program was organized by Boston-based Indian classical musicians and art lovers: Michael Dwan Singh and Aditya Nochur as MC of the night. Aditya Nochur welcomed amiably all the participants and audience to the monthly 'Friday Open Mic' event. He also thanked EMW Bookstore for offering their lovely venue decorated with some unique art pieces free for

this event. Jay Shishupal sang and recited a poem for the audience and grabbed their attention with his holiday blinking light flitted cap. Ananya Jain recited his two love poems for the first time ever and entertained the audience with his lovely poems. Neena Wahi recited a heart touching poem in Hindi that expressed the feelings of women about the physical violence and rape. Abbas Rattani performed a mix of stand-up and political commentary and made the audience laugh constantly during his performance. Simone Labony Labbance recited a holiday-inspired poem to support our lovely space. Shilpa Srivastava read Rich Orloff's "Invisible Woman" poem with her unique style. Srilatha Rajamani of

UTCC hosts Grand Christmas festivities India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The Chicago Telugu Christian people group arranged excellent Christmas festivities "Carols by Candle lights" - a night overflowing with pleasant songs and music organized by Vijender Doma and Johnson Sukka of United Telugu Christian Community of Chicago [UTCC] on Friday December 9 at North Shore

the opening prayer followed by the Choir with individuals wearing seasons customary clothing. The Gujarati congregation performed with some beautiful Hindi Christmas songs, followed by the Pakistani Choir performance that was cheered with great applause. The versatile Gospel singer Bro. Raj Prakash Paul, Calvary Ministries, India, took the stage with a word of prayer. He com-

A group of attendees at the Christmas festivities

Banquets Chicago. In spite of the nasty climate conditions, the Christmas Candlelights evening cantata drew huge participation from different denominational places of worship. Over 300 congregated for the celebration of Christmas. The program emceed by Rev. John Bushi and Rev. Paul Gorre started with

posed over 40 songs, with music and singing by Bro. Raj Prakash Paul. He sang one of his very well known songs 'Yesu Rakshaka Sata Koti Stotram' interacting with the whole congregation singing and clapping. Bro. Paul shared the word of God from John 3:16. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 25

Laughing Liberally entertained audience with her experiences in daily life. How the English lan-

and how they are used for certain races to mean something. Maitreya Das sang John

Abbas Rattan and Aditya Nochur

guage and slangs make the new immigrants wonder and be perplexed about the meanings slangs

Denver's two songs that are very popular in West Bengal because of their melody and description

of nature. Youngsters in Bengal sing these songs while hiking and bonfire events, he said. He took the audience from West Virginia to West Bengal with his melodious voice and sounds of his magic guitar. Pankaj shared some of his limericks and poems with the audience. Srinath Gaddam closed out the open mic with comedy vibes and entertained with his funny acting and changing of voice to suit the characters. Many other participants showcased their talents and entertained the audience. "I had a great time. Good music, poetry, and comedy," said one of the newcomers to the event. People seemed inspired by the broad mix of talents because it inspires the newcomers to do something on the floor next time and bring out their hidden talent.

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BAPS organizes local bone marrow drive

India Post News Service

CHINO HILLS, CA: Approximately every 9 minutes, someone in the United States dies of leukemia. By the simple act of donating bone marrow, one has the potential to help treat a myriad of diseases including

leukemia, lymphoma, and inherited immune and metabolic disorders. While the search for the cure for many of these diseases continues, currently one of the most effective forms of treatment is through bone marrow transplantation. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 25

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BAPS organizes local bone marrow drive on the disease. It inspired me to encourage all of my friends and Only 30% of patients in need family to donate. The larger the of a bone marrow transplant are database, the greater the chance able to find a suitable donor within for a cure," explained Niranjan their own family. Patients need- Bhatt, a researcher from the USC Norris Cancer Center. The likelihood of finding a donor is estiPatients needing a bone mated at 66% for Afrimarrow transplant are most can-American patients, 72% for Hispanics or likely to find a match with Latinos, 73% for Asian and Pacific Islanders, someone from their own 82% for American Indian and Alaska Naethnic group. tives, and 93% for Caucasian patients. Dr. ing a bone marrow transplant are Dilip Patel emphasized, "Knowing most likely to find a match with that having more donors of the someone from their own ethnic patient's ethnicity increases the group. "Recently a friend of mine likelihood for a match, drives such was diagnosed with leukemia. as these hosted by BAPS ChariSeeing what they were going ties, play a crucial role in treating through really helped put a face cancers such as leukemia and lymContâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 24

UTCC hosts Grand Christmas festivities Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 23

God's love towards mankind and the fulfillment of the prophesy, on the cross sin lost its power and on the resurrection death lost its power. Rev. Chakravarthy Zadda later introduced to the congregation other guest speaker for the evening Rev. Dr. T. M. Emmanuel, Principal Andhra Christian Theological College (ACTC). He shared the word of God taken from the Gospel Luke 2:8-14. He informed that ACTC is planning to start online courses. Community leaders Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, Dr. NandanToguru, Pakistan Christian Community President Sohail Bakhsh, Congressman Danny Davis Office director

Singing Christmas carols

Mother Tina Love, Office Secretary, Multi Ethinic Task Force Executive officer Nagender Sripada and Surender Charles were among

the attendees. Later in the program the congregation held the candles while the choir sang 'Silent Night', followed by prayers by Bishop.

Jacob Agepog. Vote of thanks was offered by Bro. Jason Bandi. The program ended after meet and greet with fellowship dinner.

phoma." On December 4th, 2016, BAPS Charities organized a Bone Marrow drive in Chino Hills, CA. In addition to the many registrations in past years, this year's drive added 28 more people to the national bone marrow registry. BAPS Charities is determined to help increase the donor registry nationwide to help any of those that need this potentially lifesaving treatment. BAPS Charities has organized over 100 similar drives since 2006 registering over 6,040 potential donors. BAPS Charities has treated over 2 million patients worldwide. Through various activities such as, health fairs, bone marrow and blood drives, nationwide walkathons, and disaster relief operations, BAPS Charities sincerely serves the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities.

Horoscope

26 India Post

December 23, 2016

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Dec 23rd - Dec 29th 2016 Please send your birthday, place of birth and time, so I can give you your zodiac sign, according to Vedic astrology. Send to Jaysastrology@gmail.com

he professional matters face problems. Take care be calm.The promotions/recognition may be delayed/ denied.The students need more efforts.The health of father needs extra care. It is better to avoid haste and conflicts. Avoid unnecessary driving and take care of your health. Patience is the Mantra for you up to September 2017.

he professional matters face sudden problems. Manage problems and conflicts with patience. Silence is golden.Keep new ventures pending.Avoid manipulations. Some of you may plan a journey. Child may need help. Avoid haste, speculation, aggressive behaviour and unnecessary driving. Enemies are likely to trouble. Conflicts will put you to harm. Mental peace with partner(s) is disturbed stay calm.

he professional matters face obstructions, don't get frustrated stay focused on work. Child needs extra care & help.Some additional stress, losses and extra expenses are likely as mars and ketu are conjunct. Also, It is better to avoid unnecessary driving. Can have health issues relating to abdominal region take care includes all organs. Relationship wise not a good week.

void unnecessary travel. Those who are looking for marriage may get good proposal. Those who are in international trading may get opportunities, but be careful. The business income is likely to face obstructions. Social interaction and communication is ok.The health of the family needs care.Avoid conflicting situations up to February 2017, and take continued care of your health.

he professional matters may face sudden problems.The promotion is likely to be delayed. Some additional expenses are likely. Stay away from manipulations.It is better to avoid new ventures. The child may need help. Due to Mars and ketu relationship and business partners avoid arguments and deeply involved. Setback in income can be there. Look after your health.

rofessional matters may face sudden concerns, some may face loss of job. The promotion may be delayed. Some problems are likely in property matters. Health of family may cause concern. Better to avoid unnecessary driving. Setbacks and delays are seen, take care of health especially heart patients and abdominal issue patiens. Relationships can face sudden issues.

he professional matters face sudden concerns. Some of you are likely to be out of favour. Avoid haste and conflicts.Students and those who are appearing in selections have good chance of success. Take care of parents. Any health issues regarding heart and digestion get checked out. Relationship wise stay out of conflicts and arguments this week can be rough.

he professional matters may face sudden concerns. The mental peace and patience is likely to be disturbed.Stay away from manipulations. Some additional expenses are likely. Silence is golden for you. Better to avoid conflicts. Problems at home also problems with real estate you own and assets. Sudden setback with health those with heart and abdominal issues.

he professional matters face sudden problems and conflicts.Work with patience and avoid conflicts. Keep new ventures pending. Your health needs proper attention.The week may involve some additional expenses. Some problems may surface in inheritance matters. Avoid haste, aggressive behaviour, conflicts, unnecessary expenses and driving/ travel.

he professional matters may face sudden concerns. Additional expenses are likely. Child may need help.The new business opportunities should be put on hold up to January, 2017. The students face sudden problems. Avoid speculation.Always invest in safe assets. Patience is the best medicine up to January, 2017. Avoid travels. Avoid disputes and conflicts. Romance wise difficult week.

he professional matters face obstructions. Obstructions are likely in the sources of income. Manage obstructions with patience.It is better to avoid manipulations and unnecessary driving. Hold off new business venture till jan 2017. Take care of assets and property matters. Relationship issues are there and business partners can cause problems. Setback in income.

he professional matters face sudden threat, loss of job is a possibility. Some business related journey is seen.Some additional expenses are likely.Health of the spouse is vulnerable, take care. Manage things with patience. Abdominal and kidney issues are there see doctor is required. Obey the law. Sudden setbacks and delays and obstructions are there avoid unnecessary driving.

This weekly horoscope is more focused and accurate as these are based on ascending signs. The ascending sign is worked out on the basis of your date, time and place of birth. You will find the predictions at other places based on your Sun sign or Moon sign. The Sun remains in one sign of zodiac for one month whereas the Moon remains in one sign for about 54 hours. It is the ascending sign, which changes every couple of hours." That is how this site offers you more focused predictions.

JATIN P - ACHARYA MIHIR â&#x20AC;˘ JAYSASTROLOGY@GMAIL.COM â&#x20AC;˘ 630-675-7148

Datebook

December 23, 2016

India Post 27

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NEW JERSEY Upcoming

NEW YORK

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Fri, Dec 23 • Induz Holiday Party - Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Sat, Dec 31 • Fab Four Events - New Years Eve 2017

Venue: Roobaru Restaurant, 36665 Cedar

Venue: Chandni Restaurant, 5748 Mowry

Boulevard, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 4:00 pm

School Road, Newark, CA 94560

Fri, Dec 23 • Girls Night Out

Sat, Dec 31 • Desi New Year's Eve 2017

Venue: Royal Albert's Palace, 1050 King Georges Rd.Fords, New Jersey, NJ 08863 Time: 07:00 pm

Venue: The Meadow Club, 1147 Rte 112, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776 Time : 08:00 pm

Sat, Dec 31 • NJPA New Year's Eve Party, 2017

Sat, Dec 31 • Royal Palace - New Year's Party

Venue: Royal Alberts Palace, 1050 King Georges Post Road, Edison, NJ 08863 Time: 07:30 pm

Venue: Castle Royale, 92 Waverly Street, Yonkers, NY 10701 Time : 08:00 pm

Sat, Dec 31 • Prajee Events - New Years Eve : Party of theYear

Sat, Dec 31 • NYE 2017 Bash Party - Open Bar | Dancing | Hookahs Le Caire Lounge

Venue: Ember Banquets (former Chutney Mary), 3793 Route 1, South Brunswick Township, NJ 08852 Time: 7:30 pm

Venue: Le Caire Lounge, 279 Hillside Avenue, Williston Park, NY 11596 Time : 07:00 pm

Sat, Dec 31 • New Year Extravaganza 2017 Venue: Pista House, 556 South Milpitas Boulevard, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 07:00 pm

Sat, Dec 31 • BengaluruVoice - New Year Eve 2017 Venue: Vara Indian Cuisine, 250 East Java Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089 Time: 06:30 pm Contact: 5104024633

Sat, Dec 31 • Block Buster 2017 - Biggest New Year Telugu Party With Sharwanand Venue: Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Rd, San Jose, CA 95111 Time: 7:00 pm

Sat, Dec 31 • FOG New Year Eve 2017 Venue: Royal Palace Banquet Hall, 6058 Stevenson Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94538 Time: 07:30 pm Contact: 5103045619

CHICAGO

Time: 07:30 pm Contact: 4083829117

Sat, Jan 7 • The Indian Street Food Festival Venue: Santa Clara Country fairgrounds, 344 Tully Rd, San Jose, CA 95111 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 512-210-7258

ATLANTA Upcoming Thu, Dec 29 • Wwe Live - Philips Arena - Atlanta Venue: PHILIPS ARENA ,1 Philips Drive, ATLANTA, GA Time: 7:30 pm

ILLINOIS Upcoming 1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Swami Ishatmananda Sat, Dec 31 • New Year Eve in Duluth Venue: Poona Restaurant,3665 Club Drive, DULUTH, GA Time: 7:00 pm

Sat, Dec 31 • Hawaiian style Grand New Year Party 2017 Venue: Skyland 540 Access Rd, Cumming, GA 30041 Time: 8:00 pm

• 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

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

28 India Post

December 23, 2016

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The last leg of the shoot in Mumbai is over and the movie will hit the theaters on Eid next year

1 Channa Mereya: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil 2 Nashe Si Chadh Gayi: Befikre 3 Ae Dil Hai Mushkil: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil 4 Kaun Tujhe : M.S. Dhoni 5 The Breakup Song: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil 6 Ude Dil Befikre: Befkire 7 Love You Zindagi: Dear Zindagi 8 Besabriyaan: M.S. Dhoni 9 Haanikaarak Bapu : Dangal 10 Bulleya: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

alman Khan's leading lady Zhu Zhu from his upcoming flick 'Tubelight' has finally ended her days on the floor. Director of the movie Kabir Khan recently shared a snap from the set, posing with the beautiful Chinese actress, who is making her Bollywood debut with 'Tubelight,' on her last day of shoot and wrote alongside, "And It's a film wrap for the beautiful @zhuzhuclubheaven. We will miss you..." Kabir has been sharing stills from the set, which has shot up the fans' excitement quite high. The last leg of the shoot in Mumbai is over and the movie will hit the theaters on Eid next year. The other two legs of shoot of the war-drama took place in Ladakh and Manali.

rom beginning of his career till now Akshay Kumar has worked in many films with Anupam Kher and the actor has thanked him for being by his side always. Akshay, 49, posted a black and white picture of him sitting in a pram with Kher standing behind him. "A Man who has nurtured so many and taken it upon himself to Babysit me throughout my career!! How I will forever look up to this Man." "Anupamji you are the hand that gives and the shoulder to lean on. Love & Prayers to you always, your Baby AK." Akshay captioned the photo.

nil Kapoor is one Bollywood actor who seems to be growing younger with every passing day. The actor may be all set to turn 60 next week, but he can still give the current brigade of actors a run for their money. And before his 60th birthday, Anil had something interesting to tick off his bucket list. The 'Dil Dhadakne Do' actor went ahead and got himself an undercut - the hairdo that is all the rage this season. He even shared a picture on his Twitter account with the caption, "Life's too short to have boring hair..." Must say, Anil sure is working that hairdo. Guess Sonam isn't the only style icon in the Kapoor household style runs in the family.

"Life's too short to have boring hair..." Must say, Anil sure is working that hairdo.

Bollywood

December 23, 2016

India Post 29

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rithik Roshan has been ranked the third Most Handsome Man in the world by a prominent international website. Often called the Greek God of Bollywood, he has even beaten Hollywood heart-throbs Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt, who are at number four and eight, respectively. The list has Hollywood actors Tom Cruise and Robert Pattinson at number one and two respectively. While Hrithik is eagerly awaiting the release of his next film Kaabil, which he says is "a small film with a big heart," he is happy and humbled by the praise lavished on his looks. When asked if he feels flattered every time someone gushes about his gorgeous face, he says, "I am never flattered because I don't believe in looks. I'm a believer in expression; it is the sequence of your self-expressions that make you beautiful. As they say, beauty is as beauty does."

hruti Haasan is looking forward to her upcoming film, 'Behen Hogi Teri', where she has been paired opposite Rajkummar Rao. The actress, who has been in Bollywood for almost nine years now, says that she took up this movie because she liked the fresh script. I'm excited to be cast opposite Rajkummar because I like to see unexpected pairings. Just like people in the business think that A and D would gel together or this and this would go well together, even the audience kind of mentally prepares itself to see them like that. Breaking expectations, even as an audience member, is something that I have enjoyed. So, I really hope that people like that kind of quirkiness of the pairing." The star, who juggles her time between working in the South and Bollywood says that although the travelling and shooting hours can be crazy, it is something that she always wanted to do because she grew up in a multi-cultural home.

hahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor have been named Hottest Vegetarian Celebrities of 2016 by animal rights organization PETA India. Shahid and Sonam beat out a strong group of competitors, including megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Kangana Ranaut, Vidyut Jammwal, R Madhavan and Sunny Leone. This was decided via a poll wherein visitors to PETAIndia.com cast their votes. "Sonam and Shahid are fit, hot, and compassionate, and they're setting a great example for their fans and millions of people who want to fight climate change with their forks", said S a c h i n Bangera, PETA India's associate director of celebrity a n d pub-

lic relations. Talking about it, Shahid said in a statement: "I've stopped taking milk and milk products as I am lacto-sensitive. I love chicks, pigs, cows, fish, and all the other animals, too. That's why I turned vegetarian." The actor, who welcomed his first child with Mira Rajput in September, says he is "very happy being a vegetarian"."I believe that it is the best way to be," Shahid added.

"Sonam and Shahid are fit, hot, and compassionate, and they're setting a great example for their fans and millions of people who want to fight climate change with their forks"

Rob Lowe (England) offers his version of a CAT boot.

www.indiapost.com

30 India Post

December 23, 2016

Viva Sarah Press

o celebrate 25 years of production of its Colorado Boot, Caterpillar footwear turned to artists around the world and asked them to create a piece of art using a pair of boots as their canvas. Tel Aviv graphic artist and illustrator Bench?k (aka Ben Amoyal) recently won top honors in the contest. Bench?k's Meltdown boot is an ice cream cone illustration with bright pink and turquoise painted over the laces. "I feel great," Bench?k tells ISRAEL21c. "It was a fun collaboration project and I always enjoy making customized pieces." Bench?k says inspiration for his work comes from animals, geometric shapes and patterns. Many of his works are created using found materials such as cardboard and wood and he gives them a new life. So, using a CAT boot as a canvas came naturally. "The design has beautified the shoe without altering its original identity," said Joram Muzira, CEO/Creative

Tel Aviv graphic artist and illustrator Benchuk's Meltdown boot.

director for Joram Model management in Uganda, one of the judges. Gregory Morfi (Cyprus) offers his version of a CAT boot. Pic Fire and Ice boot by Nikos Panagiotarakos (Greece).

catfootwear.com Some of the artists chose to create a boot that could still be worn while others turned the Caterpillar boot into sculpture. Gregory Morfi (Cyprus) offers his version of a CAT boot.

