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Kathak icon Pt Chitresh Das passes away Details on page 16

AAPI launches global clinical trials network

VOL 20, No. 1060

January 9, 2015

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S. ASIA TO BE OBAMA FOCUS THIS MONTH WASHINGTON: As US President Barack Obama arrived at the White House after vacationing in picturesque Hawaii; it is South Asia - India, Pakistan and Afghanistan - that would be focus during the month in January on the foreign policy front.

In fact, both Obama and his top diplomat - Secretary of State John Kerry - would kick-off their foreign trips of the year with India, which officials said is reflective of the serious efforts made by the administration to not only strengthen India-US relationship but also to send a mes-

sage to the countries of the region and other major international players too.

Preparations have begun in full swing for Obama's India visit to attend the January 26 Republic Day Parade as chief guest.

His visit would be preceded by Kerry's Ahmedabad visit to attend the Vibrant Gujarat Summit.

Thereafter Kerry is likely to travel to Pakistan for USPak Strategic Dialogue.

Details on page 5

Details on page 32

Arvind Panagariya

‘Honored to be appointed by PM to NITI Aayog’ Details on page 36

44 Indians in Forbes list of global prodigies Details on page 36

‘Sunanda Pushkar was murdered’ Details on page 8

Pak boat men were terrorists: Parrikar

Jadeja, Axar make cut for World Cup

Details on page 6

Details on page 9

No curbing terror certification to Pak, says US

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 48

Details on page 5

Community Post -------------- 16-24 Date Book -------------------------- 47

INDIA POST SURVEY

Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-35

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Horoscope ------------------------- 49

This week’s question

Immigration Post ------------- 44-46

Obama visit will boost Indo-US ties?

Life Style ----------------------- 50-52 Philosophy ------------------------- 53

Last week’s result

Will Pakistan ever convict the Mumbai terror masterminds?

YES 23%

NO 77%

ACTOR, ACTIVIST & BUDDHIST: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Hollywood Actor Richard Gere at a meeting in New Delhi on Monday January 5. Gere is Chairman, Gere Foundation and Global Envoy of International Buddhist Confederation.

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 30-31 TechBiz Post ------------------- 36-39 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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Publisher’s Diary

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inally, Richard Verma has arrived in New Delhi and he will be the first Indian American to be US Ambassador to India. He will have to work overtime since President Obama is also scheduled to be in Delhi as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebration - the first US President to attend this function. In a statement, the US embassy quoted Verma as saying he would work "with the Indian government on our shared goals of security, development, and prosperity."

Officials from both sides are leaving no stones unturned to make the Obama visit a success. At the center of all this is the building of a personal relationship between Modi and Obama. Therefore, Modi will make sure India gets the maximum mileage from Obama's visit to benefit both the countries. The Summit will require lot more work covering key issues such as defense, energy, smart cities, environment, terrorism, education and several areas of mutual cooperation discussed during Modi's meeting with Obama four months ago.

I am sad to see that, Pakistan, on the other hand, has stepped up the cross border firing targeting innocent civilians and also wants to bring in focus the Kashmir issue before Obama's visit. They have still not learned the lesson that such provocation will only harm them further. Modi had made several efforts to bring about amicable relations between both countries and all neighbors starting from his inaugural function.

Now, that the elections are over and hopefully the people of Kashmir will have the chance to develop their state for prosperity and peace.

Diaspora from around the world have arrived to celebrate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Gujarat this year. It also coincides with the 125th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa. We must use this opportunity to take our expertise and entrepreneurial skills to further benefit our motherland and our adopted countries. Especially when you have the proactive leadership of a Prime Minister like Narendra Modi.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Best item song Deepika's Lovely won with highest number of votes (37%), making it the most loved item song of the year.

Cover Story: India focus Obama and his top diplomat - Secretary of State John Kerry - would kick-off their foreign trips of the year with India

Community: Kathak icon Chitresh Das, dancer, choreographer, composer and educator of Kathak died on January 4 in Marin County

2015 agenda President Barack Obama plans new steps to help middle-income Americans as part of a 2015 agenda on immigration

Life style: Lovable comedian Mukri, the lovable 'Tingu' of Bollywood, ruled the 70's and 80's era as favorite comedian of the era

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NITI Aayog Indian-American economist Arvind Panagariya has been appointed by Modi as the first Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog

Kullu Amidst the loftiness of the Himalayas, and the serene ambience of River Beas, Kullu is known as the "Valley of Gods".

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January 9, 2015

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S. Asia to be Obama focus this month WASHINGTON: As US President Barack Obama arrived at the White House after vacationing in picturesque Hawaii; it is South Asia - India, Pakistan and Afghanistan - that would be focus during the month in January on the foreign policy front.

In fact, both Obama and his top diplomat - Secretary of State John

swing for Obama's India visit to attend the January 26 Republic Day Parade as chief guest.

His visit would be preceded by Kerry's Ahmedabad visit to attend the Vibrant Gujarat Summit.

Thereafter Kerry is likely to travel to Pakistan for US-Pak Strategic Dialogue.

And sometime in February

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama

Kerry - would kick-off their foreign trips of the year with India, which officials said is reflective of the serious efforts made by the administration to not only strengthen India-US relationship but also to send a message to the countries of the region and other major international players too.

Preparations have begun in full

Obama would host the new Afghan leadership - President Ashraf Ghani and CEO Dr Abdullah Abdullah - at the White House.

A formal announcement of Kerry's trip to India and Pakistan and that of Afghan leadership to the US has not been made yet.

But the three high-profile visits reflect the foreign policy prior-

ity of the US President as he enters the last two years of his presidency.

Obama himself is looking forward to his second trip to India and before he left for his annual vacation had issued instruction to his officials to work on specific deliverables to realise the true potential of India-US Strategic relationship in the 21st century.

The first non-white American President, Obama has accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Republic Day Parade on January 26.

He is the first US President to do so. He is also the first American President to visit India twice.

This is because; Obama believes that India - an anchor of peace and stability in entire Asia-Pacific region - has a major role to play in the global political scene in decades to come.

It is the two largest democracies of the world, he believes, need to join hands together "Chale Saath Saath" - to resolve some of the pressing problems of the world, be it addressing the issue of climate change or poverty elimination in Africa or developing a joint policy to eliminate the scour of terrorism from Afghanistan now that the US troops have ended their combat role in the country.

And it is in Modi, officials here believe, Obama has found an Indian leader who is willing to walk the talk to realise the common goals of the two countries.

It is the confidence in Modi's leadership that Obama quickly accepted the invitation to attend the Republic Day Parade given that it is the time of the year that is reserved for the US President to delivers his State of the Union Address to the Congress - his most important speech of the year.

Kerry's visit to Ahmedabad and his expected meeting with Modi on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit is expected

fort and continued safe haven in parts of the country is expected to figure predominantly in his talks with the top Pakistani leadership.

In November Kerry had met the Pakistani army chief.

In Islamabad, among others he would be meeting the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Visiting Pakistan at the time of increased cross-border shelling, the top American leadership is likely ask the Pak leadership to give up its distinction between good and bad terrorists/ and impress upon them one more time on the urgency to take strong ac-

Visiting Pakistan at the time of increased cross-border shelling, the top American leadership is likely ask the Pak leadership to give up its distinction between good and bad terrorists to prepare in a big way for the Obama-Modi Summit in New Delhi later this month.

Kerry himself is taking a personal interest on handling the issue of climate change with India.

Kerry, officials here say, understands India's developmental needs and wants Modi to take a global lead in climate change which balances between development and climate change.

From Ahmedabad, Kerry is expected to fly to Pakistan for the next round of US-Pak Strategic Dialogue at the ministerial level, during which India, Afghanistan, Islamabad's counter-terrorism ef-

tion against India-centric terrorist groups and organisations.

He is expected to express concern over the developments in Pakistan over bail to LeT commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, who played a key role in the Mumbai terror attacks.

Once Kerry returns from his first overseas trip in 2015 - India and Pakistan - the Obama Administration would have less than two weeks to prepare for the historic Obama-Modi Summit.

It is during that time that officials are likely to give a final shape to the deliverables for the India visit of the US President. -PTI

No certification to Pakistan on curbing of terror: US WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State John Kerry has not issued any certificate to the Congress on the progress made by Pakistan in taking action against terrorist groups, his spokesperson said here.

The US State Department has neither made any recent notification to the Congress under the Kerry-Lugar-Berman bill for release of American aid to Pakistan.

It was way back in 2013 that the State Department had notified the Congress about disbursement of aid to Pakistan and for this the Secretary of State had used the "national interest waiver" and not the certification requirement.

In fact, no aid has been disbursed to Pakistan under the Kerry-Luger-Berman in recent

past, US State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.

However, she quickly added that there are a number of ways

In the past, the "national interest waiver" has been used to provide Congressional-mandated aid to Pakistan, she said, adding that no certification has been issued with regard to progress made by

She also refuted a recent Pakistan Finance Ministry statement that State Department has notified the Congress of a USD 532 million assistance package for Pakistan under which the US provides financial aid to Pakistan.

"Congress has not been notified of the request. Congress has not approved of any request (of aid to Pakistan under Kerry Lugar Berman Bill)," Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.

Pakistan in taking action against terrorist networks.

"A (national interest) waiver was used instead of certification (in 2013)," Psaki said in response to a question.

Not issuing certificate to Congress on Pakistan's counter-ter-

rorism measures, she noted, does not mean that progress has not been made.

She was responding to questions about reports that Kerry has issued a certification to Pakistan on its counter- terrorism measures ahead of his Islamabad visit next week.

"The facts are: Congress has not been notified of a request.

Congress has not approved a request. I think in some of the reporting it also suggested this implied an approval of progress made (by Pakistan in war against terrorism)," Psaki said.

"In the past, while I'm not going to get ahead of any requests we'll make, and obviously there will be additional funding, I'm sure.

But in the past, the Department of State has employed the national interest waiver provided for in leg-

islation in part because all the criteria that is required to be met hasn't been met. We obviously have that ability in the future as well," she said.

The last review made under the Kerry-Luger-Berman bill with regard to Pakistani counterterrorism cooperation was in 2013.

"A waiver was used in lieu of certification," Psaki said.

She also refuted a recent Pakistan Finance Ministry statement that State Department has notified the Congress of a USD 532 million assistance package for Pakistan with its break up being given for different sectors like energy, defense against terrorism, economic growth, community building, education and health.-PTI

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Pak boat men suspected terrorists: Parrikar NEW DELHI: With questions raised over the credibility of the mid-sea operation that suggested a 26/11 like terror strike was averted, Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar has said all details relating to the sinking of the suspected Pakistani vessel would be released soon.

He said "circumstantial evidence" indicated that the occupants of the vessel were "suspected or possible terrorists" and

it will take four days. Let them do the analysis and after that we will release it" he told reporters here.

Parrikar said the people in the boat were in touch with various authorities in Pakistan, the army and its maritime authority.

"The boat was in constant touch, before the actual action took place, with various authorities which were located in Pakistan and linked with maritime security agencies, army and in Thai-

"The boat was in constant touch, before the actual action took place, with various authorities which were located in Pakistan and linked with maritime security agencies, army and in Thailand," Parrikar said that they were in touch with Pakistani maritime officials and army.

"They are doing analysis. We will release it once they complete the analysis in 2-3 days. May be

land," Parrikar said.

He added that all this was prior to the interception and Coast Guard was pressed into action only after receiving the intelli-

An aerial view of the fishing boat carrying explosives before being intercepted Coast Guard approximately 365 km off Porbander in Gujarat

gence.

"I don't know what was in the boat. I do not want to speculate.

But their (those on board) intentions were not right. For several hours they were in the area," Parrikar said.

Parrikar dismissed the contention that the four people on board the boat, which "exploded" and sank in the Arabian Sea in the intervening night of December 31 and January one during an Indian Coast Guard operation, were smugglers.

The Minister underlined that the suicidal act of setting the boat on fire by the men on board the boat showed that they were "committed" and indicated suspected terror link.

ernment, provincial Information Minister Mushtaq Ghani told PTI. The combined bounty includes Rs 10 million each for information leading to the arrest or death of the Pakistani Taliban chief Fazlullah and Mangal Bagh, the chief of the Lashkar-e-Islam group that is active in the province.

Pakistan has stepped up its campaign to wipe out terrorists from the restive northwest tribal areas in the aftermath of Taliban's Peshawar school carnage in

He said the actions of the boat men backs what he has said.

"Not speculating that it had explosives but it had some activity in mind that does not fit the description of smuggling boat.

Which smuggler would commit suicide? That much I can say," Parrikar said.

The Minister complimented the Coast Guard saying they did the right job at the right time.

"They got surveillance done

Smugglers don't commit suicide He said he would classify the occupants of the boat as "suspected or possible terrorists" since they had committed suicide after being intercepted.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a Defense Ministry event, Parrikar said, "There are speculations but I don't intend to be part of speculations except saying one very important aspect that the location (where the boat was found) is not a normal route for fishing boat".

He said that there were no other boats in the vicinity and hence it was not a fishing area.

Parrikar added that even smugglers of gold, drugs and other contraband normally take a busy route since it is

by Indian easy to hide and mingle

Pakistan announces Rs 760 mln to nab 615 militants PESHAWAR: The government of Pakistan's restive KhyberPakhtunkhwa province has announced a combined bounty of Rs 760 million for 615 high-profile militants, including a Rs 10 million bounty for information leading to the arrest or death of Taliban chief Mullah Fazlullah.

A combined bounty worth Rs 760 million for 615 militants and proclaimed offenders including Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Fazlullah has been announced by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa gov-

with other boats.

The Defense Minister said the boat was in an isolated location when spotted by surveillance aircraft which tracked it for about 12 hours.

"It does not indicate any type of smuggling activity but some other kind of activity. We are not sure what is that other kind," he said.

The Minister underlined that the suicidal act of setting the boat

which 150 people, mostly children, were killed.

A National Action Plan has been formed to deal with the menace of terrorism.

Pakistan has also tabled two major bills in the National Assembly to amend the country's Constitution for creation of special military courts for speedy trial of terrorists in the aftermath of the deadly attack.

The Pakistan Army has intensified its offensive in the tribal areas.-PTI

Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar

on fire showed that they were "committed" and indicated suspected terror link. "...circumstantial evidence indicates what I am saying," he said.

The Defense Ministry, in a press release, had said that the occupants went down from the deck and set the boat on fire which led to its sinking.

Ruling out the possibility of the occupants being smugglers, Parrikar said, "Smugglers don't keep in touch with Pakistani maritime agency, or their army or international contacts".

He said intercepted satellite communication showed they were interacting about passing of cargo and talking about families of some of the boat members.

"A normal boat, even carrying some drugs, can throw away their drugs and surrender. No one is going to be killing himself unless you are motivated enough to do that".

on the boat for almost 12-14 hours, intercepted it as soon as possible and stopped it after a chase," he said.

Parrikar underlined that operating procedures for Coast Guard are clear.

"It was dark and it was laden with explosives... which appears to be at least partly correct. It could have induced injuries and damage to coast guard," he said.

Asked about the presence of a second boat, he said it was in Pakistani Exclusive Economic Zone.

Parrikar pointed out that intelligence inputs were very clear even about the exact position of the boat.

Meanwhile, asked about ceasefire violations, he said there is an attempt to push "unwanted elements" across the border and the firing is a cover for them.

He said India is trying to ensure that terrorism does not grow or penetrate in its territory.-PTI

Pak dismisses boat issue as 'silly allegation' ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has dismissed as a "very silly allegation" India's assertions that the boat which exploded off the Gujarat coast belonged to it.

"I think this is a very silly allegation. We have checked with our authorities, no boats from Pakistan left," Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said.

"We saw the boat burn, it did not blow up. There have been various contradictory claims," she told an Indian TV channel.-PTI

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Sunanda Pushkar was murdered: Police NEW DELHI: In a sensational twist to the mysterious death of Shashi Tharoor's wife Sunanda Pushkar, Delhi Police has registered a case of murder after a medical report said her death was unnatural and was caused due to poisoning but nobody has been named as a suspect as yet.

Disclosing this, Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi did not rule out questioning Tharoor, now a Congress MP and a former Union Minister.

It was not clear whether she had consumed the poison on her own or it was administered forcefully or by injection, he said.

Nearly a year after 51-year-old Sunanda was found dead in a luxury hotel here on January 17, Delhi Police filed the case of murder under section 302 of the IPC but no one has been named in the FIR. "Nobody has been named in the case," Bassi told reporters in reply to questions.

Sunanda's death had created a sensation as it came hot on the heels of a bitter spat between the couple over the twitter over his alleged affair with Pakistani journalist Mehr Tarar.

"On 29th December, the medical board of AIIMS has given us a report. The main thing they have informed us is that the death is unnatural and not natural. Secondly, it is due to poison that could have been taken orally given or injected and they have told us other things as well," Bassi said.

Bassi said since tests to find

be examined."

"All the witnesses in this case were examined by the SDM, as he conducted inquest proceedings.

So, all relevant witnesses were examined by him, we had also examined them under Section 174 of the Cr.PC.

Calling for a "comprehensive investigation" into the case so that "unvarnished truth" comes out, he said he will continue to extend full cooperation to the police.

"I am stunned to hear that the Delhi Police have filed a case of

File photo of Shashi Tharoor and Sunanda Pushkar

"Now as we have registered a case of murder, all those people connected with the case will be examined," he said.

Bassi said the AIIMS report has not specified the nature of the poison and how it was administered into her body. The substance is still not clear but the death is due to poisoning, he said.

Asked why a case was being registered one year after the incident, he said the medical report which the police got initially was "interim".

The doctors needed certain information which was gathered and given to them, he said, noting after that they demanded some more information.

"Now they (doctors) have given us Sunanda's death had cresome conclusions on ated a sensation as it came the basis of available information. So on the hot on the heels of a bitter basis of that report it was necessary to file a spat between the couple case and proceed furover the twitter over his ther in the probe," Bassi said. alleged affair with Pakistani The report has not journalist Mehr Tarar given definitive conclusion about how poiout the quantum and nature of the son was present in the body but poison cannot take place in India, it has suggested more possibility the police have decided to send of injection having been adminissamples abroad for examination. tered, he said.

"So it was necessary that a case be registered. We have reg- Tharoor stunned istered a case and we will investiShashi Tharoor said he was gate," he said in reply to ques- "stunned" over Delhi Police regtions. istering a murder case in connecAsked whether Tharoor would tion with death of his wife be questioned in the light of the Sunanda a year ago and sought latest development, Bassi said, "full information" from the inves"Now as we have registered a case tigators on basis of which the conof murder, all those people who clusion was arrived at. were connected with the case will

murder against unknown persons in the demise of my late wife Sunanda. Needless to say I am anxious to see this case is investigated thoroughly and continue to assure the police of my full cooperation," Tharoor said in a statement.-PTI

Indian-American found dead in Mexican mountains NEW YORK: A 25-year-old In- to Khalsa's family and extended dian-American yoga instructor, the American government's conwho went missing in central dolences, reports said.

Mexico during a hike in the rugThe couple have been living in ged mountains, has been found Leesburg, Virginia, but were plandead. ning to move back to New York.

Hari Simran Singh Khalsa, born Khalsa appears to have fallen and raised in New York, had ar- while hiking and sustained a fatal rived in the colonial town of injury to the head, the family said Tepoztlan for a yoga retreat with a statement. his wife Ad Purkh Kaur and yoga "This journey has been a tesstudents on December 26. tament to the enormous amount His body was discovered in of love and goodness he shared one of the ravines in the area, four with us all during his time on days after he went hiking in the earth," USA Today reported, citrugged mountains that surround ing the statement. the town.

The place where the body was found was Khalsa appears to have not far from where Khalsa was last seen in fallen while hiking and a picture of himself that he sent his wife by sustained a fatal injury cellphone. to the head, the family A search got underway after he went miss- said a statement ing but it took the rescuers some time to reach the spot because of the rough terTepoztlan, a popular tourist rain. The cause of death has not destination near Mexico City, is been ascertained yet and an au- known for its mountain peaks and topsy will be conducted, officials the towering cliffs. said.

The US Embassy in Mexico Memorial service City confirmed the death, saying His family is now dealing with it was offering consular support the legal aspect of bringing his remains back to Virginia to be cremated, according to information on the website 'findharisimran.com' that was set up after the young yoga instructor went missing.

The memorial service would be eas, including safeguarding the held at a Gurdwara in Sterling, Virpast reserves of the Government, ginia and Khalsa's family plans to and key appointments in the pubcreate a foundation in his honor, lic service.

Pillay, who has served in a "dedicated to his spirit of service number of senior civil service po- and inspiration."

Vigils were held last week in cities in Virginia, New York, California and New Mexico as well as among communities in Europe, Latin America and China.

A remembrance from members of the Occupy Wall Street movement was held over the weekend here.

Khalsa was influential in establishing and leading the 'Occupy Yoga NY' movement, which brought meditation and yoga into the heart of the protests against social and economic inequality.

Khalsa was a member of the J Y Pillay Sikh-American community who sitions, was first appointed to the originally hailed from Brooklyn CPA on January 2, 2001. He has and had been running a Yoga censerved as Chairman of the CPA ter in Virginia along with his wife.

He was a long-time practitiosince September 2, 2005.

He is one of the pioneers who ner of the Kundalini yoga and had helped build the Singapore taught the yoga form and meditaeconomy after its separation from tion to activists during the Occupy Malaysia in 1965. He has served Wall Street campaign in 2011.

He is survived by his wife and as Chairman of Singapore Airlines parents.-PTI from 1972 until 1976. -PTI

Indian-origin man reappointed top advisor to Singapore Prez SINGAPORE: Veteran Indianorigin civil servant J Y Pillay has been reappointed as the top advisor to Singapore's President.

80-year-old Pillay was sworn in and reappointed as the Chairman of the Presidential Council of Advisers (CPA) for a period of four years by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam. Pillay, was also reappointed as a member of the CPA. Both appointments are for a further period of four years, with effect from January 2, 2015, the President's office said in a statement.

As Chairman of the CPA, Pillay will exercise the functions of the President's office in the absence of President. If he is unavailable, the Speaker of Parliament would act as the head of state.

The CPA, formed in 1992, advises the President in various ar-

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Jadeja, Axar make cut for World Cup MUMBAI: All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, still recovering from a shoulder injury, and young left-arm spinner Axar Patel have been included in India's 15-member squad for the cricket World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand from next month.

All-rounder Stuart Binny also made the cut while there was no place for Murali Vijay and Robin Uthappa in the squad, announced

by BCCI Secretary Sanjay Patel after a selection committee meeting here.

The five-man selection panel, however, ignored Yuvraj Singh, who was not in the list of the 30-member

played, was expectedly picked in the squad, considering that Jadeja's fitness could be an issue.

The selectors have however taken some risk in picking Jadeja in the squad but Patel expressed confidence that the all-rounder will be fully fit before the biggest cricket tournament.

"Jadeja at present is undergoing rehabilitation program. He is doing wonderfully well. We had detailed discussion with BCCI physio (on his inclusion) and we are confident that he will return to training within 10 days," Patel said on Jadeja's fitness.

Patel said Yuvraj's name was

Suresh Raina, Rayudu and Dhoni will bat in the middle order.

The squad has three spinners in R Ashwin, Patel and Jadeja though it is highly unlikely that more than two spinners will be in the playing XI during the matches.

Despite the failures of Dhawan, particularly in the Tests, the selectors have reposed faith in the left-handed opener.

About Ishant's injury, Patel said: "Ishant Sharma has a knee injury. He's doing well but has been advised by the BCCI Physio to not play the current Test. He has a knee related problem some

NJ to host international conference on Hindi WASHINGTON: The Interna- conference reflects the growing tional Hindi Conference with the urgency for coordinated efforts theme of "Expanding World of by the language education (pubHindi: Possibilities and Chal- lic and private), government and lenges," would be held in New business communities to expand Jersey in April, organizers have and develop the quality of the said.

Hindi field inside and outside of To be attended by Hindi schol- India. ars from various parts of the This conference will provide world, in particular from the US a forum for community members and India between April 3-5, par- and leaders, language experts, ticipants of the International policy makers, education adminHindi Conference would discuss istrators, advocates and other the current status of the teaching stakeholders from different parts and learning of Hindi among other things.

The participants are "We will hold sessions on also expected to distopics such as, 'Hindi in cuss individual and organizational partner- higher education,' 'Expandships and leadership ing the use of Hindi in busiand field capacity building and infrastruc- nesses and commerce,' ture building skills and 'Community support for topics, such as material selection and develop- Hindi,' ment funding, professional development of teachers, of the US, Canada, South and volunteer management, said America and Caribbean counAshok Ojha, coordinator of the tries, such as, Trinidad and Toconference said in a statement. bago along with experts from "We will hold sessions on top- India to get together and share ics such as, 'Hindi in higher edu- their views and research, examcation,' 'Expanding the use of ine a wide spectrum of opportuHindi in businesses and com- nities, make plans for the future, merce,' 'Community support for identify challenges and find soluHindi,' 'Current status of the tions for the advancement of the teaching and learning of Hindi' Hindi language in North America etc," he said. and the Caribbean region, he Ojha said the theme of the added. -PTI

Terror-related websites don't have contact details The 15 member Indian Squad for the forthcoming Cricket World Cup 2015- (from left to right in top row)- Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain), Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma; Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, R Ashwin and Akshar Patel; Ishant Sharma, Mohd Sami, Stuart Binny, Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar

probables but had come into reckoning after his three back-to-back centuries in the Ranji Trophy.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan, who struggled in the ongoing Test series against Australia, has also been retained in the squad for the high-profile event to be held from February 14 to March 29.

The squad, to be captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni has no major surprises with the selectors opting to go with four specialist pace bowlers - Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav - considering the pacy wickets in Australia and New Zealand.

The 20-year-old Axar Patel, who has made a reasonably good impression in the few ODIs he has

deliberated upon but they decided against selecting him.

"Not only Yuvraj Singh but other names were also discussed apart from the 30 probables. There were deliberations between five selectors and captain Dhoni and coach Duncan Fletcher were on the conference call," Patel said.

The selectors also announced the team for the tri-series to follow the Test matches in Australia.

Hosts Australia, India and England will compete in the tri-series. Apart from the 15 selected for the World Cup, Dhawal Kulkarni and Mohit Sharma have been included.

Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane can perform the role of the opener while Kohli,

water retention," Patel said.

Team for World Cup: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma, Stuart Binny and Umesh Yadav.

Team for ODI Tri-series: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Stuart Binny, Umesh Yadav, Dhawal Kulkarni and Mohit Sharma. -PTI

NEW DELHI: As Indian government cracks down on websites purportedly carrying anti-India propaganda of terror groups such as ISIS, security agencies have found that many of these portals do not have contact details of their owners and have servers based outside the country.

The concerned agencies are finding it difficult to proceed with legal action against these websites in the absence of any cooperation from domain registrars and other entities in the US and Europe where their servers are based, official sources said.

These websites have been accused of allowing anti-national content and propaganda of various terror groups, including that of banned ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), to be hosted on their platforms.

The government recently blocked 32 websites following a Mumbai court order, citing seri-

ous national security concerns.

Out of these, only seven websites responded to the notices sent by the Indian authorities and assured that they would not allow their platforms to be used for propagating terror-linked materials.

Unfazed by criticism on microblogging sites like Twitter on its move to block these 32 websites, including popular video and other content sharing platforms such as DailyMotion and Vimeo, the government has made it clear that there would be no compromise on national security.

