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Metropolitan showcases Lord Krishna Details on page 16
Pakistan hands over Gwadar port to China Details on page 5
Pakistan to hold general election by May 16
VOL 18, No. 963
March 1, 2013
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Periodical Postage
'JON VICTIM OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION' Family urges India to bring him back
NEW DELHI: The family of jailed Indian-American fashion designer Anand Jon has sought the government's intervention to bring him back to India and maintained that he was a victim of "racial discrimination." Jon is currently serving a 59 year prison term in California on charges of sexual abuse. His sister Sanjana and mother Shashi Abraham claimed he was "innocent" and that he has been jailed though the evidence against him did not hold "any ground". "I request Sonia Gandhi to look into the case...I am
appealing to the government to take steps to bring him back to India," Sanjana told reporters in New Delhi. She said the plea bargain deal in New York, which led to 48 of 49 charges against Jon being dropped, would help them fight the earlier charges in a California court. "It was a strategic decision to plead guilty to one count, which does not involve rape. This will help us get the evidence which was hidden from us for five years, which we can use in our appeal to overturn the California sentence," Sanjana said. Details on page 5
Savita Halappanavar
Inquiry says doctors failed to treat Savita Details on page 6
Hague court upholds India on Kishanganga Details on page 7
Pistorius accused of 'premeditated' girlfriend murder
Details on page 6 Details on page 10
'Chinese military engaged in cyber espionage'
Vishwanathan Anand wins Grenke Classic
Details on page 10 Details on page 10
‘Prabhakaran son killed in cold-blood’
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 47
Details on page 7
Community Post -------------- 16-26 Date Book -------------------------- 27 Edit Page --------------------------- 54
INDIA POST SURVEY
HealthScience Post --------- 32-36
survey@indiapost.com
Horoscope ------------------------- 52
This week’s question
Immigration Post ------------- 44-46
Do you think Anand Jon is innocent?
Life Style ----------------------- 48-50 Philosophy ------------------------- 53
Last week’s result
Will Modi survive the onslaught against him? YES 67%
NO 33%
LADIES' MEN: British Prime Minister David Cameron and actor Aamir Khan with students during their visit to Janki Devi
Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4
Memorial women's college in New Delhi on February 19. During his talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Cameron agreed to start negotiations on a civil nuclear pact to facilitate entry of British companies into India's emerging atomic power sector. (Details on page 9 & 11)
Real Estate -------------------- 30-31
Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”
TechBiz Post ------------------- 11-14 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 39-42
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t's a little over two-and-half years since New Jersey based scientist Dr. Divyendu Sinha was beaten to death by a group of five teenagers, while he was out for a walk with his wife and two sons that night, near his Old Bridge home. And 10 months since the trial began, last week, one of them entered a plea bargain for a 15 year jail sentence for pleading guilty to aggravated manslaughter and conspiracy to commit murder. The Middlesex Superior Court judge accepted the plea bargain and set the sentencing date in September. This paves the way for the trial of the rest of the accused to begin in August. Folks, if Dr. Sinha's case is alive and current, and if the law is taking its fair course, credit I think is due to some of the most proactive members of our community in New Jersey, and to mention one particular name, of someone who has relentlessly been bringing us updates on the case and ensuring that the community continues to remember Dr. Sinha, continues to support and aid his family as it fights for justice, and ensuring that the media as well as the rest of the community is updated on the day-to-day proceedings of the case in the New Jersey Superior Court, it is Gaurang Vaishnav, the general secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA). Mr. Vaishnav has not missed a single day in court since the accused were arraigned and he has been religiously taking down notes of every single thing said in court, more meticulously than most reporters would do, and been mass mailing them to all. He has also been tirelessly gathering members of the community to show up in court on each of the hearing dates to keep up the pressure. For all that Mr. Vaishnav is doing of his own voluntary sense of civic goodness, we at India Post heartily support his efforts and thereby the bereaved family of Dr. Sinha. Those of you wishing to support Dr. Sinha's family in getting speedy justice, may sign the petition posted on the website: www.divyendusinha.com
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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Small fight Anushka Sharma is engaged in a verbal war with her PeeKay co-star Sushant Singh Rajput over his alleged small role.
Cover Story: Discrimination The family of jailed Indian-American fashion designer Anand Jon has asked the Indian Govt to bring him back.
Community: Krishna exhibit The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York is displaying 16th century painting of Lord Krishna.