Jonas Nyberg (Sweden) designed boots to wear.

VANCOUVER, Canada: Siddharth Choudhary's passion for food and the artistic display of his culinary creations propelled him to the top of Vancouver's food scene. Now something else is cooking in Siddhartha's Kitchen, the popular East-Vancouver eatery. It's called 'swarnimbharat.com' - a concept to digitize democracy in India and dish it out liberally, in his homeland. "I have always been passionate about food and politicsâ&#x20AC;Śone gives life, the other often dictates how you live," said the restaurateur. Over the past two years, Choudhary has been quietly building swarnimbharat.com, which is to be India's first digital political report card, where those elected to office at state and federal levels will be subject to scrutiny, accountability and review by the public.

The artists taking part hailed from Germany, England, France, Israel, Japan, Greece, Cyprus, Uganda, Russia, Portugal, Turkey, Belgium, Sweden, Italy, Spain, and Argentina. Russia's Boris Ponomarev redesigned these boots.

"It will be like Trip Advisor or Yelp for Indian politics," said Choudhary aka Chef Sid who plans to launch swarnimbharat.com early next year in time for two crucial state elections in India. The task is gargantuan in the world's largest democracy which has 1.25 billion people or 17.5% of the world's population; is home to 8 major religions and over 4600 castes and where the Federal Government recognizes 22 languages out of about 1,600 mother tongues in use. Politically that translates into six national parties, 52 state parties and 1,112 registered but unrecognized parties. Cont'd on Page 32

December 23, 2016

India Post 31

Govinda launches restaurant in Delhi NEW DELHI: Bollywood's evergreen comedian Govinda has launched here a restraint named after his popular 1997 film 'Hero No. 1'. The restaurant is in Rajouri Garden area of west Delhi.

"I have a special connect with the capital and liking for its people and culture. My friends always suggested me that Delhi needs a place that is No.1 and blends right music, right food and right ambience. So, Hero No.1 had to be here," Govinda said in a statement.

His wife Sunita and daughter Teena were also part of the event, with hosts of the evening and restaurateurs Amit Dua and Mann Dua. "We are proud to open a hub of fine dining lounge in the heart of west Delhi. The place will offer a lavish gourmet experience to

food connoisseurs. Guests can enjoy food from a multi-cuisine menu with live music. Food and party lovers will now have a chic new place to hang out and chill with friends and family in West Delhi," said the directors of the restaurant.

Glitz & glam icon Zsa Zsa Gabor dies at 99 LOS ANGELES: Zsa Zsa Gabor, the Hungarian actress, known for her life full of glamour and glitz has died. She was 99. The actress, whose love life always made headlines, passed away just two months shy of her 100th birthday, reported Variety. According to her publicist Ed Lozzi Gabor died in her Bel Air mansion. She had been on life support for the last five years. More than her work as an actress, Gabor was famous for her outlandish persona, extravagant lifestyle, penchant for calling everyone "dahling" and one-liners about her jewels, nine marriages and ex-husbands. Her former spouses included hotel magnate Conrad Hilton and Oscar-winning actor and bon vivant George Sanders, who later married her sister Magda. Gabor had a daughter, Francesca, during her 1942-46 mar-

riage to Hilton, though Hilton reportedly believed Francesca was not his biological daughter, and the millionaire left her just USD 100,000 in his will. After spending much of her life contesting Hiltons will, Francesca died destitute on January 6, 2015. Her romantic dalliances even included a flirtation with screen legend Greta Garbo. Born in Budapest, Zsa Zsa (born Sari) Gabor was crowned Miss Hungary in 1936 and followed her sister Eva to Hollywood. She got her foot in the showbiz door with MGMs 1952 "Lovely to Look At" and got a bigger break that year with "Moulin Rouge." She also appeared in films including "Lili," Orson Welles "Touch of Evil" and the 1958 camp classic "Queen of Outer Space." On TV, she appeared on "The Red Skelton Hour" "Playhouse

90" and "Matinee Theater." She was featured in a 1960 TV adaptation of "Ninotchka" and guested on series including "Bonanza," "Batman" and "The Facts of Life." Her

A R Rahman again in race for Oscars

wo-time Academy Award winning composer A R Rahman is once again in the race for the prestigious award, with his name figuring in the initial nomination list of Oscars 2017. The music maestro has been listed for his work in 'Pele: Birth of A Legend'. This time, Rahman will be competing with 145 others for a nomination in the Best Original Score category at the 89th Academy Awards. His popular song 'Ginga' from the same biographical film on the Brazilian football legend, has also been shortlisted in the Original Song category, along with 91 other songs.

The initial list of contenders for both the categories was released by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on its offic i a l website. The

final nominations for the 89th Academy Awards will be announced on January 24, 2017. The presentation ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 26, 2017 at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood and Highland Centre in Hollywood. Earlier, Rahman won two golden statuettes for his work in the 2009 blockbuster 'Slumdog Millionaire', directed by British filmmaker Danny Boyle. He had won the Oscars for the Best Original Score and Best Original Song, 'Jai Ho', at the 81st Academy Awards.-PTI

theater credits include "Forty Carats" on Broadway and a touring production of Noel Cowards "Blithe Spirit." Gabor also made headlines for her 1989 run-in with a Beverly Hills police officer, whom she slapped during a traffic stop. She was sentenced to three days in jail and

ordered to pay USD 13,000 in court costs. The incident was explored in 1991 documentary "The People vs Zsa Zsa Gabor," and mocked, frequently by a willing Gabor herself, in movies from "Naked Gun 2Â˝" to "A Very Brady Sequel" and series including "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." In addition to her celebrity status, Gabor was author of 1970s "How to Catch a Man," considered a how-to guide for gold diggers. Gabors survivors include her husband Prinz von Anhalt, who is some 30 years her junior. Many celebrities took to Twitter to offer their condolences to Gabor. The official Twitter account of Humphrey Bogart's Bogart Estate posted, "2016 has claimed much more than its fair share of stars. The one and only Zsa Zsa Gabor, seen here with Lauren Bacall, has died at age 99." "Rest in peace Zsa Zsa Gabor. She and her sisters were lovely ladies who were always fun and delightful to be around," tweeted Barbara Eden. "Goodbye Zsa Zsa," wrote Gwendoline Christie. Nina Garcia posted, "I love to put on diamonds and beautiful evening gowns and make my girlfriends upset. Zsa Zsa Gabor". PTI

32 India Post

December 23, 2016 www.indiapost.com

Zayn Malik keeps sexiest Asian crown

ayn Malik has topped the long-running 50 Sexiest Asian Men list for a second year in a row. The former One Direction member rounded off a dream year that saw him launch a hugely successful solo singing career to come number one again in the popular poll compiled by UK based Eastern Eye newspaper. India cinematic heartthrob Hrithik Roshan, who topped the poll in 2014 and was dethroned by Zayn in 2015, once again came in second and Pakistani actor Fawad Khan was in the third position. The 23-year-old, who became the youngest ever to top the poll in 2015, once again topped the list based on millions of votes and heat generated by celebrities in 2016. The latest win continued the incredible momentum generated by the unstoppable pop superstar, who has topped the charts and gained massive attention across the globe, including in media and on social networking sites. Eastern Eye's award-winning entertainment editor Asjad Nazir, who founded the list and puts it

together annually said Zayn received more global attention than any other Asian star in 2015 and got even more in 2016. "The singer/songwriter showed comprehensively there was life after boy band One Direction with a rip-roaring start to his solo career. It was as if he struck a match, casually threw it at the world and stepped back to watch a wildfire sweep across the continents with his songs burning up the charts. The hot right now pop superstar saw media going into meltdown, social networking sites overheat and countless fans seeing their own temperatures skyrocket," said Asjad. The mass interest in the

13th edition of the list was such that it was trending on Twitter across different countries including India during the voting process. Popular Indian television s t a r

Chef Sid cooks up a storm for India Cont'd from Page 30

On a federal level, swarnimbharat.com aims to give voters easy access to comment, rate and review every one of the contenders and incumbents for the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha or the lower house of India's bicameral legislature. (Representatives to India's Upper House - the Rajya Sabha - are elected by the members of State legislative assemblies). At the State level, swarnimbharat.com, plans to document the performance for those aiming to occupy the 4,215 legislative assembly seats in India's 29 states and seven union territories. Once data-input is completed, swarnimbharat.com will have close to 5,000 indexed and easily searchable web pages, in addition to news feeds, video and audio content. "Our objective is to be the most comprehensive data driven, citizen-powered political report card in India," said Choudhary. At the core of swarnimbharat.com is a tech team

and a central editorial team helmed by a former BBC journalist who oversees a group of regional supervisors. The regional supervisors collate and check content from an army of volunteer citizen contributors. So who is paying for all this digital purification of Indian politics? For now, Choudhary is financing the project on his own.

"Our plan is to showcase its engagement and effectiveness in the upcoming Punjab and UP (Uttar Pradesh) state elections. "The people's role in a democracy should not just end at the v o t i n g boothâ&#x20AC;Śswarnimbharat.com will empower the voter with a robust database to keep track of political promises and government policies," said Choudhary, add-

"This project if it sheds light on those in office and seeking office will be a wonderful addition to the democratic process in India." "As we go along, we will be seeking some assistance from foundations and institutions who are keen on promoting democracy globally," said Choudhary, adding swarnimbharat.com under the Canada-registered not-forprofit enterprise - World Democracy Index - is about 80 percent built.

ing "because without citizen participation, accountability and transparency there is no democracy." Stewart Beck, president and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada described India's democracy as "vibrant, open, and remarkably chaotic". "Having a platform like

Ashish Sharma (4) and Bollywood's current box office king Salman Khan (5) complete the top five. Others in the 2016 top 10 are Barun Sobti (6), Shahid Kapoor (7), Vivian Dsena (8), Ali Zafar (9) and Ranveer Singh (10). The highest placed newcomer in this year's list is 24-year-old Indian television actor Param Singh (19) and the oldest in 51-year-old Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan (17). The youngest in the 13 edition of the list is 18-year-old Pakistani tea-stall holder Arshad Khan (31), who is the first man to ever be included as an editor's choice. "Impoverished teenager Arshad Khan broke the Internet earlier this year when his photograph serving tea sent females around the world into a frenzy. He has since been plucked from obscurity and gained global media attention along with a new career in modeling. He makes the list for representing the every day man and for showing the most impossible dream can come," said Asjad. Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who will make her Hol-

lywood debut in soon to be released thriller xXx: Return Of Xander Cage, had earlier topped the 50 Sexiest Asian Women list for the first time. Hrithik Roshan (2) remained the highest placed Indian for the sixth year in succession and Virat Kohli (23) was once again the only sportsman to make the list. "Apart from now being the most eligible bachelor in Bollywood, Hrithik remains the biggest pin up the industry has to offer and that was once again showed by the volume of votes he received," said Asjad. Ali Zafar (9), had been the highest placed Pakistani in the list for the last nine years, but was finally toppled by fellow countryman Fawad Khan (3) in the 2016 edition. Others in the 2016 list include last year's highest placed newcomer Parth Samthaan (11), Varun Dhawan (12), Gautam Rode (15), Akshay Kumar (20), Karan Tacker (24), Sidhant Gupta (27), Arjun Kapoor (37), Diljit Dosanjh (42), Harshvardhan Rane (45) and Namik Paul (49).

swarnimbharat.com will certainly allow people the opportunity to air their own views and opinions and compare and contrast them with the opinions of others," he said. "From my own perspective, and I served as Canada's High Commissioner to India for four years, if you have 10 Indians in a room you won't find two agreeing on anything - such is the nature of India's passion for dialogue and debate. A platform that actually allows you to collate attitudes and opinions will be refreshing, and very useful," said Beck. Ujjal Dosanjh, Canada's first Indo-Canadian provincial leader and former Health Minister of Canada, said any project like swarnimbharat.com that makes politics in India more transparent will be more than welcomed. "There is not much transparency and accountability in Indian politics and a significant number of politicians there are corrupt," he said. "This project if it sheds light on those in office and seeking office will be a wonderful addition to the democratic process in India." Md. Nadimul Haque, India's upper house Member of Parliament for West Bengal, praised the initiative saying that the swarnimbharat.com portal "will empower citizens by creating a pool of knowledge and will make

their representatives accountable to them." Firoj Khan, editor-in-chief of Action Bindas News, an Indian Media Network, congratulated swarnimbharat.com for creating a platform "for anyone from the entire country to select, vote, criticize and analyze the performance of his/her political candidate". Ved Amrita, a Norway-based philanthropist said the common people of India are forced to roam around seeking help from their MLA, MP and local politicians. "But generally all they get is disappointment," he said in a telephone interview. "This platform will be a great help as it's going to create portfolio for each and every politician where people can come and file their complaints, praise and seek help," he said. "I would definitely like to participate in it." Hamraj Singh, an independent media researcher, said there is no digital platform like swarnimbharat.com in India or for that matter anywhere else in Asia currently. "I am excited about this because it allows people the freedom to vote, not once every five years but exercise their democratic rights any day and any time, based on the performance of their MLA or MP," he said. -Courtesy Mata Press Service

December 23, 2016

India Post 33 www.indiapost.com

Lata rarely listens to own songs

ver since she sang for the first time in 1942, Lata Mangeshkar made people sit up and take notice. The singer went on to become a legend in Indian film music. In fact, the 'Nightingale of India' reveals that she completed 75 years in the industry this year. Interestingly, the chartbuster 'Aayega aane wala' (Mahal; 1949), which is believed to have turned her into a star singer, also completes 68 years on January 1. Apparently, when the song first played on All India Radio (AIR), its phone lines were flooded with callers who wanted to know the singer's name. AIR had to find out who the singer was from the record company before they could announce that Lata Mangeshkar sang the song. Do you remember your initial years in films? I acted for the first time in the Marathi film Pahili Mangalagaur in 1942. I also sang for the movie.

After that, I sang and acted in other Marathi as well as Hindi films, the last one being Mandir (1948). We used to work in Master Vinayak's (late actor-producer) company, Praful Pictures. At that time, all the musicians, actors and other artistes were part of his company. Since I was very young, I played the hero or heroine's sister. But after Master Vinayak's death in 1947, his company closed down. Did things become difficult after that? There was a cameraman in the company who was also our neighbor. One day, he said, "Lata, I know Baliji, and he wants a fresh voice for his new film." So, he took me to Baliji. He heard my song and immediately took me for the [music] rehearsals. He recorded the song in two days. That's how my journey started. From there, I went to Filmistan and Bombay Talkies (production companies). So, this is the 75th year

Priyanka among top Google searches

ctress Priyanka Chopra and fashion designer Anita Dongre feature in Google's official list of top searches of year 2016. Priyanka, who will soon be making her Hollywood movie debut with 'Baywatch', is on seventh number in the Oscar Red Carpet Dresses category, Dongre is also at the 7th spot in the fashion designers list. In her first Oscar red carpet appearance Priyanka turned heads with her white embellished strapless gown by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad. The Oscar Red Carpet Dresses' list is topped by Jen-

nifer Garner with Jennifer Lawrence occupying the second spot. One of India's most popular designers, Dongre became a rage across the globe after Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton wore one of her design during the India visit. Indian-origin American designer Rachel Roy is number one in the most searched fashion designers list. Twins Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are on the second place. Netfilx drama 'Stranger Things,' pop sensation 'Beyonce,' and game 'Pokemon Go' are also among the most popular entertainment sensations of 2016. The list of mostsearched topics has legendary singer Prince at number one, whose death helped propel 'Purple Rain' to the top of the song search list, just behind Beyonce's 'Formation.' The US President-elect Donald Trump leads the list of most searched people with Hillary Clinton following him at the second position. Actor Brad Pitt, whose divorce with Angelina Jolie is still making headlines, is the most searched actor. The list has Tom Hiddelston on second spot thanks to his brief but public romance with Taylor Swift. Meghan Markle, who is currently dating Prince Harry, is the most searched actress, followed by Marion Cotillard.

since I started working. You worked with almost all the music composers except the late OP Nayyarâ&#x20AC;Ś There was a time when OP Nayyar sahab had approached me to work with him. I had even given him the dates [to record the song]. However, at that time, I was suffering from severe sinus, so I told him that I wouldn't be able to record songs for him, and that if we would work out dates after a few days, then it could happen. He said he was in a hurry and would have to record the songs immediately. I don't know which singer he approached later on to record the songs for him. But your sister, Asha Bhosle, sang a lot for OP Nayyarâ&#x20AC;Ś Yes, she and even Geeta (Dutt; singer) did. These two sang the most for him. Sometimes, Shamshad bai (Begum; singer) also worked with him. What are your personal favorite songs? As far as film songs go, there are many songs of mine that I like. But I don't listen to my songs too often. One record that's my big favorite is Hridaynath's (Mangeshkar; brother) Chala Vahi

Des and Meera Bhajans (both albums feature the poems and songs of the poet-saint Meera). I really like them. The way Meera has written them and also the compositions make me feel like we have been

transported to those times. It feels like we are sitting in that era. In your illustrious career, did you and OP Nayyar ever think of working together again? Nayyar sahab created his unique and different style eventually. And I had never sung in that style. Maybe, his style wasn't suitable for my voice. In fact, we both would agree on the same thing. I remember, I once spoke to Majrooh sahab (Sultanpuri) and told him not to push me to sing in that (OP Nayyar's) style. I always had a good relation-

ship with OP sahab. It's just that I could never sing for him. But whenever we met, he would speak to me in the nicest manner. Your sister, Asha Bhosle, has also worked extensively in the music industry. But the perception is that the two of you had a fallout many years backâ&#x20AC;Ś I've never had any fallout with any of my sisters. There was never any competition between us because we used to sing very different kinds of songs. She had her own style, which was really good. So there was no scope for any competition. But Asha's first husband, Bhosle sahib (Ganpatrao Bhosle), was upset with me. He used to believe Asha wouldn't get work because of me. But there was a time when Asha and I sung a number of duets, and many of them became popular as well. Later, when Asha came to our house, we used to stay together. Do you and your sister keep meeting each other? Asha has a house next to ours in the neighborhood, but she doesn't stay here anymore as she has bought a new house. But when she used to stay here, we would eat and even travel together. Even her kids used to stay with us. I used to take her son, Anand, when he was just a year old, with me to Kolhapur and Pune. When he turned 12 or 13, I took him to London (UK) and USA for the first time. He used to always be with me. So, there has never been any problem between us.

