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Obama carries 'Lord Hanuman' in his pocket Details on page 16

Lawmakers block Obama's F-16 sales to Pak

VOL 21, No. 1113

January 22, 2016

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Periodical Postage

PATHANKOT-LINK JAISH MEN REMANDED

LAHORE: Three members of the banned Jaish-iMuhammad, who were among the over 30 arrested in Pakistan as part of a crackdown on the outfit in the aftermath of the Pathankot terror attack, have been charged in an anti- terrorism court for possessing jihadi literature.

Law enforcement agencies had reportedly taken 31 suspects of Jaish-i- Muhammad (JeM) in connection with the Pathankot attack from different parts of Punjab province including Bahawalpur, the hometown of JeM chief

Masood Azhar, who is believed to be the mastermind of the attack on the Air Force base in Pathankot.

Only three of those arrested were produced before the Anti-Terrorism Court of Sialkot, around 100km from Lahore.

The three suspects, however, were not charged in connection with the Pathankot attack and instead were charged for possessing jihadi literature. The suspects were produced amid high security before the ATC. Details on page 5

Details on page 16

Alka Bhatnagar conferred UP 'Ratna Award' Details on page 7

Delhi designer wins Woolmark fashion prize Details on page 50

Silicon Valley warms up to vibrant Kerala Details on page 5

Indian-origin doc arrested for deaths of 36

Indian-American gets $ 1m for selling ticket

Details on page 6

Details on page 6

US urges India, Pak to continue dialogue

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

Details on page 5

Community Post -------------- 16-22 Date Book -------------------------- 47

INDIA POST SURVEY

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

survey@indiapost.com

HealthScience Post --------- 32-35

This week’s question

Horoscope ------------------------- 37 Immigration Post ------------- 44-46

Can Pak govt act against military-mullah combine?

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

Last week’s result

Can Pakistan be trusted on its promise to take action?

YES 26%

NO 74%

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

CONGRESSMEN IN DELHI: US Congressmen Billy Long (2nd L), Ami Bera (3rd L) along with other members of the US

Real Estate -------------------- 30-31

Congress during a CII breakfast meeting in New Delhi on January 18

TechBiz Post ------------------- 24-27 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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January 22, 2016

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Publisher’s Diary

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ast week, watching President Obama deliver the State of the Union address in the US Congress, I felt an inexplicable sense of loss and trepidation. Loss, because this will be the last time we will see him in a form when he is at his oratorical best. And trepidation, because I am not sure his successor, whoever it might be, will match up to his conviction while stating the positive in American society, and forthrightness when holding a mirror to the negative in American polity.

Consistent with his beliefs on curbing corporate greed in this country, this time around too the President did not mince his words while calling out the big corporations. "Food stamp recipients did not cause the financial crisis; recklessness on Wall Street did. Immigrants aren't the principal reason wages haven't gone up; those decisions are made in the boardrooms that all too often put quarterly earnings over long-term returns. It's sure not the average family watching tonight that avoids paying taxes through offshore accounts." Succinct, indeed.

Obama had plenty on his plate since the day he came into office - terrorism, economy, Wall Street, race relations, gun violence, healthcare, immigration, and partisan politics - which remain issues in progress.

Critics and cynics notwithstanding, I always believed Obama had his heart in the right place - that is, with working class Americans - and his head working up a pragmatic approach towards the changing realities of the 21st century.

America has no dearth of enemies, but the worst kind are perhaps some of our own, those among us, who spread hatred based on race, religion and gender; those that believe in guns; and those that still arrogantly refuse to acknowledge the changing world around them.

In his two terms as leader of the most powerful nation, the world did not become a better place. But Obama's innate belief in this country has remained intact as he so poetically puts it: "Clear-eyed. Big-hearted. Undaunted by challenge. Optimistic that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. I believe in change because I believe in you, the American people."

What can I say, I am already missing him.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Priyanka the baddie Priyanka, the first Indian to headline an American TV show, will now be playing the leading baddie in a Hollywood film.

Cover Story: Pathankot arrests 3 members of the Jaish-i-Muhammad linked to Pathankot attack have been charged in an anti-terrorism court in Pak

Community: F-16 sales blocked US lawmakers have used clarification and information notices to delay the sale of F-16 combat aircraft to Pakistan

New divides Federal immigration raids have wrenched open new divides between President Barack Obama and his Democratic allies

Life style: Woolmark Prize Delhi-based fashion designer Suket Dhir has scooped up the International Woolmark Prize for menswear

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Praise for Aadhaar India is on track to register its entire 1.25 billion population using its Aadhaar digital ID, the World Bank has said.

Kanchipuram Kanchipuram or the Golden City of Temples is an important center of Hindu religion and the seat of Shankaracharya

44 50 24 40

Cover/Top Stories

January 22, 2016

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Pathankot link Jaish men remanded LAHORE: Three members of the banned Jaish-i-Muhammad, who were among the over 30 arrested in Pakistan as part of a crackdown on the outfit in the aftermath of the Pathankot terror attack, have been charged in an anti- terrorism court for possessing jihadi literature.

Law enforcement agencies had reportedly taken 31 suspects of Jaish-i- Muhammad (JeM) in connection with the Pathankot attack from different parts of Punjab province including Bahawalpur, the hometown of JeM chief Masood Azhar, who is believed to be the mastermind of the attack on the Air Force base in Pathankot.

Only three of those arrested were produced before the AntiTerrorism Court of Sialkot, around 100km from Lahore.

The three suspects, however, were not charged in connection with the Pathankot attack and instead were charged for possessing jihadi literature. The suspects were produced amid high security before the ATC. Judge Chaudhry Imtiaz Ahmed granted a three-day physical remand of the three JeM members to police for interrogation.

The suspects were arrested by the Counter Terrorism Department from a seminary run by the JeM in Mundeyki, the headquarters of Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz

Saeed's Jamaat-u-Dawah.

Meanwhile, a source in the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Punjab police, said, "As the JeM suspects have been

The source said till the completion of the investigation by a highpowered committee constituted by the federal government to probe the Pathankot attack none

Confusion still prevailed over whether Azhar had been detained in connection with the Pathankot terror attack that led to deferring of Foreign Secretary-level talks picked up in a sensitive matter (Pathankot attack) all of them cannot be produced before a court of law till the completion of the investigation."

of the suspects would be charged in connection with the incident.

Media reports in Pakistan had said earlier that a number of JeM activists, including Azhar and his

brother Rauf, had been taken into custody in connection with the Pathankot incident.

However, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah had stated Azhar has been taken into "protective custody" along with his accomplices but is "not arrested".

Confusion still prevailed over whether Azhar had been detained in connection with the Pathankot terror attack that led to deferring of Foreign Secretary-level talks.

India has sought action by Pakistan on the evidence provided for apprehending the JeM terrorists suspected to have been involved in the January 2 attack.

India had linked the fate of the talks to action by Pakistan. -PTI

Silicon Valley warms up to 'God's Own Country' India Post News Service

PALO ALTO, CA: Kerala is much loved across the world for its beautiful locales, centuries-old artistic creativity; vibrant cultural experience captured the imagina-

Silicon Valley, which is home to the world's top technology companies, reveled in the cultural festivities as corporate leaders and executives were held spellbound by the pristine beauty of the backwaters and beaches of

Tourist arrivals from the United States have registered a 39.24 per cent growth during 2012-14. In 2014, the number of American tourists who visited Kerala was 76,616 compared to 55,741 in 2011 tion of corporate leaders attending a 'Kerala Evening' on January 14 in Palo Alto.

'God's Own Country'.

Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performers enthralled a packed

US urges India, Pak to continue dialogue WASHINGTON: The US has said that it should come as a shock to no one that terrorist groups would try to undermine the Indo-Pak peace process by carrying out attacks, as it encouraged the two countries to continue the dialogue.

"It should come as a shock to no one that terrorist groups will try to undermine those sorts of efforts by conducting spectacular attacks, to sow fear and to hopefully sow doubt in the minds of national leaders towards a level of cooperation that can have a practical effect," State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters here.

"Obviously, we don't want to see that happen and we are encouraged by the dialogue that

has recently taken place between India and Pakistan, and we'd like to see that continue," Kirby said, referring to the attack on the Pathankot air base on January 2 by Pakistani terrorists.

He said the US wants India and Pakistan to "continue to have a dialogue and to continue to look for ways to co-operate against a common threat. We talked about this not long ago at a recent conversation between both Prime Ministers (Nawaz) Sharif and (Narendra) Modi."

"That was a welcome sign, both condemning the terrorist attack on the air station and expressing their shared commitment to fighting terrorism.

Cont’d on page 6

venue of the event organized by Kerala Tourism in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and US-India Business Council.

"It is a significant day in the history of our state's tourism sector," said Kerala Tourism Minister A P Anilkumar. "The United States is a key market for Kerala Tourism. In-bound tourism from America to Kerala has grown about 40 per cent in the past two years. Our first-ever corporate meet in the Silicon Valley is a crucial step to further increase those numbers," he added.

The executives of over 50 companies in Silicon Valley attended the corporate meet addressed by Kerala Tourism Principal Secretary G Kamala Vardhana Rao. Tourist arrivals from the United States have registered a 39.24 per cent growth during 2012-14. In 2014, the number of American tourists who visited Kerala was 76,616 compared to 55,741 in 2011.

Kerala Tourism event was intended to introduce Kerala as a destination to the companies in the Silicon Valley and also to portray the state as an investorfriendly destination.

Apart from the destination promotion, the Principal Secretary also presented on behalf of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) the various investment opportunities available in the state.

Among those who addressed the gathering were Venkatesan Ashok, India's Consular General in San Francisco, and City Council member Catherine Carlton, who spoke on the 'Kerala Experience' as well as Sumani Dash, Director & Head-US & Canada, Confederation of Indian Industries (CII).

Kamala Rao, who made a pre-

sentation on Kerala as a top tourism destination in the world, said "Kerala is growing as a destination for corporate leaders and executives around the world because of its beautiful as well as peaceful locations to talk and do business.

There is no better place than Kerala for the Silicon Valley executives to come and relax and even work."

"With a large concentration of highly qualified software professionals and entrepreneurs, Kerala is an ideal destination for investment by the Silicon Valley companies," he added.

The Kerala Evening was also marked by the screening of Kerala Tourism's global marketing campaign films portraying the village life experiences in the state.

Pak probe team to seek finger prints of terrorists ISLAMABAD: The Joint InThe team also decided to seek vestigation Team (JIT) set up by other information from India like Pakistan to probe the Pathankot how the terrorists entered the attack has decided to seek from country, about their stay and India the DNA reports and finger whether there was any insider link. prints of the slain terrorists amid It is expected that the team will its keenness to expedite the probe, also visit India to probe the atan official said.

The team, headed

by IG Rai Tahir of The team also decided to Punjab Counter-Terror- seek other information from ism Department, held a meeting here to discuss India like how the terrorists the progress in probe entered the country, about investigation into the their stay and whether there incident.

The meeting deliber- was any insider link ated on the information received from interrogation of several suspects held so tack. far, the official said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz According to the official, the Sharif had earlier this week formed team decided to expedite the the JIT after India provided the probe, whose progress is clearly leads and linked the Foreign Seclinked to the Foreign Secretary- retary-level talks to Islamabad's level talks between the two coun- decisive action on the terror attries which were deferred. tack on its air base.

The team decided to seek inThe JIT comprises officials formation from India about DNA from Intelligence Bureau (IB), Inreports and finger prints of killed ter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and attackers, he said.

Military Intelligence. -PTI

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January 22, 2016

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Indian-American gets $ 1m for selling jackpot ticket WASHINGTON: An Indianorigin convenience store owner in the US has become a celebrity overnight and received a windfall of USD 1 million after he sold one

cheque as retailer bonus for selling the winning ticket.

Atwal said he was surprised to learn his store was one of the lucky ones, calling the group of

Balbir Atwal

of the three Powerball winning lotteries with a record jackpot of USD 1.6 billion.

Lottery officials confirmed one jackpot-winning ticket was sold at Balbir Atwal's store located at Chino Hills in California. Two others were sold in Tennessee and Florida.

Atwal received a USD 1 million

revelers "a big family."

"I didn't believe it and then I looked at it carefully again," Atwal said. City officials described Atwal as a cornerstone in the community after he was among the first business owners to set up shop in the city after its incorporation.

Atwal said he planned to give a part of his winnings to charity

and share the rest with his employees and family.

"This is a land of opportunity," said Atwal.

"Anybody who comes, you will achieve your dreams."

Atwal came to the US from Punjab, India in the early 80s, and opened four 7-Eleven stores, including the Chino Hills location about 24 years ago.

"I 100 per cent believe he deserves this," Sonia Atwal, one of his three daughters, was quoted

by NBC News as saying.

"He pretty much set his foot here and helped our family make it - the American dream."

Shortly after the announcement, a huge crowd packed the 7Eleven chanting "Chino Hills" to celebrate the historic win in the usually-quiet suburb city of about 75,000 residents.

More than 30 media trucks were parked outside the Chino Hills store to cover the event.

The jackpot was not just the largest in Powerball history, New York State lottery officials said, but also the largest of any lottery game in the United States. The jackpot started at USD 40 million on November 7 and rolled over 19 times, with no one matching all six numbers. -PTI

UK Parliament celebrates Indian-origin MPs LONDON: The British Parliament held a special event to celebrate Indian-origin MPs and commemorated Dadabhai Naoroji as the first Asian to be elected to the House of Commons way back in 1892.

The event, organized by advocacy group Operation Black Vote (OBV), brought together many of the 41 black and minority ethnic (BME) MPs at an event in the Parliament complex in London.

"Today we celebrate a record number of BME MPs in Parliament. British politics and British society greatly benefits when we can utilize diversity's teaming talent pool.

That's why today we are announcing that in the months ahead we will begin a new MP and business shadowing scheme," OBV director Simon Woolley said.

Naoroji's election dates back to when individuals from India were welcomed to the British Parliament as imperial guests and some

became members of the House of Commons.

In 1892, Naoroji, an educator and cotton trader born in Khadak, near Mumbai, was elected Liberal MP for Finsbury Central.

Three years later Sir

In 1892, Naoroji, an educator and cotton trader born in Khadak, near Mumbai, was elected Liberal MP for Finsbury Central Mancherjee M Bhownaggree, son of a merchant, also from Mumbai, was elected to Parliament for Bethnal Green.

Whereas Naoroji was a firm advocate of Indian independence, Bhownagree approved British rule and opposed the idea of Indian

Home Rule, according to the parliamentary archives.

"We should celebrate so many MPs now, but also need to inspire new communities such as the Somalis who also want to be in parliament. There is much to do," said Keith Vaz, Labor MP for Leicester East and one of the longest serving Indian-origin MPs in the UK. Cabinet minister of Justice Shailesh Vara added: "I am the son of a carpenter who came here in the 1960s. I remember the racism in those days, but Britain has come a long way."

"We must pay tributes to this country that has made it possible for a person like me not only to be an MP but also a minister. There were no role models in politics for our community earlier; now there are so many of us on the front bench of both parties," Vara said.

A record number of BME politicians were elected to Parliament at the May 2015 elections, up to 41 from 25 in 2010.-PTI

Indian-origin doctor arrested for deaths of 36 WASHINGTON: An Indianorigin psychiatrist dubbed "Dr Death" by police has been arrested in the US after 36 of his patients died with at least 12 killed by overdose on prescription medication.

Narendra Nagareddy, a psychiatrist in Clayton County, Georgia, has been put behind bars on suspicion of overprescribing prescription medication Narendra and running a 'pill mill'.

Nearly 40 federal and local agents raided Nagareddy's offices and later moved on to his home to seize more assets.

"He's a psychiatrist in Jonesboro who has been overprescribing opiates and benzodiazepine and the last several years has had a multitude of overdoses and overdose deaths," Clayton County Police Chief Mike Register told WSB-TV Channel 2 News.

Agents with the Drug Enforce-

ment Administration (DEA), the Clayton County District Attorney's office, the Clayton County Police Department and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision converged on Nagareddy's office armed with a search warrant and an arrest warrant for the psychiatrist. " H e ' s charged with prescribing pain medication which is outside his Nagareddy profession as a psychiatrist and not for a legitimate purpose for the patient," said Clayton County District Attorney Tracy Graham Lawson.

According to legal documents, "36 of Nagareddy's patients have died while being prescribed controlled substances from Dr Nagareddy, 12 of which have been confirmed by investigators through autopsy reports to have been the result of prescription drug intoxication." -PTI

US urges India, Pak to continue dialogue Cont’d from page 5

That was not an insignificant discussion that they had, nor was it an insignificant commitment that they made, and it's exactly the kind of commitment that we want them to continue to make," he said.

His remarks came as India and Pakistan agreed mutually to defer the Foreign Secretary-level talks that were to take place in Islamabad. They have agreed to

hold the parleys in the "very near future".

The bilateral relationship between India and the United States is excellent, he said in response to another question.

"There is still much to be done.

This is an important relationship that we want to continue to improve. We have excellent relations with the Government of India. We want to make them even better," he said. -PTI

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Alka Bhatnagar conferred UP 'Ratna Award' India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Alka Bhatnagar is a renowned, multifaceted and highly accomplished vocalist working as a cultural ambassador of Uttar Pradesh in USA. Alka Bhatnagar has given numerous concerts all over the world and she is famously known as Nightingale and Melody queen in USA. She is the founder and guru of "Sur Bahar ", a premier school of music in San Francisco area.

She is associated with several charitable and non-profit organizations such as Federation of Indo Americans, & many others.

She has been felicitated with number of awards in musical field and functions of repute by legendary actor Raj Kumar, top music director Khayyam Sahib and many more. She was presented special memento by late Raj Kapoor in the famous "Sur Singar Samsad" at Mumbai. She has been doing mega concerts to raise funds for needy and handicapped people across the globe.

Alka Bhatnagar has been conferred recently with a very prestigious U.P. "Ratna Award" in India for her excellent contribution in popularizing Indian music across the world.

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January 22, 2016

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Anuradha Roy wins $ 50,000 literature prize COLOMBO: Indian writer Anuradha Roy has won the prestigious USD 50,000 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature for her novel 'Sleeping on Jupiter' at the Galle Literary Festival in Sri Lanka.

Roy was awarded the prize and a unique trophy by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at a glittering ceremony here.

The six shortlisted authors in contention for this year's prize were UK-based Indian-origin author Akhil Sharma for "Family Life", K R Meera's "Hangwoman" (Translated by J Devika), Mirza Waheed's "The Book of Gold Leaves", Neel Mukherjee's "The Lives of Others" and Raj Kamal Jha's "She Will Build Him A City."

Mark Tully, the chair of the judging panel described Roy's novel as having described "the South Asia setting faithfully and evocatively."

"We chose Sleeping on Jupiter by Anuradha Roy because of its elegance, flair and readability.

It raises many issues succinctly

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe presents the DSC prize to Indian writer Anuradha Roy

and with commendable economy of words," Tully said.

"Among the issues raised are the power of memory and myth, religious hypocrisy, sexuality,

abuse and other forms of violence. The novel contains powerful portraits of both major and minor characters. We believe this book will be a source of inspira-

Somnath Temple to invest in Gold Monetization AHMEDABAD: The Somnath Temple Trust is all set to become Gujarat's first temple to deposit its idle gold in the Gold Monetization Scheme as its trustees including Prime Minister Narendra Modi have given their nod to invest the yellow metal reserves in the scheme.

The trust has around 35 kg of

"During the meeting, all the trustees have agreed to the proposal of depositing the gold, which is not in day-to-day use of the temple, in the Gold Monetization Scheme," said Lahiri.

According to him, the trust is having around 35 kg of gold, which is either in the form of pure gold or ornaments.

gold and will deposit the gold which is not in day-to-day use of the temple.

The decision was taken during the recently held meeting of trustees at Modi's residence in Delhi on January 12, said the trust secretary P K Lahiri, who is also one of the trustees of the Somnath Temple, situated in the GirSomnath district.

Now, the management will segregate the pure gold from the whole lot to finalize the quantum of gold which can be deposited.

"We don't have a huge amount of gold. Majority of the gold is used for decoration on day-to-day basis in the temple.

Thus out of that 35 kg of gold, we will separate pure gold which can be deposited under the

scheme," said Lahiri.

Other trustees of the Somnath Temple trust include former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, who is also the chairman of the trust, veteran BJP leader L K Advani, Harshvardhan Neotia and JD Parmar. All these six trustees were present during the meet.

BJP president Amit Shah was appointed as the seventh trustee during the meet on January 12.

Gujarat has three main temples Somnath Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple in Devbhoomi, Dwarka district and Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha district. All of them are run by their respective trusts, which are governed by Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board.

However, apart from the Somnath Temple, no other prominent temple in Gujarat, which has the capacity to deposit their gold, have shown interest in the scheme.

While Dwarkadhish Temple body is yet to give a thought to the scheme, Ambaji temple authorities have outrightly rejected any possibility of depositing their gold in the scheme at present. PTI

tion to other writers." he added.

While presenting the trophy to the winner Wickremesinghe, commented on the importance of South Asian literature and the cru-

cial role it can play to improve the lives of the people living in the region.

Now in its sixth edition, the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature is an established international literary prize that awards the best work in South Asian fiction writing each year.

This year prize had received 74 entries with participation from publishers across the South Asian region and from countries like the UK, US, Canada, Australia and South Africa amongst others.

The past five winners of the prize include Jhumpa Lahiri (The Lowland), Cyrus Mistry (Chronicle of a Corpse Bearer) Jeet Thayil (Narcopolis), Shehan Karunatilaka (Chinaman) and HM Naqvi (Home Boy). Each of these winners has gone on to be published internationally.

Roy is an award-winning novelist, journalist and editor.

Her first novel, 'An Atlas of Impossible Longing' has been translated into fifteen languages across the world. -PTI

Hidden workforce of 116 mn at 50 MNCs DAVOS: As the rich and pow"Sixty per cent of global trade erful from across the world begin in the real economy is dependent congregating here for their annual on the supply chains of our major jamboree, global trade union corporations, which uses a busibody ITUC has said just 50 MNCs ness model based on exploitation have a "hidden workforce" of 116 and abuse of human rights in supmillion people in their global sup- ply chains," Burrow said. ply chains including in India.

As per ITUC research, the cash "The global supply chains of holdings of 25 companies of USD 50 companies employ only six per 387 billion could increase the cent of people in a direct employ- wages in their combined hidden ment relationship, yet rely on a hidden Just 50 companies including workforce of 94 per cent," as per a new re- Samsung, McDonalds and search report released Nestle have a combined today by the Internarevenue of USD 3.4 trillion tional Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). and the power to reduce "Just 50 companies inequality including Samsung, McDonalds and Nestle have a com- workforce of 71.3 million by more bined revenue of USD 3.4 trillion and than USD 5000 for a year. the power to reduce inequality. In"The combined wealth of 24 stead they have built a business companies in the US including model on a massive hidden Amazon, Walmart and the Walt workforce of 116 million people," Disney company, could buy said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Canada," it said.

Burrow, who is one of the co-chairs Besides, nine companies in of this year's WEF Annual Meeting. Asia including Foxconn, Samsung ITUC said the new report, titled and Woolworths have a combined 'Scandal: Inside the global supply revenue of USD 705 billion, the chains of 50 top companies' exposes equivalent value of the UAE, an unsustainable business model, while 17 companies in Europe inwith a global footprint that covers cluding Siemens, Deutche Post almost every country in the world and G4S have a combined revand profiles 25 companies with head- enue of USD 789 billion, the quarters in Asia, Europe, and the US. equivalent value of Malaysia.-PTI

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Wealth of richest 62 same as poorest half of world DAVOS: Showing a sharp rise in income inequality in India and other countries, a new survey has said the wealth of 62 richest persons globally now equals that of the poorest half of the world's population.

Besides, there are just nine

lars since 2010, a drop of 41 per cent.

This has occurred despite the global population increasing by around 400 million people during that period.

Released here ahead of the five-day World Economic Forum's

The study, titled 'An Economy for the 1 per cent' and conducted by rights group Oxfam, also showed that the wealth of the poorest half of the world's population has fallen by a trillion dollars since 2010, a drop of 41 per cent women among the world's 62 richest persons, whose total wealth has increased by more than half a trillion dollars to USD 1.76 trillion since 2010.

The study, titled 'An Economy for the 1 per cent' and conducted by rights group Oxfam, also showed that the wealth of the poorest half of the world's population has fallen by a trillion dol-

Annual Meeting, the survey showed that the number of people whose wealth is equal to that of the poorest half of the world's population stood at 388 in 2010.

Since then, it has been continuously declining and stood at 177 in the year 2011, 159 in 2012, 92 in 2013 and 80 in 2014.

Talking about the income inequality in various countries, the

study cited that India's top IT firm CEO makes 416 times the salary of a typical employee there, while that of the largest cigarette manufacturer gets 439 times the median staff salary.

It also said that 46 per cent of billionaires in India have made their fortunes from sectors that depend upon market power, influence or preferential access to licensing.

At the same time, the report praised regulatory efforts in India mandating greater disclosures in this regard.

"Lawmakers in India passed a disclosure mandate in 2013 which requires CEO pay ratios to be made public, an important step towards informing the public about the level of inequality within companies," it said.

The report also highlighted that patient groups, other civil society organizations and the government in India have challenged the influence of big global pharma players, prioritizing access to medicines for citizens.

Oxfam called for urgent action

to tackle the extreme inequality saying it "threatens to undermine the progress made in tackling poverty during the last quarter of a century".

It also called for an end to the era of tax havens which has seen the increasing use of offshore

was WEF Annual Meeting's CoChair last year and is also attending the 2016 summit, said it is "unacceptable that the poorest half of the world's population owns no more than a few dozen super-rich people who could fit onto one bus".

‘Lawmakers in India passed a disclosure mandate in 2013 which requires CEO pay ratios to be made public, an important step towards informing the public about the level of inequality within companies’ centers by rich individuals and companies to avoid paying taxes.

Globally, it is estimated that a total of USD 7.6 trillion of individuals' wealth sits offshore. If tax were paid on the income that this wealth generates, an extra USD 190 billion would be available to governments every year.

Oxfam International Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, who

As per the study, 9 out of 10 WEF corporate partners have a presence in at least one tax haven and it is estimated that tax dodging by multinational corporations costs developing countries at least USD 100 billion every year.

Corporate investment in tax havens almost quadrupled between 2000 and 2014.-PTI

India elected to Board of Directors of AIIB BEIJING: India, one of the founding members of the AIIB, has been elected to the board of directors of the China-sponsored Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank which is expected to begin loan approvals before the end of this year.

The bank however said the Vice President, the post for which India as the second largest shareholder aspired for, will be selected

on merit.

"With regard to senior positions like Vice President and Director Generals the basic principle is meritocracy. This can never ever be compromised," former Chinese Finance Minister Jin Liqun who was elected to be the President of the bank told the media here.

"I would try to avoid creating senior positions just for the sake meeting the needs of some other countries because that would lead to redundancies in future," Jin said.

Earlier, Dinesh Sharma, Addi-

tional Secretary of Ministry of Finance was elected to the 12-member board for which a secret ballot was held, Indian officials told PTI. This will be the first board of directors for the new bank in which 57 members joined as founding members.