Health: Jan about-turn Republican Gov. Jan Brewer faces a tough fight as she bucks her own party in an effort to expand Medicaid.
Life Style: 2000 crore actor Fans of Akshay Kumar on Twitter got the hash tag #Akshay2000crore to trend worldwide for two days.
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'Jon victim of racial discrimination' Family urges India to bring him back NEW DELHI: The family of jailed Indian-American fashion designer Anand Jon has sought the government's intervention to bring him back to India and maintained that he was a victim of "racial discrimination." Jon is currently serving a 59 year prison term in California on charges of sexual abuse. His sister Sanjana and mother Shashi Abraham claimed he was "innocent" and that he has been jailed though the evidence against him did not hold "any ground". "I request Sonia Gandhi to look into the case...I am appealing to the government to take steps to bring him back to India," Sanjana told reporters in New Delhi. She said the plea bargain deal in New York, which led to 48 of 49 charges against Jon being dropped, would help them fight the earlier charges in a California court. "It was a strategic decision to plead guilty to one count, which does not involve rape. This will help us get the evidence which was hidden from us for five years, which we can use in our appeal to overturn the California sentence," Sanjana said. The Kerala-born designer was arrested in 2007 in California on charges that he preyed upon seven young aspiring models, some as young as 14, and sexually assaulted them. On February 14, Jon admitted
to one count of criminal sexual act in the Manhattan Supreme Court and was sentenced to five years under a plea deal reached with federal prosecutors. In turn, Manhattan prosecutors dropped 48 out of 49 charges
pany would receive significant funding. "In 2007, Newsweek put Jon as one of the upcoming people to watch. Soon after this, funding from Wall Street was starting to flow into his company. That is
"Many of them travelled with us, singing praises of my son. Why didn't they report about any problems then but spoke up after four to five years? My son is innocent. He is the victim here," Abraham said.
Sanjana Jon, sister (left), and Sashi Abraham, mother of fashion designer Anand Jon at a press conference in New Delhi on February 18
against him. The New York prison time of five years amounts to time served in California, which means no additional years will be added to his 59-year sentence. Sanjana also said the charges against her brother came up in 2007 soon after news that his com-
when these charges were levelled against him," Sanjana said. The designer's mother questioned the timing of the allegations, and said the women who accused Jon of assault travelled with him for several years before coming out against him.
Jon had launched a fashion line in 1999 and was featured on 'America's Next Top Model' working with celebrities such as socialite Paris Hilton. His designs have been worn by media mogul Oprah Winfrey and singer Janet Jackson. Adding to this, Sanjana con-
tended that her brother was sentenced to 59 years in jail despite a negative rape kit. "Such a sentence based on a negative rape kit, a copy of which we have released to the media, is unheard of. Not only that, Jon has also passed a polygraph test, which indicated he was not been deceiving the court in his replies," she said. Senior lawyer Majeed Memon, who has also been involved with the case, argued that India had let down Anand Jon. "Anand was a celebrity and he invited the wrath of others in the fashion industry. This was a calculated, conspired attempt to ruin his career when he was at the very top...he is a symbol of total victimisation and India has let him down," Memon said. When asked as to what the family wanted the government to do in the case, he called for a special office in every embassy/consulate to help out Indians abroad in legal distress. "The government should bring him back to India," Memon said. Echoing his opinion, Sanjana appealed to the government to do something. "He has been a victim of racial discrimination, having been called names like 'curry smelling' and 'sand nigger.' Now, only the Indian government can request for Anand to be sent back to India," she said.-PTI
Pakistan hands over Gwadar port to Chinese firm ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have signed an agreement to hand over control of the strategic Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea to a Chinese company, a move that has raised serious security concerns in India. Under the agreement for transfer of concession rights, the deep sea port will remain the property of Pakistan while the Chinese company will share profits from its operation. China Overseas Port Holdings Limited will fully assume responsibility for Gwadar port in Balochistan province. Speaking on the occasion President Zardari said the agreement would give new impetus to Pakistan-China relations and take bilateral political cooperation into the realm of economic cooperation. The handing over of the operations of Gwadar port to China is a manifestation of growing ties
and shows the trust that Pakistan has in the Chinese ability to deliver on infrastructure projects, he said. The development of a trade corridor linking Xinjiang to the Middle East through Gwadar port will enhance trade between the two countries and in the region, Zardari said. Gwadar has strategic importance for China as around 60 per cent of its crude oil comes from Gulf countries that are close to Gwadar, he said. The agreement was signed by Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Syed Pervez Abbas, Major General Asghar Nawaz of the armyrun National Logistics Cell, AKD Security chairman Aqeel Karim Dhedi, Leo Fong of China Overseas Port Holdings and Port of Singapore Authority representative Faisal Javed. Gwadar port
Cont’d on page 6
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Inquiry report leaked; Doctors failed to treat Savita LONDON: Indian dentist Savita Halappanavar died as a result of a litany of failures by hospital staff, a leaked draft of a probe report said, proving her family's claim that her death was avoidable. The report by Ireland's health ministry revealed that doctors caring for the 31-year-old dentist seriously failed to investigate, recognize and treat the infection which led to her death. Savita died at Galway University Hospital last October 28 after she was admitted to the hospital on October 21 with severe back pain. She was 17-weeks pregnant and was found to be miscarrying. An autopsy found she had died of Septicaemia. The leaked Health Service Executive (HSE) report published by The Independent newspaper "proves" her family's claim that her death was avoidable as she had asked for an abortion several times before she died.
