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Asif Kapadia wins Bafta for 'Amy' Details on page 5
2 Indian girls killed in Russian academy fire
VOL 21, No. 1117
February 19, 2016
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3 INDIAN-AMERICANS IN RUNNING FOR JUDGE
WASHINGTON: Three Indian-American legal luminaries may be among the possible candidates whom US President Barack Obama could nominate as a Supreme Court judge following the sudden death of conservative icon Justice Antonin Scalia. Within hours of the death of Scalia at a ranch in Texas, the name of Chandigarh-born Sri Srinivasan popped up as the top contender to the post. Sri Srinivasan, 48, is currently the US Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit which many call as a stepping stone to the
Supreme Court. He is not only considered as a favorite of Obama, who has called him as a trailblazer, but also his nomination to the Court of Appeals was confirmed by a record 97-0 votes, which is an achievement given the bitter political divide in the US Senate. The White House has refused to give any indication of the list of persons Obama is looking into to zero in on his nomination for the next Supreme Court judge. Details on page 5
Details on page 8
RCCI joins FOG as Major Partner India Post News Service
JAIPUR, India: The Rajasthan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) has decided to join the prestigious Festival of Globe of Silicon Valley,
Shri K .L. Jain, Honorary Secretary General RCCI (Left) and Dr Romesh Japra, Chairman, Festival of Globe, exchanging the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) after the signing ceremony
USA, as a Major Partner. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to this effect was signed here at the RCCI office on 18 January between Shri K .L. Jain, Honorary Secretary General RCCI and Dr Romesh Japra, Chairman, Festival of Globe.
UNSC divorced from reality, says India Details on page 8
Details on page 7
Mysuru ranked cleanest city of India
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 48
Details on page 8
Community Post -------------- 16-25 Date Book -------------------------- 47
INDIA POST SURVEY
Edit Page --------------------------- 39
survey@indiapost.com
HealthScience Post --------- 32-35
This week’s question
Horoscope ------------------------- 15 Immigration Post ------------- 44-46
Has the BJP overreacted in the JNU case?
Life Style ----------------------- 50-52 Philosophy ------------------------- 53
Last week’s result
Should US press Pakistan on 26/11 mastermind? YES 82%
NO 18%
RIVAL PROTESTS: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal activists protesting against the alleged anti-national activities at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) outside the university in New Delhi on February 16 while (right) within the premises, JNU students agitating for the release of the Students Union President Kanhaiya Kumar. (Details on page 6)
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Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 30-31 TechBiz Post ------------------- 36-39 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43
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very so often I get the sense that there's no bastion left in America that India born desis, or let's say, we Americans of Indian origin have not made our mark on. So we already have many an accomplished legal luminary amongst us, but just think of this very possible situation: An Indian American on the venerated US Supreme Court bench! Yes, we are all excited about not one but two potential Indian Americans - Sri Srinivasan (a US Court of Appeals judge for the DC circuit and Neal Katyal, former acting solicitor general in the Obama Administration - one of who stands a real chance of being nominated by the President to replace Justice Scalia. As kicked up as I am about this development, I would still put it as a tough but conventional bastion to conquer, a relative cake walk for any of the super smart second generation Indian Americans. What, for me is new and insanely intriguing is the smashing of the new media citadel - YouTube, to be more precise - by this vivacious and precocious young woman named Lilly Singh, better known on this video streaming platform as Superwoman; a Canada born, Punjab di kudi whose videos on YouTube have received over One Billion views and nearly Eight Million subscribers. She's been around for at least five years now, but I came to know of her existence only a week ago when I heard she was one of the highest paid YouTube Stars earning close to $3 million last year. At 27, Singh, who is described as a YouTube personality, vlogger and comedian, is synonymous with everything that the social media driven youth identifies with - funny, smart, uninhibited, and has an attitude that's right in your face. So we already have an Aziz Ansari and a Kunal Nayyar who broke the color ceiling for comedians on American television; but to stand out in the vast new media universe and create a small country of fans for yourself, I think is phenomenal. And well, I did try to watch Lilly Singh's videos. I am glad I am not a teenager. I don't have to understand her.
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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Another break up Anushka Sharma has reportedly brokenup with her boyfriend cricketer Virat Kohli in order to concentrate on her career
Cover Story: Possible candidates Three Indian-American legal luminaries may be among the possible candidates whom Obama could nominate as judge
Community: Praise for AAPI Indian Ambassador Arun Singh has praised the contributions of AAPI members in the US and back home in India.
Presidential debate Presidential aspirants Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders sparred over issues like race and immigration during a debate.
Life style: Kidnapping case A shocking tale of a man's infatuation for a girl is the story behind the highprofile Dipti Sarna kidnapping case.
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3 Indian-Americans in running for judge WASHINGTON: Three IndianAmerican legal luminaries may be among the possible candidates whom US President Barack Obama could nominate as a Supreme Court judge following the sudden death of conservative icon Justice Antonin Scalia. Within hours of the death of Scalia at a ranch in Texas, the name of Chandigarh-born Sri Srinivasan popped up as the top contender to the post. Sri Srinivasan, 48, is currently the US Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit which many call as a stepping stone to the Supreme Court. He is not only considered as a favorite of Obama, who has called him as a trailblazer, but also his nomination to the Court of Appeals was confirmed by a record 97-0 votes, which is an achievement given the bitter political di-
number of Indian-American judges to various US courts and him publicly praising some of them, it would not be a big surprise that in addition to Srinivasan a few other individuals from the community too figure up in his list. Among them could be his home town resident Neal Katyal, who served as Acting Solicitor General of the US from May 2010 until June 2011 and California Attorney General Kamala Harris, who is considered to be very close to Obama. Harris, who traces her roots to Chennai, is currently running for the US Senate seat in California. Several media outlets mentioned Harris as among the potential ones who could replace Scalia in the Supreme Court. Harris, 51, who was among the six people mentioned by New York Times, has not reacted to the
He is not only considered as a favorite of Obama, who has called him as a trailblazer, but also his nomination to the Court of Appeals was confirmed by a record 97-0 votes, which is an achievement given the bitter political divide in the US Senate vide in the US Senate. The White House has refused to give any indication of the list of persons Obama is looking into to zero in on his nomination for the next Supreme Court judge. But given his track record wherein he has appointed a record
speculation so far. In 2011, she became the first African-American, Asian-American, Indian-American and woman to hold the post of California attorney general. Many say Katyal, who would turn 46 on March 12, could emerge
as a dark horse in the process. With extensive experience in matters of patent, securities, criminal, employment, and constitutional law, he has orally argued 27
Secretary Eric Schultz told reporters. Schultz refused to engage in speculation about lists and names.
intends to nominate individuals who honor constitutional responsibilities. These are individuals who have a commitment to impartial justice, respect the
L to R: Sri Srinivasan, Kamala Harris and Neal Katyal
cases before the Supreme Court of the United States, with 25 of them in the last six years. Obama intends to nominate someone as Supreme Court judge who honors constitutional responsibilities, have impeccable credentials and understands how laws affect the daily realities of people's lives, the White House said. "I would not anticipate an announcement this week, especially given that the Senate is out on recess," White House Press
When asked about what kind of individual Obama is looking to nominate someone to be the next Supreme Court judge, Schultz said President's judicial nominees should adhere to a number of basic principles. "Number one, I'd say the President's judicial nominees are all eminently qualified with a record of excellence and integrity. The President looks for individuals who have impeccable credentials," he said. "Number two, the President
integrity of the judicial process, and adhere to precedent. The President seeks judges who will faithfully apply the law to the facts at hand," he said. "And lastly, the President is also mindful that there are rare cases where the law is not clear, and we acknowledge that those incidents occur most often at the Supreme Court," he said, adding that in those times, a judge will have to bring his or her own ethics and moral bearings into a decision. -PTI
Asif Kapadia wins Bafta for 'Amy' LONDON: Indo-British filmmaker Asif Kapadia has won the Bafta for his poignant documentary "Amy" on late British singer Amy Winehouse. Kapadia's Oscar nominated film beat "Cartel Land", "He
Named Me Malala", "Listen to Me Marlon" and "Sherpa" to win the honor. The filmmaker in his acceptance speech paid tribute to the tragic star, who died in 2011 at the age of 27, following a battle with drug and alcohol. "We really fell in love with her when making the film and our aim and mission was really to try and tell the truth about her. "To show the world what an amazing person she was, how intelligent, how witty, how beautiful she was, before it all kind of got out of control and went a bit crazy," Kapadia said referring to the tabloid circus around Winehouse's life. The film has been critics' Anoushka Shankar speaks at the 58th favorite since making its annual Grammy Awards on February 15 premiere at the Cannes Film
Festival last year. The singer's father Mitch has distanced himself from the documentary, calling it a disappointment. It is Kapadia's third trophy at the British Film Awards. He previously won for sports documentary "Senna" in 2012 and Irrfan Khanstarrer "The Warrior" in 2003. Anoushka Shankar loses Sitarist Anoushka Shankar once again lost in the World Music category at the 58th Grammy awards. Anoushka, 34, was nominated in the Best World Music Album category for her solo album 'Home', a pure Indian classical album. A tribute to her late father Ravi Shankar, the song featured two ragas. Anoushka, who was nominated in the category for the fifth time, lost it out to Angelique Kidjo for "Sings". The Indian sitarist appeared in
British director Asif Kapadia poses with his award for a documentary on Amy at the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February 14
great spirits as she took to present at the Grammy stage in a blue Manish Arora dress. "And I didn't even say anyone's names wrong! Such an
honor to be part of this. Me and my bestie enjoying our third #grammys together," she tweeted with pictures from the stage and ceremony.-PTI
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JNU teachers join strike, to teach 'nationalism' NEW DELHI: JNU teachers have joined the students in boycotting classes in protest against arrest of its student union leader in a sedition case and said they would take classes on "nationalism" in the varsity lawns. The students had earlier gone on an indefinite strike till JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar was released and the sedition case against him dropped. After 10 teachers and a group of students were attacked in Patiala House court complex where Kanhaiya was produced, the teachers association decided to join the students in boycotting classes. "The administration is not only acting against students but also teachers and we are being openly attacked while the VC stays mum over it. The entire world is now referring to JNU as a hub of anti-nationals on basis of propaganda of few people in power. It is time we teach our students what nationalism is," said Rohith Azad, a faculty member,
JNU students agitating for the release of the Students Union President Kanhaiya Kumar at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi on February 16
who was among those who were attacked. JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested in
connection with a case of sedition and criminal conspiracy registered over holding of the event at the varsity during which anti-
Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi slam each other NEW DELHI: In a no-holdsbarred attack, BJP chief Amit Shah has accused Rahul Gandhi of supporting "traitors" who shouted anti-India slogans in JNU and
Amit Shah
asked Sonia Gandhi to make Congress party's stand clear whether freedom of expression meant supporting country's division. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who was in Assam, in turn attacked RSS over the JNU issue accusing it of muzzling the youth by branding them as "anti-nationals" and asserted that they will "stand up" and "challenge" it and BJP. "The (JNU) student union president gave a very nice speech on poor, weak, adivasis and the deprived...the BJP government
said he is anti-national and got him arrested," he averred. Amit Shah in Delhi questioned the Congress mother and son asking if they were supporting Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and such terror attacks and asked Gandhis to apologies to nation if their party is sensitive to the feelings of martyrs' families. Asserting that the shouting of slogans against India and in favor of terrorists like Guru amounted to treason, he told the media that BJP would not allow such an incident to take place in any part of the country. What was more worrisome was the support given by Rahul to the incident, he said. "If Rahul Gandhi wants to support it in the name of freedom of expression, then I will ask the Congress party if that if there can be a bigger evidence of treason than the slogans which were shouted there. "I want to ask Congress if it as a party supports the statements made by its vice president Rahul Gandhi? It should answer this. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi when you support treason in the name of freedom of expression, then do you spare a thought for the families of those soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the coun-
try?" Shah said. Rahul Gandhi meanwhile said, addressing a Congress rally here, "The more the youths of India are suppressed, the more they will stand up and challenge you." Lambasting RSS, Rahul charged it with attempting to impose its ideology on the country ignoring the identity and history
Rahul Gandhi
of the states and muzzling the youth by branding them as "antinationals". "Whenever the youth of the country speaks against the RSS and their ideology, they are called anti-nationals. Deshbhakti ke licence ki dukan khol rakha hain RSS? (Only RSS can say who are patriots and anti-nationals)". -PTI
India slogans were alleged to have been raised. His arrest has triggered widespread outrage among students
and teachers and drawn severe criticism from non-BJP political parties. The university teachers had earlier rallied behind its protesting students and questioned the administration's decision to allow the police crackdown on the campus even as they appealed to the public not to "brand" the institution as "anti-national" but they had not joined the strike earlier. Teachers' bodies of 40 central universities and Pune-based FTII had also come out in support of the agitating students, saying it is an issue of "indiscipline" and not "sedition". Over 400 academicians from international varsities, including Columbia, Yale, Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, SOAS, University of Toronto, McGill, King's College, University of California, Berkeley and New York University have also expressed solidarity with JNU students condemning the "illegal" detention and "autocratic" suspension of students. -PTI
JNU sends status report to HRD ministry NEW DELHI: The JNU has gram where allegedly certain obsent a "status" report to HRD min- jectionable slogans were raised. istry about the situation in the The organizers also invited the campus and the action taken by media to cover it without permisthe varsity in connection with an sion from university authorities. event against hanging of Parlia"The varsity constituted a ment attack convict Afzal Guru, high-level enquiry committee during which anti-India slogans comprising three members to enwere allegedly raised. quire into the incident. On basis The HRD ministry had sought of the interim report, eight stua report about the February 9 in- dents identified by the panel have cident which has sparked a wide- been debarred from academic acspread outrage among various quarters. "...despite the university The varsity has stated the sequence of deciding to withdraw the events in the report be- permission the students went ginning from how four ahead with the program students had taken permission for an event where allegedly certain titled objectionable slogans "Poetry-reading were raised’ The country without post office". tivities while allowing them to "On the day of the event, it stay in hostel as guests," the recame to notice of the administra- port added. tion that the poster of the event The varsity has also told the was captioned 'Against the ministry that the final report of the Brahmanical Collective con- committee will be submitted by science, against judicial killing of February 25. Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat and Informing the ministry about in solidarity with the struggle of the apprehension among faculty the Kashmiri people for their members about police presence on democratic right to self determi- campus, JNU has said, "a letter was nation," the report said. sent to police requesting them to "...despite the university decid- take utmost precautions before ing to withdraw the permission the entering the university campus if students went ahead with the pro- required under law. .-PTI
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DU ex-lecturer arrested in RCCI joins FOG as sedition case Major Partner NEW DELHI: Former Delhi University lecturer SAR Geelani has been arrested on sedition and other charges in connection with an event here in which anti-India slogans were raised, police said. "Geelani was arrested around 3 AM at the Parliament Street police station under IPC sections 124A (sedition), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 149 (unlawful assembly)," DCP (New Delhi) Jatin Narwal said. Geelani was called to the police station where he was detained and questioned for several hours, and later arrested. After his arrest, he was taken to RML Hospital for a medical examination, he said. At a Press Club event on February 10, in which Geelani was present on the dais along with
three other speakers, a group allegedly had shouted slogans hail-
SAR Geelani
ing Afzal Guru. Taking suo motu cognizance of the matter, the po-
lice registered a case against Geelani and other unnamed persons on February 12. Police had claimed that Geelani was booked as he is presumed to be the "main organizer" of the event. "Request for booking a hall at the Press Club was done through Geelani's e-mail and the nature of the event was proposed to be a public meeting, which did not turn out to be so," a senior official had said.-PTI
Attack on mediapersons condemned
Journalists holding a protest march from Press Club of India to the Supreme Court in protest against the attack on media persons and JNU students by lawyers outside and inside Patiala House Courts, in New Delhi on February 16
NEW DELHI: Several journalist bodies have condemned the attack on scribes covering the hearing of a sedition case against JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar at a court here, and demanded strict action against the accused, while alleging dereliction of duty on part of the police. The incident attracted huge criticism from the press community with members pressing the Home Ministry to look into the "dereliction of duty" by police, saying they remained a "mute spectator" during the incident. Observing that it was a matter of "great concern" that attacks on journalists are "going up", the journalist bodies demanded strict action against the attackers. "The IWPC (Indian Women Press Corps) urges strict action against the lawyers and the instigators of the assault on journalists. The inaction by the po-
lice also needs to be accounted for. The IWPC urges the Home Ministry to look into the dereliction of duty by the police who were present in the premises. "It is a matter of great concern that attacks on journalists are going up at an alarming rate. The freedom to report fearlessly can only take place in an atmosphere that is free of intimidation and violence," president IWPC, T K Rajalakshmi said in a statement. "Delhi Union of Journalists strongly condemns the blatant attack on journalists, JNU students and teachers at Patiala House court. The Delhi police have remained silent spectators. "Even women journalists have been assaulted. We demand that the police protect journalists doing their job. We also demand that take strong action against these violent attackers," it said.-PTI
India Post News Service
JAIPUR, India: The Rajasthan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) has decided to join the prestigious Festival of Globe of Silicon Valley, USA, as a Major Partner. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to this effect was signed here at the RCCI office on 18 January between Shri K .L. Jain, Honorary Secretary General RCCI and Dr Romesh Japra, Chairman, Festival of Globe. The Festival of Globe, Silicon Valley (FOGSV) is a Film Festival & Awards function which encourages gathering of Indians residing in USA for a cause in the benefit of society and to get a better understanding of the culture, the arts, the music and foods of the Indian American community. The RCCI is a consortium with multiple disciplines in India and is now launching and branding at the FOG event. The RCCI has come on board as a Festival Name Sponsor and the FOG has offered it the fol-
lowing benefits as a Major Partner: • RCCI Name will be in front of FOG across all hoardings, brochures, advertisements, banners throughout the festival (film screening, premiere nights, opening nights, award night, grand parade, parties etc.) • Full promotion on festival website and social media • VVIP seating at Aw a r d s night and Grand India Day Parade, riding in convertible car through thousands of people. • RCCI will receive a special Global as Business promotion Partner. • In terms of Print Media, RCCI will get publicity in the most important Indian newspapers of America • Along with Print Media coverage in America, there will be Print Media coverage in India for the promotions done. • RCCI will be given great photo opportunities with Local Politicians, Thought Leaders, Educationists, Film Makers and famous celebrities of Hollywood throughout the festival.
Intellectuals demand probe into anti-India acts NEW DELHI: A group of intellectuals and academicians met Home Minister Rajnath Singh here and sought a probe into the alleged anti-India activities in Jawaharlal Nehru University and Press Club of India and immediate action to ensure that such incidents do not recur. In a memorandum, the intellectuals and academicians belonging to Delhi University, Indira Gandhi National Open University, advocates of Supreme Court and others, told Singh that the country was witnessing incidents where "anti-India, pro-terrorist slogans were heard, asking for disintegration of the country". "Such incidents strengthen the
hands of anti-national forces, enemies of the country and terrorists who are foes of humanity," the group's convener Monika
They told Singh to take immediate action against the "pro-terrorist, antinational elements" so that they do not dare think about the disintegration of the country
Arora said in the memorandum. They told Singh to take immediate action against the "pro-terrorist, anti-national elements" so that they do not dare think about the disintegration of the country. "There should be proper investigation into the February 11 incident at the Press Club of India, examination and exposing the entire links who provide political, psychological, moral and financial support to such anti-India persons and terminate their membership as well," the memorandum said. Home Ministry sources said Singh gave them a patient hearing and assured them their demands will be examined. -PTI
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UNSC divorced from reality, says India UNITED NATIONS: India has hit out at the UN Security Council over its current structure and methods of work, saying the 15-member powerful world body is "divorced from reality" and represents a bygone era warranting reform. "It is ironical that the Security Council is working towards the establishment of democracy and Rule of Law in various parts of the world when its own house is not in order," India's Ambassador
United Nations as Key Element for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security' at the UN Security Council. "We hope it does not require a cataclysmic crisis to foster this fundamental change. There has never been a greater need for reform of the Council which is a sine qua non for the optimal efficiency of the Council and would be the real form of tribute to the purposes and principles of the Char-
"The current structure and methods of work of the Security Council are divorced from reality and represent a bygone era," he told the UNSC.Akbaruddin said that to regain "its legitimacy there is no option but for the Security Council to reform." to the UN Syed Akbaruddin. "The current structure and methods of work of the Security Council are divorced from reality and represent a bygone era," he told the UNSC. Akbaruddin said that to regain "its legitimacy there is no option but for the Security Council to reform." The terse remarks were made by Akbaruddin during an open debate 'Respect to the Principles and Purposes of the Charter of the
ter of the United Nations," he said. Akbaruddin said while terrorism remains a cardinal threat to the maintenance of international peace and security, the efforts of the United Nations and the Security Council in taking decisive action to combat terrorism leaves much to be desired. It has been noticed that even brazen public violations of the sanctions regime by listed individuals and entities, far from at-
tracting punitive measures, do not even elicit the mildest censure, Akbaruddin said. "Yet, we the general membership of the UN are expected to comply with the decisions of the Council's Sanctions Committees decisions or lack thereof," he said. Observing that the Council has taken the lead in referring to the purposes and principles of the Charter while attempting to maintain international peace and security, he said, however, its own actions have not always been in the spirit of the Charter. The UNSC is composed of 15 members, five of them permanent and 10 non-permanent elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. The five permanent members include: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Addressing the Security Council, UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon said for the millions living amidst war and extreme poverty, and for the countless others whose rights are violated or neglected in other ways, the ideals and values of the United Nations Charter remain elusive. Bringing the promise of the Charter to the most vulnerable must continue to be the main goal, Ban said. -PTI
AirAsia India makes 134% growth in traffic NEW DELHI: Higher capacity deployment coupled with increased frequency on two routes helped budget carrier AirAsia India to make a robust 134 per cent growth in passenger traffic as it flew over half-a-million customers in October-December period of 2015. The airline carried a total of 5,08,407 passengers during the period as compared to 2,17,209 passengers flown by AirAsia India in the October-December quarter of calendar year 2014. "AirAsia India posted load factor of 84 per cent in Q4 2015, an increase of one per cent with a total of 0.51 million passengers carried (during the period)," the airline said in a statement. AirAsia India is a joint venture in
which Malaysia's AirAsia Bhd holds 49 per cent, Tata Sons Ltd 41 per cent and Arun Bhatia of Telestra Tradeplace Pvt Ltd the rest. The airline had commenced operations on June 12, 2014. AirAsia India operated a total of 6,07,680 seats (capacity) during the three months ending December 2015 as against 2,60,280 seats flown by the carrier in the same period of 2014, it said adding the capacity deployment grew 133 per cent during the quarter. According to the airline, it inducted one aircraft in the fleet,
which took the total fleet to six Airbus A320s, besides adding Visakhapatnam in the route network during Q4-2015 while frequencies were increased on the Goa and Guwahati routes from New Delhi. AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Tony Fernandes has said that his Indian joint venture airline would add two more planes "shortly and a dozen later" without putting a time line to the induction of these planes.-PTI
Mysuru ranked cleanest city of India NEW DELHI: Mysuru has been ranked first in terms of cleanliness again after 2014, followed by Chandigarh, Tiruchirappalli and NDMC area of the national capital, according to a QCI survey. The rankings of the Swachh Survekshan Survey, conducted by Quality Council of India, were announced by Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu here. Visakhapatnam, Surat, Rajkot,
others besides what more needs to be done by each city to ensure sanitation. In that sense, the survey is more holistic, participatory, purposeful and meaningful for future guidance and evolving course of action," he said. Naidu said the results of the survey were analyzed to identify the top leaders, aspiring leaders, cities where accelerated efforts
Gangtok, Pimpri-Chindwad (Maharashtra) were also among the top ten clean cities. The least clean cities included Dhanbad, Asansol, Itanagar, Patna, Meerut, Raipur, Ghaziabad, Jamshedpur, Varanasi and Kalyan Dombivili. As part of 'Swachh Bharat Mission', the survey was commissioned across 73 cities, including 51 cities that have a population of over 10 lakh each and 22 capital cities that do not have that much population. Naidu said cities from South and West continue to do well overall but those in other parts of the country, particularly, in the North are beginning to catch up with the traditional leaders. "This is meant to help the cities know where they stand in absolute terms and in relation to
need to be made and the slow movers. Last cleanliness survey was conducted in 2014 among 476 cities with a population of one lakh and above and its results were announced last year. This was before the launch of 'Swachh Bharat Mission' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October last. "Swacch Survekshan-2016 is primarily intended to measure the impact of the efforts under Swachh Bharat Mission launched after the survey of 2014," Naidu said. Based on the comparison of the marks and ranks of the two surveys, Naidu said 'Swachh Bharat Mission' has made a positive impact in urban areas in terms of sanitation, attitudes of urban local bodies and citizens.-PTI
2 Indian girls killed in Russian academy fire NEW DELHI: Two Indian girl students were killed in a fire at a medical university in western Russia and some others injured, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said here. "We have lost two Indian girl students (both from Maharashtra) studying at Smolensk Medical Academy in Russia in a fire accident," Swaraj tweeted. The Minister further said: "Some students are injured. They
are out of danger. The place is 400 kms from Moscow. Our team has already reached there." According to the Russian investigative committee, the preliminary report showed that fire occurred at the fourth floor of the dormitory of the university. Swaraj said the mortal remains of the Indian girls will be brought to Mumbai. "Our heartfelt condolences," she said in another tweet. -PTI
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HUA-affiliated research unit in Ahmedabad RUCHIT SHAH
AHMEDABAD: Jyotirmay Institute of Learning and Research (JILAR) in Gujarat, India affiliated with Hindu University of America (HUA) held its inauguration ceremony on January 31at Dhyan Mandir auditorium, Sivanand Ashram, Ahmedabad. Swami Adhyatmanandji Maharaj was the Chief Guest for this auspicious occasion. The deep party (the lamp lighting) ceremony, was conducted by Adyatmanandji Maharaj, Maheshbhai Mehta (former president of HUA), Keshavbhai Patel (VP of HUA), Deepak Bakshi and Sridharbhai Vyas. Adyatmanandji Maharaj started with prayer and gave lecture on "The importance of Vedic knowledge in everyday life". Maheshbhai Mehta talked on "How HUA began in America, and its role in American society" when no single Vedic organization was existing in USA. Deepak Bakshi (President of JILAR) briefed on the courses and integration of all Vedic subjects within one degree course. He also talked about co-realizing effort between students and faculty where teacher's role will be as a facilitator within the class room.
Lamp lighting ceremony at JILAR meet by Adyatmanandji Maharaj
JILAR office bearers and guests with Adyatmanandji Maharaj
Headley's divorced wife, cousin respond NEW DELHI: Faiza Outalha, the divorced wife of Americanborn Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist David Headley, has replied to all questions of National Investigation Agency (NIA) relating to her knowledge of the conspiracy behind 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Besides Outalha, the probe
NIA sent a fresh request in French to Moroccan authorities for recording her statement pertaining to her knowledge of her estranged husband's association with LeT terror group. French is generally used by the Moroccan government for international diplomatic communications.
During her stay in Pakistan, Outalha had met Hafiz Saeed and complained to him against Headley that he used to misbehave with him and also misappropriated her money. She had also gone to the US embassy in Islamabad agency also recorded the statement of a New York-based cousin of Headley through a questionnaire sent through the US Department of Justice, official sources said. The legal process of quizzing Outalha concluded only after the
Outalha had visited India twice and was used by Headley while carrying out a reconnaissance mission at Hotel Taj Mahal in Mumbai. The NIA, however, refused to share information tendered by Outalha.
