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FOG welcomes 2017 with a thrilling show Details on page 16

All 5 Ind-Am lawmakers get key panels Details on page 5

VOL 22, No. 1164

January 20, 2017

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'TRUMP WOULD TAME CHINA ON NSG'

NEW DELHI: A day after China came out strongly against the Obama administration on India's NSG bid, outgoing US envoy Richard Verma exuded confidence that the Donald Trump government would be able to overcome the Chinese hurdle.

Verma said President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry and a lot of other people had worked in pushing India's membership to the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group and that the US will continue to work on it.

China had said admission of non-NPT signatories in NSG cannot be a "farewell gift" for countries to give to

each other. The Chinese reaction had come after the Obama administration asserted that Beijing was an "outlier" in the efforts to make India a member of the elite nuclear club.

"This is something we will keep working on together.

There is a lot of support for India's membership as we said we strongly support India's accession in the NSG. "These things are complicated, they take time, they are multilateral. We will have to continue to work with those countries including China which may have some concerns. But I believe, at the end of the day, we will get there," Verma said.

Details on page 5

Raja opposes repeal of Healthcare Act

Ind-Am Balaji S Srinivasan may lead FDA Details on page 5

Chicago bids farewell to Dr Ausaf Sayeed Details on page 19

24 MOUs signed at first ever Haryana PBD

Details on page 20

Center, States reach consensus on GST

Details on page 10

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29

Details on page 8

Classifieds ------------------------- 38 Community Post -------------- 16-24

INDIA POST SURVEY

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

survey@indiapost.com

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

This week’s question

Horoscope ------------------------- 25

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

Immigration Post ------------- 34-37

Should Trump continue on Twitter after Jan 20?

Life Style ----------------------- 30-33 Perspective -------------------- 48-49

Last week’s result

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

Will India, US cooperation continue under Trump?

YES 57%

NO 43%

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 50-52

NEW YEAR GIFT: Aerial view of Shimla City after fresh snowfall on January 16

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

TechBiz Post ------------------- 11-15 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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his issue date coincides with Inauguration Day. As we step into the new Presidency with justifiable trepidation, and brace ourselves for a roller coaster ride -there are a few things that we should all hope that President Trump does or does not do, in the interest of all Americans and the country's standing in the world.

I hope he doesn't needlessly bully the country's smaller neighbors, more so the South American nations. Well, it could prove counter-productive if these countries face economic hardships.

I hope that he does not become directly or indirectly instrumental in flaming conflicts or worse, starting a war. The world is full of strike-ready conflict zones and jittery political leaders.

I hope he does not meddle with US aid and allies through NATO and United Nations. It is poverty in the Third World that pushes those people into crime, trafficking and terrorism.

My biggest fear is the possibility of racial tensions within the country. Trump himself does not have to directly say or do anything to cause it. All it requires is condoning of nationalistic fervor turned bigoted outbursts.

I hope that he manages to bring manufacturing back to the US. That won't be easy, though. There's the auto industry, electronics, fashion industry, software programming, hardware, industrial parts, food industry, cosmetic industry, you name it. Let's see how well his deal making or rather, arm twisting tactics work.

I hope he is not lying outright about providing universal healthcare. Really, I got to see this one work. Wonder what kind of deals the pharmaceutical industry and the insurance companies will agree to. There's a lot of greed there that needs to be dealt with where people's health is not more important than corporate profits.

I hope the mainstream media finds a way to deal with him. He's already discredited the media and the intelligence agencies. He can get away with a lot because his voters won't believe these institutions anyway.

There will be no free rides in Trumpland. Just hope that the rides don't cost too much.

Romesh K Japra publisher@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Rich chemistry The intense and effortless chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in 'Raees' is being appreciated.

Cover Story: Trump & China on NSG Outgoing US envoy Richard Verma is confident the Trump government would overcome the Chinese hurdle on NSG.

Community: Thrilling FOG show Bay Area welcomed 2017 with a thrilling FOG- organized New Year's Eve celebration held at Royal Palace.

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Immigration: Hate crimes spike South Asian community in the US bore the brunt of a spike in hate violence during the presidential election

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Life style: Filmfare Awards At the Filmfare awards, "Dangal" swept 3 awards - Best Film, Best Actor and Best Director. Alia won for "Udta Punjab".

Techbiz: Indo-US 'strategic convergence' The Obama Administration hopes the Trump government would continue to prioritize the bilateral partnership with India

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'Trump would tame China on NSG' NEW DELHI: A day after China came out strongly against the Obama administration on India's NSG bid, outgoing US envoy Richard Verma exuded confidence that the Donald Trump government would be able to overcome the Chinese hurdle.

Verma said President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John

tries to give to each other. The Chinese reaction had come after the Obama administration asserted that Beijing was an "outlier" in the efforts to make India a member of the elite nuclear club.

"This is something we will keep working on together. There is a lot of support for India's membership as we said we strongly

lieve, at the end of the day, we will get there," Verma said.

The envoy, who is stepping down from the post before Republican Donald Trump takes over as American President on January 20, said the US has been strongly supporting India's bid at the NSG and other export control regimes besides its member-

"These things are complicated, they take time, they are multilateral. We will have to continue to work with those countries including China which may have some concerns.

But I believe, at the end of the day, we will get there," Verma said Kerry and a lot of other people had worked in pushing India's membership to the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group and that the US will continue to work on it.

China had said admission of non-NPT signatories in NSG cannot be a "farewell gift" for coun-

support India's accession in the NSG. "These things are complicated, they take time, they are multilateral. We will have to continue to work with those countries including China which may have some concerns. But I be-

ship at a reformed UN Security Council and other international institutions.

"All of these things have been very very important for President Obama and I believe they will continue to be top priority (of the Trump administration)," he told

Ind-Am lawmakers get key Congressional panels WASHINGTON: All five Indian-American lawmakers, the highest number in the history of the US Congress, have been nominated to influential Congressional panels.

Congressman Ro Khanna representing Silicon Valley has been nominated to the powerful House Budget Committee, while Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, elected to the House of Representatives from Seattle, would serve on yet another powerful House Judiciary Committee.

Raja Krishnamoorthi, representing Chicago's west and northwest suburbs, will serve on the House Education and Workforce Committee, along with the powerful House Democratic Policy and Steering Committee.

Three-term Congressman Ami Bera, the seniormost among all

Indian-American lawmakers in the House of Representatives, has been renominated to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Science, Space and Technology Committee. He is also the co-chair of Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.

Kamala Harris, the first IndianAmerican to have been elected to the US Senate, has been made member of four powerful Senate Committees. These are Committee on Budget, Select Committee on Intelligence, Committee on Environment and Public Works and Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

"These four committees will be key battlegrounds in the fight for the future of our country. At a time when so many Californians and Americans are uncertain about our future, I will aggressively fight

for our families and the ideals of our nation," Harris said in a statement.-PTI

Ro Khanna

Pramila Jayapal

Kamala Harris

Raja Krishnamoorthi

Ami Bera

reporters on the sidelines of an event here.

China has been blocking India's membership bid for the 48member grouping despite backing from majority members on the grounds that India is not a signatory to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty (NPT).

"I just want to point out that NSG membership shall not be some kind of (a) farewell gift for countries to give to each other," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, taking a dig at the Obama administration.

China is advocating a two-step approach for admission of countries who have not signed the NPT.

As per the new stand announced by Beijing, it first wants to find a solution that is applicable to the admission of all nonNPT countries followed by discussions on admitting specific nations.

Donald Trump

Besides India, China is also interacting with Pakistan on the issue as Islamabad too applied for NSG membership after India. -PTI

Balaji S Srinivasan may lead FDA WASHINGTON: Indian-Ameri- cus on "real world" applications can Balaji S Srinivasan, a success- where digital bits interface with ful Silicon Valley-based entrepre- physical atoms and substantive neur and CEO of a bitcoin startup, problems, such as quantified self is under consideration for Trump (healthcare), MOOCs/edtech Administration's pick to lead the (education), Bitcoin (finance), Federal Drug Administration after drones, and 3D printing," he met the US President-elect.

Srinivasan wrote on his LinkedIn Balaji Srinivasan met Trump at profile. the Trump Towers in New York He has also been a lecturer at last week. No official announce- Departments of Statistics, and ment has been made yet.

Computer Science at the prestiBut the incoming White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer con- He has also been a lecturer firmed that Balaji is under consideration for at Departments of Statistics, the position of heading Federal Drug Adminis- and Computer Science at tration (FDA), the all- the prestigious Stanford important federal agency for drug and University pharma industry.

"Srinivasan along with Jim O'Neill, managing direc- gious Stanford University. tor of Mithril Capital Management He is currently teaching are being considered for posi- Stanford's Bitcoin Engineering tions in the FDA," Spicer told re- course at bitcoin.stanford and the porters.

Startup Engineering MOOC at Spicer said Srinivasan cur- coursera.org/course/startup. rently serves as the CEO and coOn his website, Balaji defounder of 21.co and is a partner scribes himself as a computer sciin Andreessen Horowitz. entist, investor, entrepreneur, and "He has won FDA approval as academic. He holds a BS, MS, and a genomics entrepreneurial," he PhD in Electrical Engineering and said. an MS in Chemical Engineering "I am broadly interested in new from Stanford.

Cont’d on page 6 technology, with a particular fo-

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US says Lessons learnt from Khobragade incident WASHINGTON: The Indo-US diplomatic crisis that erupted in 2013 with the arrest of woman diplomat Devyani Khobragade was not only a "low point" in ties but both sides learnt "very important lessons" from it, a top official of the outgoing Obama administration has said.

"The diplomatic crisis that unfolded within weeks of my coming in, surely was a test for both countries. I think, not only it was a low point but more importantly it was a learning moment for both countries. We drew very very important lessons on both sides from that," Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal told PTI. Sharing some of these lessons, Biswal said first lesson learnt was that one cannot allow for or afford for complacency to creep in to a relationship, which is as important for the USAssistant India relationship.

"It requires constant attention to issues large and small. Two, you can't allow small issues to fester or go unattended.

Three, you have to operate in each other countries in a way that is consistent with and in accordance with the legal and regulatory acts of that country," she said.

Khobragade, a 1999-batch IFS officer was arrested on December 12, 2013, in the US when she was India's Deputy Consul-General in New York on visa fraud charges and for allegedly providing false declarations in a visa application for her maid. She later was released on a USD 250,000 bond.

She left the US after getting full diplomatic immunity. The incident had triggered a diplomatic row between the US and India.

"What we are trying to do is to make sure that we are in compliance and two that if a problem arises that we act quickly to engage our counterparts and work through to resolve. Because when those communication streams breakdown and when we are not acting aggressively to manage these issues that's when you leave room for the crisis to escalate and to take on different order of magnitude," Biswal noted.

Biswal said there would always be issues that would come up between the two countries.

"India is an extraordinarily complex country, complex not

only in terms of its diversity and its society, but also complex in terms of the legal structures that govern India between the central government, the state government, its all different legal environment," Biswal said.

The US is similarly an extraordinarily complex society with its own national and state laws with

of the central government, she said.

"But what is within our control and what is within the control of Ministry of External Affairs in India is the ability to work through and work together to resolve those issues and to address those issues in a way that is transparent and that builds confidence and that's where we are today and that's what we learned lessons from that crisis and from that low point," Biswal said.

"I am hopeful that we will not find ourselves in that situation again because of the lessons that we have learned. I think, what we learned that we need each other, that we value this relationship too much to allow it to deteriorate," she asserted.

"The crisis forced the two countries to say, wait a minute, we do not want to go down this pathway with India. Or for India to say we do Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal not want to go down with America this pathway. different layers of law enforce- We need each other, we want each ment and layers of states and lo- other to be strong partners, we got cal courts and so the actions that to rebuild it and that's where Forcan be brought forth by in a local- eign Secretary Jaishankar when he ity, in a municipality by a state are came in as Ambassador was quite not necessarily within the control forceful about that," she said. -PTI

IMF cuts India's growth to 6.6 per cent WASHINGTON: The IMF has cut India's growth rate for the current fiscal year to 6.6 per cent from its previous estimate of 7.6 per cent due to the "temporary negative consumption shock" of demonetization, days after the World Bank also decelerated India's growth estimates.

"In India, the growth forecast for the current (2016-17) and next fiscal year were trimmed by one percentage point and 0.4 percentage point, respectively, primarily due to the temporary negative consumption shock induced by cash shortages and payment disruptions associated with the recent currency note withdrawal and exchange initiative," the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) update.

The IMF said that after a lackluster outturn in 2016, economic

activity is projected to pick up pace in 2017 and 2018, especially in emerging market and developing economies.

The global growth for 2016 is now estimated at 3.1 per cent, in line with the October 2016 forecast.

Economic activity in both advanced economies and emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) is forecast to accelerate in 2017 18, with global growth projected to be 3.4 per cent and 3.6 per cent, respectively, again unchanged from the October forecasts, it said.

As per new IMF projections, India's growth in 2016 is now estimated to be 6.6 per cent as against 7.6 per cent earlier forecast.

In 2017, IMF has projected a growth rate of 7.2 per cent as against its previous forecast of 7.6 per cent.-PTI

US hopeful of commercial deal for N-plant WASHINGTON: With the US But that agreement left a numand India making "progress" over ber of important issues unrethe commercial and financing as- solved, including the issues of pects of their civil nuclear agree- nuclear liability, she noted. ment, the Obama administration is "What I think, President hopeful that a deal for a nuclear (Barack) Obama and Prime Minispower plant in India under the ter (Narendra) Modi have been landmark pact could be an- able to do is resolve those residual nounced by the end of this year. blocks that were there on the ac"What remains (of the civil tual agreement itself," she said. nuclear agreement) is the actual "So with India's ratification of commercial deal to be negotiated the convention of supplementary and the financing to be negoti- compensation the liability issue ated. That I think is moving for- by and large has been addressed. ward," Assistant Secretary of We have defined ways in which State for South and Central Asia the agreement can also be in comNisha Desai Biswal said. pliance with our legal statutory "It has been our hope that the two governments, the two lead- The first and foremost is for ers when they last met the commercial partners for said that they are hopeful that they would be Westinghouse to be able to at a point where a commercial deal and financ- achieve the package that is ing be announced by satisfactory to both of them the summer of 2017. I am hopeful that that would and to the Indian continue to be the case government, she said and we would continue to work through those issues," Biswal told PTI. agreements with respect to trackThe first and foremost is for ing of fissile material. So I think the commercial partners for that issue has been kind of cleared Westinghouse to be able to up. And that path has been unachieve the package that is satis- blocked," Biswal said. factory to both of them and to the Culminating a decade of partIndian government, she said. nership on civil nuclear issues, And when that package is put Modi and Obama during their together for the financing terms White House meeting last year to be negotiated, Biswal added. had "welcomed" the start of pre"We are making progress on paratory work on site in India for both of those fronts and hopefully six AP1000 reactors to be built by would be able to get to that finish Westinghouse. line later this year, as was proThey had also welcomed the jected by the two leaders," Biswal announcement by the Nuclear said.

Power Corporation of India The civil-nuclear agreements (NPCIL) and Westinghouse that negotiated during the Bush Ad- engineering and site design work ministration was a watershed mo- will begin immediately and the two ment because it set the two coun- sides will work toward finalizing tries on a path that India and US the contractual arrangements by are so far along today, Biswal said. June 2017. -PTI

Balaji S Srinivasan may lead FDA Cont’d from page 5

He was the CTO and cofounder of Counsyl, a genomics startup that began in a Stanford dorm room and now tests four per cent of all US births.

After ten years in genomics and five years at Counsyl, he stepped back from an executive role in November 2012 to work on other areas of technology.

Media reports said Srinivasan is closely associated with Peter Thiel, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist and co-founder of PayPal. He was among the few Silicon Valley leaders to have supported Trump in his presidential campaign.

Srinivasan's parents are from Chennai, who came to the US in early 70s. -PTI

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Indo-Pak Peace Calendar to be launched in US India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: On 14th January, Aaghaz-e-Dosti, a joint Indo-Pak Friendship initiative, launched its 5th Indo-Pak Peace Calendar in

India. The launch was followed by a discussion on 'Sharing of Hopes' with eminent speakers including Col. (Retd) Virendra Sahai Verma,

Dr. S. N. Subba Rao, Dr. Syeda Hameed and Kamla Bhasin.

This Indo Pak peace calendar features selected paintings (6 paintings from India and 6 from Pakistan) from school students (Grade 8 to 12) of India and Pakistan .These paintings depict an innocent and apolitical horizon of peace.

Thought-provoking expressions were received from students of several cities in India (Bulandshahr, Cuttack, Dehradun, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Surat and Vadodara) and Pakistan (Balochistan, Karachi, Lahore, Rahim Yar Khan, Swabi and Toba Tek Singh).

Alongside the paintings, peace calendar includes messages from peace activists and renowned intellectuals.

This year, Peace Calendar includes messages of Dr. Salima Hashmi, Dr I A Rehman, Prof. Mubashir Hassan, Khadim Hussain, Lt.

General (Retd) Muhammad Masood Aslam from Pakistan and Dr Shashi Tharoor, Col (retd) Virender Sahai, Major General (retd) Ashok Mehta, Dr Syeda Hameed, Dr. Kavita Sharma and Sudheendra Kulkarni from India.

An Aaghaz-e-Dosti press release said, "The calendar will go a long way in reminding everyone that peace is the only solution to problems, sharing dreams and hopes of friendship which will be reminded every time one glances at it. It is a rekindling of hope for enhancing people to people connect through expressions and desires of students who paint their dreams of traveling across borders. It is an effort with the faith that peaceful ambiance will be a reality on ground rather than a distant dream!"

In previous years, peace calendars have been launched in various cities of India and Pakistan. This is the 5th year of calendar launch and this year it started its journey from Lahore (1st Jan), Toba Tek Singh (8th Jan), Peshawar (10th Jan) and in Delhi on 14th January, in Karachi on 28th January and in Chandigarh on 14th Feb.

Aaghaz-e-Dosti also planning to launch this calendar in Dehradun, Panipat, Mumbai and Kolkata and also across borders of South Asia, in Kyrgyzstan and

United States of America. People from all walks of life are expected to participate and eminent speakers will share their thoughts and experiences.

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Center, States reach consensus on GST NEW DELHI: In a significant breakthrough in implementation of India's biggest tax reform, the deadlock over administration of GST has ended after the Centre agreed to allow states control over most of small taxpayers, but the rollout date was pushed back by 3 months to July 1.

The split of GST taxpayers between the two will be done horizontally with states getting to ad-

one authority.

Besides ceding control, the Centre also agreed to the demand of coastal states, allowing them to tax economic activity in 12 nautical miles even though constitutionally the Centre has jurisdiction over territorial waters.

"This is a significant headway," Jaitley said after the meeting.

While a four-rate tax slab of 5,

The stalemate over administration of GST had been holding up consensus in the GST Council since early November with four successive meetings failing to break the deadlock as the Centre was not in favor of a horizontal split minister and control 90 per cent of the asseesses below Rs 1.5 crore annual turnover, and the remaining 10 per cent coming under the Centre.

The Centre and states will share control of assessees with annual turnover of over Rs 1.5 crore in 50:50 ratio even as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley insisted that each tax payer will be assessed only once and by only

12, 18 and 28 per cent had already been reached, a consensus on the administration of the Goods and Services Tax - which will subsume central and state levies like excise duty, service tax and VAT - paved the way for finalization of the draft supporting laws.

Jaitley said the draft of Integrated GST or IGST, the tax which will be levied by the Centre on inter-state movement of goods and

services, as well as SGST and CGST will be finalized in the next meeting of the GST Council on February 18.

Once approved, the Council will then decide on taxing various goods and services in different tax slabs, he said.

The stalemate over administration of GST had been holding up consensus in the GST Council since early November with four successive meetings failing to break the deadlock as the Centre was not in favor of a horizontal split. It said states did not have the expertise to administer levies like service tax.

The Centre also did not favor dual agencies auditing and scrutinizing each taxpayer as multiple authorities could end up acting at cross-purposes.

With the legislative calendar drawn up, Jaitley said "realistic" date for implementation of GST will be July 1 instead of previously planned April 1.

Since GST is a transactional tax, which is to be levied when a sale takes place, it does not necessarily have to be implemented from the beginning of the fiscal, he said. -PTI

China says 2 ships sold to Pak Navy BEIJING: China has said it has sold two naval ships to Pakistan to protect the strategic Gwadar port and trade routes under the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, saying the sale of vessels was part of "normal" military and trade cooperation.

"I have learnt that some reports said China has donated these vessels. This is not cor-

Gwadar port

rect," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing here while replying to a question that

India slips on retaining talent index DAVOS: India has slipped 3 places to 92nd rank on the global index of talent competitiveness that measures how countries grow, attract and retain talent, a list topped by Switzerland.

India's ranking is worst among the five BRICS countries.

While China was ranked at the 54th place, Russian Federation was placed at 56th, followed by South Africa at 67th and Brazil

Others in the top 10 include the United States (4th), Sweden (5th), Australia (6th), Luxembourg (7th), Denmark (8th), Finland (9th) and Norway (10th).

Last year, India came in at 89th on the index.

The report noted that the BRICS countries are not getting stronger and both China and India have slipped from their yearago rankings.

tively solid pool of global knowledge skills compared with other emerging markets, the country is not able to retain and attract talent.

In terms of retaining and attracting talent, India was ranked at a lowly 104th and 114th, respectively.

"This is not likely to improve until India boosts performance in its regulatory (94th) and market

skills, but it has suffered in the 'Retain' pillar (104th). "Although Diasporas have been engaged successfully in some industries, a great deal of talent continues to leave the country, and thus India still experiences a brain drain," the report added.

Meanwhile, the index also released the first-ever global ranking of cities on the basis of their reputation and growing footprint

(99th) landscapes," the report said.

It further said that overall, a challenge for countries such as China and India is to attract talent from abroad, particularly in the context of large emigration rates of high-skilled people.

India has been able to create a stable pool of global knowledge

in attracting, growing, and retaining global talent.

Mumbai was the only Indian city that has made it to this coveted list, topped by Copenhagen. The top 10 global cities in terms of talent competitiveness include Zurich, Helsinki, San Francisco, Gothenburg, Madrid, Paris, Los Angeles, Eindhoven and Dublin. -PTI

India's ranking is worst among the five BRICS countries. While China was ranked at the 54th place, Russian Federation was placed at 56th, followed by South Africa at 67th and Brazil 81st 81st.

Switzerland topped the overall index, followed by Singapore and the United Kingdom in second and third places respectively, in the list released by INSEAD Produced in partnership with The Adecco Group and the Human Capital Leadership Institute of Singapore (HCLI).

"Although China attains an impressive 4th place in the subpillar of Talent Impact and is solid in the Grow pillar mainly supported by good formal education (23rd) and lifelong learning (20th), the shortage of vocational and technical skills shows up clearly," the report said.

While India stood on a rela-

Beijing has gifted two vessels to Pakistan.

"The report mentioned surveillance ships. It is a normal military trade cooperation with the two countries and complies with the international commitments of the two countries," Hua said.

"So I want clarify that it is not donation but it is military trade cooperation. Pakistani side bought these two ships from

China," she said.

China handed over the two ships to the Pakistan Navy for joint security along the sea route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The Gwadar port in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province has been developed under CPEC linking western China through Pakistan with the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Recently built in China and equipped with state-of-the-art guns, the ships will be part of Pakistan Navy and also used to protect the sea-lanes in the Arabian Sea. A ceremony was held in Gwadar where Chinese officials, who reached Gwadar aboard the ships, handed them over to their Pakistani counterparts.

In the past, China has shied away from saying that it plans to deploy its naval ships in Gwadar, a move which could raise alarm in the US and India.

China has not only rebuilt the Gwadar port but also has its operational control. It is also building a network of roads and railways to link up its remote western region to Gwadar for easier access to the Arabian Sea. The revamped Gwadar port became operational in November last year after two cargo ships laden with containers set off for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE and EU. -PTI

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Amazon gets another dressing down NEW DELHI: Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das has asked Amazon to desist from being flippant about Indian symbols and icons, cautioning it that "indifference will be at your own peril".

"Amazon, better behave. Desist from being flippant about Indian symbols & icons. Indiffer-

website.

A spokesman for Amazon based at its headquarters in Seattle had told The Washington Post that the doormat was no longer for sale on its website.

After the Indian flag incident, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had received several complaints of Amazon selling flip-flops with Mahatma Gandhi's image.

Some Twitter users have Some Twitter users tagged Swaraj in their tweets have tagged Swaraj in complaining that the beach their tweets complaining that the beach sansandals with Gandhi's imdals with Gandhi's image were being sold on the age were being sold on the Amazon US site.

Amazon US site When asked, Minisence will be at your own peril," try of External Affairs SpokesperDas said in a tweet. son Vikas Swarup did not specifiIn another tweet however he cally mention the issue, saying, added: "Comment on Amazon was "As a follow up to the matter reas a citizen of India as I felt garding the sale of doormats with strongly about it. Nothing more the Indian flag on Amazon, our should be read into it."

Ambassador in Washington has Recently, after a strong protest been instructed to convey to

by India over Amazon selling Amazon that while providing a doormats depicting Indian flag, platform for third party vendors, the e-retail giant removed the of- they should respect Indian sensifensive article from its Canadian tivities and sentiments." -PTI

AAP UK unit raises Rs 15 lakhs for polls LONDON: The UK arm of the Aam Aadmi Party has raised Rs 15 lakhs for the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab and Goa, an overseas spokesperson of the party said.

The party's UK workers said they had been working actively on a "Flame of Hope" campaign to achieve an AAP victory in the two state elections scheduled for next month.

"So far, INR 15 lakhs has been raised and hundreds of volunteers have started call campaigning.

Flame of Hope with a customized van designed for AAP UK was launched with huge celebration from Leamington Spa & Warwick on 18 December 2016 and has been stopping over at east London, Nottingham, Wolverhampton, Birmingham and other major UK cites, said AAP UK spokesperson Sandeep Bisht.

"It is getting a huge turnout across the UK. The idea is to

spread AAP Punjab and Goa manifestoes with fundraising and call campaigning," Bisht said.

The 'Flame of Hope' van will complete its journey around the UK at its final stop in London on January 22.

The party workers in the UK will then fly out to Punjab on a "Jahaaz for Punjab" [plane for Punjab].

"On 24 January, approximately 250 AAP UK members will be flying with the Flame of Hope torch to volunteer in the Punjab 2017 election," Bisht said.

"They will be campaigning with the local volunteers across constituencies and finally handover the torch to Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on February 1," Bisht added.

As per the schedule announced by the Election Commission, Punjab and Goa will go to polls on February 4. -PTI

UK urged to sort out student visa issue LONDON: India has expressed concern over the massive drop in Indian students coming to study in the UK and called for sorting out of visa issues.

Indian High Commissioner to the UK Y K Sinha, who took charge of his post in London last month, highlighted the sharp contrast between rising Indian student numbers in countries like the US and Australia and even across Europe.

"In the field of education we have a bit of a problem because the number of Indian students (in the UK) that was 40,000 or so in 2010 has dropped to 19,000. Compared to figures for the US, which had 104,000 Indian students in 2010 and today they have 166,000," Sinha said in his address at a media gathering at India House in London.

"Australia had 19,000 in 2010 and has 40,000 today. Obvi-

ously, there is something going wrong here because the UK has always been the first preference for Indian students," he said.

"We need to see how we can ensure that the UK attracts good students from India because Indian students are doing ex-

doing a great job but I think we need to sort out the issues regarding visas. It is an area where both governments are talking to each other," Sinha said.

He also flagged the issue of movement of professionals as another area of concern because

"We need to see how we can ensure that the UK attracts good students from India because Indian students are doing extremely well everywhere they go," Sinha asserted tremely well everywhere they go," Sinha asserted.

Even countries like Germany have over 10,000 Indian students and France has 5,000.

They are actively going into campuses in India to attract students, he said.

"I think the UK universities are

the UK remains the "first port of call in Europe" for Indians due to a shared history and other commonalities.