Doctors had said their "hands were tied" due to Ireland's strict anti-abortion laws as they could still detect a fetal heartbeat. According to the leaked document, extracts of which were reported by the Irish media, the infection which led to Savita's death was not diagnosed for three days and that staff should have considered performing an abortion even before the patient asked for it. Other failures included tests showing possible blood infection not being followed up by staff and general lack of clarity as her condition grew progressively worse. Her husband, Praveen Halappanvar said he was in no "condition to make any statement. The family is shocked about the report being leaked". . His solicitor, Gerard O'Donnell said it is essential that he is given an opportunity to ensure there were no inaccuracies in the report on his wife's death at Galway
Pakistan hands over Gwadar port to Chinese firm at the apex of the Arabian Sea and the mouth of the Persian Gulf. It is Beijing provided about 75 per also only about 400 kms away cent of the initial funding of USD from the Strait of Hormuz, a key 250 million for building the port. global oil supply route. On January 30, the Pakistan It was being operated by government had approved the Singapore's PSA International transfer of the management of and needs further development to Gwadar port from Singapore to become fully operational. China, which played a key role in Information Minister Qamar its construction. Zaman Kaira had said last month Pakistan's decision to hand that PSA International could not over the strategic Gwadar port to develop or operate Gwadar "as China is a matter of "serious con- desired". cern" for India, Defense Minister The Chinese will make "more A K Antony had said earlier this investments" to make the port operational, he said. PSA International had signed a contract Gwadar port is situated at a to manage and develop strategic location as it is Gwadar for 40 years. China, which is located at the apex of the Pakistan's closest ally, Arabian Sea and the mouth had for long been a front-runner for taking of the Persian Gulf. It is also over the port. only about 400 kms away Beijing has been working to develop a from the Strait of Hormuz, a string of harbors in the key global oil supply route Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. It has funded ports month. in Sri Lanka and has been ap"Chinese are now constructing proached to help build a port in that port on Pakistan's request. In Bangladesh. one sentence, I can say that it is a Pakistan's former defense minmatter of concern to us. My an- ister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar swer is simple and straightfor- had said in 2011 that Islamabad ward," he had said. would be "grateful" to the ChiGwadar port is situated at a nese government if a naval base strategic location as it is located was built at Gwadar. -PTI Cont’d from page 5
File photo of protesters outside the Irish parliament holding pictures of Savita Halappanavar who died after being refused an abortion
University Hospital last year and demanded a copy of the HSE report before it is finalized. "Here he is listening to the report into his wife's death being
bandied about on the public airwaves and he hadn't even had a chance to look at it...It is very insensitive that this happened to say the least.