Earlier, Headley's another wife Shazia and business associate Raymond Sanders had turned down a similar request of NIA to answer questions related to his association with the terror group, citing a US privacy law. During her stay in Pakistan, Outalha had met Hafiz Saeed and complained to him against Headley that he used to misbehave with him and also misappropriated her money. She had also gone to the US embassy in Islamabad and informed the authorities there about Headley's involvement with terror groups like LeT and Harkat-ul-Jehadi Islami, the sources said. Outalha, who married Headley in February 2007 and divorced him a year later, has been able to give security agencies an insight into the personal life of Pakistani-American terrorist, besides his connections in Mumbai. Cont’d on page 14
Sindh in Pak adopts Hindu Marriage Bill ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's But the bill has generated conSindh Assembly has passed the troversy in equal measures over a Hindu Marriage Bill making the clause that calls for annulment of province the first in the country marriage if any of the spouses to allow the minority community converts their religion. to register their marriages, amid Ramesh Vankwani, patron incalls from a leading Hindu group chief of the Pakistan Hindu Counto remove a controversial clause cil, said the Hindu community in in the landmark bill. the country was concerned about The bill, moved in the assem- the clause. bly by Parliamentary Affairs Min"The objectionable clause ister Nisar Khuhro, will apply to 12(iii) of the Hindu Marriage Bill entire Sindh province, which has can be used for forced convera sizeable population of Hindus. sions of Hindu girls and women. "Since the creation of Pakistan, It states that a marriage could be it is the first time that such a law is terminated if either spouse conbeing passed. The decision has verts to another religion," he said. been taken to provide mechanism for formally registering Hindu mar- ‘We have brought up the riages in Sindh," issue of forced conversion Khuhro said. It was passed after a national parliamentary of Hindu women and girls panel cleared its draft, particularly in rural areas of paving way for registration of marriage and di- Sindh with the government vorce for the Hindu community in Pakistan. and this clause can The bill fixes the lead to its misuse’ minimum age of marriage at 18. According to the bill, it is nec"Already we have brought up essary that a marriage is solem- the issue of forced conversion of nized after consent of both male Hindu women and girls particuand female and at least two wit- larly in rural areas of Sindh with nesses must be present at the time the government and this clause of the solemnization and registra- can lead to its misuse," said tion of the marriage. Vankwani, also a lawmaker of the According to the bill, every ruling PML-N party. marriage being solemnized under There were many instances this act will be registered with the when Hindu girls were abducted union council/ward within 45 days and later presented before court of the solemnization. with certificates confirming their The bill should have retrospec- conversion and marriage to a tive effect for the purpose of vali- Muslim man, he said. dation and registration of the marSeeking to put an end to the riage prior to this law. Any person who fails to get his marriage registered will be liable to pay a fine of 1,000 rupees. O t h e r provinces and the federal government need to adopt separate bills to enable Hindu get marriages registered. The absence of a Hindu Marriage law controversy, chairperson of was a huge hindrance to get mar- standing committee on law and riage certificates, national identity justice Nasreen Jalil said she has cards and share in property. Hin- called a meeting of the committee dus in Pakistan have long de- to discuss the concerns exmanded a separate personal law pressed by the Hindu community. to regulate their marriages. -PTI
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PM promises stable tax regime, easy clearances MUMBAI: Calling Make in India as the biggest brand ever created in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi here promised investors a predictable and transparent taxation regime and simplified licensing and clearance processes. "We will not resort to retrospective taxation; we are making our tax regime transparent, stable and predictable," he said. "We are also simplifying processes like licenses, security and environmental clearances," said Modi, while addressing heads of state, a battery of business leaders and foreign delegates at the launch of 'Make In India Week' here. "This (Make In India) brand has captured imagination of institutions, industry, individuals and media....It reflects our collective desire and is forcing us to make corrections and increase efficiency. "India is one of the most open countries for FDI," Modi said, adding that FDI inflows have gone up by 48 per cent since this government came to power in May 2014. "We want to make India a global manufacturing hub," he said, adding there is an all-round emphasis on 'ease of doing business' now. "India is blessed with 3 'Ds', Democracy, Demography and Demand, to this we have added another D, Deregulation," the PM said. Changes are taking place at state level too and there is healthy competition among states in ease of doing business and boosting infrastructural linkages, he said. "In 2014-15, India contributed 12.5 per cent to global growth. Its
contribution to global growth is 68 per cent higher than its share of world economy," he said. "India has consistently been ranked as the most attractive investment destination by several global agencies and institutions. Our young entrepreneurs are showing us newer and faster ways for enterprise and delivery and my government is committed to support them. "My friendly advice to industrialists: Don't wait. Don't relax. There are immense opportunities in India," he said. The Make in India Week is aimed at attracting investments into the manufacturing sector and showcasing success stories at a specially-created venue at the BKC business district in Central Mumbai. Noting that "youthful energy" with 65 per cent of the population being under 35 is "our greatest strength," Modi said India launched the Make in India cam-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing at the inauguration of the Make in India Week, in Mumbai on February 13
been put on automatic approval route. Our FDI inflows have gone up by 48 per cent since the day my government came to office. "In fact, FDI inflow in December 2015 was the highest ever in this country. This is at a time when global FDI has fallen substantially," the Prime Minister said. On the issue of safety of prop-
"India is one of the most open countries for FDI," Modi said, adding that FDI inflows have gone up by 48 per cent since this government came to power in May 2014. "We want to make India a global manufacturing hub" paign a year ago to create employment, self-employment opportunities for youth. In a year, he said, Make in India has become the biggest brand India has ever created. "Today, India is perhaps the most open country for FDI. Most of the FDI sectors have
erties and rights, Modi said: "We have already enacted a law for fasttracking of arbitration proceedings. We are establishing dedicated commercial courts and commercial divisions in high courts. The formation of the Company Law Tribunal is at the final stage." The government will soon be
putting in place an effective IPR policy and patent regime and expects to pass the bankruptcy law, which has been tabled in Parliament, he said. Talking about the taxation, Modi said that a "number of corrections" had been carried out. "We have said we will not resort to retrospective taxation. And I repeat this commitment once again." Modi said that the government wants the share of manufacturing in the GDP to go "up to 25 per cent in the near future". "In the manufacturing sector, we have taken decisive steps to simplify processes and rationalize provisions. This includes licensing, cross-border trade, security and environmental clearances. "We have announced attractive schemes in several sectors including electronics and textiles. We have made substantial policy corrections in the defense sector. From licensing to offset regime and export regime, we have given what
the defense industry was looking for," he said. "Hence, on the front of policy and procedure, we have made our systems cleaner, simpler, pro-active and business-friendly," he added. According to Modi, the allround emphasis is on ease of doing business. Saying that his government was also ensuring smooth and transparent allocation of natural resources, he said this has led to increased production and a level playing field. "This year, we will record the highest ever coal production. Also, 2015 was the year when India's highest ever generation of electricity was recorded," he pointed out. "I believe in minimum government and maximum governance. Therefore, almost on a daily basis, we are trying to remove the bottlenecks that were affecting investments and growth," the Prime Minister said. "When we started the Make in India campaign, manufacturing growth in the country was 1.7 per cent. This year, it has improved substantially. In the current quarter, manufacturing growth is expected to be around 12.6 per cent," Modi said. The Prime Minister said that India has become the fastest growing large economy in the world. "We will end this fiscal year with well over 7 per cent growth in GDP. IMF, World Bank, OECD, ADB and other institutions have projected even better growth in the coming days." Cont’d on page 12
Modi holds talks with leaders of Sweden, Finland & Poland
Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of Finland, Juha Sipila, at the Make in India Centre, in Mumbai on February 13
MUMBAI: After inaugurating the Make In India Centre Expo here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with his counterparts from Sweden, Fin-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Prime Minister of Sweden, Stefan Lofven
land and also the Deputy Prime Minister of Poland. In his talks with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven, Modi invited Swedish companies to
forge partnerships in the fields of defense, electronic goods, medical equipment etc, an official statement said. During his interaction with the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, Dr. Piotr Glinski
Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila, Modi invited Finland's active participation in engineering, power plants, biotech and innovation, it said.
Modi and Sipila tele-inaugurated the new state-of-the-art manufacturing unit of Trivitron Healthcare in Chennai. Cont’d on page 12
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Govt to bring in more banking Manufacturing is actually picking up: Sitharaman reforms: Jaitley MUMBAI: Hinting at major banking sector reforms in the offing, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said the country is not at a stage where the government can completely exit its holding in the
state where the state can pull out of banking altogether." He further said that in order to professionalize the operations of these state-run banks, which control over 70 per cent of the indus-
Union Minister for Finance, Arun Jaitley discussing on “India’s Path Forward and the Obstacles it Need to Overcome” in CNN ASIA Business Forum – 2016, at the Make in India program, in Mumbai on February 14
27 public sector banks. "There are a series of banking reforms which I am likely to announce...in the days to come, you may find something on that," said Jaitley, who will present the Union Budget on February 29. Speaking at the CNN Asia Business Forum 2016 during the Make in India Week here, Jaitley said, "I don't think India has reached a
try, the government has already committed to bring down its holding up to 51 per cent. Public-sector banks are required because they perform a major role in financial inclusion through their geographical reach, Jaitley said. The government had last year announced the 'Indradhanush' program to revamp the state-run
Manmohan great as FM; not so when PM: Jaitley MUMBAI: A day after his move up the country's economy. 'policy paralysis' jibe at In a Facebook post, Jaitley Manmohan Singh, Finance had said the transition from the Minister Arun Jaitley said the UPA to NDA government has Congress leader did a "great been from "policy-paralysis" to job" as a Finance Minister but a global "bright-spot" while reforms proCongress' cess stopped stand on the after he becrucial GST Bill came the Prime has been motiMinister. vated by "real "To be fair politics". to him (Singh), Jaitley had he did a great further said job as an FM in that unlike in initiating rethe UPA regime forms. That when policies process stalled were framed Manmohan Singh when he befrom Congress came the PM," Jaitley said. headquarters at 24, Akbar Road, He was speaking at the CNN in the NDA government Prime Asia Business Forum held on Minister Narendra Modi has the the sidelines of the 'Make In In- last word. dia Week' here. "Former Presidents and Prime Jaitley had earlier hit back at Ministers rarely speak, but Singh for stating in an interview when they do, the nation should that the Modi government was listen to them with rapt attennot reaching out to the Opposi- tion. They represent the wisdom tion and not doing enough to of the nation. -PTI
cent. Actually, the perception is going around in the circle without looking at the figures," she told reporters during the Make in India Week here. The investment offers and MoUs that have been signed so far in the Make in India week are an indicator that manufacturing is gaining traction, she asserted. Asked about discrepancies in some of the recently reNirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Commerce speaks leased at the Maharashtra Investment Seminar during the Make In data and India Week in Mumbai on February 15 their meththere is slack in the sector is odologies to calculate, she said wrong. even Kaushik Basu - the World "Manufacturing is actually Bank economist and former Chief picking up. The last quarter fig- Economic Advisor - has said ure showed that the country's "there is absolutely no reason to GDP growth will be over 7 per doubt the figures which have cent. It also revealed that manu- come out". facturing is growing over 9 per "So, I think in this country there can be a lot of discussions about the methodology, the process of getting the numbers and there is no harm in discussing. But of course, ultimately if there is no doubt after the due discussions, we have to settle somewhere and start believing rather than keep MUMBAI: Japanese compa- Arvind Panagariya said easy the discussions going on," she nies should relocate their manu- availability of capital in Japan and added. facturing base to India as this is the cheap labor in India are "At the end of the day, you are the "only way" to strengthen bi- complementary to each other. not able to sit and work on numlateral partnership between the Panagariya said Japanese com- bers because you question everytwo countries, DIPP Secretary panies present in China may also thing." Amitabh Kant said here. like to come in India because of Basu had recently said India's "You (Japanese companies) have the difficulties being faced by the GDP numbers are very dependto relocate your manufacturing base country's northern neighbor. able and there is no "rigging" takinto India... This is the only way It can be noted that Japan has ing place with regard to data. He you can strengthen was responding to questions surJapan's and Indian partrounding the GDP numbers being nership for the future," ‘You've to capture India and put out by the Central Statistics the Department of Indus- you've to capture the world Office (CSO). trial Policy and Promo- and the only way you can do It has projected a growth rate tion Secretary said at the of 7.6 per cent for the current fisit is if you manufacture here’ Make in India Week. cal, the highest in the last five At a special session in years. the presence of Prime Minister Shinzo given multiple stimuli to the Notably, industrial production Abe's advisor, Kant said Japan is an economy and is the only major declined for the second month, advanced nation and it is too expen- country in the world where the contracting 1.3 per cent in Decemsive to do manufacturing there. central bank has negative ber, mainly due to a drop in manu"You've to capture India and benchmarking lending rates. facturing and capital goods secyou've to capture the world and Both Panagariya and Kant said tor. Factory output as measured the only way you can do it is if India, the only bright spot in a by the Index of Industrial Producyou manufacture here," Kant, the world plagued with economic un- tion (IIP) had also declined 3.4 per CEO-designate of government certainties, presents an exciting cent in November. thinktank NITI Aayog said, assur- opportunity as it is growing at 7.5 During April-December this fising full support of the Indian gov- per cent at present and will grow cal, the industrial output grew 3.1 ernment for it. at 8-10 per cent over the next two- per cent compared with 2.6 per NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman three decades.-PTI cent a year earlier.-PTI
banks. It has already put in place steps to professionalize their management. The government is committed to zero interference, and keeping an arms-length from these banks and letting the institutions run professionally, Jaitley said, adding "we have erred in the past on this". The comments from the Finance Minister come days after the state-run lenders posted poor set of earnings for the December quarter. Bank of Baroda and IDBI Bank posted the highest losses in Indian banking history, while others like Indian Overseas Bank and Dena Bank were also in the red. Those who managed to be in the black witnessed a huge spurt in bad assets and provisioning, attributed largely to an asset quality review undertaken by the RBI. On the critical question of reforms, and whether the steps taken by the government have been a "quantum shift", Jaitley said the work done by the NDA government is "more than incremental" if we look at the sum total. On the passage of the GST in the Upper House, Jaitley said he hopes to "negotiate through" in the coming days. -PTI
MUMBAI: Trying to instill confidence in the investor community, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman has said manufacturing in the country is picking up and the perception that
Japan urged to relocate manufacturing to India
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Modi holds talks with leaders of Sweden, Finland & Poland Cont’d from page 10
Modi recalled long association of his home state Gujarat with Poland during his bilateral talks with the Deputy Prime Minister Piotr Glinski. Modi discussed areas of cooperation in food processing, clean energy and transportation sectors with Glinski, the statement added. India, Sweden to step up ties A joint statement following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Swedish counterpart, Stefan Lofven, said, "... India's economic development and rise as a global power have created new opportunities to further deepen and extend this partnership to foster economic growth and inclusive development in both countries as well as to meet global challenges. " The Prime Ministers of the two nations have "agreed to scale up bilateral relations and committed to a close bilateral dialogue at all levels", it said. The two leaders also underlined the need to tap full potential of the EU-India strategic partnership and welcomed the prospect of resumption of talks on the India EU Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA). "Both the Indian and Swedish sides remain committed to the WTO and a transparent, fair and predictable global trade regime," the statement said. The two Prime Ministers committed to a continued dialogue within the framework of the joint
commission to enhance the environment for doing business in their respective countries and further facilitate and promote bilateral economic cooperation. On increasing cooperation on defense matters, it said both the leaders agreed that India and Sweden will enhance dialogue on defense in key areas. "The two Prime Ministers acknowledged the potential for suc-
rity Council through an expansion in both categories of membership, to make it more effective and representative of the contemporary geo-political realities," it said. Lofven was of the view that it would be inconceivable that an important global actor such as India is not a permanent member of an enlarged Security Council and said he will seek parliamentary support for this view.
Cont’d from page 10
"We have jumped twelve ranks in the latest global ranking by the World Bank on ease of doing business. India has improved its UNCTAD ranking of investment attractiveness, from fifteenth to ninth," the PM noted, adding that the country has jumped sixteen
frastructure Bonds, and said the country was working with other countries, financial markets and funds on these financial instruments. "Fifty of our cities are ready for setting up Metro Rail Systems. We have to build fifty million houses. The requirement of road, rail and waterways is enor-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Make in India Centre, in Mumbai on February 13 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Sweden,Stefan Lofven at the Make in India Centre, in Mumbai on February 13
cessful collaboration and agreed that under the rubric of Make in India, co-operation possibilities between their respective defense industries could be identified and taken forward appropriately, including in the field of aviation," it added. Further, both the Prime Ministers agreed to a deeper bilateral dialogue on UN Issues at both capital and UN-Mission level. "They reiterated the need for urgent reforms of the UN Secu-
"The two countries called for forward movement in the intergovernmental negotiations on UN Security Council reforms and stressed their commitment to initiate text-based negotiations within the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly," the joint statement said. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's support for Sweden's candidature for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2017-18. -PTI
Goyal sees $1 trillion investment in power sector MUMBAI: Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal has said he expects nearly $1 trillion investment in the power sector, which includes coal renewables, by 2030. "Considering the initiatives taken by the government in the last few years in the power sector to improve efficiency, at a conservative level, we expect to attract investment of $1 trillion by 2030. The power sector, including the coal renewable sector, has the potential to attract a trillion dollar investment," Goyal said at the 'Make in India Week' here. He said that in the short term for next five years till 2020, the sector is likely to attract nearly $250 billion. "Considering the initiatives
PM promises stable tax regime, easy clearances
Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for State for Power, Coal and New & Renewalble Energy and Baba Kalyani, Chairman of Bharat Forge at the Maharashtra Investment Seminar during the Make In India Week in Mumbai on February 15
taken by the government to enhance its renewable capacity, we estimate that the renewable sector alone will attract investment
to the tune of $1 billion in the next 5 years," he said. Cont’d on page 13
places on the World Economic mous. There is no time for increForum's global competitive index, mental changes. We want a quanwhile the rating agency Moody's tum jump," he said, terming India has upgraded the rating of India as "land of immense opportunias positive. ties". "With this background, I invite Modi also noted that while and encourage you to make India pursuing growth, India had your work place and also your "made a commitment to the world home," Modi said, adding India community at the recent COP-21 was particularly keen to increase meeting in Paris" to curtail carinvestments in "next generation bon footprint, and was targeting infrastructure" including roads, renewable energy in a big way at ports, railways, airports, telecom, 175 Gigawatts. digital networks and clean en"I lay great stress on zero deergy." fect and zero effect manufactur"We are also investing in our social, industrial and agricultural infrastructure to give ‘India offers you a solid better income and qualplatform to test and launch ity of life to our people," he asserted. your making and designing "So far, it was our implementation capac- capabilities,’ he said ity that was the biggest bottleneck. We have ing. We place high emphasis on speeded up processes. The result is faster turn- energy efficiency, water re-cyaround of projects. India's high- cling, waste to energy, clean Inest ever kilometers of new high- dia and river cleaning," he said, way contracts awarded was in adding this provides more oppor2015....increase in railway capital tunities for investments. "India offers you a solid platexpenditure was the highest this year," Modi said. form to test and launch your To enhance financing, "an- making and designing capabiliother bottleneck", government ties," he said. The Prime Minister mentioned was opening up greenfield and brownfield projects for Public Pri- the Digital India and Skill India vate Partnership and trying to in- campaigns and financing crease resources for infrastruc- schemes "dedicated to promote ture with "strong fiscal discipline entrepreneurship" such as and by "plugging leakages", said MUDRA Bank loans, adding he had "impressed on banks" to fithe Prime Minister. The Prime Minister mentioned nance young entrepreneurs from National Investment and Infra- Scheduled Castes and Tribes as structure Fund and Tax Free In- well as women entrepreneurs. -PTI
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British curry festival to be held in India LONDON: The 'Taste of Britain Curry Festival' is all set to travel to the home of curries, India, with leading British chefs aiming to recreate an exclusive selection of dishes that have become a hit in the European country. The four-member team will be
and his team during the 10-day long curry festival that will take place from March 18-27 at ITC Maurya, New Delhi. Dominic, who has cooked at two previous festivals and recently appeared in the BBC series the Great British Menu, has
headed by Azadur Rahman, one of the most experienced and celebrated curry chefs in the UK. Chef Azadur and his team will produce a range of new dishes giving a spicy twist to traditional British meals as well as classic high street favorites like Chicken Tikka Masala, Balti and Vindaloo. A highly acclaimed chef Dominic Chapman will join Azadur
started his career under the tutelage of Heston Blumenthal, the world famous three-starred Michelin chef who owns the world famous Fat Duck restaurant. Chef Dominic will be showcasing traditional English cuisine in the hotel's West View restaurant, while his colleagues will offer contemporary British Indian food in the Pavilion restaurant.
"This festival illustrates the unique nature of the UK-India relationship and highlights the rich and diverse cultural make up of modern Britain. "This festival, which I have attended in the past, is a wonderful way of showcasing the best of British chefs and their creations," said Keith Vaz, Britain's longestserving Indian-origin MP. "British food is enjoying a renaissance period after many years and curry has played a major role in helping put us back in the world kitchen. "This festival will create the opportunity not only to showcase the best of British but also help our chefs to bring fresh ideas to their own menus by working alongside the culinary masters of ITC Maurya," said Editor of Curry Life Magazine and Director of the Festival Syed Belal Ahmed. "What greater inspiration could they have than a city which has been famed for its gastronomy for centuries?" "We are delighted to be hosting the Taste of Britain Curry Festival at the ITC Maurya, the flagship property of ITC hotels in India," said Zubin Songadwalah, General Manager. -PTI
Cellulose nanogenerators may power medical implants WASHINGTON: Indian scientists have developed a flexible nanogenerator out of cellulose that could power future implanted biomedical devices by harvesting energy from the human body. Implantable electronics can deliver drugs, monitor vital signs and perform other health-related roles. But finding a way to power them remains a challenge. Now, scientists from Depart-
Efforts to convert the energy of motion - from footsteps, ocean waves, wind and other movement sources - are well underway, researchers wrote in American Chemical Society's journal Applied Materials and Interfaces. "Basically cellulose is natural materials, purified form of wood, where few compounds such as hemicellulose and lignin are removed," Dipankar Mandal, Assis-
Many of these developing technologies are designed with the goal of powering everyday gadgets and even buildings. As such, they do not need to bend and are often made with stiff materials ment of Physics at Jadavpur University in Kolkata have built a flexible nanogenerator out of cellulose, an abundant natural material, that could potentially harvest energy from the body its heartbeats, blood flow and other almost imperceptible but constant movements.
tant Professor of Department of Physics Organic Nano-Piezoelectric Device Laboratory told PTI. "Since our biomedical device (Cellulose nanogenerator) is made with cellulose, thus major importance/significance of our research work is it is naturally abundant. As a result the
cost of the device will be very less that would be affordable by common people," said Mandal. "It is expected that this type of wood made biomedical device can be very much useful for healthcare monitoring that could be operated from home, so the initial health checkup can be very easily and regular manner," he said. Many of these developing technologies are designed with the goal of powering everyday gadgets and even buildings. As such, they do not need to bend and are often made with stiff materials. However, to power biomedical devices inside the body, a flexible generator could provide more versatility. So Mandal and his student Mehebub Alam at Jadavpur University set out to design one. The researchers turned to cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer on Earth, and mixed it in a simple process with a kind of silicone called polydimethylsiloxane - the stuff of breast implants - and carbon nanotubes.-PTI
Haryana receives proposals worth Rs 20,000 crore MUMBAI: The Haryana government has said it has received investment commitments worth Rs 20,000 crore in various sectors such as renewable energy, retail and logistics. "Today, we have received Rs 20,000 crore worth of offers to do business from over 18 people," Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar told reporters here on the second day of the Make in India (MII) Week here.
which is targeting ease of doing business and transparency to attract more investments into the state. On ease of doing business, Khattar emphasized that Haryana is working towards being among the top five states in the country. As the state is in the forefront of automobile manufacturing, several companies including Ashok Leyland, TVS as well as Maruti are looking to set up more
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal with members near the Haryana Pavilion at the Make in India Centre (MII), MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai on February 14
"These are in the areas of logistics, renewable energy, retail, among others and we expect to cross our target of Rs 1 lakh crore worth of investment deals ahead of the investor summit next month," he added. Khattar also mentioned that the Wanda Group of China had signed a Memorandum of Understanding worth Rs 65,000 crore. The Chief Minister expects investment from all sectors that can give employment to Haryana youth as the state looks to create 4 lakh jobs. Haryana recently unveiled a new 'Enterprise Promotion Policy',
production facilities in the state, he added. Haryana is also looking at attracting new sectors like aviation and defense. "We are keen to attract investments in segments that are not present in the state particularly aviation and defense. We have already indicated our interest in creating an aviation hub in Hisar where we have 3,500 acres of land available," Haryana finance minister Captain Abhimanyu said here. The 'Happening HaryanaGlobal Investors Summit 2016' is scheduled for March 7 and 8 in Gurgaon. -PTI
Goyal sees $1 trillion investment in power sector Cont’d from page 12
The transmission and distribution sector would see an investment of $50 billion by 2020, the minister said. "Our focus on energy efficiency by increasing the use of LED will attract an investment of $5-7 billion. We have taken a huge step in replacing the street lights with LED bulbs. This initiative will help us save nearly 100 billion
units of electricity and ensure nearly Rs 40,000 crore savings annually," Goyal said. Additionally, on the industrial equipment front, he expects an investment of $25 billion. "We are confident that the initiatives like UDAY, the tariff policy, efforts for bringing transparency in coal auction, the coal-swapping policy, the one nation one grid initiative will help us achieve this target," he added. -PTI
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February 19, 2016
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131 extradition requests pending with UK NEW DELHI: India has requested Britain to swiftly act on its 131 pending pleas for extradition of wanted criminals. The issue was raised by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju before visiting Minister of State for Immigration of the United Kingdom, James Brokenshire. Rijiju raised the issue of as many as 131 pending requests from New Delhi under the Extradition Treaty, a Home Ministry spokesperson said. The UK Minister on his part said these matters are handled by British courts. Brokenshire said the provision of death penalty in India and the European Commission's provisions on human rights were posing hurdles in acceding to the requests. He, however, assured Rijiju of cooperation and said a team of experts will examine the pleas on
a case-to-case basis. The Union Minister said New Delhi will explore the scope for the signing of an agreement with London on exchanging information about criminals. India will positively consider
Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju
the draft and advance signing of the MoU on Information Exchange on Criminality and Criminals with the UK, Rijiju added. The British Minister voiced concern on migrants overstaying their visas in the UK and said In-
dians constitute the largest such group. Rijiju said India will cooperate but needs to verify the Indian citizens amongst such illegal immigrants. The Union minister also flagged India's concerns over the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) set up by the UK that might be a hurdle before Indians travelling to that country for travel and work. Brokenshire said his government has not reached a conclusion yet on the recommendations of the panel and added the UK, in fact, encourages Indian students to visit that country for higher education. The visiting British delegation referred to limitations in making online payments for Indian eTourist Visa following which Rijiju assured the payment gateway was being upgraded. -PTI
Uddhav supports CM on Mumbai development MUMBAI: In a departure from bickering, which has come to symbolize the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena ties, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has complimented Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for "successfully" organizing the 'Make in India Week'. Uddhav affirmed support to all development activities being undertaken by the state government to make the quality of life better in the financial capital. "You will have support of Shiv Sena in all the endeavors you are undertaking to make the quality of life better in Mumbai," Thackeray said during a session on 'Make in Mumbai' as part of the 'Make in India' Week here. This was Uddhav's maiden foray at MMRDA grounds during the ongoing MII Week. Drawing from the slew of MoUs being signed by the state government at the event, Thackeray said, "We have signed
Indian jailed for espionage in Pakistan PESHAWAR: A 31-year-old pus petition filed by Fauzia Indian national, who had gone Ansari, the convict's mother, missing in Pakistan in 2012, has against his alleged illegal detenbeen sentenced to three years in tion. prison by a military court for esCourt had asked the governpionage. ment to respond to the petition Hamid Nehal Ansari was con- by Fauzia on the whereabouts of victed by the military court in her son. Kohat, a city in the Khyber In response, Military IntelliPakhtunkhwa province, and was gence Directorate intimated that shifted to Peshawar Central Ansari was in military custody and Prison, a jail spokesman said. is being tried by a military court. He has a right to appeal under Ansari, a Mumbai resident, the Pakistan Army Act. India had sought consular access for He had seven Facebook Ansari, an engineer, and accounts as well as around asked Pakistan to en30 email addresses. He was sure his safety and sereportedly found to be in curity. According to Dawn, possession of sensitive Ansari has confessed to illegally entering Pa- documents, it claimed kistan from Afghanistan for espionage. He had seven Facebook ac- was taken into custody by police counts as well as around 30 email and Intelligence Bureau (IB) offiaddresses. He was reportedly cials in Kohat, about 70 kms from found to be in possession of sen- here, in November 2012. Ever sitive documents, it claimed. since, his whereabouts were unOver three years after Ansari known. went missing in Pakistan where he Ansari's mother claimed he was had allegedly gone to meet a girl in touch with some Pakistani he had befriended on the Internet, friends who had suggested him authorities last month admitted to cross into Pakistan from Afthat he has been in army custody ghanistan without a visa. She and facing a trial in military courts. claimed that he had befriended a In light of the information, a Pakistani woman through social two-member bench had on Janu- media and had gone to Pakistan ary 13 disposed off a habeas cor- to meet her. -PTI
Headley's divorced wife, cousin respond Cont’d from page 9
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at Make in India Week event
MoU with you (BJP) to make my dreams for Mumbai come true." Making clear that the interests of the sons-of-the-soil should be protected in the development endeavors being undertaken by the government, Thackeray wished the best for Chief Minister's plans for the capital city.