The crackdown followed after it was found that the content were being posted on these websites with an intention to create unrest, break communal harmony, which may result in law and order problems and lead to breach of peace and tranquility, officials at the Department of Electronics and IT (DeitY) said.-PTI

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Cabinet okays largest ever spectrum auction NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet has approved the largest ever telecom spectrum auction that is targeted to fetch at least Rs 64,840 crore from the sale next month.

The government will sell 380.75 megahertz of second generation (2G) spectrum in three bands - the premium 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 800 MHz. Spectrum in 2100 MHz may also be put on auction simultaneously after Defense Ministry vacates it.

The Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a reserve price of "Rs 3646 crore pan-India per MHz in 800 MHz, Rs 3980 crore for 900 MHz band pan India excluding Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata,

and J&K; Rs 2191 crore pan India (excluding Maharashtra and West Bengal) in 1800 MHz band," an official statement said here.

Reserve price for 2,100 MHz was not announced.

Government had garnered about Rs 62,162 crore from the last auction in February 2014.

Proceeds from this year's auction will help government reach its fiscal deficit target of 4.1 per cent of GDP. As per the tentative timelines drawn by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), last date for submission of application is February 2 and bidders will be pre-

qualified by February 13. The auction will start on February 23.

Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

said the government intends to auction third generation or 3G spectrum in 2,100 MHz simultaneously.

"What had been pending for last many years, that is 5 MHz in 2,100 MHz from Defense, we have been able to do it," he told PTI. The focus of the February auction, he said, "is to provide adequate spectrum, prevent hoarding, fair competition, improve telecom services for consumers and adequate revenue for government."

The reserve or auction start price approved is the same as the one recommended by the Telecom Commission, except in the case of 900 MHz. The Telecom Commission had proposed a reserve price of Rs 3,695 crore for each MHz in 900 Mhz. Against this, Cabinet approved reserve price of Rs 3980 crore.

"The estimated revenues from this auction are Rs 64,840 crore (excluding 2100 MHz spectrum) of which Rs 16,000 crore is expected to be realized in the current financial year," the statement said.

At the reserve price of last auction, airwaves were valued at about Rs 48,685 crore.

Government had put on the block about 385 MHz of radio waves in 1800 MHz band, and 46 MHz in 900 MHz band. During that auction, all the spectrum in 900 MHz band got sold but 78 Mhz in 1800 MHz band remained unsold.

Any company holding a universal service license to provide telephony services or eligible to obtain the same, can bid in this year's auction.

Successful bidders have to pay within 10 days 33 per cent of the final sale price in case of 1800 MHz. The same is 25 per cent in case of 900 MHz and 800 MHz, the statement said.

"There shall be a moratorium of two years for payment of balance amount of one

The reserve or auction start price approved is the same as the one recommended by the Telecom Commission, except in the case of 900 MHz time charges for the spectrum, which shall be recovered in 10 equal annual installments," it said.

In 800 MHz band, 103.75 MHz in all service areas is being put on auction while 177.8 MHz in 900 MHz band is being sold in 17 telecom circles or service areas. 99.2 MHz will be auctioned in 15 circles in 1800 MHz band, it said.

There are total 22 telecom service areas in the country and the price of spectrum in each circle is different.

Telecom Commission has recommended auctioning 184 Mhz in 900 Mhz band across 18 service areas and 100.2 Mhz in 1800 Mhz band in 15 service areas. The quantum of spectrum for auction in 1800 Mhz has been reduced by Cabinet.-PTI

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UPA started IT scrutiny against Robert Vadra NEW DELHI: Giving a new twist to the Robert Vadra case, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said the process for issuing Income Tax notices to him started before he took charge of the Ministry, in a clear hint that it was done during the UPA's tenure.

"The correct facts are whatever notices have been issued, the process was started before I took over this Ministry," he said.

"This whole process had started much before I became Finance Minister and to the best of my knowledge it is a computerized selection of which case has to be assessed and it is not the random draw. There is a criterion for of a case, you can choose for that," Jaitley told NDTV. The Income Tax department has a system where individuals, that is assessing officers, do not

take decision (of issuing notices), he said.

"If a particular return falls

for scrutiny and therefore a particular return did had something which merited the scrutiny, the computer would have decided," Jaitley said.

He said it is for the assessing officers to ask for explanation and if valid explanation is given that is the end of the matter.

"And if valid Finance Minister Arun Jaitley explanation is not given within the categories, which are then they go and make an assessmarked categories, the computer- ment order," the Finance Minister ized system itself chooses the case said.-PTI

Ex-CM Beant's killer arrested in Thailand BANGKOK: Thai police have arrested a fugitive Sikh terrorist who was involved in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh and several others in 1995.

Thai National police spokesman Lt Gen Prawut Thawornsiri said 37-year-old Gurmeet Singh

militants convicted for the 1995 blast which also killed several others.

Officers also arrested Pakistani national Ali Alat, 48, the owner of the house. Alat said that he was not aware about Singh's criminal background.

The two men were taken to

Police officers escort Gurmeet Singh from India, as they arrive at the criminal court in Bangkok

entered Thailand in October and was arrested in the eastern province of Chon Buri.

A team of Chon Buri provincial police and soldiers raided a house on Soi Mabyailia in tambon Nong Phreu in Bang Lamung district and arrested Singh, one of six Sikh

Nong Phreu police station for interrogation.

"We had been following him for a while, but at one point he slipped off the radar," Prawut said.

Sources here told PTI that Singh could have been traveling on a fake passport as the police

said the "Pakistani" terrorist faces extradition to India.

Singh escaped from a high-security prison in 2004.

The swift action followed a recent request by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju to Thai authorities to help capture the terrorist. Rijiju made the request when he visited Bangkok late last year for a UN meet.

Last week the national police chief had announced that a special unit would be set up to target transnational criminal gangs operating in Thailand or using the country as a shelter.

Some foreign criminals and gangs consider Thailand to be a haven, including paedophiles, financial con men, electronic card skimmers, robbers, drug traffickers and terrorists.

Pol Maj Gen Nitipong Niamnoi, head of Chon Buri police, said Indian authorities had sought cooperation from Thailand, to help apprehend the suspect.

The Indian government had been in touch with Thai authorities to nab Jagtar "Tara" Singh, who had been hiding in Thailand for months and probably under another identity.

Beant Singh, who came to power as chief minister in 1992 and began crushing the Sikh militancy, was killed in the blast in 1995 claimed by the Khalistani Sikh terrorists. -PTI

E-passports to be rolled by 2016 KOCHI: The new age e-passports are expected to be rolled out in the country by 2016, a top official said here.

"We are going ahead and are in the process of tendering. By 2015-16 we should be able to achieve e-passport," Muktesh K Pardeshi, Joint Secretary (PSP) and Chief Passport Officer, Ministry of External Affairs, told reporters here.

The External Affairs Ministry has plans in place and necessary orders in this reg a r d

h a v e been issued, he said.

Also known as Biometric or digital passports, these new passports will have a microprocessor chip embedded in it.

India, which attained the distinction of being the third largest passport issuing country after China and US last year by processing one crore applications, is aiming at 20 per cent growth this year, he said.

Kerala, where 10 lakh applications were received and processed, topped among the states, while Malappuram registered maximum applications among districts in the country, he said.

During January to December 2014, 1.01 crore applications for passport and related services

were processed by the External Affairs Ministry. While 87.03 applications for passport and related services had been received, 84.69 lakh passports and related documents had been issued through the Passport Seva System, Pardeshi said.

During 2014, there was a 15 to 20 per cent growth in the issuance of passports compared to 2013, he said.

The government is expected to earn a revenue of about Rs 2000 crore by March this year by issuance of passports as compared to 2013-14 fiscal when the revenue was Rs 1,800 crore, he said.

A total of 3,224 official passports and 283 diplomatic passports were issued last year through the PSS, he said.

Besides, about 14.95 lakh applications were received at the 183 Missions and Posts abroad and approximately 14.55 lakh Passport and related serves were rendered at these Missions and Posts, he added. -PTI

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Is Cong fighting polls in India or Pak, asks Shah BHUBANESWAR: Hitting out at Congress for raising doubts over the Pakistani boat incident, BJP President Amit Shah has asked the opposition party whether it was fighting elections in India or Pakistan.

On his maiden visit to Odisha, Shah said it should be the 'duty' of the Congress to boost the morale of the defense personnel instead of finding faults with NDA government's determined efforts to curb terror.

"I will like to ask the Congress from where (do) they fight elections? In India or Pakistan?"

Shah asked while addressing BJP's 'Mahasangram' rally here.

Congress has raised doubts over government's version of Pakistani boat incident near Porbandar and asked it to "come clean" and explain "which terrorist organization" was behind the episode that unfolded on the high seas.

The Congress stand triggered a war of words with the BJP which accused the opposition party of touching a "new low" and doing politics over terror.

Shah lauded the Coast Guard and the defense intelligence wing for saving the country recently from another terrorist attack through water route.

Shah said the Narendra Modi government at the Centre was determined to foil any attack and and give a befitting reply to

cross border firings.

"They (Pakistan) fire bullets from across the border, but the nature of India's response under NDA government has changed. We are giving a befitting reply.

Now there is a difference as the BJP-led NDA government

Rahul Gandhi to submit score card of 60 years of Congress rule in the country instead of seeking to know its performance in the last 6 months.

"Rahul Baba is asking us for a report card on what we have done in last six months. I ask you, first give a report card on

Amit Shah

has taken it seriously. Earlier, they (Pakistan) used to open fire first and they ended it too. But now, we end the firing," the BJP chief said.

Expressing confidence that the Narendra Modi government would provide good governance in the country for many years, he asked AICC vice-president

what your family has done in 60 years when it ruled the country."

Faulty UPA policies had pushed the nation into a situation of inflation, high prices and low growth, Shah claimed, adding that the turn around had started with the coming to power of the politically stable Modi government.-PTI

Scientists deliberate space tech at Indian Science Congress MUMBAI: Top space scientists of various research organizations, including those from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) gathered at the ongoing 102nd Indian Science Con-

story of 'Mangalyaan', with the participants.

He said that the Mars Orbiter is the first Indian spacecraft to successfully survive the Van Allen radiation belts.

Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System's Project Director M Nageswara Rao said that many aircrafts do not take off due to fog and the ISRO is building a system to solve this problem.

Rao spoke about Global Positioning Systems And Geo Aided Navigation System (GAGAN) gress held here to deliberate on space science and technology.

At a symposium on space and space technology, Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) Project Director S Arunan, shared the success

Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System's Project Director M Nageswara Rao said that many aircrafts do not take off due to fog and the ISRO is building a system to solve this problem. Rao spoke

about Global Positioning Systems And Geo Aided Navigation System (GAGAN).

"ISRO's experience in building both remote sensing and communication satellites was used to build GAGAN," he said.

GSLV MK-III Project Director S Somnath said that the launch vehicle development is fundamental to space exploration.

"We will be using this GeoSynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for our ambitious mission 'Chandrayan-II', he said, adding that GSLV-D6 would be launched soon.

P G Diwakar representing the National Remote Sensing Centre of India, said that ISRO has collected around 1,275 terabytes of data since 1979 by mapping natural resources using satellites. -PTI

ISRO gears up to launch its own GPS CHENNAI: After completing The system would provide two an eventful year, ISRO is gearing types of services - Standard Posiup for some satellite launches this tioning Service, which is provided year, with the IRNSS 1D being the to all the users and Restricted Serfirst, which would put in place vice, which is an encrypted serIndia's own navigation system on vice provided only to the authopar with the Global Positioning rized users.

System of the US. The IRNSS system was tar"The launch campaign for geted to be completed by this year IRNSS 1D has come, which starts at a total cost of Rs 1420 crore. on January 16. Within two months, IRNSS is designed to provide all components from other ISRO accurate position information serlabs have to reach Sriharikota. The vice to users in the country as well launch is likely after March 15," a as the region extending up to senior ISRO official told PTI. 1,500 km from its boundary, which IRNSS 1D is the fourth in the is its primary service area. series of seven satellites, the national space agency is planning to IRNSS is designed to provide launch to put in place accurate position informathe Indian Regional Navigation Satellite tion service to users in the System (IRNSS). country as well as the region While four satellites would be sufficient to extending up to 1,500 km start operations of the from its boundary, which is system, the remaining three satellites would its primary service area make it more accurate and efficient.

A select group of countries The other launches also relate have their own navigation systo the IRNSS series with the tems - Russia's Global Orbiting IRNSS1E and IRNSS1-F satellites Navigation Satellite System to be launched before the year (GLONASS), United States' Gloend, he said. bal Positioning System (GPS), The first three satellites in the European Union's Galileo (GNSS), IRNSS series were launched from China's BeiDou satellite navigaSriharikota on July 1, 2013, April 4 tion system and the Quasi-Zenith and October 16 last year respec- Satellite System. tively.

ISRO not only launched a GLSV The fully deployed IRNSS rocket, a GSLV Mk III, besides two would consist of three and four PSLVs during 2014 but also sucsatellites in GEO stationary and cessfully inserted its Mars orbiter in inclined geosynchronous or- into the Martian atmosphere and bits respectively, about 36,000 km tested the re-entry of unmanned above the Earth. crew module from space. -PTI

US encourages India, Pak dialogue WASHINGTON: Amidst simmering tension between India and Pakistan after shelling across the border, the United States has said it encourages dialogue between the two South Asian neighbors.

"We certainly support dialogue between the countries.

There have been some steps over the past year, that you know, where there have been more positive exchanges. Obviously, there's more work that needs to be done,"

US State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said.

Psaki was responding to questions on flare up in tension between the two countries after cross border shelling.

"Our thoughts would go out to the families of any lives who have been lost. We certainly remain concerned and watch over tensions along the border, and we encourage dialogue between the countries," she said. -PTI

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Google's Page named business person of the year NEW YORK: Google's Larry Page has emerged as the 'business person of the year' for 2014, edging past the likes of Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, according to Fortune magazine.

Page, who is Chief Executive

Officer (CEO) and co-founder of Google, came on top in the 20 global corporate leaders' list compiled on the basis of various factors including company's performance, leadership style and total shareholder returns, the magazine said while bringing out its list.

26/11 case: Pak court summons Lakhvi ISLAMABAD: LeT operations Next day, he was again decommander Zaki-ur- Rehman tained under the Maintenance of Lakhvi, the 2008 Mumbai terror Public Order (MPO). attack mastermind, has been sumHowever, Islamabad High moned by a Pakistani court to ap- Court judge Noorul Haq Qureshi pear before it in the next hearing suspended Lakhvi's detention on the government's appeal under MPO, evoking a strong reagainst his bail in the 26/11 case. action from India.

A two-member bench of the Just before he was to be reIslamabad High Court headed by leased, Lakhvi was arrested on Justice Shaukat Siddiqui admitted charges of kidnapping Afghan the government's plea against the Anti-Terrorism Court's decision to The prosecution informed grant bail to Lakhvi.

"The court sumthe court in its petition that moned Lakhvi for arguments in the case on an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) next hearing and issued a notice to him in this ignored testimony in the 26/ regard," Prosecution Chief Chaudhry Azhar 11 case while granting told PTI after the hearbail to Lakhvi ing.

Azhar, a special prosecutor of Federal Investigation national Muhammad Anwar Agency, said the court office Khan. would fix the next date of hearing.

The police kept him at the The prosecution informed the Shalimar Police station here for a court in its petition that an Anti- two-day physical remand before Terrorism Court (ATC) ignored a magistrate sent him back to testimony in the 26/11 case while Adiala Jail for a 14-day judicial granting bail to Lakhvi. custody.

On December 18, 2014, the ATC Lakhvi has been detained at granted bail to Lakhvi, who was Adiala Prison for the last five years involved in planning, financing or so. and executing the Mumbai terror He will be produced before the attacks in November 2008. magistrate on January 15.-PTI

32-year-old charged with murder of PIO LONDON: A 32-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Indian-origin Baljit Singh, who was found dead in the basement of a West Midlands house in the UK. Singh's body was discovered at an address in Beeches Road, Rowley Regis on New Year's Day after he went missing in the run up to Christmas.

50-year-old Singh from Birmingham was missing after leaving his home on December 23 to

collect a birthday cake for his son.

A post-mortem examination revealed he died as a result of head injuries and a knife wound to the neck. West Midlands police said Stuart Millership, of no fixed address, was arrested on New Year's eve in Kingswinford, west Midlands and has been charged with the murder.

A 27-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.-PTI

Apart from Jack Ma and Zuckerberg, others in the race included Apple's Tim Cook and fast food chain Chipotle co-CEOs Montgomery Moran and Steve Ells - and Fedex chairman & CEO Fred Smith.

Besides, five women have made the cut to the top 20 list.

Interestingly, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, who led Fortune list in 2012, failed to make in to the top 20 list.

As Google's core business continues to thrive, Page, who topped the list, is making "huge bets on new technology - ingestible nanoparticles, balloons that beam down broadband - that could define the future," the magazine noted.

Page and his company have packed a lot of evolution into just over 15 years of existence, it added.

The women contenders were

Ultra Beauty CEO Mary Dillon, ITT CEO and President Denise

Larry Page

Ramos, TJX Cos CEO Carol Meyrotwiz, Theranos Founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes and

Williams-Sonoma President and CEO Laura Alber.

The list is based on various parameters like financial results of the company including 12-month and three year growth in profits and revenues, company's stock performance and total shareholder returns over the same periods.

Besides, several non-financial elements like business influence, leadership style, strategic initiatives played a part in evaluation. -PTI

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Global devices shipment to touch 2.5 bn units NEW DELHI: Global shipments of devices, including PCs, tablets and mobile phones, are expected to grow 3.9 per cent to 2.5 billion units this year, research firm Gartner has said.

The number of devices shipped globally is expected to grow from 2.37 billion in 2014 to about 2.5 billion this year and further to 2.57 billion in 2016, Gartner said in a statement.

According to its estimates, worldwide tablet sales will reach 233 million units in 2015, an 8 per cent increase from 2014 as demand for tablets continues to be slow this year.

After a troubled year in 2014,

global tablet market is not returning to the levels of growth seen in the last four years, Gartner said in a statement.

"The collapse of the tablet market in 2014 was alarming.

In the last two years, global sales of tablets were growing in double-digits," Gartner Research Director Ranjit Atwal said.

He added that the steep drop was on account of lifetime of tablets being extended and lack of innovation in hardware, which restrains consumers from upgrad-

ing.

The mobile phone segment is expected to grow 3.7 per cent in 2015 to reach 1.9 billion this year from 1.83 billion last year.

"The smartphone market is becoming polarized between the

high- and low-end market price points. On one hand, the premium phone with an average selling price at USD 447 in 2014 saw growth dominated by iOS, and on the other end of the spectrum you have Android and other open OS phones' growth area in the basic phone segment, where the average phone costs USD 100," Gartner Research Director Annette Zimmermann said.

For the mid-range smartphones, the market opportunity is becoming increasingly limited, Zimmermann added.

In the operating system (OS) market, Android surpassed a billion shipments of devices in 2014 and will continue to grow at a double-digit pace in 2015, with a 26 per cent increase year over year.

"From 2015, we expect Windows to grow faster than iOS, as the PC market stabilizes and the challenge for the next iPhone to find significant growth becomes greater, narrowing the gap between the two operating systems," Atwal said.

The PC market (desktops and notebooks) is estimated to grow about one per cent in 2015. -PTI

BIHARI TEAM: Shatrughan Sinha and family calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on January 6

Smartphone swipe to lock your luggage WASHINGTON: A 'smart' luggage lock that allows users to open or lock a suitcase with just a swipe of their smartphone has been developed.

The lock called EGeeTouch can be accessed with just a tap of a Near field communication (NFC)enabled smartphone, tablet or

istration, Mashable reported.

It can be accessed using a pre-paired NFC smart tag or sticker (to put in a wallet) if the user does not have an NFC-enabled device.

Developed by US startup Digipas, the lock runs on battery power, but can be recharged with

smartwatch.

EGeeTouch is waterproof and can handle both extreme hot and cold weather and is approved by the US Transport Security Admin-

an external USB portable power source when that runs out.

However, the availability and pricing for the EGeeTouch have not yet been announced. -PTI

Business leaders unequipped for challenges: Survey NEW DELHI: Many business corporate leaders were illleaders in the country are not fully- equipped to deal with volatility, equipped to deal with challenges followed by 31 per cent who beof volatility and complexity posed lieved that their leaders were inby the current business land- capable of meeting ambiguity in scape, says a survey. the business environment.

As per global HR consultancy About 30 per cent felt that the DDI's survey, which covered more company's leaders were not cathan 1,000 executives, including pable of meeting complexities, and from HR domain, most corporate 24 per cent did not feel they could leaders are not prepared to deal deal with uncertainty. with volatility, uncertainty, com"At best, only about 18 perplexity and ambiguity (VUCA). cent identified their leaders as Less than two-thirds of leaders said they were either "highly con- Less than two-thirds of leadfident" or "very confident" in their ability to ers said they were either meet the four VUCA "highly confident" or "very challenges, it said.

"In the volatile, uncertain, complex and confident" in their ability to ambiguous (VUCA) meet the four VUCA business landscape expected to continue for challenges, it said 2015, leaders face many challenges, requiring aggressive, sustained talent man- very capable," the survey said. agement strategies to prepare Moreover, about 39 per cent them for success," DDI said.

HR leaders felt that leaders in their As per the HR professionals organization are moderately ready surveyed by DDI, about a third or not ready to handle human capiviewed their company leaders as tal related challenges. not possessing the capability of Globally, 25 per cent of the ormeeting challenges in the VUCA ganizations reported that their world. leaders were not capable across Of these 38 per cent felt the any of the VUCA challenges. -PTI

January 9, 2015

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India Post 15

Desi News Janyaa empowers kids with hands on learning India Post News Service

SANTA CLARA, CA, Every concept in math and science can be taught in a simple and practical way. Janyaa was born out of this powerful idea with a noble goal of changing the lives of underprivileged children in India by simply changing the way they learn.

Started in 2009 by Venu Nadella, Janyaa has been on a mission of empowering children with hands on learning. Janyaa is a 501c (3) tax exempt non profit organization.

With its unique lab in the box program, Janyaa teaches young children across India the concepts of science and math in an effective way so that children can understand them by relating them to their daily life.

Details on page 23

Roaring New Year event with Anjana Sukhani Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: The New Year Eve event at Ashyana Banquets presented by the Indian Event Management (IEM) team was once again a roaring success.

The banquet hall was charged up with the amazing intensity of folks wanting to see the beautiful Bollywood actress, Anjana Sukhani of Salam-e-Ishq fame along with other attractions such as the Samba dance performance.

The IEM team of five members, Brij Sharma (President), Pratibha Jairath (Vice President), Sharan Walia (Director), Raju Bankapur (Director), Anoop Walia (public relations) were present thanking and greeting all present for their support.

Details on page 18

Over 500 ring in New Year at Waterford Hall Asian Media USA

ELMHURST, IL: Ushering the New Year Chicago Style was the highlight of the spectacular New Year bash organized by Ocean Breeze Entertainment at Waterford Banquet hall located at Elmhurst on Dec 31. Despite the bitter cold weather 500 people of party revelers joined this beautiful celebration with family and friends to welcome 2015. There was open bar from the beginning to end of the party serving premium liquors and cocktails.

Details on page 20

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

16 India Post

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Duty and attachment What is more important?

Details on page 23

January 9, 2015

Kathak icon Pt Chitresh Das passes away at 70 Kathak history... because our form is classical doesn't mean it doesn't evolve."

Das won several awards and fellowships for his dance. The performer won the Isadora Duncan Dancer of the Year Award twice.

He also received grants from Olympic Arts Festival, National Endowment for the Arts, California Arts Council and Rockefeller Foundation among others.

Das was the most familiar figure on the busy Bay Area Indian dance scene and frequently performed locally, as recently as September.

In 1979, he started the Chhandam School of Kathak to instruct a younger generation in the art of Kathak, a semi-narrative form of movement.

In 2002, he founded the Chhandam Nritya Bharati in his native India. Today, there are 10 branches of his school worldwide.

Das' parents, who were both dancers, established one of India's first Kathak institutions, and he often referred to his mother as his "first guru."

India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO: Chitresh Das, dancer, choreographer, composer and educator of the North Indian classical Indian dance form Kathak died of an aortic dissection on Sunday January 4 in Marin County. He was 70.

Das who was known for a new style of dance called, Kathak yoga, had followers from all around the world. Das' parents were founders of Nritya Bharati, the first of its kind dance school, where different dance forms were taught.

In 1970, Das went to United States on a fellowship to teach Kathak at the University of Maryland. Later in his career, the dancer was also a guest faculty at Stanford University and was instrumental in forming the first accredited Kathak course at San Francisco State University.

Das learnt Kathak from Pandit Ram Narayan Misra, a renowned Kathak instructor who taught tawaifs at Kolkata Bowbazar.

Talking about Kathak yoga, Das had once told New York Times that "This is a recent thing in

Cont’d on page 19

New Year ushered in with Ramayan Path GEETHA PATIL

CHICAGO: The Hindu Mandir of Lake County ushered in New Year with great pomp and relgious fervor in the presence of scores of devotees and temple members.

The Akhand Ramayana Path was the prime attractiion and it started with stuti to Lord Ganesh and Ram Parivar accompanied by Vyasa Pujan by Pt. Anil Joshi.

President Harsh Kumar, Madhup Dhaon, and Avinash Khodke along with more than a hundred devotees participated in the Pujan.

Dedicated devotees carried out 24 hours continuous Ramayana Path.

At midnight, the temple devotees performed Aarti and chanted in chorus "Jai Shree Ram and Jai Hanuman" to obtain the blessings

Grays Lake Hindu Temple discourse by Pundit Anil Joshi

of the Lord for good things to happen throughout the New Year. In the morning, Sanjay Sharma and

Mitilesh Sharma added lovely grace to the function by their melodious chanting of Ramayana

and devotees by singing Bhajans with utmost religious devotion.

Cont’d on page 19

January 9, 2015

Community Across America

India Post 17

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Beer with Gandhi image New Year bash raises withdrawn after protest funds for cyclone victims the label. We hope that you understand our true intent and learn to respect our method NEW YORK: Dragging the name of and the freedom we have to show our reverMahatma Gandhi for marketing of all the ence for Gandhi," the apology read.

The brewing company further stated, things, beer, has stupefied and shocked Indian Americans across the country and a "We also ask our supporters and fans to huge protest led the Woodbridge based refrain from arguing on our page with those New England Brewing Co. to apologize and who may be upset by our label. We want to suspend marketing the so called vegetar- do our best to be culturally sensitive and respectful."

Indo-American activist Rajan Zed said in a statement, "peace icon Mahatma Gandhi abhorred drinking. Selling beer named after him was highly damaging to his legacy and hurt the feelings of Indo-Americans and Indians."

Zed, who is Chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, pointed out the marketing of beer for mercantile greed was trivialization of Gandhian principles and belittling of the IndoAmerican community and Indians.

Mahatma Gandhi was one of the few men in history to fight simultaneously on moral, religious, political, social, economic, and cultural fronts, and he continues to be widely respected as one of the greatest moral and political leaders of the twentieth century, Rajan Beer can with image of Mahatma Gandhi Zed noted.

New England Brewing Company, whose tagline is "Drink it. It's ian beer with Mahatma image on the can.