Prateik thinks of mom all the time

mita Patil's 30th death anni versary coincides with her actor-son Prateik Babbar's year-long sobriety. The actor who has been alcohol and drugs-free for the last 11 months, believes he's resurrected himself. "The last five years were the worst years of my life. I took everything for granted. I was neither doing well professionally, nor was I satisfied emotionally. Then, one day, a switch inside me flipped and I gave it all up. I don't think I could have done it without my mom, whom I think about the moment I wake up in the morning, till I go to bed at night. Even in my dreams, I am fighting with her, hating her, loving her and wanting to make her proud," Prateik confides, adding that his family, especially his grand-

mother, Vidyatai Patil, who raised him, has been extremely supportive of his decisions. Next up, Prateik intends to kick the butt in January. "I've tried to give up smoking and have failed repeatedly. But it's my New Year resolution now," he says, adding that being sober has also helped

him build a positive, disciplined lifestyle, he hits the gym twice a day, eats healthy and follows an early-to-bed sleeping pattern. Prateik had made his acting debut in the Aamir Khan production, 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na', alongside Imran Khan and Genelia D'Souza. His portrayal of the brother had won him praise as well as awards. He followed it up with an intense performance in Kiran Rao's 'Dhobi Ghat', which opened to positive reviews at film festivals. However, despite featuring in two big films next, 'Dum Maro Dum' and 'Aarakshan', his career failed to take off. The failure of 'Ekk Deewana Tha' and 'Issaq', which didn't perform well at the box office, and Prateik couldn't keep up with his contemporaries.

In Brief Chicago okays $1M legal fund for immigrants CHICAGO: Chicago's City Council has approved a $1.3 million fund to help immigrants with legal services, including those facing deportation. There was widespread support for the fund, which will use money set aside from a little-used property tax relief program. Three aldermen voted against it. Aldermen in support say the fund is a response to the election of Donald Trump, who has promised to taken an aggressive approach to immigration, including deporting millions. Two Chicago groups will help the city run the fund for immigrant legal services, including initial screenings. Experts estimate 150,000 Chicago area residents don't have permanent legal status. Mayor Rahm Emanuel told the Council that Chicago needs to stand by people who are fearful. He's also seeking private donations for the fund.-AP

Â&#x201E; Swaraj hailed for evacuating Indians NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on being named in the Global Thinkers of 2016 list compiled by the Foreign Policy magazine. Swaraj was named in the 'decision makers' category along with the Democratic Party nominee for US presidential election Hillary Clinton, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US Attorney General Loretta Lynch among others. "Very proud to see our hardworking EAM @SushmaSwaraj part of the @ForeignPolicy Global Thinkers list 2016! Congrats," Modi tweeted. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup also tweeted, "MEA proud to be led by EAM @SushmaSwaraj, who receives yet another recognition for

her unique brand of diplomacy." The magazine complimented Swaraj "for fashioning a novel brand of Twitter diplomacy". -PTI

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Churches vow to offer sanctuary to 'illegals' Details on page 36

Big business warns Trump against mass deportation WASHINGTON: Still grappling with Donald Trump's surprise election, the nation's business community has begun to pressure the president-elect to abandon campaign-trail pledges of mass deportation and other hard-line immigration policies that some large employers fear would hurt the economy. The push, led by an advocacy group backed by New York billionaire Michael Bloomberg and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, is still in its infancy as the business world struggles to understand the tough-talking Trump's true intentions on an issue that defined his outsider campaign. Some groups, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are holding off, doubtful that Trump will actually create a deportation force, as he suggested before his election, to expel those estimated 11 million immigrants in the country illegally. But others are assembling teams of public officials and industry leaders on the ground in key states to encourage Trump to em-

brace a more forgiving immigration policy - in the name of economic development, if not human compassion. ``This election clearly showed that Americans are wildly frustrated with our broken immigration

Boeing. ``But it would be a mistake to equate their desire for someone to secure the border with support for mass deportation or other hard line policies that would both devastate the economy and undermine core American values.''

system,'' said Jeremy Robbins, executive director of the New American Economy, a group whose board includes Bloomberg, Murdoch and leaders of business giants Marriott, Disney and

Robbins' organization has in recent days unveiled coalitions of business leaders and public officials that oppose an immigration crackdown - many of them Trump supporters - across Utah, Califor-

nia, South Carolina, Florida and Colorado with more coming in Arizona, Idaho, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas. Backed by its directors' deep pockets, the group is working to create a permanent infrastructure that will pressure the new administration and members of Congress in key battlegrounds even before the debate officially begins on Capitol Hill. Trump railed against the dangers of illegal immigration throughout his campaign, several times sharing the stage with parents of children killed by immigrants in the country illegally. He also pledged to build a massive wall across the vast majority of the 2,100-mile border with Mexico. And, early in the campaign, he promised to create ``a deportation force'' to remove more than 11 million immigrants, although as Election Day approached, he left open the possibility for a pathway to legal status for some who entered the country illegally. Cont'd on Page 38

'H1B row may lead to retaliation against US' WASHINGTON: Months after India dragged the US to WTO over imposing increased fees on H-1B and L-1 visas, a Congressional report has warned American lawmakers that if the dispute moves to formal settlement phase it could possibly result in a WTOauthorized trade retaliation against the US. "If the dispute moves to the formal dispute settlement panel phase, one potential outcome could be a WTO determination that the disputed statutes are inconsistent with GATS obligations and a recommendation that the US should modify its laws to comply with the GATS," said the Congressional Research Service (CRS) report. CRS, an independent research wing of the US Congress, warned lawmakers that in such a scenario compliance procedures could

subject the US to WTO-authorized trade retaliation if Congress does not amend the pertinent laws. The brief two-page report and analysis on India challenging H1B and L1 visa fee increase before the WTP was provided to Ameri-

sionals. The CRS said the dispute concerns US immigration laws which increased fees for certain temporary foreign workers and allotted a specific number of temporary worker visas to Chilean and

"Based on CRS records, this appears to be the first time a WTO member has formally filed a dispute challenging the immigration laws of another member as a violation of the GATS" can lawmakers on November 16. In March this year, India dragged the US to WTO's dispute settlement body against the latter's measures imposing increased fees on certain applicants for L-1 and H-1B visa categories. India has stated that the move would impact Indian IT profes-

Singaporean nationals. India has alleged that the US is violating its obligations under General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), a binding agreement for all WTO member countries, as well as the GATS Annex on Movement of Natural Persons Supplying Services, to not dis-

criminate against or between non-US service providers. "Based on CRS records, this appears to be the first time a WTO member has formally filed a dispute challenging the immigration laws of another member as a violation of the GATS," the CRS said. With the help of eminent subject experts, CRS periodically prepares reports and analyzes on issues of interest to the lawmakers so that they can take informed decisions. CRS reports are not the official view or report of the US Congress. In its analysis, CRS said, for several years certain US observers cautioned that fee increases for temporary foreign worker petitions and other immigration changes might be disputed as GATS violations. Cont'd on Page 38

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Trump to order probe into visa abuses WASHINGTON: US presidentelect Donald Trump has said that one of his first executive orders after assuming office would be to order investigation into all visas abuses that undermine jobs for the American worker, indicating that foreigner workers, including Indians, may face tough scrutiny under his administration. While Trump did not identify or name any particular visa abuse, lawmakers for the past few years have expressed concern over abuse of H-1B visas by companies. During his presidential campaign, Trump had emphasized tightening immigration and criticized companies that ship jobs overseas to countries like India and China. "One of my first executive orders will ask the Department of Labor to investigate all visa abuses that undermine jobs and wages for the American worker," Trump said at a rally in Michigan. "We will fight to protect every American life. During the campaign, I also spent time with American workers laid off and forced to train the foreign workers that were brought in to replace them. That's not going to happen anymore," Trump said. He was apparently referring to

cases like that of Disney World and other American companies wherein people hired on H-1B visas, including Indians, displaced US workers. "The company that's out there right now, they say you're going to train the people that are going to replace you, and if you don't do

"To protect our country from terrorism and extremism, I will suspend immigration and refugee admissions from regions where they cannot be safely processed or vetted," he said. it, you're not getting your severance pay. OK, not going to happen to our people anymore," Trump said. He also vowed to end illegal immigration. "To protect our country from terrorism and extremism, I will suspend immigration and refugee admissions from regions where they cannot be safely processed or

vetted," he said. "On immigration, we will build a great wall and we will put an end to illegal immigration and stop the drugs from pouring into our country and poisoning our youth and many other people. Got to stop the drugs," he said. "And we're going to have people come into our country, hundreds of thousands of people. We want them to come in because we're going to have big, beautiful doors in that wall, but they're going to come in legally through a process legally," he said. Trump said he believes in peace through strength. "We will, however, get rid of ISIS, I'm sorry. We will get rid of ISIS. ISIS has to go. At the same time, we will ensure our veterans have the best medical care in the world. It's about time," he said. "And on healthcare, we will repeal and replace Obamacare. We're going to have healthcare that's much less expensive. "They will be much better, much stronger. The murder rate our country has experienced is the largest increase in 45 years. You don't hear that. We are going to support the incredible men and women of law enforcement and we are going to bring this crime wave to an end," he said.-PTI

Immigrant rights convention shifts focus after Trump win NASHVILLE, TENN.: Organizers of a national conference aimed at promoting the rights of immigrants to the United States had to make some dramatic adjustments to their agenda before the conference opened over the weekend in Nashville. Attendees at this year's National Immigration Integration Conference were hoping to explore ways to promote the rights of immigrants and refugees and help them integrate into society. But that was before Donald Trump won the presidency. Now, the advocates for immigrants find themselves on the defensive in facing Trump, who has been severely critical of current immigration policies. A workshop on how more immigrants can qualify for health care under the Affordable Care Act was changed to ``Resiliency in Advocating for Immigrant Health in

Hostile Environments.'' And new sessions such as ``The Organized Anti-Immigrant Movement: Who They Are, What They Want, and

kind since Trump's election, the conference of more than 1,000 immigrants and refugee rights leaders listened to Tennessee city mayors, the Mexican ambassador to the United States, and singer Emmylou Harris offer guidance in the new Trump age. ``We absolutely had to do a lot of post-election pivots for this conference,'' said Stephanie Teatro, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition co-executive director, ``not only to really meet sort of the moment and have the kind of conversations that Carlos Sada, Mexico's ambassador to the United States, speaks during a session of the immigrants rights advoNational Immigration Integration Conference in cates need and want to be Nashville, Tenn. having right now, but also How We Can Push Back in because the policy landscape has Trump's America'' are now on the fundamentally shifted.'' agenda. Cont'd on Page 37 In the biggest assembly of its

Disney sued for replacing Americans with Indians WASHINGTON: A group of former Disney IT employees in the US state of Florida have filed a fresh lawsuit, claiming the company discriminated against them by firing them and giving their jobs to Indian workers brought to the country on H-1B visas. The class action suit accuses Disney of laying off information technology workers "based solely on their national origin and race" and replacing them with Indian nationals who received "special treatment". The workers felt even more insulted by being forced to train their replacements, the suit says. According to a complaint, Disney informed 250 Orlando IT workers in October 2014 they would be laid off within 90 days. The company quickly brought in replacements some of whom would work remotely, while others would enter the United States on H-1B visas, New York Daily News reported. All were "of Indian national ori-

specified damages. Court papers do not specify the race and nationality of the dozens of plaintiffs who have joined the suit. One of the former worker who filed the suit, Leonardo Perrero, is white. He testified before Congress in February about the loss of his job, and at one point teared up while recalling when he learned about the end of his 20-year career at Disney. "I clearly remember going to the local church pumpkin sale and having to tell the kids we couldn't t buy any that year because my job was being turned over to a foreign worker," he told Congress. Perrero also said Disney threatened to not give its employees severance if they didn't train the new workforce. The new suit comes two months after a federal judge in Florida dismissed two lawsuits from former IT workers over the layoffs. The judge ruled that Disney and its two outsourcing contractors did not violate any

gin", court papers say. The complaint says Disney created a "hostile work environment" for its out-the-door workers, in part by telling them they had to train foreigners who would be filling their roles. The suit says Disney made its axed workers "experience pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of earnings and other employment benefits and job opportunities." It asks for a jury trial and un-

rules in its job switches. Disney said in a statement, "Like the two other dismissed cases brought by this lawyer, this latest lawsuit is nonsense and we will defend it vigorously". President-elect Donald Trump targeted the H-1B visa as part of his campaign promise to end the outsourcing of American jobs. He said he was "totally committed" to eliminating abuse of the visa, which affords temporary employment for foreign workers.-PTI

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India most generous towards Sena asks Modi do a refugees: UNHCR Trump on Pak artistes NEW DELHI: India is one of the most generous countries for refugees, ensuring safety and employment to the displaced people in the best of her capacity, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said. Yasuko Shimizu, the chief of mission for UNHCR in India and the Maldives, who was awarded the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2015, said that the country has helped refugees by providing work permits and issuing long term visas. "India is one of the most generous countries for refugees. The country has given opportunities for such people to go for jobs by providing work permits. Although we give refugee cards to displaced people but the government here issues long term visas for them which is very helpful," Shimizu said. She said that the UNHCR has taken several initiatives in collaboration with governments and local bodies on ground, to address issues concerning proper education for children belonging to such

communities. "Education is one of the most important issues for refugee families. We should have assistance for refugee children so that they

can easily access education at local schools," she said. Shimizu, who has served in various capacities at the UNHCR headquarters in Geneva and for many field operations in Afghanistan, Russia and Uganda, took up her current post in June 2016. According to UNHCR Global Trends report, 65.3 million people (1 out of 113), were displaced from their homes due to conflict and

persecution in 2015. "Refugees are a result of political consequences in any country. We have been raising issues at the UN that humanitarian assistance cannot replace political concerns. "India has been tolerant with people of different backgrounds, ethnicity and cultures which is not the case with many other countries," she said. When asked about recent incidents of atrocities against African nationals in the capital city and the role of UNHCR during such incidents, Shimizu said, the lack of knowledge about culture in a different country sometimes creates problems. "The body keeps advocating with NGOs, police, university students on ground to sensitize people about the backgrounds and cultures refugees come from. It is important to see how individuals react to them in society. There needs to be an atmosphere where one can understand about the exchange of cultures. "It is not only the legal status that one should look at for refugees in other countries. Support to protect their life is also very important," she said.-PTI

Date of birth change in passport made easy NEW DELHI: Seeking changes in date of birth in existing passports will become hassle-free with government further simplifying services relating to issuance of the travel document. Making the changes in existing rule, the government has also allowed digitally signed marriage and birth certificates as valid proofs of marriage and birth respectively. As per the revised guidelines, passport issuing authorities (PIAs) have been authorized to consider request of each applicant seeking change in date of birth irrespective of the period that would have lapsed after the issue of the passport. According to earlier guidelines, request for change of DOB was allowed within five years of issuance of the passport and the entire process was lengthy and cumbersome as it involved lot of paper work.

If the PIA is satisfied with the claim based on documents submitted by the applicant, then passports with revised DOB can be issued by the authorities concerned. "Based on genuineness of the cases, the passport issuing au-

thorities can issue fresh passports," Chief Passport Officer Arun K Chatterjee told PTI. The Ministry of External Affairs, which issues passports, has already sent instructions to the passport issuing authorities to accept digitally signed marriage certificates and birth certificates as

valid proofs of marriage and birth respectively. The ministry is also exploring the possibility of making amendments in the Passport Rules, 1980, in order to further simplify the documentation process necessary for issuing passports in a timely, transparent, more accessible, reliable manner and through streamlined processes. MEA officials said the process of issuance of passports has been made foolproof and under the new system there was no scope for anti-national elements to obtain passport. As per guidelines, the first time passport applicants who furnish Aadhaar Card, Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), PAN card and an affidavit of non-criminality in the prescribed format, get faster passport services. The MEA had processed around 12 million passport applications last year.-PTI

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a cue from US President-elect Donald Trump's decision to protect jobs for "sons of the soil" and act against Pakistani artistes "snatching" jobs from Indians in the country. "Pakistani artistes, technicians and TV people come to India to earn money, while touting words like friendship and ties. They snatch away livelihood of locals here. "Can India implement a policy like Trump and say that these Pakistanis won't get a job here and also declare that those who give work to Pakistanis are the enemies of India," an editorial in Sena

Sena said. The Sena claimed that Trump seems to have been inspired by Balasaheb Thackeray on his slogan of 'jobs in the US for sons of soil only'. India is going to bear the maximum impact of Trump's stance and it should be seen how Modi government deals with it by talking to Trump, the editorial said. Incidentally, Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan called upon MNS chief Raj Thackeray ahead of his upcoming film "Raees", which features Pakistani actress Mahira Khan. The issue of Pakistani artists created a storm this year after the MNS objected to casting of actors

mouthpiece Saamana said. President-elect Trump had recently said that he would not allow Americans to be replaced by foreign workers, in an apparent reference to cases like that of Disney World and other American companies wherein people hired on H-1B visas, including Indians, displaced US workers. "What someone like Trump...can do, our PM, who is known as courageous and knowledgeable, can certainly do," the

from the neighboring country in Bollywood movies citing their involvement in terrorist attacks in India. In October, the MNS had staged high-voltage protests against the release of filmmaker Karan Johar's "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" for featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. But they later withdrew it after assurances from the film fraternity following 'mediation' by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to calm tempers.-PTI

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Churches vow to offer sanctuary to 'illegals' BROCKTON, Mass: Hundreds of houses of worship are offering sanctuary to people who could face deportation if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on his campaign pledge to remove millions of immigrants living in the country illegally. To some churches, sanctuary means spiritual support or legal assistance to fight deportation. Others promise or already are extending physical sanctuary by housing immigrants. In Brockton, a poor city of about 95,000 people south of Boston, four churches have pledged to take in immigrants fearful of being deported. ``If you need a safe place, once you enter the doors of this building, you are safe,'' said the Rev. Abraham Waya, pastor of Central United Methodist Church, who said his church can shelter as many as 100 people. ``We will host you and take care of you for as long as it takes.'' During the campaign, Trump pledged to ``immediately terminate'' President Barack Obama's executive actions on immigration, including the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which has extended work permits and temporary deportation relief to more than 700,000 immigrants brought here illegally as youths. In an interview with Time magazine, Trump adopted a more sym-

pathetic tone toward young immigrants, saying, ``We're going to work something out that's going to make people happy and proud.'' A spokesman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the agency follows a 2011 policy to generally avoid entering ``sensitive locations'' such as

form of sanctuary, including living space, financial assistance or rides for schoolchildren, said Alison Harrington, pastor of Southside Presbyterian Church in Tucson, Arizona. Immigrants have been fearful for decades, particularly as deportations increased during the