..However, from what has been reported as being taken from extracts from the draft report, it looks like what Praveen has said will be borne out. If what have been published really are extracts, then they appear to be accurate," he said. Irish minister for health, James Reilly, has offered to provide Praveen with the final report before it is published but O'Donnell said that would be too late. The HSE inquiry into the Indian national's death was established in November 2012 under the chairmanship of Prof Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran, head of obstetrics and gynaecology at St George's Hospital, University of London, who is expected to present its official findings by the end of this month. -PTI
Parmarth Ashram to host Yoga Festival in Rishikesh India Post News Service
RISHIKESH: Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, North India, will host its International Yoga Festival with world renowned yogacharyas from March 1-7, teaching extraordinary range of lineages. The Festival, an annual affair for the Ashram, includes teaching of Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Jivamukti Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Sivananda Yoga, Deep Yoga, Shintoh Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Nada Yoga, traditional Hatha Yoga, as well as meditation, Pranayama, Reiki and bhajan/kirtan. Additionally, the International Yoga Festival will be graced by the presence of some of India's most revered spiritual masters, saints, rishis and gurus. These spiritual masters impart, through their presence and their sacred teachings, the ancient yet timeless truths of human life. The Festival includes a wide assortment of
schools of asana, pranayama, meditation and divine darshan/ satsang/discourses from the Gurus. This year the festival will be blessed by the presence of Sri Shankaracharyaji Pujya Swami
"If there is Heaven in India it's Uttarakhand; if there's heaven in Uttarakhand, it's Rishikesh, and if there's heaven in Rishikesh, it's Parmarth Niketan Ashram." Divyanand Teerthji, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sri
Radhanath Swamiji. The renowned yogacharyas include Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, Padmashri Bharat Bhushan, Swami Tattvarupan and Swami Yogananda, Sri H.S. Arun, Andrew Cohen, Sadhvi Abha Saraswati, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, Jeffrey Armstrong, Sharath Jois, Sherri Baptiste, R.S. Bhogal, Janet Attwood,Sindhu Ma, Yogiraj Vishwapal Jayant, Deepika Mehta, Mohan Bhandari, Bhava Ram & Laura Plumb, Roberto Milletti, Maa Gyan Suveera, Kishan Shah, Hikaru Hashimoto, Gurushabd Singh Khalsa, Gabriela Bozic, Sat Siri Satya Kalra. Bhavini Kalan, Yogacharini Maitreyi and many more. Parmarth Niketan is a world famous venue. As a former Secretary of Tourism of Uttarakhand said so beautifully, "If there is Heaven in India it's Uttarakhand; if there's heaven in Uttarakhand, it's Rishikesh, and if there's heaven in Rishikesh, it's Parmarth Niketan Ashram."
Pak to hold general election by May 16 LAHORE: Pakistan will hold general election by May 16 after the national and provincial assemblies are dissolved on completing their five-year term, a senior minister announced. "The present assemblies will be dissolved on March 16 and the election will be held within two months," Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said. Briefing journalists after a meeting here with cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri,
who has been demanding electoral reforms, Kaira said the period for scrutinizing electoral candidates would be 14 days instead of 30 and Qadri had no objection to this. "According to our agreement with Qadri, we will also consult him on the nomination of the caretaker prime minister," he said. The ruling Pakistan People's Party and its coalition partners had inked an agreement with Qadri on January 17 to end a sit-in near the
parliament in Islamabad by the cleric and thousands of his followers. Qadri led a four-day protest to press the government to act on his demands related to electoral reforms and dissolution of the Election Commission. The Supreme Court rejected Qadri's petition for dissolving the Election Commission and raised questions about his status as a Canadian national. -PTI
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Sri Lanka dismisses documentary Hague court upholds India's right on Kishanganga project on Prabhakaran son's death COLOMBO: A British channel cal resolution at the UN Human has come out with a documentary Rights Council. featuring the pictures of the alOne of the photos shows leged cold-blooded killing of Balachandran Prabakaran sitting LTTE chief Velupillai in a bunker, alive and unharmed Prabhakaran's 12-year-old son, in the custody of Sri Lankan which was dismissed by Sri Lanka as "lies, half truths and numerous forms of speculation". The Channel 4 documentary titled 'No War Zone the killing fields of Sri Lanka' is to be Balachandran Prabakaran aired in Geneva at the next session of the troops. UN Human Rights Council Another picture which was (UNHRC) in March. taken a few hours later shows the The pictures have once again boy's body lying on the ground, raised questions over the conduct his chest pierced by bullets. of Sri Lankan armed forces during Sri Lankan Army dismissed as the final stages of the operation "lies, half truths, rumors and numeragainst Tamil Tiger rebels and is ous forms of speculation" the picanother blow for the government tures featured in the documentary. in its attempts to head off a critiCommenting on the pictures,
military spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya said, "This is not the first time such unsubstantiated allegations are leveled against the Sri Lankan forces. Interestingly, these come up as we near UNHRC meeting and die down thereafter." "No substantive evidence have been presented for us to launch an investigation" he said. "Unfortunately, it appears that the parties who float such baseless allegations never want these to be investigated or solved. They want to keep them as mysteries in order to tarnish the country's good image as and when it suits their agendas." C o r r Wa n i g a s o o r i y a stressed that if the Channel 4 was interested in having these investigated, it should cooperate with credible evidence and the Army will institute a probe. The documentary aims to test India over its next move in the UNHRC resolution against Sri Lanka, Channel 4's documentary director Callum Macrae said.-PTI
NEW DELHI: In a significant had proposed the establishment development in an Indo-Pak dis- of a Court of Arbitration and the pute, the International Court of appointment of a neutral expert to Arbitration at The Hague has up- resolve the Kishanganga dam disheld India's right to divert water pute. from the Kishanganga hydroelecIndus Waters Treaty, inked tric project (KHEP) in Kashmir. between India and Pakistan, proReacting to the development, vides appointment of a neutral official spokesperson in the Min- expert by the World Bank as a last istry of External Affairs said, "The option to resolve water related isaward of the Court of Arbitration sues between the two countries. at The Hague reaffirmed validity of India's position regarding KHEP by The Kishanganga plant, in allowing diversion of Bandipora district of north water from the KHEP as Kashmir, is part of a run-ofenvisaged by India." He said, "It high- the-river hydroelectric lights once again that scheme that is designed to India is adhering to all the provisions of Indus divert water from the Waters Treaty." Kishanganga River to a The spokesperson power plant in the Jhelum also said the details of the award were being studied. The Kishanganga plant, in Pakistan has been objecting to Bandipora district of north Kashthe construction of the hydro- mir, is part of a run-of-the-river electric project on the hydroelectric scheme that is deKishanganga River in Kashmir, signed to divert water from the which is called Neelum upon en- Kishanganga River to a power tering Pakistan. plant in the Jhelum river basin. In November 2009, Pakistan PTI
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India, UK to negotiate civil nuclear pact NEW DELHI: Adding a new dimension to their strategic ties, India and the UK have decided to start negotiations on a civil nuclear pact to facilitate entry of British companies into emerging atomic power sector here. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made the announcement after delegation-level talks with visiting British Prime Minister David Cameron during which both sides reviewed entire gamut of bilateral relations. "We have also decided to commence negotiations on a bilateral Civil Nuclear Agreement," Singh said. India has already signed civil nuclear pacts with a number of countries including United States, France, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Mongolia and Canada. The Prime Minister said he thanked Cameron for Britain's support for India's full membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and other multilateral export control regimes. Cameron said Britain was in favor of transferring high-technology to India. India has planned to reach a nuclear power capacity of 63,000MW in 2032 against its current installed capacity of 4,780MW and a number of countries have been vying to get a share of India's lucrative atomic energy market.
Concerns on Choppergate After wide-ranging talks which included key issues of nuclear energy cooperation, security, terrorism and trade, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he conveyed to Cameron India's "serious concerns" pertaining to the chopper scam and sought his "full assistance" on the issue. Over allegations of "unethical means" used to secure Rs 3600 crore VVIP chopper deal involving Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland, the British Premier assured all possible help while asserting that
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron, at the Joint Press Statement, in New Delhi on February 19
cooperation of his Government in the investigations." On his part, Cameron said," In terms of AgustaWestland...we will respond to any requests for information. I am glad the Italian authorities are looking into this issue in detail as Finmeccanica is an Italian company, a parent company of AgustaWe s t l a n d ‌ "Let me make it absolutely clear that in Britain, we have introduced an anti-bribery legislation that is probably the strongest anywhere in the world and will root out any problem of bribery or corruption whenever and wherever they appear," Cameron said. Cameron also expressed willingness on UK's part to "rewrite" the rules on sharing
President Pranab Mukherjee with British Prime Minister David Cameron during their meeting at Rastrapati Bhawan in New Delhi
it has one of the strongest anti-bribery laws in the world. Giving details of his discussions, he said "I also conveyed to Prime Minister Cameron our very serious concerns regarding allegations about unethical means used in securing the 2010 contract for Agusta Westland helicopters. "I told him that we have sought an explanation from the company by February 22 to examine if the contractual provisions on unethical practices and the Integrity Pact have been violated. I have sought full assistance from the UK in this case. Prime Minister Cameron has assured me of the
technology in a bid to increase high-tech exports and said he had detailed discussions on defense and security cooperation, including in the field of cyber security. Singh noted that he had very "candid and productive discussions" on regional and global issues and shared their perspectives on the security and political transition in Afghanistan. "Prime Minister Cameron and I agreed that in keeping with our strategic relationship, it is important for our two sides to consult closely and remain sensitive to each others interests," Singh said.