‘You will have support of Shiv Sena in all the endeavors you are undertaking to make the quality of life better in Mumbai,’ Thackeray said during a session on 'Make in Mumbai'
Thackeray also posed with Fadnavis for a selfie. The Sena president said educational institutes of international repute should be created, which will not just arrest the issue of brain drain, but also get students from abroad to study here. "There is a need to clear junkyards dotting the eastern coastline in order to create more space for the city," Thackeray, who was present with Fadnavis when the stage caught fire during a cultural event at Girgaum Chowpatty here, said. -PTI
After the divorce the two had patched up and she had flown to Mumbai from Karachi. She came to India for a second time, entering the country through the Wagah border. During her first visit in 2007 she stayed with Headley at Taj Mahal Hotel and later in Oberoi-Trident, both targets of the 26/11 attack. On her second visit in May 2008, she entered via Wagah and went straight to Manali for a holiday. She later toured some areas of Shimla, including nearby Kufri, a popular tourist destination. During his recent deposition before a Mumbai court via video link, Headley had said Outalha had lodged a case against him with the Race Course police station in Lahore. He said the complaints were mainly about his being abusive
and not returning money he had borrowed from her. However, In January 2008, she had complained to the US Embassy in Islamabad that Headley was involved in terrorist activities and was also closely associated with Lashkar. Headley told the Mumbai court that Lashkar operative Abdul Rehman Pasha, one of the wanted accused, had advised him to keep her busy for safety reasons. "Perhaps Pasha had apprehensions that she might disclose the conspiracy plan," Headley said. Besides her, the first cousin of Headley had also recorded his statement to NIA about his mental state while he was working with him in his video parlor at New York. He said that Headley had become a devout Muslim and did not like working at the video parlor. PTI
Horoscope
February 19, 2016
India Post
www.indiapost.com
February 19th - February 25 th 2016
ou will be working extra hard to meet the deadline. Hard work will not go waste and soon you will be moving one step up the ladder. A sibling will call to seek your advice on an important matter. Business will improve and any journey undertaken this week will be fruitful. Relationship will keep getting stronger.
Y
ou will hear couple of encouraging news during the week. New opportunity will knock at your door and you will not take much time to go for it. Some of you may have your eyes set on a nice piece of property and start the paper work also. You will be invited to a small get together by a friend this week.
Y
Y
G
et together will be entertaining and every body will appreciate the arrangement. Sales will keep improving and few new customers will give you good business. You may try to cut down on caffeine or nicotine consumption. Value of your stocks will appreciate considerably. It will be better to dispose them off now.
D
o not think too much and stick to your guns. Planets will help you take the right decisions and make correct choices. A child may get accepted in desired college. You will start to enjoy the company of a new colleague. Keep working on your business plans as the right tools will become available to you in near future.
F
ew important developments in career will cause lots of excitement in life. A female could be instrumental in your success. Business will pick up all of a sudden and new subordinates will take lots of load off your hands. Some of you may be getting ready to move to different state. You may visit a holy place with family.
T
here will be lots of activities in life this week. Some of you may grab the offer and make a quick switch to new job. Financial benefits will not be too much but it will be closer to home. Some money could go towards legal bills or paying a fine. New relationship will be exciting and keep you busy.
ou will be very fortunate as far as money matters are concerned. Exalted Venus in second can get you big chunk of easy money. Stocks will also appreciate and you may dispose them off for a decent profit. You may put your needs aside and go out of your way to help a needy friend or sibling this week.
T
ou will need more than your earlier budget to fulfill your commitments this week. Some of you will be moving to better location soon. You will continue to work on your diversification plans and the developments will be encouraging. You will get ready to go on a short trip with a child. You will make some useful friends this week.
Y
ou may be thinking of shutting down one of your project chewing up all your savings. Saturn in second will keep you on the edge as far as the finances are concerned. You may meet an interesting personality at the meeting or during the course of the business trip. People prone to litigation should be careful.
Y
ou are going to put all worries aside and enjoy with close family and friends. A big promotion or raise is also on the horizon. You may be seriously looking to replace one of your vehicle. You will become very ambitious and will not be scared to make a risky move in career and really hit the bulls eye.
Y
njoy your life but within legal parameters. Some trouble brewing up from a female so watch out. There is a strong chance of promotion or raise in near future. Some of you may be advised minor surgery to tackle some health problem. You may appear for some very competitive exam this week and will come out with flying colors.
here will be some interesting developments in career to your advantage. Money wise you will continue to do well and stay comfortable after paying all bills. Idea of going on a long distance trip will cross your mind and you will start making enquiries. You may call an old friend to inquire about his health also.
E
15
Desi News Niles community celebrates Indian R-Day SURENDER ULLAL
CHICAGO: The board of Indian Community of Niles Township (ICNT) celebrated India's 67th Republic Day on Saturday February 6 at the Morton Grove Public Library in the Baxter Auditorium with patriotic songs, cultural music and dance performances. The initiative and inspiration behind this annual celebration has been Rohit Joshi, President of ICNT, his board members and former president Usha Kamaria. Frigid cold weather and gusty winds did not stop patriots from attending the annual Republic Day celebration. Auditorium was full to capacity. The audience, cheering every performance and fully enjoying the event made the event most successful. Details on page 18
AoL Curtain Raiser for World Cultural Festival HARISH RAO
CHICAGO: The Art of Living Foundation, Chicago organized a High-Profile Curtain Raiser for the World Cultural Festival on Saturday, February 6 at Sheraton Suites Chicago Elk Grove, a northwest suburb of Chicago. Art of Living Foundation has scheduled hosting a very unique and educationally entertaining program in New Delhi, for three days beginning March 11 to 13 with an expected attendance of 3.5 million people, including dignitaries and heads of governments from around the world. Details on page 20
YuppTV bags media rights for Asia Cup India Post News Service
ATLANTA: YuppTV, the world's largest Over-The-Top (OTT) provider for South Asian content, has announced it has secured the digital media rights for the Asia Cup T20, 2016 to be held from February 24 to March 6. While YuppTV has secured exclusive rights to stream Asia Cup 2016 live in the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia, cricket fans in Singapore will also be able view the tournament via YuppTV app on multiple Internet enabled devices such as Smart TVs, Smart Blu-ray players, streaming media players, laptop, gaming console, smart phones and tablets. Details on page 24
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
16 India Post
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The 3 Eternal Entities as described in Vedas
February 19, 2016
Details on page 25
Initiatives of AAPI lauded at Convention curtain raiser ers in the medical field from India, Ambassador Mulay pointed out. Announcing that the AAPI's 34th annual convention will be held at the Marriott Marquis, Time Square in New York from June 30 to July 4, Dr. Seema Jain, President of AAPI, said that "We are expecting a record attendance of more than 2,000 delegates including physicians, academicians, re-
"AAPI members represent a variety of important medical specialties. Sponsors will be able to take advantage of the many sponsorship packages at the 34th annual convention, creating highpowered exposure to the highly coveted demographic of AAPI's membership," Dr. Rita Ahuja said. Anwar Feroz, Honorary Advisor of AAPI, emceed the event
what's in store at the Convention included Dr. Virendra Sethi, Dr Anand Sahu, Dr. Kishore Ahuja, NEW YORK: Indian AmbassaDr. Mathew, Dr. Ratan dor Arun Singh inaugurated the Mirchandani, Dr. Jayesh Kanuga, curtain raiser for the 34th annual Dr. Chitra Kumar and Dr. Sanjay convention of the American AsJain who are also some of the prime sociation of Physicians of Indian advisors/coordinators of the ConOrigin (AAPI) at the Ballroom of vention.. the Indian Consulate in New York In addition to offering over 12 on Friday, February 12. hours of cutting edge CMEs to the In his opening remarks, Ambasphysicians, the event will have 12 hours of product theaters/promotional opportunities, six plenary sessions, a first ever multi-segment CEOs Forum, and a first ever women's leadership forum. The convention will be addressed by senior world leaders, including US Ambassador Arun Singh, India's Ambassador to Dr. Rita Ahuja, Chairwoman of AAPI's Dr. Seema Jain, President of AAPI, announcSenators, the US, inaugurating the curtain raiser of AAPI's 2016 Annual Convention, addressing the ing AAPI's 34th convention to be held in Presidential 34th annual convention at the Indian Consulate in audience New York New York candidates, Nobel Lauresador Singh praised the many searchers and medical students at and gave an introduction to the ates, Governors, Congressmen, many new initiatives planned to and celebrities from the Hollycontributions of AAPI members in the convention.". The annual convention this make the convention truly historic. wood and Bollywood world. the United States and back home Among those who addressed In addition to the exhibition hall in India. They have excelled in year is being organized by AAPI's their fields of medicine, and thus New Jersey Chapter. Dr. Rita the press conference included Dr. featuring large exhibit booth have earned a name for themselves Ahuja, Chairwoman of the 2016 Rupak Parikh, AAPI YPS Presi- spaces in which the healthcare inthrough hard work, commitment Annual Convention, said "We dent, Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, Presi- dustry will have the opportunity to engage, inform and educate the and dedication to their profession physicians directly through one and the people they are commitNot satisfied with their own professional on one, hands on product demonted to serve, he said. strations and discussions; there India's Consul General in New growth and the service they provide to their will be focused group and speYork, Ambassador Dnyaneshwar patients around the world, they are in the cialty Product Theater, Interactive Mulay lauded the many initiatives forefront, sharing their knowledge and exper- Medical Device Trade Show and of AAPI both in India and the special exhibition area for new inUnited States. Physicians of Intise with others, especially those physicians novations by young physicians. dian origin are well known around and leaders in the medical field from India "Physicians and healthcare the world for their compassion, professionals from across the passion for patient care, medical skills, research and leadership. have been working hard to put to- dent of AAPI MSRF; Dr. Thomas country and internationally will Not satisfied with their own pro- gether an attractive program for Alapatt, Host City Chair for the convene and participate in the fessional growth and the service our annual get together, educa- Convention, Dr. Parminder Grewal, scholarly exchange of medical adthey provide to their patients tional activity and family enjoy- Dr. Hetal Gor, and Dr. Gaurav vances, to develop health policy around the world, they are in the ment. A pool of dedicated AAPI Gupta co-chairs for the conven- agendas and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year. forefront, sharing their knowledge leaders are working hard to make tion. Others who addressed the We look forward to seeing you in and expertise with others, espe- the Convention a unique event event and provided a glimpse of NewYork!" said Dr. Seema Jain. cially those physicians and lead- for all the participants, she said. Asian Media USA
February 19, 2016
Community Across America
India Post 17
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Community to mobilize South Asian voters V SUNTHAR
CHICAGO: South Asian American Policy & Research Institute (SAAPRI) and Advancing Justice | Chicago have scheduled a voters' education forum on Sunday February 21 10 am to 1 pm at Sikh Gurudwara at St. Palatine, IL 60067. It is open to public.
mary elections, the South Asian American Policy and Research Institute (SAAPRI) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago (Advancing Justice | Chicago) will be partnering to mobilize the South Asian community to get out to vote.
There are over 242,000 South Asians living in Illinois, made up of people born abroad or in the United States and descending from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, or Bhutan. Among South Asians in Illinois, 67% are U.S. citizens and therefore eligible to register and vote "For our community, registering and getting out to the polls on March 15 is incredibly important," said Rajinder Singh Mago, who serves on the Public Relations Committee of the Sikh Religious Society (SRS) For the 2016 general and pri-
The goal is to increase voting rates among South Asians in Illinois, particularly the greater Chicagoland area. Together, SAAPRI and Advancing Justice | Chicago will host forums for community discussion about the importance of exercising the right to vote.
"The South Asian community needs to respond to the current climate of anti-immigrant rhetoric, xenophobia and Islamaphobia with political action and power," said Reema Kapur, Executive Director of SAAPRI. "We encourage South Asian community leaders to join our initiative to empower the community." There are over 242,000 South Asians living in Illinois, made up of people born abroad or in the United States and descending from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, or Bhutan. Among South Asians in Illinois, 67% are U.S. citizens and therefore eligible to register and vote. The next election will take place on Tuesday, March 15, where voters will select Democratic and Republican Party nominees for President, Senate, and Congress, as well as the Illinois General Assembly and local races. The voter registration deadline is February 16. The general election will be held
on November 8. For more information, including
has released a candidates survey that shows the positions of aspir-
Reema Kapur and Rajinder Singh Mago
a 2015 report on civic engagement in the South Asian community, visit SAAPRI's website at www.SAAPRI.org. Advancing Justice | Chicago
ing officials on issues such as voting rights, public safety, language access, and healthcare. Please visit w w w. a d v a n c i n g j u s t i c e chicago.org to see the survey.
Asian Americans celebrate Lunar New Year RAJINDER SINGH MAGO
CHICAGO: The Asian American Coalition of Chicago celebrated its 33rd Lunar New Year Celebration - the Year of the Monkey - at Hyatt Regency Chicago on Saturday February 5 with the theme "Envision. Enlighten. Empower." The dinner banquet was hosted by the Chinese American community of Chicago, chaired by Dr Karen Eng President and CEO of CSMI. The celebrations brought together more than 1,000 guests including Asian American community leaders, dignitaries, elected
Celebrating team in Chicago land
officials, corporate sponsors and the City's movers and shakers. The
AACC Lunar New Year Gala is the largest event of its kind in the Mid-
Indian Americans recognized - Dave Vasudevan and Ms. Manpreet Kaur Teji
west. An extravagant Asian-inspired dinner menu along with an award ceremony to honor community leaders and outstanding youths and a captivating Asian cultural performance of local talent entertained the guests. Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, Secretary of State Jesse White, State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Comptroller Leslie Munger, US Senator Dick Durbin, US Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth were amongst many Federal, State and local government officials. The Asian American candidates running for office in the upcoming primaries were also highlighted which included the congressional candidate Raja Krishnamurthi. The Consul Generals of many Asian countries also attended. Indian Consul General in Chicago Dr. Ausaf Sayeed was recognized.
More than 50 Indian American community members attended the dinner banquet. One of the highlights was recognizing Asian Americans for their contributions and in this league two Indian Americans found their place getting the 2016 Exemplary Community Service Awards and the Youth Who Excels Awards. Dave Vasudevan, Owner, Adinfix Advertising Agency and founder of DigiSlate, Inc. received Indian American Community service award and Manpreet Kaur Teji, Sophomore at John Marshall Law School in Chicago, received the Indian American Community Youth Who Excels award. ABC-7 Chicago TV anchor Linda Yu and Cary Chow of ESPN served as emcees for the evening. 2014 Miss Illinois Marisa Buchheit sang the National Anthem and "God Bless America." Cont’d on page 19
18 India Post
Community Across America
February 19, 2016
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Niles community celebrates Indian R-Day SURENDER ULLAL
CHICAGO: The board of Indian Community of Niles Township (ICNT) celebrated India's 67th Republic Day on Saturday February 6 at the Morton Grove Public Library in the Baxter Auditorium with patriotic songs, cultural music and dance performances. The initiative and inspiration behind this annual celebration has been Rohit Joshi, President of ICNT, his board members and former president Usha Kamaria. Frigid cold weather and gusty winds did not stop patriots from attending the annual Republic Day celebration. Auditorium was full to capacity. The audience, cheering every performance and fully enjoying the event made the event most successful. Hasmukhbhai Soni and other volunteers from United Senior Paiwar kicked off the
Niles Indian community activists and guests
Rohit Joshi, president of ICNT, Pramod Shah, Clerk, Village of Skokie, Charles Yi, Farmers Insurance, Dr. Hemali Shah, Care Soul Services Inc., Ralph Frigid cold weather and gusty winds did not Klein Trustee, Village of stop patriots from attending the annual ReSkokie. public Day celebration. Auditorium was full to Rohit Joshi explained the capacity. The audience, cheering every significance of performance and fully enjoying the event lamp lighting made the event most successful c e r e m o n y. Amita Bhargav, celebration by holding Indian flags and Secretary, ICNT emceed the program very marching in the auditorium. The auspicious well. DJ Nilesh kept the crowd entertained lamp lighting ceremony was performed by during the show. The event showcased A section of the gathering celebrating Republic Day
wonderful dance performances by students of the Surya Dance School and Northeastern Illinois University. Vocal performances of old, current and patriotic Bollywood songs were by Rajesh Chalam, Nipa Shah, Douce Shukla, Anirudha and Jatin Balsara. Complementary snacks boxes were served to audience.
Vijai Gupta, Vice President Bhavik Patel, Jt. Secretary proposed vote of thanks and were especially grateful to the Chief Guest, performers and their leaders, DJ Nilesh, India House & Bombay Chopsticks, former president Usha Kamaria, Om Prakash Kamaria , United Senior Parivar and the media.
Cultural performances by local artists
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February 19, 2016
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HUA introduces course on Sri Aurobindo NEELA PANDYA
NEW YORK: The New York Hindu University of America has announced a course on Sri
of his achievements and impact. This course presents an introduction to Sri Aurobindo's philosophy
dressing primarily Sri Aurobindo's conceptualization of the nature of reality and the implications that
Aurobindo's philosophy for its semester starting April 4 2016 academic year. Sri Aurobindo, the great Indian
as the foundation of his Integral Yoga. Sri Aurobindo described his philosophical perspective in his masterwork,
extend from this, including his world view of integral Advaitism. Sri Aurobindo 's writing includes an evolutionary perspective, addressing evolution at both the individual and cosmic levels. Within this is his vision of a higher destiny for humanity, as the evolutionary trajectory extends into the future. Related texts providing commentary and interpretation will be used as supplements. Participants will engage in online discussion and complete two tests and an essay as part of the course. HUA is also offering 3 credits course on Philosophy of Srimad Bhagavad-Gita (By Dr.
The Life Divine. Portions of this profound work will be studied as the basis of the course, addressing primarily Sri Aurobindo's conceptualization of the nature of reality and the implications that extend from this, including his world view of integral Advaitism sage, philosopher, poet and revolutionary, virtually defies description in light of the immense range
The Life Divine. Portions of this profound work will be studied as the basis of the course, ad-
Sri Aurobindo
Satyanarayana Dasa) Philosophical teachings of Gita; Gita as a
popular religious manual; The philosophical teachings of some major commentators of Gita including Shankara, R a m a n u j a , Aurobindo, Tilak, Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave, Prabhupada, Gnaneshwar, Vivekananda, S. Radhakrishnan, Roy Emerson and others; significance of karma and incarnation, duty, selfless deeds, emphasis on Yoga, Sannyasa, YajĂąa, concept of Divine Incarnation; eclectic nature of Gita and ideal of Bhakti or loving devotion will v=be covered during the course.
Asian Americans celebrate Lunar New Year Cont’d from page 17
2016 Chicago Chinatown Miss Friendship Ambassador Kelly Yee Uchima sang "I Dreamed a Dream." This year, AACC's most prestigious Pan Asian American Ping Tom Memorial Award was presented to Ms. Tuyet Le, the longtime Executive Director of the Asian American Advancing Justice of Chicago for her leadership in the advocacy work on behalf of the Asian American community. The equally important recognition, the Grand Asian American
stani, Sri Lankan, Thailand, and Vietnamese communities. The 9 major Asian American communities have been taking turn to host this event. Other performances included Youth Lions, Korean Drummers, Chinese, Indonesian, Filipino performers and Shaolin Temple Martial Artists. A pre-event VIP reception, a silent auction, and a post event party was also held at the same venue. It was announced that the 15th Annual AACC Festival will be cohosted by the Chinese American
AACC's most prestigious Pan Asian American Ping Tom Memorial Award was presented to Ms. Tuyet Le, the long-time Executive Director of the Asian American Advancing Justice of Chicago for her leadership Sandra Otaka Memorial Award was given to Illinois Senior Senator Dick Durbin for his tireless legislative advocacy on behalf of all new Americans and immigrant communities. A Moment of Silence for Veterans was observed. The AACC, founded in 1983, is represented by more than 16 Asian American cultures including Bangladeshi, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Malaysian, Nepalese, Paki-
and Pakistani American communities during the week of May 16-20 at Daley Center Plaza, Chicago. The Gavel was passed on to the Pakistani American Community who will host the AACC Lunar New Year Celebration event in 2017. Presidential & AAPI greetings US President Baraka Obama joined a large number of Asians across the globe greeting them with best wishes on the occasion of The Lunar Year.
In a message he said "this is a time filled with family, gettogethers, and anticipation for the New Year - a tradition I remember fondly from growing up in Hawaii. It's a time that also gives us the opportunity to honor the many contributions of the Americans who celebrate this holiday. Whether they've been here for generations or they're newly arrived, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have helped build our country and make us a beacon to the world." "The Year of the Monkey emphasizes shared values like leadership, innovation, and progress. It's an opportunity to cherish the rich heritage that connects children with their past, and the traditions they'll carry into the future!" Echoing the President's message, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) also greeted all those celebrating the Lunar New Year. In its message it said "We share our cultures and traditions with
one another not just in celebration of the new year, but also in celebration of the strength of the
and success for everyone." "The 2016 year is the Year of the Monkey. The monkey is often
Chinese Lunar Year
AAPI community. Our AAPI heritage spans from native people to immigrants to refugees. As a nation of immigrants, America draws its strength from the many cultures that collectively make up our melting pot and the shared hope in building a nation of opportunities
seen as a symbol of versatility and movement. We wish for a year of positive movement - moving forward on immigration reform, healthcare access, educational opportunities, and much more to help all Americans prosper and succeed."
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AoL Curtain Raiser for World Cultural Festival HARISH RAO
CHICAGO: The Art of Living Foundation, Chicago organized a High-Profile Curtain Raiser for the World Cultural Festival on Saturday, February 6 at Sheraton Suites Chicago Elk Grove, a northwest suburb of Chicago. Art of Living Foundation has scheduled hosting a very unique and educationally entertaining program in New Delhi, for three days beginning March 11 to 13 with an expected attendance of 3.5 million people, including dignitaries and heads of governments from around the world. O P Meena, Consul at the Consulate General of India, in his Key-
Art of Living speakers (L-R) Consul OP Meena, Bridgette Kelling, a Bahai, Chief organizer Vinesh Virani, Raja Krishnamurthy, FIA President Minhaj Akhtar
services, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion. "Thanks to the contribution of people like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, India is fast emerging as the hub of spirituality for
of religious scholars, who spoke on the occasion, said that while the rituals may vary from religion to religion, their core content remains the same. They urged people to focus on the core content, rather than the rituals of religions. Rohit Joshi, a Hindu scholar, said that the ultimate goal of people is to attain Nirvana thru peace. "Only those persons who attain peace alone can give it to others and contribute to a peaceful society", he added. Minhaj Akhtar, a Muslim scholar, said that Si Sri Ravi
humble might to enable him to include the remaining countries in his social service agenda." Brett Cohen, Jewish scholar, said the Indian and Jewish people, with their thousands of years old civilization, have a lot in common, emphasizing the importance of true education. "Education is the super highway to peace, and India and Israel, with their rich educational infrastructure, can contribute to creating a literate, educated, and peaceful world", he added. Bridgette Kelling, a Bahai, who spoke on the occasion, said that
tation of a semi-classical dance as well. Dance schools such as Noopura Dance Academy, Nrutya Kalashree Dance Academy, Indian Dance School, Jati Dance Academy, etc. not only showcased the art with their dancers with different genres of dances but also conveyed a gamut of emotions. Their sculpted postures, graceful moves, and incredible "abhinaya" captured everyone's heart. Sandeep Kurapati and Nipa Shah rendered a number of hit Bollywood numbers and made the evening an affair to remember. DJ
A group of dignitaries - Mafat Patel and Nakul Chand with Vinesh
note Address, paid rich tributes to the endeavors of the Foundation for peace and harmony not only in India but also globally across the length and breadth of 152 countries. He added that Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has brought laurels to India through his humanitarian
the rest of the world", he added. Raja Krishnamurthy, Candidate for Illinois 8th District, said that the positive work ethics, spirited values, vibrant culture and inspiring traditions of India have become beacons of light for people from across the globe. A number
A section of the audience
Talented artists giving dance performance
Shankar is India's Humanitarian Ambassador for the rest of the world. "As of today, his work covers 152 countries. We extend our
such values as service to society, Nilesh added great value to the building a peaceful world, and music and dance segment. The mutual coexistence are common entire event was emceed graceacross all the world religions. They fully by Shalini Parikh and Kevin called for concerted efforts to cel- Sanyasi ebrate them on a much bigger There was a segment for scale. guided meditation. All the attendEarlier, Vinesh Virani, Program ees not only participated in it with Director, welcomed the gathering. enthusiasm but also enjoyed it He said that the Art of Living thoroughly. "The meditation Foundation, established by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar 35 years ago, is Minhaj Akhtar, a Muslim actively involved in diverse humanitarian and scholar, said that Si Sri Ravi service activities. "True Shankar is India's Humanito our motto of a 'One World Family', the ensu- tarian Ambassador for the ing World Cultural Fes- rest of the world. "As of tival will be showcasing the cultural diversity of today, his work covers our own community to 152 countries emphasize its importance on a local and global level", he added. proved to be a bonus for us; we The electrifying dance and will start practicing it as a part of singing performances were the our life style", said a large number highlights of the event. A number of the attendees. of talented and trained dancers The event concluded with a presented different forms of clas- sumptuous dinner which was relsical dance. There was a presen- ished by one and all.
February 19, 2016
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Pak CG gets Paul Harris Leadership Award SURESH BODIWALA
CHICAGO: Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Consul General of Pakistan received the prestigious "Paul Harris Leadership Award" from John Osterlund, Chief Development Officer, Rotary International, for Global Campaign against Polio with over 300 eminent persons from different walks of life being present at an event titled "Ending Polio in Pakistan". The event was organized by Rotary International in collaboration with the Pakistani Consulate to discuss the final push to end polio in Pakistan and to celebrate and honor the selfless commitment for their work to eradicate this disease. Tirmizi stated that Government of Pakistan's National Emergency Action Plan has resulted in tremendous success which is evident from the fact that there was only one case of polio this year. It was found out a few days ago, even though the child had been given the drops twice. He hoped that this would be the last case of polio in Pakistan. Tirmizi paid special tributes to about two lakh vaccinators, mostly female, who fought in the front lines in the global crusade against polio and, at times, even sacrificed their lives in the campaign.