"In the field of IT, our professionals are renowned the world over. It is very important that our IT professionals can come and work and go back.� -PTI

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24 MOUs signed at first ever Haryana Pravasi Divas KRISHAN SHARMA India Post News Service

GURUGRAM: More than 400 people of Haryana origin from 300 countries participated in the firstever Pravasi Haryana Divas here during which Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar claimed that 24 MoUs involving potential investment of Rs 20,000 crore have been signed. He said these would provide employment opportunities to 43,000 persons.

Khattar said that 23 Pravasi Haryanvis have offered to invest Rs 17 crore in various philan-

them in redressal of complaints and investment-related queries.

While the grievances redressal cell would deal with their complaints, the second would be to facilitate their investment and take up suggestions from them, Khattar said.

The Principal Secretary, Industries, Devender Sigh said Kartik Das would be the contact person.

They (NRIs) can email at kartik.das@investindia.org.in, call on 9205192101 or log on to investharyana.nic.in for investment-related queries.

Khattar said the state govern-

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar addresses the gathering at the inaugural event of Pravasi Haryana Divas at Kingdom of Dreams on January 11

Chandra, In-charge of Party Affairs in Haryana Anil Jain, BJP State President Subhash Barala, Haryana Tourism and Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma, Haryana Finance Minister Capt Abhimanyu, Public Works (Building and Roads). Union Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh and Textiles Minister Smriti Zubin Irani were also present.

thropic works.

While terming the first Pravasi Haryana Divas as a "big success", the Chief Minister said that it would not only generate investment, but would also further strengthen the bonds of Pravasi Haryanvis with the state of their origin.

He said that this was the first Haryana Pravasi Divas and in future this would be celebrated at an interval of two years.

He also said the Government might hold the Pravasi Haryana Divas and Global Investors Summit together next time.

ment had changed more than 300 laws, rules and procedures in less than four months to help Haryana feature among the top five states in the country in terms of ease of

2 NRI Cells The Haryana government will set up two dedicated cells for Non Resident Indians (NRIs) to help

doing business as per the World Bank's ranking.

Among those present on the occasion were MP Subhash

Lauding sportspersons Lauding the sportspersons of Haryana, Union Minister of State for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines, Piyush Goyal urged the participants to

Randeep Hooda said, "During my trip to Silicon Valley last year as Grand Marshal at the FOG India Day Parade, I observed one thing common among all NRIs Their heart is with India." adopt the sportspersons so as to groom them.

He said the state has made tremendous progress in the past five decades and praised the initiatives taken by Chief Minister Manohar Lal to make Haryana open-defecation free.

Cricketer Kapil Dev appreciated the development of the sporting culture in the state. He said the daughters of Haryana have made the state proud in various sports meets.

Haryana Additional Chief Secretary, Home Ram Niwas hailed the heritage of Haryana. "Every Haryanvi is proud of state's culture and the development it has made over the years."

Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce Devender Singh said the event has been organized

Westler sisters Babita and Geeta Phogat being honoured by Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani as Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Union Steel Minister Birender Singh look on during the Pravasi Haryana Divas

to provide a platform to the people of Haryana origin to connect themselves with their roots and provide them an opportunity to contribute in the development of Haryana.

A colorful cultural program was also organized.

Sex ratio State Health Minister Anil Vij claimed that the number of girls per 1000 boys has crossed the 900 mark in Haryana, a remarkable achievement for the state known for its skewed sex ratio.

Vij said government is also

making efforts to deploy one doctor per 1,000 persons as compare one doctor per 1,700 persons in the state.

The concluding session was attended by entertainment luminaries like Subash Ghai and Randeep Hooda, both hailing from Rothak. Ghai pointed out the importance of development of culture in schools and community.

Randeep Hooda said, "During my trip to Silicon Valley last year as Grand Marshal at the FOG India Day Parade, I observed one thing common among all NRIs - Their heart is with India." -With PTI inputs

Hollow claims, says Hooda CHANDIGARH: Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has accused the Manohar Lal Khattar regime of making "hollow claims" on big investments flowing into the state through Pravasi Haryana Divas.

"In March last year, they claimed that the Global Investor Summit at Gurugram was a grand success. Later, they said

investments close to Rs 7 lakh crore had been garnered as a result of MoUs signed during the event. Let them show what investments have flowed in and who has made these investments," Hooda told reporters here.

"The government should tell which land has been acquired for which project and give full details," he said.-PTI

Tech News US, Indian agencies to promote sustainable growth NEW DELHI: The development aid agencies of India and the US have decided to pursue a range of activities to promote sustainable economic growth in mutually identified countries or regions.

This was conveyed by a joint statement on 'Cooperation between the Millennium Challenge Corporation of the US and the Development Partnership Administration of the Ministry of External Affairs.'

The statement also asserted that the US and India share a strong commitment to promote economic growth and development, and regional cooperation and connectivity.

Under the partnership, the two sides will exchange information and experience in relevant sectors, provide advisory or technical assistance, facilitate site visits and work towards capacity building.

The cooperation will continue for the period of five years. -PTI

Haryana incentives for industry in backward areas CHANDIGARH: The Haryana government has formulated an Industrial Infrastructure Development Scheme aimed at promoting uniform regional and sustainable growth across the state, including in backward areas.

"It has been decided to provide fiscal incentives to assist dispersal of industry to the industrially backward areas, and infrastructure-led geographical dispersal driven by mega projects and industrial corridors," a spokesman of the Industries and Commerce Department said here.

The scheme has been introduced for providing adequate width of road connectivity with the nearest state or national highway, water and independent power feeder or sub-station up to the premises or periphery of mega project, and identified service enterprise.

These will also be provided to thrust rural clusters and rural functional clusters set up in 'C' and 'D' category blocks, defense projects set up in 'B', 'C' and 'D' category blocks and industrial estates developed by private developers in C' and 'D' category blocks. A yearly budgetary provision of Rs 100 crore would be made for the purpose, he added.

Under the scheme, various categories of organizations would be eligible for creating infrastructure in respect of road, independent power feeder and water supply. -PTI

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Tata mine bags 5 awards from IBM BHUBANESWAR: Sukinda Chromite Mine (SCM) of Tata Steel located in Odisha's Jajpur district has bagged 5 awards including Par Excellence award as the best mine amongst participants of the state from Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM).

SCM was adjudged first in overall performance and systematic and scientific development of mine, second in Dump management and third position in afforestation, a Tata Steel release said.

The awards were presented on the concluding day of 19th Annual Mines Environment and Mineral Conservation (MEMC) week 2016-17 celebration here.

A total 79 operating mines of Odisha including iron, manganese, limestone, granite, chromite had participated in it. -PTI

Indo-US 'strategic convergence' at highest point: Obama admn WASHINGTON: The Obama Administration has asserted that the Indo-US "strategic convergence" is at its highest point, as it hoped that the incoming Trump government would continue to prioritize the bilateral partnership of "paramount importance" to address global challenges.

"I want to say, particularly (as) I sit in this position in the Department of State, the strategic convergence between the United States and India is at the highest point that it has ever been," Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal told PTI in an interview.

"We see that by large we share a world view and we are now increasingly therefore talking to each other about challenges that we see as well as opportunities," she said.

As a political appointee, Biswal's term at the State Department ends on January 20 along with that of Barack Obama as US President when Donald Trump would succeed him as the 45th President of the US. "The US-India relationship is built on a number of fundamentals that I think are consistent. We have a set of values, for democracy, for a pluralistic society, for a free society," Biswal said.

"We have a number of shared goals, objectives and inheritance to a rule-based international order, a desire to advance through peace and a focus on a shared prosperity," she said.

Biswal said she believes that these fundamentals would continue to define the Indo-US relationship.

"The next administration coming in, comes in with an understanding and appreciation for the important role that India has played and the increasingly consequential role that India will play on the global scene. And that a US India partnership therefore is of paramount importance to those countries in advancing those shared goals and interests," she asserted.

"We have certainly seen that

in how President Obama has approached this relationship. It's a relationship that Barack Obama came in on day one focused on and in seeking out to Prime Minis-

ment, the role that India played, we are seeing that increasingly in how India is becoming a net security provider, a provider of humanitarian relief, how India is becom-

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswas displaying her Pravasi Bharatiya Sammam award which she received from the President in Bengaluru

ter Manmohan Singh to be his first guest at the White House for a state visit, in calling Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi immediately after the election results were announced and issuing him immediately an invitation to the White House and a desire to partner," Biswal said.

This is because, for Obama, he has seen the important role that India has played and will play

ing a moral, security and strategic economic force for not only India, not only South Asia, but really at a global level," Biswal said.

"And so I think, the next administration coming in for all of those reasons would continue to prioritize the relationship with India," she said, adding that strategic convergence is the key highlight of the India-US relationship during the Obama Administration.

"The world's oldest and largest democracies that have so much in common should make common cause in advancing both our own goals and for US and for India and for also how we work together to address global challenges" moving into the future, she noted.

"The world's oldest and largest democracies that have so much in common should make common cause in advancing both our own goals and for US and for India and for also how we work together to address global challenges," Biswal said.

"We saw that in Paris Agree-

"What we have tried to do that through strategic ones is to make sure that when we are pursuing policies and actions that we believe would either impact India or where India can play a role in trying to advance, we call, we talk, we engage and we share and bring India into that conversation. So this is not one of those easily vis-

ible and explainable outcomes," she said.

"We can talk about the agreements that have been signed, we can talk about the visits, we can talk about the increased economic investments in each other countries, all of those are very very consequential and much more easily visible and definable," Biswal said.

"But the quality that is most important which is less visible to the outside eye is the fundamental shift in how we see each other on our strategic relationship and the fact that a Secretary of State will pick up the phone immediately on important issues, oh, I have got to check in with my Indian counterpart on this issue and make sure that it is ok with them. That's what I have hoped would transpire and that's where we are today," she added.

Indian-Americans, she said have played a key role in the bilateral relationship.

"The role Indian Americans have played, in both during times when India was little understood and not as prominent globally and now during times when India is much more a leader and a driver across the world. Indian-Americans have sought to bring greater understanding of that relationship and support for that relationship," she said in response to a question.

"So for me as an Indian-American, who both understands where I want my country to go and what the goals and interests are of the United State and also know what it is that will appeal to the Indian ear, what they need to hear from us on how we engage with them, with respect, with dignity, with understanding, with appreciation for all of the complexities that are in India. That I believe has been the added value that I have been able to bring in trying to deepen the relationship," Biswal said.

"I think there will be prominent Indian-Americans that I am sure will play that role for the next administration as well," Biswal said.

-PTI

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'Richest 1% own 58% of wealth in India' DAVOS: In signs of rising income inequality, India's richest 1 per cent now hold a huge 58 per cent of the country's total wealth higher than the global figure of about 50 per cent, a new study showed.

The study, released by rights group Oxfam at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting here attended by rich and powerful from across the world, showed that just 57 billionaires in India now

The total global wealth in the year was USD 255.7 trillion, of which about USD 6.5 trillion was held by billionaires, led by Bill Gates (USD 75 billion), Amancio Ortega (USD 67 billion) and Warren Buffett (USD 60.8 billion).

In the report titled 'An economy for the 99 per cent', Oxfam said it is time to build a human economy that benefits everyone, not just the privileged few.

It said that since 2015, the rich-

Referring to the Global Wage Report 2016-17 of Indian Labor Organization, the study said India suffers from huge gender pay gap and has among the worst levels of gender wage disparity - men earning more than women in similar jobs - with the gap exceeding 30% have same wealth (USD 216 billion) as that of the bottom 70 per cent population of the country.

Globally, just 8 billionaires have the same amount of wealth as the poorest 50 per cent of the world population.

The study said there are 84 billionaires in India, with a collective wealth of USD 248 billion, led by Mukesh Ambani (USD 19.3 billion), Dilip Shanghvi (USD 16.7 billion) and Azim Premji (USD 15 billion).

The total Indian wealth in the country stood at USD 3.1 trillion.

est 1 per cent has owned more wealth than the rest of the planet.

"Over the next 20 years, 500 people will hand over USD 2.1 trillion to their heirs - a sum larger than the GDP of India, a country of 1.3 billion people," Oxfam said.

The study findings showed that the poorest half of the world has less wealth than had been previously thought while over the last two decades, the richest 10 per cent of the population in China, Indonesia, Laos, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have

seen their share of income increase by more than 15 per cent.

On the other hand, the poorest 10 per cent have seen their share of income fall by more than 15 per cent.

"Due to a combination of discrimination and working in lowpay sectors, women's wages across Asia are between 70-90 per cent of men's," it said.

Referring to the Global Wage Report 2016-17 of Indian Labor Organization, the study said India suffers from huge gender pay gap and has among the worst levels of gender wage disparity - men earning more than women in similar jobs - with the gap exceeding 30 per cent.

In India, women form 60 per cent of the lowest paid wage labor, but only 15 per cent of the highest wage-earners. It means that in India women are not only poorly represented in the top bracket of wage-earners, but also experience wide gender pay gap at the bottom.

It also said that more than 40 per cent of the 400 million women who live in rural India are involved in agriculture and related activities.

However, as women are not recognized as farmers and do not own land, they have limited access to government schemes and credit, restricting their agricultural productivity. -PTI

'Don't oppose Chinese investment in Lanka' BEIJING: India should rethink its opposition to Chinese investments in Sri Lanka and join the port development in the island nation instead of feeling "jealous", China's state media has said.

"It is understandable that the cooperation has left some Asian countries vigilant as media reports

better than standing aside and being jealous," the article said.

"As more and more South Asian countries keep a positive attitude toward China's efforts to improve infrastructure in the region, skeptics in countries such as India should rethink their stance toward the Chinese-funded

India and Japan should feel free to join the initiative in a bid to boost their presence in Sri Lanka's economy, but it is questionable whether they will contribute money suggest that an 80 per cent share of the port, which sits on an important trade route, and land for an industrial zone will be leased to China for the next 99 years," an article in Global Times referring to Sri Lanka's decision to hand over the Hambatota Port to China.

Also there was public agitation over the land given to China in the industrial zone in Hambatota. "However, joining the project would be

project in Sri Lanka," it said.

"China is likely to adopt an open attitude if other countries can put aside the idea of geopolitical confrontation and join in on harbor construction of the island nation," it said.

Referring to concerns in India and Japan over Chinese investments totaling over USD 8 billion, the article said, "The Chinesefunded project in Sri Lanka is not

a nail being knocked into the geopolitical landscape of South Asia to curb India's rise".

China's economic cooperation with Sri Lanka does not target any third party, including India and Japan, because the project is just another move in pushing forward the Belt and Road initiative, an open, inclusive international cooperative proposal that any nation is welcome to take part in, it said.

India and Japan should feel free to join the initiative in a bid to boost their presence in Sri Lanka's economy, but it is questionable whether the two countries are willing to spend a large amount of money on supporting the economy of Sri Lanka and pushing forward regional economic integration, it said.

"If Sri Lanka could not get enough financial support from India and Japan to build its port facilities, it seems inadvisable to prevent the South Asian country from seeking help from China, a country that is witnessing a boom in outbound investment," it said.-PTI

BRICS nations now economic force: Kamath BEIJING: BRICS countries are establishing themselves as an economic force, eminent Indian banker and New Development Bank chief K V Kamath has said, expressing confidence that the

set up and operate the bank in a very short time," Kamath said.

"All of these would not have been possible without the support and guidance we received from China," he said.

KV Kamath, the chief of the New Development Bank set up by the BRICS, at his office in the financial district of Shanghai

cooperation among the five-naThis year opens the second tion bloc will be further strength- decade of the emerging-market ened during the Chinese presi- bloc. dency this year.

In the first decade of its existWith China to host the ninth ence, BRICS moved forward on BRICS annual summit in the the economic front establishing southeastern coastal city of NDB, which was established with Xiamen in September, Kamath initial subscribed capital of USD said Shanghai-based NDB, estab- 50 billion with total paid- in capilished by the bloc, plans to show- tal of USD 10 billion. case its progress to the leaders The bank has started disbursof the five countries. ing loans for various green inThe eminent banker said he frastructure projects in the five believes the Xiamen summit will let people know where The eminent banker said he the BRICS countries believes the Xiamen sumstand today, their current agenda and mit will let people know "how we could ben- where the BRICS countries efit by working in a cooperative man- stand today ner."

"Importantly, the summit countries. comes at a time when you can In December 2016, the NDB clearly see the five countries es- signed its first loan agreement, tablishing themselves as an eco- providing 525 million yuan (USD nomic force," he told state-run 76 million) for a solar power Xinhua news agency. project in Shanghai.

He said the cooperation "The fact we were able to apamong BRICS nations - Brazil, praise our first project in a record Russia, India, China and South time has set a new benchmark Africa - will be strengthened dur- for the NDB to follow," he said. ing Chinese presidency over the Last year, the NDB issued bloc in 2017. three billion yuan worth of five"The Chinese government year green bonds, its first bond has been very hospitable to- to raise funds worldwide for wards the NDB, enabling us to clean energy projects. -PTI

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Demonetization shows Modi's boldness: France NEW DELHI: France has appreciated demonetization in India, terming it as a "bold" decision which "shows how determined" Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to combat tax evasion, corruption and black money.

French Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Jean-Marc Ayrault also hailed the "significant reforms" undertaken by Modi to attract foreign investments, saying "they are in the right direction".

Appreciating the 'Make in India' initiative, he told PTI in an interview that France "wishes to be a major partner, thanks to its experience, expertise and recognized technologies".

At the same time, he said "joint efforts" should be made between the European Union and India to reduce trade barriers and pitched for reforms in India with regard to easing the import-export regime and improving the predictability and stability of regulations.

"I am impressed by the boldness of this decision. It shows how determined Prime Minister Modi is to combat tax evasion, corruption and black money. It's also a measure aimed at modernizing the economy by accelerating the transition to a digital economy," Ayrault, who was here on a fourday visit, said when his views were sought on demonetization.

"We are following these developments with keen interest," he added.

He said "The Indian economy is full of promise for entrepreneurs and we trust the government's resolve to support the country's economic development."

The French Minister, who was here primarily to attend Vibrant

nities", he said.

However, bilateral trade remains at a "more modest level", which is also due to French companies fully adopting the 'Make in India' policy.

"But we must continue our joint efforts, between the European Union and India, to reduce trade barriers," he said.

Reminding that the EU, of which France is a member, is India's top exports destination, Ayrault

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development of France, Jean-Marc Ayrault, at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD-2017) celebrated, in Bengaluru, Karnataka on January 8

said, "It will remain so despite Brexit".

The French Minister said Modi has undertaken "significant reforms" to attract foreign investments, and "they are in the right direction". These efforts, he said, "are yielding fruit, with FDIs spiraling over the past few years".

He said France, which is one of India's main foreign investors, intends to play a major role in these developments.

"In the course of my trip, I have met many of our companies, dynamic and innovative enterprises that have all reiterated the same view - India is full of opportunities, and our companies are ready to seize them," he said Gujarat, said the bilateral economic ties "are being ceaselessly strengthened".

Pointing out that French companies have a very strong presence in India, he said they "invest, innovate and make in India".

About 1000 French entities are spread all over the Indian territory, employing almost 3,50,000 skilled workers, and the general feeling is that this is a land "full of opportu-

of India's installed solar capacity.

With regard to ease of doing business in India, Ayrault said, "What's sure is that the Indian market is attractive for our companies, which are gearing up for success. They are in India for the long haul."

He said the French companies continued their investments regardless of the global economic situation. "And they innovate in

"Our companies are fully aware of the prospects open to them in a vast variety of fast-expanding sectors, like renewable energy or sustainable urban development, which Prime Minister Modi has declared to be a priority, and in which our companies have great expertise and can offer innovative technology," he said.

He noted that French companies already account for 10 per cent

India. They have thus shown that they can prepare for the future and are confident of India's future," he said, adding the reforms "have played and are playing a very positive role in this respect."

There are "other areas in which reforms could be pursued, for example, with regard to easing the import-export regime, or improving the predictability and stability of regulations," the minister said.

On 'Make in India', he said the French companies have "fully incorporated" it in their policy and wish to make the most of the opportunities it presents.

"There are so many wonderful examples of success," he said.

He named Renault, saying it has become the top European manufacturer in the Indian market with the Kwid. Referring to Decathlon, he said the sports goods manufacturer and distributor has opened 50 outlets all over India.

Alstom Transport, he said, will invest in a plant in Bihar for building 800 electric locomotives.

"In the course of my trip, I have met many of our companies, dynamic and innovative enterprises that have all reiterated the same view - India is full of opportunities, and our companies are ready to seize them," he said. -PTI

'World's economic model deeply flawed' DAVOS: Terming the current This mix has fuelled an anti-gloeconomic model of the world balization reaction in many coun"deeply flawed", a new study said tries, with business and financial sustainable business plans can interests seen as central to the open up economic opportunities problem, and is undermining the worth at least USD 12 trillion and long-term economic growth that generate up to 380 million new jobs the world needs. by 2030.

"This report is a call to action Releasing the study at the 5- to business leaders. We are on day WEF annual meeting, the edge and business as usual will Business and Sustainable Devel- drive more political opposition and opment Commission said the next land us with an economy that simdecade is critical for companies to ply doesn't work for enough open 60 key market 'hotspots', people. We have to switch tracks tackle social and environmental to a business model that works for challenges, and rebuild trust with a new kind of inclusive growth," society. said Mark Malloch-Brown, Chair The study, conducted by a of the Business and Sustainable grouping of more than 35 CEOs Development Commission. and civil society leaders, showed that "sustainable business mod- "This report is a call to action els could open eco- to business leaders. We are nomic opportunities worth at least USD 12 on edge and business as trillion and up to 380 usual will drive more politimillion jobs a year by cal opposition�

2030".

Putting the Sustainable Development Goals, or Global Goals, at the heart "Better Business, Better World of the world's economic strategy shows there is a compelling incencould unleash a step-change in tive for why the latter isn't just growth and productivity, with an good for the environment and soinvestment boom in sustainable in- ciety, (but) it makes good business frastructure as a critical driver, it sense," he added. said.

The report said 60 sustainable "However, this will not happen and inclusive market hotspots in without radical change in the busi- just four key economic areas could ness and investment community. create at least USD 12 trillion, Real leadership is needed for the worth over 10 per cent of GDP. private sector to become a trusted The breakdown of the four arpartner in working with govern- eas and their potential values are ment and civil society to fix the energy USD 4.3 trillion, cities USD economy," it added.

3.7 trillion, food and agriculture In its flagship report Better USD 2.3 trillion, health and wellBusiness, Better World, the Com- being USD 1.8 trillion. mission observed that while the The Business and Sustainable last few decades have lifted hun- Development Commission was dreds of millions out of poverty, launched at the World Economic they have also led to unequal Forum in Davos in January 2016 as growth, increasing job insecurity, a grouping of leaders from business, ever more debt and ever greater finance, civil society, labor, and inenvironmental risks. ternational organizations. -PTI

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Trade deficit with China mounts to $46.56 bn BEIJING: India's trade deficit with China mounted to a whopping USD 46.56 billion last year as Indian exports continued to decline while the bilateral trade marginally slowed down by 2.1 per cent to nearly USD 71 billion.

The total India-China bilateral trade in 2016 amounted to USD 70.8 billion, a decline of 2.1 per cent as per the trade figures released

by General Administration of Customs (GAC).

China exports totaled to USD 58.33 billion, registering an increase of 0.2 per cent compared to USD 58.25 billion in 2015, as GAC data accessed by PTI. While it is not clear yet the areas of decline in India's exports as detailed data is not released yet, officials say it reflected on the continuing declining trend in the last few years.

The exports from India to China pegged down at USD 11.76 billion, about 12 per cent decline com-

pared to 2015.

The Indian exports showed the declining trend for a while as they totaled to USD 13.38 billion in 2015 and USD 16.4 billion in 2014. In 2016, the trade deficit was USD 12.46 billion.

The overall trade between the two countries in 2015 touched USD 71.64 registering a marginal increase compared to USD 70.59

in 2014.

The trade deficit has mounted to USD 46.56 billion in 2016 from USD 44.87 billion in 2015 as per the data from Chinese customs.

However, there is considerable differences between India and China trade figures as Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told Lok Sabha on November 28 last year that India's trade deficit with China increased to USD 52.69 billion in 2015-16 from USD 48.48 billion in the previous financial year.

"Increasing trade deficit with China can be attributed primarily

to the fact that Chinese exports to India rely strongly on manufactured items to meet the demand of fast expanding sectors like telecom and power," she had said.

Generally the Indian exports have been declining due to fall in the iron ore and decreasing demand in view of China's slowdown as well as restrictions on exports.

Also, the impact of the appreciation of the dollar on yuan and rupee in both the counties is yet to be seen. Yuan has declined by about 8 per cent last year.

The deficit issue, however, continue to be a point of friction between the two countries as India has been pressing China to open up more of its markets to IT and pharmaceuticals which are India's main strengths.

Officials say despite promises by the Chinese government not much openings to the Indian industries have been provided so far.

In view of the continued deficit problem, India has been insisting on China to step up investments in 'Make in India' initiative and other infrastructure projects to compensate India's trade deficit.

Chinese officials say China's investments over the years in India has climbed to USD four billion.

But according to official data, the Chinese investments in India in 2015 was about USD 800 million.

But at the same time officials of both the countries say that there is lot of interest among Chinese investors and the investments in India are expected to pick up this year. -PTI

Prosecutors seek arrest of Samsung heir SEOUL: South Korean prosecutors have asked for the heir to giant conglomerate Samsung to be arrested for bribery in connection with a political scandal that has seen President Park Geun-Hye impeached.

If the court agrees with the request, Lee will be the first senior executive of the giant electronics firm to be arrested over the scandal, which is centered on Park's secret confidante, Choi Soon-Sil. Choi is accused of using her ties

Park, accused of colluding with Choi to extract money from the firms and letting the friend meddle in a wide range of state affairs, was impeached by parliament last month.

In a statement, prosecutors investigating the scandal said they asked a Seoul court to issue an arrest warrant for Lee Jae-Yong, the son of the Samsung group chairman Lee Kun-Hee.

with Park to coerce top local firms to "donate" nearly USD 70 million to dubious non-profit foundations Choi then used as her personal ATMs. Samsung is the single biggest

contributor to the foundations and separately paid Choi millions of euros, allegedly to bankroll her daughter's equestrian training in Germany.

Lee, 48, is the vice chairman of Samsung Electronics and is accused of approving decisions to pay Choi large sums of money in a bid to win political favors.

He earlier told a parliamentary hearing that he did not seek any preferential treatment in return. He was questioned by prosecutors for a marathon 22 hour session.

Park, accused of colluding with Choi to extract money from the firms and letting the friend meddle in a wide range of state affairs, was impeached by parliament last month. -AFP

44 airports have potential under UDAN AMARAVATI: About 44 airports across the country have "high potential" for operations under the ambitious Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) for civil aviation, UDAN, according to a report brought out by apex industry body FICCI has said.

"Based on the geographical, operational and commercial parameters, 44 out of the 414 underserved and unserved airports have high potential under RCS.

cessful.

"They are trying to build the wherewithal but it will take some time," he said. "We have to be careful about creating the enabling conditions for this scheme to become successful. One of the most important things is the right size of aircraft that you need."

He said a plan was required to induct smaller aircraft for RCS operations. "Many of the airports (identified for RCS) do not have

"We have also identified big runways, so they can't take around 370 potential destinations regular aircraft. We need to induct for the shortlisted airports, includ- smaller aircraft for short runways ing metros, state capitals and im- for short takeoffs and landings. portant commercial, industrial and "Those aircraft are not availtourism centers," said the FICCI able in our country," Mishra, who report, brought out in concert with earlier served as Director General global professional service com- of Civil Aviation, pointed out. pany KPMG. Also, Mishra said, there was Uttar Pradesh has four high shortage of pilots and crew. potential RCS destinations, three "Small aircraft need specialized each in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, crew. We need a special initiative West Bengal, Assam, two each in from the government to build that Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, up. Pilots and engineers can't come Bihar, Karnataka, Himachal overnight. We need to train them," Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and one each in Andhra Pradesh, "Small aircraft need specialTelangana, Tamil Nadu, ized crew. We need a speOdisha, J&K, cial initiative from the govP u d u c h e r r y, Lakshadweep, Daman ernment to build that up. and Diu, Haryana, Pilots and engineers can't Madhya Pradesh come overnight.�

Jharkhand and Uttarakhand.