Supporters surround Javier Flores and his family during a press conference in the basement of Arch Street United Methodist Church in Philadelphia. The group gathered to announce that Flores has taken asylum in the church. Senior pastor Robin Hynicka stands immediately behind him.

schools, places of worship and hospitals to take custody of immigrants in the country illegally. The policy says enforcement actions can be conducted in those locations in cases of terrorism or when there are ``exigent circumstances.'' About 450 houses of worship of various denominations nationwide have offered to provide some

Obama administration, said Harrington, who is involved in the sanctuary movement on a national scale. But Trump's campaign promises to build a wall along the Mexican border, to bar Muslims from entering the country and to deport millions ``has really galvanized people,'' she said. The Episcopal Diocese of Los

Immigrant rights convention shifts focus after Trump win Cont'd from Page 35

In his speech, Ambassador of Mexico to the United States Carlos Sada didn't mention Trump, who has promised to build a wall on the Mexican border and make Mexico pay for it. Instead, Sada listed the economic benefits Mexico extends to the United States, and called for a ``new language'' to start new dialogue and reach compromises. ``We have always been stronger, safer and more successful when we have worked together,'' Sada said. Nashville Mayor Megan Barry was one of 18 mayors in larger metro areas who signed a letter to Trump urging him to maintain President Barack Obama's protections from deportation for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants. With Trump's hard line on immigration during the campaign, fear remains that he could eliminate the executive move by

Obama. Barry called Nashville a new gateway city that 81 people a day move to. In 2000, less than 1 percent of Nashvile residents were new Americans; now, Nashville is

`Who is living in our country now, they need to know about us, we need to know about them, and then stop talking about `us' and `them''' close to 16 percent of its population being foreign born, Barry said. Emmylou Harris, a 13-time Grammy winner and Nashville native, said people need to break through the noise and negativity

brought to the forefront by the election. Harris has been touring with several other artists to help refugees through the Jesuit Refugee Service. ``Who is living in our country now, they need to know about us, we need to know about them, and then stop talking about `us' and `them,''' Harris said in an interview. ``Because we do share this extraordinary country.'' Teatro said Trump's election has heightened interest in immigrant rights, through new volunteers, better coordination between advocacy groups and a big crowd for the conference, which began this weekend. ``You can see that the sentiment is not gloomy or bleak here,'' Teatro said. ``I think people are here to work. I think a lot of our strategies are giving people really concrete tools to take back to their communities. And I think we can see that we're going to emerge from this stronger for that.'' -AP

Angeles, with more than 140 congregations, has adopted a resolution calling for ``holy resistance'' to Trump's immigration proposals and declaring itself a ``sanctuary diocese.'' In Philadelphia, a coalition of 17 churches and two synagogues said it has seen a huge uptick in the number of volunteers for a program offering support to immigrants when ICE raids their homes. The program had 65 volunteers in May. In the two weeks following Trump's win, more than 1,000 new volunteers signed up, said Peter Pedemonti, executive director of the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia. ``We know that we're in a different historical moment right now and that our faith compels us to take increasingly bold actions,'' Harrington said. Some churches have already made good on their promises. In Philadelphia, a 40-year-old man from Mexico has been living in the Arch Street United Methodist Church for three weeks. Javier Flores entered the U.S. illegally in 1997 and has been deported and re-entered several times since then. After being held in an ICE detention center for over a year, the agency released him for 90 days so he could prepare for deportation. He did not want to be separated from his wife and three children, so he sought refuge, said the Rev. Robin Hynicka,

senior pastor. ``For us, we feel it's a moral obligation to keep families together,'' Hynicka said. Ingrid Encalada Latorre, an immigrant from Peru, took sanctuary last week with her year-old son, Anibal, at a Quaker meeting house in Denver. Latorre, 32, has exhausted appeals of a deportation order and is awaiting a decision on a final, discretional appeal to immigration officials in Washington. She left her native Cusco, Peru, in 2000 to join an aunt in Colorado, where she found work as a dishwasher, cared for kids, cleaned homes and worked at assisted living centers, she said. In 2002, she bought fake papers from an unscrupulous street seller. She was arrested in 2010 and pleaded guilty to a felony ID theft charge. She paid $11,500 in back taxes and successfully completed parole, but her guilty felony plea brought her to ICE's attention. Advocates arranged for LaTorre and Anibal to stay in the meeting house. Anibal, a U.S. citizen, is being treated at Denver's Children's Hospital for a congenital twisted neck condition; her other son, 8-yearold Bryant, is also a U.S. citizen and attends a bilingual school in suburban Westminster. ``I have lived half of my life here,'' she said. ``Don't be afraid. Just fight and keep going.''-AP

Indian pleads guilty to visa fraud in US WASHINGTON: A 32-year-old Indian IT professional in the US has pleaded guilty for committing a H-1B visa fraud. Hari Karne, from Hyderabad, faces a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a USD 250,000 fine. According to federal prosecutors, Karne's conspirators recruited foreign workers with purported IT expertise who sought work in the US. The conspirators then sponsored the foreign workers' H-1B visas with the stated purpose of working for SCM Data, a US based company, and MMC Systems' clients throughout the US. When submitting the visa paperwork to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the conspirators represented that the foreign workers had full-time positions and were paid an annual salary, as required to secure the H-1B visas. "Contrary to these representations and in violation of the H-1B

program, the conspirators paid the foreign workers only when they were placed at a third-party client who entered into a contract with SCM Data or MMC Systems," the Department of Justice said in a press release. "The conspirators told the foreign workers who were not currently working that if they wanted to maintain their H-1B visa status, they would need to come up with what their gross wages would be in cash and give it to SCM Data and MMC Systems so the companies could issue payroll checks to the foreign workers," prosecutors alleged. "Karne who was a US immigration manager with SCM Private Limited in India, which had service agreements with SCM Data and MMC Systems admitted that he advised foreign workers to pay SCM Data and MMC Systems in cash the approximate amount they were supposed to be paid by the companies in order to generate false payroll records," federal prosecutors alleged. -PTI

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December 23, 2016

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Big business warns Trump against mass deportation Cont'd from Page 34

Trump's transition team declined to answer questions about his immigration plans. He hinted at a softer approach in a Time magazine interview published this week, saying he would ``work something out'' to help immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children and granted work permits by President Barack Obama. On deportation, Trump told ``60 Minutes'' shortly after the election that he would prioritize deporting between 2 and 3 million ``people that are criminal and have criminal records - gang members, drug dealers.'' Such a plan would largely be in line with the Obama administration's current policy.

In case Trump does rescind Obama's 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which has extended work permits and temporary deportation relief for more than 700,000 immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children, a bipartisan group of senators is introducing a three-year bill to allow people covered under that program to stay in the country. His nominee for Labor Secretary, Andrew Puzder, a fast-food restaurant mogul, has supported Republican and Democratic compromise plans on immigration reform. At an American Enterprise Institute forum in 2013, he described a path to legalization for millions of undocumented immigrants in the country as ``the right thing to do,'' according to a video

of the event. That support prompted criticism from anti-immigration groups like NumbersUSA. The group's Roy Beck called Puzder's nomination ``disconcerting.'' The business world was caught flat-footed when Trump won.

Business leaders had invested far more time coordinating immigration policy with Democrat Hillary Clinton before the election. None of the major players have had regular contact with Trump's transition team since his victory Business leaders had invested far more time coordinating immi-

'H1B row may lead to retaliation against US' Cont'd from Page 34

Others suggested that this challenge is an attempt to offset India's loss to the US in another recent WTO dispute over India's laws regulating solar energy, it said. CRS said India contends, among other things, that the 2010 and 2015 fee increases do not comply with "most-favored-nation (MFN) treatment" under the GATS, which generally prohibits

the CRS said. . In its analysis, CRS noted that the petition fees increases mandated by the 2010 and 2015 acts are "arguably protectionist" because they "may exceed" the government's cost in processing a visa applicant and also could be punitive measures targeting employers perceived by some Members of Congress as abusers of the foreign worker visas. The report, however, says that

Warning the lawmakers that the US is on a weak wicket on this issue, the report warned that if the dispute moves to the formal dispute settlement panel phase, WTO could rule that this policy is inconsistent with its GATS obligations. a WTO member from treating the services and service suppliers of one WTO member less favorably than it treats comparable services and suppliers of another. While the fee hike does not specifically mention Indian companies, such a provision has been tailored in such a manner that it impacts only Indian IT companies, many experts alleged, the report said. "This alleged effect might be relevant to India's claim because the WTO has recognized that a GATS MFN violation may result when a facially neutral measure has a comparatively disproportionate negative impact on service suppliers of one WTO Member,"

the Indian charge on the allotments to Chilean and Singaporean nationals, may not violate GATS obligations because the total number of H-1B visas issues annually exceed the cap listed in the US Schedule due to various cap exceptions, meaning that countries like India would not be harmed by the allotments. The CRS noted that the dispute remains in consultations, the first phase in WTO disputes, and neither party has submitted any detailed legal arguments to the WTO. "Although US officials reportedly have asserted confidence that the disputed laws are fully consistent with WTO obligations,

gration policy with Democrat Hillary Clinton before the election. None of the major players have had regular contact with Trump's transition team since his victory, even though Trump has vowed to make immigration a focus of the early days of his presidency. ``This is going to take a while,''

US officials have informed Indian officials they would review the fee increases," the report said, adding that no further public pledge has been made, however, to modify current US immigration policies. Warning the lawmakers that the US is on a weak wicket on this issue, the report warned that if the dispute moves to the formal dispute settlement panel phase, WTO could rule that this policy is inconsistent with its GATS obligations. And as such WTO may ask US to comply with the GATS. "Compliance procedures could subject the US to WTO-authorized trade retaliation if the Congress does not amend the pertinent law," the CRS report warned. It quickly noted that a WTO panel report does not have direct legal effects on US laws and policies; Congress would have to legislate any conforming statutory amendment. "Even if India were to prevail in an adopted report, India could choose to agree to disagree with the United States without seeking compliance," the CRS said. "As a potentially far-reaching effect, a successful challenge to a member s immigration laws could signal that other immigration measures of WTO members may be subject to greater scrutiny, rather than generally being accepted as border control measures consistent with WTO exceptions, US commitments and long-standing recognition of sovereign prerogatives," CRS said.-PTI

said Daniel Garza, executive director for the Koch Brothers-backed LIBRE Initiative, which supports a pathway to citizenship for immigrants in the country illegally and opposes mass deportation. ``In the meantime we will make sure our voice is heard.'' Trump faces political pressure on both sides. His most passionate supporters are unlikely to accept a Trump administration that embraces big business' softer approach. ``Donald Trump will lose all credibility,'' said Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, a group

that pushes for strict immigration policies. Stein, optimistic that Trump is putting immigration hardliners like Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions in his Cabinet, said Trump should pursue mass deportations to protect American workers. ``Under Donald Trump, this left-right business coalition thing is not going to work,'' he said. Yet business groups note that experts have predicted negative economic consequences should Trump pursue mass deportation. A study released in February by the right-leaning American Action Network found that such a plan could reduce ``real GDP by $1 trillion'' and cost taxpayers more than $400 billion. Public opinion appears to be on their side. While the Pew Research Center found over the summer that eight in 10 Trump supporters want a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, an October survey found that 60 percent of Trump backers also said immigrants in the country illegally should be able to stay in the U.S. if they meet certain requirements. Roughly one third of Trump supporters said there should be a ``national law enforcement effort to deport'' all such immigrants.-AP

UK to cut student visas by half LONDON: The UK government is finalizing plans to cut annual student visa figures by nearly half, from the current 300,000 to 170,000, a media report said amid a sharp fall in students coming to the country from outside Europe including India. Some university chiefs are also warning that many Indian students are already being denied visas on minor grounds as part of a wider move to cut immigration into the UK. "They are telling some students there is exactly the same quality of course available in India so why are you coming here. That is outrageous," a UK vicechancellor was quoted as saying by the Guardian newspaper. The move comes despite recent UK Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures indicating there has been a drastic drop in students coming to the UK from outside Europe. "There was a statistically significant decline in the number of

non-EU citizens migrating to the UK to study, from 134,000 in the previous year to 111,000...there was a statistically significant decline in citizens of South Asia, with the number coming to study having almost halved," ONS said in its 'Migration Statistics Quarterly Report: August 2016'. India is the third-largest category in terms of student visa applications after the US and China, with 10,664 granted between June 2015 and 2016. "International students contribute, directly and indirectly, 14 billion pounds to the UK economy, making higher education one of this country's most valuable exports...Over the last five years, the number of Indian students attending UK universities has halved. I have consistently asked the government to remove students from the net migration target," said Lord Bilimoria, leading Indian-origin entrepreneur and Cobra Beer founder, who himself came to the UK as a student. -PTI

Immigration Post

December 23, 2016

India Post 39

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Pak infant donates bone Pakistani held with fake notes in Surat marrow in India BENGALURU: Eight-monthold Pakistani infant Rayan has become the youngest bone marrow donor in India by donating healthy bone marrow stem cells to his elder sister, who underwent successful transplant at a city hospital here. The two-and-a-half-year-old Zeenia, hailing from Sahiwal in Pakistan, was suffering from H e m a p h a g o c y t i c

was also diagnosed to have partial albinism since birth as well, they added. "After we diagnosed the girl was suffering from HLH, we discovered that her brother was Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) match for her," said Dr Sunil Bhat, Senior Consultant and Head of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant at Narayana Health City hospital.

Zeenia, two and half year old girl from Pakistan, who underwent successful Bone Marrow Transplant at Narayana Health City hospital in Bengaluru

Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare disease in which bone marrow produces some abnormal cells which eat away the normal cells, resulting in high fever, low blood counts, liver and spleen enlargement, doctors said. Calling it a potentially life threatening disorder, doctors said the only cure for this condition was bone marrow transplant. Zeenia

"As the donor is just eight months old to collect the adequate dosage, he was required to undergo the donation process twice at a gap of only few weeks," Dr Bhat said. "By using small marrow extraction needles and with the assistance of a team of anesthetists and other members, we have successfully extracted enough marrow

which helped cure Zeenia. Rayan has not only saved his sister, he also has the unique distinction of being the youngest marrow donor in India," he added. Doctors said the procedure was conducted in October and today Zeenia is cured of her "deadly disease" and ready to leave for Pakistan to lead a normal life. They have advised her parents about certain follow-ups that Zeenia needs to undergo after going back home. The doctors also said Rayan was doing "exceptionally" well and fine. Zeenia had earlier undergone treatment at an armed forces hospital in Rawalpindi. Stating that there was "general fear factor" when they landed in India, Zeenia's father Zia Ulla said his daughter was now fine and recovering. "From the time we landed following immigration I would say it was a very pleasant surprise ... everyone was very fine and friendly," he said. Expressing similar sentiments, Zeenia's mother Farzeen said it was very difficult for them to decide on bone marrow donation from her eight-month old son. "Obviously both children are important for us. When we got to know that they are match siblings and it was a promising option, we decided to take risk," she said.-PTI

More Indians granted visas to UK LONDON: The number of Indians granted visa to study at UK universities has registered a 6 per cent increase for the first time since 2009. According to latest UK government statistics, between July and September this year, 8,692 student visas known as Tier 4 visas were granted to Indian applicants, compared with 8,224 issued during the same period in 2015. Sponsored visa applications from Indians to study in the UK increased by 5 per cent between 2015 and 2016 to 9,207, the largest number since 2013. "The increase is an important market breakthrough point," Richard Everitt, director of education at British Council India, told the 'Times Higher Education'. He attributed the increase to "deeper relationships between UK and Indian universities, greater transparency over the Tier-4 visa

application process and an increase in scholarship opportunities". However, Vivienne Stern, director of Universities UK International, warned against the sector getting "over-excited" about the "slight upswing" in Indian visa applications and acceptances.

she said. India is the third-largest category in terms of student visa applications after the US and China. The latest visa figures come in the wake of reports that the UK Home Office was finalizing plans to cut annual student visa figures by nearly half, from the current 300,000 to 170,000. A UK Home Office spokesperson said: The latest visa figures "We want to strengthen the system come in the wake of reto support the best uniports that the UK Home versities and those that stick to the rules to atOffice was finalizing plans tract the best talent". to cut annual student visa "The British people have sent a clear mesfigures by nearly half sage that they want more control of immigration and we are com"We are working really hard to mitted to getting net migration address misconceptions about the down to sustainable levels in the UK as a destination for study," tens of thousands." -PTI

AHMEDABAD: A Pakistani national has been arrested and fake currency notes of scrapped Rs 500 with a face value of Rs 50,000 were seized from him at Surat Railway station, police said. According to police, the accused, identified as Burhanuddin Sajjad (45), had entered India on a valid tourist visa and had obtained the fake notes from Pakistan. Police seized 100 fake notes of old Rs 500 denomination from Burhanuddin, who first claimed to be a Mumbai resident, when he was apprehended at Surat Railway station by Railway Protection Force (RPF). He was later handed over to Government Railway Police (GRP) for further investigation. "Later, during his primary questioning and frisking, police recovered his Pakistani passport, which confirmed his nationality," Western Railway Superintendent of Police (SP), Vadodara division, Sharad Singhal, said. "Burhanuddin's passport confirmed that he is a Pakistani na-

tional and not a resident of Mumbai. Stamps on his passport suggested that he entered India via Attari border in Punjab on December 12 and then headed to Mumbai by a train. We recovered 100 fake notes of old Rs 500 currency. We also found three notes of USD 100 with him," Singhal said. "Burhanuddin came to India on a valid tourist visa, which has not expired. He told us that he had acquired these fake notes from Pakistan. We will seek his remand from court to investigate his intentions to visit India with such fake notes," said Singhal. "RPF jawans spotted Burhanuddin loitering suspiciously on platform number one of Surat railway station while traveling to Mumbai," Surat GRP Sub Inspector M R Malek said. "When RPF jawans searched his luggage, they found 100 bills of now defunct Rs 500 currency notes. When checked by the ticket counter staff, these notes turned out to be fake," he said.-PTI

'Indo-Bangla border markets benefit locals' AGARTALA: Two border 'haats' in Tripura along the IndoBangla border are benefiting local people through the business transactions besides becoming a meeting place for relatives who stay across the border, a state minister said here. "Two border haats (markets) at Kamalasagar in Sipahijala district and Srinagar in South Tripura district are now popular among local residents," State Industries and Commerce minister Tapan Chakraborty told reporters. "The markets are selling local products also to the people of neighboring Bangladesh. Locals are now demanding expansion of the markets," the minister said. Locals demanded that the markets open twice a week instead of once a week now, besides seeking more items listed for selling, Chakraborty added. The decision of opening markets and increasing listed items are prerogatives of the central government, he said, adding the state government would soon send a proposal regarding this to the Ministry of Commerce. Both the border haats were inaugurated last year and the central government spent slightly less than