The beer named "Gandhi-Bot" de- good.", is a craft brewery launched in 2003 scribed as an ideal aid for self-purification which claims to be listed as one of the top and the seeking of truth and love. The com- 20 breweries in the country, only second pany management retraction also follows a craft brewery on the entire East Coast to legal redress sought in an Indian court in have its beer for sale in cans, and "bring Hyderabad by an Indian attorney who as- passion for flavor". Rob Leonard is founder/ serted that Gandhi's image on alcohol cans owner while Matt Westfall is the head brewer was condemnable and would be punish- who created Gandhi-Bot beer. Its brews are able under Indian laws. The petition states The brewing company has apologized for that the beer the label saying their "intent was not to offend can amounts to anyone but rather pay homage and celoffenses under the Indian Pre- ebrate a man who we respect greatly." The vention of In- company said they apologize to any Indian sults to the National Honor people who find the label offensive.

Act of 1971.

The brewing company has apologized claimed to be "loaded into over 300 bars and for the label saying their "intent was not to restaurants".

The company website states: "Gandhioffend anyone but rather pay homage and celebrate a man who we respect greatly." Bot is an intensely hopped double India pale The company said they apologize to any ale with a blend of three varieties of AmeriIndian people who find the label offensive. can Hops. Aromatic and fully vegetarian.

"So many Indian people here in America Gandhi-Bot is an ideal aid for self-purificalove our tribute to him. Gandhi's grand- tion and the seeking of truth and love." The daughter and grandson have seen the la- beer can shows Gandhi's sketch with one bel and have expressed their admiration of hand raised as in blessing.

India Post News Service

SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: With Charitable mission as its central focus to help the victims ravaged

by Hudhud cyclone in Andhra Pradesh, a breathtaking New Year 2015 Bash was held

engulfing that the event lasted till the wee hours of the New Year day.

This grand New Year gala added a glamour quotient with the presence of the Bollywood/

New Year Bash's guests [L to R] IADO President Dr. Ashish Sen, FIA President Keerthi K. Ravoori, Tollywood actress Richa Panai, Principal host Dr Ram Gajjela, Tollywood actress Madhu Shalini and Air-India Midwest Chief Nakul Singh Chand

with an eclectic display of music, singing and dance performances augmented by a lavish spread of food as overflowing guests gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel in Lisle on December 31.

The joyful mood was so widespread and

Tollywood star power led by glamorous actresses Madhu Shalini, Richa Panai celebrity Anchor Pradeep Machiraju joined by popular playback singers Ranina Reddy and Prudhvi Chandra enhanced by a string of exciting Bollywood dances.

Cont’d on page 20

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Community Across America

January 9, 2015

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Roaring New Year event with Anjana Sukhani

Anjana Sukhani with dancers Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: The New Year Eve event at Ashyana Banquets presented by the Indian Event Management (IEM) team was once again a roaring success.

The banquet hall was charged up with the amazing intensity of folks wanting to see the beautiful Bollywood actress, Anjana Sukhani of Salam-e-Ishq fame along with other attractions such as the Samba dance performance.

The IEM team of five members, Brij Sharma (President), Pratibha Jairath (Vice President), Sharan Walia (Director), Raju Bankapur (Director), Anoop Walia (public relations) were present thanking and greeting all present for their support.

The hall echoed with excitement and applauded when Anjana

The Host IEM Team with artists

A section of the attendees

Raju Bankarpur and P Jairath, singers

Sukhani greeted the audience as she walked up to the stage for a charismatic retro medley with professional dancers from Sonia Dance Rhythm Academy and the Chicago ADAA dancers.

The event was Grand sponsored by Anil Loomba of Home Mortgage Solutions, Inc. The prizes of Raffle draw were also by Home Mortgage Solutions, Inc. The winners were announced by Ms Sukhani.

Raju Bankapur and Pratibha Jairath, the Chicago artists presented their music performance with fast number medley that captivated and rocked the audience with their popular numbers.

There was quite a bit of variety in the program. Natasha Trikha, the Chicago Indian Icon (CII) winner in her category, presented a beautiful medley with Chicago ADAA dancers performing in the background.

Another surge of excitement was noticed when Anoop Walia announced the Samba dance performance. All heads turned to see Samba dancers walking into the hall with beautiful head-gear and their own musicians. The audience enjoyed their performance.

Party favors were distributed and the Balloon drop showered the dancers with bright neon colored balloons. The room was filled with enthusiastic people wishing each other Happy New Year.

The ambience and dinner arrangements at Ashyana were exemplary. It was a hundred item cruise style dinner that was served from 9 pm until 2 am. The bars were open and the people sang, danced, and dined all through the evening into the late hours with non-stop music by DJ Skyy.

January 9, 2015

Community Across America

India Post 19

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Grays Lake temple ushers in New Year with Ramayan Path Cont’d from page 16

On January 1, 2015, the Akhand Ramayana Path Purti, and offering of Naivedyam were performed by Pt. Anil Joshi

Pt. Joshi greeted and blessed everyone including sponsors and volunteers for contributing their time and pecuniary help to the upliftment of the temple. He motivated devotees to follow Dharma and Satya Marg all the time in life. After Maha Mangalarati, lip-smacking Maha Prasadam was served to devotees.

More than 500 devotees and their families enjoyed the New Year program at Hindu Mandir of Lake County.

Early morning on that day, devotees also sought darshan of Lord Venkanteshwra as the New Year coincided with Vaikunta Ekadasi Pujan which was performed by Pt. Ganesh. The main significance of this Vaikunta Ekadasi is that Ketu takes position in the 12th, the sign of the Moon when liberation is possible, and Saturn takes position in the

Vaikunth Ekadeshi Pujan

around 11 am. The Hanuman Chalisa sung by everyone filled the shrine with spiritual ether.

Pt. Joshi delivered a discourse on relevance of Ramayana in our daily life. He emphasized on the love and sacrifices made between Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Bharat.

He narrated the importance of Paduka which were handed over to Bharat by Lord Ram and their role in protecting Ayodhya for 14 years. Lord Ram gave his divine power in the form of Paduka which represents the 'Nirakar Roopa' of the Lord. Bharat did Pujan and prayed to Paduka every day.

Balaji Poolangi Puja

Kathak icon Pt Chitresh Das passes away at 70 Cont’d from page 16

Das grew up in his parents' dance school in Calcutta, India, studying Kathak traditions as a 9-year old, and gaining fame at 11 as a prodigy.

Called by the honorific names pandit or guruji, Das toured India, North America and Europe, acclaimed for his virtuosic footwork and compelling storytelling. His innovations included Kathak Yoga, a confluence of dance and meditation. He also was a central figure in the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival.

"His contribution to Kathak, to dance, to art, to India, to community, to humanity,

and to life stretches across the globe," said a statement released by his school and troupe, which promised to continue his legacy.

The statement said, ""Pt. Das did not suffer and was surrounded by family and loved ones. In his words, "Life and death are the only reality. You come alone, you go alone. Only thing to do in between is practice and do whatever you do with love." He certainly did that and then some."

Pt. Das is survived by his wife, Celine, his two daughters, Shivaranjani and Saadhvi, his disciples, students and countless people he had touched. A memorial service will be held on January 25.

Maha Mangal Aarti

8th sign of Scorpio, when a spiritual transformation is expected. Therefore worshiping of Lord Vishnu, who is facing the South on Vaikunta Ekadasi, blesses his devotees with Moksha and protects them from the influence of Yamaraj.

In the evening a very elaborate Abhishekam of Lord Venkanteshwar was performed followed by Poolangi Seva. Lord Venkateswara's idol was decorated with beautiful flowers and more than 150 devo-

tees witnessed his divine grace and felt blessed to have his magnificent darshan.

Maha Prasad was served to all the devotees after Maha Mangalarati.

President Harsh Kumar profusely thanked all the devotees for their enthusiastic participation in the events. He also proposed his special thanks to temple priests, all the sponsors, volunteers and for helping the temple with their contribution and dedication.

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January 9, 2015

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Over 500 ring in New Year at Waterford Hall Asian Media USA

ELMHURST, IL: Ushering the New Year Chicago Style was the highlight of the spectacular New Year bash organized by Ocean Breeze Entertainment at Waterford Banquet hall located at Elmhurst on Dec 31. Despite the bitter cold weather 500 people of party revelers joined this beautiful celebration with family and friends to welcome 2015.

There was open bar from the beginning to end of the party serving premium liquors and cocktails. Excellent food provided by India House included 10 appetizers, 12 sweet desserts and more

New Year revelers at Waterford

Poonam Bhatia with Abhijit in charge of stage

than 70 different mouth-watering international items followed by variety of deserts including attractively arranged fruits. The International varieties tables included Punjabi, Chinese, Rajwadi Gujarati, Khaman Dhokla, Royal Darbar and Fusion India dishes along with fountain of Mango and Chikoo Lassi.

Poonam Bhatia rocked the stage right from the word go! She started off with 2014 Bollywood chart busters like baby doll, nagada sang dhol baje, tune mari entry etc.

Highly energetic performance by Poonam Bhatia was supported by Abhijit from New York. They kept

Ringing in New Year with multi faith services

Religious leaders participating in multi faith service (left to right) are: Shelley L. Fisher, Elizabeth W. Beyer, Matthew T. Fisher, Bradley S. Corbin, Jim R. Eaglesmith, Rajan Zed, Brian E. Melendez, David L. Mathis, Alice Tolloch, Omar A. Palmer and Muhammed A. Quddus India Post News Service

NEVADA: In a remarkable interfaith gesture, various religions got together in Reno Nevada to ring in the New Year in a unique and divine manner, away from the

glitter of the casinos.

Coordinated by Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism, the "Multi-faith New Years' Eve Service" was hosted by Reno Buddhist Center and that included prayers by Christian,

Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha'i and Native American clergy.

The religious leaders who prayed included Seventh Day Adventist pastor Omar A. Palmer, Cont’d on page 21

on belting the latest Bollywood fare like jumme ki raat hai, fevicol, gandi baat, atta majhi satakli, tharki chokro etc. Featured performers from Milwaukee and belly dancers rocked the performance stage.

DJ Bhatt filled the house with pulsating tracks.

The countdown to the New

Year was led by Subhendu Modak and his group followed by the mid-night toast. Clatter from party flavors and colorful balloon drops along with Champaign toast filled the hall. All the folks present at the event greeted each other and the party ended at about 1am on January 1, 2015.

New Year bash raises funds for cyclone victims Cont’d from page 17

This large bash was hosted under the aegis of CDM & HR Group, Nature Resource directed

by Chandini Davuluri of Events Unlimited.

Dr Ram Gajjela, a community activist and a prominent healthcare industry figure, was the principal host. Outlining the primary objective, in his opening remarks he said that the New Year event was hosted with the purpose of raising funds for the victims of Hudhud Cyclone that ravaged the coastal region of Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh state in October 2014.

Substantiating his remarks with audio/visual presentation, Dr. Gajjela made an impassioned plea with the spotlight on the loss of life and damage caused by this high-intensity cyclone in Andhra Pradesh.

He also took the opportunity to throw spotlight on the other tragic incidents and urged the families to pause for a moment in silent prayer to pay homage for the victims of various tragedies around the globe with a pronounced focus on the victims of Hudhud cyclone. Dr. Gajjela an-

nounced that a sum of $ 10,000 would be donated in the first place and intensive efforts are underway to mobilize more funds to support the victims.

Some of the notable community figures who supported and/or participated in this gala event include FIA President Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, IADO President Dr Ashish Sen, TAGC past-presidents Kalyan Anandula Reddy, Sundar Dittakavi, Srinivas Pedamallu, current president, Jagan Bukkaraju, ATA Founder Hanumanth Reddy, TTA President Jagdish Kanuri, CTA President Murthy Koppaka, Srinivas Boppana CTA Board of Director and other community figures Raja Krishnamurthy, Jitender Diganker, Vir Doshi and Jawahar Police.

This New Year bash was ably supported by Federation of Indian Associations, Indo American Democratic Organization [IADO], Telugu Association of Greater Chicago [TAGC], and Chicago Telugu Association [CTA] among other community organizations.

The celebrations continued into the night with dancing by couples and children which continued to a high-decibel music ushering in the New Year.

Community Across America

January 9, 2015

India Post 21

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Live2U party captures New Year spirit Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Live2U organized a splendid New Year's Eve celebration on Wednesday, December 31 at Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows featuring a Bollywood star, Bollywood comedian, 90 items Cruise Style Food, open premium bar, DJ by S. Khan, elegant stage decorations, special light effects

combination of Krushna and Kashmera Shah rocked the audience making them dance to their tunes.

After hearing beautiful melodious tunes, the audience headed for a still pleasant surprise. A gorgeous girl who was only 13 years old took over the stage. She was none other than Ashley Singh, daughter of showbiz queen, Rita Ashley Singh

Krushna and Kashmera

and excellent sound system.

The doors swung open at 8 pm, the banquet hall was full within half-an-hour, and the show went on until 1am. The show was started by some melodious numbers by Kathakali. The husband and wife

Singh. Often described Chicago's Choti Sunidhi Chauhan, Ashley has been learning Indian Classical singing since she was 5. When she sings Hindi Bollywood songs, one cannot believe that could barely speak Hindi. Ashley sang

Ringing in New Year with multi faith services Cont’d from page 20

Muhammed A. Quddus of Muslim community, Jewish rabbi Elizabeth W. Beyer, Hindu leader Rajan Zed, Baha'i teacher Bradley S. Corbin, American Indian spirituality scholar Brian E. Melendez, Buddhist priests Matthew T. Fisher and Shelley L. Fisher, Mormon elder David L. Mathis and June Canak of Unification Church. Jim R. Eaglesmith sang multi-faith musical medley, Spirit Singers headed

by Leslie Alice Fudge delivered "Turn, Turn, Turn", while Laurie

Martin led a team of drummers.

There was no "cover charge" for this Service where all were welcome and which ended at midnight with drum beats and ringing of bells.

Prayers were a more appropriate way to welcome the New Year to our lives than gambling and drinking in the casinos and bars, said Rajan Zed. They intended to make this Service an annual feature, thus bringing diverse religions together to pray for joy and love in the lives of all in the upcoming year, Zed added.

NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com

Kathakali

two latest hits of Bollywood, Mein Tenu Samjhawan (from Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania) and Yaar Na Miley (Kick).

Prem's Dance Studio & Group, based in Atlanta, GA were delightful performing with stars Krishna & Kashmira Shah. Overall this party was among the finest and the consensus was that they would look forward to party on 31st December 2015 with the same group.

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January 9, 2015

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Yogananda rejuvenated & popularized Yoga in US

R

udyard Kipling wrote "The Ballad of East and West" more than 125 years ago, whose opening lines "East is East and West is West/And never the twain shall meet" have become legendary.

Looking at the scientifically advanced life style in the western hemisphere routinely aided by machine and material, one might ask what is there that the East could have contributed to the West anyway! But, the way Yoga - the pristine science of India - has gradually become a part of American life, it suggests there lies something deeper.

As Philp Goldberg rightly says in "American Veda", VedantaYoga has been the biggest contribution of East to West flow of ideas. Not to say that Vedas and Vedanta have become popular as scriptures, but the essence of "Ekam Sat vipraha bahudha vadanti" (Truth is one, the wise know it by many names) that originates in Rigveda has 'seeped into the collective awareness of the West' also.

Called by Mark Twain as the cradle of human race, India has a long cherished history of divinity, spirituality, and mysticism. The spiritual milieu of India was so vibrant that four religions emanated from its land: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Some believe Zoroastrian religion can also be linked to India. Scholars stress that the tenets of Sanatan Dharma (Eternal Religion) are conducive to proliferation of diverse thoughts, beliefs and sects.

Fast forward, is it a mere coincidence that two recent movies having a common theme - released in two different countries of the world are having different trajectories? A Bollywood Hindi movie "PK" is making waves in India and right from the beginning has invited protests from Right wing Hindu outfits. Well known for playing the religious minority card, the ruling Samajwadi party in Uttar Pradesh, was quick to declare the movie tax free and Janata Dal (United) in Bihar followed suit.

Meanwhile, the movie "Awake: The Life of Yogananda" has been released in USA and is a pure bliss to watch. Both movies weave around the themes of religion and spirituality. Call it a sheer misfortune or fate of 'Karma', the movie 'Awake' is currently not being shown in India.

What is mysticism? The dictionary defines it as the belief that direct knowledge of God, spiritual truth, or ultimate reality can be attained through subjective experience (as intuition or insight). The esoteric manifestation of divinity

DR MUNISH KUMAR RAIZADA

cuts across human populations and cultures: they say a seeker can realize the Ultimate Truth through spirituality. But there are things that constitute exoteric manifestations of divinity. Various forms of religions, cults and practices including rituals and doctrines come under this.

Swami Chinmoy rightly said: "Mysticism, poor mysticism!

When it is underestimated and oversimplified, it comes down from its original sphere and stands beside religion". This adage sums up the way we - humans - are responding to the two movies that are running in two countries separated by 8000 miles: India and USA. Last month, I had the opportunity to watch the premier show of the movie "Awake: The Life of Yogananda" in Chicago. Based on the biography of Swami Yogananda, the movie, directed by Paola di Florio and Lisa Leeman, narrates his life and teachings.

Paramhans Yogananda (18931952) is credited with taking Yoga to the West. At the age of 27, he landed in USA in 1920 on a spiritual mission (at the instructions of his guru Shri Yukteshwar).

Yogananda used body and mind techniques of Yoga to teach divinity and spirituality to Americans.

He aptly called: "We are not the body. We are the ocean of consciousness." He further said: "By the definite science of meditation known for millenniums to the yogis and sages of India, and to Jesus, any seeker of God can enlarge the caliber of his consciousness to omniscience to receive within himself the Universal Intelligence of God." Today, words like meditation, Yoga, karma, guru and even moksha have become parts of the

Foundation (SRF), Maharishi Mahesh Yogis's Transcendental Meditation (TM) and Swami Muktananda's Siddha Yoga. With Swami Vivekananda (1993 on-

wards) having sensitized the West to Sanatan Dharma, time was ripe for Yogananda to build upon it when he touched the American shores in 1920. Yogananda spent much of his next 30 years in USA, giving significant impetus to the introduction of Eastern philosophy to the Westerners.

Yogananda rejuvenated and popularized Kriya Yoga to the world, and particularly to the West.

The brown mystic from India used yoga as a tool to teach the science of soul and spirit to the West.

The brown mystic from India used yoga as a tool to teach the science of soul and spirit to the West. After all, as modern science too concurs that even though Yoga is done through the body, it is more about the mind!

American lexicon. Swami Vivekananda must be given the credit of initiating a Hindu-inspired meditation movement in USA, says Lola Williamson, author of Transcendent in America: Hindu-Inspired Meditation Movements as New Religion.

She argues her case by showcasing three significant movements in the history of USA, which she terms as a new religion: Yogananda's Self Realization

After all, as modern science too concurs that even though Yoga is done through the body, it is more about the mind! If today, a yoga center in USA is as easy as finding a coffee shop, credit must be given to Yogananda for the hard work he did decades back.

While Paramhans Yogananda was well received in USA, he had his share of disappointments and challenges. Indians were not eligible for immigration to the US

until 1946 and for all practical purposes, significant arrival of Indians did not happen until 1965. In the times of Yogananda, India was under British rule and racism was a big thing in USA. With this background and xenophobia notwithstanding, it was not surprising that Yogananda faced stiff racism in the Southern parts of USA (part of the country w h i c h showed deep disdain for abolition of slavery in Abraham Lincoln's times). He was even put under surveillance by the US government at the behest of British India. When he came to know that blacks were not allowed to attend his congregations in Washington DC, he tackled the racial prejudice with aplomb!

Yogananda announced creation of African-American center for his brothers and sisters of color. Similarly, he blessed a marriage between an Indian and an American as a political statement against racial barriers.

Yogananda was a great supporter of Mahatma Gandhi for he believed if a man can reform himself, he can reform the world.

Yogananda visited Gandhiji at his Ashram in Sewagarm, Wardha. It is said that he even offered him a class in Kriya Yoga and a tip about avocado as a rich source of proteins among vegetarian options. I am sure, had Yogananda been alive, Martin Luther King would have got a big moral support from Paramhans for his civil rights movement. Is it mere coincidence that the voice of these two evolved souls resembles?

In 1946, Yogananda's "Autobiography of a Yogi" came into the market. It is a spiritual classic and has been published in a score of languages and sold millions copies. Yogananda breathed his last in 1952 in USA. The teachings of Paramhans Yogananda continue to be relevant today. Despite the comforts brought to us by science, the world continues to witness disparity, violence and conflict, thus, stressing the need of spiritual healing.

The author is a Chicago-based socio-political commentator.

NFIA seeks award nominations for achievers India Post News Service

LONG BEACH, CA: The National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), an umbrella organization comprising over 200 associations representing over 3 million Americans who trace their roots to India, is seeking nominations for awards for outstanding achievements to be given at its 18th biennial convention in Cerritos, California, on the weekend of March 6-8. The last date to submit nominations with relevant documents about the nominee is January 26.

The 18th biennial convention will be held at the Cerritos Sheraton Hotel at 12725 Center Court Drive, Cerritos CA 90703.

The awards will be presented at the gala banquet, on March 7.

The selected candidates must be present at the Award Ceremony.

Nominations are invited for outstanding accomplishments in

the following categories: Service to the Indian American community; Sciences; Liberal and Fine Arts; Performing Arts; Medicine and Health Sciences; Education; Engineering and Technology; Business and Finance; Mass Media-Radio, Television, Newspaper; Government and Non-Profit Institutions.

Indian American associations and individuals are encouraged to nominate distinguished Indian Americans or institutions that have done an outstanding job in their chosen field and submit nominations at the address/email given below, with following documents: 1. A copy of the resume of the nominee 2. A copy each of the documents in support of qualifications (publications, awards, recognition letters, etc.); and 3. Names, addresses and telephone number and e-mail address of two references.

Community Across America

January 9, 2015

India Post 23

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Janyaa empowers kids with hands on learning India Post News Service

SANTA CLARA, CA, Every concept in math and science can be taught in a simple and practical way. Janyaa was born out of this powerful idea with a noble goal of changing the lives of underprivileged children in India by simply changing the way they learn.

Started in 2009 by Venu Nadella, Janyaa has been on a mission of empowering children with hands on learning. Janyaa is a 501c (3) tax exempt non profit organization.

With its unique lab in the box program, Janyaa teaches young children across India the concepts of science and math in an effective way so that children can understand them by relating them to their daily life.

Janyaa has grown tremendously over the span of 5 years by empowering over 100,000 chil-

dren from 800 schools spread across 10 states in India.

The working model of Janyaa is quite simple. A kit containing over 90 science and math experiments has been developed to

match the curriculum of state schools. Each experiment has been carefully crafted using the principles of simplicity and practical understanding. Teachers are trained on using this kit to teach children from 6th to 9th grade.

These teachers then make the daily classes in their schools more effective and interesting by infusing the hands on experiments from Janyaa.

With this, children take more interest in understanding the concepts, relate them effectively to their daily lives and more importantly have increased scientific temperament. Janyaa has consistently received a highly positive and encouraging response from both teachers and students.

Janyaa's program is highly sustainable and cost effective. A kit delivered to a school empowers students for 4 consecutive years.

Imagine this, with just a small stick

and two magnets, the students learn how magnets attract and repel, and how about learning an abstract concept like center of gravity with help of a fork and a coin.

A complex topic like sound wave transmission is demonstrated to the students by using a string attached to 2 plastic cups.

How wonderful, kids talking to their fellow classmates using plastic cups and learning the concept.

These are just some of the exciting experiments that teach and ingrain science and math concepts to thousands of children in a language they can understand, a medium they can enjoy and a concept they can use in their daily lives.

If you would like to support janyaa in it's mission and to learn more details, please contact Janyaa at info@janyaa.org or visit www.janyaa.org

Duty and attachment - What is more important?

SWAMI NIKHILANAND

I

n the previous article of this series (There are consequences to every action that we perform), we learnt about the law of Karma, and how that is relevant in our lives. In this article, we will understand the secret of duty and attachment, which is also equally relevant.

Chapter 1 of the Gita is mainly the poorv pakch or the part where Arjun puts all his questions and doubts in front of Krishna. In it, Arjun makes his confusion known to Krishna, Who then takes the next 17 chapters to clear Arjun's doubts and answer all of his questions. In fact, Shree Krishna did not speak a word in the first chapter. He listened and allowed Arjun to express whatever was in his heart before He said anything.

Krishna's discourse - the uttar pakch or answer part of the Gita -

did not begin until the second chapter.

Arjun's Duty In the first chapter, we see that Arjun is not sure what his duty - or dharm - is in this situation. His ability to reason is clouded by his attachment to those against whom he is going to fight.

In fact, if he was not related to or attached to any of the warriors in the other army, his duty would have been very clear to him.

What was Arjun's duty?

In our modern terms, it can be compared to that of a police officer. The police officer has the duty to enforce the laws of the society. That means that he is supposed to protect those

who follow the law, and prevent others from breaking the law. If someone does break the law, he is supposed to capture him and bring him to justice so he cannot keep doing it. If the one breaking the law refuses to obey the police officer and continues to break the law, then the officer may use force to stop him. If the criminal threatens the officer's life or the life of another citizen, the police officer may be justified in using lethal force - although he will exhaust all other options first. The use of force by the police officer is the last option.

In just the same way, Arjun had a duty to up-

hold the laws of the society in which he lived. This was his physical dharm. Duryodhan was breaking those laws. In order to protect the laws and the citizens, Arjun had a duty to stop him. Arjun and the Pandavs were on the side of dharm, and Duryodhan and the Kauravs were on the side of adharm.

Before coming to the point of war, Arjun had exhausted all other options to resolve the situation; but Duryodhan would not compromise and demanded a war. So Arjun had only two options remaining: fight the war or allow Duryodhan to continue his evil ways unchecked. If a police officer finds himself in such a situation, then it is obvious what his duty is: he must use force to bring the criminal to justice.

Cont’d on page 24

24 India Post

Community Across America

January 9, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Duty and attachment - What is more important?

Cont’d from page 23

Duty vs. Attachment When Arjun's duty is so clear cut, then why was he confused? The reason is clear only because of his attachment. When he saw the people against whom he was going to fight, his heart melted, because many of them were part of his extended family or were his elders who had educated him as a boy.

Because they were dear to him, he became confused about his duty.

Is it right to fight against his own family?

Although this may seem like a confusing situation, from the point of view of dharm, it is still perfectly clear. Ask yourself: if a police officer sees someone from his own family breaking the law, is he supposed to take his relation to them into consideration, or is he supposed to enforce the law equally, regardless of his personal attachments?

The answer is obvious: he is required to enforce the law against a family member or loved one in the same way he would against a stranger. In fact, if he gives a family member or loved one any special consideration,

he may be punished by his superiors or viewed as an accomplice in the crime.

Arjun's situation highlights this conflict between duty and attachment, which is something every person faces on a daily basis. Every day we are met with situations where we have to weigh duty versus attachment. If your own son was breaking the law, would you call the police or would you try to cover it up? Duty says to call the police. Attachment Swami Nikhilanand

says to cover it up.

It is for this very reason that Dhritrashtra was unable to do his duty as king. His attachment to his evil sons was so great that it made him helpless. Even though he knew what Duryodhan was doing was evil, he was powerless to stop him because he was unwilling to see his son getting punished. In the end, Dhritrashtra was as responsible for all of his son's evil deeds as he was.

This is one of the central themes of the Gita, and is very relevant in our daily life.

In the next article we will begin Chapter 2 and see how Shree Krishna began to resolve Arjun's confusion.

Disciple of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj Swami Nikhilanand Ji is a Canadian born Hindu spiritual leader based in Austin, Texas. He is a sanyasi disciple and pracharak of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj.