"So far 22 states have joined he added. the RCS and we have identified 30 "India produced only about airports where operations could be 200-300 pilots every year. "The started immediately," Union Civil Civil Aviation University in China Aviation Secretary Rajiv Nayan has 2000 trainers. It has 265 airChoubey told PTI. craft for training purposes," the RCS, or UDAN ((Ude Desh Ka ICAO official pointed out.

Aam Naagrik), was introduced as Observing that aviation crepart of the National Civil Aviation ated high value jobs and has mulPolicy 2016 and was formally tiplier economic effect, Mishra launched in October last. It pro- said "one aircraft that comes to vides an opportunity to take fly- the country, creates 600 jobs, diing to the masses by way of fiscal rectly and indirectly. These were incentives, infrastructure support not regular jobs that paid Rs 5,000 and monetary subsidies (viability or Rs 10,000 a month but those that gap funding). paid Rs 50,000 or Rs 60,000."

Noting that RCS was a good "Essentially, necessary infrascheme, Regional Director of In- structure needs to be created for ternational Civil Aviation Organi- RCS to become successful. Airzation Arun Mishra, however, said ports Authority of India has readIndia did not have the wherewithal ied 55 airports and there they can right now for RCS to become suc- start the RCS," Mishra added.-PTI

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January 20, 2017

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Auto show prototypes for the future DETROIT: Car companies don't just show current models at auto shows. They also unveil prototypes that could be built in the future. These so-called concept cars help them gauge the public's reaction to new designs or technology.

They can also amp up excitement about a company's future.

These are some of the concept vehicles on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. As show visitors check out these concepts they

in the U.S. since the 1970s, but the company has released several concepts over the years that take their styling cues from the beloved minibus. This one would fit neatly with VW's goal of selling 1 million electric vehicles annually by 2025.

INFINITI QX50 Infiniti hints at the future design of its midsize SUV with the QX50. Its flowing lines resemble other, newer members of the Infiniti family, like the smaller

North American International Auto Show in Detroit

should ask themselves: Would I build it or bag it?

VOLKSWAGEN I.D. BUZZ The latest incarnation of VW's groovy, 1960s minibus is the I.D. Buzz. VW says I.D. stands for ``identity'' and ``iconic design.''

The ``buzz'' refers to the whirring sound of the electric drive system, which can take the minivan up to 270 miles on a charge. The I.D. Buzz seats up to eight and lets the driver's seat face the rear when the minivan is in self-driving mode.

VW minibuses haven't been sold

QX30. The concept has an advanced semi-autonomous driving system that can take over for the driver in some situations, like stopand-go traffic. It also has a significantly more efficient engine.

Infiniti is expected to build a model very close to the concept version that will go on sale next year.

LINCOLN NAVIGATOR Automakers often load up concept vehicles with features that might not make it into production.

Take the concept Lincoln Navigator. Giant gull-wing doors in the

rear and three steps that unfold to help occupants climb in aren't likely to be seen in dealer showroom. Still, the sleek, wagon-like shape gives a clue that the new Navigator will be a sharp departure from the current, truck-like one, which debuted in 1997. The 2018 Navigator is expected to go on sale later this year.

CADILLAC ESCALA Cadillac says the gleaming Escala gives an idea of a future flagship sedan. It has smooth surfaces and a long hood. Inside are thin, curved display screens that respond to touch, voice and gesture commands and fabric seats inspired by high-fashion suits.

The Escala is a rear-wheel-drive sedan with a 4.2-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that can cut back to four cylinders to save fuel. While the Escala is a beauty, its sales prospects are dim in a market that is crazy for SUVs. Cadillac sedan sales were down 2 percent last year; by contrast, sales of the Escalade SUV jumped 11 percent.

GAC ENSPIRIT What could make an SUV stand out in a market overrun with them?

How about a bonsai tree? Chinese automaker GAC - that stands for Guangzhou Automotive Group - is displaying the EnSpirit concept on the auto show floor, a small fourdoor SUV with a retractable cloth roof. Inside are light wood accents and a long center stack that features a little bonsai tree in the rear.

The EnSpirit is a plug-in hybrid, and GAC says it can go around 60 miles in electric mode before the small gas engine kicks in. Although GAC says it hopes to sell vehicles in the U.S. by 2019, it won't say whether the EnSpirit or anything like it - could eventually be sold here. -AP

Bidders told to reveal payment to brokers NEW DELHI: Firms eyeing multi-crore government contracts will have to provide details of payments made by them to brokers or any intermediary besides disclose their association with foreign companies, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has said.

In a fresh set of rules, the probity watchdog made it compulsory for foreign companies to disclose details of their associates in the coun-

try and for the Indian bidders to give information on their foreign principals or associates.

The move assumes significance as probe agencies like CBI are looking into allegations of corruption by some national and international firms in executive contracts given to them by central government departments.

The Commission has revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for 'Integrity Pact', which

needs to be signed compulsorily by the prospective vendors/bidders and the buyer, committing the persons or officials of both sides not to resort to any corrupt practices in any aspect or stage of the contract.

The essential ingredients of the pact include promise on the part of the principal neither to seek or accept nor to offer any benefit to employees while executing a contract.-PTI

World Book Fair a 'profitable affair' NEW DELHI: As the New Delhi World Book Fair came to a close, the nine-day long event was an "excellent" experience with leading publishing houses making significant profit on sales compared to previous years.

Vimal Kumar, General Manager at Speaking Tiger said they had

Other top sellers included books by Devdutt Pattanaik, Y Cassandra Clare, Elif Shafak, Elon Musk, 'The Fault in Our Stars', 'Inner Engineering' and Paulo Coelho's 'The Spy'.

Harper Collins also asserted that the turnout was better compared to last year with titles by

New Delhi World Book Fair 2017

"unexpected sales", despite fac- Paulo Coelho, Agatha Christie, ing several technical glitches in the Nadia Hasmi and Sidney Sheldon aftermath of demonetization. fetching impressive business and "Due to demonetization we customers keeping credit/debit faced several problems since many cards handy. a times card machines didn't work "There has been a good turndue to lack of signals. But, it has out in comparison to last year. The been an excellent experience, rather sales have increased around 15 per unexpected sales for Speaking Ti- cent this year for us. Popular inger. Our sales have almost doubled ternational titles have been a mathis year," he said. jor draw.

Some of the top sellers at the "Even Khushwant Singh, stall included 'Himalaya: Adven- Arvind Adiga and Rishi Kapoor's tures, Meditations, Life' edited by 'Khulam Khulla' were in large deRuskin Bond and Namita Gokhale, mand. We didn't see any effect and 'Murderer in Mahim' by Jerry of demonetization since people Pinto among others. easily did digital payments," For Penguin India, which saw a Vikas Sharma, Head of Key Achike of nearly 20 per cent in busi- counts at Harper Collins, said. ness from last year's fair, the event Pan MacmMillan's stall at the being moved ahead by a month fair was thronged by visitors from the usual February, has worked favorably.

"The book fair used "There has been a good to be held in February turnout in comparison to last until a couple of years ago and this move into year. The sales have inJanuary has actually creased around 15 per cent helped the sales due to extended winter break in this year for us.� schools, festivals, etc.

There is a carnival like atmosphere at the Pragati looking for the latest Booker Maidan," Nandan Jha, Vice presi- Prize winning "The Sellout" by dent, Product and Sales at Penguin Paul Beatty, besides 'Truth Random House India, told PTI. About Trump' by Michael All time children favorites like D'antonio and books by Jefferey 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid', Roald Archer.

Dahl, 'Tintin Series' and Sudha "The crowd is much more this Murty, books by Salman Rushdie, time and we have seen around classics, and books by Bollywood 20 percent increase in our sales. celebrities including Karan Johar's We did not face any problem due autobiography, 'An Unsuitable to demonetization and everyBoy' and Twinkle Khanna's 'Mrs thing was managed quite well," Funnybones' were major business Ratna Joshi, Head of Marketing at makers for the publishing house.

Pan Macmillan, said.-PTI

Desi News Chicago bids emotional farewell to Dr. Ausaf Sayeed ASHFAQ SYED

CHICAGO: A large number of eminent persons from the Indian Subcontinent in Chicago, irrespective of nationalities, religions, and regions, including their community organizations, flocked together at Monty's Banquet on January 13 to bid farewell to their own Indian diplomat Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, the outgoing Consul General of India.

The function attended by over 300 renowned persons from different walks of life, despite inclement weather, was proof of Dr. Sayeed's widespread popularity, considering the fact that in contemporary society welcomes are common and farewells are rare.

Details on page 18

Raja opposes repeal of Affordable Care Act NEELA PANDYA

WASHINGTON DC: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi pitched against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, taking to the floor of the House of Representatives in debate over legislation that would mark the first step by House Republicans to repeal the ACA without a replacement.

"Middle-class families need good-paying jobs and affordable health care," Krishnamoorthi said. "The bill before us today would rob them of both. Repealing without replacing the Affordable Care Act would devastate our economy and harm millions of middle-class families. Within the 8th District of Illinois, we could lose upwards of over $550 million from our economy and over 4,000 jobs."

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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crusade moves to Punjab Details on page 23

January 20, 2017

Festival of Globe welcomes 2017 with a thrilling celebration RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

FREMONT: Bay Area welcomed 2017 with a thrilling New Year's Eve celebration held at Royal Palace. Over 800 attendees from across the Bay Area bid adieu to 2016 and started 2017 with excitement and cheers.

The Unforgettable New Year's Eve party was organized by Festival of Globe (FOG). A packed hall of eager attendees feasted on the best sensory pleasures as they

regaled in Fashion Show, dance performances, singing and hit party songs by fabulous DJ. A beautifully choreographed night made the evening a memorable one. Deputy Consul General of India Mr. Rohit Rathish was the Guest of Honor.

Dr. Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener FOG, wished everyone a happy New Year and expressed the hope that in the coming year, community will come together to make progress in all spheres of life and become a strong cultural force to

Melodious Singing Dr Romesh Japra wishing Happy New Year

reckon with. Encouraging community talent was a highlight of the party.

Live entertainment, midnight champagne and balloon drop completed the run up to the countdown. Elegantly dressed guests wishing each other for a prosperous new year had the floor reverberate with their non-stop danc-

Details on page 20

Lohri celebrated with fanfare at Hari Om Mandir Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: This year also Lohri was celebrated with great fanfare at Hari Om Mandir in Medinah, on Friday, January 13. Despite the cold weather a large number of devotees celebrated the day with traditional food of Saag (mustard greens), Makki Ki Roti (corn), Lassi (buttermilk), followed by a vibrant cultural evening of Gidda, Bhangra, Jago and Punjabi folk songs culminating in a lively night of blazing bonfire.

Details on page 22

Chanda Bandh

Guests enjoying the party

ing to the tunes of party music.

Party music at high decibels, free professional photography, free flowing drinks, delicious hors devours, and multi course meal created a celebratory atmosphere to welcome the New Year.

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January 20, 2017

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Trump must treat India as an equal partner: Swamy VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

FREMONT: Dr. Subramanian Swamy (BJP Member of the Rajya Sabha) spoke on "Indo-US Relationship Under New Leaderships, Opportunities, And Risks" on Jan 16 at Bay Area Youth Vaishnav Parivar (BAYVP), Milpitas. This event was organized by Vichar Manthan, which is a platform for intellectual stimulation, where thoughts from 'Hindu Dharma' are churned together to influence lifestyles, morals and values. The event was attended by over 300 Bay Area residents from all walks of life.

The event started with small prayer by Pandit Krishna Pandey, Shiv Durga temple of Bay area. Dharmendra Sarkar, Volunteer, Vichar Manthan and Mani Kiran of HSS introduced the speaker, who needs no introduction.

Subramanian Swamy is an Indian politician and economist who serves as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. Born in Mylapore, Chennai on September 15, 1939, Dr.Swamy holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University, where he also taught for ten years, and has published famous joint papers on the Theory of Index Numbers with Nobel Laureate Paul A. Samuelson.

Dr Swamy is recognized internationally as an authority on the economy of China.

His honesty is acknowledged widely by the fact that he has publicly challenged and fought against Prime Ministers, Chief

Ministers, and other high officials by filing cases of corruption and fraud in courts of law. He has written on foreign affairs of India dealing largely with China, Pakistan and Israel. He is also a published author and President of Virat Hindustan Sangam.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Swamy appreciated that Indians residing in US earned the highest per capita income.

Dr Swamy emphasized the richness of Indian civilization and said, "India is the only country considered by UNESCO as having unbroken continuing civilization out of the 46 civilizations in the world.

Though there were attacks on India we did not surrender but fought back.

Look at the history books written by the British for you - they have separate chapters for each Moghul emperor, but there is only one page on Vijayanagara Empire. We should learn from history about how developed India was thousand

to fighting Islamic terror."

Swamy said that Trump as US President will not hurt Indo-US relations at all.

But the US must treat India as an equal partner, not a junior partner," he said.

US moves forward because of innovations. Nearly 70 percent of the Indian population is below the age of 35. We are the youngest nation in the world. We have to partner with US to get the best innovative technology and by 2025 I foresee India will overtake China.

Calling upon NRIs to join in the pro-

years ago. People from all over the world came to India to learn, study and buy goods.

He spoke eloquently on how India was an economic power until 1700 and fell to the poverty stricken economy in 1947 under British Raj. He pointed out that India's adopting Soviet model was a major blunder and that made us not grow more than 3% until the economic reforms made in 1991.

He welcomed strategic partnership with US in fighting Islamic terror. He rightly predicted Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential race. Hillary Clinton, he said, was "compromised by Pakistan.

Trump, on the other hand, is committed

cess of transforming the country, he said, "Find an alternative for fuel and help your country, because 86 percent of our oil depends on Arab countries. We should think of how we can make India a great economic power. He added, "India should be transformed back to where we were - a prosperous, spiritual, scientifically advanced country. Our rishis (sages) described the movement of sun and stars."

During interaction with the audience, he was asked questions related to issues such as Kashmir conflict, Demonetization, National Herald case, recent Bengal violence and Ram Mandir. The event concluded with aarti performed by Dr Swamy and other members of Vichar Manthan.

January 20, 2017

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Chicago bids emotional farewell to Dr. Ausaf Sayeed ASHFAQ SYED

CHICAGO: A large number of eminent persons from the Indian Subcontinent in Chicago, irrespective of nationalities, religions, and regions, including their community organizations, flocked together at Monty's Banquet on January 13 to bid farewell to their own Indian diplomat Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, the outgoing Consul General of India.

The function attended by over 300 renowned persons from different walks of life, despite inclement weather, was proof of Dr. Sayeed's widespread popularity, considering the fact that in contemporary society welcomes are common and farewells are rare.

In his address, Dr Sayeed paid rich tributes to the 500,000-strong Indian-American Diaspora in the US Midwest, which has been contributing magnificently in the domains of education, science & technology, trade, culture, etc. He expressed his gratitude to them for their unflinching support to the Consulate and its activities during his tenure.

Dr. Sayeed stated that with the conceptualization and execution of such innovative flagship measures

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Digital India, Clean India, Make in India, Skills India, and Green India, and his commitment to bring about 100 Smart Cities and to lay down world-class infrastructure, India has witnessed an economic paradigm shift and thereby emerged as one of the hottest destinations for global investors.

Dr.Gopal Lalmalani, Mayor of Oak Brook handing over a Proclamation of Oak Brook to Dr. Sayeed and Ms. Farha Sayeed for their services to the community

nomic, cultural, educational, and people-to-people relationships between India and the US Midwest. "The proactive networking

nor of Illinois Bruce Rauner to Dr.Sayeed, Hardik Bhatt, Chief Information Officer, said that the charismatic leadership of Dr.

Mickey Straub, Mayor of Burr Ridge stated that Dr. Sayeed has succeeded not only in diversifying and enriching the Indo-US Midwest relations but also in establishing extremely cordial relations with people at large, across all religious denominations. resulted in a number of high level trade delegations, signing of a number of MoUs, and a boost to the volume of mutually beneficial

Sayeed resulted in signing of MoU for Smart State cooperation between the State of Illinois and Government of Telangana. He said

Swami Ishatmananda, Minister-in-Charge, Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago, presenting a book on Swami Vivekananda to Dr. Sayeed

Pradesh and Gujarat.

Mickey Straub, Mayor of Burr Ridge stated that Dr. Sayeed has succeeded not only in diversifying and enriching the Indo-US Midwest relations but also in establishing extremely cordial relations with people at large, across all religious denominations.

Marijus Gudynas, Consul General of Lithuania in Chicago, described Dr.Sayeed as a very close friend and "a brother in Sanskrit". He said that despite the tenures of Consul Generals being very short, the volume of achievements of Dr. Sayeed is really mind-boggling.

Michelle Mussman, State Rep-

Chicago community attending farewell of Dr. Ausaf Sayeed

Dr. Sayeed mentioned that the efforts of the Consulate during his tenure were directed towards strengthening the political, eco-

business transactions", he added.

Handing over an Official Letter of Appreciation from Gover-

that Dr. Sayeed has been facilitating the State of Illinois for concluding similar agreements with the Governments of Andhra

resentative of the 56th District stated that the recognitions that are being showered on Dr. Sayeed are on account of the

unique fusion of his competence and commitment.

Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, Mayor of Oak Brook had great appreciation for the success of Dr. Sayeed in forging unity among different organizations run by Indian-Americans. He thanked Dr. Sayeed for working closely with the Village of Oak Brook for introducing friendly Polo matches between Delhi Polo Club and Oak Brook Polo Club. He handed over a Proclamation of Oak Brook to Dr. Sayeed and Ms. Farha Sayeed for their services to the community.

Swami Ishatmananda, Minister-in-Charge, Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago said that he was greatly impressed by Dr. Sayeed's deep knowledge of Indian history, culture and religion and recalled his participation in the Conference marking the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

Swami Ishatmananda presented a book on Swami Vivekananda to Dr. Sayeed.

Sampath Ramesh, Adjunct Professor in Global Management, Kellogg School of Management said that the number of events that have been organized by the Consulate during the tenure of Dr. Sayeed is a record in its own right. "Through a rare combination of his technical, conceptual, and people-related skills, Dr Sayeed succeeded in successfully networking with the Government and corporate sectors for Indo-US Midwest relations", he added.

Syed Shanawaz Khan, Vice Chair, Council of Islamic Organization of Greater Chicago, said that Indo-US Midwest relations present multiple challenges. "Dr. Sayeed succeeded in protecting the interests of India in a dignified and honorable fashion", he opined.

Cont’d on page 20

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Schaumburg Thank You Event for Dr Sayeed HEMA SHASTRI

CHICAGO: The Federation of Indian Associations of Schaumburg took initiative in hosting a farewell party for one of the most popular Indian Consul Gen-

erals, Dr Ausaf Sayeed at Best Western Plus at Hillside on Thursday January 12. It was a good somber event with all the FIA committee members paying handsome

tributes to the excellent work that the outgoing CG had done for the Indian community at large.

The event started with the founder President Sunil Shah in-

troducing and welcoming Dr Sayeed and his elegant fie Ms Faraha at the event. Good luck and farewell speeches were done among others by newly elect President Mukesh Shah, Committee members Hitesh Gandhi, Onmkar

it has done for him and for the community. He took the opportunity of inviting the FA team to Seychelles Islands, his new place of posting. Dr Sayeed was honored with a Shawl by the FIA executive team while Ms Faraha was

Indian Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed flanked by Sunil Shah and Hitesh Gandhi

Sangha, Dhitu Bhagwakar, Moon Khan, Khaja Moinuddin, Alli Khan and some executive members.

In his address CG said he was thankful to the FIA Board for what

showered with flower bouquets by lady members of FIA. The event ended with a vote of thanks by President Mukesh Shah and Secretary Ninad Daftari.

Dr Sayeed with his elegant wife Ms Faraha seen cutting cake

Raja opposes repeal of Affordable Care Act NEELA PANDYA

WASHINGTON DC: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi pitched against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, taking to the floor of the House of Representatives in debate over legislation that

would devastate our economy and harm millions of middle-class families. Within the 8th District of Illinois, we could lose upwards of over $550 million from our economy and over 4,000 jobs."

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi

would mark the first step by House Republicans to repeal the ACA without a replacement.

"Middle-class families need good-paying jobs and affordable health care," Krishnamoorthi said.

"The bill before us today would rob them of both. Repealing without replacing the Affordable Care Act

Krishnamoorthi added during debate that his past experience running small businesses in the national security and technology sectors gave him insight into the role of the ACA and small businesses.

"I know firsthand how important health coverage is to workers

and to business," Krishnamoorthi said. Without the protections of the Affordable Care Act, we will see fewer entrepreneurs take the risk of starting a business and fewer workers take the risk of working for a start-up."

Meanwhile, Raja Krishnamoorthi has been appointed to serve on the House Education and Workforce Committee, along with the powerful House Democratic Policy and Steering Committee.

"These committee assignments will give my constituents a voice to make sure I can stand up for working families every day by focusing on job creation and affordable higher education," Krishnamoorthi said.

The House Democratic Policy and Steering Committee administers the House Democratic Caucus. Krishnamoorthi was appointed to the committee by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.

"I am honored to work with my colleagues to make sure that growing and strengthening the middle class is the top priority in Washington," Krishnamoorthi said.

FIA Group with Indian Consuls at Thank You Event

Chicago bids emotional farewell to Dr. Ausaf Sayeed Cont’d from page 19

Imran Dhatwani, President, His Highness the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for the Midwestern USA said that Dr. Sayeed provided ample opportunities to IndianAmericans to contribute their optimum best to further enriching the socio-cultural fabric of the US Midwest.

Rajinder Singh Mago of Sikh Religious Society said that unlike the diplomats in general who confine themselves to the four walls of their chambers, Dr. Sayeed was a people's diplomat. "His doors, ears, heart, and mind were always open. He followed the open doors

policy of 'Every Hour-Visiting Hour - (24 Hours)'", he added.

Ashfaq Syed, Ms. Ayeisha Osman and key speakers presented Plaques of Appreciation to Dr.Sayeed. Dr. Ausaf Sayeed & Mrs. Farha Sayeed cut the cake prepared by Mrs. Huma Mirza.

Earlier, the event kick started with the singing of the National Anthems of the United States and India by Dr. Narayan S. Tata. Iqbal Mirza Baig, Vice President, Glory of Hyderabad and a childhood friend of Dr.Sayeed welcomed the gathering. Mr Krishna Bansal proposed a Vote of Thanks. Dr. Prem Rupani was the Master of Ceremonies.

January 20, 2017

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Community Across America

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January 20, 2017

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Lohri celebrated with fanfare at Hari Om Mandir Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: This year also Lohri was celebrated with great fanfare at Hari Om Mandir in Medinah, on Friday, January 13. Despite the cold weather a large number of devotees celebrated the day with traditional food of Saag (mustard greens), Makki Ki Roti (corn), Lassi (buttermilk), followed by a vibrant cultural evening of Gidda, Bhangra, Jago and Punjabi folk songs culminating in a lively night of blazing bonfire.

The Mandir was beautifully decorated on the traditional theme of a Punjabi village. One of the

Lohri celebrations in full swing

Preparing Makki Ki Roti and Saag

Another beer firm insults Hindu deity India Post News Service

CHICAGO: It seems that there is a sort of unwritten conspiracy among some of the leading manufacturers of consumer items to denigrate Hindu deities to market their products. Since Hindus are peace loving and are not prone to resort to violence, these companies go Lord Shiva beer merrily with their nefarious moves and tend to get out of their schemes appropriate. when Hindus protest, says Madhu Patel founder President of NRI

Press Club The latest to join this line of unwholesome parade is a brewing company in Texas which has announced marketing Shiva beer which has upset Hindus across the country. They have urged New Braunfels (Texas) based New Braunfels Brewing Company (NBBC) to withdraw three beers named after Hindu deity Lord Shiva, calling these highly inCont’d on page 23

Ladies dressed in colorful Phulkaris and Punjabi suits performed Giddha and led Hari Om Mandir Jago team

highlights was newlywed bride and groom sitting by the Lohri Fire, enjoying the treats of the season like moongphali, popcorn, rewari, bhugga etc. with the hukka, charkha, chullah, the village well with the costumes like kurtis, jackets and pagris hanging in the backdrop.

As part of the celebrations, ladies dressed in colorful Phulkaris and Punjabi suits, performed Giddha. The guys were not behind either, doing Bhangra. Several ladies from the congregation joined the two young brides Amrit Salwan and Nirvka Sharma - who led the Jago team carrying special Pot (Gaggar) with lighted lamps/candles Satpal Salwan, Chairman Board of Trustees and Vipan Wadhera, President Executive Board, greeted everybody on this auspicious occasion and congratulated all the new born babies, newlyweds on the First

Lohri occasion. Ayodhya Salwan started off with the traditional Lohri song "Sunder Mundriye" and also sang the "Badhai Geet" for one & all.

Vipan Wadhera thanked everyone for their generous donations and participation - almost 1000 people who attended the function.

Under the guidance of Pandit Dinesh Kumar, the Lohri bonfire was lighted with all the Board Members joining hands around

the fire to offer prayers, and as the ritual is, to throw chidwa, moongphali, popcorn, rewari etc into the flames to seek abundance and pray for prosperity from Agni Devta. Once again the Dhol Beat started and people sang and danced with joy to make merry on the cold night.

Packets of moongphali, rewari, bhugga, popcorn, dates were distributed as Prasad, which was relished by all the devotees.

January 20, 2017

Community Across America

India Post 23

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Chanda Bandh crusade moves to Punjab India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Piqued at the somersault by AAP party leaders about transparency in dealings, a Chicago based Indian American physician backed by some principled supporters launched a crusade called Chanda Bandh

Chanda Bandh Satyagraha gets a boost in Punjab too

Satygraha here and in the Indian Capital New Delhi last month. The movement has now caught on with members of the community at large and the crusaders have

now gone to the neighboring Indian state of Punjab and according to reports, it has met with huge success there also.

After successful launch of the Chanda Bandh Satyagraha signature drive in New Delhi with more than 20,000 people signing the banner against AAP, the campaign taking place in Punjab from Jan 11 has also evoked good response, according to sources close to the Satyagrahis.

A press conference in Hoshiarpur (Punjab) on Jan 10 was upped with the signature drive in Hoshiarpur and Ahmadpur, the two

Another beer firm insults Hindu deity Cont’d from page 22

These are: "Shiva's Tears", "Shiva's Wrath" and "Cosmic Dancer".

Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees.

Lord Shiva is highly revered in Hinduism and is meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be used in selling beer.

Moreover, linking a deity with an alcoholic beverage was very disrespectful, Zed added.

Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be used for furthering commercial objectives, said Madhu Patel.

According to NBBC website, which describes Shiva as "the god of destruction and rebirth" in Hindu faith: Shiva's Tears (Weizenbock of

the Destroyer), which it terms as "a study in sinful grace and ultimate power", "is our pathway to beer truth. Meditate on a few of them and you may just cry a few tears of your own."

Shiva's Wrath (Eisbock-condensed version of Shiva's Tears) "is cosmic destruction in a glass.

Take heart. For even in destruction there is rebirth."

Why the name "Cosmic Dancer"? "When Shiva destroys the universe (and subsequently creates a big bang) he does a dance in the heavens. And because of it, he is also called The Cosmic Dancer".

Images of both Shiva's Tears and Shiva's Wrath show pictures of Lord Shiva's trishul (trident).

Founded in early 2011 by Lindsey and Kelly Meyer, NBBC, whose tagline seems to be "Here's to Life", claims to brew "handcrafted beer inspired by old-world German recipes with a Texan disregard for the rules" and their "base beers are a hefeweizen, dunkelweizenweizenbock and Oktoberfest".

Punjab cities, and 1000 people reportedly having signed the banner.