Tirmizi paid special tributes to about two lakh vaccinators, mostly female, who fought in the front lines in the global crusade against polio and, at times, even sacrificed their lives in the campaign. He stated that the biggest challenge faced by the program was insecurity He stated that the biggest challenge faced by the program was insecurity and the deadly attacks by militant groups on polio workers to derail the polio eradication program. However, he added, on account of the success of operation Zarb-i-Azab and the support provided by the armed forces in implementation of the campaign, Pakistan succeeded in achieving the target of zero transmission of the poliovirus. John Orsterlund and Osei David Andrews-Hutchinson, District Governor of Rotary International, applauded Pakistan's contributions in successfully grappling with the menace of polio as well as the continued sacrifices made by the Government and people of Pakistan. Dr. Sajjid Mehmood, President Illinois Chapter of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), assured APPNA's full support and technical assistance to Rotary International in its endeavor to end polio from the world. Special video messages on the subject by Saira Afzal Tarar, Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination of Pakistan and Tehmina
Janjua, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva were also played at the event. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago, Rosa Ibarra, Osei David Andrews Hutchison, Rotary International, John Orsterlund, Chief Development Officer Rotary International, Patt Merryweather, Rotary District Chair, Dr Sajid Mehmood, Chair of Chicago Chapter of APPNA
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February 19, 2016
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Telugus gear up for Silver Jubilee Conference KEERTHI KUMAR RAVOORI
ATA Board Meeting with national, regional leaders, trustees and other officers held at Westin Hotel in Princeton, New Jersey
NEW JERSEY: American Telugu Association [ATA] the 25year old premier national organization of Telugus in North America, is gearing up for its Grand ATA Conference marking the celebrations of its silver jubilee. An ATA meeting was held at the Pind Restaurant in Kingston, New Jersey All efforts are afoot to showcase the rich enduring Telugu culture in the form of art, music, dance, literary, religious, social, economic, health forums from July 1 to 3 in Chicago at Rosemont Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. With the formation of over 70 important committees served by 70 chairs and 100 Co-Chairs with over 200 Members /Advisors and over 300 vendors; all are geared up to host this mammoth convention. Several busloads of families from many cities are expected to arrive in Chicago this summer to join the gathering of Telugus at the convention. Joining this mammoth effort, Telangana government has an-
nounced it will send a 15-member cultural troupe to augment the ATA festivities at the convention. The main order of the business in Princeton, New Jersey entailed
All efforts are afoot to showcase the rich enduring Telugu culture in the form of art, music, dance, literary, religious, social, economic, health forums from July 1 to 3 in Chicago at Rosemont Convention Center the election of K.K.Reddy as Conference Director and Chandrasekhar Reddy Palvai as Conference Convener. Krishna Mushyam and Jagan Bukaraju were elected as Conference CoConveners. ATA Board of Trustees also appointed a new Treasurer Vinod Koduru and five new
Trustees who were administered oath immediately. Mahidhar Musukula was appointed as Office Coordinator. Sudhakar Perkari, ATA President, in his welcome remarks thanked and congratulated the outstanding ATA team for their hard work and unmatched commitment and emphasized that among ATA's principle goals it remains stoically committed to social and charitable mission. Chandrasekhar Reddy Palvai, Conference Convener, added that the ATA convention will be hosted on a scale and magnitude never undertaken before. K.K.Reddy, Conference Director, eloquently spelled out the dynamics and the scope of the convention and assured the ATA members that the Chicago ATA Convention will go down in history as one of the grandest festivals ever undertaken to showcase the landmark journey of ATA's 25 years. He outlined steps undertaken to mobilize funds to defray the enormous costs associated with
hosting such a gigantic convention and challenged every ATA team from various cities to remain fiercely competitive in outraising funds keeping in view the con-
Kamala Chimata, Conference Coordinator said the goal of the convention is to promote literary, cultural, educational, religious, social, economic, health and community activities of the people of Telugu origin vention and the long-term humanitarian mission of ATA. Kamala Chimata, Conference Coordinator said the goal of the convention is to promote literary, cultural, educational, religious, social, economic, health and community activities of the people of Telugu origin. Iftekhar
Shareef, Reception Chair, disclosed the plans to rope in VIPs, dignitaries and elected officials both from India and the United States to grace the convention and added that some have already expressed keen interest in attending. Hanumanth Reddy, ATA Founder, in his statement said American Telugu Association will host the ATA Conference in Chicago in a way to show the triumphant journey of ATA which earnestly began in Chicago 25 years ago and today it has grown exponentially. Karunakar Asireddy, President-Elect, Madhu Bommineni, Secretary, Soumya Kondapalli, Jt.Secretary; Parmesh Bheemreddy, Dr. Parushuram Pinnapureddy, Ajay Reddy, Arvind Reddy Muppidi, Ravi Patiola, Sridhar Banala, Venu Sankineni, Dr. Sandhya Gavva, Krishna Dyapa, Vija Kundur, Mahidar Sanapareddy were some of the board members who actively took part in formulating important decisions at the meeting.
Symphony Center to present 2 Jazz artists STEPHANIE KULKE
CHICAGO: The Symphony Center (SCP) is organizing a Jazz series with saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa and Grammy®-nominated vibraphonist and composer Stefon Harris and Sonic Creed for a double bill on Friday, February 26. The two of today's most exciting young jazz band leaders, Harris and Mahanthappa will showcase their newest projects in this evening of genre-crossing jazz. Heralded as "one of the most important young artists in jazz" by the Los Angeles Times, Har-
ris is a graduate of Manhattan School of Music, where he received a B.M. in Classical Music and a M.M. in Jazz Performance. He is a recipient of the prestigious Martin E. Segal Award from Lincoln Center and has earned four Grammy® nominations including Best Contemporary Jazz Album for Urbanus (Concord Music, 2010), Best Jazz Album for The Grand Unification Theory (2003) and the 2001 release of Kindred (Blue Note) and his 1999 release of Black Action Figure (Blue Note) for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo. Rudresh Mahanthappa's Bird Calls is an ambitious collection of
Rudresh Mahanthappa
original compositions inspired by the tunes of jazz legend Charlie "Yardbird" Parker which recently earned Mahanthappa places on several 2015 Top 10 Album lists, including The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Jazzwise Magazine, the NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll, and the 63rdannualDownBeat International Critics Poll. The DownBeat poll also named Mahanthappa Rising Star Composer of the Year, and Alto Saxophonist of the Year. Like Parker, Mahanthappa plays alto saxophone and the new release demonstrates that he and his
bandmates are experts at trading phrases in the style of Parker, as well as the young Miles Davis. His accomplished quintet includes drummer Rudy Royston, pianist Matt Mitchell, trumpeter Adam O'Farrill and bassist François Moutin. An inventive and fiery improviser, Mahanthappa's previous projects have explored his Indian American identity, but he considers himself first and foremost a jazz musician, and says his biggest inspiration has been Charlie Parker. Cont’d on page 23
February 19, 2016
Community Across America
India Post 23
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Vasant Panchami celebrated at Boston temple GEETHA PATIL
BOSTON: Vasant Panchami, evening puja of Ma Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, art, music, and learning , was performed by of devotees and children at the Shivalaya Temple of Greater Boston on Friday, February 12. This is one of the biggest festivals of India, celebrated with much devotion and reverence. In the midst of cold weather, hundreds of Boston devotees thronged to offer their prayers and became part of the celebration. The program started with Bhajans by Mohan Ji and his daughter who created a spiritual atmosphere in the shrine by their melodious singing. Later, Nishikant Ji amazed all devotes with his wonderful Tabla performance. Pandit Jay Narayan BadalJi performed a very elaborative Ma Saraswati Puja with Vedic rituals
and chanted the sacred hymns with utmost devotion. Mohan Ji and Nishikant Ji participated in the puja along with their family members.
Bhajan Sandhya conducted by Shri Mohan Ji
Ma Saraswati idol at Shivalaya temple
On this day, Ma Saraswati was dressed in yellow garments and worshipped with yellow flowers and fruits. Yellow color holds a special meaning for this celebration as it signifies the brilliance of nature and the vibrancy of life as India's fields are filled with yellow
flowers at this time of the year. Many devotees wore clothes of this color on the day and kept their pens, notebooks, and pencils near the goddess Saraswati's feet to seek her blessings. Schoolchildren and toddlers, especially, made a beeline in their best dresses espe-
it is considered an auspicious day to begin formal education. Pandit Badal Ji blessed all children to have good education and successful careers in life. Maha Mangalarati was followed by serving of delicious Maha Prasad with many sweets to
Aarti at the temple
cially in yellow color to offer prayers on Saraswati puja. This festival has special significance for the students and they prayed most enthusiastically to her. Young children were taught their first words on this day, since
all the devotees. The Temple president Vijay Kumar Selhi thanked all the devotees, Bhajan singers, Tabla player, Prasad distribution team, and children for their enthusiastic participation and making this event a grand success.
Symphony Center to present 2 Jazz artists Cont’d from page 22
"Stylistically we traverse lots of different directions. There's a bit of my Indian roots in the music, and there are really strong elements of pop and hip-hop and funk, and of course all of the jazz that's happened since Charlie Parker." Mahanthappa has been recognized with a Guggenheim Fellowship, two New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowships, and numerous commissions from the MAP Fund, Chamber Music America, and American Composers Forum. He has been named alto saxophonist of the year four of the past five years in Down-
beat Magazine's International Critics Polls and for five years running by the Jazz Journalists' Association. Armed with marimbas, vibes and a powerful stage presence, Stefon Harris leads his newest ensemble Sonic Creed to produce "a high-gloss, dizzyingly virtuosic blend of postbop and funk- and R&B-informed groove" (Time Out New York ). The seasoned young talent joining Harris includes Elena Pinderhughes (flute), Mike Moreno (guitar), James Francies (piano), Joshua Crumbly (bass) and Jonathan Pinson (drums). Symphony Center Presents Jazz series is sponsored by Exelon.
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February 19, 2016
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YuppTV bags media rights for Asia Cup India Post News Service
ATLANTA: YuppTV, the world's largest Over-The-Top (OTT) provider for South Asian content, has announced it has secured the digital media rights for the Asia Cup T20, 2016 to be held from February 24 to March 6.
view the tournament via YuppTV app on multiple Internet enabled devices such as Smart TVs, Smart Blu-ray players, streaming media players, laptop, gaming console, smart phones and tablets. The Asia Cup 2016 is scheduled to take place in Dhaka,
The Asia Cup 2016 is scheduled to take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh with the Indian T20 team taking on the host nation on the inaugural day. The much awaited match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for February 27, while India faces the defending champions Sri Lanka on March 1 While YuppTV has secured exclusive rights to stream Asia Cup 2016 live in the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia, cricket fans in Singapore will also be able
Bangladesh with the Indian T20 team taking on the host nation on the inaugural day. The much awaited match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for February 27, while
India faces the defending champions Sri Lanka on March 1. Speaking on the announcement, Uday Reddy, Founder & CEO, YuppTV said, "Cricket has always been a sport that has incited much passion and following amongst South Asians. By bagging the exclusive digital media rights for the Asia Cup 2016, we are enabling live, on-the-go access to the tournament for the expat community. This partnership will provide them with seamless, real-time access to all the matches and allow viewers to watch their favourite teams in action on their preferred device!" In addition to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, non-test playing nations Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Oman and UAE will also be competing for a qualifying spot for the tournament. The qualifying round is scheduled to take place at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium (KSOAS) in Narayanganj, Afghanistan, between February 19 and February 22, with the winner of the qualifiers then joining the Test playing nations in the
main event. YuppTV users can catch all the action on www.yupptv.com or via the YuppTV app on their smart TVs, smart Blu-ray players, streaming media players, gaming consoles, smartphones and tablets. About YuppTV YuppTV is one of the world's
logued in its library, while nearly 2500 hours of new on-demand content is added to the YuppTV platform every day. YuppTV offers Live TV and Catch-Up TV technology. YuppTV has its presence in more than 50 countries. YuppTV is currently ranked #1 Internet Pay TV platform for South Asians living abroad and
largest internet-based TV and On-demand service provider, offering more than 200+ TV channels, 5000+ Movies and 100+ TV Shows in 12 languages from South Asia. YuppTV has 25000 hours of entertainment content cata-
also the largest Internet TV platform from premium content availability in India. YuppTV is the most downloaded South Asian SmartTV app and it also boasts of 8 million mobile downloads with 4.0 user rating.
February 19, 2016
Community Across America
India Post 25
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The 3 Eternal Entities as described in Vedas SWAMI NIKHILANAND
T
here are 3 eternal entities (tattva) described in our scriptures. They are God (brahm), souls (jeev), and the material energy (maya). Maya is the original cosmic power, which has taken the form of the universe. Everything in the universe is made of maya. The individual souls are infinite in number, spot-existent, and have their own free will to perform actions. Both maya and the souls are powers of God, and exist dependent on God. Did God create Maya and the souls? According to the Vedas, these three eternal entities have always existed. In other words, they were never created and hence can never be destroyed. God did not create Maya or the Souls. For creation to unfold, God simply activates maya - so it takes the form of the universe. When God withdraws his power, the universe dissolves back into a subtle form of the mayic energy, which remains absolutely dormant and invisible until the next creation. This is an eternal cycle of creation and dissolution of the universe, which is controlled by God. The souls are alive because God resides within each individual soul and gives life to them. Thus, He is the supreme Soul of every soul (Paramatma). During the creation phase of the universe (srishti), God sends the souls forth
everlasting and perfect in every way. God Himself is independent from both maya and the souls. He is beyond maya, is unaffected by mayic qualities, and exists in His own Divine dimension. This dimension is beyond material time and space, is stable, permanent, and is unaffected by the creation and dissolution of the universe. This dimension is the expansion of God Himself, and is also known as His abode. He is sarvagya (allk n o w i n g ) , sarvadrashta (all-seeing), sarvashaktiman (all-powerful), sarvavypak (omnipresent), all-merciful, allforgiving, all-kind, and all loving. He is the friend of humble souls (Deenbandhu) and the purifier of fallen souls (PatitPavan). He is subservient to the love of His fully surrendered devotees (BhaktVashya), and is the kind-hearted guardian and caretaker of His devotees (BhaktVatsal). God is both with form (sakarbrahm) and without form (nirakarbrahm), and both aspects are omnipresent. In His nirakar aspect, all the above mentioned powers and qualities lie dormant and inactive. As sakarbrahm, the same powers and qualities are
He is larger than the largest, because the entire universe and all its beings reside within Him. He is smaller than the smallest, because He pervades even the smallest particle to take birth in the world, and during the dissolution phase (pralay), the souls remain alive, but are dormant within God. Thus, although God has not created maya (because it is an eternally existing power of His), He is the ruler of maya. And although He has not created the souls (because they have eternally existed, just like Him), He is the Lord of all the souls. Amazing aspects about God's Divine Personality God is described in the Vedas as Satchidananda - Sat means that He is eternally existing and indestructible. Chit means that He has sentience, and has Divine mind and senses. Anand means that He is Divine bliss which is unlimited,
manifested, either in part or in full. Depending on the extent of the manifestation of these Divine powers and qualities, one single God takes many forms (Krishna, Ram, Vishnu, Shiv, Durga, etc.). All forms of God are internally one, the same and equal. God is absolute Divinity and is unlimited in every way. There is nothing that is apart from Him, as He pervades everything. He is larger than the largest, because the entire universe and all its beings reside within Him. He is smaller than the smallest, because He pervades even the smallest particle. He is beyond the understanding of even the greatest material mind, because a material mind can only understand in
limitations. No matter how much one describes about God, one cannot reach Him through words, nor can it make another understand who God is. Thus, we cannot know God through our own effort. However, when someone surrenders his heart and mind to Him, God graces that soul. Through His Grace, that soul can know God. Disciple of Jagadguru Shree KripalujiMaharaj Swami Nikhilanand Ji is a
Swami Nikhilanand
Canadian born Hindu spiritual leader based in Austin, Texas. He is a sanyasi disciple and pracharak of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Attracted to the teachings of Hinduism from a young age, Swamiji eventually let his deep spiritual longing lead him to India, where he was most fortunate to come under the guidance of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Thereafter, living in the ashrams of JKP, he extensively studied Hindi, the philosophy of the prime Sanskrit scriptures (Vedas, DarshanShastras, Gita, Bhagwatam), and practiced meditation in the tradition of raganuga bhakti. In 2003, he was given sanyas. Now, with the blessings of his Guruji, he offers satsang programs throughout America, engaging audiences with his clear explanations of Hindu philosophy coupled with inspired chanting of Sanskrit mantras and shlokas and charming namsankirtan. His informative and compelling speeches provide practical insight into how to adopt the teachings of Sanatan Dharm into our daily lives, and inspire us to awaken our inner spiritual potential. To stay in touch with Swami NikhilanandJi, like his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ SwamiNikhilanand or follow him on twitter at https://twitter.com/ Swami_Nikhil.
PG&E offers solar power in Year of Monkey India Post News Service
SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will participate in several Lunar New Year celebrations, where it will provide diverse communities with information on the company's energy efficiency programs and the newly launched PG&E's Solar Choice program. PG&E is now able to offer all residential and business customers a chance to be a part of California's clean energy future. PG&E's Solar Choice program extends the option for 100 percent solar power - all locally sourced in Northern and Central California - to customers who are not planning to install rooftop solar panels. Through the program, customers can reduce their carbon footprint and help drive the development of new solar resources within the state. "The Year of the Monkey is known for bringing good fortune and new opportunities. PG&E is honored to join Asian Pacific American communities in celebrating this special occasion by offering more clean energy options to our customers," said Fong Wan, senior vice president of Energy Procurement at PG&E. Employees will be available to
answer questions and provide information about various PG&E programs at the following events: • Bay Area: Lunar New Year Community Street Fair (Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21) in San Francisco's Chinatown • Fresno: Lunar New Year Celebration (Saturday, March 5) in Fresno's Chinatown • Stockton: Lunar New Year Celebration and Parade (Sunday, March 6) in Stockton Civic Auditorium PG&E has served and engaged with California's diverse communities for more than 100 years. PG&E recognized the importance of in-language services a century ago when it opened its first payment office in San Francisco's Chinatown in 1905. In 2013, PG&E became the first utility in California providing energy statements in Chinese. Additionally, PG&E's customer service hotline provides support in 190 languages through overthe-phone interpretation services. PG&E also launched a Chinese website to improve access for non-English speaking customers to provide information on energy savings programs, environmental stewardship, financial assistance, and much more.
Huge birthday card for Telangana CM India Post News Service
SAN FRANCISCO: The first and current Chief Minister of Telangana State Kalvakuntla Chandra Shekar Rao (KCR) is celebrating his 62nd birthday on Feb 17. An artist from California, Kotha Arvind Goud has manually prepared a greeting card, which is 8 feet wide and 12 feet in height, with a slogan KCR Jiyo Hazaro Sal. He is going to send this greeting card to India from San Francisco. Surely, this will be a special gift for Telangana CM KCR.
February 19, 2016
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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Soch na Sake: Airlift 2 Gerua: Dilwale 3 Sanam Re: Sanam Re 4 Deewani Mastani: Bajirao Mastani www.indiapost.com
28 India Post
February 19, 2016
5 Yeh Fitoor Mera : Fitoor 6 Agar Tum Saath Ho : Tamasha 7 Janam Janam : Dilwale 8 Hua Hai Aaj Pehli Baar : Sanam Re 9 Aayat : Bajirao Mastani 10 Rom Rom Romantic : Mastizaade
A
nushka Sharma has reportedly broken-up with her boyfriend cricketer Virat Kohli in order to concentrate on her career. It is said that Virat wanted to tie the knot soon and proposed to her around New Year's eve, but Anushka wanted to focus on her career at the moment. This led to a dispute between the couple and they broke off their two-year-old relationship. Anushka is busy preparing hard to play a wrestler in the movie
K
atrina Kaif says that she has heard numerous compliments terming her "hardworking", but she would rather prefer more poetic adjectives. "I want to hear more adjectives... I want to hear dream-like, talented, wistful, beautiful - I want to hear poetic ones," said Katrina during promotions of her film 'Fitoor'. Her response was to the query regarding her 'Ek Tha Tiger' co-star Salman Khan calling her "most hardworking in the industry" and almost like a 'mazdoor' (worker). Her mother in 'Fitoor', Tabu had also claimed that Katrina was the most hardworking actress. "If my co-stars find and feel that I'm a good worker and a hard worker, that's good because in all seriousness there is so much riding on a film, everyone puts in so much of their life, hardwork and money."
'Sultan' in which Salman Khan plays the titular role of Haryanvi wrestler Sultan Ali Khan. Anushka's role will require a strong body and a certain level of fitness and the actress is sweating it out at the training sessions round the clock. "She has been training with a team of wrestlers, who have been brought down from Delhi for a six-week period. They will help her get into the skin of her character. They have been training with her for four hours every day," an insider told a leading daily.
P
arineeti Chopra is returning to the silver screen after two years with the upcoming film 'Meri Pyari Bindu'. The actress, who will be crooning a number for the film, says actors are singing for their films is because they want to "explore different aspects of their creative talents". There is a growing trend of actors singing for their films and the actress says that "every actor wants to do different things." Parineeti says in an interview: "I think it's a coincidence that a lot of the actors, who are working right now happen to be passionate singers and obviously every actor wants to do different things. "That (singing) was something which was waiting to happen. Everyone around me knew that I sang. I am a trained singer...Directors and music directors would say 'you should sing' but it just never happened and then finally this film happened...It was something that was waiting to happen I think," said the 27-year-old.
February 19, 2016
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Realty Tidbits
Adani to launch 1.5 mn sqft of comm spaces
MUMBAI: Adani Realty, the real estate arm of diversified Adani Group, will launch nearly 1.5 million sqft of commercial space having a revenue potential of Rs 3,000 crore, over the next six months. The company is launching three projects - two in Mumbai and one in Ahmedabad. In the megapolis, Adani Realty is developing eight lakh sqft office and commercial project in suburban Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), one at its Shantigram township in Ahmedabad of six lakh sqft 'Inspire Park' and another 1.25 lakh sqft at its mixed-use project in suburban Andheri 'Western Heights'. "We have not seen any significant addition in the commercial space in the last 2-3 years in the BKC after the two projects 'Godrej BKC' by Godrej Properties and 'One BKC' by Wadhwa," company's Chief Executive Ajay Munot told reporters here. "We feel we have entered the office space market at the right time when MNCs as well as domestic firms across sectors are looking for large space," he added. According to Munot, these three projects have the potential of generating over Rs 3,000 crore revenue. "Taking into consideration the rentals of Rs 250 per sqft and sale value of up to Rs 30,000 per sqft feet in BKC, the BKC project alone is likely to earn up to Rs 2,400 crore revenues," he added. -PTI
Moody's affirms B1 rating to Indiabulls
NEW DELHI: Ratings agency Moody's has affirmed B1 rating to real estate firm Indiabulls Real Estate on improved collections and continued reduction in debt. "We estimate that IBREL made collections of over Rs 7 billion in the quarter ended December 2015, which was nearly double the amount it achieved in the quarter ended September 2015," Moody's Vice President and Senior Credit Officer Vikas Halan said. The company's sales and collections were generated mostly from the projects in Mumbai Indiabulls BLU, Indiabulls Green (Panvel) and Indiabulls Golf City (Savroli) with projects in Gurgaon near New Delhi - Indiabulls Mint and Indiabulls Imperial yet to be launched. In terms of debt reduction, the company reported a reduction in net debt of Rs 2.25 billion for the quarter taking the total net debt reduction to Rs 5.52 billion for the nine months ended December 2015, Moody's Investors Service said in a statement. -PTI
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February 19, 2016
Nuns who help homeless facing eviction SAN FRANCISCO: Sister Mary Benedicte wants to focus on feeding the hungry lined up outside a soup kitchen in a gritty part of San Francisco. But the city's booming economy means even seedy neighborhoods are demanding higher rents, threatening to force out an order of nuns who serve the homeless. The sisters of Fraternite Notre Dame's Mary of Nazareth House said they can't afford a monthly rent increase of more than 50 percent, from $3,465 to $5,500, and they have asked their landlord for more time to find a cheaper place to serve the poor. Cont’d on page 31
Discover new homes from Brookfield Residential at Jordan Ranch India Post News Service
DUBLIN, Calif: There's no better time to discover your ultimate address in Dublin-and there's no better place to start than Jordan Ranch. This weekend at Capri and Trio, Brookfield Residential is releasing a new selection of stunning new single-family homes and townhomes, inviting youto experience the sought-after Jordan Ranch lifestyle. With breathtaking parks, great schools, a familyfriendly atmosphereand incredible features, no matter what neighborhood you choose, you'll find the perfect place to call home.Visit Capri or Trio today to explore the new sales release and see why there's no place like Jordan Ranch in Dublin. Where life truly comes together, new homes at Capri evoke a sense of peaceful comfort. Three two-story spacious floor plans range in size from 1,984 to 2,174 square feet and offer up to five bedrooms and three baths, presenting distinctive style and beautiful craftsmanship. Designed with premium appointments, large front porches and two-car garages with alley access, these new residences embrace family living within an es-
tablished, connected community. Pricing at Capri starts from the mid $900,000s. Surrounded by captivating green hillsides, Trio's striking new townhomes are destined to please. Three-level floor plans offer from 1,883 to 2,447 square feet with up to four bedrooms and four baths,
Residents of both communities enjoy gourmet kitchens boasting stainless steel Bosch® appliances, elegant quartz countertops and convenient islands. In addition, each home will include a luxurious master suite, gracious living areas and energy-efficient features, from a tankless water heater
featuring new farmhouse and rural contemporary architectural styles. Designed with modern sensibilities in mind, premium appointments and two-car garages, these new residences also provide flexible use of space forfamily living. Pricing at Trio starts from the mid $700,000s.
to a 14 SEER dual-zone air conditioning and forced-air heating unit. Just walking distance to top-ofthe-line Fallon Sports Park, Capri and Trio are conveniently situated within a family-friendly Dublin community close to 19 neighborhood parks, entertainment, area amenities and grand open space.
Plus, a location within the awardwinning Dublin Unified School District provides ample educational opportunities for growing families. The sales office for Capri is located at 4293 Sunset View Drive, Dublin, California 94568, and the sales office for Trio is located at 4239 Sunset View Drive, Dublin, California 94568. Office hours are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information, visit BrookfieldNorCal.com or call (925) 248-5094 for Capri and (925) 5563137 for Trio. Brookfield Residential Northern California is a premier lifestyle provider comprised of a dedicated, knowledgeable team of professionals with the passion and experience to craft exceptional new homes, neighborhoods and communities. From the goals of firsttime buyers to the prestige of luxury homes, they are proud to offer opportunities that embrace a diversity of aspirations. Respected as an award-winning innovator, they are recognized for delivering consistent quality, design details and an outstanding customer experience. Please visit BrookfieldNorCal.com for more information.