Noting that people "up the standard" will be selected for the post, Jin said the interests of the smaller shareholders also cannot be ignored.

Jin, a former Chinese Finance Minister was elected to head the bank based in Beijing after Russia withdrew its candidate.

"We have a number of major shareholders, China, India, Russia, Korea, Indonesia and some others. We certainly think it is very much important for AIIB to work very closely with major shareholders but we should not overlook the importance of the other smaller shareholders," he said.

The election of India to board of directors of the AIIB is expected to provide significant role for it as it is the forum that approves the loans for projects.

About the Vice President post Sharma said that India has "argued" to get the post based on its shareholding.

He said "personally I was happy to lose that argument," as New Delhi in the past has objected to such a practice in the World Bank and IMF. AIIB was formally launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping at a special function here.

The inaugural meeting of the board of the governors of the bank has approved by-laws, rules and codes of conduct for the bank.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is the designated governor of the AIIB from India.

Sharma who headed the Indian delegation represented Jaitley at the meeting.

With authorized capital of USD 100 billion and subscribed capital of USD 50 billion, AIIB will invest in sectors including energy, transportation, urban construction and logistics as well as education and healthcare.

China is the largest shareholder with 26.6 per cent voting shares.

India is the second largest shareholder with 7.5 per cent followed by Russia 5.93 per cent and Germany with 4.5 per cent.

India, whose total capital subscription amounts to USD 8.37 billion has paid first installment of USD 334.70 million to the paid-in

capital stock of the bank.

Twenty per cent of the subscription is to be paid in five equal installments.

Jin said the AIIB plans to bring the first loans for approval before the end of this year.

The language of the bank will be in English and the currency will be US dollar, he said.

"Members can contribute in any currency. We make loans in US dollars," he said.

and integrity," which will report directly to the board.

"It is very crucial to not just have something brilliant on the paper. It is important to implement.

As president of AIIB, I will abide by all the rules, I will work under the leadership of the board of governors and the leadership of board of directors," Jin added.

"I want to make sure all the policies we designed and approved by the board will be imple-

Sharma said that India has "argued" to get the post based on its shareholding.

He said "personally I was happy to lose that argument," as New Delhi in the past has objected to such a practice in the World Bank and IMF Answering a question about the bank's oversight mechanism, he described the AIIB's core values as "lean, clean and green," and stressed the importance of putting in place "a good system and corporate culture."

There will be "division of power and responsibility between the board and management," with the board exercising oversight of the management in addition to the designing and approval of major policies, he said.

There will be a unit responsible for "compliance, effectiveness

mented to the letter, and the oversight mechanism will be implemented without any compromise," he said on oversight.

"We have confidence to tell the whole world, we mean what we say, and we will achieve our objective of building the AIIB into a truly great multilateral development institution with 21st-century governance," he added.

The Beijing-based development bank is designed to provide financial support for infrastructure development and regional connectivity in Asia. -PTI

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No camel contingent at R-Day parade NEW DELHI: For the first time in the history of the Republic Day celebrations, the iconic BSF camel contingent will not be ambling down the Rajpath here on the coming January 26.

Officials said the 90-member Border Security Force camelmounted troops and band contingent has not been practicing during the dress rehearsals of the event being held here, in the absence of official directions.

"While the contingent is in Delhi since the last few months, it has not been included in the rehearsals as there are no official orders issued in this regard," they said.

The majestic and elegantly dressed four-legged 'ship of the desert' belonging to the border guarding force first became a part of the national festival celebration in 1976 after it replaced a similar squad of the army which had been participating in the Republic Day parade since the first such event in 1950.

"The BSF camel contingent has since been the intrinsic part of the parade at Rajpath on every January 26. There are two

French soldiers march during a rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath in New Delhi on January 18.

This is first time a foreign army will take part along with Indian troops during the Republic Day celebrations

teams which take part in the event, the 54-member mounted contingent and the 36-member band," a senior official involved with the camel squad said.

While the first contingent showcases smartly dressed BSF border guards with weapons riding camels, the second follows

with bandsmen in beautiful multicolor dresses on the back of camels playing martial music.

Officials said the January 26 parade this time is undergoing a number of changes such as noninclusion of paramilitary forces like ITBP, CISF and SSB whereas some new features have been

added to it including the dogs squad contingent of the army and a team of French soldiers.

"The camel contingent may also not be a part of the Beating the Retreat Ceremony to be held on January 29 where they stand along the ramparts of the North and South blocks on Raisina

Hill," they said.

French President Francois Hollande is the chief guest of this year's event with dignitaries like President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others and general public.

The BSF camel contingent is the inheritor of the heritage of the Bikaner Royal Camel Force, known as 'Ganga Risala', and is based in the border town of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.

Every year it travels to Delhi in November to participate in the Raising Day event of the BSF on December 1 and the Republic Day parade after which it retreats to its base.

The contingent has been called in to greet and honor foreign dignitaries many times in the past and recently was present for welcoming US President Barack Obama last year and for entertaining the guests during the Afro-India summit held last year.

The BSF is country's largest border guarding force of the country raised in 1965 and it is mainly tasked with securing Indian frontiers with Pakistan and Bangladesh. -PTI

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Court acquits Musharraf in Bugti murder case KARACHI: Pakistan's former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf has been acquitted by an anti- terrorism court in the murder case of Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti.

The court in Balochistan's provincial capital Quetta acquitted former president Musharraf, exprovincial home minister Mir

victed and I do not understand why the court set them free," Rajput said.

"We are not satisfied with this judgment and we will challenge it," Rajput told reporters outside court.

Musharraf, 72, was indicted in the case in January 2015.

The court also rejected the request by Jamil to order exhumation

Pervez Musharraf

Shoaib Nosherwani and Qaumi Watan Party chief and member of National Assembly Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao.

After the announcement of the decision by Judge Jan Muhammad Gohar, the lawyer representing Bugti's son Jamil Bugti, Sohail Rajput, announced his decision to challenge the judgment of the court, the Dawn reported.

"They should have been con-

of the body of his father to confirm that the body buried in Dera Bugti was that of Akbar Bugti.

In a separate application, Jamil had requested the court to summon the members of a parliamentary committee who had met Akbar Bugti following the violence in Dera Bugti in March 2005 in which dozens were killed.

Jamil had named Musharraf, former Prime Minister Shaukat

Aziz, former Governor of Balochistan Owais Ahmed Ghani, ex-interior minister Sherpao and others for the murder.

Bugti, former chief minister of Balochistan and head of his tribe, was killed in 2006 in a military operation ordered by Musharraf who was president and army chief at the time.

His killing sparked nationwide protests and further fuelled an armed insurgency that began in 2004 in Balochistan.

Two co-accused - Musharraf's then interior minister Sherpao and ex-provincial home minister Nusherwan - were also indicted for their alleged role in the murder of Bugti.

Musharraf never appeared in the court during the entire legal process which had been in progress since 2009. He was also absent when the charge-sheet was read out in the court.

Musharraf came to power in a bloodless coup in 1999, deposing then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Facing impeachment following elections in 2008, Musharraf resigned as president and went into self-imposed exile in Dubai.

The ex-army chief is facing a slew of court cases after returning from five years of self-exile in Dubai to contest the general elections in 2013 which he lost.

He is also facing trial in high treason case for abrogating the constitution in 2007 and illegal detention of judges the same year. -PTI

SWACHH NOTE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes notes as Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh listens to the Group of Secretaries presenting their ideas and suggestions on Swachh Bharat, Shikshit Bharat, in New Delhi on January 17

After cries of 'intolerance,' Cong silent over Malda NEW DELHI: BJP has attacked ment over the issues like Dadri Congress accusing it of keeping lynching and Kalaburgi murder is "shameful silence" over violence equally shameful. in Malda in West Bengal and "We will appreciate if they Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh, and have guts to comment on what condemned Trinamool Congress happened in Malda and Fatehpur and Samajwadi Party ruling these and also daily murders in Bihar states for engaging in "vote bank where 'jungle raj' has returned," politics".

Sharma said.

BJP national secretary Shrikant "A religious procession on the Sharma also made a reference to communal violence in Purnea in ‘We will appreciate if they Bihar and dared Congress to speak up on have guts to comment on these issues, alleging that the main opposi- what happened in Malda tion party earlier tried to and Fatehpur and also daily "malign" the image of NDA government at murders in Bihar’ Centre on the issue of "so-called intolerance".

Hitting out at Congress vice occasion of 'Makar Sankranti' was president Rahul Gandhi, Sharma attacked in Fatehpur while "antisaid he was at the forefront of at- national" forces assembled in tacking the Modi government Malda and torched a police staover state issues like Dadri lynch- tion but there is no protest from ing and the murder of rationalist them," he added.

M M Kalaburgi in Karnataka but The BJP leader alleged, "For has kept a silence over the vio- West Bengal Chief Minister lence in Malda and frequent mur- Mamata Banerjee, vote bank poliders in Bihar. tics is above national interest and "The silence of the Congress Akhilesh Yadav government is party and Rahul Gandhi is shame- also trapped in vote bank politics ful. The silence of all those who and not taking action against were attacking the Central govern- goons." -PTI

Cong slams start-up action & silence on net neutrality NEW DELHI: The Congress business and start-ups," he said. has criticized the Centre's action The prime minister had unplan on start-ups a day after its veiled a slew of incentives to launch as it said that Prime Minis- boost start-ups, including offerter Narendra Modi's "silence" on ing them a tax holiday, capital the issue of net neutrality, a "key" gains tax exemption and a Rs component for such businesses, 10,000 crore corpus to fund them. was "deafening".

But in his reaction to the launch Further, with the government of the initiative, Ramesh said that announcing the setting up of a Rs 10,000 crore funds for start-ups, The prime minister had party leader Jairram unveiled a slew of Ramesh said that such money should be used incentives to boost start-ups, "in important social including offering them sectors" and not in risky generic venture a tax holiday capital funds.

"It is unfortunate that in the the policy has "many misses". mega show for start-ups that the The former Union minister furgovernment held, the prime min- ther mocked "yet another re-discovister failed to commit to net neu- ery" by Modi of something that trality. His silence on this vital is- Congress "has always recognized". sue is deafening," he said.

Congress is proud that India "In meetings that Congress rose to becoming the "third-largVice President Rahul Gandhi held est start-up ecosystem" in the with start-ups across the country, world during its rule, Ramesh said the most important policy require- and suggested that the government expressed by entrepreneurs ment use taxpayer money in secwas for the maintaining of neu- tors such as agriculture, education trality of the Internet between big and affordable healthcare.-PTI

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Implementation challenge for economy: Rajan MELBOURNE: Implementation remains the major challenge for India's economy and if it can deliver on its promises the country will be "the place to be", RBI governor Raghuram Rajan has said.

When asked to nominate the three things that most need to change to make a difference to the Indian economy Rajan said, "Implementation, implementation, and implementation".

"The gap in India has always been between the promise and the execution," he said.

"If anybody was to look towards a big source of demand in future it would be hard for them to miss India," he said adding "If our implementation matches our promise I have no doubt that in the next five or 10 years this will be the place to be so good to get in early".

Rajan told Australia's Sydney Morning Herald that he believes the "implementation gap" which had plagued India in the past is narrowing.

Rajan praised the role of Australia's Productivity Commission in developing economic policy.

"Clearly there is a lot to learn about how you have used the in-

tellectual inputs, the economic inputs, from that kind of organization," he said.

"There are so many places two large economies can learn from

have thrown in the towel and said it is impossible doing business".

Rajan said India needed to improve its infrastructure, human capital (knowledge base of the

RBI governor Raghuram Rajan

each other," he added.

When asked about Australian companies, like ANZ and Telstra, which have made promising investments in India in recent decades only to retreat at great cost, Rajan said "I'm not sure it's anybody's fault. There have been periods of strong growth and there have been periods where people

population), regulations and access to finance.

When asked if he was to consider a leadership role at the IMF in future, Rajan said "I haven't even thought about that. The problems here (in India) and the immediacy of dealing with them is so much more interesting at this point". -PTI

Tejas to take part in Bahrain Air Show NEW DELHI: Making history, India's Light Combat Aircraft Tejas touched the foreign soil at Sakhir Airbase, Bahrain where it will take part in International Airshow from January 21 to explore export potential.

"History has been created when Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, indigenously designed and developed by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), touched the foreign

soil at Sakhir Airbase, Bahrain.

"For the first time LCA Tejas flew in foreign airspace to participate in the Bahrain International Airshow-2016 during 21 to 23 January 2016," the ministry said in a statement.

In addition to Tejas, DRDO is also showcasing other indigenously developed defense systems to display the nation s prowess in the area of advanced defense technologies with the aim of exploring the potential for export of defense systems and equipment, it added.

Besides the fighter and na-

v a l version of Tejas, India will also showcase state-of-the-art airborne platforms and associated sensors and communication systems designed and developed by DRDO. During the Bahrain International Airshow, being held at Sakhir Airbase, Bahrain, DRDO along with some of its production

partners is displaying India's strength in advanced defense technology areas, with the aim of exploring the potential of exporting these advanced systems to friendly countries in the region, an official statement said.

The show will witness flying demonstration of the 'Tejas', the 'Four plus' generation and highly cost effective fighter aircraft, it added.

The Indian Air Force plans to acquire 120 Tejas aircraft, with 100 of them having major modifications to its strike, radar, and mid air refueling capabilities. Though the DRDO has developed a naval version of the Tejas, the Navy is seeking a much stronger engine besides other changes.

It would be interesting to see which countries will evince interest in the light combat aircraft since Pakistan has already put out its aircraft JF 17, built in collaboration with China, in the open market.-PTI

PDP hints at ties with BJP, but Mehbooba in no hurry SRINAGAR: Meeting nine "The PDP president told the days after Jammu and Kashmir party meeting that she did not was brought under Governor's doubt the wisdom of her late farule, the PDP's core group met ther Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in here and indicated it was veering joining hands with the BJP to form to the idea of forming a coalition a government last year. government with BJP, but its presi"She said she wanted to be dent Mehbooba Mufti told the convinced that she can implement meeting she was in no hurry to her father's mission and vision for take over as chief minister.

The meeting also au- The PDP chief was reportthorized Mehbooba to edly unhappy over Prime take a final call on govMinister Narendra Modi not ernment formation.

"The core group has having visited Sayeed when authorized party president Mehbooba to take he was admitted to AIIMS in whatever decision on it Delhi before his death (government formation)," PDP leader Naeem Akhtar said after the mara- Jammu and Kashmir before taking thon 5-hour meeting of the party's a call on government formation," core group. the leader said.

Akhtar said the PDP has not He said the tone of set any conditions for govern- Mehbooba's speech indicated that ment formation with the BJP, but government formation in the state refused to set any deadline for it, might be delayed till the Centre too. "No conditions on part of the reaches out to the PDP president, PDP," he said. Asked how soon who was reportedly unhappy will the government be formed, he about the way Sayeed was treated said "no timeline." in his last days.

"The most important point in The PDP chief was reportedly the vision of Mufti Sahib was rec- unhappy over Prime Minister onciliation between India and Pa- Narendra Modi not having visited kistan," he said.

Sayeed when he was admitted to Akhtar, a trusted aide of the AIIMS in Delhi before his death late chief minister, said the party though he had paid tributes to the welcomed the Prime Minister's leader at the airport when his morLahore visit last month and the tal remains were being shifted to maturity shown by the Centre in the wake of the Pathankot attack.

"It was his (Sayeed's) belief that India-Pakistan friendship is necessary for Kashmir as it has been a victim of hostilities between the two countries," he said.

A senior leader, who was Mehbooba Mufti present in the meeting, however, said Mehbooba the state. Congress president told the party leaders she was in Sonia Gandhi had visited Sayeed no hurry and would take over as in the hospital and also called on chief minister only after she is Mehbooba in Srinagar after his convinced that she can translate death. into reality her father's vision for "Contrary to perception that a the state. new government will be in place "Mehbooba made it clear at the very soon, it might take longer meeting of the party's Core Group than just few days," he added. that she is not in a hurry to form Governor's Rule was imposed in the government or become the the state with effect from January chief minister of the state.

8, a day after Sayeed's death, as "She said no one can force the the PDP and BJP, alliance partners decision on her," he told PTI in state government since March speaking on the condition of ano- 1, 2015, failed to stake claim for fornymity. mation of a new dispensation. -PTI

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'Fortune' apologizes for Lord Vishnu caricature SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: A widely read American business magazine Fortune has apologized for juxtaposing image of Amazon.com President Jeff Bezos as the likeness of Lord Vishnu over the cover of its January one international edition, which upset a large number of In-

2016 international edition featured an illustration of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos as a Hindu deity. Neither the artist nor the editors of Fortune had any intention of parodying a particular deity or of offending members of the Hindu faith. It is clear that we erred and for that, we apologize."

Zed, described that Fortune coverage turned out to be "an unnecessary dragging of a Hindu deity to highlight its view" It may be that the purpose of Fortune in this case was not to denigrate Hinduism, but casual flirting like this sometimes results in pillaging serious spiritual doctrines and revered symbols and hurting the devotees.

Humor was a part and parcel of a society, but there are certain convicLord Vishnu caricature on Fortune cover page tions in every tradition, which need not be trifled dians world-wide with or taken lightly.

This follows a chorus of proThis Fortune cover page is test from Indians globally. In USA headlined as "Amazon Invades the protest was spearheaded by India" (How Jeff Bezos is conRajan Zed, president of Universal quering the next 'trillion-dollar Society of Hinduism and sup- market') and created by Sydney ported by Madhu Patel, founding (Australia) based illustrator Nigel president of NRI Press Club in Buchanan; whose clients include Chicago. Rajan said that the For- The Wall Street Journal, MTV, The tune cover page trivialized "our New York Times, etc. venerated deity" but took the opInterestingly, a Fortune article was portunity to thank Fortune and headlined "Sacrilege", when The its editor Alan Murray for show- Economist ran a cover in 2010 with ing maturity, responsibility and an image of Steve Jobs with a halo. understanding the feelings of the Fortune Magazine, launched in community.

1930 and published from New York A statement from Murray, titled by Time Inc., claims to be "a glo"Apology for Fortune's January bal leader in business journalism international edition cover" and with a worldwide circulation of posted at Fortune.com, says: more than 1 million and a reader"The cover of Fortune's January ship of nearly 5 million.

Hazare full of praise for protege Kejriwal RALEGAN SIDDHI, Maharashtra: Social activist Anna Hazare is full of praise for his onetime protege Arvind Kejriwal, who he says has not taken "a wrong step" after becoming the Delhi Chief Minister.

Hazare says Kejriwal is a man of "clean character and an idealist", who changed the "common man's approach" to politics.

"Arvind Kejariwal is a man of clean character who is committed to moral values in politics. I have not seen him take a wrong step during the last one year of his tenure as the Chief Minster," Hazare said.

He said Kejriwal, his comradein-arms in India against corruption movement, faces the challenge to take along good people in politics.

"He is an idealist. His performance as the Chief Minster so far is a positive achievement. To start a political party was earlier regarded as privilege of the rich.

Arvind has changed the common man's approach to politics.

"He is honest and transparent.

Manish Sisodia (Deputy CM) is also a committed idealist. I want to see politics in the country getting freed from influence of money power," Hazare told PTI in an interview.-PTI

Indian-origin shopkeeper stabbed, survives LONDON: An Indian-origin takeaway shop owner who was stabbed multiple times in front of his teenage daughter in the West Midlands region of England has finally spoken about the brutal attack, saying "It wasn't my time to die."

Narinder Sidhu, known as Sid, who owns a fish-and-chips shop in Oldbury was stabbed five times and left for dead.

"It wasn't my time to die," Sidhu told Sunday Mercury' in his first interview since the attack in November 2014.

The 52-year-old said he, his wife Balwinder and daughters, Simran, 18, and Supreet, 16, are all still coming to terms with the attack.

His attacker, Leon McTaggart

was jailed in July 2015 and is currently serving 14 years in prison for causing grievous bodily harm

‘Simran was on the phone to the authorities, then ran out of the shop screaming 'Help my dad! Help my dad!' with intent.

McTaggart, 29, had walked into his shop to buy a meal to takeaway but suddenly turned violent.

"He tried to beat me to the

floor. He was about 6ft 1in and a lot fitter than me. At no point did I see he had a weapon. All I felt was punches. I didn't feel the knife at all. He twice tried to kick me in the head but hit my right arm I was lucky that didn't get broken, too," recalls Sidhu.

"Simran was on the phone to the authorities, then ran out of the shop screaming 'Help my dad!

Help my dad!' I'm glad she was there in some ways but not in others, because it has changed her.

"I can't imagine what she went through because we haven't touched on the subject since," he added.

He was in surgery for 13 hours with five stab wounds, one in the abdomen, two in the left arm and two in the back.-PTI

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PM calls for lifestyle in tune with nature NEW DELHI: Underlining the Naidu's family members carried son'. need to promote a lifestyle that is out a traditional puja after Lok Union Ministers Rajnath in sync with nature, Prime Minis- Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Singh, Harsh Vardhan, Thawar ter Narendra Modi has said this inaugurated the program with the Chand Gehlot, Narendra Singh characteristic of India had reso- lighting of a lamp.

Tomar, VK Singh, Mukhtar Abbas nated at the crucial Paris Climate Noting that 'Makar Sankranti' Naqvi, Goa Governor Mridula Conference last month. heralds a New Year and an- Sinha, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Highlighting the connect be- nounces the arrival of the new Najeeb Jung and a number of tween Indian festivals and the crop, Mahajan hoped that the judges were present for the event. changing moods and requirements of nature; he further said that these were an attempt to connect the journey of life with nature.

"Today, once again, the world is concerned about nature.

World has become aware of it in its own way. How to connect with nature, how to balance life with nature is a major challenge before the world. RePrime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the gathering during the Makar Sankrati Celebration cently, the resoluat the Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and tion passed at Parliamentary Affairs, M. Venkaiah Naidu's residence, CoP-21 has this in New Delhi on January 17 essence of Indian philosophy. sweets consumed during the fesAlso among the attendees was "There is a message in that if tival will spread sweetness all Chief Vigilance Commissioner KV environment has to be protected, around in the New Year.

Chowdary, whom Naidu hailed as the world will have to accept a Naidu, famous for his one-lin- one of the most upright officers. lifestyle which is in tune with na- ers, was at his humorous best as The Prime Minister and the ture. We have been nurtured with he engaged in brief conversations Speaker also felicitated noted this as a tradition for centuries," with the leaders present on the singer SP Balasubrahmanyam on Modi told a 'Sankranti Milan' occasion. the occasion, who dedicated a event at the residence of Union Thus, he told Mahajan that song for the Prime Minister's pet Minister M Venkaiah Naidu here. there was "more discipline" in this program, 'Swachh Bharat The function, which was at- 'local sabha' than in Lok Sabha.

Abhiyan'. Naidu spoke at length tended by a large number of Welcoming Minority Affairs about the singer's achievements. people from South India who re- Minister Najma Heptullah, he jokRajnath called Naidu his elder side in the national capital, also ingly said he had got himself brother as he joined his ministehad a number of Union ministers, adopted by her as she has a lot of rial colleagues in thanking the sejudges and BJP leaders, too, in property. Heptullah responded by nior BJP leader for organizing the attendance. saying 'Venkaiahji is my adopted event. -PTI

PIO proposes 'Friends' style in UK LONDON: An Indian-origin boyfriend in the UK is making headlines after he pulled off an elaborate proposal for his wife-tobe around the popular US television sitcom 'Friends'.

Mitesh Jadva came up with the stunt because his girlfriend, Anisha Patel, is a huge fan of the show and can quote dialogues from episodes.

After a romantic dinner at the Shard, London's tallest building, to mark the couple's fifth dating anniversary, Jadva took his girlfriend to a park nearby where she found a candlelit sofa identical to that featured in the 'Friends' opening credits and five singers serenading her with the theme tune 'I'll be there for you' by The Rembrandts.

"The journey to the park in the cab was when the nerves really

started to kick in. Luckily we picked the only day that week it didn't rain so we were just counting on the sun to go down on time," he told the 'Daily Mirror'.

Inevitably, Patel was in tears even before he went down on one knee and accepted his proposal.

The couple, from Kingsbury, North West London now plan to have a traditional Indian wedding but hope to include some 'Friends' themed details into the decorations at their reception ceremony.

The entire proposal extravaganza was organized by a London-based proposal service company. ".........I couldn't be happier. As cheesy as it sounds, seeing her smiling the whole way through made it all seem worth five years of waiting for the moment," Jadva said. -PTI

Indian jailed for robbery in Singapore SINGAPORE: An Indian-origin man has been sentenced to seven years in prison and ordered to be given 12 strokes of cane for robbing a money-changer here.

28-year-old Ravi Sandhira Sagaran pleaded guilty of robbing Ali Yousouf Saiboo, 35, of 6,24,036 Singapore Dollars and foreign currencies on November 5, 2014, reported The Straits Times.

Four other accused in the case are still at large.

A second charge was also taken into consideration for conspiring with several men, including one Tachana Moorthy Peromal, 29 and Annadurai Raman, 43, to steal a car from a

parking lot.

Tachana and Annadurai would go on trial next month, according to the report.

Sagaran agreed to join them after being promised a share of the loot, Deputy Public Prosecutor Tan Soo Tet said.

Sagaran and his accomplices tailed Saiboo's car and blocked it at the parking lot.

Saiboo, whose two-year old son was with him, activated the door locks in his car, but one of the men smashed the car window with a crowbar, while another dragged Saiboo out and assaulted him. Sagaran was arrested on November 12, 2014 but the money is yet to be recovered. -PTI

India Festival celebrates contemporary art

Visitors admire paintings display at the India Art Festival at National Stadium in New Delhi on January 17

NEW DELHI: Termed as a "celebration of modern and contemporary art" the India Art Festival, which debuted here after four editions in Mumbai brought to the city uncanny installations, life size sculptures and paintings in myriad media under one roof.

40 art galleries and more than 300 artists from 15 Indian cities and 5 countries were hosted over the last three days by the event, which sought to facilitate dialogue and collaborations between galleries, independent artists, art collectors and connoisseurs.

Aberrations from conventional forms of art were conspicuous in the very first installation "What is intolerance?" by Odisha-based artist Sudhanshu Sutar right at the entrance of the festival venue of the National Stadium.

Sutar's installation tears through the ongoing debate of what intolerance is and explains India's most recent dilemma through the popular crab mentality metaphor - "if I can't have it, neither can you."

The artist filled up a chest with over 150 fiber glass crabs painted

with faces of famous Indian personalities - actors, politicians, sportspersons, and writers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it to the top of the crab pile leaving behind, Manmohan Singh, Amitabh Bachchan, Sonia Gandhi, Sachin Tendulkar and many others.

The event not only showcased major and mid-level art galleries with innovative artworks but also offered emerging, independent artists a platform to get discovered while getting an opportunity to interact with the masters.-PTI

January 22, 2016

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India Post 15

Desi News Devotees celebrate Lohri at Boston Shivalaya GEETHA PATIL

BOSTON: The Shivalaya Temple of Greater Boston was packed by the traditionally dressed Punjabi devotees on the occasion of Lohri festival celebrated on January 13 at 6 pm, a day before Makar Sankranti.