Dr Munish Kumar Raizada, the Chicago physician leading the movement, had earlier submitted a petition to Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the alleged financial misbehavior of AAP Volunteers of 'No List No Donation' campaign are distributing pamphlets in Golden Temple, Amritsar and are speaking about the basics of transparent political system to make public aware of the opaque funding practices in AAP Earlier, based upon submis-

sions from Dr Munish Raizada, Anna Hazare had questioned Arvind Kejriwal in his letter regarding the unfulfilled promises to him and the people. AAP has also been issued notice by the Indian income tax department regarding opaque funding practices.

The younger generation of Punjab has also come forward to support the Chanda Bandh campaign. An auto driver in Hoshiyarpur said he would not donate even 1 rupee to AAP as it has failed to fulfill its promises to common man.

Not only people, even social

groups have also come forward to support the campaign and are creating awareness among people to join the fight against corruption.

Dr Raizada has demanded four specific conditions to be met: Put all donations in public domain; donations should be searchable by name (and not only via receipt number), missing balance sheets after 2014 to be made public and inquiry to be ordered in the dubious donations of R 2 crore that the party received in 2014.

Kejriwal had promised an inquiry into this if he came into power.

Community Across America

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January 20, 2017

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Festival of Globe welcomes 2017 with a thrilling celebration

Surprise singing performance to honor Dr. Japra Assembly member Kansen Chu launches Bharat Today Cont’d from page 16

Fabulous Fashion Show

Mrs Sunita Japra, Nandini Verma & Manorama Joshi with guests

Dr Romesh Japra leads the countdown with Rajesh Verma, Ritu Maheshwari, Manorama Joshi and Neena Kapoor

Many local singers were invited to perform at the event. Alka Bhatnagar and Aditi Srinivasan mesmerized the audience with their amazing singing talent. High energy dances were performed by Dance Dil Se. A wonderfully choreographed fashion show by Qamar Ayubzai was a harmony of the beauty, the brains and the trendy clothes. The performances were a perfect blend of social and entertainment quotient of Bay Area Indian community.

Festival of Globe has many upcoming events on their way in 2017. FOG is celebrating 25th Anniversary of Festival of India and Parade from August 4 to 13. FOG has successfully brought the world's largest and oldest democracies together, while imbibing the youngsters with the culture and values that community practices in making the adopted land of dreams their own.

FOG wishes a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year, 2017 to all readers of India Post News Weekly.

High energy dance performance

Horoscope

January 20, 2017

India Post

25

www.indiapost.com

The stationary transit of Rahu and Ketu is in effect till April 2017, Sudden setbacks, obstructions are likely.

Drive safely.

Be patience.

Jan 20th - Jan 26th 2017 Please send your birthday, place of birth and time, so I can give you your zodiac sign, according to Vedic astrology. Send to Jaysastrology@gmail.com

M

ovement of the planet Saturn from Scorpio to Sagittarius. This is going to be a positive change for you in the matter of income and it's likely to bring happiness.

The professional matters look ok.The promotions/recognition may be delayed.The time is turning towards betterment.

The health of father needs extra care.It is better to avoid haste and conflicts. Avoid unnecessary driving.

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ovement of the planet Saturn from Scorpio to Sagittarius. This is going to be a negative change for you as it may bring the incidence of conflicts, litigation and prolonged health concerns. The professional matters look ok.There is extra mental stress. Handle relationship matters with patience.Keep new ventures pending. Take care.Avoid haste, speculation, aggressive behaviour.

ovement of the planet Saturn from Scorpio to Sagittarius. This is going to be a negative change for you in the matter of job/profession and it's likely to bring hardships in income. Handle relationship and property matters with patience. Some additional stress, losses and extra expenses are likely. It is better to avoid unnecessary driving. Take care of your health.

ovement of the planet Saturn from Scorpio to Sagittarius. It brings new ideas about new ventures or repackaging of your existing services.The professional matters look ok.The promotion is likely to be delayed.

Some additional expenses are likely.Take care of your health.Stay away from disputes. It is better to avoid new ventures.The child may need help.

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ovement of the planet Saturn from Scorpio to Sagittarius. This is going to be a negative change for you in the matter of profession, status and relationship matters. It's likely to cause sudden concerns and losses.

Take care. Professional matters need proper care.The promotion may be delayed.

Health of father may cause concern. Be patient and help the needy people as a remedy.

ovement of the planet Saturn from Scorpio to Sagittarius. This is going to be a positive change for you in the matter of health and it's likely to bring happiness.

Professional matters look ok.Those who are in international trading may get new opportunities. New opportunities may face obstructions till 15th of February. Health needs care.Take continued care of your health.

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his weekend is going to see a major change in the form of movement of the planet Saturn from Scorpio to Sagittarius. This is going to be a positive change for you in the matter of relationships and partnerships. The professional matters may face conflicts. Avoid haste and conflicts. Students and those who are appearing in selections should work with patience.

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ovement of the planet Saturn from Scorpio to Sagittarius. This is going to be a positive change for you in the matter of income and it's likely to bring rise in your learning and status. The professional matters look ok.The mental peace and emotions are likely to be disturbed. Stay away from conflicts. Some additional expenses are likely. Silence is golden for you.

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T

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ake care of relationship and property matters.

The professional matters face conflicts. Those who are in temporary assignments may face job threat.Work with patience and avoid conflicts.

Keep new ventures pending.

The health of father may cause concerns. The week may involve some additional expenses.Some problems may surface in inheritance matters.

ovement of the planet Saturn from Scorpio to Sagittarius. This is going to be a positive change for you in the matter of income, new ventures and it's likely to bring happiness by cutting losses and expenses. The professional matters look ok.Avoid speculation., Investing in stock market. Always invest in safe assets. Patience is the best medicine up to January, 2017.

his weekend is going to see a major change in the form of movement of the planet Saturn from Scorpio to Sagittarius. The professional matters are ok.Obstructions are likely in the sources of income. Health of the spouse may cause concerns.Manage obstructions with patience.It is better to avoid manipulations and driving. Also stay away from people trying to take advantage of you.

his weekend is going to see a major change in the form of movement of the planet Saturn from Scorpio to Sagittarius. The professional matters may cause concerns. Some business related journey is likely. Some additional expenses are likely.

Manage things with patience.

Since Saturn rules losses and expenses, its going in a house of profession for almost 30 months that's the focus.

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

JATIN P - ACHARYA MIHIR • JAYSASTROLOGY@GMAIL.COM • 630-675-7148

January 20, 2017

26 India Post www.indiapost.com

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January 20, 2017

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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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he trailer of Rahul Dholakia's upcoming 'Raees' is already a hit with cinelovers. Along with Shah Rukh Khan's menacing avatar as the eponymous character, Nawazuddin Siddiqui's outing as ACP Jaideep Ambalal Majumdar has also created a stir. The intense and effortless chemistry that the two actors share is being appreciated.

According to Nawaz, it's all because of their sensibilities. Says he, "Whenever I did a scene with Shah Rukh bhai, I would hope that it would go on and on. I wanted as many retakes as possible. The idea was to extract every bit of the scene's essence.

And it was not about the text or the dialogues. Both Shah Rukh and I wanted to keep working on the subtext of the scene, to exploit it to the fullest. So, I can say that you will get to see great chemistry between us in 'Raees'."

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ishal Bhardwaj has travelled a long way for his upcoming period drama, 'Rangoon', a Casablanca like love story set during the Second World War. The 51year-old filmmaker has flown down Norway-based choreographer Sudesh Adhana to train Kangana Ranaut for the song, 'Bloody Hell'. Sudesh is not just a choreographer but also a lecturer in modern dance.

Lyricist Gulzar came up with seven to eight options till they finally decided on 'Bloody Hell'. "Normally we take 10-15 days for a song but we have taken over two months to lock each song for this film," Vishal shares.

Kangana is romancing Shahid Kapoor, a soldier, and Saif Ali Khan who plays a filmmaker in 'Rangoon', which has been described as a Moulin Rouge meets Saving Private Ryan. In an earlier interview, Kangana had raved about the way he has brought his larger than life vision on screen with grandeur and depth, stating, "Vishal is an amazing director, writer, composer and person. The film has three heroes."

January 20, 2017

1 Nashe Si Chadh Gayi: Befikre 2 Channa Mereya: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil 3 Love You Zindagi: Dear Zindagi 4 Ude Dil Befikre: Befkire 5 Dhaakad: Dangal 6 The Breakup Song: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil 7 Haanikaarak Bapu : Dangal 8 Ae Dil Hai Mushkil: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil 9 Tu hi hai : Dear Zindagi 10 Gilehriyaan: Dangal

“I'm really glad that representation has started with me on a TV show.

There is no precedent of an Indian actor ever, whether it's TV or movies, playing lead characters�

P

riyanka Chopra believes global entertainment needs to represent all kind of races as whitewashing is not limited to just Asians.

"Global entertainment needs to see representation of all kinds of races; diversity is the need of the hour, she said in an interview."

"And I'm really glad that representation has started with me on a TV show. There is no precedent of an Indian actor ever, whether it's TV or movies, playing lead characters. But you have Mindy Kaling, Aziz Ansari, Kunal Nayyar there's so much representation when it comes to South Asian talent that is getting there but yes it will take time to go mainstream and people will have to watch it as well," Priyanka said.

The 34-year-old actress became the first mainstream Bollywood actress to front an American TV show 'Quantico' successfully. She will soon make her Hollywood debut with 'Baywatch' in which she is the main antagonist.

On gender pay gap disparity, Priyanka said she does not like being paid 'much less' than the boys despite putting in same amount of hard work.

Bollywood

January 20, 2017

India Post 29

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idya Balan is among very few actors who've had a successful transition from small screen to Bollywood. But unlike many others, who either made it big because they belonged to a film family or had a godfather behind them, Vidya is proud to have reached so far without any of these crutches.

"Looking at my career graph, I feel nothing short of gratitude. And I'm glad that I can owe all this success to myself. It's my love for myself that motivated me. My faith in myself and then, my family and friends helped me come this far in my career," says the 38-year-old who was last seen in Sujoy Ghosh's Kahaani 2.

"At different points in my personal and professional life, there have been different 'maseeha' who came into my life and encouraged me to do better, and not give up despite all odds. It's this journey that has helped me discover myself."

hile the world drools over Hrithik Roshan's fit body and abs, the actor believes it is Jacqueline Fernandez who is the fittest among all B-town women. The actor who shot for Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa's finale episode while promoting his upcoming film Kaabil, praised the Sri Lankan beauty saying, "She is the fittest woman in Bollywood. I know for a fact that Jackie religiously practices yoga and makes it a point to stick to her healthy diet."

This surely got a smile on Jacqueline's face. Earlier, Hrithik and Jacqueline were seen sharing screen space for an advertisement. The two complimented each other really well, doing some intense action sequences, followed by romance. Jacqueline wore a thigh-slit green gown and looked hot while Hrithik was equally good looking.

The actress got married to her long time beau Dino Lalvani, son of a Pakistan born British entrepreneur Gullu Lalvani in a hush hush wedding on October 29, 2016

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isa Haydon, who got married to boyfriend Dino Lalvani in October, is expecting her first baby with him. The 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' actress shared the good news to the world in her own style. She donned a blue bikini, exposing her tiny baby bump on sea shore.

She captioned the photo: Humble beginnings.

The actress got married to her long time beau Dino Lalvani, son of a Pakistan born British entrepreneur Gullu Lalvani in a hush hush wedding on October 29, 2016. It was a beach wedding in Phuket, Thailand.

On the work front, Lisa shot a very intimate photo-shoot with Hrithik Roshan for a popular magazine. The photo-shoot created loads of hullabaloo for being too hot and sexy.

Aamir Khan won Best Actor award

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January 20, 2017

Alia Bhatt won the Filmfare Best Actor Award (Female) for her performance in "Udta Punjab".

Nitesh Tiwari won Best Director award

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t the glittering Filmfare awards, "Dangal" swept away three of four major awards - Best Film, Aamir Khan won Best Actor and Nitesh Tiwari won Best Director award while Alia Bhatt won the Filmfare Best Actor Award (Female) for her performance in "Udta Punjab".

Attended by most actors of the Bollywood film fraternity, the iconic 62nd Jio Filmfare Awards was a star-studded event hosted by actor Shah Rukh Khan.

After winning the Best Director award, Nitesh Tiwari said, "This award is the reassurance of how much people loved our film (Dangal). So I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone in India and abroad who loved and supported our film. It means everything."

Alia, who came along with her mother Soni Razdan and sister Shaheen Bhatt, received the Best Actor (Female) award from

Shahid Kapoor won the Critics' Award for Best Actor for his role in Udta Punjab.

Sridevi and Boney Kapoor.

After receiving the award, she said, "It's very close to my heart (Udta Punjab). Thank you Shahid for sending the script to me.

Today is very special day for me. Sridevi ji receiving it from you is an honor. Another reason is my sister is here. Got her out of home."

Sharing her father Mahesh Bhatt's message, the actor said, "My dad said 'I feel you are going to win. You should do what you feel. If you feel like crying, cry. This is a dream come true for me. Finally Thanks Karan for giving her the first break."

In other awards, Sonam Kapoor won the Critics' Award For Best Actor (Female) for her performance in "Neerja" while actors Manoj Bajpayee and Shahid Kapoor shared the award for their portrayals in "Aligarh" and "Udta Punjab" respectively, in the Male category.

While Sonam got emotional on receiving the award from film director duo Abbas-Mustan, Shahid said: "I am very excited to get it and I want to thank Filmfare for this. It's a good day!"

Director Ram Madhvani won Critics' Award for Best Film for "Neerja".

Sooraj Pancholi and Kriti Sanon presented the Filmfare Shabana Azmi won the award for Best Supporting Best Debut Awards Actor (Female) for her Male and Female to performance in Neerja.

Diljit Dosanjh for

Arijit Singh won the Best Playback (Male) for the title song of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil"

"Udta Punjab" and Ritika Singh for "Saala Khadoos" respectively.

While Diljit sung 'Ikk kudi' after winning the award, Ritika said, "I've never acted before. For those who don't know, I am a wrestler."

Shatrughan Sinha received the prestigious Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award presented by his daughter, actress Sonakshi Sinha.

After winning the award, the veteran actor said, "Many people feel if you get the Lifetime Achievement Award it's the end, but I feel it's just the beginning."

Action director and stunt coordinator Shyam Kaushal won the award for Best Action for the film "Dangal" and Payal Saluja won Best Costume for "Udta Punjab".

Cont'd on Page 33

Sonam Kapoor won Critics' Award for Best Actor (Female) for her performance in "Neerja"

Superstar Salman Khan, who performed at Filmfare awards, poses with Shilpa and Shamita Shetty

January 20, 2017

India Post 31

Best and worst dressed at Filmfare Awards

Rocking her glossy look in an Ali Younes sparkling one-shoulder gown, Jacqueline Fernandez turned heads at the Filmfare Awards 2017. Picked exquisitely from Jet Gems, her silver jewellery matched her style quotient at the high profile event.

Dazzling onlookers with glitz and glamour on the red carpet, Bollywood celebs stepped out in style at the 62nd Filmfare Awards. From thigh-high slit gowns and sweeping dresses to flaunting monochromes and floral embroidery, B-town actresses made fashion statements in bolder, saucier and racier designer wears. While most of them carried themselves with confidence, elegance and poise, a few fell flat. Here are best and worst dressed Bollywood divas from the Filmfare Awards red carpet this year.

Delhi Tussauds to showcase Big B, Gandhi, Sachin NEW DELHI: Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Mahatma Gandhi, Hollywood superstar Jackie Chan, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and pop icon Lady Gaga are among the host of personalities whose wax figures will adorn the country's first Madame Tussauds opening here this June.

Merlin Entertainments, the operator of the iconic entertainment attraction, here unveiled the wax figure of Bachchan at a grand function held in the national capital.

"Bachchan's wax figure, made on the basis of his real body measurement will be housed in the new attraction coming up in Regal Building. So, his is the first one to be unveiled.

"Lady Gaga and of course Madame Tussauds' figures would be showcased too, but the ones brought here have been specially flown in from Berlin specially for this function. Besides, we will have Mahatma Gandhi and Jackie Chan's figures as well," a senior official of the company told PTI. The UK-based firm, also owner

of other brands such as SeaLife and Legoland, said, "60 per cent of the figures would be of local (Indian) personalities, and the rest would be of global ones, from all walks of life, entertainment to sports to famous leaders."

Having a legacy of over 250 years, the Delhi wax museum would be the 23rd such attraction opened globally, including in Lon-

and Washington.

"All our Madame Tussauds, around the world have a mix of global and local flavors, and so the Delhi one would carry the same character," the official said.

The Madame Tussauds museum in London opened at Baker Street in 1835. It has since expanded to other countries, drawing 550 million people worldwide

New Opening Europe and Emerging Markets director Marcel Kloos (R) unveiled actor Amitabh Bachchan’s wax figure at Delhi’s Shangri-La Hotel

don, Berlin, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Hollywood, New York

so far.

Asked if there were other choices for the city, Merlin Enter-

tainments Director, New Openings Europe and Emerging Markets, Marcel Kloos told reporters, "Mumbai is the entertainment capital of India, but we go beyond entertainment, as far as our figures are concerned."

"We conducted a market research and also took a sample survey, and Delhi turned out to be right fit. Also, the venue, Regal Theatre building, a heritage building in Connaught Place area was, also the right find for us, so we did not look any further."

Merlin Entertainments India General Manger and Director Anshul Jain said, "The Delhi at-

traction would be a 100 per cent subsidiary of the global firm."

Talking about investments the company has made in opening its first such attraction in India, he said, "We cannot give specific details but we are launching India with 50 figures with a minimum investment of Rs 1.5 crore for each figure."

The museum will be housed in the 1930-era building spread over the ground and first floors.

"All figures are being made in our UK studio and will be brought here. But, we do have a local team, who will work on its maintenance," Kloos said. -PTI

32 India Post

January 20, 2017 www.indiapost.com

The ‘Free Tibet’ mess that the West created VINOD DHAWAN India Post News Service

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t a gathering of Nisargadatta Maharaj in Bombay, an American got up and said, “I want to save the world.” Maharaj replied coolly, “Get out of the way and see what is left to be saved.” It has taken 30 years for another American, James Rinaldi to learn this.

In his book ‘Saviors and Fools’ he describes his long struggle to bring “freedom” to Tibet in the face of the ruthless suppression by the mighty Chinese army. Frustrated by the mess created by the Western powers in this mission, he says in the end that it is now time for America and the West to get out of the way and let India take the leadership role.

Here also he is unable to let go of his control and offers a number of suggestions to India about how to help Tibet and Tibetans. One of his advices to India is to settle Tibetan refugees in Ladakh!

The book, a memoir, describes Rinaldi’s adventures and misadventures in Nepal and India in his undeniable zeal to help the Tibetans. In the course of this he organized a BCG vaccine smuggling program to help the Tibetan refu-

gees in Nepal, a currency exchange project, numerous border trips and a daring UN impersonation caper. The account of the hazardous illegal Tibetan crossing into Nepal through Nagpa La reads like a thriller. In the dead of night and frost-biting cold Nepali guides make the shivering Tibetans walk through valleys and ravines hoping to take them past the notorious Chinese security en-

James Rinaldi

campment tower and prison facility. It is a life and death gamble with the fear of a Chinese patrol taking this route. The guide tells them to remain absolutely quiet along the trail. They must not be seen or heard along this stretch, and were made to walk almost one

km stooped down below one meter high ravine walls to avoid detection.

BOOK REVIEW The UN impersonation trick was also a very daring act. Knowing that the UN doesn’t do anything, Rinaldi and friends organized fake letters with UN stamps and all and had them delivered to Nepali police posts along the way telling them not to harass Tibetans crossing into Nepal. This had some effect. There was no further instance of forced repatriation of Tibetans from this area for the next eight years!

Rinaldi’s ire is however reserved for the West and its leading governments whom he accuses of hypocrisy. He says “Tibet does not directly relate to the national interests of any western nation to the point that they are willing to potentially jeopardize their relationship with China.”

Expressing disappointment and disillusionment with US bureaucracy, he feels that the USAID/ State Department logic when it

comes to Tibetans is one of intelligence accumulation and political control. “The Americans have no Tibetan policy; they just want to keep Tibetans quiet while they deal with China. Ultimately, $6 million buys the US access, control and quiet among Tibetans in India - it’s like a big, warm wet blanket designed to smother individual ex-

Book Cover

pression and initiative.”

Rinaldi has come to the conclusion that the key to recovering any momentum for the Tibet struggle is to realize that all changes, all ideas and programs must originate from Tibetans themselves. “The

West blew it and now it is time to move on. The Tibetans themselves are beginning to sense this.”

Also, he makes the interesting point that there is a very real possibility of China cooling down its repressive treatment of Tibetans once the US is out of the picture.

Rinaldi has great faith in the Indians coming to the aid of Tibet struggle. “The relationship that India has with Tibetans spans centuries. The Dalai Lama calls India the great “guru” of all Tibetans. Historical ties between India and Tibet run deep. The Buddhism that the Tibetans practice originated from India.

“Indians know that supporting a people that the Chinese vehemently dislike offers them an oddly favorable position when dealing with China - a position of strength which the United States and the West can never attain. Tibetans serve a purpose and the Indians understand how best to exploit their presence for political gain,” he says.

As Director of Himalayan Aid, Rinaldi is now contributing his own photos and records to create a comprehensive exhibit detailing Tibetan migration through Nepal for the Tibetan museum on the grounds of the Dalai Lama’s place in McLeod Ganj.

Sadan's portraits drew admiration at PBD India Post News Service

BENGALURU: Like every year before, Suraj Sadan was there at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event exhibiting twenty of his portraits of Mahatma Gandhi at the venue.

The show drew crowds of NRIs and locals impressed by Sadan's mastery over the medium of sketching and painting. Sadan has been part of all PBDs held since the event's inception in 2003.

His magnificent portrait of Mahatma Gandhi graced the cover of the U.N.E.S.C.O. magazine of October 1969. It appeared on stamps and endless reproductions, and thus the artist's name became a household word around the world.

With a portfolio of drawings, oils and watercolors, Suraj Sadan continues his artistic exploration in Europe and finally in Canada, which was to become his second home.

His studied art at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des BeauxArts in Paris, as well as McGill and Concordia Universities in Montreal, where he settled with his wife, also an accomplished painter. It was an uneasy adapta-

tion for the peripatetic artist, who to this day continues to travel between India, Paris and Montreal, unable, and unwilling, to commit his talent to one particular place.

It was nearly 50 years ago that Suraj Sadan finished the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi with Kasturba that later won him international accolades. To this day, his sketches of the Mahatma continue to impress people.

For the 78-year-old Mr. Sadan,

who created the iconic portrait that went on to become the 20 paise stamp released to commemorate the centenary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi in 1969, spreading awareness about the non-violence principles has been a mission.

Mr. Sadan's interest in portraits of Mahatma Gandhi started as a young boy. His family, along with him, had been displaced from Quetta, now in Pakistan, and were

in the post-Independence refugee centre at Kingsway Camp in Delhi when the Mahatma visited it. "I was around nine years old when he came to the camp and since then I paint his portraits," he said, adding that he tries to create awareness of Gandhi's principles.

He has also drawn portraits of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, and former Presidents Rajendra Prasad, S. Radhakrishnan and V.V. Giri. He

loves to put the portraits of Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Junior and Mahatma Gandhi together to evoke a strong image of the luminaries of non-violence.

Suraj Sadan has won many international accolades and awards.

To encourage young students, Sadan's Mahatma Gandhi International Foundation holds art contests open to 13-20 age group on the themes relating to non-violence.

January 20, 2017

India Post 33 www.indiapost.com

Salute Siachen premiered on Army Day! India Post News Service

MUMBAI: Eros Now, the cutting edge digital over-the-top (OTT) platform of leading Indian studio, Eros International held the premiere of its path breaking original, Salute Siachen on 15th January, Army Day. This first ever celebrity expedition carried out in association with HTC, to the world's second longest glacier and highest battlefield was to honor the Indian Army and salute their selfless contribution to the country. The trek that flagged off on the 15th August, 2016 and is now available exclusively to Eros Now subscribers.

The five-part series shot by the nine celebrity participants on HTC phones takes you through a whirlwind of emotions as they embark upon the toughest journey of their life. The 20-day trek saw popular faces from different walks of life come together to salute the Indian Army.

The celebrity participants underwent rigorous training and prepping for the expedition that

began with an acclimatization trek to Stok Kangri base. Bollywood actors Arjun Rampal, Arunoday Singh, sports personalities - cricketer Rudra Pratap Singh and hockey player Yuvraj Walmiki, TV

Sonnalli Seygall battled out extreme weather conditions to scale the unpredictable Siachen.

Speaking on the launch of the series on Eros Now, Rishika Lulla Singh, CEO, Eros Digital, said,

complishments of the Indian army and what better occasion than the Army Day to launch this series paying tribute to the valor of our soldiers".

Zulfiqar Khan, Business

heartthrob Rannvijay Singha along with Namrata Gujaran, Hasan Zaidi, Shlok Sharma and

"Salute Siachen is a unique initiative and a humble tribute showcasing our appreciation of the ac-

Head, Eros Now, added, "Eros Now's promise is to narrate inspiring and riveting stories to our

Stone Buddhist statues arrive in Gainesville GAINESVILLE, Fla.: It took 40 days for the Buddhist statues to sail from Vietnam to Jacksonville.

It took five trucks to drive the Shakyamuni Buddha statue to Gainesville, its two fellow statues following along.

And after three years in the making, the statues arrived at their home at A Nan Buddhist Temple, where they will be installed in the temple's gardens. ``It took a long effort to get

ture to Gainesville residents and to establish a Buddhist landmark in the area.

He traveled to Vietnam and performed prayer sessions in front of the massive blocks of stone before they were sculpted into three grand Buddhist statues: Shakyamuni Buddha, who is sitting and meditating; a reclining Buddha, on his deathbed reaching Nirvana; and Quan Am, a motherly, compassionate fig-

The reclining Buddha is about 30 feet long.

His stone eyes are closed, and he wears a faint smile and draped clothes, bare feet sticking out of the cloth. It looks peaceful and unburdened for a 70-ton statue. them here from Vietnam,'' said Benny Tram, one of the temple's congregants, after the statues arrived safely. ``We've been waiting, waiting, for almost three years.''

Thay Duc Thong, chief resident monk of the temple, started the Buddhist Garden Project to introduce Vietnamese Buddhist cul-

ure.

Tram said it cost $300,000 to create the statues and additional thousands of dollars to ship them to Gainesville. Over the years, temple visitors have donated money as they could.

Tram, who works in a nail salon, said he saved his tips to donate to the project.

``This is going to be the best thing for people to visit in Gainesville,'' he said.

The temple hopes the statues encourage Buddhists and nonBuddhists alike to visit, study and reflect there, Tram said. He hasn't seen anything like the statues in the United States.

The reclining Buddha is about 30 feet long. His stone eyes are closed, and he wears a faint smile and draped clothes, bare feet sticking out of the cloth. It looks peaceful and unburdened for a 70-ton statue.

The Quan Am figure remained laying on a truck bed. When she stands upright on a pedestal, she will tower at 40 feet.

Those two arrived intact. The meditating Buddha, though, is like a puzzle: legs and hands, back, chest and head, plus its base. When complete, it will represent the thoughtful process of enlightenment.

Everyone can live a life worthy of becoming a Buddha, Tram said. Enlightenment isn't reserved for the historic Buddha now memorialized at the garden in solid stone. ``All of us have the heart of Buddha,'' Tram said. -AP

audiences and what better way than to kick start with Salute Siachen, that will inspire and entertain millions of viewers. We are encouraged by the faith and support extended by our partner HTC." Commenting on the expedition, Bollywood actor, Arjun Rampal, said, "Thank our soldiers, in our own way. At the same time, it was a very personal and emotional journey, and I am grateful to the whole team for the support they gave to me to launch The Gwen Breast Cancer Foundation."

Speaking on his experience, celebrity participant and TV host Rannvijay Singha said, "Salute Siachen has been an exhilarating experience and I am honored to have been a part of this unique expedition and pay my tribute to the Indian Army."