Govt promises housing for less than Rs 5 lakh NEW DELHI: At a time when only one per cent of India's population can afford a house above Rs 10 lakh, the government is not only committed to building smart cities but also to offer affordable houses below Rs 5 lakh, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said. "Low cost housing is very important. The biggest impediment is that in our country there are only one per cent people who can buy houses above Rs 10 lakh. If we make available houses at a cost below Rs 5 lakh, 30 per cent people can buy that," Road Transport Highways and Shipping Minister Gadkari said at Assocham's 'Smart City' summit here. He said apart from focus on building smart cities, providing
affordable houses to the poorest of the poor also tops the agenda of the Narendra Modi government. Under one such venture, an experiment has been done in Nagpur to construct a house on
are installing solar system in that besides furniture including bed made of fly ash. "A subsidy of Rs 1.5 lakh would be given on it. The cost of the house will be Rs 3.5 lakh and loan
"Barring Kolkata and Mumbai, smart cities would be developed at our 10 ports," he said. He also urged the investors to come forward to set up smart cities under PPP (public private partnership) steel structure using 70 per cent fly ash, which will be inaugurated on February 20. "The construction cost of the building comes at Rs 1000 a square feet. We will be able to provide 450 square feet house in Rs 5 lakh. We
will be available for 7 to 7.5 per cent interest rate...even a poor can buy that," the minister said. The government will not only make smart cities but is also committed to developing the existing cities as per the modern-day re-
quirements. Ten out of 12 major ports will have smart cities. "Barring Kolkata and Mumbai, smart cities would be developed at our 10 ports," he said. He also urged the investors to come forward to set up smart cities under PPP (public private partnership), with the government ready to offer land, besides clearances in a transparent manner. India has 12 major ports Kandla, Mumbai, JNPT, Mormugao, New Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Ennore, V O Chidambaranar, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Kolkata (including Haldia) which handle approximately 61 per cent of the country's total cargo traffic. -PTI
Real Estate Post
February 19, 2016
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Private equity investment in realty up 72% NEW DELHI: Private equity (PE) investments in the real estate sector rose by 72% to Rs 25,683 crore last year, highest since 2008, mainly on fund infusion in the sluggish housing segment, according to property consultant Cushman & Wakefield. Out of the total PE investment in the realty sector during 2015, over Rs 18,000 crore was in residential segment, which is facing a
huge slowdown since last 2-3 years, resulting in liquidity crunch and significant delays in projects execution. According to the C&W, the total PE inflows in the sector stood at Rs 25,683 crore in 2015. "The PE investments were considerably higher by 72% from the previous year and highest since 2008. The substantial increase in PERE (Private Equity in Real Estate) investments during the year was led by a three-fold jump in investments
made in the residential sector," the consultant said in a statement. The total number of deals also rose to 90 during 2015 from 75 in the previous year. Moreover, the average deal size too increased and was noted at Rs 290 crore, a rise of 43% on year-on-year basis. Housing segment attracted the highest share of investments during 2015 with over 70% share in total investments, followed by the
commercial office with 21% share. The total value of investments in the residential segment stood at Rs 18,070 crore. "PE funds continue to make majority of the investments in the residential sector at the project level. The investments in the residential sector has come at a time when residential sales have been sluggish for over past two years, leading to burgeoning inventory levels," it said. The consultant expects residential sales to "see green
shoots" in 2016, owing to falling interest rates regime on home loans and rising income levels especially if the Seventh Pay Commission gets implemented. Total investment in commercial office assets was recorded at Rs 5,420 crore, a decline of 28%, from record high inflow witnessed in the previous year. C&W Executive Managing Director South Asia Sanjay Dutt said: "Although SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) level deals by way of structured debt has been the preferred route adopted by majority of the PE funds to make investments, entity level deals too have seen healthy pick-up both in terms of deals and investment volume". However, he said the global funds have been selective and have made investments only with companies which have good credentials and a proven track record. "The trend of higher investments through SPV level deals is likely to continue going forward too in 2016 and overall investments are likely to increase owing to growing funding needs of developers, rising optimism in the Indian economy. And new set of investors such as global financial institutions who have started exploring opportunities to reap better returns by investing in Indian real estate sector," Dutt added. PTI
UK to help build Andhra capital city HYDERABAD: After Singapore, it is now the turn of the United Kingdom to extend cooperation to Amaravati. The UK government will help AP in preparing investment strategies for the green field capital city. "Britain will help us with investment strategies. The issue was discussed during the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to London," said Ajay Jain, principal secretary, AP Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA). He said the UK had agreed to support development of three smart cities in India including the upcoming capital city of Amaravati. The other two cities are
Indore and Pune. "The British high commission in India has floated a tender to select the consultant for preparation of investment strategies to attract global firms to the AP capital region," Jain said. The UK on its part will hand over the report to AP once it is ready. As the master plan for Amaravati is almost finalized, the AP government is now looking for strategic and financial support from various sources. The master plan emphasis on setting up an industrial hub. AP chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu will visit the UK soon to take the issue forward. A scientific investment strat-
egy, officials point out, will help the bifurcated state to attract industries and international funding to Amaravati and the state capital region. The AP government on its part too had shortlisted several consultants for extending support to the capital project. Four international consultants have been chosen for various projects. So far, AP had approached Singapore for investments and Andhra Bank and HUDCO for financial support. It has also sought the Centre's permission to borrow from the World Bank. The Centre is yet to clear the state's plea.-PTI
Clearances delay brought down new launches MUMBAI: Owing to delay in approvals and clearances, new launches across top seven cities declined to around 120,000 units compared to 2014, a recent study by Colliers International says. "Nearly 120,000 units were launched in 2015 across top seven metros. Residential buyers also maintained a cautious approach, however, an increase in enquiries was witnessed towards the end offering hope in some cities," its Surabhi Arora, Associate Director Research (India) said in a report. According to the report, Bengaluru continued its run in the commercial as well as the residential market as end users drove residential demand in 2015, witnessing the launch of nearly 22,000 new residential units. Nearly one third of the total units launched were concentrated in the southern and south-eastern belt comprising locations such as Sarjapur Road, Electronic City and Bannerghatta Road. The Chennai residential market showed resilience as it witnessed signs of revivals despite natural calamity and low sales velocity. Nearly 12,000 new units were launched in 2015 as several locations along Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) witnessed launches in mid segment. A major market like Mumbai registered a decline in new launches, despite recording a slight recovery by the year end. Colliers recorded the launch of approximately 35,000 new units this year, which was about 40 per cent less than the last year's new launches. It remained a dull year for the NCR market, as new residential launches took a step back. The year 2015 even ended on a cautious note for Pune as there was a
marginal decline of about 4 per cent in the new launches and transaction volumes. Delhi NCR witnessed a launch of around 2400 units which Pune recorded a launch of 32000 units during the year. In view of the reduced demand, Gurgaon also witnessed launch of 10,300 new units this year, which was about 45 per cent less than the last year.
The Chennai residential market showed resilience as it witnessed signs of revivals despite natural calamity and low sales velocity. Nearly 12,000 new units were launched in 2015 "Although, it is difficult to forecast the real estate market which is highly sentiment driven in India, in 2016, the overall property markets are expected to continue to edge further into recovery," Arora said. She said factors like easing interest rate pressure, well-performing commercial market, positive employment scenario and government proactive policies such as liberalized FDI policy, smart cities, housing for all, etc will be key drivers for the growth. "Transaction volume in the residential sector will improve and the current oversupply in the market will get mitigated in the coming quarters, as the number of new project launches remained limited in almost all the cities," she added. -PTI
Nuns who help homeless facing eviction Cont’d from page 30
``Everywhere the rent is very high, and many places don't want a soup kitchen in their place,'' Sister Mary Benedicte said in Frenchaccented English. ``It's very, very hard to find a place for a soup kitchen where people can feel welcome and where we can set up a kitchen for a reasonable price,'' she said. Since 2008, the modest kitchen has sat on a derelict street in the Tenderloin neighborhood, long associated with homelessness and
drug use. But it's also within walking distance of a revitalizing middle Market Street area, led by the relocation of Twitter in 2012. There's been a ``dramatic increase'' in residential and retail rents in the middle Market area since 2010, spilling over into the Tenderloin, said Brad Lagomarsino, an executive vice president with commercial real estate company Colliers International. The still-seedy neighborhood, in other words, is trending up. AP
„ Health
Line
$15.8 mn approved for mental health institutes MADISON, WIS.: The Legislature's budget committee has overwhelmingly approved state health officials' request to pump millions of dollars more into upgrades at Wisconsin's mental health institutions. The Department of Health Services asked the Joint Finance Committee for authorization to spend an additional $15.8 million beyond the state budget on improvements and additions at the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison, the Winnebago Mental Health Institute near Oshkosh and three centers for the mentally disabled in Madison, Union Grove and Chippewa Falls. The agency asked for permission to spend $10.6 million to upgrade information technology at all the institutions and centers so they can shift to an electronic health records system. The DHS also asked to spend $1 million to finish renovating two unused units at Mendota to accommodate 20 additional beds for people committed in criminal cases. The agency requested another $1 million, too, to start design work on building two more housing units for the criminally convicted. -PTI
„ More noodle brands found 'sub-standard' BARABANKI, UP: Months after Maggi storm, the Uttar Pradesh food safety department has found samples of some other instant noodle brands "sub-standard" with ash content in the tastemaker exceeding the prescribed limits. "The samples of Knorr Soupy Noodles, Horlicks Foodles Noodles and Ching's Hot Garlic Instant Noodles were picked up from a mall in the city in May last year for testing and its report was received about a fortnight ago," the Food Safety Officer of Barabanki district, Sanjay Singh, said. The samples were sent to government Food Analysis Lab in Lucknow where it was found that "total ash of the tastemaker exceeds the maximum prescribed limits ... hence the samples are sub-standard," Singh said. Against the prescribed limit of 1 per cent, ash content was found to be 1.83 per cent in Ching's noodles, while in Foodles it was 2.37 per cent and in Soupy noodles it was 1.89 per cent, he claimed. Notices were sent to all the three companies a week ago giving them a month's time to make an appeal, he said. -PTI
Health Science
TN against single entrance test for medical courses
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Study finds Zika virus in fetal brain, a clue in outbreak WASHINGTON: New details about the possible effects of the Zika virus on the fetal brain emerged as U.S. health officials say mosquito eradication here and abroad is key to protect pregnant women until they can develop a vaccine. European researchers uncovered an extremely abnormal brain - not only a fraction of the proper size but lacking the usual crinkly neural folds - in a fetus whose mother suffered Zika symptoms at the end of the first trimester while she was living in Brazil. Zika is rapidly spreading through Latin America, and as it did, Brazil reported a surge in babies born with unusually small heads, a defect called microcephaly that can signal underlying brain damage. Whether the mosquito-borne virus really causes microcephaly isn't yet proven, but a report in The New England Journal of Medicine offers additional biologic clues. ``This fetus was really devastated,'' said Dr. Michael Greene of Massachusetts General Hospital who with colleagues from Harvard reviewed the findings in an accompanying editorial. Second-trimester ultrasounds in Brazil didn't spot any problems but a third-trimester scan when
the woman returned to Europe did. A post-abortion autopsy found the Zika virus in the fetus' brain but, remarkably, no other organs, reported researchers from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia. They also genetically sequenced the virus, which could
Together, the findings offer important evidence but still, ``there are more questions than there are answers at the moment,'' Greene said. Meanwhile, leading scientific journals pledged to rapidly share data to try to get those answers.
CDC Director Tom Frieden testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, before the House Foreign Affairs, Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations subcommittee and Western Hemisphere subcommittee hearing on: 'The Global Zika Epidemic.
help further research into the suspected link. Last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced finding Zika genetic material in brain tissue from two Brazilian babies who'd died, and in the placentas from two miscarriages.
The Obama administration has asked Congress for $1.8 billion in emergency funding to fight Zika. The biggest U.S. message is for pregnant women to avoid traveling to Zika-affected areas. But CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden told a congressional committee that much of the effort must
be on mosquito control, too, including in southern parts of the U.S. that harbor the mosquito that spreads the virus. Officials don't expect large outbreaks in the continental U.S., but have warned that there could be limited local transmission, small clusters, in those areas, like there have been of related viruses carried by the same mosquito, the dengue and chikungunya viruses. However, Frieden warned that ``we will likely see significant numbers of cases in Puerto Rico,'' based on how quickly chikungunya spread through that territory in 2014. To protect women of childbearing age in Zika-stricken countries, a vaccine will be important because the virus ``is a flash infection,'' disappearing from the mother's bloodstream in days, said Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health. That means other ways of fighting maternal transmission likely wouldn't work. He hopes small safety studies of an experimental vaccine might begin late this year, but said how long it would take to prove a candidate shot really worked depends in part on whether the Zika outbreak is still going on next year or burns itself out.-AP
Babies' eye damage in Brazil linked to Zika? CHICAGO: The Zika virus might cause eye damage in smallheaded infants born to women infected during pregnancy, a small study in Brazil suggests. The study lacks hard proof of any link with Zika and vision abnormalities, but as a precaution, the authors recommend routine vision testing in infants born with microcephaly in areas where Zika infections have occurred. Microcephaly, which has many causes, means an abnormally small head and the condition typically involves brain defects. It has made headlines because of an apparent spike in
cases in Brazil where Zika infections are rampant.
Scientists are trying to determine if the Zika virus, spread by
Dr. Vanessa Van Der Linden, the neuro-pediatrician who first recognized and alerted authorities over the microcephaly crisis in Brazil, measures the head of a 2-month-old baby with microcephaly in Recife, Brazil.
mosquito bites, can cause microcephaly. Complications from microcephaly can include vision problems, so whether Zika leads to eye damage can't be determined from the study. The results were published online in the medical journal JAMA Ophthalmology. The researchers found eye damage in 10 of 29 babies born with microcephaly at the Roberto Santos General Hospital in Salvador, Brazil. The problems included abnormalities or scars in the retina and optic nerve. Cont'd on Page 35
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CSE slams JLR claim 'Duty relief removed to protect Indian drugmakers' of car 'air purifiers' NEW DELHI: Slamming Jaguar Land Rover for calling Delhi air sucked in by its cars 'far dirtier' than what they emit, environmental advocacy group CSE has said this amounts to equating cars with "airpurifying machines". Terming as 'misleading and irresponsible' the comments made by luxury carmaker
JLR's CEO Ralph Speth, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said the car companies cannot be allowed to "hide behind such claims" amid raging concerns over "toxic diesel emissions even in advanced markets today". "No car company can get away by making such remarks in any other country. Instead of misleading the public and policymakers, vehicle industry should acknowledge special public health concerns associated with toxic diesel emissions and
take full responsibility for quick and drastic cuts in emissions by leapfrogging to Euro VI emissions standards to reduce public health risk," CSE said in a statement. It further said this was "a serious affront when judicial and executive action is focused on reducing public health risk from diesel emissions". In a strong criticism of the ban on high-end diesel car sales, Speth had said on the sidelines of the Auto Expo here that "the latest EU VI regulation schemes have got technical features, which (can) clean the air in Delhi. "These kind of vehicles drive like a hoover... Air they suck in is far dirtier than the air which comes out of it." JLR is among the automobile companies hit hard by the apex court order in December last year banning registration of diesel SUVs and cars above 2000 cc in the entire National Capital Region till March 31. The government has also decided to advance enforcement of much stricter Euro VI emissions standards. In its statement, CSE said it "condemns the misleading remark of the Jaguar and Land Rover Chief Ralph Ralf Speth in claiming that their cars act like air purifying machines". -PTI
Delhi plans health ID cards for patients NEW DELHI: Seeking to facilitate patients in maintaining their medical history and create a real-time data on diseases, Delhi government is mulling introducing health identity cards that would allow them to avail health services in government and private hospitals, polyclinics and mohalla clinics in the city. The health card will have an ID and all hospitals and the Health Department of Delhi government will have demographic, medical history and treatment details of a patient. According to a senior Delhi government official, the initiative will help create a realtime data on disease burden and the entire data will be available online under the Hospital Integrated System (HIS). "Once the scheme is in place, patients will not have to carry their medical and treatment records while visiting hospitals. They can simply carry along the health card having the unique ID. "Once the hospital enters the ID number in the system, they would be able to access all his medical history and treatment details. Also, the details will be uploaded
on the health department web portal which the patient can access anytime," said the official. The official said that collection of such data from across the state will also help government to come up with policies or prepare an action plan to fight diseases.
The initiative will help create a real-time data on disease burden and the entire data will be available online under the Hospital Integrated System (HIS). According to the official, an online record of all the state blood banks and the current availability of blood will be available. "This would help a patient check the availability of a particular blood group along with helping the department to regulate it according to its scarcity at other places," the official added.-PTI
NEW DELHI: Under flak for withdrawing customs duty exemption for 76 life saving drugs including for cancer, the Indian government has justified the decision, saying it was to protect domestic manufacturers and there will only be marginal increase in the prices of these imported drugs. After its notification issued by Central Board of Excise and Customs withdrawing the customs duty exemption received severe flak from public and activists, the Health Ministry reviewed the impact of its decision and concluded that most of the drugs from domestic manufacturers are already available at cheaper rates. "It is to promote indigenous medicines. The Indian drug companies are perfectly capable of manufacturing these drugs for our domestic market. We are not only meeting the domestic demand but are also exporting them to 200 countries and economies. Most of them are available at cheaper rates," said a senior Health Ministry official, who is also overseeing the functioning of Drug Controller General of India. Asserting that there will be marginal increase in the prices of these imported drugs, he said, "In case of 95 per cent of
these drugs, the custom duty is only 2.5 per cent. So if there is an increase, it would be marginal as per our assessment after the review."
The Indian drug companies are perfectly capable of manufacturing these drugs for our domestic market. We are not only meeting the domestic demand but are also exporting them The list of 76 medicines also contains pharmaceutical ingredients used in drugs. They are used in treatment of diseases like kidney stones, heart rhythm disorders, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, bone diseases, bacterial infections, anesthetic medication, allergies, arthritis, lupus, menopause, glaucoma, poisoning by a chemical or pesticide, growth failure in children and ulcerative colitis.-PTI
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Govt assurance on deworming tablets NEW DELHI: Seeking to play down reports of over 200 children falling sick after consuming deworming tablets, the government said there is "no need to worry or panic" as the drug is WHO approved and has "mild side effects" on one to two per cent of the children for a short time. "Albendazole 400 mg is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of parasitic worms. It is approved by the World Health Organization for treatment of worms and used globally," Health Minister J P Nadda told reporters at the launch of Malaria Elimination Framework. The affected children were taken to hospitals in Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana and Chhattisgarh as they complained of uneasiness after being administered Albendazole tablets on the occasion of National Deworming Day on February 10. "A total of 236 among a target of 27 crore children have reported some mild adverse effects from states of Bihar, Chattisgarh, Haryana, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The children were hospitalized, kept under observation and discharged without any major or serious complication. This is as per our standard protocol,"
the minister said. "The medicine sometimes causes mild side effects, particularly if it taken on empty stomach or the worm load is high among the children. Symptoms like vomiting or nausea may occur in one or two per cent cases. Care needs to be taken that the children are administered this drug in presence
crore children aged between one and 19 years throughout the country at risk of parasitic worm infection, through the platform of schools and anganwadi centers. "I want to assure the parents that there is no need to worry or panic. None of the cases reported was a serious one. All of them are being closely
Health Minister J P Nadda
of teachers or guardians," he said. It was the largest-ever singleday public health campaign in the world targeting approximately 27
monitored. It was a huge program where around 27 crore children were given deworming tablets," he said.-PTI
Three-level health infrastructure planned for Delhi NEW DELHI: In a major revamp bid, the AAP government in Delhi is planning to boost spending on health, education and road infrastructure in the capital and wants
leaving them to collapse so that the private sector flourished. Talking to senior editors to mark the completion of AAP government's one year in office,
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
the Centre to allow it scrap the long-term power purchase agreements with NTPC to bring down electricity cost. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said that health and education sectors have been slowly killed by successive governments
he said a three-level structure of health infrastructure was being built in Delhi that will comprise mohalla clinics (primary health), poly clinics and then super specialty hospitals. Kejriwal said from this month the government has started free
supply of medicines to the poor and 50 diagnostic tests are available to them without any payment. There will be 1,000 mohalla clinics that will provide treatment to people almost at their doors and 100 or 150 poly clinics opened by the end of the year. He said the medical superintendents of hospitals have been empowered to recruit former defense service personnel to be put in charge of cleanliness and security so that doctors will be free to do medical work. The government was also considering introducing a comprehensive health card system covering all the population so that medical data is available for all. A comprehensive health insurance scheme is also planned and the number of beds in government hospitals is planned to be doubled from the present 10,000 to 20,000 in two years.-PTI
38 km green corridor for kidney transplant in Delhi NEW DELHI: A 38-km green corridor was created between Max Super Speciality Hospital in Shalimar Bagh and its Vasant Kunj branch to transport in little over 37 minutes harvested kidneys from a brain dead person, which were implanted in two end-stage kidney failure patients in the city. The green corridor was created at 1.37 AM and the organs of a 62-year-old female brain-hemorrhage patient were transported in 37 minutes 45 seconds.
take inspiration from the family of this 62-year-old woman," said Waheed Zaman, Senior Consultant, Urology and Renal Transplant at the hospital. Despite extensive campaigns and efforts made by the government and healthcare providers in India to increase awareness about organ donation, there continues to be a wide gap between the number of organs donated and those waiting for transplant, said Sonal Gupta, Associate Director in Neu-
The donor's kidneys saved lives of two patients admitted at Max Hospital Shalimar Bagh, while corneas were sent to AIIMS and liver was transported to The Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) for transplantation. "The doctors' team worked tirelessly to ensure the two kidney transplants are carried out successfully. The noble decision of the donor's family has given a new lease of life to two people. We are proud to have been a part of such a brave act and hope that millions
rosurgery. "Statistics show that 150,000 people today are on a waiting list for kidney transplant. Heartbreakingly, only 3,000 of them (less than 1/50) get a chance at life again. "A gradual increase in awareness, improvement of infrastructure, including the training of transplant coordinators to speak with families after a loved one dies, have led to a slow but steady increase in the number of organs available for those in need," Gupta said.-PTI
Govt for integration of allopathic & ayurvedic systems NEW DELHI: The government has advocated integration of traditional Indian medicine system with the modern one for better results in treating various ailments. AYUSH Minister Shripad Yesso Naik said his Ministry has already proposed the integration of allopathic and ayurvedic systems to attain better results. "It is essential to integrate the traditional Indian medicine system into modern medicine system. India is famous the world over for its AYUSH systems of medicine including Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and homoeopathy. "All these systems of medicine must be used in
an integrated manner to promote a healthy life," Naik said after inaugurating a National Symposium on Child Health Care through Ayurveda at the NIMS University in Jaipur. Several specialists also expressed their thoughts at the symposium including Harland Winter from the US and Anil Dhawan from
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TN against single entrance test for medical courses CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has "strongly" objected to any move by the Centre to introduce a single nationallevel examination for medical courses, saying any form of common entrance test "by design favor the urban elite" and rural students cannot compete with them. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said her government has consistently been of the view that common entrance exams "by design favor the urban elite" and rural students and students from poorer socio-economic background are unable to compete with students from such urban elite background in the examinations. Rural students were at a disadvantage as they lacked the resources to enroll in training institutes and coaching classes and did not have access to study materials available to their urban counterparts, she said. Recalling her consistent opposition to any such examination, Jayalalithaa said she had conveyed to him in October last her government's "strong objection" to the Centre seeking a review of Supreme Court judgment on the issue of a National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions proposed in 2013 during previous UPA regime. It had been quashed by the Supreme
Court but the then central government had filed a review petition even as her government had moved the apex court against that, she said. "I had also strongly cautioned against
withdraw the review petition filed and abide by the 2013 decision of the Supreme Court, Jayalalithaa said. "Despite our strong and sustained objections having been made abundantly clear, I am deeply concerned by reports that have appeared in a section of the media, which mention that, based on a proposal by the Medical Council of India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has sought the views of other ministries on the introduction of a common examination for medical admission." "These media reports are yet again creating confusion and frustration in the minds of thousands of students of Tamil Nadu who are already covered by a fair and transparent admission Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa policy laid down by the government of Tamil Nadu, which any attempts to introduce such a common has been working well," she said. For inentrance test in any other manner or by any stance, the state government was giving other name, as it infringes upon the state's 'preference' to those who have served in autonomy and right to regulate the admis- rural areas during admission to PG medision policies to medical educational insti- cal courses, with additional special tutions in Tamil Nadu," she said. weightage to those who work in hilly and In a memorandum submitted by her to tribal areas. Modi, she had urged him to review the "This has significantly improved the stand taken by the UPA government and availability of doctors at remote locations and also strengthened the quality of primary health care," Jayalalithaa said. The state government had also suc-
'Pregnant woman can't be barred from AMC' CHANDIGARH: In a landmark verdict, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ruled that a woman candidate cannot be permanently debarred from joining as a doctor in the Army Medical Corps on the ground she became pregnant during the selection process, asserting such an action has "no place" in modern India. The woman, who applied in early 2013 for a short service commission in the AMC, was asked to join service in February 2014 after clearing all examinations and medical tests. However, between the period of her application and joining, the petitioner conceived and disclosed this fact on the date of joining after which she was not allowed
to assume duties. She then approached the Punjab and Haryana court. Passing a 36-page judgment recently on a petition by the woman, Justice Harinder Singh Sidhu held that forcing a choice between bearing a child and employment interferes both with a woman's reproductive rights and her right to employment and such an action could have no place in modern India. In the verdict relating to the rights of women in uniformed services, the High Court also held that in such cases, keeping the nature of employment in consideration, the government could grant maternity leave or keep a vacancy reserved which could be offered to a candidate after childbirth. -PTI
Babies' eye damage in Brazil linked to Zika? Cont'd from Page 32
The babies' mothers were presumed to have developed Zika infections during pregnancy, and most reported symptoms including rash, fever and joint pain, according to the researchers, led by Dr. Rubens Belfort of the Federal University of Sao Paolo. A journal editorial by two Northwestern University eye specialists notes that infections other than Zika have been linked with similar eye problems, and calls the potential link with Zika ``presumptive.''
Drs. Lee Jampol and Debra Goldstein say it's unclear if the eye lesions found in the study occur in babies without microcephaly, so they don't recommend routine eye tests in all babies in Zika-infested regions. But vision tests are warranted for microcephaly babies in those regions, given the study results, so that any affected infants can be followed and given glasses, eye patches or other treatment as they mature, Jampol said. He said the damage seen in the study is likely irreversible, but it's too soon to know if any of the babies will be blind.-AP
cessfully obtained and enforced bonds from those completing postgraduate education in government medical colleges to serve it for a minimum period. This had helped the government meet the need for specialist medical manpower in state-run hospitals, she said. "The introduction of NEET or any common entrance test would nullify the implementation of such progressive policy initiatives and prevent furthering of the socio-economic objectives of the state. The national test would be out of tune with the prevailing socio-economic milieu and administrative requirements of Tamil Nadu," she said. "I would further state that as the central government has already filed a review petition, seeking a review of the judgment of the Supreme Court and the same is pending, it will not be proper to consider any proposal to introduce NEET for admission to both undergraduate and postgraduate courses as the same would amount to circumventing the judgment of the Supreme Court," she said in the letter. Jayalalithaa said Tamil Nadu "strongly objects to any such fresh purported attempts" by the Centre to nullify the judgment of the apex court "by seeking introduction of NEET, or by introducing it in any other name or manner, as it infringes upon the state's rights and admission policies to medical educational institutions in Tamil Nadu".-PTI
Tech News Grant funds to promote use of waste tires FRANKFORT, Ky.: Kentucky's Energy and Environment Cabinet is accepting grant proposals for projects promoting the use of recycled waste tires for landscaping. The cabinet says grant funds can be used to purchase crumb rubber mulch for landscaping
projects. Grant funding comes from the Waste Tire Trust Fund, an endowment established by state lawmakers to receive fees collected from new tire sales. The applicant will provide match funding equal to at least 25 percent of the project cost. The cabinet says that to a limited degree, it will also consider research and development proposals that further the purposes of the waste tire program or help develop a market for Kentucky waste tires. Applications must be received by March 28 at the state Division of Waste Management's central office in Frankfort. -AP
BMW exported $10 billion of cars in 2015 GREER, S.C.: BMW exported almost $10 billion worth of vehicles from its assembly plant in Greer last year, remaining the nation's leading vehicle exporter in terms of the value of the vehicles. Several media outlets report that BMW exported $9.8 billion
worth of vehicles, topping the company's 2014 exports of $9.2 billion. The plant has been the nation's leading exporter for two straight years. More than 280,000 vehicles were exported from the Greer plant last year. That's about 70 percent of the more than 400,000 made at the facility. The plant exports BMW's X-model vehicles to more than 140 markets worldwide. -AP
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Funding sought for e-learning start-up KOLKATA: Two IIM graduates from the city are seeking funding from strategic investors to boost their start-up business plans for promoting financial and economic education among the youth. The two graduates from IIM-Indore, Vivek Bajaj and Vineet Patwari, started 'elearnmarkets.com', a web portal set up almost a year ago. Elearnmarkets, a typical educational start-up based on the IT platform, prepares both free and paid video capsules on various financial and economic issues. "We have reached a stage where funding is required. We are looking for financing up to Rs 6 crore in two tranches of Rs 3 crore each," Bajaj said. "We are seeking funding only from strategic investors who have domain expertise and also understand our mission and not to count returns at every point of time," Patwari said.-PTI
Singapore corporates see India as Asia's bright spot SINGAPORE: Corporates here see a bright spot in India with Singapore's direct investments in the country crossing SGD 15.24 billion, despite a generally weak economic outlook for most of Asia, a media report said here. Investment by firms in India is on the rise, and companies with a presence there say the region's second-largest economy is a challenging market to break into but offers rich rewards. India's gross domestic product exceeded USD 2 trillion in 2014, according to World Bank data. After taking 60 years to reach the USD 1 trillion mark, the Indian economy added the next trillion in just seven years, the Straits Times reported. Singapore's direct investments in India have been rising steadily every year, going up from SGD 9.56 billion in 2009 to SGD 15.24 billion in 2013. Firms in the construction and wholesale and retail trade sectors contributed most to the increase, said national trade promotion agency International Enterprise Singapore. Manufacturing, financial and insurance services, as well as professional, scientific and technical administrative and support ser-
vices firms, have also been taking big strides into the Indian market. Singapore and India have been strengthening their economic links in recent years.