Devotees along with their families and friends offered special prayers with devotion for prosperity and peace. After Maha Mangalarati, devotees gathered in the hall to observe traditional Bharatnatyam, Bhangra and some Bollywood dances by little kids and singing folklores by adults.

The whole show was put together by very talented Selhi brothers, Chirag and Anurag. Gopibahen entertained the devotees by singing 'Sunder Mundriye' and danced rhythmically to the tunes of Chirag's 'Dhol'.

Details on page 18

Mathers Museum exhibition on Indian Americans SURENDRA ULLAL

BLOOMINGTON, Ind: Indiana University's longstanding engagement with India is reflected in the first Smithsonian exhibition hosted by the Mathers Museum of World Cultures.

The Smithsonian traveling exhibition "Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation," which details the history of Indian Americans and their contributions to the United States from the 1700s to the present, will be on view at the Mathers Museum from January 30 to April 10.

Details on page 20

HAF regrets court decision to free cop India Post News Service

WASHINGTON, DC: Leaders of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) have expressed strong disappointment after a federal judge acquitted former Madison, Alabama policeman Eric Parker of federal charges for his attack on Indian immigrant Sureshbhai Patel last year. The decision precludes federal prosecutors from retrying Mr Parker for the assault.

"Today's decision unfortunately short-circuits the legal process to prosecute Eric Parker and leaves Mr. Patel and his family without closure,".

Details on page 20

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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PG&E given Emergency Recovery Award

January 22, 2016

Details on page 22

Lawmakers block Obama's F-16 fighter jet sales to Pak India Post News Service

misgiving about the end use of the jets by Pakistani military by a group of Indian community activists who feared that the sale would

CHICAGO: After a visit by Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to the United States in October 2015, President Obama agreed to sell eight nuclear capable F-16s to the Pakistani Military as military aid and informally notified Congress of his intentions.

Concerned over the end use of the F-16 fighter jets

by Pakistan, US lawmakers have used clarification and information notices to delay the sale of the combat aircraft. On January 12, 2016, F 16 fighter plane the U.S. Congress not only stalled the planned sale of eight F-16fighter jets to Pakistan, but U.S. Senate also sent a hurt Indo-US relationship.

On December 16, 2015, the "hold" notice to the Obama AdForeign Affairs Committee in the ministration This was a sequel to a strong US House of Representatives held

a hearing on US-Pakistani relations. Lawmakers seemed troubled also by the overall signal the sale would send. "I'm con-

cerned about the messages we're sending when we continue to provide Pakistan security assistance despite Pakistan's ongoing rela-

tionships with the Haqqani Network and LeT," Eliot Engel, ranking member of the committee, had said. The Republican Members of Congress were urged to give a second thought to this idea of sale and apparently they were convinced.

Along with a successful Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, the Republican Hindu Coalition leadership also worked simultaneously with numerous Republican Members of the US Senate to push them to take action on the issue aswell.

United States Congress decision to place a hold on the F-16 sale to Pakistan is welcomed all around. RHC and its members look forward to continuing to support the US-Indian relationship on future policy initiatives.

Obama carries 'Lord Hanuman' in his pocket India Post News Service

United States President Barack Obama carries around a tiny Hindu Lord Hanuman statue in his pocket.

In a live post-State of the Union interview with Ingrid Nilsen, American YouTube personality, from the East Room of the White

Obama keep in his pocket?"

Candidate Obama also was said to be carrying a small Hanuman figurine as a lucky charm during electioneering.

Lord Hanuman is said to be the son of Vayu Devta (God of Wind) with incredible strength and vigor. He is also believed to be a perfect grammarian, great

"This is Hindu little statuette of monkey god Hanuman that a woman gave me." This video-interview is posted on The White House website. BBC gave this story the title: "What does Obama keep in his pocket?"

House on January 15, Obama showed things he carried around all the time and took out from his pocket what he described as: "This is Hindu little statuette of monkey god Hanuman that a woman gave me." This video-interview is posted on The White House website. BBC gave this story the title: "What does

scholar. He excelled in aerial travel and related sciences.

An immortal figure, he is worshipped with huge devotion for fighting battles. He was encrypted on the flag on Arjuna's chariot driven by Lord Krishna .

Planets which according to Hindu belief are shaping or indicating the course of destiny

are powerless before him Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hindu, who is actively pushing for erecting a privately funded statue

of Lord Hanuman in Arkansas State Capitol grounds in Little Rock, welcomed Obama's continued interest in Lord Hanuman.

January 22, 2016

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India Post 17

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Lohri celebrated with fanfare at Hari Om Mandir drop.

As part of the celebrations, laCHICAGO: Lohri was cel- dies dressed in colorful Phulkaris ebrated with great fanfare at Hari and Punjabi suits performed Om Mandir in Medinah, a north- Giddha led by Mona Sharma, west suburb of Chicago on Janu- Rajeshwari Rawat and team. The ary 13 with a large participation, guys were not behind. Tushar the cold and snowy weather not- Sharma along with Sahil Butani and Arjun Vyas did Bhangra. Sevwithstanding.

The devotees celebrated the eral ladies from the congregation day with traditional food of Saag joined the two young brides Amrit Salwan and Nirvka Sharma, who led the Jago team - special As part of the celebrations, Pot (Gaggar with ladies dressed in colorful lighted lamps/candles).

The beat of the Dhol by Phulkaris and Punjabi suits Ajay Ghai set the mood, and very soon everyperformed Giddha led by body joined to dance Mona Sharma their hearts out on Punjabi Boliyan- sung

by Deepak Sharma, (Mustard Greens), Makki Ki Roti Subhash Sharma and Atwal.

Satpal Salwan, Chairman Board (Corn), Lassi (Buttermilk), followed by a vibrant cultural of Trustees and Vipan Wadhera, evening of Gidda, Bhangra, Jago, President Executive Board, Punjabi folk songs, culminating in greeted everybody on this auspicious occasion and congratulated a lively night of blazing bonfire.

The Mandir was beautifully all the new born babies, newly decorated on the traditional theme weds on the First Lohri occasion. of a Punjabi village. The newly wed Lohri wishes were given to the bride & groom sitting by the Lohri newly wed couples of the Hari Om fire, enjoying the treats of the sea- Parivar - Manish & Amrit Salwan, Asian Media USA

Lohri being celebrated in grand style at Hari Om Mandir with young and old participating enthusiastically

son like Moongphali, Popcorn, Rewari, Bhugga etc. The Hukka, Charkha, Chullah, the Village Well with costumes like Kurtis, Jackets and Pagris hanging in the back-

Chandan & Aarti Kalia, Sunny & Sapna Sharma and Sohail & Nirvka Sharma.

Cont’d on page 19

A section of the audience

Community Across America

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January 22, 2016

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Devotees celebrate Lohri at Boston Shivalaya GEETHA PATIL

BOSTON: The Shivalaya Temple of Greater Boston was packed by the traditionally dressed Punjabi devotees on the occasion of Lohri festival celebrated on January 13 at 6 pm, a day before Makar Sankranti.

Devotees along with their families and friends offered special prayers with devotion for prosperity and peace. After Maha Mangalarati, devotees gathered in the hall to observe traditional Bharatnatyam, Bhangra and some Bollywood dances by little kids and singing folklores by adults.

The whole show was put together

Bharatnatyam by children

Pt Badalji conducting worship and Aarti

by very talented Selhi brothers, Chirag and Anurag. Gopibahen entertained the devotees by singing 'Sunder Mundriye' and danced rhythmically to the tunes of Chirag's 'Dhol'.

Anurag invited all the newly wed couples on the stage and sang folklores with Chirag for their happy and long married life. More than a dozen new-borns were introduced to devotees and were blessed for long life. The couples and new parents were given sweet packets as token of blessing by the temple president S Vijay Kumar

Selhi to enjoy their married lives and parenthood respectively.

Then came a long awaited part

Anurag invited all the newly wed couples on the stage and sang folklores with Chirag for their happy and long married life

of Lohri festival, the worship of the bonfire. Temple priest Pandit Jay Narayan Badal performed Ganesh Puja with utmost devotion before lighting the bonfire. He chanted shlokas for Fire God Agni and the Sun God for their blessings. Pt. Badalji asked all the devotees to do Aarti to Agni Deva who is a source of energy and spiritual strength and offer flowers and bhoga that included peanuts, popcorn and sweets made of til-chirva, gajak and revri.

Cont’d on page 19

Community Across America

January 22, 2016

India Post 19

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Retd Asians welcome 2016 with youthful zeal Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Over 250 members of the American Association of Retired Asians (AARA) and

guests flocked to Shahi Banquet in Lombard, a southwest suburb of Chicago, to bid goodbye to 2015 and to usher in 2016. They demonstrated that they are sec-

ond to none in terms of showcasing youthful zest and gusto in welcoming the New Year.

The singers from RH Entertainment, Manmeet Kaur and

Rajesh Chalam accompanied by well-equipped orchestra, did a great job by rendering hit tracks of Bollywood and made the evening an occasion to remember.

Manmeet Kaur kick started the musical evening with two captivating numbers, "Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu Peechhe Bhi Jaane Na Tu" and "Gali Mein Aaj Chand Nikla, Jaane Kitne Dinoon Ke Baad" and received a huge round ofapplause for her stylish presentation. She was followed by Rajesh Chalam who presented all-time favorites, including "Mere sapnon ki rani

kabaayegi tu, Aayi rut mastaani kab aaye gi tu" andTere bina tere bina dil nahi lagda". Manmeet Kaur and Rajesh Chalam rendered a wave of well-known duets, which were full of energy, and mesmerized the audience.

A good number of seniors danced merrily matching the beats of the captivating songs.The extremely freezing and chilly weather, instead of dampening their spirits, further uplifted their festive mood.

Cont’d on page 20

Lohri celebrated with fanfare at Hari Om Mandir Cont’d from page 17

The American Association of Retired Asians welcoming the New Year with Board members and team

Devotees celebrate Lohri at Boston Shivalaya

Lohri audience Cont’d from page 18

Devotees also offered sugarcane and radish as well to Agni Deva, which are generally harvested in January, to bring health and prosperity to all. Pt. Badalji also wished and blessed every devotee: May this festival bring lot of happiness and joy into their

lives. More than 400 devotees celebrated this festival with full fervor around the bonfire. Subash Bansal, Sohan Saini, Jasbeer Saini and Devender Dutt managed the crowd meticulously and requested all the devotees to enjoy the sumptuous Lohri Mahaprasad.

Sudarshanji thanked Medford Gurdwara Kitchen Committee for

preparing delicious Mahaprasad for this festive occasion. He also thanked profusely all the devotees for making this event a grand success and a memorable one. Last but not least, he appreciated and thanked from bottom of his heart all the volunteers of the temple who worked hard with great devotion and dedication.

Pandit Dinesh Ji blessed them with holy Mantras. Ayodhya Salwan started off with the traditional Lohri song "Sunder Mundriye" and also sang the "Badhai Geet" for one and all.

Vipan Wadhera also thanked everyone for their generous donations and participation in the Mandir events. Special thanks were given to Mrs Usha Verma Mrs Shubh Sharma and their team for their outstanding efforts in arranging and managing the food and Prasad.

Under the guidance of Pandit Dinesh Kumar, the Lohri bonfire was lighted by President Vipan Wadhera and Chairman Satpal Salwan. All the Board Members joined hands and gathered 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.

Packets of Moongphali, Rewari, Bhugga, Popcorn, Dates were distributed as Prasad, which was relished by all the devotees.

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January 22, 2016

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Mathers Museum exhibition on Indian Americans SURENDRA ULLAL

BLOOMINGTON, Ind: Indiana University's longstanding engagement with India is reflected in the first Smithsonian exhibition hosted by the Mathers Museum of World Cultures.

The Smithsonian traveling exhibition "Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation," which details the history of Indian

Smithsonian features Indian Americans' migration experiences, working lives, political struggles, and cultural and religious contributions.

A public exhibit opening at 7 pm Saturday, Jan 30, will feature comments by IU Bloomington Provost Lauren Robel and a performance of classical South Indian

Vijay Prashad, the George and Martha Kellner Chair in South Asian History and professor of international studies at Trinity College and Vivek Bald, documentary filmmaker and associate professor of writing and digital media at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

A roundtable on the Indian diaspora will be presented from 1 to 4 pm Friday, April 15, with a number of scholars participating, including Sandhya Shukla, associate professor of English and director of American studies at University of Virginia; Maia Ramnath, associate professor of history and Asian studies at Pennsylvania State University; and Aisha Khan, associate professor of anthropology, New York University.

Americans and their contributions to the United States from the 1700s to the present, will be on view at the Mathers Museum from January 30 to April 10.

Created by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, the firstof-its-kind exhibition from the

songs by Lavanya Narayanan.

A spring lecture series beginning Thursday, Feb. 4, will feature scholars from around the country: Pawan Dhingra, professor and chair of sociology and professor of American studies at Tufts University; Seema Sohi, assistant professor of ethnic studies at the University of Colorado Boulder;

Michael S. Dodson, director of the Madhusudan and Kiran C. Dhar India Studies Program said, "the hosting of this exhibition on the Indian-American experience demonstrates a further commitment to understanding the relationship between the international and the domestic, and in particular how India has helped to shape

HAF regrets court decision to free cop his employer after federal prosecutors brought charges against him for the incident that left Mr. Patel WASHINGTON, DC: Leaders paralyzed from the neck down. of the Hindu American Foundation In granting the mo(HAF) have expressed tion for acquittal, Judge strong disappointment Madeline Haikala noted after a federal judge acthat the first two trials quitted former Madison, against Officer Parker Alabama policeman Eric ended in hung juries, Parker of federal charges and stressed her frusfor his attack on Indian tration with the situaimmigrant Sureshbhai tion. She stopped short Patel last year. The deciof claiming the injuries sion precludes federal inflicted on Mr. Patel prosecutors from retrywere evident of criminal ing Mr Parker for the asbehavior on the part of sault.

Mr. Parker.

"Today's decision un"Mr. Patel's celfortunately short-cirebrated arrival in this cuits the legal process to country to begin a new prosecute Eric Parker life with his son was inand leaves Mr. Patel and terrupted in two tragic his family without clominutes," stated Judge sure," said Suhag Haikala in her official Shukla, HAF's Executive opinion. "Mr. Patel hadDirector and Legal Counand has-just as much sel. "It is our hope that right to be free from exthe civil process, and the cessive force as every pending charges in state citizen of this country. court will provide Mr Sureshbhai Patel lying in hospital bed after having He is welcome here, and Patel a modicum of jusit is appropriate to tice that he has been de- suffered fused vertebrae and other injuries as a result of the attack by policeman Eric Parker grieve his injury. Hownied in federal court." ever, that injury, standOn February 6, 2015, Mr. Parker was responding to an tions and that he acted within nor- ing alone, does not provide the alleged burglary complaint in a mal police procedures by pushing basis for a criminal judgment housing neighborhood where Mr. Mr. Patel forcefully to the ground. against Mr. Parker under 18 U.S.C. Patel was staying with his son in Mr. Parker was soon dismissed by § 242."

India Post News Service

Madison, Alabama. Mr. Parker claims Mr. Patel, who does not speak much English, failed to respond to his purported instruc-

the modern United States and conversely how migration to the US has changed India."

From the builders of some of the early railroads to civil rights pioneers and digital technology entrepreneurs, Indian Americans

will be presented at the Mathers Museum in conjunction with the exhibition, including a special family craft day from 2 to 3:30 pm Sunday, Feb. 7. All the programs will be free and open to the public. In addition, a free but ticketed film

An exhibit that includes Singer Smt Sajukta Ghosh and Tabla Player Shankar Ghosh with their son Vikram in 1970

have long been an inextricable part of American life. One in every 100 Americans has a family connection to India. Indian immigrants worked in lumber mills, toiled on farms and established prosperous trading routes that are still in use today. Through a collection of photographs, artifacts, art and interactive learning stations, visitors will experience the IndianAmerican story and explore the many dynamic roles Indian Americans have played in shaping America.

A number of special programs

series will take place at IU Cinema.

Jason Jackson, director of the museum, said the associated programming will not only "deepen and enrich our understanding of Indian-American experiences, it will also highlight the role our museum plays in connecting our campus and community and in making humanities scholarship public-facing."

For more information about the exhibition, accompanying programming or additional photographs, email mathers@indiana.edu.

Retd Asians welcome 2016 with youthful zeal Cont’d from page 19

At the stroke of midnight, balloons dropped from the ceiling and everyone got up to wish each other a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

Dr Talat Khan, Founder President said that while the South Asian immigrant community is diverse in terms of religion, region, language, etc., AARA provides a unique platform that unites them all. "Even though they are retirees, they prefer to contribute to the well-being of society", she added.

Dr Ghousia Sultana, an eminent Chicago-based litterateur, observed that members of AARA, even though old in terms of age, are no longer prisoners of the old value system; instead of resisting

change, they have been proactively welcoming each and every new change that is in the interest of society.

As usual, Shahi Banquet laid out a spectacular feast, comprising cuisines from different regions.

"We always eat bald food, considering our advancing age, health-related issues, and our doctors' advice. However, on the eve of the New Year, we decided to listen to our heart, rather than to the doctors' advice, and relished the tempting and tasty food", said Jugnu Khan board member of AARA. Ahsan Hafeez, board member of AARA proposed welcome address and vote of thanks. Indra Makhija, board member AARA, received senior citizens at the reception.

January 22, 2016

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HAF hails Howard vote for Diwali holiday India Post News Service

WASHINGTON, DC: Leaders of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) have lauded the Howard County (MD) Board of Education's unanimous vote to include Diwali as a day off for students in the 201617 school year.

The Board approved Diwali, along with Eid al-Adha and Lunar New Year's Eve, as holidays for inclusion in the academic calendar. Diwali is slated to be observed as a professional development day October 31, but district officials must first review whether the professional development day can be moved without impacting instruction time before finalizing the holiday.

HAF worked with Howard County Hindu community members to push for inclusion of Diwali as a holiday, given the county's growing diversity and a significant number of families who observe Diwali in the region, including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. HAF education director Murali Balaji credited members of the Chinmaya Mission for being engaged on the issue.

HAF and Chinmaya Mission started a petition that collected over 250 signatures in under three weeks, while the Board received nearly 500 emails from parents ask-

"By taking this vote, the Howard County Board of Education has shown a great way forward in acknowledging diverse religious holidays without violating the spirit of church-state separation," said Balaji, who along with several Chinmaya Mission members, testified at the Board's hearing last month. ing for inclusion of Diwali. The Indian Students at Centennial High School (ISAC) also collected and submitted signatures for the effort.

"By taking this vote, the Howard County Board of Education has shown a great way forward in acknowledging diverse religious holidays without violating the spirit of church-state separation," said Balaji, who along with several Chinmaya Mission members, testified at the Board's hearing last month. "It also shows how change can take place when our community is engaged in a constructive manner. While nothing is final, this vote is really a testament to the Hindu community's passion and desire for equity."

HAF continues to be involved in a similar effort in Montgomery County, MD, where a petition drive has generated over 1,300 signatures, with help from Hindu, Sikh, and Jain organizations.

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PG&E given Emergency Recovery Award India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO, CA: In recognition of Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) outstanding power restoration efforts during California's devastating Valley Fire, the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) presented the company with its Emergency Recovery Award.

The award is presented twice a year to EEI member companies recognizing their extraordinary efforts to restore power to customers after service disruptions caused by severe weather conditions or other natural events.

The Valley Fire in Lake County, located north of San Francisco, took place during the 2015 California wildfire season and encompassed more than 76,000 acres.

During the fire, nearly 1,700 PG&E employees and contractors worked closely with the California

Governor's Office of Emergency Services, County of Lake Office of Emergency Services, CAL FIRE, the U.S. Forest Service and other first responders to restore power and support the community.

Integrated emergency response

teams worked across challenging terrain to assess damage, remove hazardous trees, and rebuild equipment to help expedite the

safe return of residents to their homes. PG&E also provided exportable power to evacuation centers and essential businesses and worked with law enforcement to ensure customer safety while evacuation orders were still in effect.

"The Valley Fire was the thirdworst fire in California history, and our employees saw firsthand the devastating impact it had on our customers. Restoring electric service was one of the first steps to recovery, and thousands of PG&E employees played a part in our response. This award is a tribute to the cross-agency team of first responders and our employees who worked tirelessly in extreme conditions to get the community back on its feet," said Geisha Williams, president, PG&E Electric.

"The success of any emergency response effort is only as

49ers legends to be part of hall of fame India Post News Service

OAKLAND, CA: The San Francisco 49ers became the Bay Area's first professional team in 1946, and has been its most successful. At the 16th Annual Bay Area Induction Ceremony, the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame (MESHOF) will induct 49ers legends from the, '60s, '70s, '80s, and '90s. The Class of 2016 will include Willie Harper, Allan Kennedy, Ted Kwalick, Dana Stubblefield, Jeremy Newberry and Ray Wersching.

Finally, Eason Ramson, Dr. Jamie Williams and Carolyn Hoskins will receive the Distin-

guished Service Award.

The event will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. on Thursday, January 28 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Newark - Fremont, 39900

The MESHOF will also honor members of the organization including coaches, doctors, team owners and trainers

Balentine Drive, Fremont, CA 94560.

The MESHOF will also honor members of the organization - including coaches, doctors, team owners, and trainers, and others for their contributions to teams from those time periods.

The no-host cocktail hour begins at 6:00 pm; dinner begins at 7:00 and the ceremony at 8:00. Tickets are $175 in advance $250 at the door for dinner and ceremony.

Tables of 10 are available, as are community partner sponsorship opportunities. Tickets can be purchased at www.afrosportshall.com.

strong as the players who execute it, and we couldn't be more grateful for our partnerships with topnotch first responders who are committed to public safety. The support and resources that PG&E provided during the Valley Fire were critical to fighting the fire and restoring the community," said Rob Brown, supervisor, County of Lake.

"The hardworking crews from PG&E are truly deserving of this recognition for their tremendous efforts to restore service and sup-

port their community in the face of difficult conditions during the Valley Fire. PG&E's efforts to swiftly and safely restore service are representative of our industry's unwavering commitment to customer service," said Tom Kuhn, president, EEI. The Emergency Recovery Award winners were chosen by a panel of judges following a nomination process, and the awards were presented during EEI's January CEO and Board of Directors meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Good behavior incentives for Super Bowl fans India Post News Service

"Given the millions of fans that major events that the Big Game attracts, there's a huge opportunity for all of us to join together and play our part in shaping a better future," said in/PACT CEO John McNeil. "in/PACT and Citizen Group share the Host Committee's commitment to doing good and doing well, and we are honored to help them activate their purpose through our social good fan-powered platform."

"By leveraging the Bay Area's leadership in technology, sustainability and philanthropy, we have the opportunity to create a real legacy," added Robin Raj, founder & executive director

SAN FRANCISCO: The San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee has announced its "Play Your Part" campaign, an initiative designed to engage with fans and inspire them to personally contribute towards the Host Committee's goal of delivering Super Bowl 50 as a "Net Positive" event.

Launched in collaboration with in/PACT and Citizen Group, the Play Your Part campaign will recognize and reward fans for their Net Positive behavior by providing "good coins" to support 50 Fund grant making and entering fans for daily prizes during Super Bowl Week.

"Super Bowl 50 fans "Super Bowl 50 fans have have an important role an important role to play in to play in helping us achieve the goal of de- helping us achieve the livering Super Bowl 50 goal of delivering Super as a net positive event.

We can't do it without Bowl 50 as a net positive them," said Host Comevent. We can't do it withmittee CEO Keith Bruce. "Together with out them," said Host Comthe 50 Fund, we are excited to be able to rec- mittee CEO Keith Bruce. ognize and reward the fans' role in delivering of Citizen Group. "We're proud to a purposeful event."

By performing or pledging to work with the Host Committee perform sustainable actions, such and in/PACT to set a new stanas properly recycling waste, car- dard for how future major sportrying a reusable water bottle or ing events can engage and suptaking public transit, fans will be port their communities for years invited to help decide how to come."

The Host Committee's net posi$200,000 from the 50 Fund's Sustainable Environments Game tive commitment is built around Changer Grant is allocated to a four key pillars: (1) reducing imshort list of Bay Area environmen- pact on climate change by delivtal nonprofits, made possible by ering a low emissions event; (2) in/PACT's interactive cause mar- responsibly using materials and resources; (3) inspiring fans to keting technology platform.

Fans can learn more about the embrace sustainability personally; and (4) leaving a lasting legacy. program at h t t p : / / "Play Your Part" directly links fan playyourpart.sfbaysuperbowl.com. support to these four goals.

January 22, 2016

Perspective

India Post 23

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'Pathankot' exposes increasing vulnerabilities in Punjab AJAI SAHNI

T

wo major terrorist attacks - the as- ecuted in the State in 2015-16 are the work modules, principally associated with the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), sault on the Indian Air Force (IAF) of Pakistan-backed Islamist terrorists.

Base at Pathankot through JanuThis is despite the fact that Pakistan has Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), ary 2 and January 3 and the strike done all it could have to keep the Khalistani Bhindranwale Tigers Force of Khalistan at the Dinanagar Police Station in adjacent movement alive, providing safe haven and (BTFK), Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), Gurdaspur on July 27, 2015 - have not only funding to the surviving leadership and Khalistan Commando Force (KCF), and exposed tremendous vulnerabilities in cadres in Pakistan, and also vigorously sup- some minor factions, were identified and Punjab, but gaping holes in national Counter porting and directing the activities of sub- neutralized, resulting in the arrest of at least 158 terrorists.

Terrorism (CT) response protocols, capaci- versive elements across the world.

Intelligence sources indicate that the ties and capabilities.

Despite pressure from Pakistan's Inter The Pathankot incident is particularly Services Intelligence (ISI), however, these Khalistani leaders holed up in Pakistan are worrisome, providing an index of the extraordinary weakness in the protection of the country's critical strategic assets. The IAF Base constitutes the frontline air defense for any confrontation with Pakistan, and yet the terrorists succeeded in penetrating into the campus and inflicting significant casualties.

This was despite nearly 20 hours of clear warning, a definitive identification of the intended target, and a systemic response that had been initiated fairly early on January 1 after central intelligence agencies picked up conversations by the terrorists with their handlers and their families, and the Punjab Police received specific information about their movements and intention from the 'abducted' Superintendent of Police whose car was used by the terrorists.

If the terrorists had the additional Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers patrol the border fence at Bamial border in Pathankot . The security has been beefed up in the wake of the recent attacks advantage of surprise, the damage they could have inflicted can now only be imagined. Evidently, the Pathankot groups have failed to mount any signifi- finding no volunteers for terrorist strikes in IAF Base would not be unique in its vulner- cant operation on Indian soil in recent years. Punjab, and that some of these are now colabilities among various defense and secuThe last recorded major terrorist attack laborating with the ISI to train Pakistani lority establishments across the country. attributed to the Khalistanis in Punjab dates cals in the language and culture of Indian The responses to the Dinanagar Police back to October 14, 2007, when seven per- Punjab, and in the Sikh tradition, to faciliStation attack were encouraging on many sons were killed and another 40 were in- tate their infiltration into, and operation in, parameters. The challenge was quickly ac- jured in a bomb blast inside a cinema hall in the State.

There have also been continuous efforts cepted by the first responders - the Punjab Ludhiana.