Noting that they had discussions at length to enhance cooperation in fighting terrorism, Cameron said both countries have been victims of terrorism and "We will work together. "We agreed on the need for a stable and secure Pakistan which is at peace with it-
self and with its neighbors and which will eradicate the threat the terrorists pose both within and beyond its borders. We said that must include Pakistan bringing to justice the perpetrators of the terrible attack in Mumbai and we will work together to that end." -PTI
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Sobbing Pistorius accused of 'premeditated' girlfriend murder PRETORIA: South African sporting hero Oscar Pistorius broke down in court as he was accused of shooting his model girlfriend three times through a locked bathroom door in what prosecutors said was a "premeditated" Valentine's Day murder. The double-amputee Olympian and Paralympian "Blade Runner" is seeking bail at the hearing which is expected to reveal more about what happened the night his covergirl law graduate lover Reeva Steenkamp was killed. Prosecutor Gerrie Nel told the Pretoria magistrate's court that Pistoris armed himself, put on his prosthesis, walked seven meters and fired three shots through a locked bathroom door at Steenkamp, saying this showed premeditation on the part of the star athlete. The 26-year-old defendant, making his second court appearance over the killing, appeared in the dock in a black suit, blue shirt and grey tie and stared straight ahead anxiously, sometimes mumbling under his breath. Steenkamp, 29, who was shot four times in the early hours by a 9mm pistol owned by the sprinter, was laid to rest at a private ceremony in her hometown
Oscar Pistorius stands following his bail hearing, as his brother Carl, left, and father Henke, second from left, look on in Pretoria, South Africa, February 19
of Port Elizabeth. Pistorius's family has insisted that the evidence will refute "any possibility of a premeditated murder or indeed any murder at all". Defense lawyers are expected to argue that there are "exceptional circumstances" for Pistorius to be freed pending trial.
As a result, more details will likely emerge of what happened during the Valentine's Day shooting at Pistorius's upmarket home in a gated estate in Pretoria. The state has said it would oppose bail. Both sides have called in heavyweight lawyers, setting the scene for a massive legal showdown. Unconfirmed reports have
'Chinese military engaged in cyber espionage' WASHINGTON: A secretive Chinese military unit, with government backing, is engaged in "systematic" cyber espionage and data theft against organizations around the world from Shanghai, an American Internet security firm has claimed. "Our research and observations indicate that the Communist Party of China (CPC) is tasking the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) to commit systematic cyber espionage and data theft against organizations around the world," alleged the report 'APT1: Exposing One of China's Cyber Espionage Units' by computer security firm Mandiant. Mandiant Corp said on its website that a group attached to China's People's Liberation Army has stolen data from 141 companies, 115 of which were in the US. It did not name specific targets of the attacks but said they spanned industries ranging from information technology and telecommunications to aerospace and energy. "Our analysis has led us to conclude that APT1 (Advanced Persistent Threat) is likely government-sponsored and one of the
most persistent of China's cyber threat actors. We believe that APT1 is able to wage such a longrunning and extensive cyber espionage campaign in large part because it receives direct government support," said the executive summary of the 60-page report. Mandiant said it believes the
The New York Times said hackers stole corporate passwords and accessed the personal computers of 53 employees after the newspaper published a report on the family fortune of China's Premier Wen group behind the hacking is Unit 61398, within a wing of the People's Liberation Army. It said it has observed hacking attempts against nearly 150 victims over seven years. Hundreds of terabytes of data were involved, it said. A series of cyber attacks on
America's most high-profile media outlets, reported earlier this month by The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, as well as on Twitter and others, have revived concerns over Chinese hackers. The New York Times said hackers stole corporate passwords and accessed the personal computers of 53 employees after the newspaper published a report on the family fortune of China's Premier Wen Jiabao. "In seeking to identify the organization behind this activity, our research found that Peoples Liberation Army (PLAs) Unit 61398 is similar to APT1 in its mission, capabilities, and resources. "PLA Unit 61398 is also located in precisely the same area from which APT1 activity appears to originate," it alleged. It pinpointed the group's location in facilities in Shanghai's Pudong district. It also reprinted a memo from a Chinese telecommunications provider supplying communications links to the facility that said it would "smoothly accomplish this task for the military based on the principle that national defense construction is important." -PTI