Attracted to the teachings of Hinduism from a young age, Swamiji eventually let his deep spiritual longing lead him to India, where he was most fortunate to come under the guidance of Shree

If your own son was breaking the law, would you call the police or would you try to cover it up? Duty says to call the police. Attachment says to cover it up.

Kripaluji Maharaj. Thereafter, living in the ashrams of JKP, he extensively studied Hindi, the philosophy of the prime Sanskrit scriptures (Vedas, Darshan Shastras, Gita, Bhagwatam), and practiced meditation in the tradition of raganuga bhakti.

In 2003, he was given sanyas.

Now, with the blessings of his Guruji, he offers satsang programs throughout America, engaging audiences with his clear explanations of Hindu philosophy coupled with inspired chanting of Sanskrit mantras and shlokas and charming nam sankirtan. His informative and compelling speeches provide practical insight into how to adopt the teachings of Sanatan Dharm into our daily lives, and inspire us to awaken our inner spiritual potential.

January 9, 2015

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Perspective

January 9, 2015

India Post 27

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Removing pollution & obstructions in Ganga a big challenge BHARAT JHUNJHUNWALA

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi has made clear his commitment to clean up the Ganga River. This is a most welcome step since Ganga is holy to people the world over. Ashes of many Indian Americans are taken to Hardwar to be immersed in the holy river. PIOs world over have offered help to the Government of India in cleaning up the river.

The Ganga suffers from two problemspollution and obstructions to free flow. Pollution, in turn, comes from two sources-municipalities and industries.

Large amounts of monies have been spent in building Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) in cities along the Ganga. However, the municipalities have no incentive to run these plants.

They would rather spend their limited resources in providing pressing civic services like street lighting and road repairs. The municipalities, however, are mighty happy to construct more STPs since that provides opportunities for leakage and corruption.

The problem cannot be solved by yet more funding on non-working STPs. The way out is to make sewage treatment a profitable activity. Municipalities in Mumbai and Nagpur are selling sewage to industrial units who find it cheaper to use treated sewage water instead of buying fresh water. This model has to be applied across the board.

The Government must invite private entrepreneurs to set up the STPs and make arrangements to buy the treated sewage water which can then be supplied for irrigation. This will make it profitable for businesses to treat sewage. This treatment will no longer be a "liability" for the municipalities.

This change of gears will require building a new system of canals to reach treated wa-

ter to the farmer's field. The supply of this water to farmers would also reduce their need for drawing fresh water from the Ganga and lead to increase in flows in the holy river.

The Modi Government has opened the purse

problem is that the additional cost would price them out of the market vis-Ă -vis industries located outside the Ganga Basin that are allowed to discharge effluent. The problem cannot be solved by imposing punitive mea-

Ganga River Haridwar

strings and is providing large amounts of monies for STPs. Though good intentioned, it is still pursuing the "build STP" model that is destined to fail.

Industrial pollution The other source of pollution is from the industries located in the Ganga Basin. The consortium of seven Indian Institutes of Technologies is making a Ganga River Basin Management Plan under directions of the Government. They have suggested that all industries be required to adopt "Zero Liquid Discharge." Industries should be required to treat and reuse the effluent continuously so that nothing is discharged.

Industries are willing to adopt this. Their

sures on industries in the Ganga Basin. Per force, industries in the Ganga Basin will have to close down. The way out is to make a national legislation requiring Zero Liquid Discharge by all industries irrespective of their location.

Let us not forget that the Krishna, Cauvery and Mahanadi also need to be conserved. It is to the credit of Modi Government that Water Resources Minister Uma Bharati has put the industries on notice to control effluent discharges. This is a step forward. But it is still following the punitive model instead of solving the underlying economic problem.

The second dimension of conservation of Ganga is to ensure free flow in the river.

Flow of the Ganga is presently obstructed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing a high level meeting on the Namaami Gange Project in New Delhi on January 6

by hydropower projects like Tehri, Vishnu Prayag and Srinagar; irrigation barrages at Hardwar, Bijnor, Narora and Kanpur; and the Farakka Barrage made in West Bengal to divert water to the Hooghly to enable ships to reach the Kolkata Port.

Hindu scriptures clearly state that only flowing water is holy. These projects obstruct the flow and damage the spiritual energy that the Ganga brings from the holy shrines of Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Japanese researcher Masaru Emoto has taken photographs of water crystals made from different waters and found that crystals made from flowing rivers are of beautiful shape while those made from stagnant waters are not so.

Extraction of water for hydropower, irrigation or navigation requires building a barrage that obstructs free flow and damages the spiritual quality of the water. But we cannot stop extraction either. The way forward is to extract water by making a partial obstruction on the riverbed so that, say, one half of the water flows freely while other half is extracted for various purposes.

Unfortunately Modi Government is bent upon making yet more obstructions to the free flow of the Ganga. The Ministry of Shipping has come up with a plan to develop the Ganga as a waterway from Haldia to Allahabad so that imported coal can be carried to the thermal power plants to be made along the banks of the Ganga. This will entail building three or more barrages between Allahabad and Buxar.

The Uttar Pradesh Government is increasing the size of Narora canal so that more water can be extracted for irrigation.

The Government-owned Tehri Hydro Development Corporation has only recently started construction of the VishnugadPipalkoti hydropower project that will create one more obstruction to the free flow of Ganga.

It must be mentioned here though that the Government has recently stated in the Supreme Court that it wants to ensure free flow in the Ganga but the measures it proposes to take are still unclear.

Challenge before the PIOs is to make proposals to the Government of India and lead the Government in the right direction.

Israel offers help in Ganga cleaning project NEW DELHI: Israel has expressed interest in sharing its expertise on water purification and waste water treatment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet project for cleaning river Ganga.

The Centre had set a target of three years to rejuvenate the polluted holy river Ganga and has formed an integrated plan 'Namaami Gange' in this regard.

"We have already met the Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti and the

concerned Secretary few times, we want to be involved. We offered our knowledge, technology and technical know-how (for the project)," Israel's Head of Economic and Trade Mission Yonatan Ben-Zaken said.

Speaking on sidelines of a seminar on 'Water Security & Waste Water Management', he said Israel is known for its capabilities and expertise in waste water treatment, purification and water reuse for agriculture and industry.

"We are in talks and we think that cleaning industrial pollutants from the river (Ganga) should be first priority," Yonatan said.

Emphasizing on the need to make Ganga rejuvenation a mass movement, Modi had said the first priority of the Namaami Gange Mission should be to prevent fresh generation of pollutants.

Modi was chairing the first high level meeting of the mission.

As many as 11 Israeli companies partici-

pated at the seminar, which was a B2B (business-to-business) interaction between Israeli and Indian companies. The companies included Aqwise, Biopetroclean, Amiad, Ayala Aqua and Nisco.

The 25 Indian companies that were invited for the event included L&T, Punj Lloyd, IVRCL, Essar, Engineers India Ltd (EIL), Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).-PTI

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Dance Basanti : Ungli 2 Manali Trance : The Shaukeens 3 Jee Karda: Badlapur 4 Manwa Laage : Happy New 28 India Post

www.indiapost.com

January 9, 2015

Year 5 Tharki Chokro : PK 6 Jaise Mera Tu : Happy Ending 7 Mileya Mileya : Happy Ending 8 Superman : Tevar 9 G Phaad Ke : Happy Ending 10 Chaar Kadam: PK

T

B

ollywoodLife recently conducted an item song poll with five top item songs for the readers to vote: Lovely from Happy New Year, Asalaam-e-Ishqum from Gunday, Baby Doll from Ragini MMS 2, Yaar Naa Miley from Kick and Dance Basanti from Ungli.

There was a stiff competition for the first place between Deepika and Priyanka's item number. Deepika's Lovely won with highest number of votes (37%), making it the most loved item song of the year. Priyanka's Asalaam-eIshqum stood second with marginal difference receiving 36 percent votes. Once again Deepika's fans have shown their loyalty over Priyanka's fans.

The sexy siren Sunny Leone's Baby Doll was also a hit song but ended up in third place receiving 15 percent votes, followed by Salman Khan and Nargis Fakhri's Yaar Naa Miley with just 8%. Lastly, Emraan Hashmi and Shraddha Kapoor's Dance Basanti was placed fifth with only 4 percent votes.

Hence, Deepika Padukone's Lovely steals the show with her dazzling item number.

There was a stiff competition for the first place between Deepika and Priyanka's item number. Deepika's Lovely won with highest number of votes (37%), making it the most loved item song of the year.

he grapevine suggests that the director of Dabangg and Besharam, Abhinav Kashyap is in a relationship with model-actress Simran Kaur Suri for the last six months.

Besides being seen in ads for a mobile phone brand, Simran has also acted in the television show Sinhasan Battisi.

Turns out, the director met her family when he visited Delhi in November, following which Simran posted a picture of them together on her social networking profile. When one of her friends commented on the picture, Simran wrote, "Oye couple mein bhi ghussegi??"- suggesting that the two are a couple.

According to a source, they met at a party hosted by a common friend last year and grew close. The rumored couple, who stay in the same neighborhood, has been spotted together in and around Andheri. They were spotted watching Dumb And Dumber To at a multiplex in November.

January 9, 2015

Bollywood

India Post 29

www.indiapost.com

S

hraddha Kapoor had heard a lot about the 'O' Show in Las Vegas, but even though she had a very hectic schedule, she made sure to catch it on her first day off.

The young actor has been currently shooting with the team of ABCD 2 in Las Vegas where her schedule has been very grueling. On her first day off, Shraddha went to see the 'O' show. 'O' is a water-themed stage. It is a group of 85 performers which includes international acrobats, synchronized swimmers and divers. Some of them are former Olympic athletes.

The show is extremely famous and very spectacular and since Shraddha is essaying the role of a dancer in ABCD 2, she was very keen to watch the show.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is excited to work with filmmaker Karan Johar in 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'. In the past, Ash missed many opportunities to work with the ace filmmaker and finally it is happening with 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma in a pivotal role.

In an interview to a leading tabloid the actress said, "When I heard the script of 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', it made me smile. For me as an actor, it is exciting to be a part of this story and with Karan, it will be the way it should be told. Thus am happy to be on board," Aishwarya will be donning a different role in the film.

Karan is excited to work with the three of them, he said it is his big dream to work with Aishwarya. "Love is the theme and conflict of my next directorial endeavor. 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' also fulfills my big

dream to work with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

It is possibly her most unusual and contemporary character and I can't wait to work with her. All I want to say is that it is not a conventional love story or love triangle.

It's a film that dwells deeply on relationships, heartbreaks and how love completes you, defines you and yet leaves you wanting for more. I have never had, in my entire career, a film that has come to me so fast, so organically and so from within," he disclosed.

A

jay Devgn has now become fully involved in his next project titled 'Shivay', a big budget film.

The budget indeed seems to be large because now the Bollywood actor turned director is in talks with Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman who may play an important role in the film.

Though the talks have not yet been finalized and the 'Days of thunder' actress has not yet signed on the dotted lines, excitement is mounting because of the rumors.

The name of the film is derived from the third word of the Sanskrit chant 'Om namah Shivay'.

Ajay has the word tattooed on his chest. According to rumors the film is loosely based on the film 'Shivam' of Upendra in the south. It is going to be an action film and Devgn has confirmed that most of the cast will be foreign and the film will be shot in a number of international locales. Reportedly, the action director of 'Fast and the furious' has been brought on board for the project.

If Kidman agrees, it will definitely be a coup and film lovers are eagerly waiting for the final results of the talks.

„

Realty Tidbits

LIC takes possession of Orbit's property MUMBAI: LIC Housing Finance Ltd (LICHFL) has taken possession of Orbit Corporation's 35-storeyed premium residential tower in central Mumbai here after the realty player failed to repay a Rs 95.50 crore loan.

The realty firm had borrowed the money from LICHFL and the 25,670 sq ft property was a collateral for the loan, which had Orbit Manging Director Punit Agarwal and Chairman Ravikiran Agarwal as the guarantors.

LICHFL, in a public notice, said

it took physical possession of the tower on December 24 after serving the company a loan demand notice on February 21 last year.

The property, Orbit Grand, is located in Lower Parel area, which has been witnessing construction of a slew of real estate projects in the recent past.

However, 16 flats have been excluded from the mortgage, LICHFL said.

Orbit, in a statement to the BSE, said, "We would like to inform you that LICHFL has taken the possession (of the building). However, DRT (Debts Recovery Tribunal) has allowed us the access to carry out construction work at site." -PTI

„

PE investments up 11 pc to USD 11.42 bn

NEW DELHI: Private equity investments, excluding real estate, increased 11 per cent in terms of deal value to USD 11.42 billion in 2014 from USD 10.32 billion in the previous year, says a report.

According to the provisional year-end data (until December 29, 2014) culled out from VCCEdge, the financial research platform, there was a 11 per cent jump in deal value even as the number of transactions declined 4 per cent to 734 deals as against 764 deals in 2013.

"2014 has been the year of venture capital, while late stage private equity deals slowed down.

With India's Internet usage and penetration going up, several netbased business models including e-commerce have been in the forefront of raising capital this year," Sahad PV, Founder & CEO, The VCCircle Network, which owns VCCEdge data platform said.

Details on Page 31

Real Estate 30 India Post

www.indiapost.com

January 9, 2015

I-T dept issues notice to firm owned by Robert Vadra NEW DELHI: The Income Tax department has issued notice to a business firm owned by Robert Vadra as part of its probe to understand the "financial structure" of the company and real estate projects undertaken by it.

Sources said the notice has been issued by the I-T department to Sky Light Hospitality which has its offices in Delhi and Gurgaon and the taxmen have asked company officials to disclose details about the transactions and sale deeds executed from the financial year 2005-06 by the firm.

Details on Page 31

Affordable mega housing scheme for EPFO subscribers NEW DELHI: The Labor Ministry is preparing a mega housing scheme to offer affordable houses to over 5 crore subscribers of retirement fund body EPFO in the backdrop of the government's mission 'Housing for all by 2022'.

The Ministry intends to collaborate with PSU banks, housing finance companies, state-owned construction firms like NBCC and authorities like DDA, PUDA, HUDA to build houses at a price to be fixed by the government.

"Labor Ministry is preparing a scheme under which affordable houses will be provided to the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) subscribers, particularly those who are in the low income bracket," a source in the ministry said.

At present, there are over 70 per cent EPFO subscribers whose basic wages are less than Rs 15,000 per month.

In a recent note, the Prime Minister's Office had asked EPFO to promote affordable housing for

its subscribers and use its funds for the purpose.

According to the note, deployment of 15 per cent of EPFO funds as loan for low cost housing would generate a credit flow of Rs 70,000

scribers could withdraw their PF deposits to make part-payment of the total cost of the house.

At present, EPFO subscribers can withdraw money from their PF accounts for buying houses only

crore and can create 3.5 lakh additional low-cost homes.

EPFO currently manages a huge corpus of Rs 6.5 lakh crore and its annual incremental deposit is in excess of Rs 70,000 crore.

The Labor Ministry is keen on a scheme under which EPFO sub-

after contributing for a period of five years in the schemes run by the body.

The Ministry also intends to provide subsidy to the EPFO subscribers in low-income bracket to help them avail benefits of various low-cost housing schemes of

the government.

Financial institutions, sources said, would be roped in to provide housing loan at low interest rates under the priority sector lending for construction of affordable houses under the scheme.

The scheme, however, will be optional for EPFO subscribers as there is no need to provide affordable houses to those who already own one.

Under the housing scheme, there would three different income categories--Low Income, Middle Income and High Income.

Houses and financial incentives under the scheme will be offered on the basis of the income of a subscriber.

The subscribers would be facilitated to pay equated monthly installments of their home loan through their provident fund account.

The source said that under the scheme EPFO may use its funds to create a corpus for provide housing loan at affordable interest rate to its subscribers. -PTI

Housing sales likely to rise to 1.92 lakh units NEW DELHI: Housing sales are estimated to rise this year to 1.92 lakh units in the country's top seven cities on expectations of interest rate cut and stable prices, according to property consultant JLL India.

Housing sales fell to 1.75 lakh units in the primary markets of seven major cities in 2014 as compared to nearly 2 lakh units in the previous year.

These seven cities are DelhiNCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune.

Supply, however, is estimated to decline marginally to 2.18 lakh units this year from 2.2 lakh units in 2014.

Developers would be sitting on unsold inventories of 27 months at the end of this year as compared to 28 months in 2014-end.

"2015 will see home buyers

benefiting from reduced borrowing rates, increased developer-focus on affordable homes, largely stable prices, and better job and income prospects," JLL Chairman and Country Head Anuj Puri said.

levels and economic activity is gradually picking up.

"With property prices staying stable and good deals being offered by developers in order to clear their inventory, fence-sit-

Puri added that this year would definitely be good for the real estate sector as borrowing rates are sure to go down from the current

ting buyers be further encouraged to press the 'buy' button," JLL said in a report.

Stating that developers are

now largely focusing on affordable homes, the consultant said this would help in bridging the existing wide gap between demand and supply of affordable homes.

According to JLL, developers would become more earnest about right-sizing and right-pricing their offerings.

"Smaller, yet better-designed and more efficient homes will define the residential real estate market in 2015, and selective corrections in some of the over-priced cities will help bring about faster sales for stagnated supply of larger configurations," JLL said.

The consultant felt that townships would become more prevalent, while the supply of luxury homes would moderate to align with the slow demand. -PTI

Real Estate Post

January 9, 2015

India Post 31

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I-T dept issues notice to firm owned by Robert Vadra NEW DELHI: The Income Tax department has issued notice to a business firm owned by Robert Vadra as part of its probe to understand the "financial structure" of the company and real estate projects undertaken by it.

Sources said the notice has been issued by the I-T department to Sky Light Hospitality which has its offices in Delhi and Gurgaon and the taxmen have asked company officials to disclose details about the transactions and sale deeds executed from the financial year 2005-06 by the firm.

The department has also asked the firm to explain its real estate projects and deals struck in various parts of North India including loans taken in this regard from some prominent builders in the country.

"A probe has been initiated

against the company after public reports in this regard were received by the department.

The department wants to know

Robert Vadra

details about the company and its operations and any full fledged in-

vestigation would be taken up post these issues are understood," a source said.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Vadra, who has not been named in the notice, has been in the news regarding his land dealings and real e s t a t e projects in various parts of north India including the national capital region, Rajasthan, Haryana and Himachal

Pradesh.

Sources said the I-T department has earlier gathered documents on the companies' credentials from the Registrar of Companies and through local inputs in the real estate and hospitality sector before the notices were issued.

Reacting on the development, BJP said sending such notices was the duty of the I-T department as it accused Vadra of making "windfall gains" from the alleged land deals.

"If there is a tax notice given to Robert Vadra, I think it is a natural process... administrative process. It is the responsibility of tax authorities to send notices and seek questions and seek answers to all cases where windfall gains have been made. The issue concerning Vadra's firm is in black

and white," BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said.

"He has made several crores, over Rs 50 crore in windfall gains in just one transaction. The entire details of this transaction is in public domain. So, if tax authorities have sent him a notice, I would consider that they have done their duty and he would have an opportunity to explain his position," he said.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi, however, said that the issue of notice to Vadra's firm was a routine action done by the I-T department.

"I think there is absolutely nothing to comment on the Vadra issue. It is wrong for anyone, including the media, to start questioning every time any notice or step in a proceeding takes place," he said. -PTI

PE investments up 11 pc to USD 11.42 bn NEW DELHI: Private equity investments, excluding real estate, increased 11 per cent in terms of deal value to USD 11.42 billion in 2014 from USD 10.32 billion in the previous year, says a report.

According to the provisional year-end data (until December 29, 2014) culled out from VCCEdge, the financial research platform, there was a 11 per cent jump in deal value even as the number of transactions declined 4 per cent to 734 deals as against 764 deals

in 2013.

"2014 has been the year of venture capital, while late stage private equity deals slowed down.

With India's Internet usage and penetration going up, several netbased business models including e-commerce have been in the forefront of raising capital this year," Sahad PV, Founder & CEO, The VCCircle Network, which owns VCCEdge data platform said.

The report further said the median deal amount increased 9 per

Honolulu councilman seeks vacation rental rules HONOLULU: A Honolulu city councilman is looking for ways to boost regulation on vacation rentals on Hawaii's most populous island.

The rise of illegal rentals on Oahu has been criticized by residents who believe they disrupt peace and gobble up parking.

Critics say vacation rentals take away sorely needed housing from Oahu residents, and they complain that the landlords likely sidestep hotel room and general excise taxes.

Some vacation rental operators say they would get the required permits if the city eased decadesold restrictions that were meant to curb short-term rentals.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Councilman Ikaika Anderson is asking his colleagues and Mayor Kirk Caldwell to propose legislation by Feb. 2.

Anderson says he hopes to have new laws addressing the issue in place by the end of the year. ``This issue has been very

Some vacation rental operators say they would get the required permits if the city eased decades-old restrictions that were meant to curb short-term rentals. complex for many years,'' Anderson said at a news conference. ``If this were an easy issue to solve, it would have been solved a long time ago.''

Besides leading the Zoning and Planning Committee, Anderson represents the Council district that includes Kailua, one of two areas believed to have the highest number of short-term vacation rentals. The other is the North Shore.

The city Department of Planning and Permitting has recorded 789 transient vacation units and 39 bed-and-breakfast establishments. But preliminary data from a recent Hawaii Tourism Authority study show there may be 4,411 unregistered vacation rental units on Oahu.

The department has at most 14 inspectors tasked with monitoring not just vacation rentals, but checking everything from building and electrical code violations to dilapidated sidewalks. ``That's been the issue,'' Anderson said. AP

cent from USD 2.75 million to USD 3 million and the average deal value increased 18 per cent from USD 17 million to USD 20 million between CY2014 and CY2013.

The consumer discretionary sector, piggybacking on the growing ecommerce story, recorded a mammoth USD 4.6 billion in investments, the maximum amount of private equity capital invested in any sector during the year.

The other sector to rake in significant private equity invest-

ments was information technology with USD 2.32 billion; the 297 deals across which this capital was invested places the sector at the top of the deal volume pack.

Early stage investing picked up with more capital being invested to fund startups across sectors. Angel/seed investments stood at USD 109 million spread across 280 deals, compared to the USD 69 million in CY2013.

VC investments also grew 50 per cent in value from USD 1.41 billion in 2013 to USD 2.12 billion in 2014.

The deal of the year was Flipkart, raising over USD 1.91 billion in investments in 2014 across three deals from new as well as old investors, including Tiger Global Management LLC, Accel India Venture Fund.

Another landmark deal for the ecommerce industry seen during the year was the USD 637 million raised by Snapdeal, the report noted. -PTI

„ Health

Line

Kaiser mental health staff plans strike SAN FRANCISCO: Hundreds of Kaiser Permanente's mental health professionals plan to go on a weeklong strike in California starting Jan. 12 to protest what they say is the health care provider's failure to offer timely, quality mental health care.

The Contra Costa Times reports Kaiser Permanente's 2,600 psychologists, therapists and social workers are represented by the National Union of Healthcare Workers.

They say the problem is in part due to inadequate staffing and that more than 700 other Kaiser workers who also report staffing problems will join their strike.

Kaiser says in a statement it plans to meet with the union.

The state fined Kaiser $4 million in 2013 for failing to provide mental health treatment in a timely manner. -AP

„ Gov. Quinn's Medicaid chief to leave 'hardest' job CHICAGO: The director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services plans to resign as part of the transition to Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner's administration.

Julie Hamos, 65, oversees the largest state agency and has responsibility for the $18 billion Medicaid program, which pays medical expenses of the poor and disabled, including the cost of more than half the state's childbirths.

In a statement, the former Democratic legislator said leading the department has been ``one of the most fulfilling jobs I've ever had - as well as the hardest.'' ``Despite our limited resources, bureaucratic hurdles and tight deadlines, we have tackled very tough challenges and mostly succeeded in achieving our goals,'' Hamos said.

Appointed to the post by Gov. Pat Quinn in 2010, Hamos carried out extensive cuts to Medicaid services to bring the program's budget into line, a Quinn priority.

That chafed some black and Hispanic lawmakers, who then pushed unsuccessfully for Quinn to replace her.

The Democratic governor stood by her with an unusual maneuver when it appeared her reappointment was in jeopardy last year. He withdrew her name, then re-nominated her, which reset the clock for her confirmation and bought her more time.-AP

Health Science

Flu didn't take a holiday in South Carolina

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Details on Page 34

Global clinical trials network launched during AAPI summit India Post News Service

MUMBAI, India: During the ground-breaking Global Health Care Summit held at the Trident Hotel in Mumbai in India, AAPI Global Clinical Trials Network, a new initiative of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) was launched on the concluding day, January 4.

According to Dr Ravi Jahagirdar, President of AAPI, the new AAPI initiative is about "educating physicians regarding clinical trials - an extensive network provided by AAPI Membership across the United States including in small towns, and ranging from large groups that can run the trials themselves, to solo or small groups that will serve as a referral source to a designated center for research and/or clinical trials."

AAPI could be instrumental for any pharmaceutical Research companies in USA or globally in potentially recruiting a Phase 3 or

4 trial in the USA as part of its introduction of new products to a worldwide market.

AAPI, which is the umbrella organization representing the interests of over 60,000 doctors of Indian origin in the USA, and with

over 25,000 medical residents and fellows currently in USA, has been performing a unique widespread role in the United States.

One in every seven American patient is seen by an Indian doctor, and this ratio is even higher in the smaller towns a n d underserved areas due tithe larger proportion of Indian doctors in more remote locations. Partly due to this, the Indian doctor also serves the most diverse group of patients in the USA including Caucasians, Afro Americans, Hispanics and other groups, which is important for clinical

research and trials.

The launch event through the live streaming presents a remarkable opportunity. "With the live streaming of sessions during GHS 15, which were being viewed live by physicians from around the world, totaling a million viewers."

In addition to the hundreds of delegates from around the world, who have been made aware of AAPI's this unique program, the event was webcast live to members in the USA who were unable to attend, as well a live telecast to an estimated 50,000 doctors around India.

Dr. Ravi announced that Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, a development stage oncology research company has committed to be the inaugural member of the Global Clinical Trial network.

AAPI is looking forward to creating a large network of Pharmaceutical companies to make this initiative a great success.

Cont'd on Page 35

'Providing affordable, quality healthcare a challenge' MUMBAI: Union Health Minister J P Nadda has said the government is working towards making essential medicines available at a cheaper rate even as he acknowledged that providing access to the quality healthcare at affordable rates, particularly to the poorest, remains a challenge.

"A list of essential medicines is being made and the government is working towards providing such medicines at a cheaper rate," Nadda told reporters after delivering his address at the 'Global Health Summit: Access and Affordable Healthcare for People of India', organized by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI).

Seeking suggestions from general public on the Center's draft National Health Policy, the minister said the care has been taken to ensure that the blueprint focuses on the health of rural India.

"We have prepared a draft of

the National Health Policy which we have put on our website. I appeal to people to come forward and give their suggestions which will be accepted till February 28," Nadda said.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda

He said government has tried to ensure that the Policy focuses on rural areas of the country. "We need to promote preventive healthcare, shift focus from sick-

care and reduce the need for hospitalization/ tertiary care," Nadda added.

On healthcare, he said, "healthcare is a state subject" and the Centre is trying to understand problems of state governments on this front.

"We are trying to make states more aware of healthcare facilities.