Police itself - and they were determined in While there has been no definitive iden- to engineer some kind of collaboration betheir refusal to relinquish responsibility tification of the group responsible, Police tween Islamist terrorist formations and even after National Security Guard and Army sources and contextual information suggest Khalistani formations in Pakistan for operareinforcements, with their vastly superior that this was the handiwork of a Sikh terror- tions in India, but apart from occasional facilitation in the movement of weapons, exweaponry and training, arrived on the scene ist formation based in Pakistan. in strength; and the Punjab Police leaderThere were no fatalities in terrorist vio- plosives and cadres, this has not resulted ship led from the front.

Nevertheless, there were obvious and Given the political disarray, economic stagnation and visible deficiencies in protective gear, administrative paralysis in the State, the possibilities of weaponry, training and fitness of the Police personnel responding, including those public anger boiling over into mass disorders and openof the Punjab Police SWAT [Special Weaping up opportunities for coordinated terrorist strikes cannot ons and Tactics] team deployed, and an examination of various aspects of Police be ignored, particularly given the poor management of functioning in the wake of the attack exborder security in the State. posed growing politicization, indiscipline, resource constraints and capacity deficits in the wider Policing apparatus of the State. lence in 2008-09, and a single incident, ex- in any significant operational cooperation.

These, in combination, are the likely reaCompounding these factors is the mani- ecuted by the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) on fest porosity of the elaborately fenced and April 25, in 2010, in which two Pakistani ter- sons for a diversion of cadres of Pakistani patrolled border, and widespread allegations rorists were shot dead, and two Punjab Po- terrorist formations such as LeT and Jaishof political and Security Forces (SF) collu- licemen were also killed, at Rattarwaha vil- e-Mohammad (JeM) to Punjab in the sion in a rampant drug and smuggling trade lage in Gurdaspur District, bordering the Dinanagar and Pathankot attacks.

These attacks also appear to indicate that is also exploited by extremist and ter- Kathua District of Jammu & Kashmir. rorist elements.

Again, there were no incidents recorded Islamabad's continued determination to deIt is significant however, that despite between 2012 and 2014, and the peace was stabilize, and to engineer a revival of milithese many deficits and defects, the Sikh only shattered by the Pakistani terrorist at- tancy, in the State. The Dinanagar and Pathankot strikes may, consequently, be extremism and terrorism that had ravaged tack at Dinanagar.

Punjab in the late 1980s and early 1990s finds Nevertheless, efforts to keep Khalistani intended as demonstrations of the vulnerno resonance on the ground today. Indeed, terror alive continue. Thus, between 2010 abilities in Punjab, and encouragement to the two major attacks that have been ex- and 2015, at least 46 Khalistani terrorist Khalistani elements to take up the gun and

the bomb again.

Pakistan's efforts continue to be backed by radical elements in the Sikh Diaspora, principally located across Europe and North America, with fragments in some countries of South East Asia as well.

The Khalistani presence is significant in USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Norway, and Italy, where various groups continue to engage in propaganda, fundraising and recruitment for the Khalistani cause, and to orchestrate occasional protests and demonstrations.

While all these efforts have failed to secure traction on the ground within Punjab, Sikh radical activity has seen an escalation on the Internet and Social Media, as well as on a number of extremist owned Television Channels abroad.

Funding from activists and sympathizers in the West has also resulted in the production of a number of inflammatory films in Punjabi, and these have been widely circulated in an effort to radicalize impressionable youth in Punjab.

These efforts are overlaid on increasing political frustration and disorders within Punjab, and a growing resentment against Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal's regime, widely perceived as endemically corrupt.

In October 2015, this frustration boiled over into obviously orchestrated protests and demonstrations over the desecration of copies of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book.

Earlier, hardline Sikhs had sought to mobilize for the commemoration of the anniversary of Operation Blue Star in June 2015, with their efforts within Punjab finding echoes across UK, France, Canada, Germany, Pakistan and Malaysia, among others.

The Police in Punjab have demonstrated that they retain the capacities to penetrate the surviving networks of Khalistani sympathizers and to scotch any efforts of revival. There is, nevertheless, the clear and present danger of direct engagement of Pakistan backed Islamist terrorists, who are evidently better motivated and organized.

Moreover, given the political disarray, economic stagnation and administrative paralysis in the State, the possibilities of public anger boiling over into mass disorders and opening up opportunities for coordinated terrorist strikes cannot be ignored, particularly given the poor management of border security in the State.

Crucially, Police capacities in the State have been systematically eroded by progressive resource constraints and enveloping politicization of the Force.

The Punjab Police that fought and defeated the Khalistani terror in the early 1990s is no longer in place; some of the officers and personnel who served in those campaigns continue to lead the response to current challenges. But these are all in the last phase of their tenures, and will soon retire.

Without any exposure to the searing challenge of confronting widespread terrorism, it is unlikely that the next generation will have the skills or the will to tackle potential terrorist challenges of the future.

The writer is Editor, SAIR; Executive Director, ICM & SATP

Tech News Haryana begins scheme to promote infra CHANDIGARH: The Haryana government has come out with a scheme for grant-in-aid for the Critical Infrastructure Development in pursuance of the Enterprise Promotion Policy, 2015, to create and upgrade infrastructure facilities in new and existing industries.

The scheme looks to enable entrepreneurs to work in a congenial atmosphere with adequate infrastructure, a spokesman of the Industries and Commerce Department said here.

The scheme will cover projects providing water, drainage and sewage treatment facilities, setting up of effluent treatment plants (ETPs) and other pollution control measures, technology services back-up for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the new and existing industries occupied areas in conforming zones.

He said the grant can be availed by industrial associations and industrial clusters with a minimum membership of 50 operating units.

Smaller groups can, however, be considered for financial assistance depending on the merit of each case.-PTI

India, Japan to deepen energy ties: Goyal TOKYO: India and Japan have resolved to deepen their collaboration in the energy sector with Union Minister Piyush Goyal asserting that bringing together the country's skilled manpower and Japanese technology will create partnerships beneficial for the world.

The two nations chalked out a roadmap for further collaboration in the fields of electricity, renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation, coal and petroleum and natural gas.

After conclusion of the bilateral Energy Dialogue here, Goyal said the cooperation in energy sector should be such that Japanese technology and capital can be dovetailed with Indian high skilled human resources and "Make in India" to create partnerships not only for the mutual benefit but also for benefit to the world.

During the bilateral meeting, Goyal and Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Motoo Hayashi reaffirmed their desire to significantly increase the engagement between the two countries in the areas of energy, including renewable energy and energy efficient technologies.-PTI

TechBiz 24 India Post

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January 22, 2016

Private agency likely for agri procurement AHMEDABAD: Acknowledging that farmers are not getting minimum support price (MSP) for their produce in many parts of the country, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said here a private agency will be roped in for procuring various crops.

"Farmers in many parts are not getting the MSP decided by the Centre for various agri-commodities. In the eastern part of India, farmers are not getting the MSP of paddy despite our best efforts," Singh said here.

The minister added that the government has decided to rope in a private agency for procurement of various crops.

Singh was speaking at 'AMAETHON-2016', a three-day international food, agri-business and rural development summit organized by the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIMA).-PTI

India on track to register entire population using Aadhaar: WB WASHINGTON: India is on track to register its entire 1.25 billion population using its Aadhaar digital ID, the World Bank has said.

This would help the government to promote the inclusion of disadvantaged groups in its welfare schemes, it added.

"Technology can be transformational. A digital identification system such as India's Aadhaar, by overcoming complex information problems, helps willing governments to promote the inclusion of disadvantaged groups," the World Bank said.

"India is on track to register its entire population using its Aadhaar digital ID," the Bank said in its new 'World Development Report 2016: Digital Dividends,' authored by Co-Directors, Deepak Mishra and Uwe Deichmann.

The report said that while the internet, mobile phones and other

digital technologies are spreading rapidly throughout the developing world, the anticipated digital

have fallen short of expectations, and 60 per cent of the world's population remains excluded from the

dividends of higher growth, more jobs, and better public services

ever-expanding digital economy.

"Digital technologies are transforming the worlds of business, work, and government," said Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group.

"We must continue to connect everyone and leave no one behind because the cost of lost opportunities is enormous. But for digital dividends to be widely shared among all parts of society, countries also need to improve their business climate, invest in people's education and health, and promote good gover-

Mahindra launches all electric scooter in US WASHINGTON: Indian Automaker Mahindra has launched its all electric scooter GenZe in a Californian city as part of its effort to create a niche space for itself in the green technology two-wheeler market in the US. Mahindra's GenZe 2.0, the first connected all-electric scooter, was conceived in Silicon Valley and engineered/assembled in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Designed to help alleviate challenges associated with urban commuting, parking, congestion and

pollution, the scooter was formally launched at a recent event in Oakland, California in the presence of the city Mayor Libby Schaaf and Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra.

"Oakland is the perfect place to combine electric bikes and electric scooters, with mobility sharing and solar power. Projects like Bike Solar Oakland and San Francisco s Scoot Networks are the type of Smart City Initiatives we are launching in Oakland," Schaaf said.

Cont’d on page 26

nance," he said.

Kaushik Basu, World Bank Chief Economist said it is an amazing transformation that today 40 per cent of the world's population is connected by the internet.

"While these achievements are to be celebrated, this is also occasion to be mindful that we do not create a new underclass.

With nearly 20 per cent of the world's population unable to read and write, the spread of digital technologies alone is unlikely to spell the end of the global knowledge divide," he said.

The report noted that digital technologies can promote inclusion, efficiency, and innovation.

More than 40 per cent of adults in East Africa pay their utility bills using a mobile phone.

There are eight million entrepreneurs in China one-third of them women who use an e-commerce platform to sell goods nationally and export to 120 countries.

India has provided unique digital identification to nearly one billion people in five years, and increased access and reduced corruption in public services.

And in public health services, simple SMS messages have proven effective in reminding people living with HIV to take their lifesaving drugs, the report said. -PTI

Aadhaar ID saving India $1 billion WASHINGTON: Hailing India's Aadhaar digital ID, the World Bank has said the initiative is estimated to be saving the government about USD 1 billion annually by curbing corruption as it underlined that digital technologies can promote inclusion, efficiency and innovation.

"We estimate that this (Aadhaar digital ID) is saving approximately USD 1 billion (Rs 650 crores) a year by reducing corruption and leakage for the Indian government. It is a help

in fiscal budgeting. It is a help in providing other useful services," World Bank Chief Economist Kaushik Basu told reporters here during the release of a report on Digital Dividends.

"India's Aadhaar digital identification system has already reached close to one billion people enabling many of the poor to access services more easily and making it possible for government to deliver welfare services more easily," he said at the World Bank headquarters here.

January 22, 2016

TechBiz Post

India Post

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Govt plans friendly tax regime for startups NEW DELHI: Government in Besides Start Up, the Finance ally adopt one in the SC/ST catthe Budget next month will an- Minister said the government will egory and one in the women catnounce a friendly tax regime that launch Stand Up India scheme egory. So they will adopt two such will encourage setting up of under which, bank branches will entrepreneurs and fund them to set startups in the country, Finance lend to entrepreneurs belonging up establishments," he said.

Minister Arun Jaitley has said. to SC/STs and women.

By funding trading or manufac"We have already worked "On Independence Day Prime turing establishment of this segupon an entrepreneur-friendly Minister (Narendra Modi) an- ment, almost 3,00,000 new entretaxation regime. There are some nounced the Stand Up India preneurs over the next two years steps, which can be taken up by notifications, which would be taken forthwith.

Others require legislative provisions, which can only come as part of the Finance Bill when Budget is presented in order to create a friendly taxa- Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Arun Jaitley addresstion regime for ing the opening session of launch of the Start Up India, in New Delhi on January 16 startups," he said at the Start Up India confer- scheme. The Stand Up India would will be created, he said. ence here. be separately launched. It is a proTo promote startups, the FiRecognizing the need to en- gram which envisages women en- nance Minister said the governcourage startups, a fund was sug- trepreneurs and entrepreneurs ment is easing the process of dogested in the Budget last year, he belonging to the SC, STs (to get ing business.

"Another very significant difsaid. funding from banks). These were He assured the startups that the segments which were not ference of what makes it a landmark event is a final break or the both the banking system and the throwing up entrepreneurs. government will make the re"Each bank branch, public sec- ultimate break that you have with sources available to them. tor or private sector, would actu- the conventional license raj of India," he said.

"We did well to break off from it in 1991 but it was only partial. It was partial because who would be funded there was an invisible role of state, control over land permissions, foreign investment proposal and of course unless the NEW DELHI: President environment to encourage entrepolitical nods came to venture into Pranab Mukherjee has said India preneurship. We have taken too newer areas which involved a lot has "woken up" too late on Start- long but nonetheless we have of capital, a lot of energy going Ups and owned up responsibil- taken that decision. We have into it and an entrepreneur or inity for the delay, while noting that woken up," he told the CEOs vestors was normally reluctant," he had been in while referring he said. administration to the 'Start-Up' Emphasizing that the governearlier. campaign which ment has limited potential to creMukherjee, is aimed at ate jobs, Jaitley said, the private while interacting boosting entresector has its own challenges. with a delegation preneurship at "The private sector's own exof CEOs from the grassroots level. pansion is throwing up a challenge Silicon Valley While talking because they have over-stressed here, said India about the delay themselves and their stress in turn gets reflected on our banking sysneeds to grow at in creating an tem, something on which the RBI the rate of 10 per environment enand the govt working in tandem, cent over period abling for small President Pranab Mukherjee and over the next few months are of next 10-15 entrepreneurs, going to add to the bankers abilyears in order to address the is- Mukherjee, who had served as ity to improve and be able to lend sues of poverty and healthcare.

Finance Minister in the previous with greater amounts," he said.

"Some of you have correctly UPA government, said, "I canUnder these circumstances, the pointed out that they (new en- not pass on the buck to anygovernment had to explore new trepreneurs) feel confident, they body. I will have to take the buck areas and it is among those newer want to do .It is the job of the to myself because I was in adareas that it conceived of the government to create the policy ministration too long." -PTI MUDRA scheme.-PTI

Prez owns up for delay on Start-Ups

Birla, other India Inc bosses may head IIT boards NEW DELHI: As it aims to "strengthen the partnership between industry and academia", the Human Resource Development Ministry is understood to have contemplating appointment of leading business captains as chairpersons of Board of Governors of prestigious IITs. According to sources, the ministry has sought the nod of President Pranab Mukherjee to appoint Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla group, to head the Board of Governors of IITDelhi.

Apart from Birla, the ministry is also understood to have zeroed in on some other leading figures from the industry to head these prestigious institutions.

Sources said that Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Cadila Pharmaceuticals Rajiv I Modi is likely to be appointed as the Chairperson of the Board of Governors of IIT-Guwahati.

In this case too, the approval of the President has been sought, the sources said.

Approval of the President, who is the Visitor of these prestigious institutions, is needed for the ap-

pointments.

Another eminent business leader from the pharma sector Pankaj Ramanbhai Patel is understood to have been considered by the ministry to head the Board of Governors of IIT Bhubneswar while Mallika Srinivasan, Chairman and CEO of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited, Chennai

Kumar Mangalam Birla

may be appointed as the Chairperson of Board of Governors of IIT Jodhpur.

"It is important that the eminent person who is appointed as the head of Board of Governors of these technology institutes brings a fresh look and government also realizes the need to strengthen the partnership between industry and academia. So the intent is to bring someone who can bring expertise and perspective," a senior official said. -PTI

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Goldman to pay $5 bn in mortgage settlement NEW YORK: Goldman Sachs has said it will pay roughly $5 billion to settle federal and state probes of its role in the sale of shoddy mortgages in the years

leading to the housing bubble and subsequent financial crisis.

Coming nearly eight years after the crisis, the settlement is by far the largest the investment bank has reached related to its role in the meltdown. But the payment is

dwarfed by those made by some of its Wall Street counterparts.

Goldman will pay $2.39 billion in civil monetary penalties, $875 million in cash payments and pro-

vide $1.8 billion in consumer relief in the form of mortgage forgiveness and refinancing.

The U.S. Department of Justice, the attorneys general of Illinois and New York, and other regulators who are part of the settlement

have not officially signed off on the deal, which could take some time.

The government agencies are part of a joint state-federal task force created by President Barack Obama after the 2008 financial crisis that has extracted some of the largest settlements out of Wall Street.

Goldman, like other Wall Street banks, has been under investigation for allegedly misleading investors on the safety of the securities they created by bundling and selling mortgages.

Many of those poorly written mortgages went bad, triggering the financial crisis that spawned the Great Recession and the multi-billion government bailouts that have caused so much political anger in recent years. ``We are pleased to have reached an agreement in principle to resolve these matters,''

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Chairman and CEO Lloyd Blankfein said in a prepared statement.

As a result of the settlement, Goldman said its fourth quarter earnings will be reduced by $1.5

last banks to settle with regulators for its role in the financial crisis. Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and others all reached larger, more substantial settlements in 2014 and 2015.

Many of those poorly written mortgages went bad, triggering the financial crisis that spawned the Great Recession and the multibillion government bailouts that have caused so much political anger in recent years. billion. The firm earned $1.33 billion in its third quarter. Goldman is scheduled to report its results on Jan. 20.

A spokesman from the Department of Justice declined to comment on Goldman's announcement.

Goldman has been one of the

Bank of America individually has paid out tens of billions of dollars in fines as a result of its role in the housing crisis. When JPMorgan reached a similar settlement with the same task force, it paid out $13 billion.

Goldman shares fell 9 cents to $161.30 in aftermarket trading. -AP

NASA adds 3rd firm as space station shipper CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.: NASA is adding a third company to its short list of space station suppliers, a Nevada business that will bring back a mini version of the shuttle.

NASA has announced Sierra Nevada Corp. will join SpaceX and Orbital ATK in launching cargo to the International Space Station.

These flights will begin in 2019 and run through 2024.

This marks a second chance for Sierra Nevada. It competed for NASA's commercial crew contract, but lost out in 2014 to SpaceX and Boeing in a bid to ferry astronauts.

The Sparks, Nevada-based company is developing a scaleddown shuttle called Dream Chaser

States winged vehicle launch and return from space to a runway landing,'' Mark Sirangelo, vice president of Sierra Nevada's space systems, said in a statement.

NASA's space station program manager, Kirk Shireman, said he's been assured that the Dream Chaser could touch down on lots of runways - in lots of places. The goal is to retrieve science samples, though, as quickly as possible for analysis. A runway touchdown would be gentler than the ocean parachute drop used

by SpaceX. ``The air traffic controllers would hate us landing'' at Washington Dulles International or other major airports, Shireman

Orbital launched from Wallops Island, Virginia, until a launch explosion in 2014. It's using another company's rocket, the Atlas V in Cape Canaveral, until its own Antares rocket is ready to fly later this year from Wallops. to haul cargo. The other companies use standard-shaped capsules.

Like SpaceX, Sierra Nevada plans to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The spacecraft will be able to land back on Earth, like the shuttle, and bring back science experiments and other items from the station. ``Within a few short years, the world will once again see a United

said. ``Most likely, we'll land in Florida, right close to where our facilities are.''

Now, only SpaceX can return goods. In its latest proposal, SpaceX has offered to return its Dragon capsules to land as well, Shireman said. Other cargo ships, including Orbital's Cygnus and Russia's Progress, are filled with trash and burn up on re-entry.

Recent launch accidents by

In this Aug. 22, 2013 photo provided by NASA, Sierra Nevada Corporation's Dream Chaser engineering test spacecraft is suspended from a cable from a large helicopter during a test at the NASA Dryden site in California. On January 14

SpaceX and Orbital prompted NASA to pick a third vendor, for increased flexibility.

Orbital launched from Wallops Island, Virginia, until a launch explosion in 2014. It's using another company's rocket, the Atlas V in Cape Canaveral, until its own Antares rocket is ready to fly later this year from Wallops. SpaceX experienced its own launch failure last summer; it hopes to resume supply runs for NASA in the next month or so.

NASA awarded its first commercial resupply contracts in 2008, anticipating the pending retirement of its space shuttles. The first commercial cargo flight, by SpaceX, was in 2012, a year after the last shuttle mission. The latest contract calls for a minimum of six flights by each of the three companies.

Shireman anticipates four com-

mercial supply runs a year, once flights kick in under the new contracts.

The original contracts exceeded $3 billion. Shireman declined to put a cost on this second round, noting it would come nowhere near the $14 billion maximum value cited in the procurement papers.

Many details, in fact, will have to wait, Shireman stressed. He would not comment on Boeing's departure from the competition last year, or other contenders.

The Dream Chaser program underway for 10 years - is based in Louisville, Colorado. -AP

Mahindra launches all electric scooter in US Cont’d from page 12

"We are so happy to be working with Mahindra GenZe. This is the kind of innovation and partnership we want to see finding that pragmatic but visionary intersection of business, environment and technology to equitably serve our community," she said.

"The GenZe 2.0 launch event in Oakland recognizes the creativity and determination of the Mahindra Genze team to design and develop a remarkably distinctive product," said Anand Mahindra.

GenZe2.0 has a removable

lithium-ion battery that can be recharged at any standard electrical outlet, providing optimal freedom and ease of use.

Its smart, utilitarian design offers ample rear storage space so people can get where they want and take their belongings with them.

Beyond its use as a personal vehicle, the GenZe 2.0 has also attracted a lot of attention from cities and corporate campuses who are searching for efficient multimodal and first/last mile solutions to help augment existing transportation infrastructure, a media release said. -PTI

January 22, 2016

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Xi launches Asian Infrastructure International airport in Hisar on cards Investment Bank BEIJING: China-backed Asian China's former Finance Minister, as education and healthcare.

Infrastructure Investment Bank Jin Liqun was elected the first China, India and Russia are the (AIIB) in which India and 56 coun- AIIB president. three largest shareholders, taking tries have joined as founding memWith authorized capital of USD a 30.34 per cent, 8.52 per cent, 6.66 bers was formally opened per cent stake respechere by President Xi tively in the newly formed Jinping.

Bank.

"This is a historical Their voting shares are moment," Xi said adcalculated at 26.06 per dressing the ceremony of cent, 7.5 per cent and 5.92 the bank, which along per cent. with the BRICS New DeBased on the share velopment Bank (NDB) is holding, India is expected expected to expand infrato get the Vice President structure financing, rivalpost. ing the World Bank and The opening of the Asian Development AIIB marked a milestone Bank. in the reform of the global An Indian delegation economic governance headed by Dinesh system, Lou said in an inSharma, additional Secreterview earlier. tary in the Ministry of FiThe AIIB will work tonance attended the opengether with multilateral deing ceremony. velopment banks includIn all 57 countries have Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during the opening ing the World Bank and joined as founding mem- ceremony of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank the Asian Development (AIIB) in Beijing, China, on January 16 bers while US and Japan Bank to facilitate Asian instayed out. frastructure construction The bank was formally estab- 100 billion and subscribed capital and sustainable development, Lou lished in Beijing on December 25, of USD 50 billion, Beijing-based said. Asian Development Bank 2015. Chinese Finance Minister AIIB will invest in sectors includ- (ADB) President Takehiko Nakao Lou Jiwei was elected as the first ing energy, transportation, urban in message has congratulated the Chairman of the AIIB council. construction and logistics as well AIIB. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Seeking to promote Haryana as a global destination for investment, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said his government was taking steps to set up an international airport in Hisar which will cater to the need of the state's western districts.

After launching an e-biz portal to facilitate investment and a helpline in Japanese for investors, Khattar said the state's proximity

ernment wants to encourage industry and it is planned that "mega projects", which entail an investment of over Rs 100 crore, could be provided special facilities.

He emphasized that the state aims at creating an industryfriendly environment where services are provided in a time bound manner.

Khattar said that in the previous regime, the industry had faced

to Delhi is an advantage and some of its southern districts are also close to the international airport in the national capital.

There are other districts in the north which are close to the airport in Chandigarh. "We have also begun moving forward so that there is a new international airport Hisar" in the western part of the state, Khattar said.

The chief minister said his gov-

problems but Haryana was now keenly working to encourage it as it can provide more jobs to people.

At the event, Khattar spoke to an investor from Japan in Japanese using the helpline established by the state for business people from that country. He said initiatives like the helpline in Japanese could be set up for other countries with whom the state has close business relations.-PTI

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Gerua: Dilwale 2 Agar Tum Saath Ho: Tamasha 3 Matargashti: Tamasha 4 Deewani Mastani: Bajirao Mastani 28 India Post

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January 22, 2016

5 Tumhe Apna Banane Ka : Hate Story 3

P

riyanka Chopra is on top of the world. She recently bagged the 'Favorite Actress in a New TV Series' at the People's Choice Awards for her portrayal of FBI agent Alex Parrish in ABC's 'Quantico', becoming the first South Asian to win the honor. The actress, who is the first Indian to headline an American TV show, will now be playing the leading baddie in a Hollywood feature film.

If all goes well, PeeCee will be seen alongside Dwayne ` T h e Rock' Johnson a n d High School Musical's Zac

6 Pinga : Bajirao Mastani 7 Prem Ratan Dhan Payo : PRDP 8 Heer Toh Badi Sad Hai : Tamasha 9 Malhari : Bajirao Mastani 10 Prem Leela : PRDP

W

Efron in the bigscreen adaptation of the popular TV show, 'Baywatch'.

Directed by Seth Gordon of 'Horrible Bosses' fame, the film is touted to be even more "badass" than the '90s TV show which aired for 11 seasons and featured Pamela Anderson, David Hasselhoff, Jeremy Jackson and Michael Newman amongst others.

The film will follow the lives of an elite and attractive group of life guards in California, centering on the leader played by Johnson. He is forced to team up with a hotshot Olympian, Efron, to save their beloved bay.

A source close to the 'Baywatch' production informed Mirror that the idea was to sign an actress who could ace the red bikini. "She had to look sexy, stylish and complex.

Priyanka has been approached to play the leading lady who, incidentally, is also the baddie."

ork and romance is going hand in hand for Salman Khan. A picture was furnished on net which shows Salman Khan's alleged girlfriend Iulia Vantur spending quality time at the actor's chalet in Lonavla where the latter is shooting for the television reality show 'Bigg Boss 9'.

The Romanian actress-anchor Iulia Vantur recently shared a picture of herself eating an apple on Twitter. She posted, "When u like it #watching #interesting ome years ago, on a television show, Ranveer Singh had #gotme." gushed endlessly about getting to work with Kareena The photo shows Iulia Kapoor Khan in the film 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.' loafing on a brown leather He hinted he was her fan-boy. But his excitement dipped sofa with a pink wall backwhen the actress dropped out of the film citing personal reaground which is quite simisons. Now, Ranveer holds the upper hand in the situation, conlar to Sallu's chalet. sidering his stock in showbiz has risen. When asked about Salman Khan is slowly Kareena in an interview Ranveer said, "Now I don't feel that taking a step forward in rush of excitement (for her). My feelings have waned. I've grown love. He rang in his 50th up. I was effusive about my birthday with Iulia. Off late admiration, but I didn't do Iulia and Salman Khan are anything wrong. It came spending most of their time and bit me in the face. together. Just a day before People really judge you." the acquittal, Salman Khan Now the photograph of was spotted with Iulia in a Ranveer and Kareena doing car. It is also heard that the rounds online shows a when court announced verwarm camaraderie dict in Salman's favor, Iulia bursts into tears.