Rs five crore to set them up, besides giving the nod to set up two more such markets at Kamalpur in Dhalai and at Raghna in Dharmanagar but that did not materialize since no money was sanctioned. The Tripura minister said border haats have also become a meeting place for relatives who stay across the border. "Due to visa problems people could not meet their relatives earlier but the haats have become a common meeting place for them (as no visa is required to visit the haats)," Chakraborty said. In Kamalasagar haat, Indian goods worth Rs 2.78 crore were sold to Bangladeshis and Bangladeshi goods worth Rs 4.4 lakh were sold to the Indians in the six months beginning April 1, said Shyamal Dev, General Manager of Tripura Industrial Development Corporation (TIDC). Indian goods worth Rs 3.265 crore were sold to Bangladeshis while the latter sold goods worth Rs 1.8 crore in the Srinagar haat during the same period, he said. Business in a haat takes place among the people living within 5km radius of the border who sell and buy locally produced goods and crops. -PTI

40 India Post

www.indiapost.com

December 23, 2016

Kaiserbagh Palace

ucknow is an upcoming metropolitan city showcasing many of its splendors world wide with its surprising charm. It was made the capital of Uttar Pradesh after the Indian Independence in 1947. It was also addressed as 'The Nawab City', which means a city full of great people. One factor to be appreciated is the mannerism otherwise known as the tehzib. The Aadab, meaning salutation, has a unique style and comfort on its own. The established courtesans Constantia (La Martiniere School)

were specially known for their singing and dance. Although the dressing style patterns have changed in the recent century, Chikan is considered the most delicate fabric decorating the cupboards with its neat handmade embroidery. Only few cities depict the charm of dupattas, also called the covering shawl, and Lucknow is one among them. Some of the most popular monumental heritages of Lucknow are the Imambara, Rumi Darwaza and Sankat Mochan Temple, which hold religious significance. The three W's where Lucknow Nawabs give due respect are Women, Wisdom and Wine. An institution named 'Kothas' existed, where the Nawabs' sons were sent to imbibe the culture, respect and sophistication for the opposite sex. No one can forget Muzzafar Ali's famous film 'Umrao Jaan' which fully depicts this institution. Culture wise, Lucknow turns out to

be the capital of Northern India and cheap tour packages of Lucknow are available. People fly out kites not as a pastime but also to send love letters to the heartfelt ones. Each and every day here is different and no one knows about the city in full and can never know. Hence, we look the place just as Lucknow, but for them is another world. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 42

December 23, 2016

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post 41

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Jodhpur among top 10 preferred destinations NEW DELHI: Jodhpur in Rajasthan is among the top 10 preferred destinations that travelers have on their wish lists for the upcoming year, a recent study has revealed. On the basis of the study, derived by an algorithm based on year-over-year increase in customers positive review ratings for accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and booking interest, popular travel portal, TripAdvisor recently announced their "Travelers

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, bagged the top spot in Asia (5th internationally) and Jodhpur ranked third in the Asia list and 10th in the global ranking. The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur is a reflection of the royal lineage it has witnessed for centuries. Majestic forts and palaces, that are remnants of the glorious past, adorn the landscape of this popular tourist attraction. One of the royal mansions in-

in India and offers sweeping views of the Blue City is also a major attraction. "The destinations on this list are great options for Indian travelers to start thinking about their 2017 holiday plans. "Its also exciting to see an Indian city, Jodhpur, making it to the world list this year which only reinstates India's increasing popularity as a global tourist destination," Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager, TripAdvisor India, said.

E-Tourist visa extended to 161 countries NEW DELHI: The government has extended the facility of e-Tourist Visa for citizens of 161 countries, Rajya Sabha was informed. In a written reply, Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma said the number of foreign tourist arrivals on e-

Tourist Visa (e-TV) during January to November this year was 9,17,446, registering a growth of

Choice Awards for Destinations on the Rise" for the year of 2017. The award list, which recognizes 43 destinations from across the globe, this time has been topped by the laid-back local scene of San Jose del Cabo in Mexico.

clude the Ratan Vilas, a 1920 structure that has been beautifully refurbished into a hotel and "provides a wondrous setting to recharge and enjoy Jodhpurs magnificent setting". The impressive Mehrangarh Fort which is one of the oldest forts

Other destinations on the global top 10 list include Whistler in Canada (2), Jericoacoara in Brazil (3), Kihei in Hawaii (4), El Nido in Philippines (6), Eilat in Israel (7), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Spain (8) and Tbilisi in Georgia (9). -PTI

Railways to adopt e-tendering for 2016-17 NEW DELHI: Indian Railways will adopt a "completely transparent e-tendering process" to utilize its capital expenditure of Rs 1.22 lakh crore for 2016-17, Union Minister Suresh Prabhu has said. He said the Railways is trying to ensure that end-users and vendors use e-wallets, in line with the government's thrust on cash less transactions post demonetization. "Railways capex this year would be about Rs 1.22 lakh crore. All of that we have already decided that we will go in for a completely transparent e-tendering process. All contracts will be available on the e-tendering platform. "We are trying to make sure that end users will also use either the wallet or whatever the form of payment, but they will not use cash. Each vendor will use an e-wallet," Prabhu said. Addressing an awards ceremony organized by EEPC India here, he said the benefits accruing from demonetization "will outweigh to a great extent the cost that we are going to suffer out of

it". He advised exporters to get their complete value chain digitally connected to become more competitive in the global market. As for the short-term difficulties, the Railway Minister said "difficult days do not last long".

Suresh Prabhu

He termed demonetization as a good opportunity to move to cashless transactions. The minister pointed out that 58 per cent people use cash for

buying railway tickets in the country. Therefore, he said, the thrust towards cash less transactions was bound to cause some disruptions. "As far as the Railways is concerned, most of the people who travel by it are middle class or common people and 58 per cent of them use cash to buy ticket. "You can imagine that people want to use a mode of transaction which is available to them in an easier manner and this will obviously create some disruption, any change brings disruption. What is important is the management, the cost of disruption should be calculated in context of the benefit that will accrue out of it," Prabhu said. -PTI

168.5 per cent over same period of previous year. "This indicates success of the e-TV Scheme," he said, adding that "The Government of India has extended the facility of e-Tourist Visa for the citizens of 161 countries including Japan for which facility of Visa on Arrival is also available." The e-visa scheme was launched on November 27, 2014. Under the scheme, an applicant receives an email authorizing him or her to travel to India after it has been approved. The tourist can travel with a print-out of this authorization. On arrival, the visitor has to present the authorization to the immigration authorities who would then stamp the entry into the country. -PTI

Abu Dhabi expects 20% more Indian tourists MUMBAI: Abu Dhabi, the capital and the second most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is expecting more than 20 per cent growth in Indian tourist arrivals this year. "India has been the number one source market for us globally and we have been witnessing a steady growth in tourists coming to Abu Dhabi from the sub-continent. "We are already in the last month of 2016, and are confident of seeing over 20 per cent growth this year," Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority Country Manager, India, Bejan Dinshaw told PTI here. Abu Dhabi saw 2.8 lakh Indian tourists checking into hotels in 2015. With a large number of Indian expats living in Abu Dhabi, the actual number of visitors to the capital city is much more, he said. The capital of UAE has already witnessed 2.36 lakh Indians staying in hotels and spending an average 3.2 nights till September this year, Dinshaw said. After India, the other top tourist-generating markets for Abu Dhabi are Britain, China, Germany and France. Indians are also among the top spenders in Abu Dhabi, he said. "Indians love shopping and are the leading spenders in Abu Dhabi. To attract shoppers we celebrate 'Summer Season' (from June-September) during Ramzan,

where many discounts and other schemes are offered," the official said. Abu Dhabi, placing itself as an affordable luxurious destination for Indians, is mainly targeting segments like wedding, honeymoons, family, single travelers and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). With good connectivity - 250 flights a week connecting 15 In-

dian cities directly with Abu Dhabi - India will continue to remain a major source of holiday-makers coming to the city, he said. "For this purpose we are bullish on road shows and joint marketing promotions (JMPs) with travel companies and local travel agents in tier 1, 2 and 3 cities. "We aim to make Abu Dhabi the first choice of destination for Indians looking for long weekends and short breaks. And proximity and good connectivity gives Abu Dhabi an edge in this regard," Dinshaw added. -PTI

42 India Post

Travel & Hospitality Post

December 23, 2016

www.indiapost.com Bara Imambara

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

Tourist Attractions Bara Imambara: Famed as the largest arch room without any pillars, Bara Imambara alias Asfai Imambara is an exciting combination of unfussiness of style, evenness and proportion. Built in the year 1784, Bara Imambara happens to be the most significant monument in the city. It was constructed by the fourth Nawab, Barak

City of splendid monuments & charm of mannerism strong connection with its English past. This school started its first batch in the year 1845 and played a significant role in the 1857 war due to which it has been awarded with the laurel Colors from the imperial rulers. Since then, its boys have been actively taking part in the wars of Imperial Britain and Independent India. Dilkusha Kothi: A former hunt-

Chota Imambara

Imambara Asaf-ud-Daula and the popular belief is that this colossal structure holds immense treasures inside it. It is also known as "Gravity Defying Palace'. Chota Imambara: Historical landmark of Lucknow, Chota Imambara or the Husainabad Imambara, displays a curious mixture of Charbagh, Persian and Indo-Islamic structural designs. Built in the year 1837, the Imambara looks awesome with its golden dome, gold-edged mirrors and silver throne. This beautiful monument of the yesteryears holds an interesting story behind its glittering facades. While the great famine of the 19th century engulfed all the belongings of the lower strata in the society, the then Nawab of Oudh bespoke Chota Imambara under the Food for Work program, which was a great respite to the poverty stricken people of that time. Constantia (La Martiniere School): The lovely banks of Gomati River serve as a tranquil environment to this prestigious institution. Constantia, now known as La Martinere School, is one among the historical landmarks of the city, which bears its

ing lodge of the rulers, Dilkusha Kothi on the banks of Gomati shows unique architecture and exceptional structural designs. Dilkusha Kothi was later converted into a summer palace of the royal family. Built in the year 1800 AD by Major Gore, this Baroque style citadel with excellent decorative walls stands elegantly in the midst of vibrant greenery. The specialty of this 18th century monu-

belonged to a French businessman by name Neal, who had to give up his entire trade and belongings as per the royal decree. As the then law provides confiscation of the properties of a foreigner, all the properties of Neal automatically went into the government treasury. Later during the reign of Aurangazeb, this flamboyant house was given to his Islamic consultant Mullah Asad bin Qutab Shaheed and to his brother Mullah Asad bin Qutabuddin Shaheed. They developed this house into a full fledged Islamic school, which was often compared with Oxford and the Cambridge universities. Husainabad Clock Tower: A lofty structure that stands high in the sky, Husainabad Clock Tower is one of the appealing facades of Lucknow. Located adjacent to the Rumi Darwaza, this clock tower is a perfect example of the artistic and structural skills of the Englishmen. Built in the year 1881, Husainabad clock tower is adjudged as the tallest among all the clock towers in India. Kaiserbagh Palace: Wajid Ali Shah of Lucknow is better known as an acclaimed singer and a poet rather than a good administrator. He devoted his life to fulfilling his artistic talents, which paved way for some of the prettiest monuments in the city. Kaiserbagh Palace was his dream project and the

Husainabad Clock Tower

ment is the absence of inner courtyards with less significant trails. Though the monument is not extended into a wide area like the typical buildings of that time, it looks taller than those of the traditional Indian buildings. Farangi Mahal: This building

Nawab expected that it would be enlisted as the 8th wonder. Remarkable for its architectural excellence, the Kaiserbagh Palace proffers Hindu umbrellas, ionic columns, Moorish minarets, lanterns, banisters and pediments. Rumi Darwaza: A magnificent

entry to a magnificent monument that is Rumi Darwaza, which stands

square meters in the National Botanical Research Institute is the Sikander Bagh, a lovely garden that serves all the recreational needs of the visitors. This beauti-

Rumi Darwaza

to the west of Bara Imambara. It was built in the years 1784-1786 during the reign of Asaf-ud-Duala. This 60 feet high lofty entrance shows no other supplementary fittings of wood or iron to support it from outside. Satkhanda: A decaying 67 meter red-brick watchtower, located just opposite the Hussainabad Imambara, is a splendor of medieval architecture. The structure shows a curious blend of French and Italian style structural designs. This amazing citadel was constructed during the time of Nawab Muhamad Ali Shah, but his untimely demise in 1840 blocked its construction. Famed as the tallest tower in India, Satkhanda, is believed to be built as a mark of respect to Sir George Couper, a progressive Governor of UP. Sikander Bagh: A sprawling expansion of 150

ful garden is named after the lovely queen of last ruler of Oudh, Wajid Ali Shah. Built in the year 1800 AD, during the reign of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, Sikandar Bagh is one of the remarkable monuments in the history of India. It was one of the venues of the 1857 revolt and so many artifacts excavated from here testify to this. How to reach By Train: Lucknow city centre is a major railway station in North India. It connects all rail heads in India. By Air: The Lucknow airport is 14 km away from the heart of the city. By Bus: Lucknow is easily connected to all nearby cities by public transport buses. The city is well connected with other major cities by private tourist bus services.

Satkhanda

December 23, 2016

Travel & Hospitality Post

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Mobile App for tourists AP inks MoU with Rightstay, Stayzilla in Ajmer, Pushkar JAIPUR: Rajasthan government has recently launched a mobile App that provides latest information about tourist attractions in Ajmer and Pushkar with rich content including pictures, audio and video streams and cultural stories. The App is comprehensive and one-stop solution for tourism

needs, a senior official said. "More than 40 places of Ajmer and Pushkar have been covered in the App which instantly provides real-time and highly contextual content to the user," Shiv Shankar Heda, Chairman of the Ajmer Development Authority, told PTI. Tourists just need to download an app LeZgo which provides tourism content with multiple features and convenient utilities. Useful utilities, like free WiFi, weather information, language translator, forex converter, compass, cab booking, upgraded customs information for foreign visitors, SOS function are among other features of the App, which provides inputs in 12 prominent

languages. After Ajmer, the App will be localized for Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Pali and Bharatpur soon, the official said, adding currently it has nearby 1500 users. The user can search for tourist destinations, get custom designed holiday packages, book a cab in a

jiffy, check out the latest and upcoming events in the vicinity, listen along custom designed audio streams "for enjoyment and deep immersion into the culture, he said. The App works on the iBecons and Internet of Things (IoT) technology. IoT is a device which is installed at the tourists points which provides information to the

tourist having the App in their smart phones. Strategically placed IoT devices gives a personalized welcome message from the state government and local administration making the tourist feel special. The App, designed by Bengaluru based Sohamsaa Systems, has been recently launched in Ajmer jointly by the Ajmer district administration and the Development Authority. The tourists must get an immerse experience of culture, history, languages, food, music, spirituality, sciences, wisdom, Yoga and wellness apart from all the excitement, Parag Prasad, CEO and

MD of the company said. When the user comes in the range of IoT device, all the rich contents, audio-video streams and others gets automatically downloaded. The user need not any guide as he receive the most authentic content related with the monument or the place," he added. -PTI

Japan's Christmas gifts for space station CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.: Christmas gifts arrived at the International Space Station here, courtesy Japan. A Japanese cargo ship pulled up at the orbiting lab four days after launching. The capsule called Kounotori, or white stork contains nearly 5 tons of food, water, batteries and other supplies. NASA said there also are Christmas presents for the two Americans, three Russians and one Frenchman on board. Commander Shane Kimbrough, an American, and France's Thomas Pesquet used the robot arm to grab the

capsule 250 miles above Chile. Flight controllers in Japan and Houston applauded - and some of the Japanese even bowed. Kimbrough said the crew was ``really excited'' to accept delivery and radioed thanks to all. ``The vehicle is beautiful, and

it performed flawlessly,'' he said. Barely two weeks ago, a Russian supply ship was destroyed shortly after liftoff. At the same time, one of NASA's main suppliers, SpaceX, is grounded. So the Japanese delivery is especially welcome. The astronauts need the six new lithium-ion batteries for next m o n t h ' s spacewalks. They will replace the old nickel-hydrogen batteries that store energy generated by the station's big solar panels. -AP

MUMBAI: Andhra Pradesh tourism has signed an agreement with Rightstay (MakeMyTrip), Stayzilla to promote homestay concept in the state. Rightstay and Stayzilla have become the first two aggregators to associate with government tourist department in South India, a release issued here said. Under this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Rightstay and Stayzilla will lend its expertise to AP Tourism to conduct verification procedures and jointly boost homestays and stay experi-

ences within Andhra Pradesh. This partnership will also enable verification and training of these new Homestays being developed right from the start. This is mainly to promote rural tourism in the state and AP Tourism intends to encourage organized, community based, environmentally and socially responsible rural Homestays across the countryside in Andhra Pradesh. AP Tourism Director Himanshu Shukla said, "We also intend to ensure that such experiences are offered in line with the above stated objective of giving tourists a holistic rural experience keeping the Atithi Devo Bhava concept in the

forefront. In doing so, the service necessarily needs to be participative, and should create a sustainable eco-system which provides an alternate source of income for villagers without straining their existing resources." AP Tourism, Rightstay and Stayzilla will also jointly conduct educational and training sessions for registered Homestays on best practices such as online usage, content management, operations and expense management. Rightstay and Stayzilla teams will also be involved in imparting hospitality and skill training to all the new Homestays under the AP Tourism scheme. "While homestays account for 40 per cent of the total properties on the Rightstay, 25 per cent of those are private properties in Andhra Pradesh. We already have more than 14,000 properties across 200 cities live on Rightstay and plan to end the next year with over 100,000 properties and are excited to partner with Andhra Pradesh in that Endeavour," MakeMyTrip Senior Vice President, Growth Business, Deepak Tuli said. Ankit Rastogi, Vice President Marketplace, Stayzilla said, "We aim to strengthen tourism in south with the first tie-up with a state government tourism body in the region. Well maintained and quality accommodation is always a concern for tourists and we aim to address the same by associating with different tourism boards in the country." -PTI

Wagah-like border point for Gujarat AHMEDABAD: On the lines of Wagah Border point, the famous tourist attraction in Punjab, Gujarat would soon have its own `Border Viewing Centre' near Suigam, a village near the IndoPak border in Banaskantha district. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani made the announcement while inaugurating the annual `RannUtsav' at Dhordo in the Rann of Kutch. "To promote tourism, state government is planning to open a Border Viewing Centre at Nadabet near Suigam village of