We are very serious about malnutrition in tribal areas. We are talking to states and are trying to understand their problems. But it is up to the states to finally implement Central government's policies," he said.

Nadda said providing access to quality healthcare at affordable rates remains a challenge for the government.

"India wants access to affordable healthcare. Equity, access and affordability of quality healthcare to all, particularly to the poorest, is a challenge that government is acutely seized of. Meeting pocket expenditure on healthcare is a priority for the gov-

ernment," he said.

Nadda said shortage of manpower in terms of doctors, nurses and para-medical staff to enable effective delivery of healthcare services, is a matter of concern.

"We have a shortage of about half a million medical doctors. We need to stress on medical education. (We) have to increase the capacity to train doctors, nurses and paramedical staff to enable effective delivery of healthcare services, particularly to the rural, remote and inaccessible areas of the country, where the need for healthcare is felt the most," he said.

The minister said instances of non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, etc., are on the rise due to affluent lifestyles.

"Early detection and proper care is essential here. When these diseases are not addressed, it further stresses the healthcare system in the country," Nadda said. -PTI

January 9, 2015

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Surgery in ancient India was advanced, says doc MUMBAI: Surgery in ancient India was very advanced and Sushruta, the "father of surgery," described qualities of a good surgeon in his book 'Sushruta Samhita', a doctor said at the 102nd Indian Science Congress (ISC) here.

The book is an important classical Sanskrit text on medicine, Dr Ashwin Sawant said during a symposium at the ISC un-

derway here while delivering a lecture on 'Ancient surgery in ancient India'.

"Sushruta was the first medical person to use leeches in medical treatment. In the last two decades, the FDA of United States has accepted leeches as a medical device," he said.

Sawant spoke of reference to surgery in ancient India, found in Rigveda and Atharvaveda. A drilled tooth dating back

7,000 years was found at a place now in Pakistan, the Mumbai based General Practioner said.

"Sushruta was the first to say that the human heart is the centre of the body's circulation system. However, we give credit to William Harvey for the discovery of the circulation of blood," he said.

"The surgical instruments in ancient India were so sharp that they could split a human hair," Sawant said.

Sushruta had explained 20 types of surgical procedures to be performed, he said.

There is a great similarity in ancient Indian medical instruments like forceps and scalpels and their modern counterparts, Sawant said.

"He pointed out 107 'marmas' (vital spots) on human body which the modern surgeons are unaware of," he said.

Sushruta's book has reference to use of wines and hemp (bhaang) as anesthetic in surgery. He also spoke of maintaining the natural color and texture of a scar which is still uncommon to modern surgery, he said.

During the symposium, Dr Rahul Altekar spoke about the 'scientific principles in ancient Indian architecture and civil engineering', while Dr Leena Phadke spoke about 'neuroscience of yoga'. -PTI

Global medical tourism market to rise over USD 30 bn HOUSTON: Global medical tourism market will rise to USD 32.5 billion by 2019 on account of rising healthcare costs in developed countries, like the US and improved standards of healthcare technology and services in nations like India and China, a research says.

The surging costs of healthcare and medical insurance in the US will give a rise to global medical tourism which will register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9 per cent from 2013 to 2019, according to the research titled "Medical Tourism Market (India, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Mexico, Brazil, Taiwan, Turkey, South Korea, Costa Rica, Poland, the Philippines and Dubai).

The research has been conducted by Transparency Market Research (TMR), a US-based market intelligence company, which has pegged the current medical tourism market at USD 10 billion.

Factors like ageing population, adoption of newer technologies to treat various products and better exchange rates in the economy as a whole push the case for its rise.

The possibility of economic crisis in

developed nations which has led to decrease in disposable incomes has also added to its growth.

Better pricing for cosmetic surgeries and shorter waiting period for treatment is also likely to accelerate the growth in the sector.

Besides escalating healthcare costs, many medical and surgical procedures are no longer covered by insurance. This has made it imperative for Americans to seek alternative, affordable options for their healthcare treatments.

One such option is medical tourism or traveling to foreign countries that offer exceptionally good medical services at affordable rates.

Today more Americans fly out to places like India, China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore among others to get themselves treated in the high-tech hospitals at a fraction of costs demanded by hospitals in US, the research said.

Hospitals and healthcare facilities in various south-east Asian countries, especially India and China, often match or even surpass the quality of healthcare available in US-based hospitals, it added. -PTI

Healthcare expenditure turns 63 million poor "Incidence of catastrophic expenditure due to healthcare costs is growing and is now being estimated to be one of the major contributors to poverty. The drain on family incomes due to healthcare costs can neutralize the gains of income increases and every government scheme aimed to reduce poverty.

"Over 63 million persons are faced with poverty every year due to healthcare costs alone. It is because there is no financial protection for the vast majority of healthcare needs," says the draft put out by the Health Ministry on its website for inviting public suggestions.

Healthcare costs are more impoverishing than ever before and almost all hospitalization even in public hospitals leads to catastrophic health expenditures, it says.

In 2011-12, the draft says, the A paramedic distributes free medicine provided by the share of 'out of pocket' expenditure government to patients inside a ward at Rajiv Gandhi on healthcare as a proportion of Government General Hospital (RGGGH) in Chennai total household monthly per capita charter as it seeks to ensure universal ac- expenditure was 6.9 per cent in rural areas and 5.5 per cent in urban areas.-PTI cess to affordable health care.

NEW DELHI: A whopping 63 million people are faced with poverty every year due to "catastrophic" expenditure over healthcare which neutralizes the gains of rising income and various government schemes aimed to reduce poverty, according to the Health Ministry.

The draft of National Health Policy cites this as a significant reason for a new health

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Flu didn't take a holiday in South Carolina COLUMBIA, S.C.: The flu didn't take time off in South Carolina over the holidays, and now doctors and nurses are worried it will keep spreading as people go back to school and work.

Twenty people have died from the flu so far this season in South Carolina, according to the state Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Seventeen of the deaths have been in people over age 65, DHEC said.

But people of all ages keep getting and spreading the flu. Officials hoped school break and vacations might slow the outbreak down. But that hasn't been the case.

Almost 9,000 positive flu tests were reported statewide the week before Christmas. That number grew to 10,000 positive tests the week that included Christmas, according to DHEC. ``This is a heavy season,'' said

Dr. Matthew Crist, an epidemiologist with DHEC. ``This is the type of season seen only a couple of times a decade.''

Schools are preparing for children who come back to school despite having flu symptoms. ``Some children love school and say `Mom, I feel fine.' Then their teachers will notice them getting droopy and send them to us,'' Lexington School District 1 lead nurse Jessica Porter told The State newspaper. Employees will likely feel like they need to work after extended time off too, Porter said.

And even with all the news about a less effective flu shot this year, doctors said it isn't a good idea to skip the vaccination. Almost all the flu cases this year have been a strain not covered by the shot, which means the vaccination is working against several other strains.

Crist said the easiest way for people not to spread the flu far and wide is to stay home when they start feeling bad. ``One of the most important ways to protect others, particularly if you have a fever, is to not expose others,'' Crist said. -AP

No change in fast food calories, salt WASHINGTON: Average calorie count, sodium and saturated fat content in fast food is as high today as in 1996, new US research has found.

Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Human Nutrition Research Centre on Ageing at Tufts University show little change in fast food portion sizes and product formulation between 1996 and 2013.

They analyzed the calorie, sodium, saturated fat and trans fat content of popular menu items served at three national fast-food chains between 1996 and 2013.

Researchers found that average calories, sodium, and saturated fat stayed relatively constant, albeit at high levels.

The exception was a consistent decline in the trans fat of fries.

"There is a perception that restaurants have significantly expanded their portion sizes over the years, but the fast food we assessed does not appear to be part of that trend," said Alice H Lichtenstein, who led the research.

"Our analysis indicates relative consistency in the quantities of calories, saturated fat, and sodium. However, the variability among chains is considerable

and the levels are high for most of the individual menu items assessed, particularly for items frequently sold together as a meal, pushing the limits of what we

should be eating to maintain a healthy weight and sodium intake," said Lichtenstein.

"For example, among the three chains, calories in a large cheeseburger meal, with fries and a regular cola beverage, ranged from 1144 to 1757 over the years and among restaurants, representing 57 per cent to 88 per cent out of the approximately 2000 calories most people should eat per day,"

Lichtenstein said.

According to data, calorie content of the cheeseburger meal among the three chains represented 65 per cent to 80 per cent of a 2,000 calorie per day diet and sodium content represented 63 per cent to 91 per cent of the recommendation.

Lichtenstein and colleagues focused on the four most popular menu items: fries, cheeseburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and regular cola, looking for trends in portion size and nutrient content over an 18 year period.

They examined 27 items including small, medium and large fries and cola beverages, a grilled chicken sandwich and cheeseburgers.

They found only small fluctuations in calorie content and the amount of saturated fat and sodium. The notable exception was fries, which decreased first in saturated fat in 2001 and then trans fat, likely due to changes to the frying fat.

The research was published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease. -PTI

Punjab plans separate dept for health awareness MUKTSAR, Punjab: Punjab government is considering to form a separate department for health awareness in the state for informing public about the benefits of good health.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has asked the Vice Chancellor of the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences to explore

Parkash Singh Badal

the feasibility of constituting such a department so that people could be made aware about how to keep good health through massive awareness campaigns.

These campaigns must be launched at village level also so that people could be benefited from it, Badal said at the annual conference of Indian Medical Association.

He also announced that the state government would annually bear the expenditure of five private practitioners, who are desirous of upgrading their expertise by undergoing training in foreign countries.

These doctors would be selected every year by a committee of officers of the state government, representatives of IMA and VC of Baba Farid University, Badal said.

"We were already sending doctors from the government sector for such courses and now we have decided to extend this facility to the private practitioners also," he added.

The Chief Minister said that the setting up of the Homi Bhabha Cancer Treatment and Research Center at Mullanpur was a right step towards making Punjab a leading state in providing quality treatment to the cancer patients across the country.

He further said that the state government had also initiated a cashless treatment scheme for cancer patients besides making efforts to provide subsidized medicines to them.

He exhorted the doctors to serve the people far more zealously and sincerely by dedicating at least one day in a week for the service of poor and needy.

Badal also urged the leading private practitioners to adopt a cluster of villages around their hospitals to treat the people free of cost. -PTI

New app to boost social skills of autistic kids WASHINGTON: Researchers have designed a new app that can help kids growing up with autism develop basic social skills.

The app, called Look At Me, aims to train autistic children to maintain eye contact and convey basic emotions.

The app was developed by Samsung in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team of clinical psychiatrists from Seoul National University and Yonsei University, South Korea.

The app uses selected Samsung devices' cameras, putting users through a set of points-based missions, 'Gizmag' reported.

Each mission focuses on a specific goal, such as recognizing emotions in others via facial recognition, or helping the child to express their own feelings by mim-

icking the emotions conveyed on the app.

To assess the effectiveness of the tool, researchers conducted a small-scale clinical trial involving

20 autistic children, which yielded very "promising" results.

"Sixty per cent of the children tested showed improvement in making eye contact," said KyongMee Chung, a Professor at Yonsei University. -PTI

January 9, 2015

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Software predicts bacteria response to new drugs WASHINGTON: Researchers have developed a novel computer software which identifies genetic changes that allow bacteria to develop resistance to new experimental drugs.

Duke University researchers used the software to predict a constantly-evolving infectious bacterium's countermoves to one of these new drugs ahead of time, before the drug is even tested on patients.

The team used their program to identify

The team focused on a new class of experimental drugs that work by binding and inhibiting a bacterial enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) the genetic changes that will allow methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, to develop resistance to a class of new experimental drugs that show promise against the deadly bug.

When the researchers treated live bacteria with the new drug, two of the genetic changes actually arose, just as their algorithm predicted.

"This gives us a window into the future to see what bacteria will do to evade drugs that we design before a drug is deployed," said co-author Bruce Donald, a professor of computer science and biochemistry at Duke.

Developing pre-emptive strategies while the drugs are still in the design phase will give scientists a head start on the next line of compounds that will be effective despite the germ's resistance mutations.

"If we can somehow predict how bacteria might respond to a particular drug ahead

of time, we can change the drug, or plan for the next one, or rule out therapies that are unlikely to remain effective for long," said Duke graduate student Pablo GainzaCirauqui, who co-authored the research paper.

Until now, scientists trying to predict the genetic changes that would enable a bacterium to evade a particular drug have had to look up possible mutations from "libraries" of resistance mutations that have been observed previously.

But this approach falls short when it comes to anticipating how bacteria will adapt to new drugs.

To overcome this problem, a research team led by Donald at Duke and Amy Anderson at the University of Connecticut used a protein design algorithm they developed, called OSPREY, to identify DNA sequence changes in the bacteria that would enable the resulting protein to block the drug from binding, while still performing its normal work within the cell.

The team focused on a new class of experimental drugs that work by binding and inhibiting a bacterial enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), which plays an essential role in building DNA and other processes.

The drugs, called propargyl-linked antifolates, show promise as a treatment for MRSA infections but have yet to be tested in humans.

From a ranked list of possible mutations, the researchers zeroed in on four tiny differences, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs, that would theoretically confer resistance.

Though none of the mutations they identified had been reported previously, experiments with live bacteria in the lab showed their predictions were right.

The study appears in the journal PNAS. -PTI

Court revives malpractice case in transplant death ST. PAUL, Minn.: A malpractice case for a Minnesota woman who died after receiving a transplant of a cancerous pancreas may be headed for a trial.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled the case against Dr. Ty Dunn should head to court in the death of 36-year-old Jodie Shierts, reversing a Hennepin County judge's decision dismissing the lawsuit.

The court said Dunn violated state laws on standard care by clearing the organ for a transplant. Dunn didn't know the pancreas was infected with cancer, the court said, but should have more thoroughly screened the donor, who was thought at the time of transplant to have died of bacterial meningitis. ``I'm sure the family is happy,'' said Kay Nord Hunt, the attorney for the trustee of Shierts' heirs. ``Now the suit can go to trial and be heard on its merits.''

Shierts, of Pequot Lakes, needed kidney and pancreas transplants because of renal disease, stemming from diabetes.

The Star Tribune reported Dunn lined up a donor through an organ procurement organization called Life Source, which told her the donor had died of bacterial meningitis. After her own investigating, Dunn concluded that was likely true and approved the transplant, which was performed March 30, 2007.

A month after the donor's death, an autopsy revealed he had died of a rare form of cancer. By the time the pancreas was removed from Shierts, the disease already had spread.

She died Sept. 12, 2007. Shierts' family and a trustee filed a malpractice lawsuit against Dunn and the University of Minnesota-Physicians, which represents the Minneapolis hospital where Dunn works as a transplant surgeon. -AP

Global clinical trials network launched during AAPI summit Cont'd from Page 32

The networking opportunities from a group that is known for such, leading to a close knit execution of projects in research and/or clinical trials, provides an incredible opportunity for any participating organization.

"I am very excited about potential for Indian investigators through this network to be part of clinical trials with PV 10 in

"Connecting to the brand of AAPI and its extensive US Physician network will lead to an increased visibility of pharmaceutical clinical trials here in the USA," commented Dr. Joseph Chalil melanoma other malignancies," said Dr. Agarwala, Chief of Medical Oncology & Hematology at St. Luke's Cancer Center and Professor of Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine and has been Principal Investigator of Provectus clinical trials involving immunotherapy and targeted therapy for melanoma.

"Connecting to the brand of AAPI and its extensive US Physician network will lead

to an increased visibility of pharmaceutical clinical trials here in the USA," commented Dr. Joseph Chalil, Strategic Advisor to Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, who attended the event.

About AAPI Headquartered in Chicago, having a strong legislative presence in Washington, DC AAPI has come to be recognized as a strong voice in the healthcare legislation and policy arena.

About Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. Provectus Biopharmaceuticals specializes in developing oncology and dermatology therapies. PV-10, its novel investigational drug for cancer, is designed for injection into solid tumors (intralesional administration), thereby reducing potential for systemic side effects. Its oncology focus is on melanoma, breast cancer and cancers of the liver. The Company has received orphan drug designations from the FDA for its melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma indications. PH-10, its topical investigational drug for dermatology, is undergoing clinical testing for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Provectus has recently completed Phase 2 trials of PV-10 as a therapy for metastatic melanoma, and of PH-10 as a topical treatment for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Tech News It is govt of 'pickpockets', says Congress NEW DELHI: The Congress has dubbed the Narendra Modi dispensation as "government of pickpockets", saying the benefits of unprecedented fall in global crude prices were not been passed on to the common man.

As a result, it said, petrol costs more than Aviation Turbine Fuel used by planes.

Seeking to paint the government as anti-poor, Congress accused it of "shameless profiteering" and "betraying" the people by refusing to reduce the prices of petrol.

"Petrol for common man costs more than the Aviation Turbine Fuel used in planes. It is a government of pickpockets (Ab ki bar, jeb katronki sarkar)," the party said on its Twitter account.-PTI

Reliance expects boost in insurance biz MUMBAI: Confident about further growth in its mutual fund and securities market businesses, financial sector conglomerate Reliance Capital expects a boost in its life insurance business as well in 2015.

Besides, the group should record a faster growth in its general insurance venture this year, Reliance Capital CEO Sam Ghosh said.

He said the 2014 has been very good for Reliance Capital in areas like mutual funds and brokerage businesses, although growth was somewhat stagnant in the life insurance segment.-PTI

Govt aligns FDI policy with code of industrialization NEW DELHI: With a view to improve the ease of doing business, the government has aligned the foreign direct investment policy with the upgraded National Industrial Classification (NIC) Code.

The code will classify business activities and help the industry in seeking policy approvals for specific activities.

"With the objective of improving ease of doing of business, an exercise has been undertaken to map the activities...of the Consolidated FDI Policy, 2014 with the National Industrial Classification - 2008," the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) said.-PTI

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Manu Sharma, Director, Mobile, Samsung India; Ken Kang, Senior Vice President, Mobile & IT, Samsung India and Asim Warsi, Vice President, Marketing, Mobile & IT at Samsung India at the launch of Galaxy A5, A3, E7 and E5 in Mumbai on January 6

January 9, 2015

Honored to be appointed by PM to NITI Aayog: Arvind Panagariya NEW YORK: Indian-American economist Arvind Panagariya has said that he is "honored" to be appointed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the first Vice Chairman of the newly created NITI Aayog, which replaces the 65-year-old Planning Commission.

"I am honored by this appointment, and I look forward to working with Prime Minister Modi and policymakers across India," Panagariya was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Columbia University here.

Panagariya is the professor of economics and the Jagdish Bhagwati Professor of Indian Political Economy in the Department of International and Public Affairs.

He will take a leave of absence from Columbia to accept his position at the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog.

The 62-year-old professor said he expects to continue to engage with Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) "when such opportunities arise" and will resume his work at the School when his assignment is completed.

In his new cabinet position, Panagariya will work closely with Modi, who will serve as chair of the renamed institution.

Officials envision NITI Aayog as a government "think tank" that will provide strategic and technical advising on key issues.

Panagariya, who has been a strong supporter of Modi's Gujarat model of development, had said some months ago that he wants the BJP government's first budget to boost capital spending even at the risk of a higher fiscal deficit.

He has earlier worked with various international bodies like World Bank, IMF and Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Holding a Ph.D degree in Economics from Princeton University, Panagariya has also worked for the World Trade Organization and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in various capacities.

During an address at Columbia in September last year on what the

Modi government must do to transform the Indian economy, he had said a replacement for the Planning Commission must be "lean and thin" and had termed as

thin a team" for the Commission's replacement with 10-12 people and "lots of resources so that they can draw on the experts as necessary" and then periodically that team

Arvind Panagariya

"brave" the decision by Modi to do away with the 1950-dated institution.

Panagariya had suggested that Modi should put in "as lean and

should meet with the Prime Minister and Finance Minister.

SIPA Dean Merit Janow congratulated Panagariya on his new role and said his global perspec-

tive and broad experience would serve him well as the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog.

Other members Economist Bibek Debroy and former DRDO chief V K Saraswat were appointed as full-time members while Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Suresh Prabhu and Radha Mohan Singh were made Ex-Officio members.

Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Smriti Zubin Irani and Thawar Chand Gehlot will be Special Invitees, according to a PMO statement.

Formation of the NITI Aayog or National Institution for Transforming India was announced on January 1. It will serve as a policy think-tank for the central as well as state governments with the Prime Minister as its Chairperson.

The NITI Aayog will have a governing council comprising all state Chief Ministers and Lt Governors and will work towards fostering a 'co-operative federalism' for providing a "national agenda" to the Centre and states. -PTI

44 Indians in Forbes list of global prodigies NEW YORK: Over 40 Indians and people of Indian-origin, including technology wizards, inventors and policymakers, have been named by Forbes in its annual list of "young game changers, movers and makers" under the age of 30 from around the globe.

The fourth annual compilation

by Forbes includes 600 millennials in 20 fields, including consumer technology, retail, entertainment, science, finance, media, social entrepreneurs, law and policy and enterprise technology.

The list includes big names like Harry Potter actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson, actor Zac Efron, basketball player James Harden and NBA star Chris Paul.

There are 44 Indians and people of Indian-origin in the list, who are doing exemplary work like inventing an inexpensive method of purifying water, work-

ing on international food security initiatives and developing crutches that don't hurt armpits.

In the venture capital category is Nitesh Banta, 28, who cofoundeded Rough Draft Ven-

Partha Unnava, 22, is the CEO of Better Walk which develop a better set of crutches that don't hurt people's armpits. tures that helps student entrepreneurs receive up to USD 25,000 to start a company.

In the consumer technology category is Ankur Jain, 24, who cofounded 'Humin', an app that organizes contacts, social networks and calendars into a neat,

searchable interface.

Avinash Gandhi, 26, is making waves in Hollywood as an agent for talent agency William Morris Endeavor.

Partha Unnava, 22, is the CEO of Better Walk which develop a better set of crutches that don't hurt people's armpits.

The retail category features Aman Advani, 26, who cofounded 'Ministry of Supply', a men's fashion company that has developed shirts that use NASA-developed technology to manage heat and moisture.

In the sports category, 29year-old Ishveen Anand founded OpenSponsorship, which is the first online platform to facilitate sponsorship agreements by connecting brands with pro-sports rights holders like leagues and teams. The group currently includes Indian cricket captain M S Dhoni and F1 team Force India.-PTI

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Govt not to interfere in state-owned banks: PM PUNE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged not to interfere in the functioning of public sector banks, but wanted the lenders to be accountable failing which interventions in public interest could be made.

At the concluding session of the two-day bankers' meet 'Gyan Sangam' to chalk out banking reforms, Modi also called for ending "lazy banking" and said banks must prioritize lending to employment-generating sectors.

While Finance Minister Arun Jaitley called for bold reforms, Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan emphasized on the need for cleaning up bad debts and possible Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in the system within a year to bring the economy back on track.

Bankers on their part suggested that government ownership in PSBs should be brought down below 51 per cent over time as well as eliminate market distor-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the “Gyan Sangam�, a two-day retreat function of chiefs of financial institutions, in Pune on January 3. Union Minister for Finance, Arun Jaitley, Governor of Maharashtra, C. Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, the Minister of State for Finance, Jayant Sinha and Governor of Reserve Bank Raghuram Rajan are also seen

tions like loan waivers and interest rate caps for agriculture loans.

Briefing reporters about the deliberations, Financial Services Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said

Modi has promised that the PSBs will not ever get "a call from Prime Minister's Office (PMO)" that may affect their working.

Calling upon the banking sec-

Combine Laxmi with Saraswati: PM to bankers

Take decisions without fear or favor: Govt to banks

PUNE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to mythology to underscore a need for building adequate knowledge capacities in the banking space, saying that Laxmi - goddess of wealth - would stay longer when combined with Saraswati, who is worshipped for knowledge.

"Prime Minister said it is not important to worship only Laxmi, because Laxmiji is 'chanchal'," Financial Services Secretary Hasmukh Adhia told reporters here, quoting from Modi's address to bankers at the two-day Gyan Sangam here.

"If you combine Saraswati and Laxmi, then Laxmi stays for a longer time," Adhia said, drawing references from the Goddesses of Knowledge and Wealth, respectively.

The Prime Minister stretched the same eulogy to cement the need to have such a two-day conclave which had the entire spectrum of stakeholders from the banking and financial world, including bankers, financial sector regulators and external experts.

"This (Laxmi and Saraswati) is the confluence at Gyan Sangam, in which there is a 'milan' of Saraswati and Laxmi," Adhia said, quoting the Prime Minister. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Acting swiftly on should take all commercial deciPrime Minister Narendra Modi's sions "objectively, based on facts promise of non-interference in of the case". working of public sector banks, "...if any complaint comes to the Finance Ministry has issued direc- (Financial Services) Department tions asking PSBs to act without from anybody informing that excep"fear or favor" and to ignore "ex- tions were made in certain cases traneous considerations" in their without any objective basis, and commercial decisions. in order to favor somebody, the The Ministry also assured the person taking such decision would banks and other financial institu- be accountable," it said. tions that there will be no governThe Ministry has also asked ment interference in transfer and these banks and FIs to have a ropostings within the organizations. bust grievance redressal mecha"The banks/FIs should take all nism for borrowers, depositors and commercial decisions in the best interest of the organization without The Ministry has also asked fear or favor," the ministry said in communica- these banks and FIs to have tion to chiefs of all statea robust grievance redressal run banks, FIs and insurance companies. mechanism for borrowers, It further said that no decision should be depositors and the staff. taken due to any "extraneous consideration such as the influence or the posi- the staff. tion that the borrower is holding".

It asked each of them to draw a The instructions follow soon well laid out transfer and posting after Modi said at a bankers' re- rules and follow them strictly. treat that banks were free to take "No exception should be made decisions and they would never in such rules at the behest of any get any "call from Prime Minister's recommendation given by anyone Office (PMO)". including anybody from the MinThe Prime Minister had said istry of Finance. banks would be run profession"If, for genuine reason any exally and there would be no inter- ception to the rule is made, it ference. should be done only by CMD by The Finance Ministry commu- giving proper reasons," the comnication further said that banks munication said. -PTI

tor to establish banks which rank among the top of the global league, Modi said banks need to be run professionally and assured them that there would be no interference.

"But accountability is essential," he said, adding that the government had no vested interest, and public sector banks can derive strength from this fact.

Stating that India is a democracy, the Prime Minister said he is against political interference, but supports political intervention in the interest of the people.

He said, "political intervention will enable the voice of the common man to reach such institution".

In his remarks at the conference, Jaitley assured bankers that government was ready to protect their commercial decisions as "risks have to be taken" by them.

The Finance Minister also said the government was willing to "reconsider the rules" to help banks

reduce the non-performing assets (NPAs), which have become a major challenge for the banking industry.

"Government is open to bold decisions for professionalisation of the management and autonomy in decision making, rewarding merit, and relooking at the recruitment process at the top management level of PSBs," Jaitley said.

Rajan favored channel sing "full savings" of the households into the financial system so that requisite financial resources for growth could be made available.

"In the short term (from 0 to 12 months) there is need to clean up the NPAs and then restructure other stressed loans so as to put the economy back on the track," Rajan said.

He also said that the bona fide mistakes made by the bankers while taking commercial decisions should be protected by the government. -PTI

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India advised to curtail outflow of black money WASHINGTON: India's efforts to bring back black money stashed abroad may not succeed as major western economies, including the US and UK, are the main beneficiaries of illicit funds, a global

"These are not easy issues to solve. I think it is important that a great deal of importance be focused on curtailing the mechanism by which money continues to go out of India. That has more chance

Global Financial Integrity (GFI) president Raymond Baker

think-tank has said, underlining that the government should instead focus more on curtailing its outflow which has jumped ninefold since 2003.

of success than getting very much black money back into India," USbased Global Financial Integrity (GFI) president Raymond Baker told PTI.