S

The actress, who is the first Indian to headline an American TV show, will now be playing the leading baddie in a Hollywood feature film

Grown up

January 22, 2016

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„

Realty Tidbits

Snapdeal launches real estate shopping festival NEW DELHI: Online marketplace Snapdeal has launched a week-long real estate shopping festival offering properties in a price range of Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 5 crore.

The shopping carnival called 'Freedom from Rent', was held during January 14-20. The feature special project was launched with exclusive offers from builders like TVS Emerald, Provident Housing, Runwal Group, Atul enterprises, Lavasa, Central Park, Ajanara Homes, Mahagun India and Gulshan Homz.

With real estate sector facing huge demand slowdown in the last 2-3 years, the developers are partnering online marketplaces to sell properties.

"Customers can choose from over 100 pan India real estate projects across prime locations in the Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata.

"Property prices started from as low as Rs. 20 lakh and went up to Rs. 5 crore with a variety of real estate projects on offer," Snapdeal said in a statement.

During the festival, Snapdeal introduced customized offers for customers. Buyers could give budget preference and developers promoted projects with special offers.

Snapdeal as a marketplace helped in bridging the gap in price with customers and participating Developer/Channel partners. -PTI

„ Foreclosure victims seek to stay in homes DETROIT: Hundreds of property owners in Detroit and some of its suburbs who are facing tax foreclosure are taking steps they hope will allow them to stay in their homes.

Wayne County Chief Deputy Treasurer Eric Sabree tells The Detroit News that about 58,000 properties countywide are headed toward foreclosure in March unless owners enter into agreements with the county. An estimated 50,000 are in Detroit.

The newspaper says nearly 1,000 property owners facing tax foreclosure packed an auditorium in downtown Detroit for an event aimed at getting them on payment plans.

More hearings are scheduled later this month.

Plans also call for door-to-door outreach in the coming weeks with volunteers from nonprofits. -AP

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January 22, 2016

Democrats celebrate donation from Freeman NASHVILLE, Tenn.: Tennessee House Democrats are celebrating a $100,000 donation from real estate mogul and former Nashville mayoral candidate Bill Freeman.

Freeman criticized the Republican supermajority in both chambers of the General Assembly, including for refusal to pass Gov. Bill Haslam's Insure Tennessee proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income people in the state. -AP

Treasury Deptt to track high-end deals in NY and Miami WASHINGTON: The Treasury Department will begin tracking sales of high-end real estate in two of the country's most expensive markets Miami and Manhattan - to try to crack down on money laundering.

The department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network said it will temporarily require certain title companies to identify individuals behind companies that buy properties exceeding $3 million in these two markets with allcash transactions.

The government said it's concerned that some of these real estate deals are made by corrupt foreign government officials or international criminals who use expensive real estate to launder dirty money. By using holding companies, some buyers may be able to disguise their identities.

The disclosure requirements would apply for 180 days beginning in March, according to the announcement. Under federal law, the government can demand these geographically targeted disclosures for up to six months but can then seek an extension.

High-end home prices in both Manhattan and Miami have soared over the past year. The median Manhattan home sold for $1.15 million at the close of 2015 _

a 17.3 percent leap from a year ago, according to the real estate brokerage Douglas Elliman.

That price put it at highs last glimpsed before the financial crisis erupted in 2008. The median sales price for a luxury unit in

year, nearly a quarter came from international buyers, according to the National Association of Realtors. And 74 percent of those sales were all-cash. But most of those purchases would not qualify for the additional government dis-

Manhattan was $6 million, a 25 percent jump from a year ago.

Nearly half the purchases were allcash.

Douglas Elliman reported that the entry point for luxury singlefamily homes in Miami Beach exceeds $6 million. Buyers are also flocking to the chic condo towers that increasingly line the area's most expensive avenues.

Of the $100 billion spent on real estate transactions in Florida last

closure because they're priced less than $3 million.

The housing industry is trying to gauge the impact of the required disclosures. ``It's painting the high-end segment as having overall treachery, and that's unfortunate,'' said Jonathan Miller, chief executive at the appraiser Miller Samuel. ``It's certainly not helpful to the high end of the market because it adds another level of complication to a

transaction.''

Still, Miller said the impact is likely to be minor in the long term.

Real estate developer Kevin Maloney, founder of Property Markets Group, which has built in New York, Miami and Chicago, said he doubts that the announcement will affect sales. He said that about 60 percent of his buyers use a corporation but that that choice isn't because of any nefarious intentions. ``People who are buying in the luxury sector want privacy, want anonymity,'' Maloney said. ``We generally know our buyers because they come in, and they interface with us.''

The title insurance industry, which will be required to identify buyers and report the information to the government, worked with the Treasury Department in developing the new rules.

The title insurance firms are described as the independent third party at the closing table with buyer and seller. The industry has nearly $9 billion in total assets.

Title companies will implement the government order ``to help prevent money-laundering schemes and the illegal purchase of real estate in the United States,'' Michelle Korsmo, CEO of the American Land Title Association, said in a statement. -AP

North Platte plans to improve housing options NORTH PLATTE, Neb.: The city of North Platte has entered a partnership with the North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corporation to improve housing options.

The city and the chamber have started the Shot in the Arm program to bring 33 single-family homes and 10 duplexes to North Platte by August 2017. Chamber board chairman Brock Wurl presented an incentive check for $8,000 to Willis Roethemeyer for the first home in the program, The North Platte Telegraph reported.

Roethemeyer is partnering with Greg Batt Construction to

build nine homes in the city.

The program is offering incentives for housing construction from a $344,000 pool collected from the city's Quality Growth Fund and the chamber and development corporation's incentive fund that comes from private businesses in

the city. ``The (Shot in the Arm) program addresses all levels of housing throughout the community. You've got to have houses to bring people to town and through this program we thought it was worthwhile to bring it forward and, for-

tunately, the council looked at it the same way,'' city administrator Jim Hawks said.

Wurl says that employers have expressed that there are more jobs available in North Platte, but there have not been enough housing options for the people that they hire.

Permits for 19 homes throughout the city have already been issued.

The chamber says the program is expected to generate $7.5 million in new construction, $100,000 in new city sales tax and $250,000 in new real estate taxes.

-AP

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January 22, 2016

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Supertech to invest Rs 300cr in housing project NEW DELHI: Realty firm Supertech has said it will develop a new project at Sohna in Gurgaon for government employees at a cost of Rs 300 crore.

Faced with sluggish sales due to slowdown in the property market, the company has launched 1,000 housing units in the first phase of this project in a price range of Rs 33 lakh to Rs 46.61 lakh.

It has tied up with property brokerage firm Investor Clinic for marketing of this project.

"We are coming up with a new project in our 140-acre township in Sohna, Gurgaon, exclusively for serving and retired government employees," Supertech Chairman R K Arora told reporters here.

Asked about project cost, he said it would be about Rs 300

crore. The project would be completed in the next 42 months.

Supertech MD Mohit Arora said the company has launched the project at a lower rate seeing the current market condition.

This is the second project in recent times catering to the government employees.

Last month, realty firm Amrapali had also launched similar project in Noida Extension in tie up with Investor Clinic.

"We sold about 4,000 housing units in the Amrapali project," Investor Clinic CEO Honey Katyal said, while expecting similar response from this project.

Supertech is fighting a legal battle in the Supreme Court after the Allahabad High Court ordered in April 2014 to demolish the company's two 40-storey towers in a Noida housing project.

The company is developing 36 projects in Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and Bengaluru among others. -PTI

NBCC to redevelop 2 railway stations NEW DELHI: The Railways is mulling a plan to offer two stations to National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) for conversion into the country's "mostmodern" rail premises as part of a redevelopment plan.

"We are in discussions with NBCC for redevelopment of Gomtinagar station in Lucknow and Bhubaneswar station in Odisha," said a senior Railway Ministry official.

The plan for modernization of the two stations is part of a railways' initiative to redevelop 400 major stations across the country.

Talking about the project, NBCC Chairman and Managing Director Anoop Kumar Mittal said, "The modalities are being worked out. After receiving the work order, we will prepare detailed project reports for the two stations."

The plan envisages vertical development of rail premises with the construction of shopping malls, eateries, parking lot, office complex and other commercial ventures, he said.

The redevelopment plan is to be implemented on a turnkey ba-

sis. NBCC would prepare a business model for leveraging the real estate development of the two stations.

Mittal said the real estate prospects differ from station to station.

"One can leverage the real es-

tate to develop modern facilities at stations. Once we get a concrete offer, we will decide how to go about it," he said.

Railways want to showcase a few station modernization

projects to attract private players for such projects.

It is already working on the modernization of a few stations such as Brijawasan and Anand Vihar in Delhi and Habibganj in Bhopal.

NBCC, a PSU of Urban Devel-

Transportation sector key to India's growth: Prabhu WASHINGTON: A proper and sustainable transportation sector would play a key role to fast-track India's development and economic growth, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said here.

"A proper sustainable transportation sector has potential to play a key role in India's economic growth including removal of social disparity, help reduce global greenhouse gas emission," Prabhu

the strategy.

"Indian railways has a very low carbon footprint, has a vast network of railroad and is all set to expand its network across the country," he said.

Earlier, Prabhu said the ministry decided to connect capitals of all the eight states in North-East with rail network in the "next fourfive years."

Railways is one transportation sector, Prabhu said, that will combine the social dimension and is environment friendly. He said India wants to involve the US in its modernization of the railways.

India is already working with more than a dozen countries in this regard.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu Efforts are also told a Washington audience. being made to revamp the cusHe added that railways would tomer service including new seats, be the backbone of India's trans- reservation system and food qualportation sector. ity.

"I do not think India can "About 27 million people travel achieve higher economic growth by railways every day. We started unless we put in place a strong the new process on putting it on transportation sector," Prabhu tweeter. We are able to solve comsaid at an event at the Carnegie plaints on a real time basis. We Endowment for International need to have a completely responPeace, a top American thinktank. sive system in place," he said.

Noting that Prime Minister Noting that globally railways Narendra Modi's government derive more than 30 per cent of its wants to make infrastructure income from non-railway operagrowth a priority, Prabhu said the tion, he said the modernization of transportation would be the key railway stations and its real estate element of the development and is a step in that direction. As of making a fast pace growth of the now Indian Railways earns less country. than one percent of its income In all this strategy, Prabhu said from non-railway operation," he railways would play a key part of said. -PTI

Unitech bosses face tough questions from court

opment Ministry, is engaged in the business of project management consultancy services for civil construction projects and civil infrastructure for power sector and real estate development. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Real estate major Unitech's top bosses faced tough questions from a Delhi court, which asked them by when they would settle the pending dues of "hundreds" of other investors.

The court also pulled up the group's chairman Ramesh Chandra, Managing Directors Sanjay Chandra and Ajay Chandra and Director Minoti Bahri for not fulfilling the assurance given to the investors.

"You gave assurances and then ran away. You don't act till the time a situation of sending you to jail arises. What about the money of hundreds of others (investors)?

When will that be settled," Additional Sessions Judge Vimal Kumar Yadav asked.

The court's remarks came when the top officials, who appeared before it on expiry of three-day interim bail in a cheating case, told the court that they have settled the issue with complainants who wished to withdraw the complaint.

The judge then asked the officials and the complainants to move proper application in this regard before the concerned magisterial court.

The application was then filed before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Gaurav Rao who allowed the two investors, Sanjay Kalra and Devesh Wadhwa, to withdraw their complaint of alleged cheating after they informed that their dues have been cleared by the company. -PTI

„ Health

Line

Students adopt odd-even formula for cell phones NEW DELHI: St Stephen's College students have vowed to adopt the odd-even formula for usage of cell phones saying the devices are "lethal" for health as well as intellectual life.

Following the Delhi Government's 15-day trial for restricting the plying of vehicles in the national capital as per odd and even numbers, the students have decided to attempt the same for mobile phones.

The decision was taken at an assembly meeting at the college where over 70 per cent students voted in favor of the idea.

However, the implementation of the scheme is voluntary and no student will be penalized for not following the rule.

"I had given up using my cell phone last July. This is the best that I have done for myself in the recent years. It has reduced my distractions by 95 per cent, my vexation by 96.5 per cent and my headache by 99.66 per cent. The quality of my concentration has improved," college Principal Valson Thampu said.

"Cell phones are as lethal a pollutant of our inner/ intellectual life as vehicles are of our roads or outdoor life," he added.

Aiming to cut down air pollution in the city, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government has implemented a 15-day-long oddeven scheme, which came into force on January 1.-PTI

„ New Mexico monitoring flu cases SANTA FE, N.M.: The New Mexico Department of Health has created a system for tracking influenza across the state to detect changes in the disease as they occur.

The influenza surveillance system involves partners across New Mexico in clinics, hospitals, laboratories, at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and within the state health department.

The department maintains a network of 27 sites statewide that collect data on a weekly basis for patients seeking care for influenza-like illness.

The state participates in a system for monitoring residents hospitalized with influenza in 23 hospitals in New Mexico and Texas.

Data is collected to track the number of people who have died from influenza and related infections and to understand what other risk factors contributed to their death. -AP

Health Science

WHO declares West Africa Ebola-free

32 India Post

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January 22, 2016

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2.3 lakh opioid dependent in Punjab; 76% between age 18-35 NEW DELHI: There are about 2.3 lakh opioid dependent people in Punjab, of whom 76 per cent are aged between 18 and 35 years, and heroin is the most widely used opioid, a recent government survey has found.

As per the report of the survey, commissioned by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and supported by the state government, about 99 per cent of the drug addicts are males and 54 per cent are married.

"A large majority (89 per cent) are literate and have some degree of formal education. About 56 per cent of opioid dependent people belong to rural areas and almost all 99 per cent report Punjabi as their mother tongue.

"Most common opioid drug used by this group is heroin (53 per cent), followed by opium, doda and phukki (33 per cent).

The rest (14 per cent) reported using a variety of pharmaceutical opioids. About one-third take their opioid drugs through injecting route and among them almost 90 per cent (29 per cent overall), inject heroin," the report said.

The survey covered 3,620 opioid dependent individuals across 10 districts - Bathinda, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Moga, Patiala, Sangrur, Tarn Taran - which together house about 60 per cent of the population of Punjab.

The 'Punjab Opioid Dependence Survery' (PODS) was jointly conducted by the Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses and the National Drug Dependence

Treatment Centre of AIIMS. The report, which has been released by the state government, also highlighted a huge gap in the availability of treatment services for opioid dependent individuals despite significant demand.

While as many as 80 per cent of opioid dependent individuals tried to give up, only about 35 per cent received any help. Evidencebased, effective treatment has been received by a miniscule proportion.

"Admission to a de-addiction centre", which appears to be the most focused-upon addiction-

opioid drugs in Punjab. The study provided data on average expenditure on opioid drugs incurred by the opioid dependent persons per day.

"After multiplying the figures on expenditure with the estimated number of dependent users in the state, we can project that opioid dependent people are spending around 20 crore rupees per day on opioid drugs. This amounts to an annual expenditure on opioid drugs to be about Rs 7,575 crore," it says.

The report also states that evidence-based and preferred treat-

This condition is much similar to diabetes or high blood pressure (which require longterm management) as opposed to malaria or typhoid (which can be managed by short bouts of treatment) treatment strategy in the state, is reported by just about 8 per cent individuals in last year.

"If the treatment strategies remain focused on only a single modality of treatment (i.e. "admission to a de-addiction centre"), it will take about 10 years to provide a single episode of treatment to the entire opioid dependent population in the state," the report states.

A national survey, conducted in 2001 using a different methodology, estimated the entire country's opioid dependent population to be at 5 lakhs.

The findings also indicate that there is a huge illegal market of

ment option OST is scarcely available to the affected people in Punjab.

"Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST, which involves providing an opioid medication like buprenorphine to the patients on a long-term basis) is the most evidence-based treatment modality which has been endorsed by the United Nations and the World Health Organization as well as the Indian Psychiatric Society. In Punjab, less than 10 per cent of patients have received OST 'ever'," it says.

Findings show that opioid dependence is no longer concen-

trated only in some urban areas and has spread across the state.

In all the surveyed districts, estimates of opioid dependent people run into thousands. In fact, across the state, about 55 per cent of opioid dependent population belongs to rural areas.

Experts, to deal with this, have recommended healthy mix of shortterm and long-term strategies, inter-sectoral coordination among various stakeholders.

Among short term strategies it would be crucial to strengthen the treatment services for opioid dependent people.

Relying on the singular approach of de-addiction centers is unlikely to be helpful, since opioid dependence is known to be a chronic, relapsing disorder.

"In this respect, this condition is much similar to diabetes or high blood pressure (which require long-term management) as opposed to malaria or typhoid (which can be managed by short bouts of treatment).

"Thus, the state needs a judicious combination of multiple strategies that includes (a) providing both short-term (detoxification) and long-term treatment (such as OST), and (b) providing treatment at both outpatient as well as inpatient settings," the report says.

Consequently, it would be imperative to shift the focus from 'de-addiction centers' (providing in-patient services) and to expand the basket of services by establishing 'Drug Dependence Treatment.-PTI

New gene editing technique treats blindness LOS ANGELES: A new technique that has the potential to treat inherited diseases has been shown for the first time to hinder retinal degeneration in rats with a type of inherited blindness, scientists say.

Researchers from the CedarsSinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute in Los Angeles focused on inherited retinitis pigmentosa, a degenera-

tive eye disease with no known cure that can lead to blindness.

They used a technique known as CRISPR (Clustered Regularly

Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat)/Cas9 to remove a genetic mutation that causes the blindness disease.

CRISPR/Cas9 is adapted from a strategy used by bacteria to fight invading viruses.

Though the study involved rats, it is an important milestone because of its potential implications for humans.

Cont'd on Page 35

January 22, 2016

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Heavy carcinogenic metals in classrooms of Delhi NEW DELHI: A scientific analysis done

by Greenpeace India has found "high and alarming" levels of cancer causing heavy metals inside the classrooms of different schools across Delhi between October to November last year.

Noting an "urgent" need for a comprehensive regional clean action plan to reduce air pollution in the north Indian region, the green body asserted that till such measures are initiated, the government should take precautionary steps including shutting schools.

The Greenpeace India report showed that the samples collected and tested inside the classrooms had alarming levels of heavy metal presence on days when PM 2.5 concentrations were higher than the prescribed levels.

"PM 2.5 concentrations from monitors installed inside the classrooms showed indoor air quality five times above the Indian safety limits and as much as 11 times above the World Health Organization's safety limits, taking the average to 293 ( g/m3).

"The same samples when tested for elemental composition of PM2.5 showed the presence of dangerous levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and nickel which are carcinogenic and detri-

mental to health," the green NGO said.

It said that the five samples tested contained one or more metal at a concentration higher than the respective limit or guideline value for annual average metal concentrations in the air set either by the government or World Health Organization (WHO).

Cadmium and arsenic concentrations

green body reiterated that arsenic, cadmium, nickel and chromium (VI) are carcinogenic.

"The result signifies that schoolchildren are exposed to exceeding levels of heavy metals that increase the risk of cancer and developmental problems. Higher the PM 2.5 concentrations higher will be the exposure to heavy metals.

were higher than the prescribed standards (Indian/WHO) in 70 per cent and 40 per cent of the schools respectively.

Noting that the detected heavy metals such as lead and manganese are neurotoxic and affect the cognitive and motoric development of children in particular, the

"Most of these particles are attached to the anthropogenic impacts caused due to fossil fuel (coal and oil) burned for energy and transportation sector," said Sunil Dahiya, Campaigner, Greenpeace India. The Greenpeace India professed that stringent measures need to be taken to reduce the air pollution exposure in Delhi, especially among children.

What 'silences' X chromosome in girls WASHINGTON: Scientists led by an Indian-origin researcher may have discovered what actually silences the X chromosome in girls, a finding that could lead to ways to counteract X-linked diseases in women.

Nearly every girl and woman on Earth carries two X chromosomes in nearly every one of her cells - but one of them does mostly nothing.

One of the X-chromosomes in girls lies dormant because it has been silenced, keeping most of its DNA locked up and unread like a book in a cage, scientists say.

That is because it has been silenced, keeping most of its DNA locked up and unread like a book in a cage. Scientists thought they had figured out how cells do this, but new findings by researchers at University of Michigan Medical School in US shows the answer is not quite that clear.

Researchers show that a molecule called Xist RNA is insufficient to silence the X chromosome. The gene for that molecule,

Xist, has been seen as the key factor in silencing one of the two X chromosomes in every female cell.

"Xist is widely believed to be both necessary and sufficient for X silencing," said Sundeep Kalantry, assistant professor of human genetics who led the study.

"We for the first time show that it is not sufficient, that there have to be other factors, on the X-chromosome itself, that activate Xist and then cooperate with Xist RNA to silence the X-chromosome," he added.

According to researchers, in the future it may be possible to change the level of these other factors in cells and turn on the healthy, silenced copy of a gene that lies on the inactive X-chromosome.

The Xist gene, short for X-inactive specific transcript, is found on each X chromosome. It does not tell cells to produce a protein, like most genes do.

Instead, it produces Xist RNA that physically coats the entire X-chromosome, and thereby is thought to seal most of it off from the rest of the cellular world.

Now, the researchers have shown that Xist has to have accomplices. They reside in the X chromosome that is destined to get silenced.

Although most genes on the inactive X chromosome are fully silenced, a handful of the genes on the inactive X are in fact active.

It is this set of X-inactivation 'escapees' that the researchers focused on. -PTI

"There is an urgent need for a comprehensive regional clean action plan to reduce air pollution from all the major sources in the northern Indian region.

"Till such measure start giving results government should reduce exposure of children by taking precautionary steps like shutting schools or reducing outdoor activities during bad air days," said Dahiya.

The green body said that the average PM2.5 concentrations in six of the seven samples collected in Delhi school classrooms as part of its study, at different locations and on different days, exceeded the 24 hour time weighted average limit value of 60 g/m3 set by the Indian government.

In addition, five of these samples contained one or more metal at a concentration higher than the respective limit or guideline value for annual average metal concentrations in the air set either by the Indian government or the WHO. Greenpeace India noted that similar studies conducted elsewhere in India connect the presence of heavy metals in PM 2.5 to various sources.

Based on these studies, the high fractions of heavy metals such as cadmium and lead come from industrial emission whereas high levels of zinc and lead emerge from burning of coal and non-ferrous metal melting, it added.-PTI

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January 22, 2016

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WHO declares West Africa Ebola-free GENEVA: In an important milestone, Ebola epidemic that killed over 11,000 people and triggered a global health alert for the last two years has died down in West Africa with WHO declaring Liberia, the last affected country, free of the deadly virus disease.

The WHO, however, cautioned that it was too early to fully declare an end to the epidemic globally as residual infections may start flare-ups again because virus can persist in survivors for up to a year and be transmitted through sex and other means.

Liberia, which along with Sierra Leone and Guinea was an epicenter of the latest outbreak, was first declared free of the disease last May, but new cases emerged two times.

The latest flare-up was in November last year which killed a boy.

"Today is a good day. It is an important day. Today, WHO declares the end of the most recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in Liberia. The outbreak that is

associated with the flare up of cases mid-November," said Dr Rick Brennan, Director of WHO's Department of Emergency Risk

have stopped all known chains of transmission of the disease since the outbreak started in 2014," he added.

The last known case in Guinea is a three-month-old baby named Nubia, who was born with the disease but whose recovery was confirmed on November 16

Management and Humanitarian Response.

"It is also the first time that all three countries in West Africa Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia -

A country is declared to be free of human-to-human transmission once two 21-day incubation periods pass since the last known Ebola case has tested negative for

Ebola twice.

The UN health agency, however, warned that Ebola flare-ups as a result of the virus persisting in the semen of male survivors for up to 12 months could pose a residual for more flare-ups as people return to a "new normal".

"While this is an important milestone and a very important step forward, we have to say that the job is still not done," said Brennan.

The WHO called the risk of a flare-up in "relatively low" but "significant".

"We have had ten of these flare-ups and we are anticipating more," said Brennan.

There have been four flare-ups in Liberia, three in Guinea and three in Sierra Leone after the three West African nations were declared Ebola-free by WHO at different points in time.

The flare-ups are, on an average, 27 days apart.

"It's a new normal. It's a normal where Ebola has been added as a very serious disease to a

number of other diseases that also affect the populations," said Peter Graaff, Director of the Ebola response team in Geneva, referring to how embedded the disease had become in these societies.

As part of the efforts to manage these residual risks the WHO is considering the use of the Ebola vaccines to vaccinate the intimate partners of the survivor male population as a clinical trial.

The outbreak of Ebola which may have started as early as December 2013 was the most complex and deadliest outbreak of the disease which put the lives of 22 million people across Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea at risk.

"The disease did get away from us all collectively," said Brennan referring to the slow response of the WHO and other international organizations at the start of the epidemic which eventually killed more than 11,000 people and affected 28,300 people across the three countries of West Africa.-PTI

New, healthy way to make Food preservative kills cancer cells 'green' coffee BOSTON: Scientists have developed a new method of roasting green coffee beans that could enhance the health benefits of the brew.

Dan Perlman from Brandeis University in US is developing the flour milled from parbaked coffee beans both as a food ingredient and a nutritional supplement.

It is a world of difference from the traditional coffee bean, Perlman said.

Research has shown that drinking coffee is good for health. A recent Harvard study found that people who drank three to five cups a day had a 15 per cent lower chance of prematurely dying than non-drinkers.

Nobody knows for certain what causes coffee to be salutary, but one leading explanation involves a natural chemical compound called chlorogenic acid (CGA).

An antioxidant, CGA is thought to be beneficial in modulating sugar metabolism, controlling blood pressure and possibly treating heart disease and cancer.

However, when coffee is roasted the traditional way - typically above 204.4 degrees Celsius for 10 to 15 minutes - the CGA content drops dramatically. One

study found the decrease ranged from 50 to nearly 100 per cent.

Perlman wondered what would happen if the coffee bean was baked for less time and at a lower temperature. This took some trial and error until he got it right.

In the end, he determined that

parbaking the beans at 148 degrees Celsius at approximately ten minutes worked best.

The concentration of CGA in the bean, around 10 per cent of the bean's weight, barely dropped, researchers said.

The parbaked coffee bean cannot be used to make coffee.

It is not roasted long enough to develop flavor. Instead Perlman cryogenically mills the bean in an

ultra-cold and chemically inert liquid nitrogen atmosphere to protect the bean's beneficial constituents from oxidation.

At the end of the process, you get a wheat-colored flour. Its taste is nutty, pleasant and mild, researchers said.

Perlman sees his coffee flour being blended with regular flours for baking, used in breakfast cereals and snack bars and added to soups, juices and nutritional drinks.

To compensate for the CGA lost during traditional coffee roasting, it would be possible to blend parbaked beans with regularly roasted ones.

There are green coffee bean extract-based nutritional supplements already on the market. They have been touted as a way to lose weight and fight obesity, but there is scant research to support these claims.

The scientific evidence that illustrates CGA's benefits for other conditions is much stronger.