suggested Pistorius mistook Steenkamp for an intruder, while other reports said she was beaten with a cricket bat before being shot multiple times. In an interview, Steenkamp's mother described Reeva's death as "horrendous." "Why my little girl? Why did this happen? Why did he do this?" June Steenkamp told the
Times of South Africa. "She had so much of herself to give and now all that is gone. Just like that, she is gone... In the blink of an eye and a single breath, the most beautiful person who ever lived is no longer here." Sharon Steenkamp, her cousin, told local newspaper The Herald that none of the family at Steenkamp's parents' home had met Pistorius. "No, we are not even thinking about Oscar. All our focus is on Reeva, her life and what has happened to her. She never had an enemy in the world and was a super person," she said. A celebrity television show aired haunting footage of Reeva Steenkamp speaking about the need to leave a positive mark on life, words laden with poignancy after her death. "Not just your journey in life, but the way that you go out and make your exit is so important, you have either made an impact in a positive way or a negative way," she said. Pistorius, who broke down in sobs during his first court appearance, has built up a powerful team of lawyers, medical specialists and public relations experts for his defense.-AFP
Anand wins Grenke Classic after thrilling last-round BADEN BADEN, Germany: World champion Viswanathan Anand notched up his first title of the year when he scored an emphatic victory over German Arkadij Naiditsch to lift the Grenke Chess Classic trophy here. In what turned out to be a nail-biting finish, Anand had to wait for Fabiano Caruana to go wrong once again as the Italian misplayed a highly promising position and drew with Daniel Fridman of Germany to give the Indian ace a clear victory. "After Bilbao 2011 my big problem was getting interesting positions where I had chances. This year the new problem has been exploiting those chances...I've been gifting people half points," Anand said reflecting on his game at the post-tournament press conference. "If it wasn't for that my results would be much better. Still, it's a hundred times better to have the second problem! I need to work on my technique,"
he added referring to the high number of draws that he has been playing out. The other game of the final round between Michael Adams of England and Georg Meier of Germany also ended in a draw.
Viswanathan Anand
The much-needed tournament victory for Anand came after a long time and it could serve as a perfect prelude to the World Championship match he is slated to play later this year. The Indian finished with 6.5 points in all and ended half a point ahead of Caruana.-PTI
Tech News Bahrain explores bilateral trade with Andhra HYDERABAD: Bahrain has expressed its interest in establishing bilateral trade relationship with Andhra Pradesh. A high-level delegation from Bahrain led by Sheikh Ahmed, advisor to the kingdom's crown prince, met Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy in state capital and expressed interest in establishing business ties in sectors like information technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and health, a release from the Chief Minister's Office said. Sheikh Ahmed also wanted cultural exchanges between Bahrain and South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on reciprocal basis, the release said. Sanjaya Baru, former media advisor to the Prime Minister and other senior officials, were present. -PTI
Govt cancels Rs 12K cr bond to contain fiscal deficit NEW DELHI: The government has cancelled Rs 12,000 crore bond auctions, lowering its market borrowing program for the current financial year in its bid to contain the fiscal deficit at 5.3 per cent. With this, the total market borrowing by the government in the current fiscal would come down to Rs 5.58 lakh crore from Rs 5.70 lakh crore as envisaged in the 201213 Budget. "On review of the government's cash position and funding requirement, it has been decided, in consultation with Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to reduce the government market borrowing through dated securities by Rs 12,000 crore for the current financial year," the Finance Ministry said in a statement. The auction for dated securities, worth Rs 12,000 crore, scheduled on February 22 has been cancelled, it added. The Government has already borrowed Rs 3.7 lakh crore in the first half ending September 30, which is 65 per cent of the total planned borrowing. The front-loading of borrowing was done as part of its strategy to make available capital to the private sector in the last six months of 2012-13. Finance Minister P Chidambaram had in November 2012 raised the fiscal deficit projection for the current financial year to 5.3 per cent, from 5.1 per cent estimated in Budget.-PTI
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Small industries complain against 'erring' large cos CHANDIGARH: The Federation of Association of Small Industries of India (FASII) has demanded action from the Union Ministry of MSME against "erring" medium and large industrial units which are making items reserved for micro and small industries. The Federation has lodged a complaint with the Ministry for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), seeking "closure of big units" which manufacture items reserved for micro and small units and launch of a nationwide investigation to identify companies violating the provisions of the MSME Act. -PTI