Oil and gas equipment supplier Chase Resource Management sees India as a bright spot amid the downbeat oil market. Its operations have since ex-
"India is an interesting market and shaping up well for us. We are open to teaming up with other Singapore companies keen on the infrastructure sector there," said Manian Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with operations in India are optimistic that its economy is on the brink of lift-off, even as Asia remains mired in a slowdown.
panded substantially, and 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the company's business is now generated through India. "There is still a lot of (oil and gas) work happening on the east
coast, and a lot of tenders that we have been bidding for and winning," said director Jayanthi Manian, an Indian origin businesswoman here. "It is not as bad as other markets in Asia," she added. "India is an interesting market and shaping up well for us. We are open to teaming up with other Singapore companies keen on the infrastructure sector there," said Manian. However, she noted that Singapore firms tend to hesitate over venturing into India. "A lot of Singapore companies are scared of moving into India. It is a totally different working culture, and it takes a lot of patience to work there," she said. Vivian Singh, president and chief executive of PC and flash memory manufacturer Strontium Technology, said despite the hurdles, the payoffs can be significant. "In the past, it was important to have a warehouse in every state, but e-commerce is growing fast in India and this helps companies like us," said Singh. India contributes about 30 to 35 per cent of the company's sales which came in at about SGD 350 million last year. -PTI
Snap deal raises $200 mn from investors NEW DELHI: Online market place Snapdeal has raised USD 200 million from Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and other investors as it looks to add more muscle to compete with likes of Amazon and Flipkart. The latest fund-raising follows USD 500 million raised last August from Alibaba Group, SoftBank and Foxconn. Founded in 2010, the Softbankbacked firm has Snapdeal has over 2.75 lakh sellers on board. "We see these investments as a continuing endorsement of Snapdeal's strategy to build India's most reliable and frictionless commerce ecosystem," Snapdeal Chief Financial Officer Anup Vikal said
in a statement. The company continues to make targeted investments in building internal and external capabilities to consistently deliver optimal experience, he added. Ontario Teachers' is Canada's
ership in investment management and member services. Iron Pillar is a venture capital fund focused on filling the gap for mid stage technology investments in India. In August, Snapdeal had raised USD 500 million (about Rs
largest single-profession pension plan with USD 154.5 billion in net assets. Since its establishment as an independent organization in 1990, it has built an international reputation for innovation and lead-
3,269 crore) from Chinese firm Alibaba Group, Taiwan's Foxconn and Japan s SoftBank. Existing investors, including Temasek, BlackRock, Myriad and Premji Invest, also participated in
this round. The company has raised over USD 1.5 billion so far including funding from Softbank (USD 627 million) and Tata Group Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata (personal investment). PE firms and angel investors are aggressively funding startups and internet-led businesses in India, targeting higher returns in the years to come. Rivals Flipkart and Amazon have also committed to invest about USD 8 billion over the next few years in India, where e-commerce is growing at a blazing pace, driven by affordable smartphones and increasing internet penetration.-PTI
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Essar's Ravi Ruia denied permission to go abroad NEW DELHI: Essar Group promoter Ravi Ruia, facing trial in a case arising out of the 2G scam probe, has been denied permission to travel abroad by a special court which said allegations in the mat-
a separate plea filed by Essar Group Director (Strategy and Planning) Vikash Saraf, a co-accused in the case, seeking permission to travel to Dubai from February 22 to March 6 for his professional obli-
Ravi Ruia
ter were of "very serious nature" and he has nothing substantive to do in London. Special CBI judge O P Saini dismissed his plea in which he had sought the court's permission to go to London from February 7 to March 14 to spend time with his family there. Meanwhile, the court allowed
gations. While dismissing Ruia's plea, the court said, "The accused is facing trial in a case in which allegations are of a very serious nature. In such a situation, permitting the accused to travel abroad without any good reason may not be prudent, more so, when he has nothing substantive to do in Lon-
don." "He (Ruia) has been permitted to travel abroad previously on several occasions but only on his making out a case necessitating such visit. As submitted by senior public prosecutor, the case is at the final stage and final arguments for the accused are being heard," the judge said. During the arguments on Ruia's plea, his counsel told the court that previously also his client was permitted to travel abroad and he had complied with all the conditions which were imposed upon him. The lawyer said the case was not listed for hearing from February 7 to March 14 and presence of Ruia was not required. However, CBI sought dismissal of Ruia's plea saying it was not supported with any valid documents and being a resourceful person, he may misuse the liberty if permitted to go abroad. It said that Ruia has nothing substantive to do in London except spending time with his family and this was not a ground for permission to travel abroad when the case is at its fag end. -PTI
Rajan blames Dosa prices on Tawa! KOCHI: Why the humble Dosa - the South Indian dish loved by all -continues to cost high when RBI is claiming a victory over inflation? Governor Raghuram Rajan blames lack of technology upgrades from its traditional 'Tawa' preparation and high wages of the person making it! 'The technology for making Dosas hasn't actually changed. Till today that person puts it (Dosa batter) on Tawa, spreads it around and then takes it out, right? There has been no technological improvement there. "However, the wages that you are paying to that gentleman, especially in a high-wage sort of state like Kerala, are going up all the time," Rajan said. The RBI Governor was replying to a question from a Dosaloving engineering student at a Federal Bank event here. "In real life, I have a query on Dosa prices - when inflation rates go up, Dosa prices go up, but when inflation rates are lower, the Dosa prices are not lowered. What is happening to our beloved Dosa, sir?" she
Dosa cooking
asked. Rajan replied that the workers can be used in many productive areas where productivity has gone up such as factory works, banking where today that same bank clerks service many more people because of technology. "So, what happens is that in an economy which is growing and
when there are sectors which are improving technologically while other sectors are not improving their technology, the prices for the goods manufactured by sectors, that are not improving their technology, will go up faster. "You are seeing it in the case of Dosa," Rajan said. -PTI
Nestle terminates IAAF sponsorship over doping LONDON: Food and beverage the IAAF, established in 2012.'' giant Nestle has told the IAAF The IAAF, incensed by the that it has terminated its sponsor- Nestle announcement, was detership of athletics' governing body mined to hold the company to the over fears the doping scandal final year of its contract. Rather could damage the company's im- than accepting the sponsor's deage. cision, the IAAF said it remained The announcement came while ``in discussion with Nestle conAdidas remains in talks with the cerning the final year of its fiveIAAF about its handling of the year partnership.'' corruption scandal amid reports ``This has been a successful the sportswear giant was consid- program with 15 million kids aged ering ending its sponsorship. seven to 12 years in 76 countries, The IAAF, under Sebastian taking part in fun team activities Coe's new leadership, is fighting which promotes a healthy, active attempts by sponsors to cut their contracts “This decision was taken early. Coe said he was ``an- in light of negative publicgered and dismayed'' by ity associated with allegathe Nestle announcetions of corruption and ment. ``We will not accept doping in sport made it,'' he said in a state- against the IAAF'' ment. ``It's the kids who will suffer.'' Nestle funded the kids' athlet- lifestyle,'' the IAAF said. ics program for four years but deThe program was due to reach cided to end the partnership ``with another 15 countries, involving animmediate effect.'' other three million children, train``This decision was taken in ing 360 lecturers, and 8,640 physilight of negative publicity associ- cal education teachers, the IAAF ated with allegations of corruption added. and doping in sport made against The Nestle decision was a blow the IAAF,'' Nestle said in a state- to Coe, whose first six months as ment. ``We believe this could IAAF president have been negatively impact our reputation blighted by the extent of the corand image and will therefore ter- ruption under predecessor Lamine minate our existing agreement with Diack being exposed.-AP
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'Fund-of-funds' launched Las Vegas to get bikesharing system to aid start-ups MUMBAI: The Centre has launched a 'fund-of-funds' aimed at helping start-ups from the electronics and IT sector to create intellectual property, expressing willingness to invest up to Rs 2,200
A senior ministry official said the government has put a cap of investing up to Rs 2,200 crore in the EDF and the scheme will be operational till March 2017 as of now.
Ravi Shankar Prasad
crore in the initiative. The Electronic Development Fund (EDF) floated by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology will invest in professional venture capital funds which will in-turn invest the money in start-ups, Minister for IT and Communication Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
However, he was quick to point out that this is not an explicit commitment by the government to invest the sum, making it clear that the investments will be done in a staggered manner. He also hinted that if the Rs 2,200 crore cap is not breached by March 2017, the government can extend the scheme as well.
After launching the EDF, which will be managed by state-run lender Canara Bank's venture investment arm Canbank Venture Capital Fund, Prasad handed over letters of commitment to four VC funds totaling Rs 169 crore in commitments. He said the EDF is separate from the Rs 10,000-crore fund for start-ups announced by the government earlier, but will help in the flow of similar quantum of money into the start-up ecosystem. "Typically, we will be taking a 20-25 per cent stake in daughter fund. This means that the startups will get Rs 10,000 crore in commitments as a result of this," the official explained. Meanwhile, flagging cyber security as an area of concern for which the world needs solutions, Prasad exhorted Indian start-ups to develop solutions on this front so that we can emerge as a leader at the world stage on this. The minister also pointed out chip designing, rather than manufacturing, as another area where the Indian start-ups can play a leading role. On the controversial issue of call drops, Prasad said telcos have installed 34,000 mobile towers across the country in the recent past but underscored the need for them to do more on it so that the services are better. -PTI
HSBC could shift to Paris in case of Brexit LONDON: Global banking giant HSBC has said it could shift 1,000 jobs to Paris if Britain votes to leave the European Union in a referendum expected later this year. "We are lucky in the sense that we have a major bank in France,"
group chairman Douglas Flint told BBC Radio 4's Today program. "So, if we were to leave and if there were to be restrictions, ultimately on the renegotiation of
Britain's position, we have the ability to move activity and people between London and Paris," he said. Commenting on the bank's decision to remain headquartered in London, Flint warned the result of
the referendum "potentially does have an impact on the operating activities of our wholesale bank". "Our strong economic view is that Britain is better within a re-
formed Europe," he said. The bank's chief executive Stuart Gulliver told Sky News a British departure from the EU could have a "significant impact" on the bank's trading room, corporate banking and investment banking. "We have 5,000 people in global banking and markets in London and I could imagine that around 20 per cent of those would move to Paris," he said. Any decision on moving jobs would depend on the terms of a British exit, including whether Britain could still access the financial services "passporting" regime allowing member states to trade across national borders. The Hongkong and Shanghai Bank employs around 10,000 people in France compared to 48,000 in Britain out of a global workforce of 257,000.-AFP
LAS VEGAS: Bike sharing is coming to Las Vegas through Wisconsin-based company BCycle. After three years of discussions, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada awarded the contract in January, the Las Vegas Sun reported. Officials say the bike-sharing system is in line with the city's demographics and transportation goals. ``You have a certain mix of where people live, work and go to dine or play, all in one area,'' said David Swallow, the commission's senior director of engineering and technology. The 24-hour system will debut at the end of August with 180 bikes available 24 hours a day across 18 stations in a 1.5-square-mile area downtown. One station is slated for Bonneville Transit Center, connecting bus riders with bicycles. Other locations have yet to be determined. Annual membership is priced
between $65 and $85, with day passes likely costing $6 or $8, though those amounts are not final. Passes for three days or a month are also being discussed. An annual membership gives unlimited access to bikes for 30 minutes. Bikes can be used longer, but must be checked in every so often to stay within the 30-minute limit. A federal grant funded about
95 percent of the $1 million in equipment costs, with the remainder being paid for by the regional transportation commission. Las Vegas joins Denver, Salt Lake City, Houston, Nashville, Charlotte and Cincinnati in implementing the company's bike-sharing systems. -AP
Service centers for tech help to farmers CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal approved setting up of service centers for farmers in the state to provide latest technical assistance to them. At a meeting here, he said in the current scenario when returns from agriculture were diminishing with every passing day, the need of the hour was to boost production by roping in best experts of this field. Badal said dedicated staffers would be made available across the state to assist farmers in using latest technology of sowing and harvesting. These centers would be controlled by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), an official release said. The CM said these centers would also run surveillance and awareness campaigns to make the
farmers aware about threats to their crops and suggest remedial action. He said the responsibility of bailing out the farmers of the state from the current agrarian crisis lies on the shoulders of PAU and the state agriculture department. Both these organizations, along
with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, should channelize their all might to ensure that agriculture was made a profitable venture, he said. He asked the officers to ensure that staffers recruited in these bodies work at the grassroots level.-PTI
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MSMEs critical for the Indian economy: Rajan THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Medium and Small Enterprises (MSME) are critical to economic development and a 'level playing field' should be ensured for them, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan said here. "We need to create many more jobs and that is one of the most important things in the country in the coming years. MSMEs are very important source of job creation," he said at an India MSME Summit here. Job creation really takes off not when they are small, but when they grow, he said, adding that it is important to create conditions for the growth of MSMEs, not just for startups, but also to grow in effective ways. Kerala is well placed for a revolution in MSME sector, he said, adding that the state should leverage its high level of education and capabilities. Quoting a Chinese professor, he said differences in the vigor of MSMEs in China and India have to do with the level of educational differences between the two countries. "Kerala, anywhere in India
is well positioned with the educational level to go forward. Kerala is a great place for furthering revolutionizing MSMEs," he said. More entities will create more competition. Giving the example of banana chips, he said a new way
A regulatory structure that creates a lot of bureaucratic obstacles that distorts the level playing field will have the opposite effect, he said, citing the example of Italy of making them would be tremendously useful for the country, both in terms of spreading it and improving productivity. He was referring to Manoj Joshi, Joint secretary, MSME, who pointed out the reluctance of some in the chip industry to go in for modernization. While banana chips makers in Kochi use machines, some in the state capital prefer to
stick on to the old practice. Stressing upon the need for competition from MSMEs, he said that it was the way to progress. The sector should be encouraged as it not only benefits the economy, but also helped in socially empowering women and those in the weaker sections. "So from the perspective of the economy, from the perspective of spreading opportunities across the country and perspective of spreading social equality, MSME is a critical sector in the economy," he said. Government and regulators should give the sector a 'level playing field', he said. A regulatory structure that creates a lot of bureaucratic obstacles that distorts the level playing field will have the opposite effect, he said, citing the example of Italy, where too many regulations have held back the growth of MSMEs. "We need to figure out a regulatory environment both at the RBI, centre and state government level that facilitates right regulations. I do not mean no regulation. De-regulation is necessary', he said.-PTI
Odisha receives investment proposals worth 70,000-cr MUMBAI: Odisha govern- based global electronics manument has said it has received in- facturing services provider vestment proposals to the tune Sanmina is planning to set-up a of Rs 70,959 crore in various sec- facility and mining conglomerate tors including manufacturing Vedanta is planning to commisand renewable energy. sion a downstream industrial "We have received commit- park in the state. ment of over Rs 70,000 crore from The minister said three comsectors like manufacturing to panies have evinced interest in food processing and renewable the renewable energy sector for energy. Odisha has become a choice for investors due to Engineering major Larsen & availability of skilled Toubro is planning to invest labor, political stability and re- Rs 12,000 crore for an alumisources," Odisha num refinery, while ITC is Industries Minister Debi Prasad Mishra planning an investment of Rs told reporters here. 800 crore in food processing Engineering major Larsen & Toubro is planning to invest Rs 12,000 solar and tidal projects. crore for an aluminum refinery, "We are especially focused while ITC is planning an invest- on those sectors that can generment of Rs 800 crore in food pro- ate employment," he said. cessing and hospitality. For the ease of doing busiNALCO is looking to invest ness, Odisha government has Rs 20,500, while Tata Steel SEZ launched a portal for central inplans to invest about Rs 2,000- spection framework and E-Biz 2,500 crore in the state. aimed at making investment proBesides, GMR is looking to cess transparent and reducing expand its power plant, US- any scope of exploitation.-PTI
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gartala, the capital of Tripura, is arguably one of the most diversely populated cities of India. Tripura has always been a home to various mixes of tribes and all these tribal amalgamations have led to an influx of people representing their own clan.
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Agartala, with its verdant forest cover, near perfect green backdrop, great tourist sites and laid back attitude presents a sight of an ideal tourist destination. The rich and varied tribal culture thriving on the high mountains and vast and alluring green valley adds its own charm to the attraction of the state. Propelled into limelight after Maharaja Krishna Manikya shifted the state capital here in the 19th century, Agartala is not only for-
ests, hills, lakes and wildlife sanctuaries. This city presents life in a totally distinctive way, very unlike the life we in our so called big cities endure. Replete with religious and historical monuments directly
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involving great personalities like Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Agartala presents a new-fangled aspect of tourism to the visitors for exploration. Located at an altitude of 3,600 ft above the sea level is the highest peak of Agartala region, Beltingchhip (32 km from Vanghmun). Agartala city, though the most developed in the state, is still a far distance away from the other metros in the country. Thus one
can be assured of a pleasant and clean atmosphere, fresh air and unpolluted minds throughout the year. The city is the central market for various commercial goods (tea, rice, jute and oilseed) for the surrounding region. A stroll down the market is a must for the ardent shoppers for the sheer variety of handicraft and woolen articles for display and sale. Cont’d on page 42
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India Govt plans to set up 2,000 waterports NEW DELHI: The Government plans to set up 2,000 waterports as well as "Ro-Ro" services at 5
select places to transport goods and vehicles, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said. Besides, there is a plan to develop 1,300 islands and 280 light
houses as major attractions for tourists. "We will set up 2,000 water ports... India has huge potential for water transport and has 14,500 km of waterways. Not only this we will develop our 1,300 islands as major tourist attraction," Gadkari said addressing a global summit on Smart Cities-Smart India, organized by Assocham. He said Andaman & Nicobar Islands could be developed to attract a huge number of tourists. He also informed that the expression of interest (EoI) for developing 70 light houses has already been received. Gadkari said the government will soon start Ro-Ro (Roll-on Rolloff) service at five places includ-
ing Haldia, Patna, Varanasi and Sahibganj with World Bank assistance. Once they are operational, trucks could be transported till the points leading to huge savings which in turn would boost economy, he added. He also informed that government is constructing waterways on a 1,620 kilometer stretch on the Ganga between Varanasi and Haldia and 30 water ports would be constructed there. "Varanasi, Haldia and Sahibganj will be developed as multi-modal hubs with roadways, waterways and railways. For this, we have acquired land, our designs are ready, we have given work order for all three places, so before March we will begin work," said Gadkari. He said cargo transportation
through river could bring the charges down to as low as 10 paise a km in comparison to Rs 1.5 per km for transportation through road and Rupee one through waterways.
marans etc. The minister said government had initiated river traffic control system from Haldia to Farakka and the system will be introduced in next six months from Farakka to
He said India also has huge opportunities in seaplanes, cata-
Patna and thereafter from Patna to Varanasi. -PTI
Israel Birds Festival from March 20 to 27 India Post News Service
EILAT, Israel: Israel has become a "birding superpower" and an entire recreation culture has been born of the love of the birds among both locals and tourists. The country witnesses a large number of travelers from all over the world who visit Israel during the bird migration to get a glance of the beautiful species of birds. At least 500 million birds pass through Israel's skies twice a year during the migration season. Not only professional birders but nature and bird lovers also visit Israel to experience this distin-
guished event. One of the main reasons to plan a trip to the land of Israel in March is the 10th Eilat Birds Festival taking place between 20 to 27 March. The festival is hosted by the Israel Ornithological Center from the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel. The festival is a weeklong event taking place during the peak of spring bird migration period. A binocular and a camera is all that is needed for the visitor to experience this wonderful flock. The Eilat Birds Festival, the most significant international event in the WP birding scene, is
designed to bring together birders from all over the world for an unforgettable week of birds, migration and nature. The festival in-
to Africa and in the spring they return to Europe to mate and reproduce. Israel is located on a central migratory path, attracting
Wheatears, Black Bush Robin. Local specialties such as Thickbilled and Hoopoe Larks, 8 species of Wheatears and the shy
cludes day and night birding tours to all the best sites in southern Israel, many bird related activities, presentations, talks and more. The country of Israel which is known as a geographical bridge between three continents - Europe, Asia and Africa - makes it a "bottleneck" into which hundreds of migrant species converge during spring and autumn migration. In the fall, they make their way south
both professional and amateur birders, photographers and experts from all over the world to see the natural wonder. The Eilat Birds Festival attracts birding professionals of the highest level to amateur birders, both from abroad and from Israel. In the festival of 2015, some significant birds showed up during the week and rarities such as Caspian Plover, Cyprus and Pied
Red-sea Warbler were also put on a show. The city of Eilat has become the ultimate resort city with hotels and beaches packed with thousands of vacationers and tourists from around the world. The combination a tropical sea and a breathtaking background of wild, bare granite mountains have turned it into a tourist gem all the year round.
Philadelphia named top US destination PHILADELPHIA: Lonely Planet is giving some love to the City of Brotherly Love, naming Philadelphia the top place to visit in the United States in 2016. The company known for its travel guides says in an announcement that Philadelphia ``is experiencing a transformation to its ur-
ban core, yet retaining its deep American history and uniquely gritty flavor.'' It says Philadelphia is ``on a roll right now.'' The city hosted Pope Francis in September and will welcome the Democratic National Convention this summer. In November, it was named the country's first World
Heritage City. Lonely Planet says it picks the ``top 10 most exciting, intriguing and up-and-coming'' destinations for the list. Natchez, Mississippi, and Yellowstone National Park landed the second and third spots, respectively. -AP
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AGARTALA Rich tribal culture thrives on the high mountains Cont’d from page 40
Watch out for the tribal ladies with their special wares roaming the market and clinch a steal you will remember for your life. Tourist Attractions Kunjaban Palace: The Kunjaban Palace (formerly known as the Pushbanta Palace) constructed in 1927 for the King Birendra Kishore Manikya (retreat/ recreation palace) is a marvelous monument which reflects the rich and artistic taste of the erstwhile ruler. The palace was handed over to the Government after dissolution of the monarchy and is presently being utilized as the official resi-
dence of the Governor of the State of Tripura. Neermahal: Neermahal, (Water Palace) located at a distance of around 53 km from Agartala was built as a summer resort for the erstwhile King Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya in 1930. The Palace situated right at the center of the Rudrasagar Lake (6 Sq km water body) is a magnificent piece of engineering. The amazing Hindu and Islamic architectural fusion is a rare sight and a pleasing one too. Ujjayanta Palace: The heart of the city of Agartala presents the Ujjayanta Palace, the famous royal house, beautifully carved and sculpted in Indo-Greek style. Constructed by Maharaja RadhakishoreIan Manikaya in 1901 the palace is nicely located within a huge garden and adorned with pools and fountains. This three storied monument has three high domes with two large tanks on both sides and the fountains (Musical Fountain or Dance of Fountain is a must see) laid out similar to the Mughal Gardens. Chittangong Hills: The hills and valleys have always enchanted the human mind however the spectacle presented by the Chittangong Hills spread over a vast region simply sweeps the onlooker off the feet. The hills (as they are inappropriately called) are actually a series of mini mountains deep and
far stretching valleys and a mini canyon formed by the mishmash of seven rivers. The rivers, Feni, Karnafuli, Chengi, Myani, Kassalong, Sangu and Matamuhuri cavort and gambol across the valley presenting an enchanting dance of frolic and fun across the ranges. Jampui Hill: The Jampui hills are also famously known as "the eternal hills of spring". Situated at a distance of 240 kms from Agartala, the hills are a treasure trove of a wide variety of Orchids, oranges and a heavenly mix of scenic splendor. The place of eternal spring proves worthy of its name due to the fact that the seasons never turn their uglier side towards the Jampui hills. The best comfort and weather is available throughout the year. Raima Valley: The Raima Valley, also known as the mother of the tribals of Tripura is actually a huge volume of enclosed space created due to the formation of a pleat within the mountain folds permitting the commissioning of the Gumti hydel project on the Raima River. This project caters for augmenting deficit power supply of the state and has a large catchment of water within the Raima valley. The area in general and the Raima valley in particular has seen development as a favored tourist spot over last decade. Gondacherra Wildlife Sanctuary: Gondacherra Wild Life Sanctuary is a good place to forget all your worries and get lost in the pleasing green forest and pure atmosphere of nature at its primitive best. The
wildlife sanctuary provides an opportunity to travel deep inside the park where, untouched by human interference, the natural habitat of many inhabitant animal (tiger, bison, deer, various primates, even a few wild horses) has created a world straight out of Time Travel movies. Apart from the forestry few water bodies along the sanctuary act as the attracting magnets for the inliving as well as the migratory birds. Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary: The Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 35 km from Agartala. Spread over an area of 18.5 sq km the Sanctuary boasts of abounding congregation of wildlife, especially birds and primates. The Sanctuary also houses a botanical garden, zoo, a lake and abundance of diverse species of trees. The terrain is absolutely green throughout the year and so is the beautiful weather except for the two humid summer months of March and April. Buddha Temple: The Buddha Temple, popularly known as the Buddha Mandir, is located at the heart of the city. The temple is one of the important religious centers and provides ample evidence regarding the influence of Buddhism on the populace. The shrine houses two beautiful idols of Buddha and Bodhisattva. The peaceful and serene idols are believed to have a Burmese origin. Shifted from the Royal palace, the idols adopted their new home, the Buddha Temple constructed in 1946. Jagannath Temple: The city of Agartala was chosen above Udaipur as the capital by the Manikyas. The Manikyas preferred
to decorate the city and adorned it with specially created monuments and beauty spots. The jagganath Dighi Lake is one such ornamental lake specially created. The shores of this pond play host to the Jagannath temple. The idol of Neelmadhav/ Lord Jagannath at Puri is believed to have been donated from this temple. The temple overlooking the Jagannath Dighi Lake shows heavy inclination towards Islamic style of architecture and design. Ummaneshwar Temple: The Ujjayanta Palace milieu houses various temples revered by the populace. The temples of Jagannath and Ummaneshwar are located opposite each other on the green stretches of grass within the palace yard. Culturally and geographically Tripura identifies itself
more with West Bengal than the other North Eastern states. Thus it is common to find gods, goddess and temples resembling each other in these two states. Unakoti: The amazing rock cut carvings and stone images at Unakoti (less than 10 million in Bengali), are located at a distance of 175 kms from Agartala. The archaeologists claim that Unakoti was a Shaivite holy spot in the 8th-9th centuries. The story goes that Lord Shiva was going to Kashi with one crore gods and goddesses. During night halt at this location Shiva asked all gods and goddesses to wake up prior to sun rise. Best time to visit Agartala is a place where one can experience moderate weather all through the year. The place can be visited any time the year but the best season is from September to May. How to reach By Air: Agartala airport is connected to Indian cities Kolkata and Guwahati. Other metro cities can be reached via Kolkata. By Bus: There are many road routes to reach Agartala from Kolkata and Guwahati. By Train: Nearest railway stations are Kumarghat, about 160 km from Agartala and Dharmanagar, 200 km away.
February 19, 2016
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Kerala operators' association to promote tourism THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: To rebrand Kerala as a new destination, tour operators in the state have formed a new consortium, Association of Tourism Trade Organizations India, to woo more foreign and domestic tourists to the state. The first phase of packages for foreign tourists was launched by
in our state's tourism sector has been demonstrating to the world the huge benefits in working together. The new alliance of tour operators in Kerala is yet another example of the commitment to promote tourism and contribute to the growth of all sections of the society," he said. The consortium aims to sell 500
Kerala Tourism Minister A P Anilkumar here. It will be followed by another phase for domestic tourists. "The public-private partnership
packages. The new organization comes nearly two decades after the state launched the country's only travel trade show Kerala Travel Mart.