Cricketer Rudra Pratap Singh commented, "As someone who plays cricket for our country, the urge to show my appreciation to the real heroes of our nation has only risen. Am glad that I could do my bit through Salute Siachen."

Dangal, Aamir, Alia bag top honors Cont'd from Page 30

Karan Johar's "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" was one of the most celebrated films of the evening, with four awards.

While Arijit Singh won the Best Playback (Male) for the title song of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", Pritam bagged the Best Music Director and the Best Music Album.

Amitabh Bhattacharya won the award for Best Lyrics for "Channa Mereya" from the same film.

After winning the award, Pritam said, "My first thanks to KJo. Without him it wouldn't have been possible. I want to take this award home for my children."

Neha Bhasin won the Best Playback Singer (Female) for 'Jag Ghoomeya' from "Sultan". Holding her precious 'black lady', Neha hummed the song and said, "I would like to thank the entire team of Filmfare, you guys rock!"

The film "Kapoor and Sons" won three awards - Rishi Kapoor won The Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male); Adil Shaikh won Best Choreography for 'Kar Gayi Chul', and Shakun Batra and Ayesha Devitre won the Best Story and Best Screenplay for "Kapoor and Sons".

"Cannot thank Filmfare enough for giving such a great start to our

new year and we want to work harder this year," the duo said after winning the award.

The much acclaimed film "Neerja" won four awards.

Shabana Azmi won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female), Aparna Sud and Anna Ipe won for Best Production Design; Mitesh Munchandani won for Best Cinematography and

Monisha R Baldawa won the award for Best Editing.

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari bagged the the Filmfare Award for Best Debut Director for her highly appreciated film "Nil Battey Sannata", which starred Swara Bhaskar.

In performances, Salman Khan danced to some of his hit songs, such as 'O o jaane jaana', 'Munni badnam hui' and 'Sultan'. Actor Tiger Shroff grooved to hits like 'The Pappi Song', 'Aa raha hoon main' and 'Dhoom Again'.

In Brief DC mayor plans immigrant defense fund WASHINGTON: Washington's mayor says the city is ``doubling down'' on its status as a sanctuary city for immigrants who lack legal permission to remain in the United States.

Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the city will spend $500,000 to help immigrants fight deportation. The money will be handed out as grants to lawyers and organizations that help immigrants stay in the United States.

The announcement places the District of Columbia alongside the state of New York and the cities of Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles, which have announced plans for similar legal defense funds. All are led by Democrats.

The efforts were launched in response to the anti-immigrant rhetoric of President-elect Donald Trump.

The District is heavily Democratic, and just 4 percent of city residents voted for Trump. -AP

„ 'San Francisco can't be sued over death by immigrant' SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco cannot be held liable for a slaying by a man who was in the country illegally and had been released by sheriff's officials despite a request by immigration officials to keep him behind bars, a federal judge said.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph Spero dismissed wrongful death claims filed by the family of 32year-old Kathryn Steinle against the city and Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi. The judge, however, allowed a negligence claim against the federal government to move forward.

Steinle's shooting death thrust San Francisco into the national debate over immigration The man charged with murder in the July 2015 slaying, Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, was a repeat drug offender who was transferred to the city jail to face a marijuana sales charge after he completed a federal prison sentence for illegally reentering the country. The district attorney dropped charges, and the sheriff's department released Lopez-Sanchez three months before Steinle's death, ignoring a request by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to keep him behind bars.

San Francisco's so-called ``sanctuary policy'' bars city employees from cooperating with federal immigration officials in deportation efforts.

Cont'd on Page 37

Immigration

Tillerson opposes blanket ban on Muslims' entry

34 India Post

www.indiapost.com

January 20, 2017

Details on page 37

Hate crimes against South Asians spiked during US polls WASHINGTON: South Asian community in the US bore the brunt of a spike in hate violence and xenophobic political rhetoric during the presidential election similar to levels seen the year following the 9/11 terror attack, according to a report.

The report "Power, Pain and Potential" released by South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), a leading national South Asian American advocacy organization, said from November 15, 2015 to November 15, 2016 (between the Paris attacks and the week after the Presidential elections), SAALT documented 207 incidents of hate violence and xenophobic political rhetoric aimed at South Asian communities.

As many as 140 incidents of hate violence and 67 instances of xenophobic political rhetoric have been reported in the US against the South Asian community during the 2016 election cycle, it said.

"An astounding 95 per cent of incidents were motivated by anti-

Muslim sentiment," SAALT said, adding that its findings are consistent with the FBI's 2015 hate crimes statistics, which disclosed a 67 per cent increase in hate crimes against Muslims from the previous year.

Notably, President-elect Donald Trump was responsible for one in

try.

According to the 2010 Census, 2.84 million Asian Indians lived in the United States, up from 1.67 million in 2000.

"I think that the hate violence statistics that we have tabulated ... really typifies, unfortunately, the growing groundswell of hostility

five (21 per cent) xenophobic political statements SAALT documented, a media release said.

SAALT's findings come at a time when South Asian Americans are among the fastest growing demographic groups in the coun-

many of our community members continue to experience, even as our communities continue to grow rapidly (nationwide)," Raghunathan said.

"The unprecedented violence we saw following the September

11 attacks has returned, electrified by a hostile 2016 presidential election," said Suman Raghunathan, executive director of SAALT. "With over 4.3 million South Asians in the US, policymakers must make it a first priority to address and dismantle the paradox of our communities living at the intersection of growth and hate," she said.

In its report SAALT said since 2000, unauthorized immigration from Asia has grown at rates much faster than from Mexico.

"India is the country of origin with the greatest increase in unauthorized immigrants to the US with a 914 per cent increase since 1990," it said.

The lack of comprehensive immigration reform worsens conditions for undocumented immigrants, their families, and Americans at large, it said, adding that undocumented individuals and others with an uncertain immigration status face unique barriers when interfacing with public safety and law enforcement programs. -PTI

Trump nominee promises curbs on H1B visas WASHINGTON: The Trump administration will take steps, including pushing legislative measures to curb "abuse" of H-1B and L1 visas by foreign workers, President- elect Donald Trump's nominee for the post of Attorney General has assured US lawmakers, moves that could significantly hurt Indian IT firms and professionals.

"It's simply wrong to think that we're in a totally open world and that any American with a job can be replaced if somebody in the world is willing to take a job for less pay," Senator Jeff Sessions told members of Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing for the position of US Attorney General.

"We have borders. We have a commitment to our citizens and you have been a champion of that. I've been honored to work with you on it," Sessions said in

response to a question from Senator Charles Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Trump has made tougher immigration policy a central theme since the day he announced he would run for president.

In the past, both Sessions and

Senator Jeff Sessions

Grassley have worked together to bring legislations on H-1B visas that badly hit Indian IT companies.

The Office of Special Counsel for immigration related unfair employment practices is an office within the Justice Department

which would be headed by Sessions if he is confirmed by the US Senate.

The office enforces the antidiscrimination provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. "While the office is designed to protect foreign nationals with employment visas from discrimination, it is also charged with ensuring that American workers are not discriminated against in the workplace.

Many US workers advocate that the layoff of American workers and the replacement by cheaper, foreign, H-1B workers constitutes de facto nationality based discrimination against American workers," Grassley said.

"The Obama administration has failed to protect American workers here. Will you, this is my question, will you be more aggressive in investigating the abuses of these visa programs?" he asked.

"I believe this has been an abuse. And I have been pleased

to support your legislation and some others too, that others have produced that I believe could be helpful. It needs to be addressed," Sessions said.

Describing Sessions as a vocal champion for American workers, Grassley said many American workers are being laid off and replaced by cheaper foreign labor imported through some of the US visa programs.

Sessions, Grassley and Senator Dick Durbin in the past had co-sponsored a bill that would reform H-1B visa programs by ensuring that qualified American workers are considered for high skilled job opportunities before those jobs can be offered to foreign nationals.

"It also prohibit a company from hiring H-1B employees if they employ more than 50 people and more than 50 per cent of their employees are H-1B or L-1 visa holders," he said. -PTI

Immigration Post

January 20, 2017

India Post 35

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Need to fix the immigration system rules: Sessions WASHINGTON: Ruling out mass scale deportation of illegal immigrants, a top Trump Cabinet nominee for the powerful position of US Attorney General has said there is a need to fix the country's broken immigration system.

"Fundamentally we need to fix this immigration system. It's not been working right," Senator Jeff Sessions told Senators in response to a question during his confirmation hearing convened by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

"We've entered more and more millions of people illegally into the country. Each one of them produces some sort of humanitarian concern, but it is particularly true for children. So, we've been placed in a bad situation. I really would urge us all to work together," he said.

"I would try to be supportive to end the illegality and put us in a position where we can wrestle with how to handle these difficult, compassionate decisions. As you know were not able financially or any other way to seek out and remove everybody that's in the country illegally," Sessions said.

President-elect Donald Trump has indicated that criminal aliens, like President Obama indicated, certainly are the top group of

people, he said.

"So I would think that the best thing for us to do, and I would urge colleagues that we understand this, let's fix this system," he said.

"And then we can work to-

any move towards amnesty of those who have entered the country illegally.

"I do believe that if you continually go through a cycle of amnesty, that you undermine the respect for the law and encourage

Jeff Sessions opposed any move towards amnesty of those who have entered the country illegally.

gether after this lawlessness has ended and then we can ask the American people and enter into a dialogue about how to compassionately treat people who've been here a long time," he said, responding to a series of questions from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

However, Sessions opposed

it's a payment. Probably less likely that it's a payment. But it will happen," Trump said.

He continued, "I want to get the wall started."

Trump said he will not blame Mexican government for "taking advantage" of the US in the past. However, he said under his watch, things will change.

Trump had promised to deport millions of undocumented Mexican migrants from the United States if he elected.

Meanwhile, Mexico's new

What is inadmissible, and which would deeply violate the dignity of all Mexicans, is to expect Mexico to pay for infrastructure of the United States," Videgaray told Radio Formula. "There is no way that this will happen," he said. in six months.

"They will reimburse us for the cost of the wall. That will happen. Whether it's a tax or if

skill-based immigration.

Immigration has been a high priority for the United States, he said, adding that it has been a leading country in the world in accepting immigration.

"I don't think American people want to end immigration. I do think that if you bring in a larger flow of labor than we have jobs for, it does impact adversely the wage prospects and the jobs prospects of American citizens," he noted.

"I think as a nation, we should evaluate immigration on whether or not it serves and advances the nation interests, not the corporate interests," he said. -PTI

Obama ends 20-year-old more illegal immigration into America," he said.

"I believe the American people spoke clearly in this election. I believe they agreed with my basic view, and I think its a good view, a decent view, a solid legal view for the United States of America that we create a lawful system of immigration that allows

US to build wall with Mexico, Trump insists NEW YORK: US Presidentelect Donald Trump has said his administration will soon build a massive border wall with Mexico to keep out illegal migrants and claimed that the cost of constructing the controversial structure would be reimbursed by the southern neighbor.

"I don't feel like waiting a year or a year and a half to start building. Mexico in some form, in their many different forms, will reimburse us," Trump said during his first press conference

people to apply to this country, and if they're accepted they get it, if they're not accepted they don't get in," he said.

"I believe that's right and just and the American people are right to ask for it. We have not delivered that for them," Sessions said.

The Senator from Alabama said immigration flow was not on the basis of skills.

"Immigration flow from almost all of our countries, frankly, is based on a family connection and other visas rather than a skilledbased program more like Canada has today, and that's all I intended to be saying there," he said, adding that he would like to see a

foreign minister said that there is "no way" that his country will pay for the wall.

Luis Videgaray, who was ap-

pointed by President Enrique Pena Nieto recently to seek "constructive" relations with the Trump administration, told the Televisa network that Mexico "will not cede" on issues related to "national sovereignty."

"The United States has the right to protect its borders.

What is inadmissible, and which would deeply violate the dignity of all Mexicans, is to expect Mexico to pay for infrastructure of the United States," Videgaray told Radio Formula.

"There is no way that this will happen," he said.

Trump had called Mexican migrants "rapists" and drug dealers during the presidential campaign and vowed to make their country pay for a massive wall across the border.

The Republican real estate billionaire, who assumes office on January 20, has threatened to fund the giant wall by tapping into the billions of dollars in remittances that Mexican migrants in the US send back home. -PTI

policy for Cuban migrants WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has ended a twodecade-old "wet foot, dry foot" policy that allows most Cuban migrants who reach US soil to become legal permanent residents after a year.

The move, coming in the last days of the Obama administration, is seen as a significant step towards normalizing America's relations with its one-time foe.

"The Department of Homeland Security is ending the so-called "wet-foot, dry foot" policy, which was put in place more than twenty years ago and was designed for a different era," Obama said in a statement.

He said the US is taking important steps to normalize relations with the communist nation and to bring greater consistency to its immigration policy.

"Effective immediately, Cuban nationals who attempt to enter the United States illegally and do not qualify for humanitarian relief will be subject to removal, consistent with US law and enforcement pri-

orities," he said.

"By taking this step, we are treating Cuban migrants the same way we treat migrants from other countries," he added.

The "wet foot, dry foot" policy mostly allows Cubans who reach US soil to stay in the country.

Those caught at sea are returned to Cuba.

In exchange for the policy change, "the Cuban government has agreed to accept the return of Cuban nationals who have been ordered removed, just as it has been accepting the return of migrants interdicted at sea," Obama said.

The decision is expected to weigh upon the strategy of President-elect Donald Trump, who had vowed to renegotiate ties with Cuba.

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson said that in addition to the revoking the "wet-foot/ dry-foot" policy for Cuban migrants, the United States is also ending the special Cuban Medical Professional Parole program.PTI

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Immigration Post

36 India Post

January 20, 2017

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Opponents avoid calling Sessions 'racist' WASHINGTON: Opponents to GOP Sen. Jeff Sessions' selection as attorney general are calling him extremist, anti-immigration and insensitive to civil rights.

But they're refusing to call him racist.

Civil rights groups purposefully are staying away from leveling that loaded term at Sessions, who was rejected for a federal judgeship in the 1980s amid accusations that he had called a black attorney ``boy'' - which he denied - and the NAACP and ACLU ``unAmerican.''

The logic behind this strategy, they say, is to get greater scrutiny paid to Sessions' actions and his record, and reduce the chances that senators who consider Sessions a friend could use allegations of racism against him as a distraction. ``That question is designed to raise a level of heat that turns us away from the facts of his record,'' said Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. ``It turns what is supposed to be a professional inquiring into something for them that feels very personal.''

Republicans have expressed strong support for Sessions and are expected to secure more than

enough votes needed to confirm him as attorney general in President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration.

In a rare maneuver, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker - one of three black senators - will testify against Sessions saying Sessions has a ``concerning'' record on civil rights and criminal justice reform and that his decision to testify is ``a call to conscience.'' The full Senate will eventually vote on Sessions' confirmation.

Beyond Booker, other black lawmakers tried to focus on the larger picture. ``I don't care whether he's a racist or not,'' Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., said of Sessions during a recent news conference held by the Congressional Black Caucus, which counts many Sessions opponents among its 49 members.

When pressed, caucus chair Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., cited actions that Sessions took while serving as a federal prosecutor in Alabama, and positions Sessions currently holds as a senator, including his opposition to what Richmond called criminal justice reform and strengthening the Voting Rights Act. It is likely that Sessions' opponents adopted this strategy be-

cause they are well aware of their audience, said Vanderbilt University political science professor Efrèn Pèrez. ``Immediately throwing a word around like `bigot,' `racist' or `prejudiced' probably is a conversation nonstarter for some individuals,'' Perez said. ``So I think

Attorney General-designate, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., takes his seat on Capitol Hill in Washington, after a break in his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

some of the language use is strategic to widen the circle of who you can mobilize to oppose his nomination.''

Sessions' nomination to be a federal judge was turned away in 1986 because of allegations of racially charged comments. Coretta

Germany's new migrants far lower than 2015 BERLIN: Germany saw about 280,000 new asylum-seekers arrive last year, less than a third of the previous year's huge influx of 890,000, the interior minister said.

While new arrivals declined, Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said that the number of rejected asylum-seekers who left Germany was up - though still not to authorities' satisfaction. In total, 80,000 people either left voluntarily or were deported, he said.

Arrivals declined sharply with the closure of the Balkan migrant route in March and the subsequent agreement between the European Union and Turkey to stem the flow across the Aegean Sea to Greece.

Asylum applications have lagged well behind arrivals and many people who came to Germany in 2015 applied only last year.

The new figures showed that 745,545 formal asylum applications were made last year - 268,869 more than in 2015. Those included 268,866 applications from Syrians, 127,892 from Afghans and 97,162 from Iraqis, the biggest single groups by far.

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, which has been beefed up in the course of Europe's migrant crisis, decided last year on more than 695,000 asylum applications, more than twice

Scott King, wife of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., said in a letter that year that Sessions' actions as a federal prosecutor were ``reprehensible'' and that he used his office ``in a shabby attempt to intimidate and frighten elderly black voters.''

But Sessions that year vehe-

seekers.

De Maiziere said that about 55,000 migrants returned home voluntarily last year, compared with the previous year's 35,000. Another 25,000 were forcibly deported.

Chancellor Angela Merkel, who faces a national election later this year and still draws criticism for her welcoming approach to migrants in 2015, has promised a ``national effort'' to ensure that people who aren't entitled to stay go home.

The number of returns is still too low, de Maiziere said, adding that talks are underway German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere arrives at the weekly cabinet meeting of the with state authorities German government at the chancellery in Berlin who are responsible for as many as in 2015. Nearly 60 per- returns - to push it up. cent of applicants were granted De Maiziere rejected the sugeither full refugee status or a lesser gestion that the drop in new arrivform of protection. The agency has als was the result of Europe's efalso cut the average time required forts to prevent people reaching for an asylum decision to under the continent, but acknowledged three months, and introduced a that Germany was working to ennationwide database to combine sure refugees stay in their home identity records for all asylum- region. -AP

mently denied charges of racism. ``I am not a racist,'' he said in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Sessions did not repeat those words but he did tell that same committee the ``damnably false'' racism accusations were ``very painful,'' and asked to be judged by his record over his two decades in the Senate. ``I hope my tenure in this body has shown you that the caricature that was created of me was not accurate,'' Sessions said. ``It wasn't accurate then and it's not accurate now.''

There are few people in Wash-

ington who dislike Sessions personally, especially in the Senate. ``Jeff Sessions is the same genuine, fair-minded person in unguarded, private moments as he is in the halls of the Senate,'' said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who introduced Sessions at the beginning of the hearings.

That's why Sessions' colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee should move the question out of the realm of the personal, Ifill said. ``Of course it matters whether he's a racist or not, but is that the question that's before them?'' Ifill said. ``The question that's before them is whether he's fit, prepared and qualified to be the chief enforcer of the nation's civil rights laws, and the nation's laws.''

If this strategy succeeds, it could mean an acknowledgment that just accusing someone of racism doesn't have the power it used to, especially in a country where cries of reverse racism are rampant, Perez said. ``It is not automatic winning of the moral high ground anymore,'' he said.

However, that does not mean applying the term ``racist'' has completely lost its effectiveness, said Larry E. Davis, a University of Pittsburgh professor and director of the Center on Race and Social Problems. Protesters calling Sessions a racist repeatedly interrupted the hearing and were hustled out by Capitol police. ``There are people who would like to normalize being called a racist, but the word is still powerful,'' Davis said. -AP

UK considers $1,200 charge to hire EU workers LONDON: Britain is considering charging employers 1,000 pounds ($1,200) a year for every skilled worker they recruit from the European Union after the U.K. leaves the bloc, the country's immigration minister has said.

Robert Goodwill told a House of Lords committee the charge is ``something that's been suggested to us that could apply'' to EU workers.

Britain has already approved such a levy for foreign workers from non-EU nations. It takes effect in April.

Currently, citizens of the 27 other EU member states have the right to live and work in Britain.

But that freedom of movement is likely to end once Britain quits the bloc.

The government has set a goal of reducing net immigration to Brit-

ain below 100,000 people a year.

It's currently more than 300,000 a year.

After mentioning the 1,000pound charge, Goodwill said it was far from certain. EU exit talks have yet to begin and ``we are not in a position to really speculate as to what the settlement will be, postBrexit negotiations,'' he said.

Business groups criticized the idea of a foreign-worker levy.

Seamus Nevin, the head of employment and skills policy at the Institute of Directors, said employers ``simply cannot endure the double whammy of more restriction and then, if they do succeed in finding the right candidate, the prospect of an extra charge.''

Goodwill also said it's likely that agricultural workers will be allowed to come to Britain on shortterm seasonal contracts. -AP

Immigration Post

January 20, 2017

India Post 37

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Tillerson opposes blanket ban on Muslims' entry WASHINGTON: Donald Trump's secretary of state pick Rex Tillerson has said he does not support blanket travel ban against Muslims even as he asserted that the US must win the war against Islamic terrorists not just on the battlefield, but in the war of ideas.

"I think what's important is that we are able to make a judgment about the people that are coming into the country.

And so no, I do not support a blanket type rejection of any particular group of people," the 64year-old former ExxonMobil CEO told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during his confirmation hearing.

"But clearly, we have serious challenges to be able to vet people coming into the country particularly, under the current circumstances because of the instability in the parts of the world that it's occurring," he said.

"It's a huge challenge and I don't think we can just close our eyes and ignore that. We have to

be very clear-eyed about recognizing that threat and developing a means to deal with it," Tillerson said.

President-elect Donald Trump

by the Islamic State in Europe and the US. He has since walked back that promise, instead saying he would ban immigration from countries

Rex Tillerson (above) said the US must win the war against Islamic terrorists not just on the battlefield.

had vowed to temporarily ban Muslim travel and immigration to the country after a wave of terrorist attacks carried out or inspired

where terrorism is prevalent.

Tillerson, however, said he would require more information on how the government would ap-

Sharp drop in Indian students in UK institutes

proach constructing a registry of Muslims before he would consider lending his support to creating one.

"I would need to have a lot more information around how such an approach would even be constructed. And if it were a tool for vetting, then it probably extends to other people as well other groups that are threats to the US," he said.

Tillerson said the US must win the war against Islamic terrorists not just on the battlefield, but must triumph in the war of ideas.

Tillerson said that because of his past work, he has travelled extensively to Muslim countries.

"I've gained an appreciation and recognition of this great faith.

That's why I made a distinction that we should support those Muslim voices that reject this same radical Islam that we reject," he noted.

"Now, this is part of winning the war other than on the battlefield. I mentioned we have to win it, not just on the battlefield. We've

'San Francisco can't be sued over death by immigrant' Cont'd from Page 34

LONDON: Amid a visa clampdown on foreign students by the UK, there has been a sharp drop in the number of Indians coming to study in the country's higher education institutions over the previous year, according to new data.

The UK's Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the official agency for the collection, analysis and dissemination of quantitative information about higher education in the country, revealed that while Indians remain the third largest category of students from outside the EU, they registered a decrease of 9 per cent in 2015-16 over the previous year.

"India saw the largest percentage decrease, at 44 per cent between 2011-12 and 2015-16. In numbers, this meant that in 201516, the number of student enrolments domiciled from India was 13,150 less than in 2011-12. It is worth noting however, that the decline in student enrolments domiciled from India began a year earlier, in 2010-11," the HESA said in its analysis.

"Among students from outside the UK studying at HE (higher education) providers in England, the largest numbers of first years from non-EU countries came from China, which showed a 6 per cent increase on 2014-15, followed by the United States which increased

by 3 per cent, and then India which decreased by 9 per cent," it said.

For other EU countries, the largest number of students came from France in 2015-16, increasing by 3 per cent from 2014-15, and taking the top spot from Germany which decreased by 6 per cent.

The overall number of higher education enrolments stood at

to show we are open for business like never before," said Nick Hillman, director of HEPI. "Removing international students from the net migration target would be an easy, costless and swift way to signal a change in direction," he said.

Alistair Jarvis, deputy chief executive of Universities UK, repre-

Alistair Jarvis, deputy chief executive of Universities UK, representing the higher education sector, said, "This report provides a stark warning of the potential economic loss associated with policies that restrict European or international student numbers."

2,280,830 in 2015-16, an increase of 1 per cent, and 14,750 in overall numbers, from 2014-15.

The figures come as the UK's Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) think tank warned that a tougher stance by the UK Home Office towards overseas students studying at British universities could cost the country up to 2 billion pounds a year.

"Were the Home Office to conduct yet another crackdown on international students, then the UK could lose out on 2 billion pounds a year just when we need

senting the higher education sector, said, "This report provides a stark warning of the potential economic loss associated with policies that restrict European or international student numbers."

"If universities are to continue to boost the economy and benefit communities, they need the right support from government," he said.

The latest figures will add further pressure on the UK government to address the perception of a visa clampdown on international students. -PTI

gotta to win the war of ideas and our of our greatest allies in this war is going to be the moderate voices of Muslim, of people in the Muslim faith, who speak from their perspective and their rejection of that representation of what is otherwise a great faith," he said.

"My expectation is that we're going to be able to reengage with our traditional friends and allies in the region. Not just in the middle east but I think as you pointed out there are large Muslim populations in South East Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, other important countries in that part of the world where we have serious issues of common issues as well," he said.

Radical Islam, he said, poses a grave risk to the stability of nations and the well-being of their citizens.

Tillerson said eliminating ISIS would be the first step in disrupting the capabilities of other groups and individuals committed to striking America's homeland and allies. -PTI

Mirkarimi cited the law in a 2015 memo to deputies that prohibited them from providing certain information to federal immigration authorities, including the date an inmate is released, according to Spero's ruling. In their lawsuit, Steinle's family cited a statement by immigration authorities that LopezSanchez would have been deported and Steinle's death prevented if sheriff's officials had notified them about his pending release.

Spero said in his ruling that neither the state nor federal law cited in the lawsuit prevents the sheriff

from restricting his deputies' communications with immigration officials about an inmate's release date.

Frank Pitre, an attorney for the Steinle family, said he was evaluating the best course forward.

Spero allowed a claim in the lawsuit alleging that a U.S. Bureau of Land Management ranger negligently left the gun used in Steinle's slaying loaded inside a vehicle in San Francisco, and it was stolen.

Lopez-Sanchez says he found the gun and it fired when he picked it up, striking Steinle in the back.

He has pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder charge. -AP

Classifieds

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Datebook

January 20, 2017

India Post 39

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NEW JERSEY Upcoming

NEW YORK

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

Fri, Jan 27 • Glow in the Dark Ladies Night

Sat, Jan 21 • Bollywood Beats - A Weekly Saturday Night

Venue: Royal Alberts Palace(Grand Ball Room), 1050 King Georges Post Rd, Edison, NJ 08837 Time: 07:30 pm

Venue: Lexicon, 226 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022 Time : 10:00 pm

Sat, Jan 28 • Dance pe Chance - Dance Competition 2017

Sat, Feb 4 • BOLLYWOOD BEATS - A Weekly Saturday Night Desi Party

Venue: Plainfield High School, 950 Park Avenue, Plainfield, Nj 07060 Time: 04:00 pm

Venue: LEXICON, 226 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022 Time : 10:00 pm

Sun, Jan 29 • NJTS Pongal Thiruvizha

Sat, Mar 11 • The Biggest HOLI Party in New York City

Venue: West Windsor High School South, 346 Clarksville Road, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550 Time: 02:00 pm

Venue: Stage48, 605 West 48th Street, New York, NY 10036 Time : 12:00 pm

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Sun, Jan 22 • Kite flying and Lighted Lantern flying

Sun, Jan 29 • Patti Manram by Tamilkadal 'Nellai Kannan'

Venue: Sardar Patel Stadium, 18413 West

Venue: Jain Temple, 722 South Main Street,

Bellfort Boulevard, Richmond, TX 77407

Milpitas, CA 95035

Time: 11:00 am

Time: 03:00 pm

Contact: 281-851-6866

Contact: 510-406-0047

Sun, Jan 22 • Shiva Vishnu Temple Annul Winter Mela

Sat, Feb 4 • Iffer Valentines Ball 2017

Venue: Ocean Air Park in Carmel Valley,

Venue: Golden Peacock Banquets, 24989

4770 Fairport Way, San Diego, CA 92130

Santa Clara St, Hayward, CA 94544

Time: 10:00 am

Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 650-921-2846

Sat, Jan 28 • Jai Ho! 6 Year Anniversary Bollywood Dance Party

ATLANTA Upcoming

Venue: Slide SF, 430 M-ason Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 Time: 9:00 pm

Sat, Jan 28 • Bollywood Fever Retro Remix Night

Sat, Jan 28 • Pongal Vizhaa in Herndon Venue: Herndon High School, 700 Bennett St, Herndon, VA 20170 Time: 2: 00 pm

Street, San Jose, CA 95113

Mon, Feb 6 • Bus Connections Atlanta

Time: 10:00 pm

Venue: Marta Bus Station, College Park.