In a report last month, GFI said that the outflow of black money from India to foreign countries has increased nine-fold from USD 10 billion in 2003 to USD 94.7 billion in 2012.

India has replaced Malaysia as the fourth largest exporter of black money after China, Russia and Mexico for the 10-year period from 2003-2012.

These figures are on the conservative side and the actual amount could be much larger, Baker said.

"Getting black money back for any country is a hard thing to do, because international mechanism does not basically support this," he said, noting that the major western countries like the US and UK, which are the main beneficiaries of black money from countries like India would not like to stop this illicit flow of money into their economies.

"There is a global view that the money that has been stolen by government officials or corruptly acquired should be returned to the country of origin, but there is no such global understanding with regard to the money generated in the commercial sector which was tax evading," Baker said.

The money generated through tax evasion is the bulk of the illicit money that has gone out of India,

Seven snoop units abroad to check black money NEW DELHI: Seven overseas intelligence units, including two in China, have been proposed to be set up by the government in order to check black money transactions and customs fraud.

A proposal for creation of seven Customs Overseas Intelligence Network (COIN) units is pending with the Ministry of External Affairs. Three COIN units have been proposed at Colombo (Sri Lanka), Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Bangkok (Thailand) with a clear focus on fake Indian currency notes smuggling, official sources said.

Two such snoop units have been proposed at Beijing and Guangzhou because of the exponential growth of trade between India and China and the intelligence supported by cases of undervaluation and anti-dumping duty, they said.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), lead agency to check customs frauds and smuggling, has also proposed two COIN units in Brasilia (Brazil) and Pretoria

(South Africa), the sources said.

The decision to open these two units has been taken due to their increasing importance in view of IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa) framework, they said.

The proposal is being discussed

with the ministries of Finance and External Affairs. The Home Ministry has actively supported the creation of three COIN units at Colombo, Dhaka and Bangkok. The MEA has given in principle approval for creation of two posts at

Beijing and Guangzhou in China, the sources said.

The proposal to set up the seven new COIN units is yet to be finalized, they said.

At present, there are nine officers posted overseas in Dubai,

Hong Kong, Kathmandu, London, New York, Moscow, Singapore and Brussels. India has customs mutual agreements with some of these countries which provide the framework to seek information.-PTI

he said.

One of the things, Baker said, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could do "very effectively" is to put this issue much more effectively and solidly on the agenda of the G-20.

He said that it is not just the return of the corruptly stolen money, but it is also the whole issue of cross border illicit flow of money that needs to be addressed.

"This issue is crying out for a major figure from the emerging

money goes out of India through political leaders and government officials involved in corrupt practices, but an overwhelming majority is through commercial malpractices.

According to Baker, in recent years some of the black money is flowing back into India through Mauritius or European route as foreign direct investment.

"May be 20-40 per cent," he said.

Baker argued that by bringing

The GFI chief noted that most of the outflow of illicit money is through misinvoicing, and with India's international trade increasing in recent years, the black money going out of the country has also jumped market and developing world to insist that this must be addressed at the level of G-20," Baker said.

The GFI chief noted that most of the outflow of illicit money is through misinvoicing, and with India's international trade increasing in recent years, the black money going out of the country has also jumped.

However, he said, GFI has no idea or data on the amount of black

in "transparency in financial dealings/transactions" the outflow of black money from India could be curtailed in a big way.

The issue of black money has been a matter of a serious political debate in India, including during the last general elections and the Modi government has said that it is committed to bring back illicit funds stashed in tax havens abroad. -PTI

Jaitley: New land law will balance development, compensation NEW DELHI: Brushing aside criticism against changes in land acquisition laws, Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said the amendments would ensure higher compensation to land owners while fulfilling developmental needs of the nation.

"The amendment... balances the developmental needs of India, particularly rural India, while still providing enhanced compensation to the land owners," he said in his Facebook post titled 'Amendments to the Land Acquisition Law - The Real Picture'.

Pursuant to a decision of the Union Cabinet, President Pranab Mukherjee, after some inquiry, on December 31, 2014, promulgated an ordinance to amend provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Rehabilitation (Amendment) Act, 2013.

The decision of the Cabinet to adopt the Ordinance route to push changes in the land acquisition laws evoked sharp reaction from

former minister and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh who had described the amendments as "disturbing" saying they would encourage forcible eviction.

Jaitley said the need to amend this Act was due and that it had been repeatedly mentioned that the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 had become obsolete and needed

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

amendment.

"Those who are opposed to it can certainly mandate their party's state governments not to use the provisions of the ordinance. History will judge how these states will lose out in the era of competitive federalism," he wrote.-PTI

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Modi launches scheme for LED bulb distribution NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a scheme for LED bulb distribution under domestic efficient lighting program in Delhi.

Describing the LED (light emitting diode) bulb as a 'Prakash Path' - 'way to light', Modi said that it is much more economical to conserve power than to produce power. He launched this scheme under the domestic efficient lighting program in Delhi and a National Program for LED-based Home and street lighting.

Modi said this initiative was expected to reduce import bills and would save the environment.

LED bulbs have almost 50 times more life than ordinary bulbs and therefore provide both energy and cost savings in the medium term.

PM launched a web-based system to enable consumers in Delhi to register requests for procuring LED bulbs under Domestic Efficient Lighting Program (DELP).

LED bulbs shall be distributed in a phased manner from March 2015 onwards, an official statement said.

The entire project of installing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching the National Programme for LED Street Lighting and LED Home Lighting, in New Delhi on January 5. Lt. Governor Delhi, Najeeb Jung and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy, Piyush Goyal are also seen

LED bulbs for domestic and street-lighting in 100 cities is targeted for completion by March 2016.

In Delhi, LED bulbs will be provided to all domestic consumers at an initial payment of Rs 10 each and recovery of Rs 10 each for 12

months from their electricity bill.

Hence, the cost for an LED bulb to domestic consumer will be Rs 130 through this program due to bulk procurement, compared to the current open market retail price in the range of Rs 350-600 for LED bulbs.

The estimated annual savings for households in Delhi per LED bulb will be Rs 162. The LED bulbs will have a warranty of 3 years.

PM also symbolically replaced one bulb in South Block, with an LED bulb.

Replacement of all bulbs in

South Block with LED bulbs will enable savings of 7,000 units of energy each month, the statement said. Modi said it is much more difficult to conserve power, than to produce power, because while one producing entity can generate large quantity of power, it requires the active participation of crores of people to conserve that amount of power.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for generating awareness among people for the same.

He called for extensive involvement of celebrities and eminent citizens in these programs, who could motivate people to adopt LED bulbs.

Modi said: "These programs also represent a challenge to manufacturers, to rise to the occasion, and produce LED bulbs without any compromise on quality.

He added that gifts such as diaries and calendars on New Year should be replaced by gifts of LEDs. Modi called for setting district level goals, and to priorities this scheme in all towns with population above one lakh.-PTI

AIESL plans to offer MRO services Indian firms line up to defense aircraft IPOs worth Rs 8,000 cr NEW DELHI: Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), which serves civilian planes, now plans to offer its MRO services to defense aircraft and aims to garner about 20 per cent revenue from the defense sector.

Eyeing a 50 per cent growth in its topline to Rs 750 crore in the next fiscal, the Air India subsidiary also plans to rope in overseas carriers in

its bid to corner a larger market share in the USD 800 million Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) business in the country.

"This year, we expect to clock around Rs 500 crore revenue from our MRO business. With the growth of domestic and international traffic in and around the Asia region. We are hopeful of ramping it (revenue) up to Rs 750 crore in 2015- 16," a senior airline official said.

He said the carrier was also looking at providing MRO services for defense aircraft, adding, "We expect an up to 20 per cent revenue to come from this sector by the next fiscal."

The total Indian MRO market

currently stands at USD 800 million, which is expected to touch USD 2.5 billion mark by 2020 and AIESL aims to corner a major share, he said.

Air India's engineering unit along with the ground handling services were hived off into separate wholly-owned subsidiaries in 2013. AIESL was set up to provide maintenance services for aircraft, engines and components for its own fleet as well to other cus-

tomers.

The engineering arm has last week received the mandatory DGCA certification to carry out maintenance, repair, overhaul and test of aircraft, engines and components maintenance at any of its facilities spread across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkatta, Hyderabad and Thiruannathapuram, the official said.

These facilities are capable of maintaining up to 50 wide and nar-

row body aircraft engines, he said.

"This certification will help us in securing business from the foreign carriers as well. The global carriers are mounting more flights to India, particularly after Air India joined the 27-member global airlines group Star Alliance. So we expect to cater to this demand also," the official said.

AIESL is already approved by overseas aviation regulators to certify aircraft of Etihad and Qatar Airways, Mihin Lanka, Silk A i r , Singapore Airlines and Sri Lankan Airlines, he said.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make In India' campaign also raises MRO business prospects in the country, which has so far failed to flourish due to the high costs," he said.

Noting that Indian MRO market was around 30 per cent costlier than those in the neighborhood like Sri Lanka, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and China, he said, "if the government abolishes service tax and VAT, we will have an edge over these players." -PTI

NEW DELHI: Indian companies government took charge at the have lined up initial public offers Centre in May. (IPOs) worth at least Rs 8,000 crore "In 2015, we will see spurt in in 2015 to fund business expan- IPO activities as more than a dozen sion and meet working capital re- companies have filed their draft quirements on expectations that documents in 2014 ," Geojit BNP the bullish trend in the stock mar- Paribas Research Head Alex kets would continue.

Mathew said.

Videocon D2H, Lavasa CorpoHe further said that many comration, Adlabs Entertainment, panies, which scrapped their IPO Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL) plans earlier due to bad market and MEP Infrastructure Develop- conditions, are making an another ers are among the firms that are planning to launch public offers in "In 2015, we will see spurt the coming months.

At present, seven in IPO activities as more companies are planning than a dozen companies to raise Rs 2,965 crore and have Sebi's ap- have filed their draft docuproval. Another 12 ments in 2014� firms, intending to mopup Rs 5,362 crore, have filed draft documents with the capi- attempt to enter the capital martal market watchdog and are await- kets. ing approval, Prime Database Echoing a similar view, Haldea Managing Director Pranav Haldea said: "A flurry of IPOs are exsaid. pected in the Q4 (January-March Most of the companies plan to period of 2015)." garner funds for business expanBesides, Sebi is expected to sion and to support working capi- notify new norms soon to sell tal requirements. shares through electronic IPOs (eAccording to market experts, IPOs) to revitalize the market.

IPO market is expected to see some However, during the just-ended activity in 2015 as a dozen compa- 2014, fund raising through IPOs nies have filed draft papers with was at Rs 1,528 crore, lower than Sebi for public offers since the new Rs 1,619 crore raked in 2013.-PTI

40 India Post

A

midst the loftiness of the majestic Himalayas, and the serene ambience of the unpolluted River Beas, Kullu is in the state of Himachal Pradesh also known as the "Valley of Gods".

Formerly renowned as Kulanthpitha, translating to 'the ending point of inhabitable world', this fabulous valley has its mention in epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata and Vishnu Purana. Kullu was not an easily accessible place till independence, which helped to preserve its unspoiled charm and centuries' old tradition. A cluster of beautiful valleys, Kullu presents an enjoyable tourist spot where one can feel the rejuvenating warmth of Mother Nature.

www.indiapost.com Bestowed with abundant natural resources, Kullu valley offers everything that tickles the tourist's imagination. The awe-inspiring landscapes, friendly people with varied culture and traditions makes Kullu a favorite picnic spot.

Challenging trekking, river rafting and mountaineering are activities you can enjoy in this serene valley. Words would not suffice to explain the downright excitement of descending from the sky, paragliding over subterranean mountain, rafting in the deafening crystalline water, or hiking the glaciers and mountain acmes of Himalayas.

At an altitude of 1230 meter, this valley of gods commands the beauty of nature at its zenith. Its picturesque views dotted with snow clad mountain peaks, ver-

dant grassy fields, soaring deodar jungles, gurgling rivers and the apple orchards are awe inspiring spectacles.

With the awesome views of lush evergreen grazing lands, engulfed by the gushing streams and twisty rivulets, tossing all around, Kullu offers a rather broad area which is ideal for everyone who wishes to get away from the trappings of the hectic city life.

Besides these blessed beauty spots, Kullu valley is also famed for its finely carved temples, brilliant artistries and cultural festivals. In a nutshell, Kullu Valley offers a variety of amazing attractions which gather large crowds year after year. Kullu is very close to Manali and numerous Manali tour packages are available.

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Tourists throng Gulmarg for New Year bash SRINAGAR: Hundreds of tourists and locals thronged the famous ski-resort of Gulmarg, in north Kashmir, for the New Year celebrations, but the dry weather played a dampener and disappointed many revelers.

"We had made plans for celebrating New Year in Gulmarg very early in the year. We had heard from our friends that it was the best place to be in winters and it truly is. We enjoyed a lot," Amit Banerjee from West Bengal said.

He said though the celebrations were "awesome", there was some disappointment as the weather played a spoilsport.

"We were expecting it to snow, but to our disappointment, the weather remained dry. It otherwise was awesome," he said.

Another tourist from Gujarat, Rati Lal, said welcoming the New Year amidst snow-capped mountains and meadows is a dream come true and he would love to visit the resort every year.

"We do not get to see snow. I am happy that I visited Gulmarg with my family. It is a dream come true," he said.

However, he said the snowfall could have made the experience

much better.

"Gulmarg is famous for snow, so yes we were kind of disappointed as there was no fresh

music performances and a performance by DJ Aki, along with other events aimed at entertaining the visitors.

Gulmarg

snowfall," Lal said.

Many events were organized

by Tourism department as part of the celebrations.

The resort turned eco-friendly for the New Year bash as the firstever environment friendly celebrations including a digital firecracker show was held.

There were cultural programs,

The celebrations at Gulmarg were a part of 'Jashne ChillaiKalan' (festivities for the 40-day harshest winter period) organized by the Tourism Department here with the aim to improve the image of the sector which was hit by the floods last year (in September).

The floods damaged the image of the tourism sector.

Tourism Ministry tells officials to avoid delays NEW DELHI: Minister of State for Tourism Mahesh Sharma has directed his ministry officials to obtain timely land clearances and other statutory approvals to avoid inordinate delays while implementing the schemes.

that he directed that land clearances and other statutory approvals must be obtained in a timely manner to avoid any litigation or complication at a later stage to avoid inordinate delays.

He also insisted that time

Mahesh Sharma

Reviewing the progress of two new schemes PRASAD and Creating Tourist Circuits around Special Themes here, a statement said

lines must be maintained at any cost during the implementation of the schemes and there should be close monitoring by the of-

ficers of the Ministry of Tourism, the statement added.

Referring to the tourist circuits from the Himalayan and North Eastern region, Sharma said that several requests have been received from these states seeking more time for implementing schemes due to difficult conditions in the states.

Highlighting the importance of stakeholders in the projects, the Minister said that they must be closely involved in the process of implementation and their wisdom must be fully utilized.

With regard to the overall working of the Ministry, Sharma urged his officers to clear all backlog and that no file should be pending in the New Year.

He also asked them to obtain the views, suggestions and feedback from the organizations/ offices under the Ministry of Tourism within two weeks and resolve all their outstanding issues.

The Minister also sought that social media be made interactive and queries to be responded, the statement said. -PTI

Jashne Chillai-Kalan was an endeavor to improve our image and this in-house event at Gulmarg coincided with the New Year celebrations, Director Tourism Kashmir, Talat Pervez told PTI. Pervez said the department was making efforts to revive the sector fully after it received a set-back due to the deluge.

"The tourist arrivals took a dip after the floods. For that period of the year, Kashmir hosted more than 40,000 tourists per month, but the numbers dipped by 50 per cent this year due the floods.

There was a huge impact on the image of the sector, but we are making efforts to revive it and

have been successful to a large extent," he said.

The director said the New Year celebration at Gulmarg, even though an annual feature, was a conscious effort to improve the image of the sector and revive it.

"We want to show that the situation in Kashmir was not bad as had been projected. We are holding local level events, interactions with tour operators outside the state and festivals to dispel the notion that Kashmir was not safe to travel after floods," he said.

Pervez said the department has also invited tour operators from outside to see for themselves what the Valley had to offer.

"We are on a vigorous publicity campaign for the promotion of tourism," he said, adding a series of programs had been held to attract maximum tourists.

The director said the hotels in the resort saw occupancy of around 95 per cent. -PTI

Naidu wants organic waste plants mandatory in eateries NEW DELHI: Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has pitched for making it mandatory for eateries and hotels to have organic waste plant and said he will write to Tourism ministry in this regard.

"I will write to Ministry of Tourism to make it mandatory in all five and four star hotels and eatery establishments to have organic waste plant," Naidu said while in-

M Venkaiah Naidu

augurating a plant in Malcha Marg market here.

The plant, which can process one tonne waste in 24 hours, will convert the organic waste of hotels and eateries in this area into compost for horticulture and agriculture use.

Calling the project undertaken

by New Delhi Municipal Corpora-

tion (NDMC) a step in the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Naidu said the plant will be helpful in saving the cost of collection, transportation and disposal of waste.

"It will also reduce the landfill space and water, noise & air pollution," he said.

NDMC Chairman Jalaj Srivastava said the introduction of this system to convert organic waste to compost will replace the old manual garbage disposal system.

The plant will be able to convert organic waste into compost within 24 hours using t h e composting machine, he said.

Two similar plants have been installed at Palika Services Officers Institute, Vinay Marg and at Malcha Marg Market.

Earlier, Naidu also inaugurated a public toilet unit (PTU) at Hanuman Lane which has been constructed by NDMC under public-private-partnership project. PTI

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Kullu, Himachal Pradesh Awe-inspiring landscapes & friendly people

Cont’d from page 40

Tourist Attractions Chandrakhani Pass: Chandrakhani Pass is located in the Parbati valley that joins Malana Valley to Kullu Valley. An ideal base for trekking, the pass is known for its scenic beauty. Chandrakhani is 3600m above sea level and offers

lar natural vista, the park is home to some of the most elusive and endangered species of animals.

Sprawling on an area of 50 sq km, there are around 180 species of bird and mammals that tourists can sight here. Tourists can look forward to sights include musk deer, brown bears, Himalayan Tahr,

Pandoh Dam

scenic trekking trails.

Just below the Chandrakhani pass, trekkers can stop over at the small village of Malana which is a cluster of stone roof houses. The best season for trekking at Chandrakhani pass is from May to October.

Pandoh Dam: Around 10 kms from Manali lies this vast expanse of man-made beauty. Pandoh dam is a power generator hydro-electric dam, built on river Beas. The lake is the reservoir of the dam and has five bays that regulate the water.

The Great Himalayan National Park: Great Himalayan National Park, also known as Jawahar Lal Nehru Great Himalayan National Park, is an ideal place for wildlife buffs. Located amidst the spectacu-

Ibex, black bears and rare species of snow leopard.

Bijli Mahadev Temple: Situated atop a majestic hill, Bijli Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple houses the pictorial view of the luxuriant valley below.

The Pahari style temple architecture offers an eyecatching scenario to visitors.

Hanogi Mata Temple: Located on the MandiManali National Highway, it is a popular attraction.

Dedicated to

Hango Mata, this Hindu temple is visited by devotees all the year round. Located atop a small peak, green mountains serve as a backdrop for the temple and a gleaming stream flowing below makes this temple a stunning attraction.

Jagannathi Devi Temple (Bekhli Temple): This temple is believed to have been constructed 1500 years ago. The deity in the temple is also known as Bhuweneshawari, who is considered as the sister of Lord Vishnu.

The walls of the temple are carved with images of Durga and the temple as such reflects the local architecture.

Raghunath Temple: This famous temple is renowned for its seven day long Dussehra festivals. It is dedicated to Raghunath Ji. The idol in the temple is taken from Tretnath temple and the popular belief is that it is the same idol that was used by Lord Rama.

Raghunath Temple was built in the year 1650 AD. The temple architecture is a curious blend of Pyramidal and Pahari style.

Rafting: Kullu is one of the most popular destinations for rafting.

River Beas, located close to Kullu is the place where rafters can enjoy this sport. The season from

end of April to June and again from mid-September to mid-October is the apt time for rafting in Kullu.

Trekking: Kullu features among the main trekking areas in Himachal Pradesh. There are several famous treks around the Kullu Valley, but most of the trails are situated beyond the Rohtang Pass

where tourists pass through gardens, mountains, falls and other amazing scenic beauties is an added attraction.

Best time to visit In Kullu, summers are good for sight seeing and relaxation, while winter months are ideal for trekking,

Bijli Mahadev Temple

in the valleys of Spiti, Lahaul, Zanskar and Ladakh. Expeditions for up to 10-12 days are organized in this area from Pin-Pass to Spiti and Manikaran to Chhota Dhara.

Kullu Shawl Factory: The Kullu Shawl factory is a small yet significant attraction for those planning a holiday in Kullu. Here tourists can shop for handmade authentic K u l l u shawls.

The way to reach the The Great Himalayan National Park factory

rock climbing, sight seeing, river rafting and enjoying snowfall.

How to reach

By Train: Jogindernagar is the nearest railhead to Kullu, which is at a distance of 125 km. This railway station is connected to all Indian cities via Chandigarh which is 270 km away from Kullu.

By Air: Nearest airport to Kullu is Bhuntar airport, which is at a distance of 10 km from the city center of Kullu but has low connectivity.

By Bus: State owned bus services of Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation are available from Kullu connecting with the nearest cities. Kullu is connected to Delhi (570 km), Chandigarh (267 km), Pathankot (285 km) and Shimla (270 km) by tourist deluxe buses of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.

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World-traveling Museum chief finds home EVANSVILLE, Ind.: Bryan Knicely always felt the need to wander and explore.

Growing up in a small Ohio town will do that to you. It was nothing against Coshocton, but Knicely knew there was more in store for him beyond its city limits.

The Evansville Museum's new executive director, who took the helm mid-October, has traveled all over the world and worked in several different capacities within the arts community. But what he has found in Evansville is something he hasn't felt since his youth - a place to call home. ``Sometimes you can get so

Despite many law school acceptances, Knicely still wondered if becoming a lawyer was his true calling. After graduation, he decided to pack up his car and travel 8,000 miles across the country to clear his head. What he discovered along the way was a desire to pursue a career in the arts - a pursuit he truly began at The Ohio State University where he received a masters of arts in art administration and policy.

It's been full-speed ahead since Knicely's Buckeye days. He would move onto several different roles in diverse arts institutions across the country, many of which gave

The Evansville Museum

busy climbing and trying to experience everything life has to offer that you don't stop to think about what will make you happy,'' Knicely said. ``I found everything and more upon moving here.''

He took his first step along his winding and adventurous career path when he changed majors at the end of his junior year at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. Despite participating in several arts extracurriculars growing up, Knicely's parents wanted him to study ``something serious'' during his college tenure. The thought of being an accountant and crunching numbers everyday wasn't for Knicely though, so he made the switch to managing and marketing with eyes toward a career in law.

him the opportunity to work internationally. He has worked with the Laumeier Sculpture Park in St. Louis, the Maine Arts Commission, several different organizations in Columbus, Ohio, including the Greater Columbus Arts Council and most recently the Coral Springs Museum of Art in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, as its executive director.

You wouldn't know that his career was full of glittering accolades and achievements though. When reflecting on his career to this point, Knicely lingers on the beauty of coastal Maine or his love/hate relationship with the Ft. Lauderdale heat rather than the innovative arts programming he brought to the organizations he served while living there.

Knicely's experience working in varying disciplines made his transition into the executive director role seamless, said Mary Bower, who served at the museum's interim director following John Streetman retirement in 2012 after more than 37 years in the role. ``We are absolutely thrilled to have (Knicely,)'' said Bower, chief curator and the Virginia G. Schroeder Curator of Collections for the museum. ``We are really focusing on how to incorporate all the disciplines of the museums to future exhibitions and programs.''

Bower's guidance in the construction and opening of the Evansville Museum's new wing and Koch Immersive Theatre has inspired Knicely to explore new and diverse ways of experiencing art for future exhibitions and programs. Many of his goals for the museum stem from strengthening it's ties to the region through partnerships and outreach. Knicely is also looking to update the River Town exhibit to be even more true to Evansville, as well as bringing in new technology for more interactive learning for visitors.

The city and region's heritage has always been a pillar at the museum but will be especially prominent in the coming years with the state's bicentennial in 2016. Bower said she and Knicely are in the planning stages for a multiple-disciplinary exhibition focusing on the Ohio River Valley.

While walking through the museum's permanent collection, Knicely's eyes glimmered behind his thick-framed glasses as he scanned the art on display. The expansiveness of the collection still amazes him, and he said he has great respect for those who have shaped and cultivated the museum before his arrival. ``What brought me here were the people - those who I now work with and those who take residence here,'' Knicely said. ``They've shaped what I've come into, and I want to build upon the great work they've done.'' -AP

Kochi airport traffic grew 15% in 2014 KOCHI: Passenger traffic through Kochi airport has witnessed 15.36 per cent growth in 2014 with over 61 lakh people having traveled though the airport in Kerala.

This is the second consecutive year when over 50 lakh passengers have traveled via Kochi airport.

Cochin International Airport Ltd, the airport company, said in a statement that 61,04,559 passengers traveled through the airport in 2014, while during the previous year, it was 52,91,793, a growth of 15.36 per cent.

While 24.86 lakh persons trav-

eled within the country through the airport last year, it was 21.06 per cent in 2013.

In the international sector, 31.85 lakh passengers had traveled abroad through Kochi in 2013 while last year it was 36.18 per cent, a growth of over 13 per cent. -PTI

Nebraska's Archway monument sees attendance jump KEARNEY, Neb.: The Archway saw more than 50,000 visitors in 2014 - the most the monument spanning Interstate 80 at Kearney has seen in three years.

Attendance figures show that 50,457 visited the attraction last year, a 1 percent increase from 2013, the Kearney Hub reported.

The Archway had also brought in $693,343 in revenue for 2014, an increase of nearly 26 percent from 2013.

The Archway hosted its 50,000th visitor of the year on Dec. 26, marketing coordinator Jace Robinson said. ``It's been a phenomenal year for The Archway,'' Robinson said. ``And the thing that isn't represented in our attendance number is the thousands of local people

that have attended one of the many community events throughout the year.''

The higher numbers come after a year of transition for the monument. The attraction closed for two months at the beginning of 2014 to focus on rebranding after filing for bankruptcy in late 2013 and later settled its debt of more than $20 million.

Archway staff took steps to reduce overhead costs and increase focus on community engagement, Robinson said.

Some structural changes were also made, including eliminating a full-time director and having the city perform in-kind maintenance services.

Recently, the attraction also closed its concession area and moved it to the gift shop, which allows one staff member to cover both areas at once, Robinson said.

Nearly 250,000 people visited the monument the year after it opened in 2001, but attendance had dropped steadily after that to a low of 49,960 in 2013. -AP

Alaska communities reach record-high temperatures ANCHORAGE, Alaska: Seven Alaska communities have recorded their hottest annual average temperatures ever in 2014.

The relatively warm weather sent dogsled teams traveling hundreds of miles to find reliable snow for training, and interrupted rural travel along rivers that would normally be safely frozen.