The highlight of the packages, called 'Navaratana Experiessential Holidays', is a nine days of essential experiences in Kerala, including an insight into village life, community interactions and promotion of sustainable tourism practices. "The government's plan allocation to the tourism fund has been increased from Rs 100 crore to Rs 225 crore in the course of five years. This will be further increased in the coming budget session," Anilkumar said. "It is for the first time in India that tour operators are gathering under one umbrella for joint promotion of a package," Anilkumar said. The move is expected to support the industry partners. "Coming out of the comforts of the hotel room and car and to taking a plunge into the Kerala life is the motto of the new packages," said Kerala Tourism Secretary Jyothilal. ATTOI president P K Anish Kumar said it was a collective and focused effort to promote the destination. "The Navaratana Experiessential Holidays is going to redefine the way we see Kerala with 99 unique experiences in nine days," he said. -PTI
Odisha to develop beaches for tourists VISAKHAPATNAM: The Odisha government will develop several beaches, monuments and wildlife sanctuaries to attract domestic and foreign tourists, a senior official has said. "A progressive and investmentfriendly tourism policy has been in operation in the state since April 2013. "As per the policy, a state-level single window committee has been created for speedy implementation of the projects and several incentives have been announced for stakeholders as part of promotional initiatives," Deputy Director of Odisha Tourism U K Pati told reporters here. The Odisha government will develop several beaches, monuments and wildlife sanctuaries as
tourist spots, he added. According to Pati, as part of tourism promotion, the department is holding roadshows in different cities. "The department has already organized five roadshows last year and is planning organize eight such roadshows this year," he added. Last year, over 1 crore domestic and 78 lakh foreign tourists visited the state, Pati added. According to the officer, there are several scenic places in the state, like beaches at Puri, Chandipur and Gopalpur, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Simlipal National Park, Chilka lake, Sun Temple in Konark and Jaganath Temple in Puri, among others. -PTI
Grand Bahama for a quiet island getaway GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas: Looking for a low-key winter getaway or quiet spring break destination? Grand Bahama may be your place. It's one of the main islands of the Gulf Stream-warmed Bahamas archipelago of 700 islands, cays and inlets sprawling across the waters off southeastern Florida. Our February trip saw temperatures locked between 70 and 80 degrees, with an occasional spurt of rain at night. At restaurants, it wasn't unusual for the three of us - my wife, brother-in-law and me - to be the only ones there, although some places buzzed with activity. With the exchange at 1:1 U.S. dollar to a Bahamian dollar, the prices all seemed reasonable, and the practice of factoring tips into the bill made transactions even simpler. Beaches in many areas were quiet, with an occasional trickling of cruise ship passengers now and again making their way across the glistening sand, wading out to reefs and checking out ships dotting the horizon. This
was the case at Gold Rock Beach at Lucayan National Park, which at $5 per head is a don't-miss stop just a few miles east of Freeport along the Grand Bahama Highway. Tour companies and taxis make trips to the park, which features trails to an underwater cave system where pre-Columbian artifacts
fowl and wading birds. Tour companies also offer activities including kayak trips through a mangrove forest, sightseeing by bike or Jeep, all-terrain vehicle rides, snorkeling and birding. For the more adventurous, there's parasailing and even (gasp!) shark feeding dives.
The boardwalk along the mangrove trails in the Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama, part of the Bahamas in the Caribbean.
have been discovered. Another part of the park (be careful crossing the highway) offers trails whose meandering boardwalks lead through a mangrove ecosystem featuring saltwater fish, water-
We spent a week in a rented house in Freeport's Xanadu Beach area, noted for the 13-story resort once owned and inhabited by Howard Hughes and haunted by Hollywood jet setters. Now the
high-rise stands eerily silent, its once-vibrant surroundings looking desolate as we looked on from the quiet white-sand beach. Same at Freeport's International Bazaar, a marketplace of shops and boutiques - now mostly abandoned, shuttered, silent. Under the shade of a palm tree near its main gate, a checkers board, pieces still set on squares, lay untouched as if waiting for the next move. But we found our bliss at Albertha Cooper's restaurant. It's a bit out of the way, but worth the expedition. At the far eastern end of the island in McLean's Town, a seaside village known for its annual conch-cracking contest, we happened upon Cooper's tidy little drive-up restaurant. There was no menu to be seen, but she gladly obliged us with her specials for the day. I chose the fried conch plate. Asked where the conch was caught, she pointed to the turquoise cove a few hundred yards to our backs. ``Right there,'' she said with a smile. The conch came with a helping
of rice-and-beans and coleslaw. My wife chose three lobster tails with sides, and her brother chose the ribs plate. Add a couple of beers and a rum and Coke for drinks, $52 total for our feast for three. On another outing, we drove to the west side for a day of snorkeling and relaxing at Paradise Cove, a friendly and informal resort near Dead Man's Reef, 15 miles from Freeport. Getting around the island was easy, though driving itself is a bit of a challenge: You drive on the left side of the road, but many cars also have steering wheels on the left - different from both the U.S. and British systems. Of course Grand Bahama is but one of the islands in the Bahamian chain. Nearby Paradise Island and Nassau (the Bahamian capital on New Providence island), offer more night life. Atlantis, with its more than 2,300 rooms, casino, water park and what it calls the world's largest open-air marine habitat, is also a major draw for visitors. -AP
In Brief Visa issues halt Aditi's stint in US, UK SHILLONG: The first Indian woman to play football in England, Aditi Chauhan's stint at the West Ham might have come to an abrupt end due to visa issues but the 23year-old wants to look ahead, hoping to ink deals with professional clubs either in USA or UK. "It was very disappointing for me to return without any fault of mine but that's the way it is. I want to look ahead and it's no point talking about the past. "I'm in talks with some clubs in USA and UK, hopefully I will get somewhere soon," the Indian goalkeeper told PTI on the sidelines of 12th South Asian Games here without divulging further. Aditi, however, still calls herself West Ham ladies goalkeeper' as she sports The Hammers logo on her Twitter profile, months after she had to return because of visa problem. "I have enjoyed my time there and got starts in matches too. Both the club officials and fans accepted me and were very warm and welcoming," she recalled. The 23-year-old made history by becoming the first woman from the Indian national team to play in the English League last year but since the Delhi girl was on a student visa she could not continue in the top two tiers of women's football. Pursuing Master's degree in sports management from Loughborough University, Aditi had signed a one-year deal for the third division team of West Ham United Ladies. The team had, in fact, planned to sponsor her for a work visa, but she could not as West Ham are in the third tier and classed as semiprofessional. -PTI
„ Controversial minister to become Aussie rights envoy CANBERRA, Australia: The former Australian immigration minister who began the widely condemned policy of sending asylum seekers to Pacific island detention camps will become Australia's first special envoy for human rights, the government has said. During his 1996-2003 tenure as immigration minister, Philip Ruddock, the second-longest-serving lawmaker in the Australian Parliament's 105-year history, implemented Australia's so-called Pacific solution to deter asylum seekers from attempting to reach Australia by boat. Cont'd on Page 46
Immigration
Shelter plan for immigrant children scrapped
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Democrats Clinton, Sanders spar over race, immigration WASHINGTON: US presidential aspirants Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders tried to woo minority Latino and African American voters as they sparred over issues like race and their records on immigration during a Democratic debate. Clinton, 68, who has struggled to regain momentum after losing badly to Sanders in the New Hampshire primary, sought to cast herself as a more sensible, pragmatic progressive. She also cited her experience as secretary of state, implying that she had a broader array of expertise than Sanders, who focuses largely on economic inequality. The debate came as contest between the two moves to Nevada and South Carolina, states with large minority populations. "I want to tackle those barriers that stand in the way of too many Americans right now," Clinton said in her opening statement. "African Americans who face discrimination in the job market, education, housing and the criminal justice system. Hardworking immigrant families living in fear who should be brought out of the shadows so they and their children can have a better future. Guaranteeing that women's work
finally gets the equal pay that we deserve." At the PBS NewsHour televised debate, Clinton repeatedly emphasized her ties to President
the Obama administration. Clinton accused 74-year-old Sanders of voting against the 2007 immigration reform bill that included a pathway to citizenship.
scapegoats for economic uncertainty. "We have got to stand up to the Trumps of the world, who are trying to divide us," Sanders said. Clinton accused the Vermont Senator of criticizing Obama, who is also from their own Democratic party, in a language that is normally heard by Republican opponents. "The kind of criticism that we've heard from Senator Sanders about our President I expect from Republicans. I do not expect from someone running for the Democratic nomination to succeed President Obama," Clinton charged during the Democratic presiDemocratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, right, makes a point as Sen. Bernie dential debate. Sanders, listens during a Democratic presidential primary debate at the University of "Madam Secretary, Wisconsin-Milwaukee that is a low blow," Barack Obama who is extremely Sanders defended his vote, argu- Sanders responded by arguing popular among minority voters. ing that civil rights and immigrant that he respects Obama, but as a Immigration reform was also a groups were also opposed. Senator he has the right to disagree major topic of discussion. Both "I don't apologies for that with the President. candidates supported creating a vote," he declared. Sanders said Clinton in the last path to citizenship for the nearly Criticizing the anti-immigrant debate talked about getting the 11 million undocumented immi- positions of Republican front- approval or the support or the grants in the US and they decried runner Donald Trump, Sanders mentoring of Henry Kissinger. a recent uptick in deportations by said immigrants should not be Cont'd on Page 46
Indian students 'turned around,' not 'deported': US HYDERABAD: Stating that there was no larger issue involved in cases of Indian students, mainly from Telangana and AP, who were sent back from the United States a couple of months ago, a senior US embassy official has noted that each of these cases should be looked at differently. Michael Pelletier, Deputy Ambassador of US in Delhi, said the Indian students were welcome to study in America. "India is the second largest sender of foreign students to the United States," he said. On being asked about the issue of Indian students being sent back on arrival from the US in recent times, he said they were
"turned around" and not "deported". "When we saw the news about the students who were turned
told reporters. Media reports had suggested that there were about 500 such cases but Pelletier said he did not have the numbers on
around, they weren't deported but they were turned around....," he
those "turned around". Asked what went wrong in the
episode, he said, "Each is an individual case. What I can say is, as a general rule, the immigration officials, when you apply for permission to enter the states at the border crossing (whether that's an airport or a port or land crossing), the border officials are going to want to hear your reason for study." Adding, "They will look at your visa and they want to see the documentation that supports that. If there is some reason to believe that you are travelling on the wrong visa or that your purpose is not aligned with the visa, then they may have issues or they may not be able to admit you to the state." -PTI
Immigration Post
February 19, 2016
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California man in 7-state immigration scam SACRAMENTO, Calif.: Federal authorities have charged a Sacramento man with running what they called an unusually creative scam that promised U.S. citizenships to hundreds of immigrants across at least seven states in return for fees as high as $10,000. Helaman Hansen operated a Sacramento nonprofit called the Americans Helping America Chamber of Commerce. He was indicted for offering adult adoptions as a pathway to citizenship for people who were in the country illegally. His agency promoted the adoptions, which are legal and are routinely used in estate planning, to make parent-child relationships official and to aid in the care of a disabled adult. But they don't affect adults' immigration status, said U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wagner, although they can be helpful for those under age 16. "Taking advantage of the hopes
and dreams of undocumented immigrants, who are poorly positioned to seek the protection of law enforcement, to extract fees based on false promises, is a par-
that separated it from routine immigration fraud. "Fraud schemes come in a lot of different flavors, and this one is pretty creative, I think. Far-
Benjamin Wagner, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of California, discusses the federal charges filed against Helaman Hansen for allegedly running a scam that offered adult adoptions as a pathway to U.S. citizenships, at a news conference in Sacramento, Calif.
ticularly predatory and manipulative type of fraud," Wagner said. He said the scheme that began in 2012 had "a certain audacity"
fetched I guess would be another word for it. I haven't seen one quite like this before involving adult adoptions as a path to citizenship
as a fraud scheme," he said. Hansen previously told Sacramento's KCRA-TV that the federal investigation was likely sparked by a former employee who inappropriately handled adoptions. He argued that his program is as much about changing lives as it is in arranging citizenships. Authorities said the operation took in at least $500,000 from at least 500 immigrants in California, Hawaii, New York, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. Hansen, his employees and recruiters initially targeted Pacific Islanders and claimed to have offices in Fiji, according to the indictment. But Wagner said they expanded to Latinos and immigrants from China and Southeast Asia. Hansen, 63, of the Sacramento suburb of Elk Grove, was arrested on conspiracy and a dozen fraud charges that carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Operators initially promised
citizenship within a year after the adoption, the indictment says, but later hedged that it could take two years. Recruiting agents were paid about $1,500 for each victim they brought in. Aside from the adoptions, immigrants were required to create a "new identity profile" complete with driver's license, library card, bank account, and birth certificate. The agency started selling what it called "memberships" in the program for $150, but raised the rate to as high as $10,000 as more victims responded, the indictment says. If necessary, operators would use false information on adoption petitions so it would be considered in court, the indictment says. Wagner said the yearlong investigation was complicated because victims were often reluctant to cooperate for fear they would be deported. He emphasized that is not the goal of the ongoing investigation. -AP
Panel OKs revamped ID bill with fingerprints ALBUQUERQUE, NM: With just days left in the New Mexico Legislative session, the last Senate committee has passed a revamped New Mexico identification bill with an immigrant fingerprint provision sought by House Republicans. The Senate Finance Committee
have New Mexico driver's licenses would be exempted from the fingerprint requirements. Under the proposal, residents could apply for REAL ID compliant licenses or just driving authorization cards. The bill would allow immigrants to obtain the driving cards.
Rep. Paul Pacheco
voted unanimously to add the provision to the REAL ID bill with tough background checks despite opposition from immigrant advocacy groups. The revamped bill would require immigrants in the country illegally to submit fingerprints before getting new state driving authorization cards. Those fingerprints would be given to the FBI for background checks. However, immigrants in the country illegally who currently
The REAL ID Act requires proof of legal U.S. residency for those who want to use state identification to access certain areas of federal facilities. New Mexico has no such requirement and allows immigrants to get state driver's licenses regardless of legal status. State lawmakers have been under immense pressure to pass a REAL ID compliant law ever since the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced last year that
New Mexico wouldn't get an extension from the tougher REAL ID requirements. After that announcement, some military installations, such as White Sands Missile Range, stopped accepting state driver's licenses for entrance. Before the vote, Senate Democrats and House Republicans had been at odds over how to revise the immigrant driver's license law. In recent days, the dispute centered over requiring immigrant fingerprints something Gov. Susana Martinez said needed to be in the bill to combat fraud. ``We're getting there,'' Rep. Paul Pacheco, R-Albuquerque, the bill's original sponsor, said after the vote. The bill now goes before the full Senate. ``We have worked for five years to do the work that New Mexicans have asked us to do, and tonight we are one step closer to ending the dangerous law that gives driver's licenses to illegal immigrants,'' Martinez said. ``I support this bill in its current form, and call on lawmakers in both chambers to do what the people have asked us. Let's pass this bill.'' Somos Un Pueblo Unido, a Santa Fe-based immigrant advocacy group, however, said the bill was a victory for immigrant families despite the fingerprint clause. ``The governor lost her fiveyear battle to take away licenses from immigrants,'' the group's ex-
ecutive director Marcela Diaz said. ``Ninety-thousand immigrants will still be able to legally drive in New Mexico, so we consider this a huge win.'' The number of licenses given to foreign nationals last year plunged about 73 percent compared with the peak in 2010, according to state documents obtained by The Associated Press through an open records request. The numbers have been steadily
decreasing since more than 15,000 were issued that year. The state gave out 4,026 in 2015, documents said. There's no clear explanation for the decrease. State officials do not know how many licenses went to immigrants living in the U.S. illegally because applicants aren't required to submit information on immigration status. Some could have legal residency.-AP
State officials do not know how many licenses went to immigrants living in the U.S. illegally because applicants aren't required to submit information on immigration status.
PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law
Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney
Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1
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2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659
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February 19, 2016
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Shelter plan for immigrant children scrapped DENVER: The federal government is abandoning plans to open a temporary shelter for unaccompanied immigrant children in suburban Denver, saying it would take too much time and money to get the site ready. An assessment by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that it would cost an estimated $28 million to $37 million and take about a year to transform a warehouse at the sprawl-
ing Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado into a shelter for up to 1,000 children, spokeswoman Andrea Helling said. The department wants to be ready to handle an expected surge
in Central American children crossing the border starting this spring. It's already opened temporary shelters at Holloman Air Force in New Mexico and near Dallas, and is set to open another one in late February in Homestead, Florida. The agency is looking at other sites, both federally owned and private property, to house the children, Helling said. Children in the shelters, most of them between ages 14 and 17,
stay an average of 32 days. They receive schooling and medical care on site until they can be placed with sponsors as they wait to hear whether they will be allowed to stay in the U.S. or will be deported.
The federal government is trying to avoid a repeat of the summer of 2014, when so many children crossed the border into the U.S. from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador that they were forced to stay in Border Patrol facilities, which aren't designed to house children. That also diverted officers from securing the border, even though the law requires children under 17 who enter the country alone to be turned over to HHS. The government announced the plan for the Lakewood shelter during New Year's week and the timing left city officials scrambling to try to answer people's questions about its impact on the surrounding community. Lakewood mayor Adam Paul said the decision to give up on the shelter was a relief and said communication with the federal government has been ``challenging.'' ``I hope a better process can be established in the future, and I wish the best for these children,'' Paul said in a statement. U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, DColo., said numerous people called his office offering to help the children expected at the shelter and pledged to continue to monitor how these children will be handled.-AP
Controversial minister to become Aussie rights envoy Cont'd from Page 44
The United Nations' refugee agency joined human rights groups in criticizing Australia for sending thousands of asylum seekers from the Middle East and Asia to Australia-funded camps in the impoverished island nations of Nauru and Papua New Guinea. As Australia's special envoy for human rights, Ruddock, 72, will promote Australia's candidacy for membership to the U.N. Human Rights Council for the 2018-20 term. He will also represent Australia's conservative government at international human rights events, Foreign Minister Julia Bishop said. ``He will also promote our broader human rights agenda, including global abolition of the death penalty, for which he has worked tirelessly over many years,'' Bishop said in a statement. Ruddock, a long-standing member of Amnesty International who refused the rights group's request
to stop wearing its lapel badge while asylum seekers were being deported, defended his role in implementing the government's tough policy, which stripped refugees of legal rights they would have enjoyed on the Australian mainland. ``No regrets,'' Ruddock told Sky
fear of persecution.'' Ruddock will remain in Parliament until elections are held later this year. He will have spent 43 years in Parliament by September. The offshore detention camps were closed after a center-left Labor Party government was elected in 2007. But the camps were re-
Philip Ruddock became Australia's longest-serving immigration minister, serving from 1996 to 2003.
News television Monday. ``We have been studiously observing our obligations in relation to people who have a well-founded
opened the following year after a resurgence in asylum seekers sailing for Australia in ever-growing numbers.-AP
Hotel executive guilty of employing immigrant LINCOLN, Neb.: A Nebraska hotel executive has been convicted of unlawfully employing someone who was living in the country illegally. Federal prosecutors say 63-
Kearney Hospitality has implemented correcting measures and says it and Younes have made plea agreements that involve probation and fines.
year-old Paul Younes, of Kearney, pleaded guilty, as did Kearney Hospitality Inc., for which Younes is an officer and director. He's scheduled to be sentenced on May 9. Prosecutors say a Mexican citizen who was working at a Hastings hotel operated by Kearney Hospitality Inc. quit in 2014 when she learned she was being investigated. Prosecutors say the woman met with Younes, who arranged a job for her, under a different name, at a motel in Kearney that also was run by Kearney Hospitality. Younes' attorney says Kearney Hospitality has implemented correcting measures and says it and Younes have made plea agreements that involve probation and fines. -AP
Democrats Clinton, Sanders spar over race, immigration Cont'd from Page 44
"Now, I find it rather amazing, because I happen to believe that Henry Kissinger was one of the most destructive secretaries of state in the modern history of this country. I am proud to say that Henry Kissinger is not my friend," he said. Responding to a question on America's role in the world, Clinton said the US has to go after terrorist networks, predominantly ISIS that's not the only one. "We have to lead a coalition that will take back territory from ISIS. That is principally an American-led air campaign that we are now engaged in," she said. Sanders said a powerful nation like the United States, certainly working with allies, can overthrow dictators all over the world. "I believe as president I will look very carefully about unintended consequences. I will do everything I can to make certain that the United States and our brave men and women in the military do not get bogged down in perpetual warfare in the Middle East," he said. Sanders said the current campaign finance system is corrupt and undermines American democracy. It allows Wall Street and billionaires to pour huge sums of money into the political process to elect the candidates of their choice. "And aligned with a corrupt campaign finance system is a rigged economy. And that's an economy where ordinary Americans are working longer hours for
low wagers. They are worried to death about the future of their kids. And yet they are seeing almost all new income and all new wealth going to the top 1 percent," Sanders said. Clinton said she is running for president to knock down all the barriers that are holding Americans
"I know a lot of Americans are angry about the economy. And for good cause. Americans haven't had a raise in 15 years. There aren't enough good-paying jobs� back, and to rebuild the ladders of opportunity that will give every American a chance to advance, especially those who have been left out and left behind. "I know a lot of Americans are angry about the economy. And for good cause. Americans haven't had a raise in 15 years. There aren't enough good-paying jobs, especially for young people. And yes, the economy is rigged in favor of those at the top," she said. "We both agree that we have to get unaccountable money out of our political system and that we have to do much more to ensure that Wall Street never wrecks main street again. But I want to go further," Clinton said. -PTI
Datebook
February 19, 2016
NEW JERSEY Upcoming Sun, Feb 28
NEW YORK
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Upcoming
Upcoming
Sat, Feb 27
• NJTS 2016 Annual Membership
• Sham-E-Ghazal with Savita Ahuja and Deepak Puri
Venue: New jersey Tamil Sangam, 30 Ginger Dr, NJ 08837 Time: 09:00 pm
Venue: Royal Palace, 77 Knollwood Road, White Plains, NY 10607 Time : 7:30 pm Contact: 347-341-9494
Sun, Feb 28 • NJTS 2016 Annual Membership Venue: New jersey Tamil Sangam, 30 Ginger Dr, NJ 08837 Time : 9:00 pm
Sat, Mar 19 • Namam Excellence Award Night 2016 Venue: Royal Alberts Palace, 1050 King Georges Post Road, Edison, NJ 08837 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: 848-667-3313
Sat, Mar 26 • Holi Bollywood Dance Party-Play with Real Colors Venue: Maple / Aspen Club, 157 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036 Time : 9:30 pm Contact: 646-543-8127
Mon, Feb 29
India Post 47
CHICAGO
Upcoming
Venue: CET Anthony Soto Theater, 701,Vine
Sun, Mar 14 • Strings n Beats -Shakir Khan (Sitar), Harshad Kanetkat (Tabla), Shambhavi Dandekar (Kathak Dance)
Street, San Jose, CA 95110
Venue: Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum
Time: 4:00 pm
Rock Avenue, San Jose, CA 95116
Contact: 408-252-1359
Time: 4:30 pm
Sun, Feb 28 • 2016 Annual passes
Sat, Mar 19 • KKNC Presents - Rock on Raaga
Sun, Feb 28 • Vidwan Sikkil Gurucharan vocal concert
Venue: CET Anthony Soto Theater, 701,Vine Street, San Jose, CA 95110 Time: 4:00 pm
• Sulekha Seating
Contact: 408-252-1359
Venue: Tester Venue, 123 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036 Time : 1:00 pm
Fri, Mar 4 • Pankaj Udhas Live In Concert - Bay Area Venue: India Community Center, 525 Los Coches Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 08:30 pm
Venue: Carrington Hall, 1201 Brewster Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94062 Time: 04:00 pm
ATLANTA Upcoming Fri, Mar 11 • Purani Yaadein Bollywood Musical Journey Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture Dr, Duluth, GA 30096 Time: 08:30 pm
Sat, Mar 5 • Open Mic Karaoke Event - The Golden 90s Venue: Vara Indian Cuisine, 250 E Java Dr,
Sat, Mar 19 • Bollywood Beats 2016 (FundRaiser Supporting Kids Battling Cancer)
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
Venue: Norcross High School, 5300
Time: 7:30 pm
Spalding Dr, Norcross, GA 30092 Time: 4:30 pm
Sat, Mar 12 • Bally Sagoo Live In Bay area Venue: The Glass House, 2 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 9:00 pm
Sat, Apr 9 • Hope Night At The Hawks Venue: Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303 Time: 7:30 pm
ILLINOIS Upcoming 1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807
Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105
Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105
Swami Ishatmananda • Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662
• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822
India Post
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February 19, 2016
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Philosophy
February 19, 2016
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Page Sponsored by Sahanis ECKHART TOLLE
W
hat exactly is the connection between suffer ing and spiritual awakening? How does one lead to the other? When you look closely at the nature of human suffering you will find that an essential ingredient in most kinds of suffering is a diminishment of one's sense of self. Take illness, for example. Illness makes you feel smaller, no longer in control, helpless. You seem to lose your autonomy, perhaps become dependent on others. You become reduced in size, figuratively speaking. Any major loss has a similar effect: some form that was an important part of your sense of who you are - a person, a possession, a social role - dissolves or leaves you and you suffer because you had become identified with it and it seems you are losing yourself or a part of yourself. In reality, of course, what feels like a diminishment or loss of your sense of self is the crumbling of an image of who you are held in the mind. What dissolves is identification with thought forms that had given you your sense of self. But that sense of self is ultimately false, is ultimately a mental fiction. It is the egoic mind or the "little me" as I sometimes call it. To be identified with a mental image of who you are is to be unconscious, to be unawakened spiritually.
J. KRISHNAMURTI
E
very profession has its discipline, every action has its direction and every thought has its end. This is the cycle in which the human mind is caught. Being a slave to the known, the mind is always trying to expand its knowledge, its action within that field, its thought seeking its own end. In all schools, discipline is regarded as a framework for the mind and its action, and in recent years there has been revolt against any form of control, restraint or moderation. This has led to every form of permissiveness, immodesty and the pursuit of pleasure at any cost. Nobody has any respect for anyone. It appears they have lost all form of personal dignity and deep integrity. Billions are spent on drugs, on destroying their own bodies and minds. This allpermissiveness has become respectable and accepted as the norm of life. To cultivate a good mind, a mind that is capable of perceiving the whole of life as one unit unbroken, and so a good mind, it is necessary that in all our schools a certain kind of discipline must exist. We must together under-
This unawakened state creates suffering, but suffering creates the possibility of awakening. When you no longer resist the diminishment of self that comes with suffering, all role-playing, which is normal in the unawakened state, comes to an end. You become humble, simple, real. And, paradoxically, when you say "yes" to that death, because that's what it is, you realize that the mind-made sense of self had
fact that you are drawn to a spiritual teaching or teacher means you must have had your share of suffering already, and the awakening process has probably already begun. A teacher or teaching is not even essential for spiritual awakening, but they save time. Secondly, humanity as a whole has already gone through unimaginable suffering, mostly self-inflicted, the culmination of which was the 20th century with its un-
The false self lives mainly through memory and anticipation. Past and future are its main preoccupation. The present moment, at best, is a means to an end, a stepping stone to the future, because the future promises fulfillment, the future promises salvation in one form or another. The only problem is the future never comes. You may realize that most of your life you made the present moment into an enemy. You didn't say
You have made the present moment into an enemy When you no longer resist the diminishment of self that comes with suffering, all role-playing, which is normal in the unawakened Eckhart Tolle
state, comes to an end.
obscured the truth of who you are - not as defined by your past, but timelessly. And when who you think you are dissolves, you connect with a vast power which is the essence of your very being. Jesus called it: "eternal life." In Buddhism, it is sometimes called the "deathless realm." Now, does this mean that if you haven't experienced intense suffering in your life, there is no possibility of awakening? Firstly, the
speakable horrors. This collective suffering has brought upon a readiness in many human beings for the evolutionary leap that is spiritual awakening. For many individuals alive now, this means: they have suffered enough. No further suffering is necessary. The end of suffering: that is also the essence of every true spiritual teaching. Be grateful that your suffering has taken you to this realization: I don't need to suffer anymore.