Contact: 510-870-4693

GA, 3800 Main Street, College Park, GA

Venue: Aura Night Club, 389 South 1st

30337

Sat, Fri 4 • Jai Ho! Dance Party - Official Monthly Launch Party!

Time: 6:00 am

3925 Ohio Street, San Diego, CA 92104

Sun, Feb 26 • Paracha Entertainment - Taj Express the Bollywood

Time: 09:00 pm

Venue: Cobb Energy Centre, 2800 Cobb

Contact: 971-344-2022

Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339

Venue: Queen Bee's Art & Cultural Center,

Time: 07:00 pm

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

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

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

Swami Ishatmananda • Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662

• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822

40 India Post

D

elhi Tourism, a government undertaking facilitating tour ism since 1975 will take you to a guided tour of the Delhi through this website which explores the wonders of this city be it its heritage, the art and crafts, the diverse cuisine and culture.

A symbol of the country's rich past and thriving present, Delhi is a city where ancient and modern blend seamlessly together. It is a place that not only touches your pulse but even fastens it to a frenetic speed. Home to millions of dreams, the city takes on unprecedented responsibilities of realizing dreams bringing people closer and inspiring their thoughts.

Just a century ago, the British moved the seat of their empire from Kolkata to Delhi.

And it has been the Capital of India ever since. Now a thriving, cosmopolitan metro, the city has much to celebrate as it has al-

Delhi is a city where ancient and modern blend seamlessly together. It is a place that not only touches your pulse but even fastens it to a frenetic speed.

www.indiapost.com ready reached the milestone of completing 100 years as a Capital. With a history that goes back many centuries, Delhi showcases an ancient culture and a rapidly modernizing country. Dotted with monuments there is much to discover here. The seat of many powerful empires in the past, its long history can be traced in its many carefully-preserved monuments, ancient forts and tombs.

All this is combined with the best features of a modern city such as a metro system, bustling markets and fabulous eating places. The past and the present meld seamlessly together, making centuries-old monuments a part of the city's daily life. Delhi is very much a history's child.

The story of the city is as old as the epic Mahabharata, when the town was known as Indraprastha, w h e r e Pandavas used to live.

January 20, 2017 Over the centuries, eight more cities came alive adjacent to Indraprastha: Lal Kot, Siri, Dinpanah, Quila Rai Pithora, Ferozabad, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad and Shahjahanabad. Many empires rose to the heights of their power and were destroyed here. Among the prominent dynasties which made Delhi their capital were the Tughlaqs, the Khiljis and the Mughals.

Cont’d on page 42

January 20, 2017

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Global travel search engine KAYAK enters India MUMBAI: Global travel search engine KAYAK has officially announced its entry into the Indian market, providing innovative travel tools to help people search, plan and manage their travel.

Having pioneered the category globally, the company helps travelers get the information they need before they book and offers tools and features to assist them throughout their trip, KAYAK Director Southeast Asia and India Imbert Fung told PTI here.

He said the website and mobile app search hundreds of travel sites at once so that travelers have the information they need to make the best decisions.

KAYAK will help travelers to search and compare prices with ease and avail themselves of services like price alerts, price forecasts and free itinerary management with trips, without having to go to multiple websites.

In India, the company will initially offer information of hotels, flights and car rentals, he said.

"However, going forward, as we grow in the country and depending on the demand we will also introduce other global offerings like cruises, packages and activities," he added.

Looking at the evolution of the travel market in India, Fung said it

is the right time to enter the market here.

"India is a rapidly growing travel market and has continued its impressive growth over the past several years. In addition, the Indian online travel market has immense potential, with increasing penetration and acceptance across domestic and international markets. We feel it's a good time to

enter the country providing more added benefits to customers. India is one of the focus markets for us and is one of the top one among the Asia Pacific countries," he said.

Other top Asia Pacific markets of Pacific are Korea, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore, he said.

Fung said the company has

aggressive plans to promote the company in India through both the digital as well as the traditional media.

"To build brand awareness in the country we have aggressive promotional plans. Initially, we have begun with the digital channels, including the social media and ecommerce among others.

However, we are planning to promote the brand through the traditional medium as well," he said.

In India, KAYAK has partnered with the top local online travel service providers, airlines and hotels to help ensure that customers will get the best results from across hundreds of websites with just a few clicks.

Kayak had witnessed 1.5 billion searches in 2016, and operates more than 40 international sites in 20 languages. The company is an independently managed subsidiary of The Priceline Group. -PTI

Lunar New Year events across US Govt panel to look into NEW YORK: Lunar New Year begins Jan. 28, kicking off the year of the rooster. The holiday is observed in China, Vietnam and other Asian countries, but a number of U.S. destinations from New York to Las Vegas also host celebrations. Events include parades featuring lion dancers, special holiday menus at Asian restaurants, cultural festivals and more.

Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, hosts a Lunar New Year celebration from Jan. 20 through Feb. 5. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be costumed for the occasion, greeting guests and offering photo opportunities alongside other Disney characters like Mulan and Mulan's dragon sidekick Mushu.

Live performances at Disney California Adventure will include Chinese acrobats, dancers and musicians in colorful costumes, activities and crafts themed on the holiday and three new marketplaces offering food inspired by Asian cuisine.

A new short feature called ``Hurry Home'' will be shown each night prior to the ``World of Color'' show, telling the story of a little lantern on a journey home for Lunar New Year, using projected animation, lighting, special effects and fountains. The park will also be decorated with lanterns and ban-

ners wishing guests a happy Lunar New Year in English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. Details at http://www.Disneyland.com/ LunarNewYear.

In New York City, visitors have three Chinatowns to explore: one in downtown Manhattan, one in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn and one in Flushing, Queens. Check out the restaurants, food markets and shops selling everything from housewares to souvenirs. In Manhattan, holiday events include a Jan. 28 firecracker ceremony and cultural festival in

Sara D. Roosevelt Park and a Feb. 5 Lunar New Year parade kicking off at 1 p.m., http:// www.nycgo.com/events/lunarnew-year-parade-festival. There's also a parade and festival in Flushing on Feb. 4.

San Francisco has been celebrating Lunar New Year with a parade that dates back to the 1860s. This year's event rolls the evening of Feb. 11 with acrobats, lion dancers, floats and a 268-foot dragon, kicking off at Second and

Market streets. Other events include a flower market fair, Jan. 2122, and a Feb. 19 5K/10K run-walk.

In Las Vegas, Jan. 28 is the kickoff for a 15-day celebration at Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino, a new resort themed on Asian culture. Elsewhere in Las Vegas, at The LINQ Promenade, a four-day festival is scheduled for Jan. 27-30 including dragon dances at 6 p.m. nightly on the Fountain Stage. A Jan. 27-29 ``Chinese New Year in the Desert'' event includes performances, a parade on Fremont Street, a party at Downtown Container Park and the DragonFest Benefit Concert at The LINQ Theater.

Other Las Vegas venues hosting lion and dragon dances, parades, performances and more include the Cosmopolitan, ARIA Resort & Casino, The Palazzo Las Vegas and The Venetian Las Vegas, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Palms Casino Resort and the Bellagio and Palace Station. The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at Bellagio will host a display that includes incense, red lanterns and a rooster perched atop a mountain. The Palazzo's Waterfall Atrium and Gardens will host a 15-foot, crystal-covered rooster and an 18-foot dragon. In addition, many restaurants offer holiday menus.

Lunar New Year parades will also be held in Washington, D.C., Jan. 29; Chicago, Feb. 5; and Orlando, Florida, Feb. 11. -AP

Haj subsidy NEW DELHI: A day after Saudi Arabia increased India's annual Haj quota, the Centre has formed a six-member committee to look into the Haj subsidy issue in light of a 2012 Supreme Court order on gradually reducing and abolishing subsidy given to pilgrims by 2022, sources said.

fore submitting its report, they added.

The sources said that official announcement regarding formation of the panel is expected in the next few days.

In the biggest hike in nearly three decades, Saudi Arabia had increased India's annual Haj quota

The committee, inter alia, will figure out whether the pilgrims can travel to Saudi Arabia paying less in the absence of such subsidy, they added.

"Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has already formed a high-level committee to look into the Haj subsidy issue. The committee will look into whether giving subsidy has benefits or can pilgrims travel paying less if there is no subsidy is offered," a source said.

The committee will engage all the stakeholders concerned be-

by 34,500, a move welcomed by the NDA government as a "matter of pleasure".

Naqvi and Saudi Arabia's Haj and Umrah Minister Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten inked an agreement in this regard in Jeddah, increasing the size of India's Haj quota from 1,36,020 to 1,70,520.

The Supreme Court had in 2012 directed the Union government to gradually reduce and abolish Haj subsidy by 2022.

It had asked the government to invest the subsidy amount of approximately Rs 650 crore a year then on educational and social development of the community. -PTI

Travel & Hospitality Post

42 India Post

January 20, 2017

www.indiapost.com

Cont’d from page 40

Even today, one can have a fascinating glimpse into the past in Old Delhi, with its labyrinth of narrow lanes, old havelis, and colorful bazaars. Rickshaws wind their way through this crowded, bustling capital of the Mughals, where life continues, much as it did hundreds of years ago. It is home to three World Heritage monumentsQutub Minar, Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb that have survived many centuries, and give an idea of architectural wonders created by emperors in the past. Cen-

ing. New roadways and flyovers have improved connectivity, the latest of which is the Signature Bridge, an ambitious project of Delhi Tourism, which is under construction at Wazirabad - it promises to be a landmark.

New malls and entertainment centers jostle for space with a growing number of brand new hospitals, residential complexes, and sporting facilities. Delhi is now a dream destination for those seeking expert medical attention and superior OPD and IPD facilities.

Thanks to the advent of the Commonwealth Games, there are

the city centre as well as most suburbs, the new, a fun way to explore Delhi is by booking a HOHO bus tour. Hop on- Hop off buses, better known as HO - HOs, have been introduced by Delhi Tourism for visitors who wish to tour the city in a single day. With so many transport options, visitors now have the ability to go wherever they want and there are a lot of places to see and a lot of things to do here.

There are the age old-yet-perfectly preserved, sprawling heritage complexes featuring architecture from the Mughal and Tughlaq periods.

minutes, provides easy connectivity for visitors. Whether you are travelling to Old Delhi, to Connaught Place or to Dilli Haat, the metro provides an easy way of getting around the city. The numerous flyovers, wide roads and bus and auto services also ensure that it is easy to explore the city.

New additions to the city, such as Akshardham Temple and also the Lotus Temple are also great places to visit and give an idea of its multi-faceted culture. Delhi is also gaining recognition as a cultural destination. Delhi Tourism's major festivals-namely, the Inter-

ethnic cushions for your home. For cuisine of different Indian states and an array of Indian art and craft there are three Dilli Haats in Delhi at INA, Pitampura and the brand new Dilli Haat at Janakpuri.

It is time to celebrate this city which is a symbol of the country's rich past and thriving present. As a Capital city it is fittingly a window to the country. So come and look out of the window and discover a whole new city of numerous stories and experiences.

The revamped Indira Gandhi International airport, now Terminal 3, provides visitors with their first experience of a modern, worldclass city which is keeping pace with the best in the world. Terminal 3, from where international and many domestic carriers operate, has facilities which are on par with the world's most modern airports.

The Airport Metro Express, which takes one to the rail station in the heart of the city, in just 17

national Kite Festival, Magic Festival, Itra and Sugandhi Mela, Mango Festival, Dilli ke Pakwaan, and Garden Tourism Festival are becoming an integral part of Delhi's cultural heritage.

No visit to Delhi is complete without an experience of its famed specialties such as its delicious curries, barbecued tikkas and kebabs. It is also a shoppers' haven, whether you want to pick up some rich, woven silks, handicrafts, or

Hind Gram, Lotus Temple, Birla Mandir, Dilli Haat INA, Dilli Haat Pitampura, Dilli Haat Janakpuri, Garden of Five Senses, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Iskcon Temple, Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar, Lodi Tomb, Parliament House, Purana Quila, Qutab Minar, Rashtrapathi Bhavan, Red Fort, Safdarjang Tomb, Gurudawra Bangla Sahib, Guru Tegh Bahadur Memorial

Tourist attractions Akshardham Temple, Azad

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

tral Delhi, with its tree-lined avenues, imposing structures and buildings such as the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House and India Gate, reflect Delhi's colonial past. A number of museums provide a glimpse into the country's fascinating history.

But the modern Delhi has a lot more to offer. Delhi has a modern, well-planned and extensive Metro network that connects all corners of Delhi; this network is still growConnaught Place, New Delhi

world-class stadia like the revamped Nehru Stadium that can be accessed by one and all, throughout the year. All of this has been developed and sustained while maintaining Delhi's green cover, a unique feature that distinguishes this truly global metropolis from other cities in the world where the tree line is subdued by skyscrapers.

Besides the Metro, which connects all of Delhi's landmarks to

Cont’d on page 43

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UK launches drive for early visa to Indians NEW DELHI: The UK has launched a new campaign to encourage Indian visitors to apply early for their visas in the quieter, off-peak period of January and February, the British High Commission said.

Visa applicants can expect to get a visa decision more quickly outside the peak period, and benefit from quieter Visa Application Centers and more available appointment slots, the British High Commission said in a statement.

Indian travelers can now request for their visas to be postdated by up to three months, so the visa starts on their intended travel date.

Those planning to travel in April can apply for their visas now and the six-month validity can start on their intended departure date, the statement clarified.

British High Commissioner to India, Sir Dominic Asquith, said: "We are delighted that more and more Indians are choosing to come to the UK either on holiday or for business.

The latest visa statistics show that visitor visas issued have increased by 6 per cent in the year ending September 2016 and last year we issued more Indian visit visas than ever before," the statement said.

"There has never been a better time to visit the UK 2017 is the Year of Culture, which will see an excit-

ing festival of events celebrating the vibrant cultural history of UK and India held in both countries.

By making it easier for visitors to apply for their visas early, we hope that even more Indians will choose to come to visit the UK to see our world class heritage sites, enjoy our beautiful countryside and ex-

perience the vibrancy of our cities," he said.

The initiative was officially announced at the Destination Britain India, currently being held in Pune and hosted by the UK's national tourism agency VisitBritain.

The three-day tourism trade fair brings together more than 75 travel agents from across India and more than 20 UK travel suppliers for three days of networking and business appointments, the statement said.

VisitBritain Director for Asia

DELHI

Dream destination where ancient & modern blend seamlessly Cont’d from page 41

dharmashalas as well.

Lodging facilities in Delhi Delhi is one of India's busiest entry points.

Local transport The local transportation is the lifeline of the capital city of Delhi.

More than half of the population in Delhi is dependent on local transport for commuting purposes. The means and modes of transport in New Delhi are many, ranging from the Metro trains, local trains, buses, taxies and cabs.

It has a wide range of accommodation available from deluxe five star luxury hotels, with topnotch restaurants, 24-hour coffee shops, swimming pools, travel agents and shopping arcades, to middle-range hotels and guest houses offering good services and a comfortable stay, down to economical tourist lodges. There are a few tourist hostels, working women's hostels, service apartments, camping sites and

Entertainment Delhi has always been a vibrant city with a cosmopolitan culture which is reflected in every aspect of life. Delhi has plenty of entertainment spots to choose from.

Pacific, Middle East & Africa Sumathi Ramanathan said: "We want the UK to be a 'must-go-now' destination for visitors from India.

Making it easy to travel here is an important part of our tourism offer."

The British High Commission has claimed that it continues to make improvements to its visa service in the country. Last year a new online visit visa application form was introduced in India.

The new form is described as "quicker and more intuitive" and it has been translated into four Indian languages to make it easier for Indian customers to apply.

The eligibility for visitors using the sameday Super Priority Visa and three to five day Priority Visa has been expanded so that now all first time visitors can use the service, regardless of whether they have travelled before.

India will also become the first visa country to benefit from the Registered Traveler Service, as announced by British Prime Minister Theresa May. The premium service allows approved members, who have undergone advanced security checks, expedited entry at the UK border. -PTI Entertainment Places like cinema halls, pubs, hotels and recreational centers are open on all weekends.

It has world class multiplexes like the PVR, Big Cinema, Fun Cinema, DT Cinema etc. Night life in Delhi consists of clubs, bars, restaurants, etc., where you get a world class ambience with quality service.

Auditoriums in Delhi host cultural and recreational concerts all through the year which are seen with great interest by the people of Delhi. Live concerts and dramas take place on a regular basis which adds to the entertainment aspect of the city. With the development of elegant malls and shopping

Air India to reserve 6 seats for women NEW DELHI: In a first-of-itskind move in the aviation industry, national carrier Air India will reserve six seats for women on its flights operating on domestic routes.

At times, a woman travelling alone gets a middle or window seat on aircraft, which puts her to inconvenience, particularly while going to washroom. This necessitated for the airline to keep some seats reserved for them on aircraft

flying on domestic routes, an Air India spokesperson said.

Keeping this in mind, it has been decided to keep all the six seats in the third row of the economy class on Airbus A320 reserved only for women from January 18, he said.

"However, woman travelling with their family members would not be entitled to these seats," the spokesperson said. -PTI

New entertainment complex on Elvis Presley MEMPHIS, Tenn.: A new entertainment complex featuring exhibits and restaurants focused on the life and career of Elvis Presley is scheduled to open in March at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.

The 200,000-square foot complex will be located across the street from Graceland, Presley's longtime home. The house was turned into a museum after his death in 1977. It has attracted Presley fans and tourists from

around the world ever since.

Elvis Presley Enterprises, which operates Graceland, says Presley's former wife, Priscilla Presley, will attend the grand opening March 2. The center is part of a $140 million expansion of the Graceland tourist attraction.

Presley, who was born on Jan. 8, 1935, would have turned 82 last Sunday. His birthday was celebrated at Graceland with a memorabilia auction and a cake cutting ceremony. -AP

complexes in Delhi, you have the option of shopping and dining under of a single roof. These shopping malls cater to a variety of needs by providing services ranging from restaurants, swanky showrooms, cheap grocery stores, play stations and much more.

By Air: Delhi is well connected with domestic and international flights, to all the major cities within and outside India. Almost all the major airlines have their flights operating from Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi.

Domestic Airport connects Delhi to the major cities in India.

By Train: The railway network connects Delhi to the all major and, nearly, all the minor destinations in India. The three important railway stations of Delhi are New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station.

By Road: Delhi is well connected, by a network of roads and national highways, with all the major cities in India. The three major bus stands in Delhi are Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan Bus Terminus and Anand Vihar Bus Terminus. Both government and private transport providers provide frequent bus services.

One can also get government as well as private taxis here.

Best time to visit The best time to visit Delhi is from October to March when the weather is at its best. During this period flowers are at their blooming best, the weather is pleasant and enjoyable to experience Incredible Delhi.

How to Reach

Health

Line

200k in West Va. use 'Obamacare' CHARLESTON, W.Va.: Health care advocates say new data analyses show that repealing the federal Affordable Care Act without a replacement would cut insurance coverage for more than 200,000 West Virginians with mental illness or addictions.

According to an Urban Institute analysis, 184,000 West Virginians would lose health coverage.

The Kaiser Family Foundation says more than 29,000 would lose federal tax credits under so-called ``Obamacare'' toward insurance premium payments averaging $388 million.

According to state officials, 169,614 West Virginians are enrolled in the Medicaid expansion authorized by the federal law.

Another 37,000 residents who have received coverage on the health insurance exchange the law established and could be affected by the repeal.

President-elect Donald Trump says his plan is to ``repeal and replace'' President Barack Obama's health care law ``essentially simultaneously.'' -AP

Apollo Munich offers insurance renewal discount NEW DELHI: Apollo Munich Health Insurance has announced an offer that would enable its policyholders to earn a discount of up to 8 per cent on renewal premium depending on the distance one walks during a year.

To avail the Stay Active benefit, customers just need to download its newly launched Health Jinn app on their Apple or Android mobile phones from the application store.

"Health Jinn app will simply count the number of steps one walks, and accordingly reward the policyholders with 2, 5 or 8 per cent renewal discount," Apollo Munich Health Insurance Chief Executive Officer Antony Jacob said.

In order to help more people lead healthier lives, Apollo Munich is engaging its customers with this app and a renewal discount rewarding helps them take more steps towards a fitter future.

The idea of Stay Active was formed as a result of an in-depth research amongst health insurance policyholders and those interested in purchasing health insurance, along with Nielsen India Pvt Ltd in 19 cities, he said.

The research revealed that almost 80 per cent of respondents are fearful of health issues in the future and hence are keen to get fit, but seek simple ways to do so. -PTI

Health Science

Kidney ailment raises Cancer death risk

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January 20, 2017

Details on Page 47

Republican-led Senate moving forward on 'Obamacare' repeal WASHINGTON: The Republican-led Senate worked into the night on legislation that's the first step to dismantling President Barack Obama's health care law, even as some GOP lawmakers remained anxious over the lack of an alternative.

Senate approval and then House passage would trigger committee action to write repeal legislation that could come to a vote next month. A full replacement would follow sometime after that, presuming Republicans can come up with one. ``We must act quickly to bring relief to the American people,'' said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. President-elect Donald Trump has said that repealing and replacing the law should happen ``essentially simultaneously,'' even in the same day, week or hour. That will be almost impossible to achieve due to complex Senate rules, united Democratic opposition and substantive policy disagreements among Republicans.

Republicans plan to get legislation voiding Obama's law and replacing parts of it to Trump by the end of February, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, RCalif., said on ``The Hugh Hewitt Show,'' a conservative radio program. Other Republicans have said they expect the process to take longer.

The 2010 law extended health insurance to some 20 million

Americans, prevented insurers from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions and steered billions of dollars to states for the Medicaid health program for the poor.

The Senate procedural vote will set up special budget rules that will allow the repeal vote to take place with a simple majority in the

need 60 votes and Democratic support, and at this point the two parties aren't even talking.

Increasing numbers of Republicans have expressed anxiety over obliterating the law without a replacement to show voters.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she wants to at least see ``a

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky. pauses during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Republican-led Senate is poised to take a step forward on dismantling President Barack Obama’s health care law despite anxiety among some GOP senators that they still haven’t come up with an alternative.

100-member Senate, instead of the 60 votes required to move most legislation.

That means Republicans, who control 52 seats, can push through repeal legislation without Democratic cooperation. They're also discussing whether there are some elements of a replacement bill that could get through at the same time with a simple majority. But for many elements of a new health care law, Republicans are likely to

detailed framework'' of a GOP alternative health care plan before voting on repeal. She said Republicans would risk ``people falling through the cracks or causing turmoil in insurance markets'' if lawmakers voided Obama's statute without a replacement in hand.

Collins was among a handful of Republicans to occasionally break ranks to support some Democratic messaging amendments aimed at supporting such things as rural

hospitals and a mandate to cover patients with pre-existing medical conditions. They were all shot down by majority Republicans anyway.

House leaders planned vote on the budget, though Republicans in that chamber also had misgivings.

Many members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus were insisting on first learning details about what a GOP substitute would look like or putting some elements of the replacement measure in the repeal bill. ``We need to be voting for a replacement plan at the same time that we vote for repeal,'' said Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., an influential conservative.

Some GOP senators have discussed a phase-in of three years or longer to give lawmakers more time to replace Obama's overhaul and make sure people now covered by that law can adjust to a new program.

Some more moderate House Republicans were unhappy, too, including Rep. Tom MacArthur, RN.J., a leader of GOP centrists in the House Tuesday Group. He said he would oppose the budget because there was too little information about the replacement, including whether people receiving expanded Medicaid coverage or health care subsidies under the existing law would be protected. ``We're loading a gun here,'' MacArthur said. ``I want to know where it's pointed before we start the process.'' -AP

Trump pick Seema Verma meets lawmakers WASHINGTON: IndianAmerican Seema Verma, a nominee for a top health position in the incoming Trump administration and seen as key to replacing Obamacare, has met top US lawmakers ahead of her confirmation hearing.

Verma, from Indianapolis, is President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to become the next administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

"I had an excellent meeting

Seema Verma

this morning with Seema Verma, and I look forward to working together as she leads CMS, an agency with an annual budget of nearly a trillion dollars," said Senator Lamar Alexander, Chairman of the Senate Health Committee.

In this capac-

ity, she will oversee two of the largest channels of federal spending - Medicare and Medicaid, he said.

"She will have an opportunity to change the direction of the agency to be more responsive to state requests for flexibility and innovation as Congress and the President move more healthcare decisions out of Washington and back to states," Alexander said.

Cont’d on page 47

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Hand-powered blood centrifuge developed BOSTON: Stanford engineers, including those of Indian origin, have built an ultra-low-cost, human-powered centrifuge that separates blood into its individual components in only 1.5 minutes, and may enable precise diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as malaria, HIV and tuberculosis.

Created from 20 cents of paper, twine and plastic, a "paperfuge" can spin at speeds of 125,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and exert centrifugal forces of 30,000 Gs. "To the best of my knowledge, it is the fastest spinning object driven by human power," said Manu Prakash, an assistant professor of bioengineering at Stanford University in the US. A centrifuge is critical for detecting diseases such as malaria, African sleeping sickness, HIV and tuberculosis. This low-cost version will enable precise diagnosis and treatment in the poor, off-the-grid regions

where these diseases are most prevalent, researchers said.

When used for disease testing, a centrifuge separates blood components and makes pathogens easier to detect. A typical centrifuge spins fluid samples inside an electric-powered, rotating drum.

As the drum spins, centrifugal forces separate fluids by density into layers within a sample tube. In the case of blood, heavy red cells collect at the bottom of the tube, watery plasma floats to the top and parasites, like those that cause malaria, settle in the middle.

Inspired by spinning toys, Prakash and Saad Bhamla, a postdoctoral research fellow in his lab, explored ways to convert human energy into spinning forces. They focused on toys invented before the industrial age - yo-yos, tops and whirligigs.

"One night I was playing with a button and string, and out of curiosity, I set up a

NY to keep birth control free if 'Obamacare' revoked ALBANY, N.Y.: Health insurance would have to cover birth control without co-pays in New York even if President-elect Donald Trump repeals ``Obamacare,'' under legislation proposed by state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

The bill would codify into state law the Affordable Care Act mandate for cost-free contraception and expand upon the federal requirements to provide costfree coverage for all birth control methods, including vasectomies and emergency contraception like Plan B. It also would allow access to a year's worth of contraception at one time and prohibit insurance companies from reviews that can limit or delay contraceptive coverage. ``The Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act will ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the birth control method they need to stay healthy and effectively plan for their future, no matter what happens in Congress,'' Schneiderman said.

California enacted a similar provision in 2014, followed by Illinois, Maryland and Vermont in 2016. Schneiderman, a Democrat, first proposed his bill in 2015; it passed the Assembly but stalled in a Senate committee. ``States are looking to their coverage mandates because of the very palpable threat that contraceptive coverage will be eviscerated at the federal level,'' said Elizabeth Nash, a policy analyst with the Alan Guttmacher Institute, which follows reproductive health issues and laws.

The New York Health Plan Association, an industry group, said the legislation would create new insurance mandates that would drive up costs.

``Requiring coverage of emergency contraception, a year's worth of contraception, and voluntary sterilization procedures for men and women is inconsistent with existing coverage requirements,'' said Paul Macielak, president of the Health Plan Association. ``And saying New Yorkers

Eric Schneiderman

should have `cost-free' access to the coverage ignores the actual costs of the services.''