Perlman also says parbaking is far less expensive than the extraction methods used to produce the green coffee bean extract supplements currently in the market. -PTI

WASHINGTON: A naturally occurring food preservative that grows on dairy products may be used to treat cancer and deadly, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a new study has claimed.

Researchers at the University of Michigan in US found that feeding rats a 'nisin milkshake' killed 70-80 per cent of head and neck tumor cells after nine weeks and extended survival.

Scientists studied nisin in cancerous tumors and as an antimicrobial to combat diseases of the mouth. After nine weeks of nisin treatment, tumors were comparable to tumors at three weeks.

Researchers published positive results with less potent nisin, but the highly purified nisin ZP used in the present study nearly doubled its effectiveness.

The dosage of 800 mg/kg given to mice would translate to a pill a little bigger than a third of an Advil per kilogram of body weight for people.

Nisin, a colorless, tasteless powder, is typically added to food at the rate of .25 to 37.5 mg/kg.

Many foods contain nisin, but nowhere near the 800 mg/kg needed to kill cancer cells.

Several products available to consumers also contain nisincreams and pharmaceuticals to

fight infection and mastitis, and a sanitizer in lactating cows. Nisin also fights deadly bacteria such as antibiotic-resistant MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

"To date, nobody had found bacteria from humans or living animals that is resistant to nisin," said Yvonne Kapila, a professor at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. "Another positive is that nisin has withstood the test of time," she added.

"To date, nobody had found bacteria from humans or living animals that is resistant to nisin," said Yvonne Kapila, a professor Nisin is lethal to bacteria for two reasons - it binds to a static area of bacteria, which gives nisin the opportunity to work before bacteria changes into an antibiotic-resistant superbug, and nisin kills biofilms - colonies of bacteria that group together into

January 22, 2016

Health Science Post

India Post 35

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Veggy kids prone to Coffee helps you stick to eating junk food fitness regime WASHINGTON: Kids who eat more carrots and apples are as likely to eat a lot of candy and fries, a new study has found, suggesting that emphasizing on avoiding 'bad' food is as important as adding 'good' food in children's diet.

Researchers found that preschoolers from low-income neighborhoods in Columbus in US who ate fruits and vegetables and drank milk many times every day were just as likely to eat foods high in sugar, salt and fat as those who rarely ate healthy foods.

"We assumed that children who ate a lot of healthy foods would also be children who did not eat a lot of unhealthy foods," said Sara Anderson from Ohio State University in US. Trained interviewers met with parents or guardians of 357 children 2 to 5 years old and asked them to recall how often the children ate certain foods in the past week.

The research team asked them about the children's diets and categorized foods and drinks into healthy and unhealthy categories.

Healthy choices included fruits, vegetables and milk. Unhealthy choices included sweetened drinks, fast food, sweets and salty snacks.

Regardless of age, there was no evidence kids who frequently ate fruits and vegetables and drank milk were any less likely to partake in the unhealthy foods.

About half the children in the study ate

fruit two or more times a day. Some rarely ate vegetables, but more than a third had them multiple times a day. Most of the children drank milk at least once a day.

In the week prior to the interview with a parent or guardian, only a third of the children did not drink sugar-sweetened beverages including soda pop and 29 per cent had not eaten fast food.

"There has been a kind of assumption there that if you encourage people to adopt healthy eating that it naturally leads to a decline in unhealthy eating," said Phyllis Pirie from Ohio State University.

"Efforts to lower childhood obesity rates often focus on adding 'good' foods, rather than on avoiding 'bad foods,' she added.

The findings were published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal.

New gene editing technique treats blindness Cont'd from Page 32

"Our data show that with further development, it may be possible to use this geneediting technique to treat inherited retinitis pigmentosa in patients," said Shaomei Wang from the institute's Eye Program.

Retinitis pigmentosa is a class of diseases in which patients experience night blindness in the early stages, along with atrophy and pigment changes in the retina, constriction of the visual field and eventual blindness.

CRISPR/Cas9 has been in use by genetic researchers for less than five years.

In that time, it has transformed the science of genome editing by making the process easier, more dependable and less expensive.

The technique is adapted from a system that bacteria deploy to disable invading viruses. The bacteria first copy part of the invader's genetic code into a special sequence of ribonucleic acid (RNA), which acts a messenger to carry out the code's instructions.

When the virus returns, the RNA binds

to a protein called Cas9, guiding it to the matching gene in the virus. The protein disables the gene.

For the study, the researchers designed a CRISPR/Cas9 system to remove a mutated gene that causes photoreceptor cell loss in the eye.

They injected this system into young laboratory rats that had been engineered to model a type of inherited retinitis pigmentosa known as autosomal dominant, which involves this mutated gene.

After a single injection, the rats were able to see better compared with controls, as measured by optomotor reflex, which involves turning the head in response to moving stripes of varying degrees of brightness.

"This is the first time CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing has been used to prevent vision loss in a living animal. It is a truly remarkable result and paves the way for more exciting studies and translation to the clinic in the future," said Clive Svendsen, director of the Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute.

The findings were published in the journal Molecular Therapy. -PTI

LONDON: For people struggling to stick to their fitness plans, a simple cup of coffee may help, a new study suggests.

Responding to the findings that the majority of people give up their resolution to do more exercise within the first 6 months, the research could provide a solution, according to Professor Samuele Marcora, an endurance expert at the University of Kent in UK. He suggests that reducing perception of effort during exercise using caffeine (or other psychoactive drugs like methylphenidate and modafinil) could help the many people who find it difficult to stick to their fitness plans.

Together with lack of time, physical exertion is one of the main perceived barriers to exercise, which is natural as humans evolved to effectively conserve energy.

This inherent 'laziness' means that sustaining exercise in the long term is very difficult even when people are still motivated to improve their health and fitness as when they started.

Mr Marcora points out that perception of effort is one of the main reasons why most people choose sedentary activities for their leisure time.

Compared to watching television (zero

effort), even moderate-intensity physical activities like walking require considerable effort.

He said that the use of caffeine or other psychoactive drugs to reduce perception of effort during exercise can make the healthy choice easier.

While there is no strong ethical opposition to the use of psychoactive drugs to help quit smoking (nicotine) or treat obesity (appetite suppressants), the negative

perception of doping in sport may prevent the use of stimulants and other psychoactive drugs to treat physical inactivity which is responsible for twice as many deaths as obesity, Mr Marcora said.

The research was published in the journal Sports Medicine. -PTI

36 India Post

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January 22, 2016

Horoscope

January 22, 2016

India Post

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Jan 22nd - Jan 28th 2016

ou will be looking for little adventure in life and will be successful, but stay within legal parameters. You will treat yourself with new cloths and some expensive item. Though there is no immediate threat but some fears will continue to occupy mind about career. It will be a better week for people in retail. Money will not be an issue.

Y

his should be an extremely fruitful week.

All the planets are very well aligned to help you achieve a lot. Investing in real estate, commercial or residential will be very beneficial.

Things will stabilize at work and from now and onwards you will have no fears about career. You will receive a big check in mail and bank balance will grow.

T

A

F

ind the truth before you make that big decision.

You will be successful in cutting down on expenses upto only a certain extent. You will have a great opportunity to spend time and learn from very successful and famous people this week. Running around will be too much and you may even have to travel out of state to attend to some business.

Y

ou may feel little help less with no real solution. It will be hard to find trust worthy people to discuss the situation. Things will get better at work and people in business will see sales shooting up suddenly.

A close family member may confirm his visit. You may visit a holy place by yourself. You will be working on a bright idea.

L

et the head rule over heart and you will easily resolve a challenging situation. Application will go through and the process will start. You will gain victory over your opponents and may receive favorable decision in legal matters pending for long. There will be some encouraging changes at work also. You will buy an interesting item.

L

ife will become more exciting because of new company. Most of the things you plan will go through without any difficulty. Trip will be good and results will be almost immediate. Again be careful when it comes to signing any paper or contract. A nice property may slip out of your reach but you will have no regrets. You may plan an overseas trip also.

nalyze your response carefully and you should not think of retaliation. Its time to fine tune your talents as planets bring back the self confidence.

Sun in house of luck will get you the results for hard work and patience maintained in the past. A child continues to need your moral support and guidance. Contract signed now will be very beneficial.

Y

motions will play the major role in decisions regarding your future location and career. Strong Venus in third will take you to places unexplored in the past. Some of you will be suggested minor surgery to overcome health problem.

Money will come but disappear fast this week. You will call an expert for his valuable advice and guidance.

E

ucky planets will bring you closer to few very influential people. You will benefit from mistakes made by others. Some of you may accept another part time job.

Incomes and revenues will keep improving from now and on. Lease will need to be renewed this week. You may travel to a nice place with family. Park your vehicle at safe place only.

L

ou will finally make up your mind and stop wasting time on unnecessary issues. Focused, You will achieve a lot and finish all pending work and still have lots of time on hand for recreation and to relax. Money wise the roller coaster ride will continue but you will meet all commitments on time. You don't have to spend fortune to impress some one.

Y

ake a chance with some one extending not only support but good company. You can make extra money if you put your talent to work. You may find it difficult to get job done from subordinates. Proposal will be good and the bachelors should not be scared to make the commitment. A child will need your help in doing research about next step.

ou will hear few encouraging news this week.

Past experience can help you deal with current situations better. Relationship will keep getting stronger and the final say is yours, but you will need to be quick.

Things will improve at current job and expect full cooperation from new colleagues. You will be able to control your expenses now.

T

37

January 22, 2016

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January 22, 2016

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India Post 39

40 India Post

K

anchipuram is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India and the seat of the Shankaracharya. The temple city is situated around 70 km from Chennai in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Kanchipuram or the Golden City of Temples is one of the most important centers of Hindu religion and also one of the most picturesque. The place is one of India's seven sacred cities and the second holiest after Varanasi.

The city was once the capital of the Pallavas, Cholas, and the

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Vijayanagar rulers. It was under the Pallavas from 6th to 8th century AD but, during that period, was also briefly occupied by the Chalukyas, and the Rashtrakutas.

Many of the temples situated here are the work of the Pallavas and later Cholas.

The remains of a few Buddhist stupas are indication that Bud-

dhism also prevailed here for a little while. One of the four seats of Sri Adi Shankaracharya (a great Hindu sage); the Kanchi Kamakotti Peetham is situated here. It has been a center for Tamil learning and culture for centuries and presents the glorious Dravidian heritage of the Vaishnavites (worshippers of

January 22, 2016

Vishnu) and Shaivites (worshippers of Shiva).

Tourist attractions The Ekambaranathar Temple in the city was built by the Pallavas and was later reconstructed by the Chola and Vijayanagar kings.

Shiva is worshiped here as Prithvi (earth), one of the five basic ele-

ments of the physical world. The dimensions of the temple are reflected in its 20-acre spread and its tall south Gopuram, which soars to a height of 58.5 m. The temple has 11 stories and one of the tallest temple towers in South India. The structure is decorated with beautiful sculptures.

The Vaikunta Perumal Temple dates back to the 8th century and was built by Nandivarma Pallava.

Battle scenes depicting Pallava valor are carved on the panels surrounding the main parikrama of this Vaishnavite temple.

The Varadaraja Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is worshipped as Devarajaswamy here.

This temple, which has a 100pillared hall, was built by the Vijayanagar kings and displays the mastery of their artists.

Cont’d on page 42

January 22, 2016

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post 41

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Asian night markets bring taste of old & new WESTMINSTER, CA: Beneath the giant red sign illuminating the Asian Garden Mall in Southern California, slabs of jumbo, white squid are seared on a smoky grill.

Nearby, children pluck fried potato slices off a stick and couples dance to Vietnamese ballads.

It reminds Audrey Dinh of the stories of night markets her Vietnamese grandmother used to tell her as a child, and of those the 28year-old encounters on business trips throughout Asia. But this one is much closer to home, in the city of Westminster in Orange County, where vendors sell everything from giant prawns and coconut waffles to home curtains and flashing toy pinwheels. ``This is what I see in Asia,'' Dinh said as she waited for an order of banh tom khot, a rice flour cake filled with shrimp. ``It's very close to Asia.''

During the past five years, similar night markets have popped up in major cities throughout the United States, a byproduct of both the nation's expanding AsianAmerican population - the country's fastest growing racial minority, numbering some 19.4 million - and a growing culinary curiosity for authentic East Asian flavors.

Since about 2010, night markets have opened in Chicago, Cleveland, the Los Angeles metro area, New York City, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Several were started by young Asian-Americans who wanted to recreate the frenetic, fast-paced spectacle of an Asian

night market in their families' adopted hometowns. Not all of have remained exclusively Taiwanese or Vietnamese: Instead, many have evolved into a hodge-podge of cultures and foods reflecting their mixed communities.

dried fruit. ``The Chinese had a flourishing commercial food scene long before Europe,'' said Fuchsia Dunlop, an English writer and specialist in Chinese cuisine.

Night markets have continued

A worker staffs a food booth at the Little Saigon Night Market at the Asian Garden Mall in Westminster, Calif.

``It's been a key decision for us not to try and be like the ones in Taiwan anymore,'' said Jonny Hwang, 35, founder of the 626 Night Market in the San Gabriel Valley, about 10 miles east of Los Angeles. ``We want our own identity.''

Night markets date back to at least the Tang dynasty in China around the year 600. By the Song dynasty in the 12th century, they had developed into sophisticated, well-organized centers selling grilled meats, stuffed buns and

to proliferate throughout Asia, with one study finding 95 operating on any given week in the city of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. In cities like Bangkok, street food remains the heart and soul of local cuisine, sold day and night from carts and makeshift stands. The classic Bangkok night market has evolved from catering mostly to club-goers looking for a late-night eat to offering real shopping opportunities for the city's large, young and relatively affluent middle class.

Young volunteers to help tourists NEW DELHI: Tourism Ministry is coming out with a new scheme Prayatak Mitra under which young volunteers, primarily from NCC and NSS, would be deployed in 13 cities with pilgrimage connections to help the tourists.

The scheme will be launched on January 12, which is celebrated as National Youth Day to mark the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, a Tourism Ministry source said.

The volunteers, primarily from National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS), will be in the age group of 18-28 years, he added.

"They will be deployed at PRASAD cities to help the tourists for eight hours daily for 10 days. In return, they would be

given certificates for their service," he said.

Tourism Ministry will provide one-week training to the volunteers prior to their assignments, according to the source.

As many as 13 cities-- namely

Velankanni -- have been identified for development under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) by the Ministry of Tourism..

The service of the "educated" and the "English speaking" vol-

Ajmer, Amritsar, Amravati, Dwarka, Gaya, Kamakhaya, Kanchipuram, Kedarnath, Mathura, Patna, Puri, Varanasi and

unteers would help in promoting tourism sector, which is one of the focus areas of the government, according to the source.-PTI

In the U.S., the emergence of night markets - some of which attract tens of thousands of people - is seen by organizers as a reflection of how Asian-American communities have assimilated to local culture while also reinterpreting their own.

Hwang recalled how when he was a TaiwaneseAmerican teenager growing up in suburban Los Angeles, his and other families strived to fit in. ``While we enjoyed our foods, we didn't really embrace it,'' said Hwang, whose 626 Night Market features classic Taiwanese favorites and fusion dishes like pho tacos and ramen burgers. ``I didn't force my friends to check out stinky tofu.'' These days, he said, ``Asians are starting to embrace the fact that `Hey, we have really delicious food. And other people are interested in that food.'''

Some U.S. markets are a distant echo of the cheap, raucous places that inspired them. Celebrity chef and food adventurist Anthony Bourdain is creating a huge New York City market he has said will be open late and have the feel of an Asian night market, but also have prepared food stalls by celebrated chefs like April Bloomfield.

Others tilt higher end, charging $50 or more to enter and sample food and drinks from top local chefs.

Danielle Chang, author of the

cookbook ``Lucky Rice'' - a collection of night market recipes - was born in Taipei and funneled a passion for Asian food into her own night market-like events, including a cocktail-themed market party in Las Vegas. ``I think that the interest in Asian food ... stems from the growing awareness of Asia through the lens of food,'' she said. ``Through travel. Through a new generation of chefs getting classical French training and then returning to their heritage.''

Still, creating U.S. night markets has, in many cases, been an act of persistence. Local officials often need to be convinced of their viability, and vendors typically must navigate a tangle of health codes.

In Westminster, about 35 miles south of Los Angeles, there also was a cultural barrier to pass: Explaining to a non-Asian public why a night market should exist. ``It was kind of hard for our city to understand in the beginning,'' said Kathy Buchoz, the former mayor of Westminster and a consultant for the Asian Garden Mall's management company. ``They understand farmers markets.''

Buchoz said officials were skeptical about how many people the market would bring in, but it quickly attracted 3,000 people a night each weekend. And that has been a boon for vendors like Max Nguyen and his business partner.

They began operating a stall at the market three years ago and now sell about 2,000 pounds of grilled squid a night.-AP

SpiceJet to connect Jaipur with Dubai NEW DELHI: No-frills airline SpiceJet has announced that it will connect Dubai with non-metro cities of Jaipur and Hyderabad with direct flights from next month, while rolling out special promotional fares for the new services.

Once the services commence from February 16, SpiceJet will become the first domestic carrier providing air connectivity to Dubai from 10 Indian cities, a release said.

The airline will fly five times a week to Dubai from Jaipur, it said.

"We see huge potential, especially from non-metro cities such as Jaipur, waiting to be unlocked and over the years we have also witnessed resurgence in demand on Hyderabad-Dubai route from business and leisure travelers alike," Shilpa Bhatia,

SpiceJet senior vice president and Head of Sales and Distribution said.

Dubai is a key market in increasing SpiceJet's footprint across the Middle East and with these flight launches it aims to provide customers with better and more convenient travel options, she added.

The airline has also offered all-

inclusive special introductory fares of Rs 6,499 and Rs 7, 999 for a one-way travel from Jaipur and Hyderabad respectively for its flights to Dubai.-PTI

42 India Post

Travel & Hospitality Post

January 22, 2016

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Cont’d from page 40

Among the best pieces are the severed halves of a large chain carved out of a single stone, and

as well as by train. 365 steps, which represent the days of the year, lead to the hill. Tiruttani is said to be the place where the Lord married Valli, one of his two consorts. The

lation of resident breeding water birds. The period between October-February is the best time to visit Vedanthangal.

The Elagiri Hill is an isolated, attractive picnic spot in the Eastern Ghats at an elevation of about 1000 m. The salubrious climate, scenic surroundings and a quaint Murugan temple add to the beauty of the place.

temperature throughout the year.

During summers, the temperature ranges between 36.6°C and 21.1°C.

erage annual rainfall in the city is 87 cm.

Winter months are slightly colder and the temperatures remain between 28.7°C and 19.8°C. The av-

Where to stay It is difficult to find quality accommodation in Kanchipuram.

Most of the lodges are situated near the city bus stand. Some guest houses also provide basic facilities and a serene environment to the travelers.

Fairs & festivals There are fairs and festivals all round the year at Kanchipuram. Some important festivals include the Brahmothsavam, Garudothsavam, and Car (rath) festivals, which are held in the months of January, April, and May respectively. the figures of the God of Love and his consort astride a swan and a parrot respectively.

The Kailasanathar Temple was constructed by the Pallava kings in the 8th century AD and has an attractive panel depicting Shiva and Parvati in the midst of one of their innumerable dance competitions. The architecture of this temple resembles the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.

The Kamakshi Amman Temple has an imposing structure and is dedicated to goddess Parvati in her incarnation as Kamakshi, the goddess of Love.

Places around Tiruttani near Kanchipuram is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Situated on a hilltop, the temple is accessible by road

Karthigai festival, which falls in December, is also celebrated with great pomp here.

Sriperumbudur is 29 km from Chennai on the way to Kanchipuram. It is the birthplace of Saint Ramanujar, the father of the Vishishtadvaita philosophy of Vaishnavism and hence an important pilgrim center for the Vaishnavites. This is also the place where Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India, was killed in a bomb blast during a public meeting in 1991.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (60 km from Kanchi) has come up around a village tank, which is surrounded by a grove of trees. Migratory birds like the sandpiper, white ibis, spoonbill, swan and gray wagtail etc. can be spotted here. There is also a sizeable popu-

Best time to visit: The climate of Kanchipuram is tropical with an almost uniform

How to reach Air: Chennai is the nearest airport to Kanchipuram. One can take flights for most of the important Indian cities and important cities abroad from Chennai.

Rail: Trains for Kanchipuram are available from Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tirupati, and Bangalore.

Road: Kanchipuram is 75 km away from Chennai and is well connected by a network of roads.

January 22, 2016

Travel & Hospitality Post

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Step into the world of Chinatown in SF SAN FRANCISCO: The best plan for tackling San Francisco's Chinatown is no plan at all. Simply wandering the wide streets and narrow alleys will take you where you need to go.

Whether you just happen to be in town or are visiting for something specific like the Super Bowl or Lunar New Year - the Year of the Monkey dawns Feb. 8 - spending a few hours in the second-largest Chinatown in the United States (behind New York City) is always worthwhile.

Visit early and you'll feel the rush of everyday life as the food markets and bakeries hum with activity - this is a real community as well as a tourist attraction. Visit at dusk and Chinatown takes on a magical glow, the lanterns strung across Grant Street glowing red and the curio shop windows ablaze in a glitter of possibilities.

Here's a quick guide to getting the most out of your stroll.

HOW TO GET THERE A good place to start is the

much-photographed gate at Bush Street and Grant Avenue. This is Instagram central and a short walk from Union Square. You can also ride the cable car to Chinatown via either the Powell-Hyde or PowellMason lines. Cable cars make many stops; two possibilities for alighting are at Washington and

Mason streets or Powell and California. Tickets, $7, can be purchased at the turnaround at Powell and Market streets or in advance online. You don't have to queue at the turnaround to board; you can walk a few blocks up the line -- look

for the brown and white signs indicating stops. Be aware, though, that you may have trouble getting a seat when it's busy.

WHERE TO EAT Tourists and locals alike rejoiced when Sam Wo's recently reopened. Before it closed in 2012,

Sam Wo's reopened in October at 713 Clay St., between Grant and Kearny. Try the ``jook,'' rice porridge served with a variety of toppings. Other standbys include House of Nanking, 919 Kearny St., and Great Eastern Restaurant, 649 Jackson St., known for its Cantonese-style seafood dishes.

the restaurant had operated for more than 100 years on Washington Street and was known as a place for no-frills Cantonese fare where customers were once insulted by the ``rudest waiter in the world,'' the late Edsel Ford Fong.

WHAT TO DO Grant is the main drag, but if you want to see the more workaday side to Chinatown, take a walk on Stockton Street, known for its produce and live animal markets.

Explore the tiny side streets where you'll find everything from dive bars to tea houses to traditional Chinese apothecaries. Waverly Place, between Washington and Sacramento streets, is home to several temples including Tien Hau, which has a different style on each floor culminating with a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Heaven, 125 Waverly Place, free but donations appreciated. Another interested temple is Kong Chow Temple, known for its color-

Book says world 'safe' for women travelers NEW DELHI: Former National chess champion Anuradha Beniwal has penned her debut book in Hindi, which recounts her experiences of travel to 10 countries in Europe in an under Rs 1 lakh budget.

The 30-year-old who was ranked number two in the country at the age of 7 has penned her dynamic travel journey in the book "Aazadi Mera Brand," which was launched here at ongoing New Delhi World Book Fair.

Born in Meham near Rohtak into a middle-class family, Beniwal was home schooled and after being introduced to chess by her professor father at an early age participated in many competitions and became a world champion.

In her book published by Rajkamal Prakashan she writes about building up a career as a professional chess coach based in London and is a chess master at several British clubs.

"My book is about wanderlust, and I want to expose the myth that Europe is expensive and the world unsafe to travel for women" said Beniwal who was accompanied by her parents and cousins at the Book Fair.

"I wish that women, not the rich women who go to hotels with swimming pools, but those from

the lower middle class also could travel outside and understand how cheap it is to travel the entire world.

"They would know how kind, beautiful and safe the world is. So, this book is all about encouraging the common people," she said.

As a writer she also advocates for freedom of women and wants women to take the risk of travelling the world and fight the existing stereotypes which dissuade them from venturing into the "unsafe world outside."

"The world is not very safe for women and not ideal but that doesn't mean they should remain in their home only. When a woman stands in a bus stop alone it is unsafe for her, but once 50 ladies stand in a bus-stop together they are safe. So, women should come out to make the country safer for

themselves," Beniwal said. . The chess player describes her trip last summer whose itinerary covered 10 countries.

"I began backpacking inside India to the South and Rajasthan and last summer after saving up a little money went on a trip to Europe and covered 10 countries -UK, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland," she said.

Beniwal said living in London she feels secure about walking on the roads at odd hours and even travelling solo and wants girls in India, especially her home state Haryana to feel the same.

"I wish girls on the streets of Rohtak too can experience the sense of freedom," she said.

Beniwal said she opted to write in Hindi because she wanted the common people read her and be encouraged to go on similar trips and understand how easy it was to travel the world.

The former Chess champion has a degree in English Honors from Miranda College, Delhi University and a degree in law besides a masters in English literature.

Noted journalist Ravish Kumar and Hindi author Anuradha were present at Beniwal's book launch here.-PTI

ful altars, and in the same building as the Chinatown post office, 955 Stockton St. The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, is open seven days a week, 56 Ross Alley. Admission is free, but you need to pay 50 cents to take a picture.

Chinese New Year, understandably, is big here, with banners, fireworks, food and flowers. This year, the two-week celebration wraps up with the traditional parade on Feb. 20. This year's flower fair will be held Jan. 30-31, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Location: Grant Avenue from Clay to Broadway, and Pacific, Jackson and Washington streets between Stockton and Kearny.

Looking to add a little scholarship to your stroll? For a deeper dive into Chinatown history, consider one of the guided tours offered by the Chinese Cultural Center. Tickets are around $30 for adults and reservations are required. http://www.c-c-c.org/education/chinatown/ .-AP

Mobile App on Lucknow launched LUCKNOW: With an aim to "Link up and Preserve" the cultural heritage of Lucknow and boost city's tourism, the district administration has launched a "My Lucknow My Pride" mobile application.

"The launch of application is an attempt by the district administration Lucknow to preserve the past of Lucknow and project the city as a happy and happening place for all times to come," District Magistrate Rajshekhar said during the launch of the app here.

He said the application was an attempt to 'Empower people of Lucknow with knowledge, instant connectivity, boosting public services and to provide a platform for information sharing as well as re-

ceive productive feedback for the overall betterment of the city."

"Its an 'App' that every citizen of city would love to keep on the 'Home Page' of his smartphone", he said.

The benefits of the application included, boosting tourism, catering not just to awareness about important governm e n t schemes for the public and also offer basic and important details of public and emergency services available.

Besides, the app will help users access information about various municipal services at the touch of a finger and act as platform for grievance redressal of the people of Lucknow, he said.

Public can become an active part of the development process by giving their valuable 'Suggestions and Feedback' on various initiatives of the Government and the District Administration through the application, he suggested.-PTI

In Brief Indian given special visa to attend father's funeral MELBOURNE: In a humanitarian gesture, the Australian government has granted a special visa to a 26-year-old Indian man who risked being blocked from coming back to the country if he escorts his dead father's body back to India.