The Kuskokwim River usually becomes a highway artery for the community in winter, but it wasn't drivable for an unusually long time, said Annastasia Hoffman, President of the Bethel Native Corporation. ``We have been seeing more and more commuters, who would travel into Bethel for work, have to stay in Bethel because they cannot commute due to the warm weather,'' Hoffman said.

The warm weather blanketed most of western and southwestern Alaska and stretched to nearly every corner of the state, the National Weather Service Alaska said.

Some Alaska communities hit

climate records that were held for 70 years or more, said Rick Thoman, climate sciences and services manager for the Weather Service in Alaska. ``It's quite unusual, and it's also quite a large area,'' Thoman said. ``We also have a number of places - Anchorage, Barrow, St. Paul - that also made it into the top three warmest years.''

In Anchorage, 2014 was the first recorded calendar year when the temperature failed to fall below zero, researchers wrote on the weather agency's Facebook page. In Bethel, it was the first winter in recorded history where temperatures didn't fall to 20 degrees below zero, Thoman said.

Communities that broke the record for highest-average temperature recorded in a single year include Cold Bay, King Salmon, Homer, Bethel, McGrath, Nome and Kotzebue.

But despite the concerns, not everyone misses the cold, KTUU reported. ). -AP

In Brief Jeb Bush declines invitation from hard-liner MIAMI: Separating himself from much of the emerging Republican presidential field, Jeb Bush has declined an invitation to speak at a political event organized by one of Congress' most strident immigration critics.

A Bush aide said that the former Florida governor appreciated the invite from Republican congressman Steve King but would not be able to attend the Iowa Freedom Summit on Jan. 24 because of a scheduling conflict.

More than a half-dozen potential Republican presidential contenders are set to appear, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Bush's absence is notable because of King's status as a conservative power broker in Iowa, home of the nation's first presidential caucuses.

Bush is one of the GOP's most vocal advocates for comprehensive immigration reform. King generally opposes such efforts. AP

Immigrants seek California driver licenses STANTON, Calif.: Mexican immigrant Jesus Moreno emerged smiling from a California Department of Motor Vehicles office with official permission to do something he's been doing here for more than a decade: driving.

The 30-year-old vending-machine installer, who has forked over hundreds of dollars in traffic tickets and car-impound fees as an unlicensed driver, became one of the first to get a permit under a new program to give driver's licenses to the nation's largest population of immigrants in the country illegally. ``It's not that I want to drive,'' said Moreno, after leaving a packed DMV office in Orange County. ``It's a necessity.''

Thousands of people crammed into DMV offices and waited in hours-long lines to apply for a license as California became one of 10 states to authorize immigrants in the country illegally to drive.

The DMV expects to field 1.4 million applications in the first three years of a program aimed at boosting road safety and making immigrants' lives easier. By 3 p.m. on January 2, more than 11,000 immigrants had applied, said Jessica Gonzalez, a DMV spokeswoman. -AP

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January 9, 2015

Lawmaker wants immigrants' licenses tagged

PHOENIX: A newly elected Arizona lawmaker says he's drafting legislation to add a ``non-citizen'' designation on driver's licenses issued to young immigrants participating in a federal program enabling them to avoid deportation.

Republican Rep.-elect Jay Lawrence said he wants to protect the integrity of the voting system. -AP

Obama looks past Republicans in promoting 2015 agenda HONOLULU: President Barack Obama plans new steps to help middle-income Americans, part of a 2015 agenda he hopes can build on the post election momentum from high-profile moves on immigration and Cuba.

His approach for the New Year appears to look straight past newly emboldened Republicans who have taken full control of Congress.

Fresh from a two-week Hawaiian vacation, the president was readying executive actions and legislative proposals to start promoting right away while advisers and speechwriters flesh out the broad themes that Obama wants to emphasis in his State of the Union policy address on January 20.

It will be his sixth since taking office, but his first before a Congress entirely in Republican hands.

In a sign of their divergent paths, Obama was heading out of Washington just as the new Congress was settling in.

He plans stops in Michigan, Arizona and Tennessee aimed at highlighting how his own economic policies were contributing

to the country's recovery.

Obama has appeared energized by the end-of-the-year action on immigration policy and Cuban relations, suggesting continued

setback, the key question has been whether Obama will lean in or away from compromise with Republicans in his final two years.

Of the issues the White House

Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio listen as President Barack Obama gives his address on Capitol Hill in Washington.

presidential relevance despite a political landscape dramatically altered by deep Democratic losses in the November elections.

Since the November election

said Obama will emphasize in the coming weeks, none was among the few areas that both Democrats and Republicans have cited as ripe for deal-making, trade, taxes,

and public works.

An Obama spokesman, Eric Schultz, said the president would announce proposals this coming week that focus on helping middleclass Americans benefit from the economic recovery.

"There are a number of issues we could make progress on, but the president is clear that he will not let this Congress undo important protections gained particularly in areas of health care, Wall Street reform and the environment," Schultz said.

Obama has threatened to use his veto power to block Republican attacks this year.

In Detroit, Obama plans to cite the return of manufacturing jobs and his decision to bail out the auto industry.

In Phoenix the next day, Obama intends to showcase gains in the housing sector since the real estate crash and come out with new steps to help Americans buy a home, the White House said.

Vice President Joe Biden will join Obama in Tennessee to discuss new ways to help more people attend college or receive job-training. -AP

Why the lawsuit against Obama is a waste GARY ENDELMAN & CYRUS D. MEHTA

F

or I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me Matthew 25:35 A lawsuit was expected as soon as President Obama dramatically announced that his immigration executive actions could impact more than 5 million people. It is already here. On December 3, 2014, Texas took the lead with 18 other states in a lawsuit against the United States asserting that the President's unilateral Immigration Accountability Executive Actions are unconstitutional.

The coalition of states in addition to Texas include Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Caro-

lina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

The complaint essentially alleges that the DHS directive violates the President's constitutional duty to "take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed" under Article II, §3, Cl. 5 of the United States Constitution. Another basis for the complaint is that under the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. § 553, the President's executive action is akin to a rule, which needs to be promulgated through notice-and-comment rulemaking.

The complaint also cites APA, 5 U.S.C. § 706, which gives a federal court power to set aside an agency action that is, among other things, arbitrary or capricious, contrary to constitutional right or in excess of statutory authority.

But it reads more like a white-hot tabloid, and instead of providing a forceful legal basis, loudly proclaims in bombastic fashion several prior utterances of President Obama claiming that he could never bypass Congress. Here are two out of many examples: "I am president, I am not king.

I can't do these things just by myself…[T]here's a limit to the discretion that I can show because I am obliged to execute the law…I can't just make the laws up by myself." "[I]f in fact I could solve all these problems without passing laws in Congress, then I would do so. But we're also a nation of laws. That's part of our tradition.

And so the easy way out is to try to yell and pretend like I can do something by violating our laws.

And what I'm proposing is the harder path, which is to use our democratic processes to achieve the same goal. " The President still went ahead and changed the law himself despite his many previous assertions that he could not, according to the complaint, as if that can be a legal basis to challenge the actions. Interestingly, the President consistent with these prior utterances of his still insists even after November 20, 2014 that only Congress can change the law and bring on meaningful reform.

The centerpiece of the President's executive actions is to broaden deferred action, which has always been deployed by the Executive Branch.

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Why the lawsuit against Obama is a waste Cont'd from Page 44

The November 20, 2014 announcement defers the deportation of people who were in unlawful status as of the date of the announcement, and who were also the parents of US citizen or permanent resident children, provided they were in the United States before January 1, 2010.

The previous Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been expanded to include those who came to the United States when they were below 16 years prior to January 1, 2010 instead of January 15, 2007.

The previous age limit of 31 that was imposed in the June 15, 2012 announcement has been lifted. Eligible people who are a non-priority for enforcement purposes can apply for deferred action, and obtain employment and travel authorization.

The lawsuit is a waste of time and taxpayers money. The authors have argued in A Time for Honest Truth: A Passionate Defense of President Obama's Executive Actions (http:// blog.cyrusmehta.com/2014/11/atime-for-honest-truthpassionate.html) that the President clearly has the legal authority to exercise discretion with respect to prioritizing on whom to enforce the law against, especially when Congress has not provided sufficient funding to deport 12 million undocumented people all at once. Even the conservative establishment refers to those who desire to deport 12 million as the "boxcar" crowd.

The truth is that deferred action is neither recent nor revolutionary. Widows of US citizens have been granted this benefit.

Battered immigrants have sought and obtained refuge there.

Never has the size of a vulnerable population been a valid reason to say no. Even if the law suit alleges that the President does not have authority, now is a good time to remind critics about Justice Jackson's famous concurrent opinion in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer, 343 U.S. 579, 635 (1952), which held that the President may act within a "twilight zone" in which he may have concurrent authority with Congress. Unlike Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co. v. Sawyer, where the Supreme Court held that the President could not seize a steel mill to resolve a labor dispute without Congressional authorization, the executive branch under the recent immigration actions is well acting within Congressional authorization. In his famous concurring opinion, Justice Jackson reminded us that, however meri-

torious, separation of powers itself was not without limit: "While the Constitution diffuses power the better to secure liberty, it also contemplates that practice will integrate the dispersed powers into a workable government.

It enjoins upon its branches separateness but interdependence, autonomy but reciprocity."

Id. at 635. Although President Truman did not have authorization to seize the mill to prosecute the Korean War, Justice Jackson laid a three-pronged test to determine whether the President violated the Separation of Powers clause.

First, where the President has express or implied authorization by Congress, his authority would be at its maximum. Second, where the President acts in the absence of congressional authority or a denial of authority, the President may still act constitutionally within a "twilight zone" in which he may have concurrent authority with Congress, or in which its distribu-

thorization. Even if such authority is implied and not express, Congress has not overtly prohibited its exertion but displayed a passive acquiescence that reinforces its constitutional legitimacy. Operating in Justice Jackson's "twilight zone," such constructive ambiguity creates the opportunity for reform through executive initiative. In terms of employment authorization issuance, Congress has rarely spoken on this except via INA § 274A (h) (3) (B), so that many instances of employment authorization issuance are purely an act of executive discretion justified by that one statutory provision.

Furthermore, INA § 103(3) confers powers on the Secretary of Homeland Security to "establish such regulations, prescribe such forms or bonds, reports, entries and other papers; issue such instructions; and perform such other acts as he deems necessary for carrying out his authority under the provisions of this Act."

First, where the President has express or implied authorization by Congress, his authority would be at its maximum. Second, where the President acts in the absence of congressional authority or a denial of authority, the President may still act constitutionally within a "twilight zone" tion is uncertain.

Under the second prong, Congressional inertia may enable, if not invite, measures of independent presidential authority. Finally, under the third prong, where the President acts in a way that is incompatible with an express or implied will of Congress, the President's power is at its lowest and is vulnerable to being unconstitutional.

Through the Immigration Accountability Executive Actions, the President is likely acting under either prong one or two of Justice Jackson's tripartite test. INA Section 103(a) (1) charges the DHS Secretary with the administration and enforcement of the INA. This implies that the DHS can decide when to and when not to remove an alien..." INA § 212(d) (5), which Congress also enacted, authorizes the Executive to grant interim benefits for "urgent humanitarian reasons" or "significant public benefits." Parole can also be used to allow promising entrepreneurs to come to the United States and establish startups, although this and many other actions to help businesses have not been attacked in the law suit.

Moreover, INA § 274A (h) (3) (B) provides authority to the Executive to grant employment au-

We reproduce the very penetrating and insightful comments of our esteemed colleague Jose R. Perez, who is a partner at Foster: It's my hope that Federal Judge Andy Hansen in Brownsville, TX, will do the right thing and dismiss this lawsuit based on: • 1: Lack of subject matter jurisdiction since the alleged cause of action is a 'political question' or a dogfight between the executive & legislative branches as there is no case or controversy for an Article III Court to decide; • 2: The plaintiffs lack 'standing' since the states have NOT suffered a palpable injury suffered and the 'alleged injury' is baseless and at best highly speculative since no undocumented alien has benefited from the executive actions of November 20, 2014; and • 3: Once implemented, the executive actions do NOT circumvent Congress or usurp our Constitution since President Bema has the executive authority under Article II of the U.S. Constitution and the statutory authority under the INA to grant deferred action based on law enforcement priorities as an act of prosecutorial discretion. Other presidents have done so. [ My family and I came to the U.S. as 'parolees' based on President Johnson's exercise of

discretion that allowed approx.

1 Million Cubans to be paroled and to eventually benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966, a very open-ended and most favorable statute.]

We wish to double down on these sage comments concerning lack of state standing to bring this lawsuit for they are its Achilles heel. This is not a case where a federal agency like the Environmental Protection Agency has declined a request by an affected state actor to regulate the emission of toxic greenhouse gas emissions whose presence in our air and water present a clear and present danger of environmental catastrophe.

For this reason, the holding by the Supreme Court that the State of Massachusetts did have requisite Article III standing to sue the EPA is fundamentally inapposite both in logic and law. Massachu-

setts v. Environmental Protection Agency, 549 U.S. 497 (2007). Undocumented immigrants who work long hours at low pay doing the hard and dirty jobs on which we all depend but are loath to perform are not the cause or harbinger of global warming. Whatever grievances Texas and her sister states have , the proper forum for their expression and resolution in our system of governance is the Congress not the courts. See Lajan v.

Defenders of Wildlife, 504 U.S. 555, 576 (1992).

Courts are loath to review any non-enforcement decisions taken by federal authorities. See, e.g., Lincoln v. Vigil, 508 U.S. 182, 19192 (1993). Arizona v. United States, 132 S.Ct. 2492, 2499 (2012), articulated the true reason why: "[a] principal feature of the removal system is the broad discretion exercised by immigration officials…

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2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659

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January 9, 2015

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Why the lawsuit against Obama is a waste Cont'd from Page 45

Federal officials, as an initial matter, must decide whether it makes sense to pursue removal at all‌" The decision by President to order ICE to focus its enforcement activities on designated priorities is a policy judgment which the courts have neither the time nor inclination to second guess: This Court has recognized on several occasions over many years that an agency's decision not to prosecute or enforce, whether through civil or criminal process, is a decision generally committed to an agency's absolute discretion. See United States v. Batchelder, 442 U. S. 114, 123124 (1979); United States v.

Nixon, 418 U. S. 683, 693 (1974); Vaca v. Sipes, 386 U. S. 171, 182 (1967); Confiscation Cases, 7 Wall. 454 (1869). This recognition of the existence of discretion is attributable in no small part to the general unsuitability for judicial review of agency decisions to refuse enforcement.

Heckler v. Chaney, 470 U.S. 821, 8311 (1985) The Constitution neither allows nor encourages any of the state litigants in this extra-constitutional litigation to micromanage the enforcement or implementation of current immigration law or regulation. That is up to the President and those federal agencies to whom he delegates his authority: "An agency has broad discretion to choose how best to marshal its limited resources and personnel to carry out its delegated responsibilities." Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council, 467 U.S. 837, 842-845 (1984). Under the oft-quoted Chevron doctrine, federal courts will pay deference to the regulatory interpretation of the agency charged with executing the laws of the United States when there is ambiguity in the statute. The courts will intrude only when the agency's interpretation is manifestly irrational or clearly erroneous.

Similarly, the Supreme Court in Nat'l Cable & Telecomm. Ass'n v.

Brand X Internet Servs., 545 US 967 (2005),while affirming Chevron, held that, if there is an ambiguous statute requiring agency deference under Chevron, the agency's understanding will also trump a judicial exegesis of the same statute. There is simply no case or controversy here for the federal courts to settle.

None of these Plaintiffs identify or present such a "personal stake in the outcome of the controversy as to assure the concrete adverseness which sharpens the presentation of issues upon which the court so largely depends for illumination." Baker v. Carr, 369

U.S. 186, 204 (1962). Where is their standing then one wonders? In all of the hyperbolic protestations that suffuse this complaint, where rhetoric often masquerades as reality, one looks in vain for any allegation or evidence that any of the state complainants can " show that it has suffered a concrete and particularized injury that is fairly traceable to the defendant and that a favorable decision will likely redress that injury." Lujan v. Defenders of Wildlife, 504 U.S. 555, 560-561 (1992).

Still, one should not be too sanguine about Judge Hanen doing the right thing who will hear this case in the United District Court for the Southern district of Texas, Division. In US v. Nava-Martinez, a case that involved a human trafficker who sought to smuggle an El Salvadorian girl into the United States, Judge Hanen chastised the DHS for completing the crime by delivering the minor to the custody of the parent, even though the DHS was obliged to unify the child under the 1997 Flores v.

Reno, CV-85-4544-RJK, settlement agreement.

Judge Hanen equated this policy to "taking illegal drugs or

heard time and again was that violence in Central America and the need for safe haven was what prompted these children to undertake the journey north."

Even if Judge Hanen does not rule the way we think he should, it is hoped that the Fifth Circuit will swiftly reverse him. Indeed, the Fifth Circuit has recently recognized the supremacy of federal immigration law over state law as well as federal discretion in enforcing immigration law. In Villas at Parkside Partners v. Farmers Branch, 726 F.3d 524 (5th Cir. 2013), the Fifth Circuit struck down a local housing ordinance on preemption grounds because it conflicted with federal law regarding the ability of aliens not lawfully present in the United States to remain in the US. The Fifth Circuit also noted that the federal government could exercise discretion: Whereas the Supreme Court has made clear that there are "significant complexities involved in [making] . . . the determination whether a person is removable," and the decision is "entrusted to the discretion of the Federal Government," Arizona, 132 S. Ct. at 2506; see also Plyler,

The Constitution neither allows nor encourages any of the state litigants in this extraconstitutional litigation to micromanage the enforcement or implementation of current immigration law or regulation. That is up to the President and federal agencies weapons that it had seized from smugglers and delivering them to the criminals who initially solicited their illegal importation/exportation." Id. at 10. The plaintiffs have cleverly cited Nava-Martinez in their complaint as an example of DHS laxity encouraging illegal migrants, and also disingenuously conflated the surge of unaccompanied minors this summer with the President's previous DACA program, even though it has been well documented that these children may have come to the US for other legitimate reasons, such as fleeing horrific gang persecution in countries such as Honduras, el Salvador and Guatemala. . A December 5, 2014 NY Times article confirms this: At the National Immigrant Justice Center in Chicago, lawyers interviewed 3,956 migrant children this year. Lisa Koop, associate director of legal services there, said the number of children who had heard of the 2012 program was "in the single digits."

"It is clear that DACA was not a driving force behind the migration," Ms. Koop said. "What we

457 U.S. at 236 (Blackmun, J., concurring) ("[T]he structure of the immigration statutes makes it impossible for the State to determine which aliens are entitled to residence, and which eventually will be deported."), the Ordinance allows state courts to assess the legality of a non-citizen's presence absent a "preclusive" federal determination, opening the door to conflicting state and federal rulings on the question.

The creation of law by federal agencies in the implementation of executive initiative has become the norm rather than the exception in our system of governance , if for no other reason than that the sheer multiplicity of issues, as well as their dense complexity, defy traditional compromise or consensus which are the very hallmarks of Congressional deliberation. Despite the assertion in Article I of the Constitution that "All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States," it is far from novel to acknowledge as we must that independent federal regulatory agencies also exercise legislative

powers. As Justice White noted in his dissent in INS v Chadha, 462 U.S. 919, 947 (1983) (White,J., dissenting) after reviewing prior cases upholding broad delegations of legislative power: These cases establish that by virtue of congressional delegation, legislative power can be exercised by independent agencies and Executive departments without passage of new legislation.

For some time, the sheer amount of law- the substantive rules that regulate private conduct and direct the operation of governmentmade by the agencies has far outnumbered the lawmaking engaged in by Congress through the traditional process. There is no question that agency rulemaking is lawmaking in any functional or realistic sense of the term.

Immigration has historically been linked to foreign policy. Indeed, a core reason for the plenary federal power over immigration is precisely because it implicates real and genuine foreign policy concerns. This is another reason why the Executive enjoys wide, though not unchecked, discretion to effect changes in immigration procedures through sua sponte regulation. Indeed, it is perhaps only a modest exaggeration to maintain that the INA could not be administered in any other way.

The President's executive action does not displace Congress as the primary architect of federal immigration policy but rather is in aid of the legislative function and, as such, is in harmony with the constitutional injunction to diversify authority. The President is not divorced from lawmaking; that is the very reason why the Framers provided an executive veto power.

If the President had no role in lawmaking, why give such a weapon to limit congressional prerogative?

Once we accept the fact that the Executive is a junior partner in lawmaking, then the President's executive actions become a strong but unremarkable expression of this well-settled constitutional concept. To suggest that the President is powerless to act simply because only Congress can modify the INA is to isolate one co-equal branch of our national government from another beyond what the Constitution suggests or requires. This is not what the Framers had in mind: Yet it is also clear from the provisions of the Constitution itself, and from the Federalist Papers, that the Constitution by no means contemplates total separation of each of these three essential branches of government‌The mean who met in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 were practical statesmen, experienced in

politics, who viewed the principle of separation of powers as a vital check against tyranny. But they likewise saw that a hermetic sealing off of the three branches of Government from one another would preclude the establishment of a Nation capable of governing itself effectively.

Buckley v. Valeo, 424 U.S. 1, 121 (1976) Not only is it appropriate for the President to direct the formulation of immigration policy on technical issues of surpassing importance, this is the way it must be; this is what the Constitution expects. The decision by President Obama to do now what he had been reluctant or unwilling to do earlier suggests not a reversal of position or a grab for imperial power but a willingness to change, to grow, to embrace solutions that meet the exigencies of an ever-changing challenge stubbornly resistant to what has been tried before and failed.

We are reminded of what President Lincoln wrote to Albert G. Hodges on April 4, 1864: "I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me." In perhaps the most famous judicial exposition of the need for pragmatic presidential initiative, we end our advocacy in confident reliance upon the still cogent observations of Chief Justice John Marshall in McCulloch v. Maryland: To have prescribed the means by which government should, in all future time, execute its powers, would have been to change, entirely, the character of the instrument, and give it the properties of a legal code. It would have been an unwise attempt to provide, by immutable rules, for exigencies which, if foreseen at all, must have been seen dimly, and which can be best provided for as they occur 17 U. S. 316 (1819) The President's proposals do nothing to inhibit or prevent Congress from enacting amendments to the INA. He has not attempted to supplant Congress when it comes to the exercise of the legislative function over which in alone enjoys plenary power. President Obama has acted solely in furtherance of what the Congress has already done to give America the immigration policy that it needs and deserves, one that is more effective and adaptable to the exigencies of the moment so that both the nation and the immigrants who have sacrificed all to write the next great chapter in the American story can benefit in full measure. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Datebook

January 9, 2015

NEW JERSEY Upcoming Sun, Jan 18 • NJTS Pongal Celebrations Venue: EWest Windsor High School South, 346 Clarksville Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550 Time: 2:00 pm

Sat, Jan 24

• Republic Day Celebration 2015 - Fundraiser for Project Udaan Venue: Hotel Westin, Newport (Grand Ballroom), 479 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310 Time: 5:00 pm

NEW YORK Upcoming Fri, Jan 9 • Ladies Meditation Group 50+ Venue: Home, 24 Berry Hill Road, Syosset, NY 11791 Time: 08:00 pm

Sat, Jan 10 • Nrityagram: Masters of Dance Venue: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028 Time : 5:00 pm Contact: 212-570-3949

Sat, Jan 10

Sat, Jan 31

• Masters of Indian Dance: Nrityagram

Venue: North Brunswick High School, 98 Raider Road, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 Time : 12:00 pm Contact: 732-801-4814

Venue: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028 Time : 08:00 pm Contact: 212-570-3949

• INDIA Republic Day

India Post 47

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Upcoming

Sat, Jan 10 • Screening Movie Chittagong

Sat, Jan 17 • Sankranti & India Republic Day Celebrations

Venue: Chinmaya Rameshwaram, 14451 Franklin Ave, Tustin, CA 92780 Timet: 7:00 pm Contact: 714-469-6268

Sat, Jan 24 • NetIP LA-OC 4th Annual Kites Festival Venue: Claremont Sand, 54th Pl, Long Beach, CA 90803 Timet: 11:00 am Contact: 714-925-3237

Sat, Jan 31 • Akshaya Patra Reception for President Vicente Fox and Dr. Deepak Chopra Venue: The Renaissance Hotel Long Beach

by Marriott, 111 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802 Timet: 06:30 pm Contact: 424-765-0907

Sat, Jan 31 • The Biggest International Bollywood New Years Eve Ball Rhythm Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 39900 Balentine Dr, Fremont-Newark, CA 94560 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 510-432-6385

Sat, Feb 7 • Roshni - Cricket 2015 Venue: Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 C E Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley, CA 93063 Time :07:00 pm Contact: 310-920-1863

Venue: HTGC Rama Temple, 10915 Lemont Rd, Lemont, IL 60439 Time: 3:30 pm.

Fri, Mar 13 • Zakir Hussain Celtic Connection Venue: Pabst Theater, 144 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 414-467-3032

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, Jan 31 • Maa Tujhe Salaam Venue: Shree Shakti Mandir's Sumant Center, 1450 Huie Rd, Morrow, GA 30260 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 678-789-4690

Sat, Feb 14 • Cupid Calling ! Valentines Day Party 2015 Venue: Ashiana banquet hall, 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross, GA 30071 Time: 9:00 pm Contact: 404-246-3256

Mon, Aug 31 • MITHAS 2014 Membership Venue: Wong Auditorium, MIT, 70 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02142 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 857-205-9731

ILLINOIS Upcoming • J K Yog Satsang and Bal Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month Chicago Satsang Information: J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda Venue: Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org

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: 773-465-3105Time: 5:30 pm

48

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Horoscope

January 9, 2015

India Post

49

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What the stars foretell for Year 2015

BY PANDIT PARASHAR CONT’D FROM LAST WEEK (September 23 to October 22)

S

aturn will transit second and favorable nakshastra's through out 2015. Jupiter will stay in house of career till July 15 before moving into house of gains. Jupiter will definitely bring big change in career. Additional pressure and unsatisfactory working conditions will make you look for better opportunity. Close friends doing well will be another factor for you to explore the opportunity. Saturn in second will help you locate the dream job. Some of you may start your own business before July, 2015. Money wise you will be very lucky and any risk you take will turn out favorable. You will make big money through couple of properties this year. Business will definitely multiply in first six months and the profit margin will improve. Some of you may also successfully make a bid on existing franchise already doing very well and take over in mid 2015. You will be going on a number of trips in second half and all trips will be financially rewarding. You will be associated with an older person who will be a great guide and teacher. Value of your assets will shoot up and some of you may move in a bigger home this summer. One of your child not doing so well in the past, will suddenly find the direction and make a big comeback in life. There is a big chance of money coming through legal channels in the month of July or August.

(December 22 to January 19)

J

upiter's transit in eighth after July 15th will be better. This Jupiter can cause unnecessary delay for bachelors to find the right soul mate. Negotiations will very like minded people will go well in the beginning but misfire in the end because of no valid reason. Spouse may continue to have health issues but nothing life threatening. Saturn's transit in house of gains is very lucky as it will transit his own as well as Mercury nakshastra. People connected with hardware, oil, mines, mineral, land and properties will benefit a lot. If you initiated any litigation in the past year, the good chances are that it will be decided in your favor with large financial gains after July. People in business will find very good and reliable associates. You may also purchase a big piece of land but wait some time to construct anything on it. After July, planets will bring in large gains from distant lands and ongoing overseas projects. Couple of business trips after July will be turning point in career. Do not take any chance with a government agency and when on road. People already having franchise will expand and buy more locations. Saturn will be helpful if you are ready to be on the move more than usual hours this year. You will be completely cured of an old issue with the help of minor surgery. Religious activities will decline. Chance of addition of a new member in the family very strong after July.