The cost of services would be borne by all insurance premium payers, said Leslie Moran of the Health Plan Association.

Christa Christakis, executive director of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District 2, said the public health benefits of contraception include preventing unintended pregnancies and decreasing the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer. Schneiderman's bill would address barriers that continue to keep women from obtaining contraceptives and using them effectively, she said.

Trump has said that he's committed to repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. -AP

the coiling strings to power the spinning disc.

Once the engineers validated their models against real-world prototype performance, they were able to create a prototype with rotational speeds of up to 125,000 rpm, a magnitude significantly higher than their first prototypes.

"From a technical spec point of view, we can match centrifuges that cost from USD 1,000 to 5,000," said Prakash.

From labbased trials, researchers found that Inspired by a toy, Stanford bioengineers have developed an inexpensive, malaria parahuman-powered blood centrifuge that will enable precise diagnosis and treatment of diseases like malaria, African sleeping sickness and tuberculosites could sis in the poor, off-the-grid regions where these diseases are most be separated prevalent. from red disc whirligig and was able to centrifuge blood cells in 15 minutes.

By spinning the sample in a capillary blood into layers.

The team created a computer simulation precoated with acridine orange dye, glowto capture design variables like disc size, ing malaria parasites could be identified by simply placing the capillary under a microstring elasticity and pulling force.

They also borrowed equations from the scope.

The research was published in the jourphysics of supercoiling DNA strands to understand how hand-forces move from nal Nature Biomedical Engineering. -PTI high-speed camera to see how fast a button whirligig would spin. I could not believe my eyes," said Bhamla, when he discovered that the whirring button was rotating at 10,000 to 15,000 rpms.

After two weeks of prototyping, he mounted a capillary of blood on a paper-

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Concerns in Ohio mount over repeal of federal health law COLUMBUS, Ohio: Ohio advocates of the federal health care law targeted by President-elect Donald Trump and congressional Republicans have said that repeal would jeopardize insurance coverage for as many as 1 million Ohioans by 2019 and hurt families and businesses.

Their warnings came as the state's Democratic U.S. senator and Republican governor expressed their own concerns at separate events about the impact of turning back the Affordable Care

Matters Ohio, a liberal think tank that has produced an analysis showing that repeal would mean $3.5 million fewer federal funds for Ohio's budget, $535 million less to Ohioans' household budgets and $15 billion in increased costs to hospitals for indigent care by 2019.

Eric Brown, pastor of Woodland Christian Church in Columbus, said at a news conference that many of his parishioners ``thank God'' for the health care law. He said repealing it without replacing it with something better would be

Eric Brown, pastor of Woodland Christian Church in Columbus, said at a news conference that many of his parishioners ``thank God'' for the health care law. He said repealing it would be ``cruel and unusual punishment.''

Act without a superior replacement.

Gov. John Kasich specifically supports the Medicaid expansion allowed under the act, while not embracing the entire law. Sen. Sherrod Brown expressed concern that repeal would harm efforts to fight Ohio's opioid crisis.

Advocates were led by Policy

``cruel and unusual punishment.'' ``If Congress succeeds in repealing the ACA, Congress will make itself one huge death panel.

Repealing the ACA means that Congress will have decided who lives and who dies,'' he said. ``I would like this nation not to return to the days when race horses and pedigreed dogs get better

health care than millions of American citizens.''

At a gathering of behavioral and mental health care professionals, Kasich said he is headed to Washington, D.C., this month to discuss his thoughts on the issue. He is scheduled to take part in a health care round table organized by the Senate Finance Committee.

Kasich noted 700,000 additional people who were previously uninsured have been able to get care since Ohio expanded Medicaid. ``What I tell people is, `OK, you want to change the system - I'm for doing that. There's many different ways in which we can actually lower some of the costs of health care,''' he told the crowded ballroom. ``'But you have to tell me what you're going to do about it because I can't just tell 700,000 people, you can't get help.'''

Brown highlighted a new study

by Harvard Medical School and New York University, which found more than 220,000 Ohioans may be unable to afford care for mental illness and substance-related disorders if the health care law is repealed. ``Repeal would disrupt hundreds of thousands of Ohioans' coverage as they're fighting for their lives,'' Brown said. -AP

Marijuana commission to allow 32 vendors LITTLE ROCK, Ark.: The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission said it will allow 32 dispensaries to be evenly distributed among the state's four congressional districts.

The commission, created by the voter-approved amendment that legalized medical marijuana in Arkansas, must authorize a set number of dispensaries to sell medical marijuana to patients referred by their doctors. ``Opening it up for more people in the beginning will let people know that there's an opportunity for them to be part of this business,'' commission chairman Dr. Ronda HenryTillman said.

The commission also set application and licensing fees for dispensaries. The main source of medical marijuana in the state will

be cultivation facilities, which are expected to grow thousands of plants.

Dispensaries that choose not to grow medical marijuana will be charged a $2,500 initial license fee and a $10,000 annual fee. Dispen-

saries will also have to pay a $7,500 application fee. But dispensaries that do grow their own medical marijuana plants will be

charged a $25,000 license fee and a $32,500 annual fee. Those dispensaries are allowed to have up to 50 mature plants.

Most commissioners said it would be easier to set high fees now and lower them later, rather than to do the opposite.

But others disagreed. ``We should make that cheaper, because that way people who don't have a million dollars in the bank can get into this thing,'' commissioner Dr. Carlos Roman said. ``There's a lot more economic opportunity for more people with less money.''

The commission must have a final draft of regulations completed by Jan. 23. Unless lawmakers extend the deadline, Arkansas residents should be able to apply for cultivation and dispensary licenses by June. -AP

Insurance policy for construction workers NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has announced a new health insurance policy for all construction workers in the city under which they and their families will be able to get treatment even in private hospitals.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led dispensation also decided to transfer the scholarship amount of the worker's children directly into their bank accounts.

Delhi Labor Minister Gopal Rai, who chaired a meeting of Construction Workers' Welfare Board, said that health cards will be issued to construction workers through which they and their families can get treatment even in private hospitals.

As of now, the government provides financial health assistance to construction workers once they

report in a month.

"Some insurance companies gave representations and we hope that in next six months, the government will issue health cards to construction workers," Rai told reporters in Delhi Secretariat.

Giving details about scholarships, the Minister said that according to rules, as of now, construction workers' children studying in the government-run schools are only eligible to get scholarship or financial assistance from the city administration.

"In the meeting, it was decided that Board will also provide monthly scholarship or financial assistance to children of construction workers irrespective of they studying in MCD and NDMC schools," he said, adding that the four-member committee has also

The Arvind Kejriwal-led dispensation also decided to transfer the scholarship amount of the worker’s children directly into their bank accounts.

are admitted in government-run hospitals only.

The decision is likely to benefit about 1.64 lakh registered construction workers in the national capital.

"The Board has set up a fourmember committee to work out the modalities of the health insurance policy and asked it to submit its

been asked to look into it as well.

Rai said in every district of Delhi, e-offices of the Board will be set up to cater to workers through which they can get themselves registered with them.

Besides, construction workers will also be given skill training in various categories by government-run agencies, he added. -PTI

Doctor to lose medical marijuana clinics CARBONDALE, Ill.: A doctor involved in an ongoing battle with the state over his certification of patients in Illinois' medical marijuana program is planning to close his clinics in Marion and Orland Park.

Dr. Bodo Schneider announced that he'll close both locations of the Pied Pfeifer Compassionate Care Clinic on Feb. 17, The Southern Illinoisan reported.

Schneider said in a statement that ``the business model has not lived up to forecast.''

Schneider announced that he intends to return to emergency medicine and offered an apology to his patients for any inconvenience the closure causes.

Clinics will be held twice a year at both locations to maintain compliance with the state's rules and regulations for the participants of the program that were certified for the Illinois medical marijuana pilot program. ``Helping the cannabis community get off the ground and the success that our patients have achieved has been especially rewarding,'' said Schneider in his statement.

Schneider has been involved in an ongoing battle over his practice with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which issues licenses to and oversees numerous professionals including medical doctors. -AP

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VA Montana Health Care rating falls HELENA, Mont.: An internal evaluation of the VA Montana Health Care System saw its performance rating downgraded to one star for July, August and September, compared with two stars for the same period in 2015, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines announced.

Public affairs officer Mike Garcia said that officials are reviewing the report and looking for areas of improvement, but he notes the star ratings are not equivalent to those one might find for a hotel or restaurant. The nation's VA hospitals are rated on a bell curve, and there will always be a dozen fivestar facilities and 12 or 13 one-star facilities, he said.

Veterans should remain confident that they are receiving high quality health care in Montana from the VA, and that the system is always evaluating its performance and working to improve, Garcia said.

The hospital's patient satisfaction scores continue to improve from 102nd out of 129 facilities in October, November and December of 2015 to 40th in the most recent report, he noted.

VA Montana Health Care System's score for continuity of mental health has been low for the past six quarters, Garcia said.

But he added that's because up to 20 percent of veterans are receiving mental health services outside the VA system so they can be seen more quickly or closer to home. ``Just because we have a low rank it

doesn't mean we have a problem,'' he said. ``It could be a result of rural health care.''

Another metric where the hospital scored lower was leadership. Former Director John Ginnity resigned in June, and there have been other vacancies in senior leadership, Garcia said.

Steve Daines

Daines, R-Montana, issued a statement saying it was disturbing that the hospital at Fort Harrison ``is performing far below a level that Montana veterans deserve,'' adding that ``Clearly, major improvements are needed so that our vets get the best possible care.''

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, said veterans tell him they're happy with the care they get through the VA, although he'd like to see wait times reduced. Tester is supporting legislation that would help cut wait times and make it easier for veterans to seek specialty care outside the VA. -AP

Trump pick Seema Verma meets lawmakers Cont’d from page 44

Speaking on the Senate Floor, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also praised Verma for her potential role in replacing Obamacare, the signature healthcare initiative of the outgoing US President, Barack Obama.

In his remarks immediately after the Senate passed legislative tools needed to repeal and replace Obamacare, McConnell said the repeal legislation will include a stable transition period "as we work toward patient-centered health care".

"There are other steps we can take too, including important administrative steps like confirming Tom Price as Secretary of Health and Human Services and Seema Verma as CMS Administrator. They can start stabilizing the health insurance markets that Obamacare has thrown into turmoil, and they can start bringing relief to the American people," McConnell said.

"Repealing and replacing Obamacare is

a big challenge. It isn't going to be easy.

Nonetheless, we're committed to fulfilling our promise to the American people - and we will - said the Senate Majority Leader.

Meanwhile, a trade magazine, Internal Medicine News, said big changes could be in store for the Medicaid program under leadership of Verma.

"What the new nominee says to me is that there is going to be a very high priority placed upon working with states, working with governors to modify Medicaid programs and to shape them to meet different state priorities," Jonathan D Blum, former principal deputy administrator of the CMS under President Barack Obama was quoted as saying by the magazine.

At a recent conference of American Bar Association, Blum said he believes a top priority for Verma will be limiting the disruption that could come if the Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, is repealed, and finding ways to cover those who lose coverage. -PTI

Struggling Marshalltown hospital being sold MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa: Leaders of a Marshalltown hospital are moving ahead with selling the facility as part of bankruptcy proceedings.

The sale of Central Iowa Healthcare's assets to Unity Point Health-Waterloo was unanimously approved by corporate members at a meeting. Unity Point Health-Waterloo offered $12.5 million for the assets, the Times Republican reported.

CIH members also outlined the loss of more than $18 million as of Nov. 30, 2016. If the sale is approved by bankruptcy court, the downtown Marshalltown hospital will no longer be an independent hospital. The hospital is the only full-service medical center in its area and has more than 60,000 residents depending on it for health care services.

A second measure approved at the meeting retains 13 trustees until the end of the bankruptcy proceeding. ``The purpose of both resolutions was to advance quality health care in our community,'' Board of Trustees President Carol Hibbs said. ``We were happy corporate members agreed, it was important we pass both resolutions ... we were pleased to see that and ready to move forward until the next phase of maintaining quality health care

in our community.''

The first of several hearings regarding the sale is scheduled to be held in bankruptcy court Jan. 13. The court, along with a committee of vendors, will determine the monetary payments CIH owes to vendors.

CIH filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Dec. 20. Chapter 11 is a legal process created to aid companies in operations while they restructure their finances.

In addition to Marshalltown, CIH also has clinics in Conrad, State Center and Tama-Toledo. ``Regardless of ownership, having access to a clinic is vital to State Center ... many of residents depend on the local clinic to meet their medical needs,'' State Center Mayor Harlan Quick said. -AP

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U

nlike other currencies, Bitcoin is underwritten not by a govern ment, but by a clever crypto graphic scheme.

For now, little can be bought with bitcoins, and the new currency is still a long way from competing with the dollar. But this explainer lays out what Bitcoin is, why it matters, and what needs to happen for it to succeed.

Where does Bitcoin come from?

In 2008, a programmer known as Satoshi Nakamoto-a name believed to be an aliasposted a paper outlining Bitcoin's design to a cryptography e-mail list. Then, in early 2009, he (or she) released software that can be used to exchange bitcoins using the scheme. That software is now maintained by a volunteer open-source community coordinated by four core developers.

"Satoshi's a bit of a mysterious figure," says Jeff Garzik, a member of that core team and founder of Bitcoin Watch, which tracks the Bitcoin economy. "I and the other core developers have occasionally corresponded with him by e-mail, but it's always a crapshoot as to whether he responds," says Garzik. "That and the forum are the entirety of anyone's experience with him."

How does Bitcoin work?

Nakamoto wanted people to be able to exchange money electronically securely without the need for a third party, such as a bank or a company like PayPal. He based Bitcoin on cryptographic techniques that allow you to be sure the money you receive is genuine, even if you don't trust the sender.

The Basics Once you download and run the Bitcoin client software, it connects over the Internet to the decentralized network of all Bitcoin users and also generates a pair of unique, mathematically linked keys, which you'll need to exchange bitcoins with any other client. One key is private and kept hidden on your computer.

The other is public and a version of it dubbed a Bitcoin address is given to other people so they can send you bitcoins. Crucially, it is practically impossible-even with the most powerful supercomputer-to work out someone's private key from their public key. This prevents anyone from impersonating you. Your public and private keys are stored in a file that can be transferred to another computer, for example if you upgrade.

What Bitcoin is, and why it matters Can a booming "crypto-currency" really compete with conventional cash?

TOM SIMONITE

their address so you can pay for goods.

Transferring Bitcoins When you perform a transaction, your Bitcoin software performs a mathematical operation to combine the other party's public key and your own private key with

the amount of bitcoins that you want to transfer.

The result of that operation is then sent out across the distributed Bitcoin network so the transaction can be verified by Bitcoin software clients not involved in the

When you perform a transaction, your Bitcoin software performs a mathematical operation to combine the other party's public key and your own private key with the amount of bitcoins that you want to transfer. The result of that operation is then sent out across the distributed Bitcoin network so the transaction can be verified by Bitcoin software clients not involved in the transfer.

A Bitcoin address looks something like t h i s : 15VjRaDX9zpbA8LVnbrCAFzrVzN7ixHNsC. Stores that accept bitcoins-for example, this one, selling alpaca socks-provide you with

transfer.

Those clients make two checks on a transaction. One uses the public key to confirm that the true owner of the pair sent the money, by exploiting the mathematical rela-

tionship between a person's public and private keys; the second refers to a public transaction log stored on the computer of every Bitcoin user to

confirm that the person has the bitcoins to spend.

When a client verifies a transaction, it forwards the details to others in the network to check for themselves. In this way a transaction quickly reaches and is verified by every Bitcoin client that is online. Some of those clients - "miners" - also try to add the new transfer to the public transaction log, by racing to solve a cryptographic puzzle. Once one of them wins the updated log is passed throughout the Bitcoin network. When your software receives the updated log it knows your payment was successful.

Security The nature of the mathematics ensures that it is computationally easy to verify a transaction but practically impossible to generate fake transactions and spend bitcoins you don't own. The existence of a public log of all transactions also provides

a deterrent to money laundering, says Garzik.

"You're looking at a global public transaction register," he says. "You can trace the history of every single Bitcoin through that log, from its creation through every transaction."

How can you obtain bitcoins?

Exchanges like Mt. Gox provide a place for people to trade bitcoins for other types of currency. Some enthusiasts have also started doing work, such as designing websites, in exchange for bitcoins. This jobs board advertises contract work paying in bitcoins.

But bitcoins also need to be generated in the first place. Bitcoins are "mined" when you set your Bitcoin client to a mode that has it compete to update the public log of transactions. All the clients set to this mode race to solve a cryptographic puzzle by completing the next "block" of the shared transaction log. Winning the race to complete the next block wins you a 50-Bitcoin prize.

This feature exists as a way to distribute bitcoins in the currency's early years. Eventually, new coins will not be issued this way; instead, mining will be rewarded with a small

fee taken from some of the value of a verified transaction.

Mining is very computationally intensive, to the point that any computer without a powerful graphics card is unlikely to mine any bitcoins in less than a few years.

Where to spend your bitcoins There aren't a lot of places right now.

Some Bitcoin enthusiasts with their own businesses have made it possible to swap bitcoins for tea, books, or Web design (see a comprehensive list here). But no major retailers accept the new currency yet.

If the Federal Reserve controls the dollar, who controls the Bitcoin economy?

No one. The economics of the currency are fixed into the underlying protocol developed by Nakamoto.

Nakamoto's rules specify that the amount of bitcoins in circulation will grow at an everdecreasing rate toward a maximum of 21 million. Currently there are just over 6 million; in 2030, there will be over 20 million bitcoins.

Cont’ d on page 49

January 20, 2017

Perspective

India Post 49

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The man who really built Bitcoin TOM SIMONITE

code that determines how Bitcoin operatesand ultimately whether it can survive. Although there is no central bank for the currency, its design needs significant changes if it is to become widely used. How Andresen wields his power over Bitcoin will shape not only its fate but also the prospects for other virtual currencies.

Bitcoin," he wrote. He has worked full-time on it ever since. The Bitcoin Foundation paid him $209,648 in 2013-a salary he received in bitcoins.

His smooth ascent has led to frequent accusations that Andresen is n March, a bewildered retired man faced Nakamoto and journalists yelling questions about virshed the pseudtual currency outside his suburban home onym once the in Temple City, California. Dorian Nakamoto, currency gained 64, had been identified by Newsweek as the traction. He alperson who masterminded Bitcoin-a story ways flatly denies that, like previous attempts to unmask its Lucky Bet it. "I am not pseudonymous inventor, Satoshi Bitcoin's origins Satoshi Nakamoto; Nakamoto, was soon discredited. Mean- may be shrouded I have never met while, the person arguably most responsible in mystery, but him; I have had for enabling the currency to swell in value plenty is known many e-mail conto $7.7 billion, and with the most influence about Andresen versations with on its future, was hiding in plain sight on and his past. Forhim," he said after the other side of the country, in Amherst, merly known as giving a talk in Gavin Andresen Massachusetts.

Gavin Bell, he has April. "Nobody That person is Gavin Andresen, a mild- been a software enknows who he is, I mannered 48-year-old picked by the real gineer ever since he graduated in computer think." If that was a lie, Andresen is a reSatoshi Nakamoto, whoever he or she is, as science from Princeton in 1988 and took a markable con man. Throughout hundreds his successor in late 2010. job with the Silicon Valley computing com- of forum posts, e-mail messages, and lines Andresen became "core maintainer"- pany Silicon Graphics. He worked there for of code, his style has been distinct from chief developer-of the open source code seven years, and then at a series of that of Nakamoto. that defines the rules of Bitcoin and pro- startups building products from 3-D drawAndresen has had and maintains more vides the software needed to make use of it. ing software to online games for blind and influence than anyone else on the code The combination of Nakamoto's bless- sighted people to play together. Then he that determines how Bitcoin operates-and ing and Andresen's years of diligent, full- encountered Bitcoin in 2010. ultimately whether it can survive. time work on the Bitcoin code has given Bitcoins were essentially worthless at Andresen dedicated himself to Bitcoin him significant clout in Bitcoin circles and the time and extremely finicky to get a hold out of what he calls "enlightened self-instature beyond. The CIA and Washington of and use. But Andresen saw technical regulators have looked to him to explain the elegance in Nakamoto's design, and a curcurrency. And it was Andresen who con- rency outside the control of any governceived of the nonprofit Bitcoin Foundation- ment appealed to what he calls his "mostly established in 2012-which is the closest libertarian" politics. thing to a central authority in the world of Rather than being created by a central Bitcoin. bank, bitcoins are "mined" by people runSome Bitcoin enthusiasts offer bombas- ning software that races to solve a mathtic predictions that Americans will shake off ematical puzzle and win a prize of newly m i n t e d bitcoins. The Andresen has had and maintains more mining process Cont’ d from page 48 influence than anyone else on the code that is designed to Nakamoto's scheme includes one loopgradually pay determines how Bitcoin operates-and out less and hole, however: if more than half of the less over time, Bitcoin network's computing power comes ultimately whether it can survive until 21 million under the control of one entity, then the bitcoins exist, rules can change. This would prevent, for the shackles of the Federal Reserve and and it also serves to verify transactions example, a criminal cartel faking a transaction log in its own favor to dupe the rest of poor nations will rise to prosperity with the made in the currency. low-cost transactions made possible by the Eager to see people start using Bitcoin, the community.

It is unlikely that anyone will ever obtain stateless virtual currency. Other Bitcoin Andresen launched a website in 2010 called boosters have the air of salesmen chasing a the Bitcoin Faucet that handed out five free this kind of control. "The combined power mark, reeling off reasons you should buy bitcoins to every visitor. (A bitcoin was of the network is currently equal to one of into the currency that make you feel you're worth only cents at the time but each one the most powerful supercomputers in the not getting the whole story. trades for $600 today; Andresen reduced world," says Garzik. "Satoshi's rules are In contrast, Andresen seems to be in the size of the handout as bitcoins rose in probably set in stone." search of quiet personal satisfaction, value, then shut the site down in 2012.) He cheerfully calling himself a "geek interested also began sending code tweaks and im- Isn't a fixed supply of money dangerous?

It's certainly different. "Elaborate conin nuts and bolts things." He can make a provements to Nakamoto. Bitcoin's pretty good pitch for Bitcoin, but he quickly founder liked his work, and soon made his trols to make sure that currency is not proslides into technical nuances that would protégé's e-mail address the only one on duced in greater numbers is not something any other currency, like the dollar or the be a turnoff for most. "We say this is go- the project's homepage. ing to be the year of the multisignature Andresen formally stepped forward in euro, has," says Russ Roberts, professor wallet," he says when summing up what a December 2010 post on the Bitcoin fo- of economics at George Mason University.

2014 holds for Bitcoin. rum. "With Satoshi's blessing, and with The consequence will likely be slow and Still, Andresen has had and maintains great reluctance, I'm going to start doing steady deflation, as the growth in circulatmore influence than anyone else on the more active project management for ing bitcoins declines and their value rises.

Who cares about Satoshi Nakamoto?

Someone else has made Bitcoin what it is and has the most power over its destiny. The 13 million bitcoins in existence are worth more than $7 billion.

I

terest," but without the promise of anything in return. "This was a project that I wanted to see succeed," he says. His gamble has paid off, giving him a lucrative new career and strengthening his family's safety net. It's not known how many bitcoins Andresen holds, but he has said that the return on the bitcoins he accumulated in the currency's early days has been big enough that he could comfortably retire.

He proudly reports that his wife, a geology professor, doesn't refer to Bitcoin as "pretend Internet money" anymore. His kids became convinced last Christmas that their dad had been onto something after he used Bitcoin to pay for a white-water rafting trip in New Zealand.

Upwardly Mobile The rise of Bitcoin during Andresen's involvement with the project is emphasized by the location of our meeting, in the lobby of the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California. A suited Andresen is sipping oatmeal stout after speaking at the Milken Global Conference, an event that attracts leading figures in the financial industry, who pay $8,500 for a ticket.

Some financiers seem fascinated-if perplexed-by Bitcoin, and Andresen is the perfect person to represent it to them. He makes it sound like a logical, overdue upgrade to the archaic currency in your pocket.

-Courtesy MIT Technology Review

What Bitcoin is, and why it matters "That is considered very destructive in today's economies, mostly because when it occurs, it is unexpected," says Roberts. But he thinks that won't apply in an economy where deflation is expected. "In a Bitcoin world, everyone would anticipate that, and they know what they got paid would buy more than that it would now."

Does Bitcoin threaten the dollar or other currencies?

That's unlikely. "It might have a niche as a way to pay for certain technical services," says Roberts, adding that even limited success could allow Bitcoin to change the fate of more established currencies. "Competition is good, even between currencies-perhaps the example of Bitcoin could influence the behavior of the Federal Reserve."

Central banks the world over have freely increased the money supply of their currencies in response to the global downturn.

Roberts suggests that Bitcoin could set a successful, if smaller scale, example of how economies that forbid such intervention can also succeed.

-Courtesy MIT Technology Review

Realty Tidbits

Kolkata housing sales dropped 20% in H2'16 KOLKATA: Housing sales in the metropolis dropped 20 per cent during the second half of 2016 (July-Dec) as compared to the year-ago period, global property consultant Knight Frank said in a research report.

The city had also witnessed an eight per cent dip in new launches of residential housing projects in the second half of 2016, it said.

Chief economist of Knight Frank India Samantak Das said that the decline had been mainly due to a halt in cash transactions post-demonetization on purchase of properties.

He said that the other reason was that buyers were expecting a drop in interest rates, which was actually happening at the time.

The weighted average price remained stagnant in the second half, indicating that the market had almost come to a standstill.

However, in the first half of 2016, the Kolkata market remained relatively stable with expectations of improvement in the second half, the report said.

He said that the demonetization announcement changed the market scenario in the second half of 2016 leading developers and buyers to refrain from making any property related decisions.

Das said that decline in Kolkata was lower than other cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru. -PTI

Minneapolis issued over $1.7B in building permits MINNEAPOLIS: City officials say Minneapolis' building boom continued in 2016.

The Star Tribune reports the total value of building permits issued last year is over $1.7 billion.

That's the second-highest in Minneapolis since 2000. Only 2014, when Minneapolis issued $2 billion in permits that included U.S. Bank Stadium and related developments, topped the 2016 total.

Minneapolis has topped a billion dollars in building permits the last five years.

Last year, the city passed $1 billion in building activity by the end of summer, the quickest it has reached that mark.

A large amount of the construction was in the downtown area, with several hotels opening. The biggest projects in 2016 included an addition to the Hennepin County Medical Center, an apartment tower on Nicollet Mall and Target Center renovations. -AP

Real Estate 50 India Post

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January 20, 2017

40 more towns in Smart Cities list GANDHINAGAR: Government will add by next month 40 more cities to the list of towns it wants to develop as Smart Cities by providing funds for initiating urban reforms, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has said.

The addition of 40 new cities will take the total Smart Cities to 100. Since January last year, the government has announced three lists of smart cities which will get Rs 200 crore for improving their infrastructure. "There is a new urban renaissance taking place. We have problems, but our cities and towns are galvanized to meet new challenges, new ideas, and new orientation," said the Urban Development Minister at Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit here.

Cont’d on page 51

Realty hit hard by demonetization, awaits 'white money' buyers NEW DELHI: Property market, long considered a black money safe haven, seems to have taken a big hit from demonetization, with developers seeing their sales drop by about 50 per cent in the last three months and now pinning their hopes on buyers coming to market with 'white money'.

The genuine buyers in the residential market, on the other hand, appear to be holding back their purchase plans on hopes that the interest rates would fall further and the property prices would plunge post demonetization, which some see as a 'cleansing' of a sector infested with illicit funds.

As per the industry data, the secondary or resale market, where maximum black money typically gets parked, has been worst-affected as transactions almost dried up, barring some interest in marquee properties, due to paucity of cash after scrapping of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

The registration of properties also saw a decline. In the process, developers are estimated to have incurred a revenue loss of Rs 22,600 crore because of the cash ban while state governments suffered a notional loss on stamp duty of Rs 1,200 crore, as per property consultant Knight Frank India.