Jaspal Singh was waiting for his father and mother at the Melbourne airport when his father collapsed at the arrival due to a suspected heart attack. He died at the scene despite efforts of paramedics.

The family was making arrangements for the funeral in India and Singh was planning to escort the body back home.

However, Singh's visa was said to be complicated one and he was at risk of being blocked to return back to Australia.

According to his lawyers the visa was only to be approved by Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.

Singh's visa had expired for three weeks in 2013 after his separation with his former partner and he had applied for a new visa with his new wife.

His lawyers, according to ABC report, said that he was granted a new visa after an appeal from his family.

The visa will allow him to return to Australia after he escorts his father's body home to India. -PTI

„ Further fall in Indian students in UK LONDON: The number of Indian students enrolling to study at UK universities continued its downward trend last year, apparently due to scrapping of the poststudy work visas, according to new statistics.

The number of Indian first-year enrolments at UK varsities fell by 10 per cent - from 11,270 to 10,125 the figures released by Higher Education Statistics Agency showed.

That meant that the US overtook India on the list of countries that are the biggest sources of UK university first-year enrolments from outside the European Union (EU), edging into second place behind China.

"We could be doing better than this. It is essential that the UK government presents a welcoming climate for genuine international students and academics and ensures that visa and immigration rules are proportionate and communicated appropriately," said Dame Julia Goodfellow, Universities UK president and University of Kent vice-chancellor. -PTI

Immigration

Border crisis fears prompted immigrant raids

44 India Post

www.indiapost.com

Details on page 46

January 22, 2016

Immigrant raids divide Obama from Democrats and Clinton WASHINGTON: Federal immigration raids have wrenched open new divides between President Barack Obama and his Democratic allies, including the woman who hopes to replace him, Hillary Clinton.

Before the president arrived on Capitol Hill to deliver his final State of the Union Address, House Democrats gathered at a press conference to denounce his policies and release a letter signed by nearly 150 lawmakers calling for deportation raids to stop. ``It's just unacceptable,'' said Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Illinois. ``I've been 99.9 percent with this president of the United States but in this particular case, when his administration sows the seeds of terror throughout the immigrant community of the United States and millions of people are affected, that's what I'm going to concern myself with.''

That came after Clinton broke with Obama on the issue at a forum in Iowa, also calling for the raids to end. ``I do not think the raids are an appropriate tool to enforce the immigration laws. In fact, I think they are divisive, they are sowing discord and fear,'' she said. Fellow Democratic hopefuls Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont

and former Gov. Martin O'Malley of Maryland have adopted similar stances.

The Obama administration has defended the holiday-season raids that resulted in detentions of 121

presidential race where immigration is already a fraught topic, with Republican front-runner Donald Trump insisting he would deport everyone here illegally while Sens.

Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco

people, many from Central America. They point to a spike in families and children arriving at the U.S. southern border from Central America, which has prompted fears of another border crisis like the one that dominated national news during the summer of 2014.

This time it would come amid a

Rubio of Florida exchange barbs about who has the stronger record on this issue. Trump has praised the raids and taken credit for them. ``Our desire to make clear that individuals should not embark on the dangerous journey from Central America to the Southwest border -that's a case that we've tried

to tell in a variety of ways,'' said White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest. ``It was only after individuals had exhausted the legal remedies available to them ... was a decision made to remove them,'' he said.

The administration has shown no sign of backing off its approach, though Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., created confusion on that question when he told reporters he'd spoken with Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and ``I think you're going to find a pause in these deportations.'' Aides later insisted Reid simply meant to suggest that he hoped there would be a pause.

Earlier, the administration sent White House Counsel Neil Eggleston to meet privately with House Democrats, including Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. But despite what all involved described publicly as a cordial meeting, neither side seemed ready to budge. Democratic aides said Eggleston expressed concerns about the Democrats' approach and the potential impact it could have on the administration's hopes of defending Obama's deportation-relief policies before the Supreme Court.

Cont'd on Page 46

U.S. hikes H1B, L1 visa fee WASHINGTON: In a blow to Indian IT firms, the U.S. has notified an additional fee of up to $4,000 for certain categories of the popular H-1B and L-1 visas.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) said applicants for certain categories of H-1B visas post December 18, 2015 must submit an additional fee of $4,000.

In addition, those applying for certain L-1A and L-1B visas must submit an additional $4,500.

Referring to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 signed into law by U.S. President Barack Obama on December 18, 2015, USCIS said the additional fees apply to petitioners who employ 50 or more employees in the U.S., with

more than 50 per cent of those employees in H-1B or L (including L-1A and L-1B) non-immigrant status.

This fee is in addition to the base processing fee, Fraud Pre-

USCIS said.

In a statement, USCIS warned that it will begin rejecting H-1B and L-1 visa petitions received on or after February 11, 2016 that do not

vention and Detection Fee, American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 fee (when required), as well as the premium processing fee, if applicable. This will remain effective through September 30, 2025,

carry the information required under the new law.

USCIS has also revised the necessary forms in this regard.

During the 30-day period immediately following this web alert, USCIS may issue a Request for

Evidence (RFE) to determine whether the additional fee applies to the petition.

In a study released in September last year, NASSCOM, a trade association of Indian IT industry, said Indian IT companies have paid between $70 million and $80 million annually for the U.S. Treasury approximately.

Given that, the new punitive measure is expected to raise between $1.4 billion and $1.6 billion every year for the next one decade.

In December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue with Obama when the latter telephoned him to thank for his leadership role on achieving the historic agreement on climate change in Paris on December 12. -PTI

Immigration Post

January 22, 2016

India Post 45

www.indiapost.com

In GOP response, Haley defends immigrants WASHINGTON: Americans should resist ``the siren call of the angriest voices'' in how they treats immigrants, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said as the GOP used its response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address to try softening the tough stance embraced by some of its leading presidential candidates.

Haley, herself the U.S.-born daughter of Indian immigrants, said that the country is facing its most dangerous security threat since the terrorist attacks of Sept.

11, 2001. ``During anxious times, it can be tempting to follow the siren call of the angriest voices,'' she said in excerpts of her party's formal response, which was released early

by Republicans. ``We must resist that temptation.''

Haley, who has been mentioned by some as a potential GOP vice presidential candidate this year, said no one who works hard and follows the laws ``should ever feel unwelcome in this country.''

In the excerpts, Haley did not mention the GOP presidential race.

But the front-runner so far, Donald

Trump, has called for deporting millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally. Two other contenders, Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, have battled over which of them has the tougher

killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California. Ever since, Republicans on the presidential campaign trail and in Congress have been emphasizing the issues. ``This president appears either

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley gave the GOP response after President Obama's State of the Union Address

record on the issue.

Polls have shown public concerns over terrorism and national security have become a top issue ever since the November attacks that killed 130 in Paris and the December mass shooting by a radicalized Muslim couple that

unwilling or unable to deal with'' the terrorist threat, Haley said in remarks brimming with broad descriptions of how Republicans would do things differently than Democrats if they win the White House and retain control of Congress. ``Soon, the Obama presi-

dency will end and America will have the chance to turn in a new direction.''

At the same time, many in the GOP feel the party must do a better job of appealing to Hispanics and other minority voters if they are to compete effectively in national and many statewide elections.

They're also eager to win more votes from women, who preferred Obama over his Republican opponents by more than 10 percentage points in his 2008 and 2012 elections and have favored the Democratic presidential candidate in each election since 1992.

Haley is the third consecutive woman GOP leaders have chosen to deliver their party's response to Obama. Freshman Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, gave the address last year and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., the No. 4 House GOP leader, did it in 2014.

Twenty-nine of the 300 GOP members of Congress, or about 10 percent, are women, about onethird the proportion of women among congressional Democrats.

Each party also has three female

governors, although GOP governors outnumber Democrats 31 to 18, plus an independent.

Haley said the nation's problems also include an economy that's not boosted family income, a national debt that's too high and Obama's health care law, which Republicans have long asserted has failed.

She said under a GOP president, Republicans would lower taxes, curb spending and debt and strengthen the military. ``We would make international agreements that were celebrated in Israel and protested in Iran, not the other way around,'' she said, a reference to a treaty Obama and other nations negotiated with Iran to restrict its nuclear program.

Haley has risen in national prominence for helping to end the display of the Confederate battle flag on Statehouse grounds after half a century. That followed last June's slaying of 15 people at a historically black church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Her state was also battered by catastrophic flooding in October.

-AP

US turns to UN to screen refugees WASHINGTON: The Obama administration is planning to expand a program to let would-be migrants from Central America apply for refugee status before they attempt to come to the U.S., Secretary of State John Kerry has said.

The office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees will now conduct initial screenings to see whether migrants from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala may qualify as refugees eligible to come to the United States legally. ``I am pleased to announce plans to expand the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program to help vulnerable families and individuals from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, and offer them a safe and legal alternative to the dangerous journey many are currently tempted to begin, making them easy prey for human smugglers who have no interest but their own profits,'' Kerry said in a speech at the National Defense University.

Later, President Barack Obama authorized the State Department to access up to $70 million from the U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund ``for the purpose for meeting unexpected urgent refugee and migration needs related to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.''

In December 2014, the U.S. began offering refugee status to children in those countries who have

parents already living legally in the United States. So far thousands of children have applied for the program but very few been approved to come to the U.S. The latest effort is aimed at expanding that program by moving applicants, both families and single individuals, into safe zones to await processing.

Refugee processing for Central Americans was launched as part

The flow of Central American children and families declined during the 2015 budget year, but border agents have noted significant rise in the numbers of immigrants from both groups in recent months. Since October, more than 16,000 children traveling alone and more than 20,800 people traveling as families have been caught.

The Obama administration has been trying for nearly two years

presidents of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala in that country's capital, where he is slated to attend the inauguration of the new president, Jimmy Morales.

Zenior administration officials said the leaders would specifically review each country's plan to dissuade families, and particularly children, from making the dangerous journey, plans for facilitating their citizens' safe return and progress toward reducing violence, corruption and poverty.

Some $750 million in aid appropriated by Congress is contingent upon the countries demonstrating

progress on those fronts.

Annually the U.S. admits about 70,000 refugees from around the world. Obama has called for relocating about 10,000 Syrian refugees in the U.S. this year.

The refugee program has come under fire from lawmakers who worry that that there are gaps in the security vetting process, though the focus of their concerns has been primarily on refuges from Syria and other Middle Eastern countries. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has even called for a temporary ban on Muslim refugees being admitted to the United States. -

PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law

Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney

Border Patrol agent drives near the U.S.-Mexico border fence in Santa Teresa, N.M.

of a broader effort to curb the unprecedented surge of families and children traveling alone caught at the Mexican border in recent years.

During the 2014 budget year, more than 67,000 children were apprehended, along with more than 68,000 people traveling as families. The majority of immigrants in both groups were from Central America.

to curb the flow of migrants from Central America, using a variety of public relations campaigns to warn would-be migrants that crossing the border illegally would not entitle them to stay in the United States. Until now the government had stopped short of calling such immigrants refugees.

Vice President Joe Biden was scheduled to discuss the migrant problem at a meeting with the

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Immigration Post

46 India Post

January 22, 2016

www.indiapost.com

Border crisis fears prompted immigrant raids WASHINGTON: A spike in families and children arriving at the U.S. southern border from Central America has prompted fears of another crisis like the one that dominated national news during the summer of 2014. That could roil an already tumultuous presidential race, giving more momentum to Republican front-runner Donald Trump while creating problems for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama.

The number of Central American families and unaccompanied minors arriving at the border this fall more than doubled from the year before, according to the most recent figures. The numbers could go even higher beginning in February and early spring, when arrivals traditionally increase, potentially eclipsing the levels that produced the 2014 crisis.

Such concerns helped prompt the Department of Homeland Security, with the close involvement of the White House, to initiate crackdowns on migrants in several states over the holidays, picking up 121 people for deportation.

In some instances people were detained during surprise early morning home raids that have infuriated the president's Democratic allies.

Clinton broke with Obama on the issue at an Iowa forum, calling for an end to the raids that she

said ``have sown fear and division in immigrant communities across the country.'' ``We have laws and we must be guided by those laws, but we shouldn't have armed federal officers showing up at peoples' homes, taking women and children

migrants should be treated as refugees. Many are fleeing brutal gang warfare in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, the same countries whose violence and instability forced women and kids to make the dangerous trip north two years ago, overwhelming U.S. facilities

out of their beds in the middle of the night,'' she said in a statement.

On Capitol Hill, House Democrats were releasing a letter signed by more than 100 lawmakers demanding an end to the raids. ``Having people afraid to open their doors to strangers, not going to work, etc., is not a healthy development,'' said Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif.

Lofgren said she shares concerns about a renewed Central American border crisis, but like other Democrats argued that the

and producing disturbing images of frightened children huddling in Border Patrol facilities.

Such images remain vivid to policymakers, and avoiding a repeat is a priority. This time it would come in the middle of a presidential campaign where immigration is already a fraught topic, with Trump insisting he would deport everyone here illegally while Sens.

Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida exchange barbs about who has the stronger record on this issue.

US lawyer charged with forging document SEATTLE: A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement attorney has been charged after authorities say he forged a document to make it look like a Mexican citizen who wanted to stay in the United State was not eligible to do so.

The misdemeanor charge of depriving the rights of the Mexican man was filed against Jonathan M. Love in U.S. District Court in Seattle. The charges follow a civil case filed last year by Ignacio Lanuza against Love and the federal government that sought damages for the legal costs he suffered because of the incident.

The civil case against Love was dismissed and appealed, but the case against the government continues.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says Lanuza was stopped by an ICE officer in 2008, and ICE started removal proceedings. Love was as-

signed the case in 2009 and submitted a document to the Immigration Court that he said was signed

by Lanuza in 2000. Prosecutors say Love forged the date to make Lanuza ineligible to have his removal cancelled.

Seattle lawyer Tom Brennan, who represents Love in the civil case, did not immediately return telephone and email messages left

by The Associated Press seeking comment. Lori Haley, a spokeswoman for ICE, said her agency's policies prohibit her from commenting on pending litigation.

Matt Adams, a lawyer for the Northwest Immigration Rights Project who represented Lanuza in the civil case, said the charges against Love ``are an important step in establishing accountability and sending a clear message that all people are entitled to a fair hearing.'' ``We hope that the Department of Homeland Security will review

all of the cases this ICE attorney handled to determine whether there are other victims who need relief,'' Adams said in an email. ``The anti-immigrant forces that

“The charges against Love ``are an important step in establishing accountability and sending a clear message that all people are entitled to a fair hearing.'' express outrage over people violating our immigration law, demanding their immediate deportation, ignore the fact that those same immigration laws provide many people an opportunity to demonstrate that they qualify for lawful residence or other lawful status in this country.'' -AP

A new border crisis could only incite such disputes, while putting the White House on the defensive.

Administration officials say they are better prepared than they were in 2014 for a new influx, including increased capacity to house children. But the administration has limited strategies to stem the tide. They have stepped up advertising in Central American countries to warn of the dangers of the trip and point to $750 million in a year-end spending bill to help those nations.

And officials defend the controversial raids, which have been denounced by the other Democratic presidential candidates in addition to Clinton while drawing praise from Trump, who also took credit for them. Although Democrats question whether such crackdowns will deter desperate women and children, White House officials said the tactics are in line with new deportation policies outlined by the Obama administration that prioritize criminals and recent arrivals. All those targeted had arrived after 2014 and had exhausted their legal options. ``Our desire to make clear that individuals should not embark on the dangerous journey from Central America to the Southwest border, that's a case that we've tried to tell in a variety of ways,'' said

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest. ``It was only after individuals had exhausted the legal remedies available to them ... was a decision made to remove them,'' he said.

Such explanations fall flat for advocates such as Adelina Nicholls, executive director of the Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights. Several of the detention raids were conducted in Georgia and stories are circulating about immigration officials banging on doors and rounding up families. ``People are very confused, they don't know what's going on,'' Nicholls said. ``We are not happy with Obama.''

Obama himself had pleased many Latinos by issuing executive actions in 2014 sparing millions from deportation, though that plan is now being challenged in court. It was a turnaround after he was labeled ``deporter-inchief'' earlier in his administration for presiding over record removals, seen as an effort, ultimately unsuccessful, to win over Republicans to enact comprehensive immigration legislation.

Now Democrats are once again questioning the approach of a White House that, in turn, has been taken aback by the strong reaction from some of its allies. AP

Immigrant raids divide Obama from Democrats and Clinton Cont'd from Page 44

Administration officials have repeatedly emphasized that they have focused on people who have arrived in this country recently, in line with new deportation priorities announced in late 2014, at the same time Obama announced an expanded deportation relief program, promising to temporarily lift the threat of removal for millions.

The goodwill from those deferment programs was fleeting, in part because they're tied up in court.

The White House now finds itself making some of the same arguments it made earlier in Obama's administration, when activists labeled him ``deporter in chief'' for presiding over record deportations while failing to persuade Republicans to support immigration reform legislation. Officials say the administration has a responsibility to enforce the law and in this case there is a further responsibility not to encourage people to take a very dangerous journey.

New figures showed that arrivals of families and unaccompanied children from Central America from October to December shot up to well over double the number from the same period the previous year.

The numbers could go even higher beginning in February and early spring, when arrivals traditionally increase, potentially eclipsing the levels that produced the 2014 crisis.

Many are fleeing brutal gang warfare in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, the same countries whose violence and instability forced women and kids to make the dangerous trip north two years ago, overwhelming U.S. facilities and producing disturbing images of frightened children huddling in Border Patrol facilities. Such images remain vivid to policymakers, and avoiding a repeat is a priority.

Administration officials say they are better prepared than they were in 2014 for a new influx, including increased capacity to house children. -AP

Datebook

January 22, 2016

NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming Sat, Jan 30 • Dance Pe. Chance

Sat, Jan 23

Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

• Desi Saturdays New Yorks Weekly Saturday Night Desi Party

Time: 8:00 pm

Venue: Lexicon, 226 E 54th St, New York,

Venue: State Theatre, 15 Livingston

Sat, Jan 23 • Natsamrat – Marathi Film Venue: Serra Theatres, 200 Serra Way #37, Milpitas, Ca 95035 Time: 2:00 pm

NY 10022 Time : 09:00 pm

• 2016 Pongal Vizhaa and Chennai Fundraiser

Sat, Jan 30

Contact 9084251603

• Natsamrat – Marathi Film

Venue: Melvin H. Kreps Middle School,, 5

Sat, Jan 30

Kent Lane, Hightstown, NJ 08520

• Desi Saturdays New Yorks Weekly Saturday Night Desi Party Featuring Complimentary Admission & Open Bar at Lexicon NYC

Venue: Serra Theatres, 200 Serra Way #37, Milpitas, Ca 95035 Time: 02:00 pm

Sun, Feb 28 • NJTS 2016 Annual Membership

Venue: Lexicon, 226 E 54th St, New York,

Venue: New jersey Tamil Sangam, 30 Gin-

NY 10022

ger Dr, NJ 08837

Time : 10:00 pm

Time : 9:00 pm

Contact: 917-975-9144

CHICAGO

Upcoming Sat, Jan 23 • M. M. Keeravani Live In Concert - Bay Area Venue: City National Civic - San Jose, 135 West San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 06:00 pm

Sun, Jan 31

Time: 2:30 pm

India Post 47

Sat, Jan 30 • Gaye Jaa, Muskuraye Jaa Venue: Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Time: 4:00 pm

Sat, Feb 6 • SAMARA - a womans fight Venue: Sunnyvale Theater, 550 East Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 Time: 4:00 am Contact: 510-742-9303

Contact: 4087186678

Sat, Jan 23 • Dance Basanti Dance Party in SF Venue: Cosmo Lounge, 440 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 925-261-8682

ATLANTA Upcoming Fri, Jan 22 • GAPS Lohri Celebration 2016 Venue: The Palace Indian Restaurant, 6131 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross, GA 30092

Fri, Feb 12 • “Valentine Bash 2016” with “Mastani” Venue: India Community Center, 525 Los Coches Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 510-673-0153

Time: 7:30 pm

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

Venue: Cullen Performance Hall, 4800

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

Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77004 Time: 6:00 pm

Venue: Shreemaya Krishnadham, 25, Corning Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 05:30 pm Contact: 408-586-0006

Upcoming

Sat, Jan 30 • Keeravani - Live in Concert in Houston

Sat, Feb 13 • “Surati Ponk – Undhiyu” Ujjani 2016

ILLINOIS

Sun, Jan 31 • Gujarati Comedy Natak GOLMAAL Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture Drive, Duluth, GA 30096 Time: 06:00 pm

• Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life

• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822

India Post

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48

January 22, 2016

Philosophy

January 22, 2016

India Post 49

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis PAPAJI (H.W.L. POONJAJI)

W

ho are you? Where do you come from? Many times you came and many times you returned. You have never attempted to ask yourself who you are. If you had done so, you would never have returned to this miserable samsara.

When you have known, this karma ceases to function, samsara ceases to exist. You return to your original fundamental nature - to Being, to Existence, to Bliss. That is what you are. That is what you have been. That is what you are going to be.

So here is how to do it - it is very easy. Let me introduce you to what is going on here. To begin with, find out who is the one who sees. Ask yourself the question: "Who is the seer?" Find out what is seen. That which is seen is the object and the seer is the subject.

The seer - subject - must be separate from the object, different from the object. It is that which is seeing the object. The object is that which is seen. The seer is looking at the object - you are not the object. You may see anything: a horse, a cow, a car, a building, or anything. You are not that. You are the seer.

When you experience your own body you may think that you are the body, but you are not the

PAMELA WILSON

S

orrow has been a constant companion for many of us, and yet we are content with the mind's interpretation of what it is. What if sorrow is not what it appears to be?

What if it is a deep invitation to return to authenticity and naturalness? What if, in your heart, you know that sorrow is a sane response to the human condition of confusion and suffering?

Everything in nature has a function, and depression's function is to dissolve the sense of isolation and the unnecessary defenses.

We all know that when sorrow fills us, there is no escape. The depths of sorrow each one of us has experienced is so great. For some of us, there are circumstances that appear to cause sorrow and sustain it. And yet for others, we cannot trace it back to an event.

In both cases, if we feel it deeply, it is too large to be ours alone.

For a moment, don't touch the narrative of sorrow and notice its fathomless depths. What does this reveal?

Have you ever wondered how we have the capacity to feel so deeply?

How is it that we can experi-

body. You experience, "I see the body." so you are the seer of the body. It is here that you make the mistake: You become the body and you forget that you are the seer. You have become an object when you say, "I am doing. I am seeing. I am tasting. I am touching. I am smelling. I am hearing."

You have lost your bearings and become the body - the seer is no longer separated from the body. Whatever is seen is an ob-

the activities of the mind also. You know, "Now my mind is thinking or not thinking." This means that you are also aware of the activities of the mind. You are something other than the mind. You are not the mind. You are neither the mind nor the body.

The same is true of the working of the senses. When you are working, walking, or talking, you know very well, "I am at work, my hands are working." You know very well

intellect to make the decision, "Let's go to Lucknow." then you followed the intellect. So you are guiding even the intellect and you know very well that the intellect is something other than you.

Find out who you are - here and now. You are not the mind. You are not even the prana - the breathing. You know very well that breathing is in and out, inhaling and exhaling. You can feel, "I am inhaling, I am exhaling." You

Find out who is the one who sees You are also aware of the activities of the mind. You are something other than the mind.

You are not the mind. You are neither the mind nor the body.

gold can be tested only when it is put through the fire.

-Kalidas The enemies resident in the body, namely the sense organs like the eyes, which are difficult to control, should be con-

Papaji (H.W.L. Poonjaji)

ject, so when the body is objectified who is the seer? When you see the body it becomes an object. Whatever you see is an object. If you see your eyes they are objects; if you see your hands they are objects.

What about the mind? You know very well that if your mind is suffering it is not at peace. You know

that you are not the hand; something else is commanding the hands to work. You are something other than the movement of physical activities. You are not even that.

Now consider the intellect. You decide, "I have to do this. I have to go to Lucknow." You decided and you are here. You guided the

know this activity also. Who is watching the inhaling and exhaling? This is all that the body is.

So who are you? You are not all these functions. You will have to ask the question, "Who am I?" This is what we have come here to understand.

Excerpted from a satsang in Lucknow on 6 November, 1991

ence the loss and disappointments of the human heart? There is so much about us that remains unseen. In our innocence, we listen to thought's interpretation of who we are and what is happening in our life. And yet in the background, there is a presence of such intelligence and wisdom that is already carrying the life we call ours. This is our natural Self.

whatever the age of your body, you often felt much younger?

What if you weren't defined by your birth date, or how others view you, or even how you view yourself? What if you were so much greater and simpler than any idea of yourself? And what if sorrow was pointing to that?

- to who we are behind our roles and personality.

In the West, the focus is on fixing the personality so it can function better and feel complete. This can be a lifetime process because the personality itself is imagined: it is not who we are.

Just check, are you really your role?

As you look inside, are you

Sorrow is a call, home. The

Sorrow is a sane response to the human condition row and notice its fathomless depths. What does this reveal? Have you ever wondered how we have the capacity to feel so deeply? human condition of dissatisfaction and depression was born of the perceived separation from our essential Self, our naturalness.

At the heart of sorrow there is longing, an unquenchable hunger that we try to fill with experiences, food, love affairs and material acquisitions.

Longing, when felt directly, is the invitation back to what is Real

quered. Once they are conquered, it is as good as the whole world has been conquered by you -Mahakavi Bharavi The undertakings of those who are careless and negligent never bear fruit though they have used proper means.

-Maagha Kavi When the tongue is corrupted by pitta, even sugar tastes bitter.

-Sri Harsha Happiness is more appreciated after one experiences grief over a period in the same way as light is more appreciated by a person in pitch darkness.

-Raja Sudraka

For a moment, don't touch the narrative of sor-

We all have played so many roles in our lives, variously leading to joy and sorrow. The only thing that has remained a constant is this presence: that which is aware of the daily ups and downs, that which feels the emotions and all the body's sensations - and even listens to thoughts.

Have you ever noticed that

The purity or otherwise of

Pamela Wilson

aware of an aliveness that is naturally open? One of the functions of this constant flow of emotions and thoughts is to awaken this alive intelligence to its innate capacity to soothe emotion and clarify the mind.

Based in New Mexico, Pamela Wilson is one of the leading spiritual teachers in the United States

The concrete manifestation of the joy arising out of the union of the minds of the husband and the wife is called apatyam (progeny) on which converges the love of both of them.

-Bhavabhuti

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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50 India Post

kshay Kumar is overwhelmed with the feedback for 'Airlift' considering it was just a trailer that was out. In an interview he says It's not just a film, it's an insight into the harsh goings on and the bravery it took average citizens to rescue terrorized Indians from Kuwait during the Iraq war. The following are excerpts: Teaser of Airlift is clearly ruling the show, what with over 97% likes already with over 5 million views online. This is not just the best ever for your film but the best ever of January 22, 2016 2015. Extraordinary, isn't it?

www.indiapost.com

Suket Dhir

I can't express how lucky I feel, especially with the kind of ambitious cinema we've had in 2015, it's been a whopper of a year! The feedback I've experienced for 'Airlift' is so immense & so genuine that I haven't quite got my head round it yet. Remembering this is just a teaser, we were still shooting for 'Airlift' when we released this, but because of the humbling response from all over, we haven't even had a trailer launch, this has been enough to make people sit up & recognize the 'Story That's Never Been Told' which is a first of a kind for me, I've never not had to launch my film‌ The power of digital media truly has changed the face of films in India.