Banaskantha. We will provide all the facilities which are available to tourists at Wagah Border," Rupani said. The CM also announced Lion Safari Parks at five locations in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. One of these parks, at Ambardi in Amreli district, would open soon, an official release quoted him as saying. Rupani also inaugurated ten `Bhungas', traditional Kutchi huts, which will be rented to tourists. He also visited a tent city erected in the white Rann of Kutch and enjoyed a camel ride, stated the release. -PTI

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Nationwide ban on manja for flying kites NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has imposed an interim nationwide ban on use of glass-coated manja for flying kites as the sharp string poses a danger to humans, animals and birds. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Swatanter Kumar passed the order after noting that manja, string coated with glass and metal powder and used for flying kites, poses a threat to the environment. The green panel said that the ban order would apply on nylon, Chinese and cotton manja coated with glass and directed Manja Association of India to submit report to Central Pollution Control Board on harmful effects of kite strings. The direction came after senior advocate Sanjay Hegde and advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for animal rights body People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), sought the ban, saying that Makar Sankranti festival was approaching and manja would be used for flying kites. They also referred to various orders, including the November 2015 order of the Allahabad High Court which banned the use of Chinese manja in entire Uttar Pradesh and sought a ban on "manufacture, import, sale and use" of these strings. The matter was listed for next hearing on February 1, 2017. -PTI

Native workers sought for hospital expansion BETHEL, Alaska: The contractor overseeing the $300 million expansion of a Bethel hospital is focusing its hiring efforts on Alaska Native workers and others from the region as it looks to start construction next year. KYUK-AM reports that project manager James Murrell, with the Native-owned contractor ASKWDavis, says the company is looking to hire as many Natives and local residents as possible before the work begins in six months. The Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation project will bring about 150 jobs to the area over a five-year period. Those jobs will include electricians, plumbers and carpenters. YKHC CEO Dan Winkelman says people who are interested in the jobs but don't have the skills can get some experience through training programs and apprenticeships managed by Yuut Elitnaurviat, Bethel's workforce development center. -AP

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E-cigarettes a major health concern: Murthy Details on Page 46

Obama signs bill boosting spending on cancer research WASHINGTON: On a ``bittersweet day'' that brought back memories of loved ones lost, President Barack Obama signed into law legislation that makes new investments in cancer research and battling drug abuse. Obama signed the bill at a ceremony on the White House campus flanked by Vice President Joe Biden and key lawmakers from both parties. The 55-year-old president recounted that his own mother did not even reach his age, dying of cancer in her early 50s. ``It's not always easy to remember, but being able to honor those we've lost in this way and to know that we may be able to prevent other families from feeling that same loss, that makes it a good day,'' Obama said. ``It's a good day to see us doing our jobs.'' The 21st Century Cures Act invests $1.8 billion for a cancer research ``moonshot'' that is strongly supported by Biden. The vice president's son, Beau, died of brain cancer in 2015. The bill also authorizes giving states $1 billion over two years to prevent and treat the abuse of heroin and other opioids and addictive drugs. Overall, the measure plans $6.3

billion in new spending over the coming decade. The bill also streamlines the approval process for drugs and medical devices at the Food and Drug Administration, which some patient advocacy groups opposed.

and Drug Administration,'' Public Citizen said. The signing ceremony represented a rare day in Obama's presidency, where lawmakers from both parties gathered to celebrate bipartisan joy over the passage of

President Barack Obama signs the 21st Century Cures Act, in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington.

Public Citizen said the bill pressures the FDA to approve new medical products and new uses for drugs based on weaker evidence of safety and efficacy. ``This bill remains a bad deal for patient safety, offering a small, temporary and non-guaranteed increase in public research funding at the expense of permanently weakening oversight by the Food

consequential legislation. ``I hope this bodes well for what will come next year _ that we're back working together'' Biden said. Biden said he believed the bill would inject new urgency into fighting cancer and would give millions of Americans hope that they will be able to have their lives extended through research that

will bring about new cures and treatments. ``Every day, millions of people are praying, praying for hope, praying for time,'' Biden said. Obama also used the ceremony to make a pitch for his signature health insurance law that expanded coverage for 20 million Americans, but also faces the prospect of repeal in the next administration. ``I'm hopeful in the years ahead that Congress keeps working together in a bipartisan fashion to move us forward, rather than backward in support of the health of our people,'' Obama said. Obama was introduced by David and Kate Grubb of West Virginia who lost their daughter Jessica in March to a drug overdose. David Grubb shared his daughter's struggle with addiction when Obama visited the state in October 2015. He said Jessica wanted treatment, but the closest place they could find for treatment was in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Grubb said the funding would make it possible for communities ``to have the resources, to build the facilities, to do the kind of education that's absolutely needed so we can address this problem.'' -AP

Wockhardt to raise Rs 125cr for health fund MUMBAI: Executive Director of Wockhardt Ltd Huzaifa Khorakiwala has launched a healthcare angel fund that is targeting to raise Rs 125 crore to be invested in start-ups. Health Passion Fund is targeting to raise Rs 125 crore corpus and will look at an investment up to Rs 5 crore in each start-up, a statement said here. The fund will seek to invest in around 30 healthcare start-ups of under 3 years of operations with qualified team, proof of concept, revenue & business traction. It will focus on emerging firms using technology as an enabler or driver in healthcare, it said. Having managed and grown a healthcare unicorn in India, Khorakiwala, the scion of the

Wockhardt family, wants to strengthen the healthcare start-up ecosystem and support creation of more healthcare unicorns from India. "India's healthcare vertical touching USD 150 billion needs a lot more disruptive ideas to pro-

port of industry players. "Global precedents show this can reduce cost and response time, and increase efficiency of the sector. Besides, this can create more domestic jobs," the statement quoted Khorakiwala as saying.

vide new age solutions to conventional health problems. The scale of unserved markets need technology enablers to solve conventional health problems and this needs encouragement and sup-

"We will also help our funded start-ups to rollout a no-frill version of their product for the masses and thus create a well-funded basket of inclusive healthcare solutions for Indian masses."

ProHealth Catalyst will be the investment advisor of the fund and its key members are Sumit K Mody and Anand Oswal. Prior to this, Mody led setting up of Healthcare Innovations Fund for Sunil Wadhwani of iGate, while Oswal has been Executive Director at UBS Singapore. Mody said, "Breaking from the tradition of deal showcasing and blind faith on fund managers investment calls, our fund intends to provide our investors real time discretion to accept or reject each of our investment proposals. "Also, our sector-focused approach will allow us to do better integration of portfolio companies for exit, growth and further funding within the next 2-3 years." -PTI

December 23, 2016

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Alarming rise in heart diseases in India KOCHI: Though the number of heart patients is on the rise world-wide, the situation in India is even more alarming, cardiology experts said. Presidents of five major Cardiological Societies of the world who participated in the 68th annual conference of the Cardiological Society of India (CSI) here said, the Cardiology sector in India is facing sev-

eral challenges with recent reports pointing out an alarming rise in heart diseases. According to American Heart Association President Prof Mark Creager, increase in diabetes is a major factor in increasing heart disease. "Diabetic patients who have high blood pressure and cholesterol have greater risk of heart diseases," Prof Creager was quoted

Nadda for private hospitals in semi-rural areas NEW DELHI: In order to ensure accessibility to health services to the residents of semi-rural areas, Union Health Minister J P Nadda pitched for private hospitals to set up their centre there and at the same time making the services affordable. Such an arrangement would help in plugging the health gaps in the country to a great extent and to envision that universal healthcare remain as a reality and not a mirage, he said at the 13th India Health Summit 2016, organized by CII here. "I urge the private institutions to establish their outfits in semi-rural areas to ensure accessibility to people there and also make the cost of treatment affordable. "At the same time, it should also be an economically viable proposition for the hospitals to function from such centers," the Minister said. Nadda said the National Health Protection Scheme would bring 6-7 crore more family within the ambit of health insurance which will translate into coverage of 40 crore people which, he said, was a substantial improvement as compared to the previous schemes. He sought the help of private sector in expanding the coverage of the scheme and assured that the government will continue to be an enabler and facilitator in achieving larger involvement of the private sector in the health schemes. Referring to the gaps in the domain of drugs and diagnostics, the Minister said the country should also become a user of generic drugs and instead of importing medi-

cal equipments in large quantity, India should start manufacturing them locally. Nadda noted that it is not only the spending resources for healthcare but also utilization is a major problem. "Some of the states have crores of money unspent and not furnishing any certification of utilization. In a federal structure there are limitations on the part of the Centre. "While some states are proactive in spending and creating health infrastructure, some states are laggards," he said. The Minister stressed that there are well

defined terms of reference for achieving universal healthcare. "What we need is freezing these terms of reference and focus on implementation. A pragmatic approach has to be taken for funding and capacity building to achieve the goals in a given time frame. That only can help in making our goals real as distinct from a mirage," Nadda added. -PTI

'Higher rapes linked to open defecation' WASHINGTON: Women in India who use open defecation are prone to sexual violence and infrastructure improvements can provide them with some level of protection, a US university researcher has said. "Open defecation places women at uniquely higher risk of one type of sexual violence: non-partner," says Approva Jadhav from the University of Michigan in a research paper published in the latest issue of Bio-Med Central Journal. "Women who use open defecation sites like open fields or the side of a railway track are twice as likely to get raped when compared with women using a home toilet," the

study says. The research results, which suggest that women who use open defecation have twice the odds of non-partner sexual violence (NPSV) than women who use household toilets, indicate that infrastructure improvements can provide women with some level of protection against NPSV, it says. "Our findings provide further rationale for NGOs and the Indian government to expand sanitation programs, and raise new questions about the potentially protective role of sanitation facilities in other contexts beyond India," the paper says. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 46

as saying in a release here. He cautioned that the diabetic patients who do not control their sugar will end up with a diseased heart. World Heart Foundation former President, Dr Salim Yusuf pointed out that car-

President of the American College of Cardiology, Mary Norine said the majority of cardiac problems end in heart failure when the heart cannot pump blood and this can cause death. diac illness is one of the major reasons for high number of deaths in India. The number of cardiac patients in Kerala is three times more than that of the national average, he noted. "The lifestyle of people in Kerala had led to more people becoming heart patients. People should reduce carbohydrates and include more fruits in their daily diet for a healthy heart," he opined. He also stressed the importance of regu-

lar exercise in preventing heart disease. When the nature of Cardiac diseases is changing, new cardio vascular technologies are also evolving and gives much hope to the patients, said President designate of European Society of Cardiology, James Blankenship. European Society of Cardiology President Jeroen Bax said newer technologies have been developed for the detection of diseases. But, the attitude of people towards the new technology and methods have to change, he said. President of the American College of Cardiology, Mary Norine who spoke on the occasion said the majority of cardiac problems end in heart failure when the heart cannot pump blood and this can cause death. "However, in these circumstances there are technologies to make the heart function artificially and a prolong life," Ms Norine said. She said though these technologies help patients to live an ordinary life, the doubts of the patients regarding the usage of these methods are yet to be cleared. "If we are able to clear the doubts, then these treatments will be adopted widely and the number of deaths due to cardiac problems could come down," Ms Norine suggested. -PTI

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E-cigarettes a major health concern: Murthy MIAMI: E-cigarette use is exploding among young people and is now "a major public health concern," the US Surgeon General warned sparking disagreement from experts in Britain where the devices are seen more favorably. The battery-powered devices heat a liquid containing nicotine into a vapor that is inhaled, and some experts worry that a new generation of smokers is becoming addicted. About one in six US high school students say they have used e-cigarettes in the past month. "E-cigarette use has increased considerably in recent years, growing an astounding 900 percent among high school students from 2011 to 2015," said Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, in a preface to the report. "These products are now the most commonly used form of tobacco among youth in the United States, surpassing conventional

tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and hookahs." Murthy said the dangers of ecigarettes include nicotine, which

viewed by more than 150 experts. It also said the secondhand aerosol that is exhaled into the air by ecigarette users can expose others to potentially harmful chemicals. But Murthy admitted to "gaps in scientific evidence" when it comes to the dangers

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy

"can cause addiction and can harm the developing adolescent brain." For young people, nicotine use in any form is unsafe, said the report, which was written and re-

of e-cigarettes. "For example, the health effects and potentially harmful doses of heated and aerosolized constituents of e-cigarette liquid - includ-

Health care law benefits for Alaska listed JUNEAU, Alaska: An estimated come people. Over the last 14 health plans in 2017 following a 36,000 uninsured Alaskans got months, more than 25,600 people decision by Moda Health to leave health care coverage under Presi- have been covered by expanded the market. dent Barack Obama's signature Medicaid in Alaska, according to The state Legislature earlier health care law between 2010 and the Alaska Department of Health this year passed a law aimed at 2015, according to figures re- and Social Services, though costs stabilizing the market, by ceding leased by the federal government. exceeded first-year estimates. claims for high-cost conditions to The data was released by a high-risk pool. The state is the U.S. Department of Health seeking federal assistance in and Human Services just keeping that program going. weeks before Obama leaves U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, said Mike Anderson, a office, amid calls by many Re- the federal health care law spokesman for Republican publicans in Congress for reU.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, said placing the law after Donald is ``wiping out Alaska's the federal health care law is Trump's administration takes small businesses and our ``wiping out Alaska's small power. businesses and our middle The state-level data tout- middle class.'' class.'' ing the law's benefits proAnderson wrote that vides a lens through which to Congress next year ``intends judge new proposals and The federal government is ex- to live up to its promise to the whether they move the system pected to fully cover the health American people, by beginning to forward, Aviva Aron-Dine, a se- care expenses for expansion en- repair the damage through repealnior counselor to Health and Hu- rollees through December. After ing Obamacare.'' man Services Secretary Sylvia that, states are to start chipping Sullivan is committed to working Burwell, told reporters. in for part of the cost. with colleagues on provisions foAn estimated 6,000 younger In a statement following last cused on allowing people to buy the Alaskans have benefited from a month's elections, state health level of coverage they want and provision allowing parents to commissioner Valerie Davidson ensuring that people with pre-existkeep kids on their insurance until cited benefits of expansion and ing conditions get covered, among they're 26 years old, the depart- said state officials would ``evalu- other things, Anderson wrote. ment said. And at the start of 2016, ate possible policy adjustments In a recent interview with The nearly 18,000 Alaskans had indi- if current federal funding levels Associated Press, Republican Rep. vidual health plans on the feder- change.'' Don Young said he would like to ally facilitated marketplace, with High claim costs and a relatively repeal the health care law but thinks most receiving federal subsidies small health insurance market the political possibility of doing to help pay for coverage. have been ongoing concerns in so is slim so lawmakers should The law also let states expand Alaska, which will be down to one focus on parts of they believe are Medicaid to cover more lower-in- company providing individual not working and fix them. -AP

ing solvents, flavorants, and toxicants - are not completely understood," he said. "However, although e-cigarettes generally emit fewer toxicants than combustible tobacco products, we know that aerosol from e-cigarettes is not harmless." He urged greater federal regulations, raising and enforcing minimum age of sale laws, and media

E-cigarette

campaigns to educate the public on the harms of e-cigarettes. 'Opposing Views' The report contained no new scientific research, but could still serve as an "important document for healthcare providers, policy makers and others," said Patricia Folan, director of the Center for Tobacco Control at Northwell Health in New York. Experts in Britain, however, questioned the US take on e-cigarettes as a threat. "The position in the UK is very different," said Kevin Fenton, national director of health and wellbeing at Public Health England. "Our review of the evidence found e-cigarette use carries a frac-

tion of the risk of smoking, a conclusion reiterated by the Royal College of Physicians earlier this year," he said. "No new evidence has been published to contradict this." And multiple studies have shown that e-cigarettes may help traditional smokers abandon cigarettes. Research released earlier this year by the University College London showed that e-cigarettes may have helped some 18,000 smokers in England kick the tobacco habit last year. Peter Hajek, director of the Tobacco Dependence Research Unit at Queen Mary University of London, described vaping as "a great public health opportunity" because it can help smokers transition away from cigarettes. "The new US report's conclusions do not tally with what the actual data show," he added. "It is simply not true that e-cigarettes are a tobacco product or that vaping lures children to smoking or that it creates dependence in non-smokers." Len Horovitz, a pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, disagreed, saying teens will transition to smoking cigarettes after using e-cigarettes. "The gateway to cigarette smoking may still be the e-cigarette, and there is no safe level of traditional smoking." Worldwide, smoking kills around six million people each year, mostly in low-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. -AFP

'Higher rapes linked to open defecation' Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 45

The researchers looked at the latest Indian National Family Health Survey data and analyzed a nationally representative sample of 75,000 women to answer questions about access to a home toilet and their exposure to different types of violence. "None of the earlier sanitation studies have looked at the connection between access to a toilet and women's risk of sexual violence," said Jadhav, lead author and postdoctoral fellow at U-M's Institute for Social Research. "We need more than anecdotes to bring a policy change," she said. According to the study, at least 50 per cent of structures built for sanitation purposes in India remain unused or are used for other purposes. The researchers strongly rec-

ommends infrastructure improvements that can provide women with some level of protection against sexual violence, along with behavior changes to utilize these built toilet facilities. "There have been several nationwide campaigns in India to improve sanitation, most recently Swachh Bharat Mission which can bring access to toilets and safety in national conversation," Jadhav said. "This is an urgent need that cannot be ignored anymore," she said. Nearly half the world's population lacks access to improved sanitation conditions and half of them reside in India, according to a 2015 UNICEF/WHO report. Almost half a billion Indians defecate in the open and about 300 million women and girls in India have no access to bathrooms. -PTI