Top officials of several developers across the country - from Chennai to Kolkata, from

Hyderabad to Pune and Mumbai to Bengaluru and entire national capital region - admitted that the market took a big hit post demonetization though they foresee significant long-term gains, expecting all future deals to be through banking channels.

However, many developers and property consultants also said it is too early to say that black money has been completely eliminated

tent and improve the industry's image.

States are yet to revise guidance values or circle rates post demonetization, but may have to soon consider lowering the rates to reflect market sentiment.

"Property sale, in both primary and secondary markets, were affected during November-December due to demonetization as consumers postponed their buying

from the sector though it has become exceedingly difficult to execute cash transactions as of now.

They feel that demonetization, along with the new real estate regulatory Act and the Benami Properties Act, would help in eradicating the practice of parking black money in real estate to a great ex-

decisions not only in real estate but across all the sectors," realtors' apex body CREDAI President Getamber Anand told PTI. Sales in the primary market have started to improve, with banks lowering interest rates on home loans, he said, adding that it will take some time for revival in the sec-

ondary market where buyers need to reengineer investment strategy.

Top developer DLF's CEO Rajeev Talwar said the real effect of demonetization will be that secondary sales would also become like primary sales and transactions will happen through banking channels.

"Real estate will become totally transparent," he added.

According to Knight Frank, which tracks primary residential market of eight big cities, housing sales fell by 44 per cent during October-December 2016 at nearly 41,000 units compared with the year-ago period while new launches dropped by 61 per cent.

The Delhi-NCR market, which was already facing demand slowdown and huge delays in project completion, saw maximum fall in housing sales during OctoberDecember at 53 per cent.

Mumbai saw 50 per cent decline in fourth quarter sales, Bengaluru 45 per cent, Ahmedabad 43 per cent, Hyderabad 40 per cent, Pune 35 per cent, Chennai 31 per cent and Kolkata 20 per cent.

The fall could have been steeper but for high festive sales in October, days before the demonetization was effected.

"The Indian government's demonetization move on November 8 brought the market to a complete standstill.

Cont’d on page 51

Home loans turn cheaper as banks cut rates MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Home loans are set to turn cheaper with state-run Bank of Baroda lowering its rate to as low as 8.35 per cent - the lowest across industry - while some other lenders including Allahabad Bank and Bank of Maharashtra also cut their rates for housing and other loans.

Smaller private sector player Sundaram BNP Paribas Home Finance also announced a reduction in its rate for new housing loans.

State-run Bank of Baroda (BoB) reduced its home loan rates

by 70 basis points to 8.35 per cent, which will be applicable for customers having a strong Cibil score.

At 8.35 per cent, the rate is lower

including private sector major HDFC Ltd, have already reduced their rates. Some experts have attributed reduction in interest rates

than industry leader State Bank of India's 8.50 per cent offer.

SBI and some other lenders,

to surge in deposits with the banks post demonetization.

BoB said its existing custom-

ers whose loans are linked to base rate can also switch to the new MCLR regime without any additional charges.

However, several other lenders are charging a switchover fee, which is a minimum of INR 10,000 or 0.5 per cent of the outstanding loan amount in case of SBI. Bank of Maharashtra has cut its benchmark MCLR (Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate) by 30 bps effective January 7. It's one-year MCLR is set at 8.95 per cent.

Cont’d on page 51

Real Estate Post

January 20, 2017

India Post 51

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Is a foreign buyer in your home's future?

Cont’d from page 50

HOLDEN LEWIS

G

uess which country had the most foreign buyers of homes in the United States last year: Brazil, Canada, China or Mexico?

Your guess is probably influenced by where you live. For example, living in South Florida, I totally would have guessed Brazil, because I overhear Brazilian Portuguese all the time up here

then I would have guessed Mexico.

But I would be wrong. Chinese buyers are the most prolific by far, according to the National Association of Realtors. From April 2015 to March this year, Chinese buyers spent more on American homes than citizens of the next 4 countries combined.

"Foreigners - especially those

in Palm Beach County, and Brazilians own a lot of houses down in Fort Lauderdale. But Brazil didn't even make the top 5. I visited my hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, over the weekend, and

from China - continue to see the U.S. as a solid investment opportunity and an attractive place to visit and live," says Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the Realtors.

International buyers spent a total of $102.6 billion on residential real estate during the 12 months ending in March. That includes vacation homes, investment properties and homes bought by immigrants. People from other countries bought 214,885 U.S. residential properties.

More than a quarter of the $102.6 billion came from Chinese buyers.

The most popular state for international buyers is warm, sunny Florida, followed by California.

Yun says it's possible that we'll see fewer buyers from the United Kingdom over the next year. "However," he adds, "with economic instability and political turmoil outside of the U.S. likely to persist, the world view of American real estate as a safe investment should keep demand firm, even as pressures from a stronger dollar continue to weigh down on affordability."

Realty hit hard by demonetization, awaits 'white money' buyers Cont’d from page 50

Against this backdrop, developers refrained from announcing any new launches and buyers turned extremely cautious before committing on purchases," the Knight Frank India report said.

Bengaluru-based Sobha, the only company to have reported its sales bookings for the October-December quarter so far, said that its sales bookings fell by 22 per cent at Rs 373.2 crore against Rs 478.3 crore in the year-ago period.

On the impact on the secondary market, Knight Frank's Samantak Das said: "Resale market is under tremendous pressure after the demonetization move.

Besides, traction for some marquee properties, there were hardly any transactions," he said.

"It will take 2-3 quarters for the resale market to witness some uptick in sales. The deals will be much more transparent now."

Asked whether black money in realty will be completely elimi-

nated post notes ban, CBRE Chairman (India-South East Asia) Anshuman Magazine said: "While it is still too early to gauge the full impact of the demonetization drive, we believe that it is a

New measures have made it difficult to undertake cashdriven transactions and there is a greater acceptance of undertaking clean transactions bold step towards bringing in transparency into the sector and boosting consumer sentiment and investments in sector."

JLL India's newly-appointed Country Head Ramesh Nair feels that it cannot be said with certainty that the problem of black

Home loans turn cheaper as banks cut rates

money has been completely eliminated from the sector.

"Cash was seen to be involved in certain segments of luxury housing and with smaller developers as also with the secondary housing market. New measures have made it difficult to undertake cash-driven transactions and there is a greater acceptance of undertaking clean transactions," he said.

Cushman & Wakefield noted that the property sector has been a safe haven for unaccounted money due to the unorganized nature of the industry and transactions in the secondary housing market and land deals had a high component of cash involved.

However, it said that "since the government announced demonetization, cash payments in such kind of transactions have been eliminated to a large extent. The difficulty in making cash payments has resulted in slow sales, especially for those developers who relied heavily on cash transactions". - PTI

Allahabad Bank said it has reduced its MCLR by 0.85 per cent to 8.60 per cent for 1 year tenor.

With the reduction in this benchmark rate, home, car and other loans linked to MCLR would become cheaper.

Banks have switched to MCLR as their new benchmark lending rate from June last year, replacing the base rate system for new borrowers. It is calculated on the marginal cost of borrowing and return on net worth for banks. It was introduced

by RBI to ensure fair interest rates to borrowers as well as banks.

However, some banks charge a premium over the MCLR to offer a loan. .

MCLR also seeks to address the regulator's primary objective of expediting monetary policy transmission along with augmenting uniformity and transparency in the calculation methodology of lending rates. MCLR rates are revised every month.

In case of BoB, the MCLR has been reduced by 55-75 basis points across all tenors effective January 7.

"The home loan rate is linked to their Cibil scores. A customer with a Cibil score of 760 and above will be offered the lowest rate of 8.35 per cent," a bank official told PTI.

On a home loan of Rs 50 lakh, the 70 bps reduction will translate into a saving Rs 2,496 a month and around Rs 9 lakh for a 30 year loan.

The bank's one-year MCLR, to which all home loans are linked, is also at 8.35 per cent. SBI's one year MCLR is 8 per cent at present.

The official said the highest home loan rate would be at 9.35 per cent. The new rates would be applicable to all loans sanctioned with effective from January 7.

He said the new rate will be floating and will change with the next review in the MCLR after one year. BoB's current base rate is 9.60 per cent.

Home loan borrowers of other banks or housing finance companies can also shift to BoB's reduced rate of interest but the bank is yet to decide on the loan switching fee, he said.

The bank's interest rate on car loans and mortgage loans also starts from 8.85 per cent and 10.35 per cent.

Sundaram BNP Paribas Home Finance said its rate of interest for new housing loans would become 8.70 per cent, down from existing 9.20 per cent.

"The company hopes that this (move) will help in reviving the sluggish real estate market", Sundaram BNP Paribas Home Finance, Managing Director, Srinivas Acharya said.-PTI

40 more towns in Smart Cities list Cont’d from page 50

The approach, he said, is to make cities more livable.

"We have identified 100 cities across the country...60 cities are already on the move. This month or next month, we will be adding another 40 cities to take it to 100 smart cities across the country.

But even 100 is not sufficient for a country of India's size," he said.

Naidu said the housing sector offers ample opportunities, following various schemes announced by the government.

"By 2022, everyone must have a house of his own... That is the ambitious program set by the Prime Minister. There have been announcements recently on lowering interest rates for affordable housing and, this coupled with Real Estate Regulation and Development Bill will be a boon for the housing sector," he said.

India is the only bright spot in

a world where economic growth rates are slowing down, he said.

The country is undergoing a massive transformation, Naidu said, adding that there is now a "healthy competition" among the states on developmental issues.

"States are competing, there is a healthy competition amongst States, vis a vis development."

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the governance narrative has changed from "populism" to "peopleism", with the latter focusing on the best interest of citizens.

"What is in the best interest of people...they want clean water, roads, job opportunities etc." he said.

On making Delhi s landmark Connaught Place vehicle-free, Naidu said the response to the proposal had been positive. "It should be a place for people to eat, meet and greet. I want such places all across the country," he said.PTI

Real Estate Post

52 India Post

January 20, 2017

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NGT against exemption to realty projects NEW DELHI: A fresh plea seeking quashing of a recent Environment Ministry notification exempting real estate projects from obtaining prior environmental clearance (EC) prompted the National Green Tribunal to seek a reply from the government.

cation published on December 9, 2016, exempted building and construction projects of all sizes from the process of environment impact assessment (EIA) and prior environmental clearance (EC) before beginning construction.

For smaller projects (less than

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to the ministries of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and Urban Development (MoUD) and the Central Pollution Control Board while seeking their responses before January 19, the next date of hearing.

MoEF, in an amendment notifi-

20,000 sq meters), it even has a "self-declaration" clause, which ensures issuance of permission from urban local bodies. However, for larger projects of more than 20,000 sq m size, the EC and building permission will be given by urban local bodies simultaneously in an "integrated format".

The tribunal was hearing a pe-

tition filed by scientist Mahendra Pandey seeking quashing of the notification on the grounds that it was in contravention to the provisions of EIA notification, 2006 and Environment Protection Act, 1986.

The petition, filed through advocate Gaurav Bansal, said the previous minimum criteria of built up area of 20,000 sq meters for EC was appropriate as a "meager" Floor Area Ratio of 1 "would house more than 1000 person which is an effective burden on environmental resources and comprehensive source of various sorts of pollution.

"At a time when there is an urgent need to implement the existing EIA Notifications, 2006, the recommendation of the MoUD to abolish the present policy sounds bad... The present amendment, if gets notified, would give a free hand to the project proponents to do the construction as per their own will and procedure," the plea said.

The green panel had earlier took MoEF to task and directed it not to "act" under the new notification to grant fresh permission to projects on two applications questioning legality of December 9 notification.-PTI

Demonetization takes sheen off real estate: Knight Frank MUMBAI: Demonetization has taken the sheen off the real estate sector as 2016 ended with the lowest launches and sales of residential projects since 2010, a report said.

Sales volume and new launches fell by 23 per cent and 46 per cent each in the second half of 2016, a report by real estate

REITs led us to the feeling that the year would end on a high note.

However, the demonetization move pulled down the last quarter sales across all cities," Shishir Baishali, chairman and MD Knight Frank India said in a statement.

"The fall in Q4 was intense, H2 2016 ended below H2 2015...2016 ended at launches and sales be-

The real estate sector has witnessed a notional loss to the tune of Rs 22,600 crore, in the top eight cities. The government has witnessed a loss of Rs 1200 crore by way of stamp duty revenue loss consultancy Knight Frank said.

The fourth quarter of 2016 saw a significant drop by 44 per cent year on year and new launches fell by 61 per cent, it added.

"Political stability, regulatory environment, enhanced infrastructure, strong investments, approval to the GST bill amendments to

ing lowest since the global financial crisis," he pointed out.

Further, the real estate sector has witnessed a notional loss to the tune of Rs 22,600 crore, in the top eight cities. The government has witnessed a loss of Rs 1200 crore by way of stamp duty revenue loss, in the residential seg-

ment, the report said.

The national capital region was the most affected witnessing a degrowth in demand and supply by 29 per cent and 73 per cent respectively.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) saw launches plummet by 53 per cent and sales by 26 per cent, the report said.

Bengaluru, which is seen as a resilient market saw a fall for the first time since 2013 with new launch and sales declining by 17 per cent and 7 per cent year on year, respectively.

The report noted that uncertainty is likely to continue in the next quarter. "It will be important to see how developers recalibrate their business to the changing environment, and whether buyers capitalize the opportunity of various reforms and change," it said.

In comparison to residential, the office market has grown with 2016 office demand holding steady in top six cities and consistent with the 2015 level, the report noted. -PTI

MoS Rathore and builder in talks over flat NEW DELHI: Negotiations over settlement of disputes with regard to the possession of a flat between Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Parsvnath Developers are underway, the Supreme Court has been informed.

A two-member committee of lawyers appointed by the apex

session of the flat in Gurugram.

The court had also asked the realty firm to remove the deficiencies in the flat as pointed out by Rathore and the panel of lawyers which had visited the site and hand it over to the minister.

Earlier, the apex court-appointed lawyers' panel had said in its report that there was no access to common facilities from the flat of the minister of state for information and broadcasting, but the parking problem pointed out by him could be rectified by the builder.

Rathore had alleged that the tower in which his flat was located had a 'kachcha' access Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore road which court to look into the allegations opened into a slum cluster, there of Rathore that the flat given to was no parking facility and the him by the developer is uninhab- tower did not have even the occuitable, told a bench of Justices pancy certificate.

Dipak Misra and R Banumathi that Rathore had booked the flat in negotiations between the parties Parsvnath's Exotica project in are going on.

Gurugram in 2006 and paid around "Both parties are in negotiation Rs 70 lakh for it. The firm was to with each other over the disputes. deliver the flat in 2008-09.

Two weeks time is needed to arIn January this year, the Narive at any conclusion," advocate tional Consumer Disputes Gopal Shankarnaryan, one of the Redressal Commission had dimembers of the committee, told the rected the builder to refund the bench. principal amount with interest and The bench posted the matter compensate Rathore. for further hearing on February 13.

The apex court had on October The apex court had on Decem- 21 directed Parsvnath Developers ber 14 asked Rathore to sit to- to hand over possession of the flat gether with the representatives of to Rathore in two days, saying he the builder and settle the dispute should not pay any more amount amicably with regard to the pos- to the builder.-PTI

Philosophy

January 20, 2017

India Post 53

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

I

t is remarkable that the possession of India by a foreign power has always been a turningpoint in the history of that power, bringing to it wealth, prosperity, dominion, and spiritual ideas.

While the Western man tries to measure how much it is possible for him to possess and to enjoy, the Eastern seems to take the opposite course, and to measure how little of material possessions he can do with. In the Vedas we trace the Endeavour of that ancient people to find God. We find the growth of this idea of God, from many gods to one God, in all religions; its real meaning is that He is the chief of the tribal gods, who creates the world, rules it, and sees into every heart; the stages of growth lead up from a multiplicity of gods to monotheism.

This anthropomorphic conception, however, did not satisfy the Hindus, it was too human for them who were seeking the Divine.

Therefore they finally gave up searching for God in the outer world of sense and matter, and turned their attention to the inner world. Is there an inner world? And what is it? It is Ă‚tman. It is the Self, it is the only thing an individual can be sure of. If he knows himself, he can know the universe, and not otherwise.

The same question was asked in the beginning of time, even in MAHARISHI MAHESH YOGI

E

very thought, as every spoken word, has some influence on the thinker and on his surroundings. Just as a stone thrown into a pond produces waves that reach all the extremities of the pond, any thought, word or action produces waves in the atmosphere, and these waves travel in all directions and strike against everything in the atmosphere.

They produce some influence in every level of creation. The whole universe is influenced by every thought, word, and action of every individual.

The consideration of action and its influence is highly complicated. It virtually goes beyond the capacity of the human mind to fathom the influence of an action at any level of creation.

In view of this understanding of the individual and his influence on the cosmos, it can be seen that it is highly important that every individual should develop his consciousness in such a manner that he is always right and good.

Know what you want, decide when you want it, figure your plan of action, follow through on it, and never doubt."

Modern individual On one side, the individual feels

the Rig-Veda, in another form: "Who or what existed from the beginning?" That question was gradually solved by the Vedanta philosophy. The Atman existed.

That is to say, what we call the Absolute, the Universal Soul, the Self, is the force by which from the beginning all things have been and are and will be manifested. While the Vedanta philosophers solved that question, they at the same time discovered the basis of ethics.

Though all religions have

mere dogmas.

So the Hindus say that this Atman is absolute and all-pervading, therefore infinite. There cannot be two infinites, for they would limit each other and would become finite. Also each individual soul is a part and parcel of that Universal Soul, which is infinite. Therefore in injuring his neighbor, the individual actually injures himself.

This is the basic metaphysical truth underlying all ethical codes.

It is too often believed that a

the following way. A man is journeying towards the sun and takes a photograph at each step. How different would be the first photograph from the second and still more from the third or the last, when he reaches the real sun! But all these, though differing so widely from each other, are true, only they are made to appear different by the changing conditions of time and space.

It is the recognition of this truth, which has enabled the Hindus to

Why should I not injure my neighbor?

Swami Vivekananda

The Self is the force by which from the beginning all things have been and are and will be manifested. While the Vedanta philosophers solved that question, they at the same time discovered the basis of ethics.

taught ethical precepts, such as, "Do not kill, do not injure; love your neighbor as yourself," etc., yet none of these has given the reason. Why should I not injure my neighbor? To this question there was no satisfactory or conclusive answer forthcoming, until it was evolved by the metaphysical speculations of the Hindus who could not rest satisfied with

person in his progress towards perfection passes from error to truth; that when he passes on from one thought to another, he must necessarily reject the first.

But no error can lead to truth. The soul passing through its different stages goes from truth to truth, and each stage is true; it goes from lower truth to higher truth.

This point may be illustrated in

perceive the universal truth of all religions, from the lowest to the highest; it has made of them the only people who never had religious persecutions.

Extracted from an address delivered at Airlie Lodge, Ridgeway Gardens, England. The 154th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda was celebrated on January 12

lack of energy and an increase of tensions, and, on the other hand, the fast tempo of modern life does not allow him a moment of real silence. The individual is torn between pressing activity and lack of energy to cope with it. The result is an increase of heart disease and suffering.

There is nothing in the world which could possibly give lasting contentment to the mind because

Being.

"If it is left without the basis of the bliss of unity within, the mind is as though it were being tossed about like a football, from one point to the other, having no stable status of its own."

On life's purpose Man's life is to cultivate and give-cultivate the divine power, the divine intelligence, happiness and abundance, and give it

The essential nature of Being is absolute bliss consciousness.

Without the knowledge of the fundamental of life, absolute consciousness, life is like a building without a foundation.

All relative life without the conscious basis of Being is like a ship without a rudder, ever at the mercy of the tossing sea. It is like a dry leaf on the ground left to the mercy of the wind, drifting

Nothing in world can give contentment to mind The consideration of action and its influence is highly complicated. It virtually goes beyond the capacity of the human mind to fathom the influence of an action at any level of creation. everything is perishable and everchanging and phenomenal. Therefore, the quest of the mind for happiness is not satisfied, and the mind wanders all the time, seeking a point where it can rest in eternal bliss. A man with such a mind gains lasting satisfaction and contentment only when he comes in tune with the bliss consciousness of

out to all of creation. This is the high purpose of the life of man, and it is fortunate to find that every man is capable of reaching this by improving the conscious capacity of his mind and consciously contacting the field of the absolute energy, peace, happiness, and abundance of the eternal, divine consciousness.

God is in all men, but all men are not in God; that is why we suffer.

-Ramakrishna

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.

-Buddha

Look out into the universe and contemplate the glory of God. Observe the stars, millions of them, twinkling in the night sky, all with a message of unity, part of the very nature of God. -Sai Baba

Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that's very important for good health.

-Dalai Lama

In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.

-Jesus Christ Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

aimlessly in any direction the wind takes it, for it has no roots to anchor it.

Man's life is to cultivate and give.

Excerpted from 'Science of Being and Art of Living'. The 99th birth anniversary of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was celebrated on January 12

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

-Mahatma Gandhi

It is all only a great game of pretending.

-Ramana Maharshi

Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

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January 20, 2017

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Military leadership facing new challenges

India Post

GP CAPT (RETD) MURLI MENON

T

he controversial nature of the new Indian army chief's appointment and the corruption scandal involving a former air chief has brought the Indian military leadership in the media spotlight once again. In India, traditionally, military leadership has got a short shrift. The lack of a strategic culture in India, evident from the lack of understanding of military matters by the civilian hierarchy, is a possible reason for this.

The gradual "corporatization" of the Indian armed forces is another possible contributory factor, where corporate mismanagement has undermined timeproven military leadership skills. India and its defense establishment need to revisit their own military leadership culture and identify weaknesses.

A more copious media debate and agitation by the cognoscenti is required before policy changes could possibly be brought about in this regard.

Military leadership offers different sets of challenges than its civilian variant. Over the years, some civilian leaders have tried to imbibe certain aspects of military leadership but with very little success. Attempts by the military to "civilianize" or "corporatize" its leadership ethos may have more dangerous implications as it could have a direct impact on national security.

A military leader needs to lead men into battle. In the absence of war, the armed forces tend to lose their leadership perspective, and consequently, their fighting edge.

This seems to be the case with the Indian armed forces, as these days, they are employed essentially only for counter-insurgency or Low Intensity Conflict Operations.

The challenges are even more profound when a military establishment must keep itself battle ready even in times of comparative "peace" or "no peace, no war" situations. This is when basic tenets of military leadership cannot be allowed to be glossed over.

The biggest problem for a peace-time military is what has been described as the "ticketpunching" phenomenon. Every military service lays down norms to enable its officer cadre to have

a smooth transition from its tactical to operational and strategic levels of leadership.

Nevertheless, some officers choose to "ticket-punch" their way through the established hierarchical shaft, either avoiding the more challenging assignments altogether by opting for "low threat" assignments or by opting for other ornamental staff jobs.

These "easier" assignments also tend to offer inflated report statuses numerically, allowing the

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat

concerned ticket-punchers to steal a march over their other colleagues who may have exposed themselves to operationally much more challenging and riskier assignments.

The promotion criteria in all services, therefore, ought to be based on a military leader's successful transition across the mandatory field and staff assignments across all levels - tactical, operational and strategic - of war, and not any other extraneous considerations.

Another factor that assists "ticket-punchers" in gaining an unfair advantage is the ill-thought out changes in personnel policies, at times provoked by the Ministry of Defense (MoD). The Staff/Operations criteria attempt proposed

Air Chief Marshall (Retd) Shashi Tyagi

by the Army - and undone by the MoD - and the wanton reduction some years ago of "discretionary weightage" drastically from 25 per cent to 5 per cent (precluding the scope for objectively compensating a deserving candidate during promotion for higher ranks in the

Air Force) are two such cases in point.

If the Establishment sends across the message of appointing only an "operationally sound" officer as the chief of any of the services, most travails regarding inept senior level military leadership would be overcome. Even with such merit-imbued promotional criteria in place, it is possible that a senior military functionary, including a chief, could get compromised in some scam.

Air Chief Marshall (Retd) Shashi Tyagi's alleged involvement in the AgustaWestland chopper scam is one such example.

These types of situations need to be addressed through reforms such as Intelligence Bureau vetting, subordinate reportage in confidential reports, and increased transparency in the equipment procurement processes. What is currently playing out with Air Chief Marshall (Retd) Shashi Tyagi is a different matter altogether. He appears to be the fall guy for big political entities. With a proactive judiciary, it is only a matter of time before the truth prevails.

The requirement, therefore, is to ensure that military leadership does not get compromised in terms of dilution of mandatory qualitative criteria for any promotion, particularly the ones to starred ranks. This would remove any possible controversy if a person with better operational credentials supersedes lesser endowed peers.

Military leadership has to be nurtured over time. Performance in wars may not always be a practical criterion, given that the entire military leadership is now from a "post-war" era as they were commissioned post-1971, the system should look for other norms.

It is still possible that these criteria could be ignored leading to the wrong person being elevated to the top job. India's Defense Minister Manohar Parikkar is quite right when he says that seniority alone cannot be a criterion for promotion.

This is where the Indian military needs doctrinal precepts to support its personnel policies, preventing tinkering of norms without objective analyses. India also needs to put in place institutional quadrennial defense reviews like they have in the US - to undertake reformations in the Indian military's operational, administrative and support infrastructure and procedures.

Rise of opponents N

ewton's third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. It seems this law applies in politics as well. If there are mild actions like that of Manmohan Singh, there will be mild reaction. If there are forceful actions like that of Narendra Modi, there will be equally severe opposition.

The role that the media plays in this drama is very interesting. It gives more publicity to the opponents since that makes for a good story. If you merely concede this is a good move by the government, media persons have little role to play. Only if you search for some chinks in the policy you feel justified in having done your job.

First you put someone in a high position and then start pulling him down. First you complain nothing much is being done. And when something big is done, you complain of authoritarianism.

During the latter half of Barack Obama's tenure, his signature healthcare policy called the Affordable Care Act (ACA), derisively called Obamacare by Republicans, was roundly criticized almost every day. From the government side the beneficial aspects of the healthcare act were highlighted and it was explained how thousands who were ineligible so far were now enjoying healthcare. But this got little mention in the media. What got reported were the misses and problems created by some of its provisions.

All those who used to oppose Obama and his policies are now stepping into establishment mode in Washington. It will now be their turn to face the music. Already the media has started highlighting the positive aspects of the healthcare law and it is being said the repeal of this act will harm a large section of the population.

It will be interesting to see that the more the Republicans rail against this law, the more publicity its usefulness will garner.

People love underdogs and this time the Democrats are the underdogs. Already Hillary Clinton, who lost the presidential contest to Donald Trump, is winning wide sympathy. In an equal and opposite reaction to the earlier calumny, her good deeds are being recalled. New Yorkers have embraced her as a battle-scarred heroine, and seem to want to help the former Democratic presidential candidate get over her election blues.

Many have been saying her decades of public service should be recognized. She should be appreciated and not be told: 'Lock her up. Lock her up.'

Hillary, who has kept a relatively low public profile since losing the presidential election, is beginning to show up in public. According to New York Times, Mrs. Clinton, accompanied by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and their daughter, Chelsea, received several ovations from the sold-out audience at the Broadway show "The Color Purple." as she arrived, and then another round of applause when she was acknowledged by the cast after the show.

The NYT reported, "The reaction was substantially warmer than the scattered booing and clapping that greeted the arrival of Vice President-elect Mike Pence when he attended "Hamilton," just one block north," recently. It is true Pence will get a better reception in states which the Republicans control but the realization of what Trump and his team represent is beginning to sink in.

So the law of opposite reactions is already working. It won't be surprising to find Obama as a former President gaining more popularity than even Trump.

Even Rahul Gandhi, who had been given up as immature, is being noticed in the media for standing in opposition to Modi. The more the opposition leaders oppose Modi, the more importance they give him, keeping him always one step ahead of them. Instead of opposing the person if they had picked up flaws in his policies and worked on that angle, it would have served them better. But interestingly, both Obama and Modi have been opposed more for the sake of opposing.

January 20, 2017

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