In the times when online views of the First Look as well as the response from social media clearly defines which way the film is heading, you must be thrilled with the overwhelming start,?

I am definitely thrilled, but I'm also a very pragmatic man, it is by far a response beyond what I could have even hoped for. For that is when something really means something, when you don't expect or demand such a response, when the people themselves without you thrusting it down their throats, when they make up their own minds in their own time, that is when an actor feels the warmth of his work.

Cont'd on Page 53

NEW DELHI: City-based fashion designer Suket Dhir has scooped up the International Woolmark Prize for menswear, becoming the second from India in four years to win the Rs 48.5 lakh (A 100,000) worth prestigious prize.

The announcement was made overnight in Florence, a statement from the organizers said.

Dhir beat five other international designers, with a menswear collection that fused classic western tailoring with traditional techniques, including Ikat (hand-tying and dyeing yarn) and Kasui (traditional hand embroidery).

His designs will now be stocked in leading retailers around the world, including Saks Fifth Avenue (New York), David Jones (Australia), 10 Corso Como (Milan), Isetan Mitsukoshi (Japan), and Boon The Shop (South Korea).

Rahul Mishra took the prize in the womenswear category two years ago.

Following the announcement, the designer said, "This is certainly very overwhelming, and everything that I needed right now. I've done what I could in India, and this is the best thing that could happen to me for me to move in a bigger way.

"I think I'm ready for the world, and I also think the world is ready for me and for this kind of aesthetic. The look is easy and happy, and the world needs that right now."

"My collection explores the transseasonal aspects of wool and the alchemic transformation of the fibrous wool into smooth, silk-like yarn, which renders the fabric light, airy, fluid and yet full and supple," Dhir said.

Australia's High Commissioner to India, Patrick Suckling, congratulated

Dhir on the honor.

"I'm delighted that Suket Dhir has won one of the world's premier fashion awards, sponsored by Australian wool growers," he said in a statement.

"Suket's designs are stunning and a beautiful showcase of wool.

I look forward to seeing his garments in leading fashion retailers around the world, including David Jones in Australia," he said.

For the judging panel, Dhir was a unanimous decision.

"In fashion, I'm always looking for emotion, for the heartbeat, for the feeling that something excites me it may come from an ancient skill but it seems fresh to me," said Suzy Menkes of Dhir's collection.

"My collection explores the trans-seasonal aspects of wool and the alchemic transformation of the fibrous wool into smooth, silk-like yarn, which renders the fabric light, airy, fluid and yet full and supple"

Designer Haider Ackermann agreed. "For me, it wasn't a hard decision," he said. "Suket is a person with a dream to tell, and I thought that it was very beautiful, because fashion at this time is about a dream, and the rest the business will follow. And technically, he showed us details I've never seen before, and that's very impressive."

More than 70 designers were considered for the prize over the

past year, with the finalists representing six global regions - Munsoo Kwon (Asia), P Johnson (Australia), AGI & SAM (British Isles), Jonathan Christopher (Europe), Suket Dhir (India, Pakistan and the Middle East) and Siki Im (US).

The Woolmark Company is the subsidiary of a not-forprofit enterprise owned by more than 24,000 Australian wool growers. -PTI

January 22, 2016

India Post 51 www.indiapost.com

Celine Dion's husband Angelil dies at 73 LOS ANGELES: My Heart Will Go On' singer Celine Dion's husband Rene Angelil has passed away after a prolonged battle with throat cancer. He was 73.

Angelil, who discovered the songstress when she was 12 and went on to manage her thriving career and become her husband, died on Jan 14 at home in Las Vegas, Dion said in a statement on her website, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"Rene Angelil, 73, passed away

tails will be provided at a later time," the statement read.

A Montreal native, Angelil had a career as a Canadian pop singer in the 1960s before turning to managing.

Dion cancelled her shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas with her next performance set for February 23.

In August 2014, Dion, 47, announced that she was postponing her career "indefinitely" to care for her husband, whom she

Singer Celine Dion’s husband and former manager Rene Angelil is dead. He was 73

this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer. The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment; more de-

married in December 1994.

He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1999 (Dion put aside her career then as well) and had surgery in December 2013 that re-

moved part of his tongue and limited his speech.

She, however, returned to her residency at the Colosseum on August 27.

The couple have three sons, Rene-Charles and five-year-old twins Eddy and Nelson.

Angelil stepped down as Dion's manager after 30 years in June 2014 and was replaced by Aldo Giampaolo, a former head of Cirque du Soleil's business unit.

The pair met in 1981 when the 12-year-old Dion, the youngest of 14 children, sent Angelil a demo tape of her belting out a song she had written with her mother and brother. Later, at an audition, "While I was singing, he started to cry," Dion once said.

Angelil mortgaged his house to help produce Dion's first record, "La voix du bon Dieu" ('The Voice of the Good God'), and took her (and her mother) on a tour through Canada, Japan and Europe.

Angelil, twice divorced and with three children (Patrick, JeanPierre and Anne-Marie), began dating Dion when she was 19, and she broke the news of their fiveyear romance in the liner notes of her third English-language studio album, 1993's "The Color of My Love". -PTI

David Bowie was Kidman's first concert LOS ANGELES: Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman, while paying tribute to legendary musician David Bowie, recalled he was her first ever music concert.

Bowie died on January 10 after a 18-month secret battle with cancer. He was 69.

Kidman mourned the late icon while shooting her upcoming HBO series Big Little Lies with Reese Witherspoon, reported Us magazine.

"He was my first concert. Can you believe it?" she said.

"It was a huge thing. We were shooting a yoga class and I was lying on the floor and in the middle

Nicole Kidman and David Bowie

of the takes and they were playing 'Ziggy Stardust' and I was crying. I loved David Bowie."

The singer-songwriter's single "Nature Boy" was also featured in Kidman's 2001 film Moulin Rouge.

Bowie is survived by two children, Duncan Jones and Alexandria "Lexi" Zahra Jones, as well as his wife Iman, whom he had been married to since April 24, 1992. -PTI

What matters is talent, not body type: Aditi NEW DELHI: Aditi Rao Hydari feels actresses should not be bothered by body shaming comments as talent is what matters in the industry.

"The most important thing we should never forget is that people come here to act. And if we are very good actors then nothing else should matter," Aditi said when asked about the body shaming comments that actresses are often subjected to.

"You have to look presentable and people have to find you attractive. But you should stop be-

Aditi Rao Hydari

lieving in the factory manufactured prototype of beautiful. There are different kinds of beauty. Talent is the most important thing. It doesn't matter what the body type is," Aditi told PTI. The "Wazir" star, who appeared on the cover of the Juice magazine

by Jabong, pointed out that male

actors go through a different fate.

"Male actors are not criticized for the fluctuation in their weight and that shows how we look at women when they are on-screen or in normal life. This mentality needs to change.

We are all here because we are creative and talented," she said.

Aditi also criticized those who go under the knife to conform to a certain idea of beauty. She said being unique is the ultimate way to look good.

"One should not be dependent on surgeries for happiness.

Too much importance is given to the way we look. I was lucky that I have a family that encourages me to be unique. There are other girls also who have a lot of support... It's boring to be in the group and look similar."

Often seen being a part of various fashion weeks, Aditi said she loves to dress up, but for her style should come cheap and not as a burden.

"Every girl enjoys fashion. I am not different. Fashion for me is actually having fun. For a lot of people, fashion becomes a burden but for me it's not that.

"You can make something from a flee market look fashionable. I really believe in that kind of fashion where you are enjoying and happy with what you are wearing.

Style and fashion are timeless things."

Post her stint in Amitabh Bachchan-Farhan Akhtar starrer "Wazir", the actress will be next seen in "Fitoor" where she is doing a cameo. She is also excited about Sudhir Mishra's "Aur Devdas". -PTI

52 India Post

January 22, 2016 www.indiapost.com

10 foods you must try in San Francisco SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco is a city with serious food game, whether playing as multistarred cuisine served in a white tablecloth hush or a simple crab cocktail eaten amid the boisterous clamor of Fisherman's Wharf.

Whether you're looking to dine on one of the city's iconic standbys or venture into cutting-edge cuisine - here's a guide to 10 foods and drinks San Francisco is famous for and where to find them.

BEER Anchor Brewing and San Francisco have a history that goes all the way back to 1849, when German brewer Gottlieb Brekle arrived with his family. The brewery weathered earthquakes, fires and Prohibition just fine, but almost went under entirely when mid-century Americans developed a taste for mass-produced beer. In 1965, Fritz Maytag saved the place from bankruptcy, bringing back Anchor Steam Beer and writing a new chapter in suds history. You can get a first-person look at the brewery via tours available most days except holidays. The tours cost $15 per person, take about 90 minutes and conclude with a tasting. Reservations are required.

Another option is the 21st Amendment Brewery & Restaurant (563 2nd St.), which has a selection of house beers served with traditional pub grub.

CIOPPINO This is the fish stew created in San Francisco by Italian fishermen in North Beach in the late 1800s.

They'd toss into a pot whatever seafood was left from the day's catch - crab, shrimp, clams, fish, etc. - along with onions, garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, wine and herbs. Italian restaurants started

with coffee shops on just about every block. For something out of the ordinary, try Ritual, a pioneer in the craft caffeine movement.

The flagship location is 1026 Valencia St. in the Mission District.

Blue Bottle, which began across the bay in Oakland, has a spot in San Francisco's Ferry Building.

And for coffee with that little extra kick, try the famous Irish Coffee at

People walk past the farmer's market outside the Ferry Building in San Francisco.

serving the dish and soon it was part of the region's culinary lexicon. A solid bet in North Beach is Sotto Mare (552 Green St.). Tadich Grill (240 California St.) also is a good choice.

COFFEE This is a fully caffeinated city

the Buena Vista Cafe in Fisherman's Wharf (2765 Hyde St.).

CRAB You can pick up a traditional crab cocktail at one of the many vendors lining Fisherman's Wharf, http://www.fishermanswharf.org .

Popular singer's shows in China cancelled BEIJING: A South Korean entertainment company cancelled all performances in China by a Taiwanese teenage singer who is perceived to favor Taiwan's independence from China.

JYP Entertainment, the company that represents Chou Tzu-yu also known as Tzuyu said she has never made any remarks relating to China's politics.

Tzuyu firmly upholds and respects one-China principle a statement issued by the company said.

Tzuyu is only 16 years old and is not mature enough to form her own political views, it said.

China which claims Taiwan as part of its mainland is very sensitive to any political backing to the estranged province though the relations between the two improved in recent years.

Tzuyu, a member of South Korean girl group TWICE, was ac-

cused of being in favor of Taiwan independence by Huang An, a well-known singer and TV host from Taiwan.

Huang made the allegations on January 8 on his Weibo account.

Tzuyu

He claimed that Tzuyu did not respond to Sanlih E-Television's portrayal of her as a supporter of Taiwan independence.

Meanwhile, JYP said that the rumor has disturbed JYP Entertainment's daily operations in the Chinese mainland and has caused inconvenience to the group's business partners.

Several companies have also cancelled their cooperation with Tzuyu, state-run Global Times reported.

According to a post by Chinese telecom giant Huawei's consumer business group Chief Marketing Officer Zhang Xiaoyun on her Weibo account said, Huawei demanded that its South Korean marketing partner LG U+ stop cooperating with Tzuyu, claiming that her recent remarks are seriously hurtful to the Chinese people. -PTI

For a different take, try it roasted and served with garlic noodles at Thanh Long (4101 Judah St.). Like your crab crispy? Get it shelled, battered and deep-fried at the R & G Lounge in Chinatown (631 Kearny St.).

STREET SCENE For meals on wheels, check out Off the Grid, a roaming event featuring food trucks, carts, tents and live entertainment. Download the app to get information on schedules and participants.

OYSTERS Oysters on the half shell are a longstanding San Francisco tradition. For an elegant take with a great view of the Bay Bridge try Waterbar (399 The Embarcadero).

Starting Jan. 30 dinner will be accompanied by a free light show with the return of the Bay Lights, a display that flashes nightly on the west span of the bridge. Also on the waterfront, Hog Island Oyster Bar in the Ferry Building.

SOURDOUGH The region's tradition of sourdough - bread leavened with a wild yeast starter or ``mother'' dough dates back to the Gold Rush.

Boudin Bakery, established in 1849 - according to bakery history the original ``mother dough'' was saved in a bucket during the 1906 earthquake - has a veritable shrine to sourdough at its Fisherman's Wharf location (160 Jefferson St).

It includes a museum and demonstration bakery. Another good

is a fun spot to enjoy the elegant refreshment of afternoon tea. Set under a stained glass dome with views of Union Square, the restaurant serves teas, starting at $45, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 2:30 to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday (150 Stockton St., Level Four). Or try the Samovar Tea Lounge at Yerba Buena Gardens (730 Howard St.). English tea service starts at $24.

TIKI If you like Tiki bars, a stop at the Fairmont Hotel's Tonga Room is mandatory. Set around what used to be the hotel's indoor swimming pool, the bar features rain shows, live music and more kitsch than you can throw a tiny paper umbrella at (950 Mason St.). Another option is Smuggler's Cove, which has more than 400 rums (650 Gough St.).

VEGETARIAN Into veggies with a vista?

Greens Restaurant is not just a vegetarian restaurant, it's a highend spot that has been nominated for best overall restaurant in America in the James Beard Awards and is set in historic Fort Mason Center with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands (2 Marina Blvd., Fort Mason Center Building A). You also can find bountiful produce at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Markets held Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays.

For a futuristic take on food, try Eatsa (121 Spear St.). There are no

People wait for their lunch orders to be ready at Eatsa in San Francisco. The lunch and take-out hub features custom quinoa combo bowls, automated ordering and a tech-forward interior.

place to try this crusty creation is Tartine Bakery (600 Guerrero St.).

TEA Whether you're parched from purchasing Pradas and other goodies from the boutiques of Union Square or simply resting up from an afternoon of window shopping, The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus

waiters or cashiers here. You place your order on wall-mounted tablets, then wait for one of the illuminated cubbies lining one wall to display your name in lights, indicating your order's ready. Eatsa specializes in quinoa-vegetable bowls in myriad combinations. All are vegetarian and some are vegan. -AP

January 22, 2016

India Post 53 www.indiapost.com

'Airlift' is about India's brave recent history Cont'd from Page 50

No matter what happens from here, whether many come to experience this journey in full force or not, at least I'll know they liked the thought of it. Now it will take not only my star power and the script itself, but the interest of the Nation and its people if they really care to learn about India's brave recent history, and the strength of its people when push comes to shove…

How would you describe "Airlift"?

It's not just a film, it's an insight into the harsh goings on and the bravery it took by average citizens to rescue its terrorized people.

When not even governments could stand a chance in a war

zone, brave civilians travelled tirelessly through deserted terrain in desperate hope their fellow Indians from their beloved motherland would have the courage to 'Airlift' them all out of Kuwait, where they had made a new life away from India, but needed desperately to be brought back to safety. All 170,000 of them. Even when people turn their backs on India in search of better horizons, India never turns its back on its people. A story so true that it makes you love your country even when you have forgotten how to…!

From 'Special 26', then 'Holiday' to 'Baby' and now 'Airlift' Can one see this film is a fourth appreciated inning after a successful trilogy of inspired true stories?

One can only hope! Who would have thought, the action packed comedy clown 'Akshay Kumar' would want to make so many real life dramas, where the action becomes painfully raw, and the stories hit home so hard it makes you look at life a little more differently…

'Airlift' deserves recognition, whether I do or not I leave that up to the audience. But the story itself is worth being told, that's what makes me want to show our people. It is something to be so proud of, to the point it should be 'compulsory in history', taught in all our schools. This isn't a fable to be enjoyed, this is a Heroic common man Endeavour, (which is why it probably hasn't been over dramatized by media or by the government). It took average men with

hearts of Gold to accomplish the safety of 170,000 Indians in the biggest Air evacuation of all time.

Rather than a heroic mission planned by our forces, it was a common man's problem and it took common men and their wives to fix it…

Since the film is based on a true story, it cannot be frivolous and has to state facts as-is, with fair share of cinematic liberty in there. In that context, how much of Airlift stays true to the original plot?

To be honest with you, this is not a cinematic liberty taking film at all, in fact it is probably taken down a notch or two so the real story could shine through. Rather than making it into an Epic War

have been made a national Hero.

So to recreate his struggle, his empathy to his fellow Indians was easier for me to understand than I first thought, because in fact he did everything I would have tried to do in his position.

If faced with the same situation as Ranjit Katyal, what would you have done?

Well, let's just say that in Airlift, I was in fact playing a businessman version of myself. I'm an extremely protective man, if something like this disaster was to ever happen again, I hope to be that man in real life that provides the kind of safety people are looking for.

The best part about this film is it makes you want to be that man

Such a historic event remained hidden: Nimrat

T

alking about her new film 'Airlift', Nimrat Kaur says it is based on the largest human evacuation in history that took place during the Iraq-Kuwait war in the 1990s. Excerpts from the interview:

money. Getting basic necessities like food, clothing became challenging and there was complete mayhem.

Tell us about your upcoming movie 'Airlift'?

"Airlift" is based on a true story of a powerful Indian businessman, Ranjit Katyal, who with the help of the Indian government evacuates over 170,000 Indians in 488 Air India flights over a period of 59 days. The film is based on the largest human evacuation in history that took place during the IraqKuwait war in the 1990's.

What Indian expats went through during this incident is dramatic.

Why is Airlift a dramatic story?

"Airlift" is a dramatic story because of what people had to go through.

The evacuation plan wasn't successful in one go, there was a lot of failures and disappointments before Ranjit Katyal (Akshay Kumar's character's name in the film) finally succeeded. Because of the Gulf War, thousands of people suddenly became homeless, jobless and without

How was it working with Akshay Kumar, how is he as a co-star?

Akshay Kumar is a huge star, so I was of course intimidated and nervous before meeting him. But having worked with him, I know he's such a good actor and one of the most wonderful persons I have met till date. He made me feel comfortable and I really enjoyed working with him.

Were you aware that such an event had happened?

Not at all, and I don't think a lot of people knew about it either.

The airlift episode took place as recently as 20 years ago, but still very few people are aware of it. It's impressive and surprising how politics and governments have managed to hide such an historic event, when such incidents should be spoken about.

Nimrat Kaur

Why has it taken this long for you to do a second film?

I was half a year away for American tele series "Homeland", which took a lot of my time. And then when I came back, it just so happened that I didn't like the scripts that I was offered, or the ones I liked didn't take off at the right time. So it was just a matter of chance that I had a two year gap.

Film, we wanted to provide the public with the facts as to what the Indian civilians in Kuwait went through during the Iraqi War that was inflicted on them when the Iraqis had no right to kill a race that had nothing to do with their conflict in the first place (Not that anyone has the right to kill another human, but that's a whole other argument).

This isn't about trying to create an over exaggerated war zone to blow people's minds visually.

Airlift is about the 'Story' that was never told to us, it's NOT about the terrorized events, it's about the savior through bad times…

Unlike your action films, this one isn't about the kicks and punches.

How was it to be a part of some true drama?

It was actually nice to take a break from all the fighting I've performed throughout 2015!! It's been a very physically brutal year on my body, though I can't tell you enough how much I still enjoy it.

But to finally play a successful rich man, even though I am rich for only 5 mins of the film, it is my status & way of working that saves so many lives. To shoot someone else's story, Rajput himself 'God Rest His Soul' should

as well, so to educate an audience not to let even the darkest of demons like Saddam Hussein control our lives, gives me pleasure already. This is not a jaw dropping film, this is an eye opening film!

I know I can't stop bad circumstances from happening to my people, but I want to think I can help them once the shit storm does hit, like what I do for my women's self defense in Mumbai, I can't stop men from attacking innocent women, but I will try to train as many as I can to defend themselves if they ever do. The Maharastrian Farmers, I can't make their crops grow, but I can support them enough not to end their lives if it happens to be a bad harvest.

The flood victims in Chennai recently was overwhelmingly devastating, I may not be able to help everyone, but I will do what I can as soon as I can, because that's how I survive, God made my hand strong enough so I could hold others in their hour of need.

I don't want to just be an on screen hero, I want my kids to know it takes real action to be a real hero, not just defeating bad guys, but defending as many good along the way.

54

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January 22, 2016

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Japan in Northeast: Boost for India's 'Act East Policy' India Post

ATEETMANI BRAR

I

ndia's northeastern states are strategically important and are endowed with reserves of a variety of natural resources such as uranium, coal, hydrocarbons, forests, oil, and gas.

However, among the biggest challenges the region faces, is connectivity. To resolve the issue, two years ago, New Delhi, during Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe's New Delhi visit as the Chief Guest of India's 65th Republic Day Parade, invited Tokyo to invest in and build overland infrastructure in the country's northeastern states.

This matter was also discussed during incumbent Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's September 2014 visit to Tokyo. However, the project has been unable to take off the way it was expected to.

Even during Abe's New Delhi visit from 11 to 14 December 2015, the

(ODA) loan to India.

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) is the local Indian partner delegated with the responsibility of working with JICA in the region.

The projects undertaken by JICA and the NHIDCL will begin in April 2016, after the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) get a nod from JICA and the Department of Economic Affairs via India's Ministry of Roads Transport and Highways.

Two main road projects include: 1) the widening and improvement of Aizawl-Tuipang NH54 route (380 Kilometers) in Mizoram that will connect India to Myanmar; 2) the same for the TuraDalu section (48 Kilometers) of NH51 in Meghalaya. The DPRs for these two projects have already been submitted.

File photo of Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharing moment during the signing of agreement at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on 12 December

project was just mentioned in passing, and maximum attention was accorded to other matters such as the nuclear deal, fortification of defense relations, and Japan's winning of the contract to build India's first bullet train network. The bullet train will connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad, and the cost of construction will be $18148.15 million.

In that light, set at $2777 million, the Northeast connectivity project has an ambitious budget, aiming to build better road connectivity for about 1,200 km in the region and transforming it into a manufacturing hub.

The funding of the project is set to be done by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a Japanese state-owned development agency, via Japan's Official Development Assistance

Northeast Indian states share 5000 kilometers of international borders, with Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, Bhutan, and Nepal, providing strong links to fostering economic integration with both South and Southeast Asia. Better connectivity within and between India's northeastern states is central to ensure border security and maintaining peace and stability, especially given how the region has suffered from chronic insurgency for decades.

The northeastern region also is a key part of India's 'Act East Policy' that aims to develop regions that lack infrastructure, and to build partnerships with key states in the Asia-Pacific, with a particular focus on Japan, Vietnam, Australia and other ASEAN countries.

For our northeastern states to serve as India's link to its eastern

neighborhood, connectivity in the region requires to be substantially increased. There are several infrastructural challenges that trouble the region. They include low road density and the poor quality of existing roads. Intra-regional connectivity too is inadequate.

Silchar and Dimapur are the only two main rail-heads in the area and the other existing rail and road infrastructure connecting to various state capitals are unable to cope with the increase in both goods and passenger traffic over the years. The widening of the NH54 and NH51 is necessary for the region as this will aid the region in handling the increase in the traffic volume.

Better connectivity via improved road and rail links will give a boost to indigenous production as it will help produce from the northeastern states find ready markets in the country itself; and, it will also provide for access to compete for imports. It will also increase access to the larger Indian and export markets.

Japan is the only country whom India has actively invited to help in socio-economic development projects in Northeast India.

Tokyo has been providing ODA loans in the fields of energy, water supply, forestry, and urban development in the Northeast since 1981. JICA is known a for its expertise in constructing durable and environmentally sustainable roads across tough mountainous terrains, such as those in the Northeast.

The agency has undertaken similar projects in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Ghana, Morocco and Tanzania. Building roads, railways, seaports and airports helps create quicker routes for trade and transport of raw materials to the resource-poor Japan.

Also, improved infrastructure in the territories of JICA's ODA loan recipients makes it easier for Japanese companies to operate in them later.

The Northeast connectivity project will give the region as well as India's 'Act East Policy' a major boost. The New Delhi-Tokyo engagement thus has the potential to further fortify India-Japan ties.

The writer is Research Officer, IReS, IPCS

Odd-even success?

D

elhi is supposed to be breathing easier after the 15-day odd-even experiment of keeping half the cars away from roads. While Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is celebrating its success it is yet to be established by before and after tests whether pollution levels fell due to this experiment or did not make much of a difference. One gain was obvious. There were no traffic jams.

There are contrary reports about the impact of the scheme.

According to web portal IndiaSpend's air-quality monitoring devices, air-pollution levels in the city went up by 15% during the 15-day period when the odd-even plan was in effect, when compared to the last 15 days of 2015 (till December 31, 2015).

A TERI study of the four Delhi Pollution Control Committee stations at Mandir Marg, RK Puram, Punjabi Bagh and Anand Vihar, however, showed that there was a marginal drop in pollution levels, thanks to the odd-even scheme.

An impartial assessment therefore is yet to come.

Delhi's environment is said to be highly polluted competing for the top spot with Beijing. If Delhi pollution is so bad, how about the pollution in smaller cities which observe no norms at all. The Supreme Court, being based in Delhi, has shown great concern over pollution in the city. But it has not said a word about pollution in other metropolitan cities and smaller towns which may not have too many cars. Many of them must be worse than Delhi. So no step needs to be taken to pull them out of the morass?

It can be argued that if the experiment in Delhi is successful, it can be replicated in other cities suffering similarly. Odd-even experiments have been undertaken in Mexico, Paris and some other cities also. What we can learn from them is that they have better public transport systems which were made even more accessible on experiment days.

Since Delhi could not provide a strong public transport system, it exempted women drivers, two-wheelers and VIPs from the test. There was great load on metro service and it is doubtful if it can withstand such rush on a daily basis. Also, there is no feeder transport supporting the commuters from metro station to and from home.

The Chief Minister says he will come back with a revised scheme which will have no exemptions. What about old Delhiwhere you can't take a car and have to depend on some other means of transport and yet the pollution level is so high.

There are other over-populated cities like New York and Tokyo who are managing without such schemes. The Delhi government should learn from them.

As for co-operation, Delhi citizens were fully participating. It seems Delhi citizens are quite aware of the harm coming from environmental pollution. Many parents are concerned that their children are developing asthma or some other breathing problem. So they were ready to join if it could anyway contribute to cleaning up the air in Delhi.

Initially the Aam Admi Party was not confident of police support in implementing this scheme because the police is under the Central government and already the party was having a tussle with the Home Ministry over control over police. Initially reluctant, the police came on board as it realized the popularity of the measure Kejriwal was wanting to introduce.

The Central and State governments are at loggerheads over many issues of control in this city. If a revised scheme is to be successful, it must have the blessings of the Central government.

Kejriwal must not do some silly tricks to antagonize the Center if he wants the next experiment to succeed.

In fact he should link it with Narendra Modi's Swachch Bharat Abhiyaan. A clean city cannot be a polluted city. The Center should also acknowledge the need for joining hands with all the stakeholders to bring about a cleaner city, and hence a cleaner Bharat.

January 22, 2016

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January 22, 2016