"yes" to it, didn't embrace it. You were out of alignment with the now, and so life became a struggle. It seemed so normal, because everyone around you lived in the same way. The amazing thing is: Life, the great intelligence that pervades the entire cosmos, becomes supportive when you say "yes" to it. Excerpted from www.eckharttolle.com. The 68th birth anniversary of Eckhart Tolle is being observed on February 16.
stand the hated and perhaps despised words `discipline' and `rules'. To learn, you need to have attention, to learn there must be hearing not only with the ear, but an inward grasp of what is being said. To learn it is necessary to observe. When you hear or read these statements you have to pay an attention which is not com-
facts of the body and its many ways and cures. Every profession demands that you learn as much about it as you possibly can. This learning is to accumulate knowledge about it and act as skillfully as you can. Learning is the nature of discipline. Learning why one should be punctual to meals, the proper time for rest and so on, is learn-
tion and order. Discipline is never conformity, so don't be afraid of the word and rebel against it. Words have become very important in our life. The word god has become extraordinarily important to most people; or the word nation, or the name of a politician and so on. The word is the image of the politician; the image of god is built
I've also seen that great men are often lonely. This is understandable, because they have built such high standards for themselves that they often feel alone. But that same loneliness is part of their ability to create. -Yousuf Karsh My peers, lately, have found companionship through means of intoxication - it makes them sociable. I, however, cannot force myself to use drugs to cheat on my loneliness - it is all that I have - and when the drugs and alcohol dissipate, will be all that my peers have as well. -Franz Kafka Life is full of misery, loneliness, and suffering - and it's all over much too soon. -Woody Allen Negative emotions like loneliness, envy, and guilt have an important role to play in a happy life; they're big, flashing signs that something needs to change. -Gretchen Rubin
Discipline means to learn & not to conform To learn, you need to have attention, to learn there must be hearing not only with the ear, but an inward grasp of what is being said. To learn it is necessary to observe. pelled, not be under any pressure or expectation of reward or punishment. Discipline means to learn not to conform. If you want to be a good carpenter you must learn the proper tools to use with different kinds of wood and learn from a master carpenter. If you wish to be a good doctor you must study for many years, learn all the
ing about order in life. In a disorderly world where there is much confusion politically, socially, and even in religion, our schools must be centers of order and the education of intelligence. A school is a sacred place where all are learning about the complexity of life and its simplicity. So learning demands applica-
J. Krishnamurti
by thousands of years of thought and fear. We live with images created by the mind or by a skilful hand. To learn about these images, which one has accepted or self-created, demands self-awareness. Excerpted from Letters to the Schools. The 30th death anniversary of J. Krishnamurti is being observed on Feb 17
Loneliness adds beauty to life. It puts a special burn on sunsets and makes night air smell better. -Henry Rollins We are all so much together, but we are all dying of loneliness. -Albert Schweitzer
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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Devender did such a perfect job of stalking her that he knew everything about her itinerary. But he also found out, disturbingly for him, that she used to meet a person, referred as Mr A by the police. Mr A was Dipti's friend but Devender developed other ideas. Mr A became his No 1 enemy. Soon, he decided it was time to work out his plan. The Plan Devender bought two autos and started to ply them on the route Dipti daily took on
February 19, 2016
On February 10, as Dipti reached Vaishali from her office in Gurgaon, the Devender and his gang were lying in wait. While Pradeep was at the driver seat, Devender sat with him in the front row while Fahim was at the rear seat - leaving two seats were vacant in the auto. Dipti came and once again chose an auto which had another female occupant, which soon proceeded towards Old Bus Stand in Ghaziabad with Devender and gang following it. Their other accomplice Majid trailed them in a Swift car (backup escape vehicle if things went wrong).
Dipti Sarna
cused Devender - with help of 4 others - plotted the plan to abduct Dipti. The 'story' starts sometime around Jan-Feb 2015 when Devender accidentally saw 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123 Dipti Sarna at the Rajiv Chowk 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123 The culprit Devender Metro Station in the heart of 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123 the national capital. Dipti was At the Shaibabad traffic signal, the gang an M-Tech student at that time and used closed in on the auto and Devender inserted her way to Vaishali Metro Station. to frequently commute with friends on a nail-fitted board beneath the tyre of the He involved his other friends Pradeep, the metro. auto Dipti was travelling in. Mohit, Fahim and Majid in the plan but withAs the Senior Superintendent of As expected, the auto's tyre burst and out telling them what his real motive was. Police put it: Devender, like in the the auto stalled on the Mohan Nagar Devender told them that he has identiShah Rukh movie 'Darr', develflyover, 300 meters from the signal. fied a girl who is into Hawala trading and oped an intense infatuation for Devender and gang approached the has crores of unaccounted cash. His friends the pretty girl. He felt he had stranded auto and in a normal fashion offered agreed to join him in abducting her. He told no life without her. to take the passengers to their destination. them they can land themselves a bounty of A history-sheeter, Dipti and the other girl got into the back at least Rs 1.5 crore each. To sweeten the Devender had frequent runseat. deal, Devender said that the girl will never ins with law in the past and As soon as the auto crossed the Hindon report the case to the police as it was Hawala had even spent time in jail. Bridge, Pradeep deviated the auto to the money. But his past did not deter him wrong direction and headed on the bypass Setting the part B of the plan into mofrom his mission to woo Dipti. that leads to Raj Nagar Extension. A few tion, Devender used to wait near Vaishali Soon he started to stalk her minutes into the journey, he stopped the Metro Station in the hope of getting Dipti and did a recce for at least 150 auto and Devender and the others forced to sit in his auto. times in the last year. Dipti was by the other girl she has not yet identified But his plan seldom worked because 12345678901234567890123 then had started to work at herself before the police - out of the auto 12345678901234567890123 Dipti used to always prefer autos which had Shah Rukh Khan in movie ‘Darr� Snapdeal. 12345678901234567890123 and sped away with Dipti. Cont'd on Page 53 other female passengers.
GHAZIABAD: A shocking tale of a man's infatuation for a girl he saw at a metro station, that's what is the story behind the highprofile Dipti Sarna kidnapping case. Addressing a press conference, Ghaziabad SSP Dharmendra Yadav gave a blow-by-blow account of how the main ac-
February 19, 2016
India Post 51 www.indiapost.com
India features in SF Arts Show India Post News Service
SAN FRANCISCO: The San Francisco Tribal & Textile Arts Show will celebrate its 30th Anniversary in 2016. One of the only
vetted exhibitions of tribal art in the United States, the San Francisco Tribal & Textile Art Show is considered the top tribal art event
in North America. A pioneer in genre specific art fairs, The San Francisco Tribal and Textile Arts Show is one of the first art fairs to focus on high-quality tribal arts, and has been instrumental in el-
evating the appreciation of ethnographic arts in the United States. The 30th Anniversary edition will be open to the public from Fri-
day, February 19-Sunday, February 21. Special Programming on India On show is an unusual photographic and textile narrativechronicling the experiences of textile dealer Thomas Cole in India. Spanning the entire subcontinent, the exhibition focuses on the everyday beauty of India. These visions of the exotic are the stuff of mundane daily life for most Indians. According to Cole, "Nothing is perfect and India, at the best of times, is far from it."
ear enclosures of wooden fencing. This example features a double bird motif. The birds were thought to represent the interconnection of life and death.
Selected highlights include: A fine example of a mijora-a wooden bird sculpture from Madagascar courtesy Louis Nierijnck. Mijora were made for the graves of important families. This piece, from the late 19th / early 20th century is from the Sakalava peoples of west Madagascar. The Sakalava placed their deceased in rectilin-
Tinglit Shaman figure of a bound witch from Tambaran Gallery. The Tlingit people of the Pacific Northwest range from southern Alaska to Oregon. Tinglit shaman, called 'ixht' were healers who also foretold the future. They were consulted to heal the sick and drive out those who practiced witchcraft, among other things. The figure depicted here shows a bound witch. A Bakongo wood fetish, Democratic Republic of Congo, 19th century. Courtesy of Patrick Mestdagh. . Additional highlights include works from Oceania. Of particular note is an important New Guinea war shield from the Sepik River area, courtesy of Michael Hamson. The piece was originally collected in 1912/13 on the Kaiserin-Augusta River Expedition for the Museum fur Volkerkunde in Berlin, ex. Raymond Wielgus Collection, mid 19th century.
Hollywood not everybody's cup of tea: Arjun MUMBAI: Bollywood star Arjun Kapoor says actors need to be very secure in their career be-
fore taking a leap to Hollywood as it is difficult to start from scratch. Arjun's co-stars, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone, are now venturing into Hollywood projects. While the "Mary Kom" actress was part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)-drama series "Quantico", the "Piku" star will be seen opposite Vin Diesel in "XXX". The "2 States" actor says it is amazing what Priyanka has achieved and is confident Deepika will do great too. "If
you are given the opportunity to go out there and do a work, you should do it because you are representing your country and your skills. "It is amazing what Priyanka has achieved and I am sure Deepika will do equally well. She is such a talented personality and has only gotten better with time," Arjun said in an interview. The actor believes it takes tremendous confidence to uproot oneself from the current industry and start working in another. "They have achieved a lot here to have that comfort and confidence to pick themselves up
from here, go there, and start from scratch. It's not everybody's cup of tea. You have to be in a very secure place in your life and career to take that opportunity," he said. Several Indian actors like Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have worked in Hollywood films in the past. Arjun believes it is very "emotional" to work in the west while representing the country and hence should be done whole-heartedly. "Priyanka has achieved so
much here, she has packed her bag and gone there and has invested so much time in her work, so you cannot do it half-heartedly. It is very emotional to go there as an Indian actor in a main lead. You need to be very focused to do it. You can't just do it because everybody is doing it. Even if I did a Hollywood film someday, I would want to put my best foot forward..." He will be next seen in R Balki's "Ki & Ka" opposite Kareena Kapoor Khan. -PTI
52 India Post
February 19, 2016 www.indiapost.com
Bollywood has helped Banjo is more than a Sufi music: Kavita Seth story; it is a journey MUMBAI: Singer Kavita Seth says Bollywood has helped Sufi music tremendously, making it a separate genre. Kavita, who is the voice behind songs like "Iktara" and "Tum Hi Ho Bandhu", feels Hindi films are nowadays using Sufi music a lot. "Today there is a lot of exposure of Sufi music in Bollywood. Earlier there was none. Now, we have one sad song, one romantic track, an item number and also a Sufi song in a film which is good. Bollywood has helped Sufi music. It has made it a genre," Kavita told PTI. The 45-year-old singer, who made her singing debut with Himesh Reshmiya's "Vaada", went on to sing in films like "Gangster", "Wake up Sid", "Raajneeti" and "Cocktail". On contemporary film music, Kavita believes that songs today lack longer shelf life as the pro-
cess of composing them has become 'mechanical'. "Songs today have a very short
shelf life. I believe anything which is made with purity will last long. When music becomes mechanical, like a Xerox machine printing music back to back, that doesn't work. It has to be a creative process. Let
it take all the time in the world, but music is a slow process." The singer has recently lent voice for song "Jeetey Hai Chal" from the Sonam Kapoor-starrer "Neerja". Kavita says it was the film's director, Ram Madhvani, who approached her to sing the song. "I had sung a few songs for Ram when he was making advertisements and he liked my work. When he was making the film, he called me and asked me to sing a song. He showed me the film to get the idea of the situation," Kavita said. In her decade-long career, she has mostly worked with two composers - Pritam Chakraborty and Amit Trivedi. Kavita says both the composers have a distinct style of working, with the former's forte being melody and the latter's penchant for experimental music. "They have very different approach. Amit Trivedi, I feel is an organic composer. He has an experimental music style, he is always in search of different sounds. Pritam's melody is very strong. You hear it once and it will stay with you, it is addictive." -PTI
Zubaan team celebrates Valentine's Day India Post News Service
I
n a unique promotional event, the team of Wave Cinemas' up coming film Zubaan, led by filmmaker and CEO Wave Cinemas Rahul Mittra, director Mozez Singh, actor Vicky Kaushal, actress and former Miss India Sarah Jane Dias and producer Shaan Vyas celebrated Valentine' Day along with industry workers across all 23 film crafts organized by the Western India India Film Producers Association along with Lions Club of Millennium. Hundreds of industry workers got a free eye checkup done with few even getting their cataract operations done for free. Mr Sangram Shirke and Dharmendra Mehra from Western Film Producers Association were also present, apart from hundreds of film industry workers, prominent doctors and media professionals.
Zubaan releases on March 4 and is a Wave Cinemas Ponty Chadha release in association with Raju Chadha. It is produced by Guneet Monga and Shaan Vyas of Sikhya Entertainment. The Zubaan got together to launch the film's trailer and show-
case two songs from it - an energetic dance number and a soulful Punjabi rock anthem. The film traces the journey of Dilsher
(Vicky Kaushal) who moves from Punjab to Delhi and gets attracted to a mysterious singer, played by Sarah-Jane Dias, through the course. Speaking on the occasion, debutant director Mozez Singh recalled the nine years he spent making this coming-of-age drama and how it changed him as a person. Interestingly, he was the one who discovered Vicky (of Masaan fame) and cast him as the lead in this film. Zubaan won accolades when it opened the Busan International Film Festival last year. Apart from being the first mainstream Bollywood film to open the festival, it also won Mozez the Rising Debut Director Award. The musical also premiered at the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) in California and was loved by Hollywood heavy weights, Will Smith and Johnny Depp. No wonder the team is excited about the film's release.
India Post News Service
MUMBAI: The upcoming musical drama Banjo is more than a story; it is a journey. It is a journey in which someone crosses seven seas to meet her dreams. And some reach their hearts to meet themselves. Orchestrated by destiny, a DJ from US meets a
Banjo Party from Mumbai… they take the leap, they fly, they rise, they stumble, they dust, and they stand again. Produced by Krishika Lulla, Banjo marks the Hindi directorial debut of renowned Marathi filmmaker, Ravi Jadhav. Banjo stars Riteish Deshmukh and Nargis Fakhri. Music is by Vishal-Shekhar.
Nargis and Ritesh in ‘Banjo’
"Cinema focus entertainment, then education" MUMBAI: Eminent filmmaker Shyam Benegal says when you make a film, the process is entertainment first followed by information and education. The director said unlike a classroom, you need to hold the audience's attention using entertainment. "When you're communicating, people have to respond to what you've communicated. That depends on three factors - the infor-
Shyam Benegal
mation you're going to provide; whether it's something they are going to retain by way of education and third is, whether you're being entertained. "When you make a film which
people pay money to see, obviously the theme becomes entertainment first then information and education. The process is you start with entertainment. Unlike a classroom, where often information and education come before entertainment," Benegal told reporters. He was speaking at the inauguration of the 6th National Science Film Festival and Competition. Benegal is charing the jury of the festival. The film festival is organized by Vigyan Prasar, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, in collaboration with National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Environmentalist and filmmaker Mike Pandey was the chief guest at the function and stressed on the need of education through cinema. "There is need for more value based education... Films are the best way to carry the information to the remotest area in the shortest possible time in various languages. -PTI
February 19, 2016
India Post 53 www.indiapost.com
Keep your Facebook clean, secure and private NEW YORK: Got hundreds of Facebook friends you hardly know? Now is a good time to do some digital cleanup, while the year is still fresh. Review your security and privacy settings, and make sure those casual acquaintances you met at a bar eons ago aren't still getting the most intimate details of your life. Get rid of games and apps that might have latched onto your account years ago, but that you no longer use. Here are six cleanup tips: SECURE YOUR ACCOUNT You've doubtless heard you should have a strong password. It's especially important for email and social-networking accounts because so much of your digital life revolves around them. Plus, many other services let you log on using your Facebook account, so if that gets compromised, so will your other accounts. Because passwords are tough to manage, it's best not to rely solely on them. Turn on what Facebook calls Login Approvals. It's in the account settings under ``Security.'' After you do so, you're asked for confirmation - entering a special number sent to your phone - when signing on from a new device. Unless you switch devices often, this is something you set up once and forget about. And no one else can log in with your password
unless they also have your phone and that special number. REVIEW YOUR PRIVACY SETTINGS Facebook offers a series of quick privacy ``shortcuts.'' On desktops and laptops, look for the small padlock on the upper right corner of the browser. On Apple and Android devices, access shortcuts through the menu - the three horizontal bars. The key shortcut is ``Who can see my stuff ?'' See whether you've been inadvertently broadcasting your musings to the entire
Facebook community. You'll probably want to at least limit sharing to ``Friends'' rather than ``Public,'' though you can customize that further to exclude certain individuals or groups - such as co-workers, acquaintances or grandparents. When sharing, remember that less is more. While you're at it, check ``Timeline and Tagging'' in your account settings from a PC or mobile. You can insist on approving posts that people tag you in. Note that this is limited to what appears on your personal timeline; if Mary
tags you in a post, Mary's friends will still see it regardless of your settings. That includes friends you may have in common with her. If you're on a desktop or laptop, Facebook has a Privacy Checkup tool to review your settings. Look for that padlock. This tool is coming soon to mobile.
ing an ``acquaintance'' yourself. You can create lists on a traditional PC by hitting ``More'' next to ``Friends'' to the left of your news feed. Individuals can be in multiple groups. Capabilities are limited on mobile devices, although changes you make on the PC will appear on your phone or tablet.
MAKE ENEMIES ... OR AT LEAST UNFRIEND SOME Purge friends you're no longer in touch with. If you think ``unfriending'' is too mean, add them to an ``Acquaintance'' or ``Restricted'' list instead. ``Acquaintan-
WATCH THOSE APPS Perhaps someone invited you to play a game a few years ago. You tried it a few weeks and moved on, yet the app is still getting access to your data. Or perhaps you've used Facebook to log onto a service you no longer use, such as one to track the 2014 Winter Olympics. It's time to sign out. If you're not sure you still use it, drop it anyway. You can always sign on again. The Privacy Checkup tool on PCs will review apps for you automatically. On mobile devices, look for ``Apps'' in the account settings (not ``Apps'' in the main menu). A related option is the Security Checkup tool. It's an easy way to log out of Facebook on devices you rarely use. You can also enable alerts when someone tries to sign on from a new device or browser. To run this, go to http:// Facebook.com/securitycheckup on a PC. On the Android app, you can search for ``security checkup'' in the Help Center. On iPhones and iPads, you'll have to find the options individually in the account
ces'' means they won't show up in your news feed as often, though they'll still have full access to any posts you distribute to your friends. ``Restricted'' means they'll only see posts you mark as public. Either is effectively a way to unfriend someone without dropping any clues you've done so. You can also create custom lists, such as ``college friends'' or ``family.'' This is great for oversharing with those who'll appreciate it, while not annoying everyone else you know and putting yourself in danger of becom-
The 'Darr' style abduction Cont'd from Page 50
Back at Sahibabad, Majid, who was driving the Swift, had also missed seeing the nail-laden board and his car's tyre also got punctured. Not wanting to leave any evidence behind, Majid left the chase and focused on getting the car fixed. The gang then overpowered the girl and put a gun on her temple with a warning that she will be shot dead if she opened her mouth. She was later gagged using her own dupatta. After a few kilometers, they took an unpaved road that passes by a school. The auto developed trouble after a few meters stopped in front of an under-construction building. Sensing that they may attract attention, Devdender took Dipti to the rear of the building. He then hid her bag beneath some construction material and smashed his phone he knew it could be used to trace them. His accomplices had rectified the problem in the auto by then. Without wasting any further
time, the gang proceeded on a relatively less used road that goes north by the side of the Hindon river. But after they travelled some distance, they had to abandon the auto after it was left with no fuel. Devender called up friend of his and asked him to come to the spot with his i10 car. He later claimed to police that he did not tell his friend about the real reason why he wanted the car. As soon as he got hold of the car, Devender and gang proceeded to Khedakhana village in Badaut in Bhagpat district. Along the way Dipti was told that she will not be harmed as someone is waiting to meet her. Devender headed in the direction of Khedakhana as his native village, Kami in Sonipat district of Haryana, was only a few kilometers from their across the Yamuna. After the car got stuck in the sands of Yamuna, he left it with one of his other accomplices and proceeded with the core group towards his village. On the other side of the river,
Devender called up one of brothers to bring a motorcycle to him. He took Dipti to an empty house of one of his friends. Having the reached relative safety, Devender unrolled the
third part of his plan. He started to project himself as a hero and tried to impress upon her that he has only good intentions towards her while that of his accomplices was different. Devender went to assure her that he won't let them harm her in anyway. His ploy worked on the hapless
girl. Dipti would not allow him to leave her in accompany of others - which gave his psychotic mind the impression that she was getting attracted to him. Devender also started to project to Dipti that her friend Mr A was somehow involved in the plot to kidnap her. He went on to add that Mr A was a very bad person and had relationships with many other women. All this happened on Feb 11. While Devender had meticulously planned the crime, he had not anticipated the widespread media coverage Dipti's abduction would attract. This made him nervous and he decided to end this leg of his mission to get Dipti love him. Importantly, Dipti had told him that her name was Sneha - this gives an indication of the crazy state Devender was in; he followed her for the last one year, kid-
settings under ``Security.'' CONTROL YOUR DATA You can exert some influence over whose posts you see more or less often by going to ``News Feeds Preferences.'' The setting is on the top right on browsers and Android apps and on the lower right on iPhones. Here, you can select friends who'll always show up on top, or hide someone's posts completely. Finally, if you're worried about data usage, you can stop videos in your news feeds from playing automatically. On Android, go to ``Autoplay'' in the ``App Settings.'' On iPhones, it's in the account settings under ``Videos and Photos.'' PLAN AHEAD Two settings might eliminate grief later in life ... or death. In the security settings, you can designate certain friends as trusted contacts. They'll have power to help you if you get locked out of your account for some reason. You can also designate a ``Legacy Contact'' - a family member or close friend who'd serve as your administrator should you, um, make your last status update (as in, ever). They won't be able to post on your behalf or see your messages, but they'll be able to respond to new friend requests and take a few additional actions on your deceased behalf. -AP napped her, but he even did not know her real name! On Feb 12, Devender took Dipti to Sandal Kalan railway station located a few kilometres from his village and made her board a train headed towards Delhi. Sandal Kaplan is a station located some 10 kilometers before Sonipat on the Ambala-Delhi trunk rail route. Before Dipti boarded the train, Devender asked her, "Tell me one thing, are you going back with a friend or an enemy?" Dipti had then took the help of a co-passenger to call up her father and asked him to pick her up from New Delhi Railway Station. Devender is now under arrest but he remains unrepentant. "I have so many cases against one, if there is a one more case, and that of love, then it means nothing to me." His interrogators said that Devender was deeply influenced by Adolf Hitler, Changez Khan and Shah Rukh Khan's character in the Bollywood movie 'Darr'. Devender believed that Dipti will think good of her despite the ordeal. The fourth part of his 'plan': "After she marries me, I will go to Nepal and live a comfortable life
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February 19, 2016
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Afghan peace process headed down blind alley?
T
he second meeting of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) of Afghanistan, Pakistan, the US and China on the Afghan peace and reconciliation process was held in Kabul, Afghanistan, on January 18, a week after the first round of discussions concluded in Islamabad, Pakistan. The second meeting of the QCG had called on all Taliban groups to "accept the government's call for peace through dialogue" and end the senseless violence against the Afghan people. The QCG meetings do not include Taliban representatives, and are part of a three-step process: a. Formulating a roadmap b. Inviting the armed opposition to the negotiating table c. Implementing the peace plan The roadmap would include identification of the Taliban factions for negotiations, a timetable and incentives to be offered. It is expected that two more rounds of these "preparatory meetings" will take place. Though the unstated objective of the QCG meetings is to build trust between Afghanistan and Pakistan, little progress has been made on this front, and consequently, there appears to be no clarity on how to shape the peace process. Also lacking is the consensus on incentives that can persuade the Taliban to give up violence and pursue a political approach. Furthermore, it is still unclear as to which Taliban groups are willing to join the peace process. The dissident Taliban faction under Mullah Akhund has already rejected the offer for peace talks, conditioning it with the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan. The situation is also complicated by the fact that some Taliban have joined Islamic StateKhorasan (IS-K), the Islamic State's franchise in Afghanistan. Differences between Afghanistan & Pakistan Regarding peace talks, there exist differences between Kabul and Islamabad on matters relating to the roadmap. The Afghan government believes that the onus is on Pakistan to see the deal with the Taliban while Pakistan feels it can only facilitate to the extent that it can convince but not compel the Taliban for negotiations. It is for the Afghan government to find common ground with the Taliban and clinch the deal through appropriate political con-
India Post
MONISH GULATI
cessions. Differences also exist between the two countries on the methods to deal with irreconcilable Taliban factions. Quite understandably, the Afghan government, given the territorial gains made by the Taliban in the recent fighting, wants a timeline approach. Conversely, Pakistan wants openended peace talks without preconditions. Afghans are reportedly looking at a two-month period for breakthrough in talks. Other Tangibles While a conditional ceasefire agreement in the next few weeks is extremely crucial to the continuation of the peace process given the Taliban fight-talk approach, the growing activities of the IS in Afghanistan too increase the importance of the current peace initiative and a time-bound progress. The resurgence of al Qaeda, and its strengthening relationship
and the third QCG meetings. The Taliban continues to increase its territorial gains both in the north and south of Afghanistan, with 40 Afghan districts under their direct control, and another 39 at the risk of meeting the same fate. On 24 January, the Taliban, met with Afghan lawmakers and civil society members at an informal two-day organised by Pugwash in Doha. They reiterated their preconditions for the resumption of peace talks with Kabul. These included removing from international terror blacklists their leaders, all bounties on their heads, and the release of an unspecified number of prisoners. The Taliban's spokesperson called the talks "positive." Afghan government officials did not attend the meeting. The other "preliminary steps needed for peace" demanded by the Taliban includes the reopening of its political office in Doha and its recognition as the only
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif( right) greets Afghan President Ashraf Ghani
with the Taliban, is another issue of urgent concern. First, al Qaeda chief Ayman al Zawahiri pledged allegiance to the new Taliban Chief Mullah Mansour, who accepted it. The latter also appointed al Qaeda affiliated Sirajuddin Haqqani as one of his two deputies. Second, and more significantly, as per the US' reports, in 2015, the Taliban permitted al Qaeda to run at least three training camps inside Afghanistan. Pakistan adds to the density of the issue by claiming that terror strikes inside its territory are being orchestrated by militants based in Afghanistan, a part of the pattern of cross-border terrorism that is undermining peace efforts in the region. Key Developments There have been some key developments between the second
entity authorised to carry out negotiations on its behalf. The Taliban said it is serious about peace and establishing an "independent Islamic system," committed to "civil activities," free speech, and "women's rights in the light of Islamic rules, national interests and values." The Taliban also claimed that it does not allow its territory to be used to "harm others," and it is not open to power-sharing with the government in Kabul. Significantly, while there appears to be an increased Chinese interest in the ongoing reconciliation process, the US is signalling that it is recalibrating its mission in Afghanistan to prolong its military presence. Given the entrenched position on all sides, the next QCG appears headed down a blind alley. The writer is Independent Analyst, New Delhi. Courtesy IPCS
Playing with fire
I
n this age of technology and the ubiquitous social media, the Home minister of India needs to be cautious about what he says. And most of all, he should not jump the gun when all kinds of intelligence apparatus and operators are available to his ministry. His words should have a calming and reassuring influence on the citizenry instead of inflaming them as he is done in the case of some students raising anti-India slogans at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University. A few students joined a couple of Kashmiris raising separatist slogans on the anniversary of Afzal Guru hanging. The event was organized by duping the university authorities. In itself, it was a small event but the Home Minister of India fell into the trap calling it an act of sedition and citing an alleged tweet by India-baiter Pakistani Hafiz Saeed offering support to the offending students. As a mature person, Mr Rajnath Singh should have waited because the tweet turned out to be fake. In the meanwhile, the president of JNU students union has been arrested although he did not make any anti-India comment. The influence of the leftist bastion JNU had of late been waning. But by its high handed actions, the BJP government has given it new life. All those like the Congress and sympathizers with Left pretensions have now banded together to launch an attack on the Modi government. The JNU has exploded since with teachers also joining the strike by students demanding release of the students' union president. The event has drawn the attention of the worldwide academic community. A fierce debate has started in which the BJP and its offshoots like VHP and Bajrang Dal are accusing all the left aligned forces as anti-national and even indulging in violence. The Congress and Left are sloganeering as champions of freedom and right of free expression. With attitudes hardening it seems the coming Budget session of Parliament is again headed for a fiasco. The Prime Minister has called an all-party meeting before the session but it is likely the only topic of discussion will be JNU.The ruling party might have bowed to the growing opinion against high-handedness in universities but its recent success in countrywide by-elections has given it a shot in the arm. The present stalemate is therefore likely to continue, as was the case with the Film and Television Institute of India where the government refused to bow before protests against appointment of a B grade actor Gajendra Chauhan as the Chairman. Meanwhile, the separatists in Kashmir will be having a great laugh. Their agitation has reached national proportions by just a small incident in Delhi. This they could not have achieved with dozens of agitations in the valley. They would also be heartened that in the capital city their voices are being heard. It may all be politics but much of the blame should be laid at the door of the Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti, who although named the chief ministerial candidate, is refusing to takeover over some demands that it wants its unlikely partner in government, the BJP to fulfill. The vacuum thus created is being filled by the separatists who have become active while the government is absent. The seven assorted by-elections that the BJP has recently won out of the 12 in fray might give the BJP the feeling that it has the people's support, but when it comes to assembly elections, the parties with antipathy toward BJP gang up and are able to defeat the BJP as was shown in the Bihar elections. The BJP also, instead of building up coalitions, gives cause for concern by its Hindutva aggression and anti-minorities rhetoric. The BJP needs to hold its fire if it wants to govern in peace. The days of one-party rule are over and it should woo coalition partners as Atal Behari Vajpayee did.
February 19, 2016
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56 India Post
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February 19, 2016