(October 23 to November 22)

S

aturn's transit in first is troublesome. Jupiter will keep things under little check from ninth till July 15th but still you will need to be very very careful when taking any decisions in personal as well as professional life this year. This Saturn will need you to work extra hard to achieve your goals, big or small.

Isolation from some one too close will be heart breaking. Try to maintain close relations with good people and attend all social event in order to stay away from negative energy. Jupiter's presence in ninth is very helpful. Children will be a big source of happiness this year. This is the most favorable transit for people looking forward to have an addition in the family.

There will be big change in the way you think. Mind will deviate from religion to spiritually.

Once Jupiter moves in house of career in July, changes become imminent. Whether you make the right or wrong choice will be a big question as Saturn will try to create confusion and you may end up making the wrong choices. Do not ignore legal and health issues, pay quick attention in order to avert big complications. Money will come at slow pace. You may have few chances to make money little unorthodox way, but may decide not to adopt that path. Only a female could be the root cause of troubles. Think twice before you take any big decision and the year can pass comfortably.

(January 20 to February 18)

S

aturn's transit in house of career is really helpful. Of course there is no escape from hard work, but the financial re wards will be lot better than expectation. Business will expand with the opening of new location and you will be on the move most of the time. Watch out for a person almost bald and short, may create lots of confusion in your mind that's all. You will make more than one trip overseas all for business. It will be a very good year for students, they will do lot better than expected. Money wise things will pick up all of a sudden after July as projects started in early part will become profitable quickly. Some one will come up with some schemes to make money little unorthodox way, but you will be able to hold on to temptation and decline his offer. Some of you may also initiate a law suit not for financial gains but just to prove your point in first quarter of 2015. First few months will be very expensive but most of the money will be spend on family and a wedding in close family. Some of you may also get out of a partnership setup and start on your own in second half. There is very strong indications of money through stocks in month of April. You will make some very important contacts in career as well as personal life. Help from people with political connections will be available when needed.

(November 23 to December 22)

J

upiter will stay in a negative house till July 15th before moving into house of luck for remainder of time. Saturn will transit twelfth house or the house of loss and expense. Try to stay away from getting involved in unnecessary litigation, compromise if possible and do not purchase and old property or vehicle this year and you will be fine. Rahu in tenth will make things slight difficult and it might be difficult for you to hit your professional goals in first shot.

If waiting for something from government, it will come with a delay.

Time after July is very favorable. There will be some interesting an major positive developments in career and once again you could reach new heights in life. Self confidence and image will improve. You may be going on several long distance journeys this year. As far as the health is concerned, back may start to give some trouble. Western medications will not help but yoga and sleeping on hard bed will. The year may start will slow pace but from March and onward you will accomplish a lot in life. You may also invest in a nice property or move to a bigger house this summer. Some one lot younger in age will be real helpful this year. You will make a serious bid on a running franchise around June and may take over around September, 2015. You will be able to save a lot in second half of 2015. Some of you may join a short term course to update your knowledge this summer.

(February 19 to March 20)

J

upiter's presence in fifth and later in sixth is very favorable for career related matters as compared to past several years.

Saturn's presence on the other hand in ninth is not bad either. Take advantage of this auspicious transit of Jupiter and do not waste time and go with a full swing starting beginning of 2015. You will continue to well in career and may have a very lucrative offer in February or March. Just grab it and you will be content in time to come. This is going to be a great year for students also. Some of you may also sign up and receive some short term training and improve or update your knowledge. This transit can also be a factor to add another member in the family. Bachelors will have to go through little roller coaster ride but will ultimately settle with a person of their liking. Jupiter will gift you the wisdom to take all important decisions with cool and rational mind. Your valuable advise will help many needed close friends this year and they will be really thankful. Saturn's transit in ninth will make you more humble and eager to help those who are less fortunate. You will be doing something really good for your parents this year. Your image will improve and you will become more active in the society.

Jupiter's transit in sixth from July 15th will cause one more positive change in career in second half. You should eat more nutritious food and do some breathing exercises.

PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations.

He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

510-886-4370 www.parashar.com

50 India Post

W

henever Indian cinema may talk about the great comedians of Indian cinema, one name that would arguably top the list is that of Mukri, the lovable 'Tingu' of Bollywood, who ruled the 70's and 80's era as favorite comedian of the superstar Amitabh Bachchan. Mukri's short height and Amitabh Bachchan's lanky personality made a formidable Jodi.

Remember Amitabh Bachchan's famous dialogue Mooche Ho Toh Nathulal Jaise Ho...Warna Na Ho in the movie Sharaabi. Other hit movies of the Jodi include Amar Akbar Anthony, Laawaris, Coolie, Mahaan, Naseeb ...the list is long.

Dilip the mentor However, readers would be surprised to know that prior to Amitabh Bachchan, Mukri made a fantastic pair with the thespian Dilip Kumar. Remember hit movies like Aan, Ram Aur Shyam, Kohinoor, etc.

In fact, Dilip Kumar has been instrumental in making Mukri a film star.

Praising the thespian, Mukri once in an interview said, "I am highly grateful to

January 9, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Yusuf bhai (Dilip Kumar). It was because of him that I landed in Bollywood or else I would have ended just being a Qazi (Muslim clergy)".

Mukri, whose real name is Mohammed Umer Mukri recalling his early days, said, "I was a Qazi in a local Madrassa (Muslim school). My job was to teach Quran

to small kids. My income was scarce and my family was big, hence it was difficult to make ends meet."

He added, "Luckily once Dilip Kumar spotted me during the holy month of Ramzaan in a mosque and after hearing my sorrow tale he recommended me to Devika Rani of Bombay Talkies to appoint me as a junior assistant. Later he suggested my

name to Mehboob Khan during the making of AAN. The movie was a runaway hit and my association with Dilip Kumar became hit."

Mukri acted in about 600 films in his 50 years career. He passed away due to heart attack at the age of 78. Dilip Kumar was present at the time of his cremation.-Courtesy Glamsham

India Post 51

January 9, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Ileana treat for San Jose New Year bash India Post News Service

SAN JOSE, CA: There was special New Year treat for over 1200

It was organized by Instant Karma, Bolly Events U & Me Entertainments in association with Ravi Tax Services. The program

Ileana D'cruz addressing the public and wishing everyone a very happy New Year.

Arvind Kotha along with his wife Sarika presenting portrait sketch to Ileana D'cruz

people as they crowded for Bollywood Glitz 2015-Ileana D'cruz (Live & Direct) special event at San Jose Tech Museum, 201 S market street San Jose.

on 31st December was a successful event in the Bay Area with 6 levels of entertainments, 3 massive dance floors (Bollywood

headquarters, Telugu & Punjabi/ Hip-Hop Lounge). Bollywood celebrity DJ Aks along with Bay area finest DJ Mirage, DJ Precaution, DJ Sneh, DJ Dindi welcomed the New Year with style, joy and happiness. Actress Ileana doubled their joy with her dance, photo session and midnight countdown.

There was Live performance by Saregama superstar Zaheer Abbas and Nithya Bayya.

How top stars remain fit

M

ost of them try not to cheat...but of course, there are small indul-

gences Hrithik Roshan has six meals a day, most of which are protein based. The actor insists on hav-

ing minimum oil in his food. His breakfast includes protein shake, four egg whites and a brown bread, while his lunch consists of 50-60 grams of chicken breast along with steamed or stir-fried veggies.

Throughout the day, he has eight egg whites with an interval of two hours between each meal.

For dinner, it is roasted fish (salmon or sea bass) or chicken breast along with steamed or stirfried vegetables. He has a protein shake after every workout. His cheat sheet only has chocolates the actor sometimes nibbles on a chocolate bar at night.

Diet tip - Gets his share of animal protein from roasted fish or chicken breast Special laddoos Akshay Kumar has a unique way to keeping himself in shipshape. The actor, who is fighting

fit, stays away from carbs and gorges on special laddoos that are loaded with over 40 different

herbs.

Cont'd on Page 52

Ileana D'cruz with the San Jose Councilmember Ash Kalra, Saratoga Councilmember Rishi Kumar

Ileana D'Cruz is an Indian film actress, who appears in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films. She won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut - South for the 2006 Telugu

her Bollywood debut with Anurag Basu's critically and commercially successful Barfi!, for which she received critical appreciation and the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.

Lavish Indian buffet feat and multi-cuisine food station was provided by Peacock Restaurants.

Artist Arvind K o t h a (Guinness World Book Record Holder) with his wife Public happily welcoming New Year Sarika prefilm Devadasu. She has appeared sented a portrait Sketch to Ileana in films like Pokiri (2006), Jalsa D'Cruz. She was very impressed (2008), Kick (2009), and Julayi with the sketch and appreciated it (2012), establishing herself as one for the excellent work and said "my of Telugu cinema leading ac- first gift in this year is awesome". tresses. D'Cruz made her San Jose Councilmember Ash Kollywood debut with Kedi and Kalra and Saratoga made a comeback in Shankar's Councilmember Rishi Kumar also Nanban (2012).In 2012 she made actively participated in this event.

52 India Post

January 9, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Young stars turning producers

I

good that they're doing it. These stars can invest smartly in scripts that they believe in," says trade analyst Amod Mehra.

starred in. And their successful stints have paved the way for more actors to follow in their footsteps.

In 2015, the likes of Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Anushka Sharma will put their money where their talent is. "It's

Anushka Sharma Coming to the aid of a film that was stuck for a long time, Anushka turned producer with her upcoming starrer, NH10. Moreover, even before her first production hits the screens this year, Anushka has gone ahead and announced her second production venture as well. "Through the journey of my first production, I've become more mature as an actor, and as a person. As an actor, you don't actually know what happens behind the scenes and what needs to be in place before the shooting starts. This time, I've been involved in the project from scratch and I've literally experienced the process of film-making. I'm aware of all the aspects of this film, right from the technicians who are involved and the locations we've shot at, to the budgets. I did all of this as a producer," Anushka told

n the past, Bollywood actors such as Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn have not only acted in, but also produced, the films that they

HT CafĂŠ.

Ranbir Kapoor All set to team up with his Barfi!

(2012) director Anurag Basu again,

How top stars remain fit Cont'd from Page 51

Diet tip - Has herb-based laddoos and fruits between lowcal meals.

Ajay Devgn, who showed off his toned physique in Action Jackson last year, follows a strict nocarb diet. While he enjoys his intake of fish and mutton, the actor believes in organic food and includes fresh vegetables from his farm in his daily diet. He also munches on almonds at regular intervals.

Diet tip - Includes farm fresh veggies and makhana (lotus

seeds) Sonu Sood is another actor who takes pride in his fit body. He allows himself one chapati per meal,

brown rice, vegetables and fruits.

His only indulgence is egg whites - the actor has two to three of them every day.

Diet tip - Gets his proteins from egg whites Ranbir Kapoor is not your typical six-pack guy, but is extremely careful when it comes to his diet.

RK Jr is known to start his day with caviar and a toast, and has

small meals at regular intervals, preferably homemade.

Diet tip - Starts his day with caviar and a toast Tusshar starts his mornings with oatmeal and whey protein.

The actor has six meals a day, with his lunch and dinner including grilled chicken or fish and vegetable salads.

Diet tip - Has whey protein after workout

Ranbir's Jagga Jasoos, in which he plays the lead alongside alleged girlfriend Katrina Kaif, will hit the screens this year. The actor is one of the film's co-producers, and recently told a magazine, "Though the studio culture has taken over Hindi cinema, there are young pro-

Priyanka Chopra She's dabbled in music and is even set to make her small-screen debut with a TV show in the US. But now, Priyanka has added the title of 'producer' to her CV. The actor is co-producing her next, Madamji, in collaboration with her Fashion (2008) film-maker, Madhur Bhandarkar. "When I came into the film industry, I had no one to hold my finger and show me the way‌ I never had a mentor, and I never even had friends who knew any-

ducers who can make a difference. It is a great experience to make a film, stand by it, market it and put it out there for audiences to see...

I have a vision about the kind of cinema I want to make and I'm excited about it."

thing about films. So for me, it was a very lonely and scary journey, and somewhere I wanted to make a production house which is a place to introduce new talent writers, directors, musicians and actors through maybe small, but good films," Priyanka said.

PK first film to touch Rs.300-crore mark

A

amir Khan-starrer PK has become the first film to touch the Rs.300-crore mark in its box office earning in domestic markets.

According to Trade Analyst Taran Adarsh, the social satire which invited ire from several religious groups became the first Bollywood film to enter the

Rs.300-cr club.

Interestingly, the top three films to have first scored the 100, 200 and 300 crore milestone are all Aamir Khan starrers. #Ghajini first Hindi film to cross Rs.100 cr; 3Idiots first Hindi film to cross Rs.200 cr; #PK first Hindi film to cross Rs.300 cr." Adarsh tweeted.

Philosophy

January 9, 2015

India Post 53

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis WEI WU WEI (TERENCE JAMES STANNUS GRAY)

Who is there to suffer?

Only an object could suffer.

I am not an object (no object could be I), and there is no I-object nor I-subject, both of which would then be objects.

Therefore I cannot suffer.

But there appears to be suffering, and its opposite, both pleasure and pain. They are appearances, but they are experienced. By whom, by what, are they experienced?

They are apparently experienced, and by means of an identification of what I am with what I am not, or, if you prefer, by what we are not, illusorily identified with what we are.

What we are does not know pain or pleasure, what we are does not, as such, know anything, for in neither case is there an objective entity to suffer experience.

Whatever intensity sensations may appear to have, in the dream of manifestation they are effects of causes in a time-sequence, and apart from the time-sequence in which they develop they are not either as cause or as effect.

There is no one to suffer. We appear to suffer as a result of our illusory identification with a phenomenal object.

Let us at least understand.

What we are is invulnerable and cannot be bound.

SWAMI NIKHILANANDA

T

he first step on the path of spirituality is karma yoga.

The beauty in it is that even if one does not reach the ultimate goal, walking on the path itself will give great joy and great peace.

What is karma yoga? The Lord asks us to fulfill all our responsibilities. What are they? As a human being, we have obligations towards ourselves, the family, society, nature, ancestors, the environment, and, of course, God. We have responsibilities towards all of these and fulfilling them is very important.

Another vital aspect about karma yoga is that one should discharge these responsibilities as worship of Ishvara. When I start doing my duties for the Lord, I start enjoying them. The work itself begins to give great pleasure and satisfaction.

No doubt, the subsequent result will come, but Sri Krishna tells us to try and relish the work itself.

The result, when it comes, should be accepted gracefully. Here, the principal factor is the attitude; when the attitude is of worship, working itself will give immense happiness and contentment.

The Bhagavad-Gita reveals the

The Will-Inference The Mechanism of living seems to be based on the notion that what sentient beings do is due to an act of volition on the part of each such phenomenal object.

It is obvious, however, that they react rather than act, and that their living is conditioned by instinct, habit, fashion, and propaganda.

Their way of life is primarily a series of reflexes, which leaves a limited scope for deliberate and considered action; that is, pur-

sation or, alternatively, the process of manifestation which produces apparent events, unless itself it were an element of one or of the other.

Volition Volition, then, would seem to be an illusory inference, a mere demonstration on the part of an energized I-concept, resulting either in frustration or fulfillment and thereby being the source and explanation of the notion of karma.

Sentient beings are entirely 'lived'

less, they are as noumenon And noumenon, by definition being integrally devoid of any trace-element of objectivity, is not, cannot be, in any sense whateversince all forms of being must necessarily be objective. Here language fails us and must be left behind like the raft that has carried us across the river. All we can say is something such as 'this, which is all that sentient beings are, itself is not'.

If this is not understood it will appear unsatisfying but, under-

Suffering is due to identification with what I am not

Wei Wu Wei

Volition, then, would seem to be an illusory inference, a mere demonstration on the part of an energized I-concept, resulting either in frustration or fulfillment and thereby being the source and explanation of the notion of karma

poseful action which, superficially considered, might appear to be the result of volition, or what is called an act of will.

Nevertheless 'volition' is only an inference, for, search as we may, we can find no entity to exercise it.

All we can find is an impulse which appears to be an expression of the notion of 'I'. It would seem to be unjustifiable to assume that such an impulse could be capable of affecting the inexorable chain of cau-

as such, as has often been noted by philosophers and endorsed by metaphysicians, and the psychosomatic phenomenon is inexorably subject to causation.

That is why sentient beings as such, as the Buddha is credited with stating and re-stating in the Diamond Sutra, are not as entities.

That, also, is why, since as phenomena they are not, noumenallythough they cannot be as entities or as anything objective-neverthe-

stood, it will appear luminous and revelatory, and for the obvious reason that the understanding is 'itself this noumenon which we are.

'Volition', therefore, may be regarded as an objectivisation of noumenality.

Excerpted from Open Secret.

Terence James Stannus Gray, better known by the pen name Wei Wu Wei, was a 20th-century Taoist philosopher and writer of British origin.

nature of Ishvara. Sri Krishna emphatically states: "I reside in the hearts of every being. I pervade the whole world." He adds, "I pervade this entire world in My unmanifest form." To dedicate all our actions to the Lord, we do not have to go to a temple; wherever we are, Ishvara is there. Just bring

should dedicate all chinta to Him and do the work. The compassionate Lord, lovingly tells us that for those who do His chintan, He will do their chinta. He will look after their welfare and protect them.

away and continues to clean up after the child.

The mother should teach the child to tidy up and keep toys back after playing with them. A mother does the child's duties out of her love and compassion, but the child gets habituated to leaving his toys here and there because he knows his

Swadharma and Paradharma Karma yoga is the first lesson

Krishna tells us to try & relish the work itself In Bhaja Govindam, Shankaracharya advises us not to do chinta -worry. He points out that there is somebody taking care of us as well as the world. One should dedicate all chinta to Him and do the work the right bhavana, the right attitude in your heart of offering all your work to Ishvara - "O Shambho, whatever work I do is Your aradhana!" When we develop this dedicated attitude, a number of our psychological and self-created problems will disappear.

In Bhaja Govindam, Shankaracharya advises us not to do chinta -worry. He points out that there is somebody taking care of us as well as the world. One

taught in the Bhagavad-Gita. It might appear very simple, but it is extremely profound and important.

Many people try to do somebody else's duties instead of doing their own. This is called paradharma.

My own duties are called swadharma.

Let us take the example of a house with children playing and leaving their toys scattered all around. The hardworking mother collects everything, puts them

Swami Nikhilananda

mother will come and collect them.

This same child grows to be an adult citizen and thinks that the government is the 'mother'. He throws garbage everywhere, litters gardens and parks thinking that 'mother' will clean after him! This attitude remains because we have not taught swadharma.

Excerpted from Blog No. 4 from "Guidance from the Bhagawad Gita" Swami Nikhilananda is the head of Chinmaya Mission Delhi and NCR

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

- Buddha Said the master, "Which of you knows the fragrance of a rose?" All of them indicated that they knew.

Then he said, "Put it into words." All of them were silent.

- Anthony DeMello Attachment to your appetites - whether you deprive or indulge them - can lead to slavery, but satisfying the needs of daily life is not wrong. Indeed, to keep a body in good health is a duty, for otherwise the mind will not stay strong and clear.

- Buddha Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion.

-Dalai Lama Rely on the spirit and meaning of the teachings, not on the words. Rely on the teachings, not on the personality of the teacher.

-Traditional Buddhist teaching

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January 9, 2015

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Need for a new anti-terror policy in North-East

T

he Christmas-eve massacre in Assam of more than 75 Adivasi men, women and children by rebels belonging to the Songbijit faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB-S) has made two things clear - that it was a pure act of terrorism, not a routine incident of insurgency, and that an assortment of rebel leaders are still remote-controlling their trigger-happy foot soldiers from safe hideouts in India's neighbourhood.

By way of a response to this continuing bloodbath in Assam (46 people were gunned down by the same outfit in Baksa and Kokrajhar districts in May 2014), the new Government in New Delhi is expected to demonstrate on the ground its 'zero tolerance' policy on terror, besides coming up with a new anti-terror strategy that factors in the firm commitment of sup-

by the security establishment, including the CBI, for involvement in the October 2008 serial blasts in Assam that had killed 100 people.

Now, despite the year-long killing and extortion spree by the NDFBS gunmen, some Assam Police officers are reported to have been engaged in 'talks' with some leaders of the outfit.

Such actions - talking peace with killer gangs - amounts to according legitimacy to such groups and their actions and only encourage newer militant groups to upscale their violent acts. It is this policy of the Centre that which among other reasons is keeping insurgency alive and kicking in the Northeast. The rebels by now know they only have to agree to sit for talks if the going gets tough for them!

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh did talk sense when he visited Assam in the wake of the lat-

The ongoing peace talks with a plethora of rebel groups only add to the confusion, surely even among the security forces on how to respond to a situation. Therefore, the need for a new anti-terror strategy port from Myanmar, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

The Narendra Modi Government must put its 'zero tolerance' policy against terrorism into immediate operation in Assam because the NDFB-S men, during their raids in Sonitpur and Kokrajhar districts on the evening of 23 December 2014, did not hesitate to kill infants by putting their gun barrels into their mouths. This explains the brutality of their crime and the commitment of this armed group to indulge in terror.

The same group had killed an Additional Superintendent of Police in January 2014, shot dead 46 people in May, and killed a school girl in August because they suspected her of being a 'police informer.' The question that arises is obvious: what is the Unified Command of the Army, police and the paramilitary, headed by the Chief Minister, doing by way of measures to neutralise the rebels?

That the Government of India's peace policy is flawed has been proved yet again by the latest carnage. New Delhi is already 'talking peace' with two other NDFB factions: the NDFB (Progressive) and the NDFB (Ranjan Daimary).

For the record, the NDFB (Ranjan Daimary) group - and Daimary himself - has been clearly accused

India Post

WASBIR HUSSAIN

est massacre. He said there is no question of engaging in talks with killers who have shot dead even infants and ruled out any political solution to the issues of groups like the NDFB-S. Singh talked of a 'time-bound' security offensive to neutralise the rebels.

The Centre must now make a policy statement and announce a moratorium on peace talks with newer militant groups in Assam and elsewhere in the Northeast.

This will go a long way in sending out a clear message to new insurgent outfits who would realise that they are henceforth going to be dealt with as nothing but a law and order problem.

After all, the Government cannot be expected to sign fresh Bodo accords with the two NDFB factions it is currently talking to.

Again, for those uninitiated, the Centre had signed a Bodo Accord with the rebel Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) in 2003. The BLT thereafter transformed itself into a political party, contested local elections, and has been ruling the area for the past decade.

As usual, there have been claims and counter-claims in the wake of the carnage - central intelligence agencies have said they had intercepted radio conversations in which NDFB-S leaders were instructing

their hit-squads to target Adivasis and that they had forwarded these to the Assam Police.

If this is true, the Assam Government owes the people of the state an explanation as to the action taken on the information. But, killings by insurgents have become so commonplace in Assam and other Northeastern states like Manipur and Meghalaya that the local governments can afford to be complacent and unaccountable.

Of course, the ongoing peace talks with a plethora of rebel groups only add to the confusion, surely even among the security forces on how to respond to a situation.

Therefore, the need for a new antiterror strategy.

The fact that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was quick to speak to Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay seeking his Government's assistance in tackling the NDFB-S militants indicates the rebels may have once again opened shop inside the Himalayan nation or are sneaking in and out of its dense jungles.

This is not surprising because the ULFA, NDFB and the Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) were flushed out of Bhutan by a joint BhutanIndia military assault in 2003. The External Affairs Ministry has also confirmed that Sushma Swaraj was in touch with other 'friendly neighbouring' countries as part of India's bid to tame the Northeast rebels. This means that New Delhi is in touch with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The Modi Government's neighbourhood push is indeed notable, but commerce aside, New Delhi must also work out institutional mechanisms with Thimphu, Naypyidaw and Dhaka to deal with insurgents who operate sans borders in their trasnational criminal journey.

The question now is this: can India work out an anti-terror strategy that transcends its borders and work together with the security establishments in Myanmar, Bangladesh and Bhutan? There has been cooperation on this front but one is talking of something with standard protocols in place.

One hopes Prime Minister Modi, Rajnath Singh and Sushma Swaraj will be able to devise an IndiaMyanmar-Bangladesh-Bhutan security umbrella to fight terror in the Northeastern frontier, and include Nepal too in the endeavour.

The writer is Executive Director, CDPS, Guwahati, and Visiting Fellow, IPCS

P

Terror threats

resident Barack Obama's imminent India visit has encouraged Pakistan based terrorists to plan something big to spoil the party. Already an alleged terrorist boat from Pakistan blew up on being challenged by the Indian Coast Guard off Porbander in Gujarat. Air India received a threat of a hijack threat on the DelhiKabul route. A low intensity blast killed a woman in Bengaluru.

Daily shellings on the Jammu & Kashmir border have been intensified attracting punitive response from the Indian side under the tough policy of the new BJP government.

Although intelligence sources are alerting the authorities on the possible threats, it is apparent that big strikes do not come with warnings. So there is extraordinary pressure on security agencies to prevent such an event. Pakistan continues to play a double game.

Even though after the Peshawar massacre of children an all out campaign against terrorists has been launched, the establishment continues to act on the basis of "good" terrorists and "bad" terrorists. "Bad" terrorists are those who strike Pakistani assets and "good" terrorists are those who strike Indian assets as Pakistan's proxies.

There is evidence that Pakistan is continuing this double game but still getting good behaviour certificates from the Obama administration. Recently US Secretary of State John Kerry is reported to have commended Pakistan on its fight against terrorists. This had to be done in order to clear $ 1.5 billion annual aid to Pakistan which has been blocked under the Kerry-Lugar-Burman Act which makes the aid conditional on the State Department certification that Pakistan was doing all it could to fight terrorism. India has reacted sharply to reports that the 2014 assistance package was given after Kerry told Congress that Pakistan was doing all it could to fight terrorism.

The spokesman of the Indian ministry of external affairs said India does not believe that Pakistan is showing commitment or any effort to cease support to India-specific terrorist groups.

On the eve of Obama visit to India, it is strange that the US is trying to override provisions of the Kerry Lugar Act in order to provide financial assistance to Pakistan. However a US spokesperson has denied that the Secretary of State had issued any certificate to the Congress on the progress made by Pakistan in taking action against terrorist groups. She however made it clear that the US had been using some other provision to give aid to Pakistan.

The aid had been provided under the "national interest waiver" and not the certification requirement. She slipped in that there were a number of other ways by which aid can be channelled to Pakistan.

So the denial was only about the way the aid has been routed.

All this doesn't take away from the importance of the US President's coming visit to India. Secretary of State Kerry is in Ahmedabad to attend the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) - another first by a top ranking leader of the United States. In fact, he would be taking the opportunity to meet up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad to discuss with him the plans for the Obama visit.

The US may not completely write off Pakistan where daily terrorist attacks take place but it is not willing to trust Indian security agencies to be able to successfully guard the US President during his visit. It is reported that the US Secret Service has expressed reservations over Chief Guest Barack Obama traveling in the Indian President's vehicle to Rajpath for the January 26 parade.

It seems the options being discussed are that the two presidents travel in their respective vehicles or both travel in Obama's vehicle that will sport the flags of the two countries. It would be letting down Indian public if an arrangement is made where the two presidents are not seen together. There is still time to arrive at a better solution.

January 9, 2015

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