December 23, 2016

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Yoga may boost health Sleep loss ups desire for of kids in care homes sugary foods LONDON: Practicing Kundalini yoga which involves meditation, breathing exercises, chanting mantras and adapting certain postures - may help improve the health and psychological wellbeing of children in care homes, a new study has claimed. Researchers from the University of Nottingham in the UK found that children in care homes have a higher degree of physical and mental health needs than their notin-care counterparts, and in comparison to children who are in other forms of care, such as foster care. The study was carried out under the belief of creative practice as mutual recovery, and looked at the idea that shared creativity, collective experience and mutual benefit can promote resilience in mental health and well-being among communities that have been traditionally divided - for example

children's home staff and children. Researchers tested a 20-week Kundalini yoga program in three children's homes situated in the East Midlands. The program was evaluated according to recruitment and retention rates, self-reporting questionnaires from the participants and semi-structured interviews. The study shows that yoga practice in children's homes, especially when participation is high, has the potential to encourage togetherness and mutuality and im-

prove health and psychological outcomes for children in care, as well as within the workforce. All the participants reported that the study was personally meaningful and experienced both individual - like feeling more relaxed - and social benefits - for example feeling more open and positive. Individuals reported that the yoga sessions helped to show them beneficial exercises that they could use in various contexts, such as before going to bed, or during emotionally challenging times at work as well as at home. The social benefits were also far-reaching with some participants reporting that they felt more positive, open to others and, as a consequence, had seen an improvement in their social lives and out of work. Some staff and residents noticed that other people also interacted more positively with them. "The findings are very exciting as they suggest that the practice of Kundalini yoga, involving both staff and children in care, is a plausible intervention that can lead to individual and social benefits," said Elvira Perez from University of Nottingham. "This could have potentially huge, widereaching benefits for children in care as well as for all the staff working in residential settings," said Perez. "The study has generated a number of valuable guiding principles and recommendations that might underpin the development of any future intervention for children in care and the staff working in these homes," Perez added. The study was published in The Journal of Children's Services. -PTI

Mental health beats money over happiness LONDON: Things that matter most for our happiness are social relationships and mental and physical health than economic factors, according to a study by the London School of Economics. The research by the LSE looked at responses from 200,000 people around the world on how different factors impacted their state of mind. It concludes that mental health is the biggest single predictor of individual happiness. On a scale of one to 10, the doubling of someone's pay saw their happiness rise by less than 0.2. However, having a partner saw happiness rise by 0.6 - losing a partner by separa-

tion or death saw the same impact downwards. "The evidence shows that the things that matter most for our happiness and for misery are our social relationships and our mental and physical health...Having a partner is as good for you as being made unemployed is bad for you," said report co-author Richard Layard, whose study was based on several international surveys. "In the past, the state has successively taken on poverty, unemployment, education and physical health. But equally important now are domestic violence, alcoholism, depression and anxiety conditions, alienated youth, exam-mania and much else. These should become centre-stage," he said. -PTI

TOKYO: Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep loss may lead to increased consumption of unhealthy foods, specifically sugar and fat, a new study has found. It is not well understood what role sleep loss plays in affecting areas of the brain that control the desire to consume unhealthy foods, researchers at the University of Tsukuba in Japan said. They used a new method to produce REM sleep loss in mice along with a chemical-genetic technique to block prefrontal cortex neurons and the behaviors they mediate. As a result, the researchers discovered that inhibiting these neurons reversed the effect of REM sleep loss on sucrose consumption while having no effect on fat consumption. Researchers found that REM sleep loss leads to increased consumption of unhealthy foods, specifically sucrose and fat. REM sleep is a unique phase of sleep in mammals that is closely associated with dreaming and characterized by random eye movement and almost complete paralysis of the body. The prefrontal cortex plays a role in judg-

ing the palatability of foods through taste, smell and texture. Moreover, persons who are obese tend to have increased activity in the prefrontal cortex when exposed to high calorie foods. "Our results suggest that the medial pre-

frontal cortex may play a direct role in controlling our desire to consume weight promoting foods, high in sucrose content, when we are lacking sleep," said lead author Kristopher McEown from University of Tsukuba. The study was published in the journal eLife. -PTI

Perspective

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December 23, 2016

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Kali takes America: I'm with Her VERA DE CHALAMBERT

onald Trump might have become the President of the United States. But make no mistake, it is really Holy Darkness that won this election. Last year, Kali, the Hindu Goddess of death, destruction and resurrection, appeared on the Empire State Building, projected as an avatar of conservation by the filmmakers of Racing Extinction, a documentary about the environmental catastrophe now upon us. At the time I was so struck by the image, I wrote an article about the apparition. This is the sign of the times, Kali Takes New York, I raved. On election night, as the results were projected onto the Empire State Building, all I could see was Kali's fierce stare. This was dĂŠjĂ vu. This time, Kali took America. Donald Trump might already be picking his deplorable cabinet, but it is the Dark Mother, the destroyer of worlds, oracle of holy change, the tenderhearted be-header, that won this country. Kali has brought down our house in a shocking blow; all the illusions of America, stripped in a single night. We are not who we thought we were. Now we must get ready to stand in her fires of transmutation. We need them. Listening to Hillary Clinton's concession speech, one had the impression that this was a different woman from the political candidate that we have come to begrudgingly accept as the champion of the Democratic Party, assured by the establishment to become the first Madam President. Stripped of her hopes and lifelong dreams, speaking honestly and transparently about her pain, this woman in a dark suit was a far cry from the controlled, manicured version of her shiny political persona. Stripped of her agenda, stripped of her cer-

We stop shining of the false light. As our heart breaks, as our veneer cracks, we open to more integrity, more truth, more tenderness. We stop trying to be all things for all people. We become this one small thing,

feigning nothing. "Only to the degree that people are unsettled is there any hope for them." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

in the light in times of immense crisis, we split life; engage in emotional deportation, rather than hosting the vulnerable. Difficult

The intuition that the Dark Mother has returned is pervasive if we heed the signs, and our thirst for the dark is deep. Her every apparition spreads like wildfire. My Kali article went viral within hours, it was as if that image of Kali up there on top of the world overlooking Manhattan nourished the collective soul. There is a great yearning for change in the order of things, and the Great Mother is leading the revolution litical moment is presenting to us all. Right now, from all corners of our shocked culture, there are cries of hope, demands of needing to become even brighter lights

The Hindu goddess Kali was featured in a show on the Empire State Building

Donald Trump might already be picking his deplorable cabinet, but it is the Dark Mother, the destroyer of worlds, oracle of holy change, the tenderhearted be-header, that won this country. Kali has brought down our house in a shocking blow; all the illusions of America, stripped in a single night. We are not who we thought we were. Now we must get ready to stand in her fires of transmutation. tainties, this Hilary might have won the country. This Hillary touched our hearts. This is what we look like after the Dark Mother has had her way with us.

Paradoxically, the price of true hope, it seems, is being unsettled beyond repair. And this is exactly the opportunity our po-

amidst the spreading darkness. I disagree. I think that this moment gives us an opportunity for reckoning only if instead of running for the light, we let ourselves go fully into the dark. If instead of resolving our discomfort too quickly, we consider the possibility of staying in the uncomfortable, in the irreconcilable, in the unsettled. Before we rush in to reanimate the discourse of hope prematurely, we must yield to what is present. Receptivity is the great quality of darkness; darkness hosts everything without exception. The Dark Mother has no orphans. We must not send suffering into exile - the fear, the heartbreak, the anger, the helplessness all are appropriate, all are welcome. We can't dismember ourselves to feel better. We can't cut off the stream of life and expect to heal. Cutting off the inconvenient is a form of spiritual fascism. By resolving to stay only

feelings need to be given space so they can come to rest. They need contact. In a culture of isolation, be the invitation to everything. The intuition that the Dark Mother has returned is pervasive if we heed the signs, and our thirst for the dark is deep. Her every apparition spreads like wildfire. My Kali article went viral within hours, it was as if that image of Kali up there on top of the world overlooking Manhattan nourished the collective soul. There is a great yearning for change in the order of things, and the Great Mother is leading the revolution. I'm with her. Christian theologian Mathew Fox speaks extensively about the reemergence of the Dark Feminine archetype into our collective consciousness in his piece The Return of the Black Madonna. It is really in darkness, he reminds us, "where illusions are broken apart and the truth lies." We are collectively getting so sick and tired of lies, of the superficial, of the shiny neon lights of pop culture, pop spirituality and politics as usual. We thirst for the Real. And the Dark Mother is here to quench. We saw darkness reclaiming its place also in the passing of Leonard Cohen, this most belated of biblical prophets. He left us with his last and perhaps most spiritually astute album, "You want it Darker," which has skyrocketed in popularity. The entire album is the ultimate invitation into Holy Darkness. Once he famously preached that the cracks are how the light gets in. Now, he assured us God wants it darker. Many have interpreted it to be an expression of hopelessness. No. He is asking the only relevant question of our time, whether we can swallow the pill of darkness and still say Hineni! I am here, God, here I am, bring it on! In his last interview about the album, Cohen says that this track is about offering ourselves up when the "emergency becomes articulate." I think we can all agree that it has finally become articulate. The mystics tell us that we need spiritual crisis. That we must enter the Cloud of Unknowing, the deepest despair, the most profound darkness within, without hope, in order to grow spiritually. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; d on page 49

December 23, 2016

Perspective

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Kali takes America: I'm with Her Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; d from page 48

They call such a time of deep crisis, of great uncertainty, the Dark Night of the Soul. There, in our radical desperation, in our absolute abandonment, it is said, the Divine Doctor awaits. Holy Darkness was Her medicine all along. Darkness heals us without a spoonful of sugar; the wound is the gift, and this election is a good dose. As the spirit of the Dark Mother hovers upon the collective waters, she has much to teach us. Kali is the great protectress and ultimate sacred activist. She is standing at Standing Rock, roaring against the black snake and the abuses of corporate capitalism. She is marching in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. She is here mourning the dying out of species and showing her terrible tongue at the shocking xenophobic, nationalist regressionism swallowing the planet. She is the changing of the tides, and she means business. She has come to burn up the old paradigm of separation and transfigure the collective heart. Scientists tell us we live amidst the 6th extinction. Every 20 minutes, another species disappears from our planet. Our oceans are dying, our rivers are burning. Kali beckons us to embrace our sacred fury and let our heart roar for all living beings. Like her, we must rise as protectors, else perish as fools. She knows that we belong to each

their bodies on the line. Reading about it, I was shocked, I was troubled, I was moved. Suddenly I realized that love is always a

Started by an indigenous mother, the Standing Rock protest has become a cultural creative movement no one could anticipate. Here everything meets: social justice, ecological justice, economic justice, sacred activism. And there are reasons to celebrate, such as the Army Corps' momentous decision to deny the pipeline permit other and share one fate. Recently, three protesters at Standing Rock got their Kali on. In a radical act, worthy of the great Mother herself, they crawled inside the Dakota Access Pipeline, putting

disturbing presence. We must disrupt the order of things to obey the orders of Love. These acts will keep growing, because the fires of truth that Kali has lit are spreading. As the old story of convenience and

Hundreds of people marched peacefully on Sept. 4 to protest the destruction of sacred sites and burial grounds in the path of the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota

profit turns to ash, hearts across the planet are aflame for love and justice. Over a million people checked into Standing Rock after organizers worried that police can track protesters through their Facebook statuses. Started by an indigenous mother, the Standing Rock protest has become a cultural creative movement no one could anticipate. Here everything meets: social justice, ecological justice, economic justice, sacred activism. And there are reasons to celebrate, such as the Army Corps' momentous decision to deny the pipeline permit. This might not be the end of DAPL, but this victory is a testament to the sacred fire. This is a beginning. This is what a prayerful movement looks like. This is what a culture waking up looks like. The struggle is far from over, but the zeitgeist has spoken. Hineni! it bellows. Deeply we recognize that we are living amidst the churning of ages, although the climate catastrophe is not yet visible, most scientists now believe it is inevitable. Climate change is here, whether we believe in it or not. Politically, with the election of Donald Trump, our country and the world have entered a dark night of the soul. We might still live in a culture of shine, greed, glam and white supremacy, but the Dark Feminine has now reemerged into this cycle, and heaven has no fury like the Great Mother scorned. Now we must rest here in this darkness, to lay heart to the ground as a country, and feel intimately all that is being unraveled here. After all, every seed must go into darkness, must turn inside out, must break open in order to grow. It is my prayer that our country sprouts. That this regression gives rise to a counter-

culture of grassroots movements the likes of which we have never seen. And to a culture of love beyond measure. This article first appeared in the Rebelle Society Vera de Chalambert is a spiritual storyteller and Harvard-educated scholar of comparative religion. She recognizes the intricate process of healing and awakening, unfolding for so many around the planet at this time, and offers healing sessions and spiritual direction via Skype and phone. Vera has studied with spiritual teach-

Vera de Chalambert

ers, healers and visionaries the world over, and mined for her soul at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, and Jason Shulman's School for Nondual Healing and Awakening. She is deeply influenced by Buddhist and Kabbalistic lineages, and is a lover of the world's great wisdom traditions. She speaks internationally and writes about mindfulness in the modern world and the Divine Feminine.

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Actress, husband held for real estate fraud THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Actress Dhanya Mary Varghese has been arrested along with her husband and brother-in-law in connection with a Rs 130 crore cheating case by a company promoted by her husband's family, police said. The actress along with her husband John Jacob, Managing Director of the Samson and Sons Builders and Developers Private Ltd, and his brother Samuel Jacob, were taken into custody from Nagercoil on complaints from various persons who had invested in apartments and villas promised by the developers, police said. Dhanya was serving as Director, sales, in the company. According to police, Dhanya's father-in-law, Jacob Samson, Chairman of the company, had been arrested earlier. Their real estate company had taken up various projects in Thiruvananthapuram city in 2011, promising to deliver 500 flats and 20 villas within two years. They had collected Rs 100 crore as advance during booking from various people, including non-resident Keralites and another Rs 30 crore promising high interest, police said. However, when they failed to deliver the promised flats, several people filed complaints with police. -PTI

Â&#x201E; Housing survivors of human trafficking PHOENIX: In what is believed to be the first project of its kind, Phoenix is buying an apartment complex that will house and provide services to survivors of human and sex trafficking. The city received $2.4 million in federal grant money for the 15unit complex, reported the Arizona Republic. Phoenix is setting aside 15 of its highly sought housing vouchers for survivors to partially cover rent. A waiting list for the city's vouchers contains thousands of applicants. The supportive housing facility is not an emergency shelter. Arizona State University will contribute to developing on-site services intended to help residents become independent. Dominique Roe-Sepowitz, who directs the university's Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research, says the complex will provide more than just housing. ``It's not just giving them a bed to sleep in that's safe,'' RoeSepowitz said. -AP

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Two historical houses to be spared demolition STORRS, Conn.: The University of Connecticut has agreed to save two of nine historical houses on campus that it had planned to demolish to make way for more green space. The school announced a deal this week with the State Historic Preservation Office and the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation designed to end opposition to its plan. The nine houses, near the center of campus, were built around 1920 as homes for faculty. They later were used as fraternity or sorority housing. -AP

Bring land, realty, power under GST, says Govt advisor NEW DELHI: As the Narendra Modi government wages its biggest war on black money yet, Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian has pitched for including land and real estate under the GST regime to check money laundering and corruption. Subramanian, who for the finance ministry had authored a report on possible tax rates under the Goods and Services Tax (GST), suggested that the new indirect tax set-up should be clean with simple low rates and should include land and property as well as electricity. GST, which the government intends to roll out from April 1, 2017, is to subsume central excise, service tax and state VAT among other indirect levies on manufactured goods and services, but property and electricity have so far not been talked about as being part of it. "I still think we should aspire for simple, clean structure of rates which will have on balance lower and higher rates and that will be a necessary complement to fighting against black money that the Prime Minister has launched with demonetization (of old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes)," he said at a confer-

ence here. He felt that land and real estate need to be part of the GST. "Stamp duty (on property registration) is separate and states can retain the right to have stamp duty. The sale of land and immovable

money. "So, it is terribly important that land and real estate being part of the GST," he added. Subramanian said there is need to bring electricity charges that are not done by the states under GST. "I think they should be part of

Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian

property should be part of GST so that input tax credit can flow freely in the system," he said. This, he said, can "keep the system of self-policing" of black

GST and then the input credit can flow and make power more competitive. So, in terms of GST, clean, simple low rates, land, property part of it, power part of it also, will

actually be not just important in itself but as a complement to bigger fight against black money and corruption that we embark on," he said. Subramanian had recommended a three-tier rate structure for GST, under which some essential goods were to be taxed at a lower rate of 12 per cent and socalled demerit goods such as luxury cars, aerated beverages, pan masala and tobacco products at a higher rate of 40 per cent. All remaining goods were to be taxed at a standard rate of 17-18 per cent. He had proposed all services to be taxed at the standard rate of 17-18 per cent. The GST Council, however, has finalized a four-tier tax structure -5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent. "I think we need to focus on some of the things that need to be brought into GST - real estate, power. I think we should not lose sight of this because this comes at a time when we want to eliminate black money and corruption," he said. "Given that real estate and land are obvious sources of black money, this will help our overall sources combating black money. -PTI

Risks rising in loans against property: Moodys NEW DELHI: Moodys Investors Service has said the overall asset profile of property retail loan portfolio of banks is stable although risks are rising in the non-traditional loan against property segment. "Growth in loan against property (LAP) loans has outpaced overall retail credit growth in recent years, but relatively loose underwriting practices and a tightening in credit following India's demonetization would translate into higher asset quality risk," Moodys V-P and Senior Credit Officer Srikanth Vadlamani said. It said it expects the impact on the banks overall asset quality to be limited by the relatively small size of the LAP portfolio. The US-based agency ex-

pects that the withdrawal of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in early November 2016 may further expose the weaknesses in this segment. "Disruptions in the borrower's cash flows may trigger delinquen-

cies while tightening underwriting practices will make it more difficult for them to take out new debt," it said. Because LAP loans are typically extended to SMEs and self-

employed individuals, a borrower's ability to repay is often based on the lenders assessment of the borrower's income rather than actual reported income, Moodys said. Nevertheless, Moodys expects that the stable performance of the much larger home loan segment will mitigate the negative impact, supported also by the country's favorable demographics, growing primary market supplies and an increasingly affordable housing segment. Non-bank finance companies with a higher exposure to the nontraditional end of the market will get impacted more, Vadlamani added. Moodys estimates the

LAP segment - comprising loans to small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for business purposes with property as collateral - to have grown at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25 per cent between 2012 and 2016, as against 17 per cent for overall retail credit. However, the unique characteristics of this borrower segment, combined with rapid growth and intensifying competition, are posing risks to this segment of bank loan portfolios, it said. At the same time, the ready availability of credit has made it easy for borrowers to refinance their debt, thereby potentially masking any weakening in their ability to repay the debt, it said. PTI

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Naveen for scrapping limit for rural housing BHUBANESWAR: Amid the among other initiatives taken up cash crunch following the Centre's by state, plays a pivotal role in demonetization move, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to remove withdrawal limits from bank accounts for beneficiaries of rural housing schemes. Odisha has succeeded in completing about 1.4 lakh houses under various rural housing schemes, both Centrally-sponsored and statefunded, during the current financial year Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and aims at achieving 5 lakh completion by March 31, 2017, Patnaik said in a successful implementation of letter to Modi. these schemes, he said the total Stressing that timely release of sanctioned amount is released in installments to the beneficiaries, four installments to beneficiaries

in the state. "Thus the first installment of Rs 20,000 is within the limit of withdrawal from bank accounts set by the RBI post demonetization, but the rest three others go beyond the stipulated limit of withdrawal," the chief minister said. "Hence, the limit of withdrawal from bank accounts not only causes inconvenience to the poor beneficiaries of these schemes, but also has been a dampener to our goal of completing five lakh houses during this financial year," Patnaik said. "I would like to request you to kindly waive out the financial limit of withdrawal in respect of the beneficiaries of PMAT-G, Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana, IAY and other state funded Rural Housing Schemes in the interest of the poor rural housing beneficiaries and success of the schemes," he said. -PTI

Wanda move to set up industrial township CHANDIGARH: Wanda Group has submitted a proposal for setting up a Green Field Integrated Industrial Township in Sonepat, in joint venture with the Haryana State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC). The joint venture will develop, operate and manage the integrated industrial township at Kharkhoda in Sonepat. The sponsors anticipate that the joint venture will catalyze investment worth USD 10 billion (Rs 65,000 crore) and generate opportunities for 34,000 direct jobs. Disclosing this here, an official spokesman said that the project at Kharkhoda would fall within the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and the National Capital Region. Jointly developed by Wanda Group and the HSIIDC in phases over 2,800 acres, it will house companies engaged in software, automotive manufacturing, machinery, healthcare education, smart housing appliances and food processing. A residential township integral to the project, including all civic amenities and social infrastructure, shall also be created to develop a 4th generation integrated industrial township. Furthermore, a 'Cultural Tour-

ism City' will also be developed as part of the project, he said. The investment proposal is an outcome of a series of meetings between Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Chairman and owner of Wanda Group Wang Jianlin, as well as other officers of the group, the spokesman said. Wanda Group is a $92 billion conglomerate whose business interests encompass shopping malls, theme parks, sports industry and cinemas.

mitted by the Wanda Group under the state govt's 'Guidelines for Project Execution/Public Procurement for Development Works under Swiss Challenge Method, 2016'. The Swiss Challenge Method is a bidding process which helps private sector initiative in spotting public need projects. Under this method, a suo-moto proposal/offer can be made by an original proponent to the government. This method ensures price

A residential township integral to the project, including all civic amenities and social infrastructure, shall also be created to develop a 4th generation integrated industrial township. It is one of the largest real estate developers in China with presence in the US, UK, France, Spain and Australia. The proposal has been sub-

discovery in a transparent manner as opportunity is given to third parties to give better offers by way of international competitive bidding, the spokesman said. -PTI

Property tax record available online NEW DELHI: For the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) residents accessing their property tax details and records is going to be an easy affair. The corporation on its website added a facility earlier this week under the head Link Your Record to enable property owners update their records on taxes paid. The residents of the area can click on the Link Your Record which will prompt them to enter their Unique Property Identification Code (UPIC) and then they would be asked to update the records. South Delhi mayor Shyam Sharma said property owners will be able to update their payment details since 2008 with Link Your Record. He said property tax paid online and offline are being linked with a single ID. The UPIC Cards for 80 per cent of property owners in the South and Najafgarh zones of SDMC have been issued while work is on to provide it to remaining property owners in all four zones, said additional commissioner Ram Mohan

Singh. The UPIC ID has also been generated for those properties for which the tax was deposited in 2014-2015. Also for updating records the users will have to select the tax

The UPIC Cards for 80 per cent of property owners in the South and Najafgarh zones of SDMC have been issued while work is on to provide it to remaining property owners payment mode - on line or offline. In the online mode, the user will enter property id and receipt number of the tax paid. In the offline mode, the G-8 receipt number will be entered and receipt uploaded. PTI

Court notice to Indiabulls on cheating plea NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has issued notice to Indiabulls Real Estate Ltd and its subsidiary firm Athena Infrastructural Ltd on a criminal complaint seeking lodging of an FIR against them for allegedly cheating buyers and embezzling funds. Additional Sessions Judge Raj Kapoor sought reply from 22 respondents including the builder, its directors and Delhi Police on the plea and listed it for arguments on December 23, the next date of hearing. "Issue notice to the respondents for the next date... Copy of the revision petition be also given to the prosecutor for the state," the court said.

criminal breach of trust, cheating, embezzlement of funds, dishonest inducement and misappropriation with fraudulent intention under IPC. The petition, filed through advocate Arpit Bhargava, alleged Indiabulls Real Estate Ltd used Athena Infrastructural Ltd as a conduit to collect funds from gullible customers like his client saying that it was developing a project by the name of Indiabulls Enigma in Sector 110, Gurgaon. The flat was booked in November 2011 by paying Rs five lakh as booking amount and till 2014, the woman had made a total of payment over Rs 1.8 crore to the builder, it said.

The revision petition was filed by a woman challenging the order of a magisterial court, dismissing her plea for lodging of an FIR against the builder and its officials, claiming that the trial court had ignored the issue of alleged conspiracy to commit the offences of

The project was scheduled to be completed within three years from the date of signing of agreement -- January 30, 2012, but neither the possession of the flat was handed over nor any information was given about its status, it said. -PTI

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Philosophy

December 23, 2016

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis MOTHER MEERA

he consciousness of mankind is being prepared for great leaps and discoveries in a gentle way wherever possible. God is giving man a great chance. Many divine persons are here. We are showing man a way out; we are offering him the divine Light, the divine Knowledge. We are bringing down into the consciousness of the Earth the Divine Consciousness. Now man must choose. Man is free; God will not force his children to do anything. He wants their free love. Mercy and love are always there. Are there other incarnations of the Divine Mother on Earth at this time? Yes, many. Some will be known, others wish to remain secret. The work of each is different. Each expresses a different aspect of the Divine Mother. My scope is very broad and more integral. I help people at all stages of life. My work is unstoppable. Nothing can and nothing will interfere with my work. If the whole world came to me, my work would not be interrupted or deflected for a moment. I am working on all planes. I am working everywhere. This Earth is only one of the planes where I am working. How could anything disturb my work? Great changes take time. They have to be worked for, aspired [to]. DEEPAK CHOPRA

esus was more than wise. He received direct knowledge from God, his source of secret wisdom. To this day, most Christians consider this connection unique. Only god's son could have been gifted with revelation in every word he spoke. Yet across many cultures, direct knowledge is a mark of higher consciousness. All thinking happens in the mind, yet the closer you get to the mind's source, the more your thoughts are like revelations. They no longer seem like "my" thoughts, the kind associated with everyday events and personal memories. Instead, you seem to tap into reality itself. Jesus spoke of divine reality, the revealed wisdom of the soul. The same experience is possible for anyone in higher consciousness. This is an aspect of intuition, and what is being revealed is the nature of the soul, or higher self. Revelation was Jesus's primary means of communication. The disciples ask a question, and Jesus answers as God would. In the simplest terms, Jesus's mind was God's mind. Jesus didn't have to interpret anything; he was guided by pure truth. Needless to say, he

Man has to do a great labor; God will not do everything. When people become conscious of the presence of the Light, the transformation can go faster. It is working anyway, but few people are conscious. More will be conscious soon, many more, and then the work can be done with greater efficiency. But, in the meantime, enjoy the Light. It is here; let it change you. The transformation will come in its own time. It will take time and go slowly. Its foundations have to be made firm. Nothing must be avoided. Those who love me will work with everything in the world - all the

ing is a white line that runs from the toes to the head. In fact, two lines start from the toes, rise along the legs, join at the base of the spine and then become a single line reaching to the top of the head. This line is thinner than a hair, and has some knots in it here and there, which divine personalities help to undo. It is very delicate work and great care has to be taken to undo the knots, as there is danger for your life if the thread is broken. When I hold your head I am untying these knots. I am also removing other obstacles to your sadhana, practice.

ing and power. At the same time, I am giving Light to every part of your being. I am opening every part of yourself to Light. When you are open you will feel and see this clearly. What do you see when you look into people's eyes during darshan? I see the difficulties in their lives and the obstacles to their sadhana. How does the work that you do during pranam differ from that during darshan? The work of each is different.

'Earth only one of the planes where I work'

Mother Meera

When we have your darshan we do pranam (bow down) in front of you and you take our heads between your hands, what are you doing? On the back of the human be-

When we have done pranam, we look into your eyes in silence (darshan). What are you doing? I am looking into every corner of your being. I am looking at everything within you to see where I can help, where I can give heal-

During pranam, the work is on the deep aspect of the being, the soul, while darshan helps the personality and the life situation. Excerpted from 'Mother Meera Answers.' The 56th birth anniversary of Mother Meera will be observed on December 26.

provides a daunting model. Can we really expect our own thoughts to come directly from God? Why not? Everyone knows what it is like to have an inspired moment; we've all been touched by ideas that seem to come from nowhere or by flashes of insight. These are glimpses of high awareness. Or to put it another way, what would be the purpose of walking the spiritual path if your mind didn't change? Achieving insight

unique. Only the Son of God knows what the Father wants to impart. Over and over, Jesus repeats the phrase The Father and I are one. But he also holds out the promise of revelation to his disciples. He makes them a promise: "And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:32) Here he means revealed truth, the kind that arises directly from a real connection to God. For Jesus, the truth wasn't ab-

that can be fulfilled in the here and now. Freedom after death implies that there is no escape for the living, which is not what Jesus had in mind. A redeemed soul is one that has awakened. Dying isn't a requirement. The soul journey being in darkness, where truth is masked or misunderstood. The journey progresses by clearing away an obstacle to the truth every day. At times we make leaps into the light,

darkness and all the difficulties.

Jesus was someone who reached the goal Everyone knows what it is like to have an inspired moment; we've all been touched by ideas that seem to come from nowhere or by flashes of insight. These are glimpses of high awareness. and intuition is a reasonable expectation on the path, and Jesus intended to serve not as a supernatural phenomenon, but as an example of someone who has reached the goal. Yes, there are times when Jesus makes it sound as if his position is

stract; it was practical; it set people free from every kind of bondage. Therefore, revelation is connected to redemption. Traditionally, redemption means finding religion and being rewarded by going to Heaven after you die. But being set free by the truth is a promise

Joy, anger, grief, delight, worry, regret, modesty, insolence-- let them be. Without them, you would not exist. Without you, they would have nothing to take hold of. -Chuang Tzu

Actions themselves form no bondage. Bondage is only the false belief,"I am the do-er." -Ramana Maharshi

All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream. -Edgar Allan Poe

You will get to your maturity quickly if you stay in the nothingness. -Nisargadatta Maharaj

Do your duty and leave the rest to heaven. -Corneille

Securities, certitudes and peace do not lead to discoveries. -Carl Jung

Deepak Chopra

great bounds that free us from the grip of an ignorant belief. More often, however, revelation proceeds by tiny steps, one insight at a time. Jesus talks about both aspects of the journey. Excerpted from 'The Third Jesus,' Random House, 2008

Things are not worth attending to, yet they have to be attended to. -Lao Tzu

Each one's destiny cannot be altered. -Chuang Tzu

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Trump moves on West Asia can be disastrous RANJIT GUPTA

ot only is Donald Trump the least-prepared president-elect in US history, but he compounds this handicap by showing little interest in preparing for perhaps the most important position in the world. He has been brazenly blasé about avoiding intelligence briefings, saying, "I don't have to be told, you know, I'm, like, a smart person." Having four former generals in his team is also unprecedented. Less than half of the appointees have government experience. Those who will have his ear on a daily basis are his cronies - his chief strategist, Steve Bannon, is an unabashed White-supremacist demagogue having headed rightwing news site Breitbart News, before chairing the presidentelect's campaign; Reince Priebus, Trump's chief-of-staff, was chair of the Republican National Committee; Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, has emerged as a key power centre. His national security advisor, Gen Michael Flynn, is unabashedly racist and an Islamophobe; he was sacked as head of the Defense Intelligence Agency. He has a long record of being unable to work harmoniously with colleagues. Trump has a dim view of long time US security alliances and of allies being freeloaders. Even after being elected he has continued to be off-handed. In a particularly conspicuous and potentially extremely dangerous break with the past, Trump took a congratulatory call from the president of Taiwan and later strongly defended his doing so against both domestic criticism and China's continuing strong warnings. The Sino-US relationship is the most critical relationship in global geopolitics and must be treated with great sensitivity. All this cannot but be a matter of considerable concern since the US is the world's most powerful country and has been the linchpin of the global security architecture. Trump has appointed Rex Tillerson, the CEO of ExxonMobil, as secretary of state, and South Carolina Governor Nicky Haley to be ambassador to the UN. Neither has any foreign policy experience. However, Tillerson has shepherded ExxonMobil's work in over 50 countries remarkably successfully. Trump sees him as a pragmatist and a savvy dealmaker, viewing his strong personal ties with

Putin and business relationship with Russia - including opposition to sanctions on Russia - favorably. This resonates well with his own personal warm feelings towards Putin as someone able to cut deals with strongmen, many of whom have traditionally been opposed to the US: "Rex is friendly with many of the leaders in the world that we don't get along with…I like what this is all about." All this said, Tillerson may prove to be an inspired choice. Retired marine Gen James Mattis' nomination as secretary of defense has been the most popular appointment. He is particularly well regarded in the US military and enjoys bipartisan political support. Currently, the most dangerous flashpoints in the world are in West Asia, which has been in flames for almost six years now, and there are few signs of the situation improving meaningfully any time soon. Issues in this region are likely to be amongst the earliest foreign policy decisions of the Trump administration. Each decision will have consequences that would adversely impinge upon Trump's other regional priorities, and so it will not be easy to pursue many mutually contradictory components of his West Asian policy agenda. Trump's campaign remarks suggest that he attaches the highest priority to defeating the Islamic State (IS) through proactive cooperation with Russia, and that he wishes to establish a close personal working relationship with Putin. Particularly after Russia's successful military intervention in Syria, such a partnership will inevitably ensure a fresh lease of life for Assad's continuing in power until his patrons, Russia and Iran, decide otherwise. It will also further empower Iran in the region and enable Russia to consolidate its growing physical military presence and political influence in West Asia in the long-term. On the other hand, Trump has repeatedly said that it would be his "number-one priority to dismantle the disastrous (nuclear) deal with Iran." Vice-President Pence, NSA Flynn, CIA Director Pompeo, Chief of Staff Priebus and indeed even Defense Secretary Mattis are also hawks on Iran, but to his credit, Mattis has publicly suggested that the US

must not unilaterally scrap the nuclear deal. Abrogating it will create complications with all other co-signatories, particularly Russia, apart from potentially causing Iran to take counter-actions with potentially highly destabilizing consequences. Trump has promised to shift the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Announcing the appointment of a long time lobbyist for Israel, David Friedman, as the new US ambassador to Israel, Trump said, "The bond between Israel and the United States runs deep. I will ensure there is no daylight between us….He [Friedman] has been a long time friend and trusted advisor to me." Accepting the offer, Friedman inter alia said, "I intend to work tirelessly to strengthen the unbreakable bond between our two countries and…. I look forward to doing this from the US Embassy in Israel's eternal capital Jerusalem." Long-term senior aide to Trump, Kellyanne Conway, later said, "this is a very big priority for the President-elect and I have heard him repeat it several times privately if not publicly" after being elected. Doing this will create a huge uproar all over the Muslim world, greatly complicating the new administration's relations with Muslim countries. This move will almost certainly provide a huge boost to greater radicalization of increasingly larger numbers of Muslims and terrorism. If these campaign promises are carried out, it will almost certainly further inflame and destabilize the situation in West Asia. It would be in the interest of the region, the world, and indeed of the US itself to postpone decisions relating to the nuclear deal, shifting the embassy, and decision regarding Gulen for 6 months or so to enable a thorough evaluation of their inevitably serious consequences. Finally, it merits mention that the implementation of these promises will create huge dilemmas for India because it cannot sit silently on the fence as it has done advantageously in the past. India will perforce have to take stands, inevitably offending one or the other side, and each one of India's relationships in West Asia are very valuable for India. The writer is Distinguished Fellow and Columnist, IPCS, & former Indian Ambassador to Yemen and Oman

India Post Beware of experts E

xperts believe what has never happened before cannot happen now. They judge everything by past experience. Anything new or a synonym of the new doesn't occur in their dictionary. And therefore if demonetization has not succeeded before, it will not succeed now. There may be hitches in the implementation of this unprecedented, bold measure. But the experts should understand this is not a one-time move. It is being followed up closely and to outwit the clever black money hoarders, new counter measures are being announced every day. In a sarcastic lead story, the Indian Express reports government's follow up order "No 59" to catch up with the dishonest. Its complaint is the government is announcing new orders every day, changing old orders. Does the respected newspaper believe that a new situation can be dealt with by old plans? It is to the credit of the government that it is alive to what is going on in the minds of the black money hoarders and is on their trail by seeking to block their next move. Most English newspapers are toeing the Express line, making fun of the government's efforts to nip in the bud any attempt to revive the old culture of devious deals. Does the English press realize that it is campaigning on behalf of the rich and the defaulters? The English press had earlier complained that the demonetization move was ill planned and no follow-up action was prepared. Now it is tying itself in knots by objecting to the swift follow-up actions. The latest order of the government says no one can deposit more than Rs 5000 any more. This the English Press complains goes against the promise of allowing deposits till Dec 30. Most of the honest people have deposited their old notes by now. Do the detractors realize who would be the depositors who continue to deposit old notes now? Obviously only those can deposit them who have them. The honest have exhausted their old notes. It is the hoarders who still have them and still need to park them somewhere. It is to discourage such people that such an order was announced. Should the government be faulted for this move or lauded? It is true that ordinary people have been inconvenienced. The new policies being announced everyday have thus twin objectives - to ease the burden on the common man and tighten the noose for the cheats. The views of the previous RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan are being cited on demonetization. He reportedly said, "My sense is the clever find ways around it. They find ways to divide up their hoard into many smaller pieces." It is exactly to counter such practices that the RBI has announced that more than Rs 5000 of old notes cannot be deposited. Is it wrong to keep chasing such practices? Because earlier demonetization steps have not succeeded it is argued that Modi's present coup will also not succeed. The old timers do not realize that in the old demonetization schemes, there was no incentive to switch to digital modes of payments. The Modi drive is coupled with incentives to encourage countrymen, including those in rural areas, to resort to payments through mobiles and other digital modes. The experts are not to be trusted anymore. Remember the 98 percent of experts who said that Hillary Clinton will win? The US media also is vain about its "objectivity" and ability to ferret out the truth. During the elections, the likes of New York Times and Washington Post and hundreds of other papers and channels were gullible enough to allow themselves to be spoon-fed by leaks from Russian hackers and the selective Wiki leaks. Can you trust now the Indian English media which says that the demonetization move is bound to fail? Either they themselves have been hit badly by demonetization or they are pleading on behalf of the dishonest.

December 23, 2016

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December 23, 2016