Cameron ready to help Mumbai realize its global goals MUMBAI: British Prime Minister David Cameron, the first English Premier to visit the west Indian city in 20 years, offered India's financial capital help to realize its goal of becoming a world class finance and business hub. Stating that India and Britain are natural partners, Cameron said British companies can help Mumbai realize its dream of becoming a world-class finance centre, apart from helping it develop modern transport infrastructure like the metro and a new airport. "I am looking at more partnerships like the one between BP and Reliance in the areas like metro, the Navi Mumbai airport etc," Cameron, accompanied by the largest-ever trade delegation (over 100) to the country, said. Addressing a select gathering at the city's museum, Cameron welcomed India Inc to invest in his country and also called for deeper business and cultural ties between the world's oldest and the largest democracies. Cameron also visited a mummy exhibition, brought to the city by Reliance Foundation, BP, the British Museum and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. Cameron, an avid cricket fan, after his luncheon meeting with
British Prime Minister David Cameron gestures while addressing the Indo- British Business Summit in Mumbai on February 18
corporate honchos, including Ratan Tata and Adi Godrej, found some time to indulge in cricket at the Cross Maidan. He also called for greater cultural cooperation between the two nations as there are special cul-
tural, historic and linguistic ties between the two countries which go back to many centuries. "I managed some time for cricket, and I am here to make our relationship even stronger, wider, and deeper. India is place of a
dozen of religions and hundreds of languages. There are over 1.5 million persons of Indian origin in Britain and they have become a fabric of our society. Cont’d on page 12
Same-day UK visa for Indian businessmen MUMBAI: Britain will introduce same-day visa service for Indian businessmen wanting to invest there, Prime Minister David Cameron announced as he sought a "special relationship" between the two countries, saying it is about the future for which sky is the limit. Out to woo Indian students, Cameron also said there would be no limit on the number of students from here studying in his country. "I want Britain and India to have a special relationship....this is a relation-
ship about the future, not the past," Cameron said in his interaction with the staff of Hindustan Unilever, the Indian unit of British consumer products' giant, Unilever. Cameron also announced his country would introduce a same-day visa service for businessmen, in an effort to encourage Indian businesses to invest in Britain. "We have the biggest visa operations anywhere else in the world right here in India. British Prime Minister David Cameron interacting with Hindustan Unilever Limited employees at HUL Campus on February 18
Cont’d on page 12
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India to approve oil, gas projects 'in 30 days' DUBAI: Allaying fears of delay in clearances, India has promised foreign investors that it will approve oil and gas projects "in 30 days flat" as it invited Gulf businesses to take advantage of investment opportunities in the country.
Investment (FDI) procedures. The minister further said that efforts were being made to revert to 9 per cent growth path. The economy in the current financial year is expected to decline to 5 per cent from 6.2 per cent in 2011-12. "Once things improve, we need
ment between the two countries, Sharma said that the establishment of a High-Level Task Force, co-chaired by Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nehayan and himself would help in developing "avenues of catalyzing greater investments on both sides."
trade established with UAE, this year we will cross USD 175 billion." Later Sharma held a bilateral meeting with Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade, UAE, during which the possibility of increasing the bilateral trade between the two nations was discussed. Noting that UAE was India's top partner amongst the GCC countries and the second largest
trading partner for India in the world after China, Sharma said "the bilateral trade does not reflect the full potential and can be further exploited to mutual advantage of both the countries." The minister also underlined the need for reenergizing the negotiations for concluding the India-GCC FTA talks pointing out that the capital flow between the regions has remained miniscule. -PTI
Ratan Tata for deeper Indo-British biz ties
Union Minister for Commerce, Industry & Textiles Anand Sharma greets UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi in an interactive session with businessmen and investors in Dubai on February 17
"I share your concern in delay in clearances. We are working seriously in that direction. The first meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Investment examined projects in the oil and gas and decisions will be taken in 30 days flat," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said while addressing the India Business Meet here. Expressing India's determination to carry forward the economic reform program, Sharma said that the Indian government has taken several initiatives in the past to rationalize and simplify Foreign Direct
to have double digit growth and sustain it for at least two-and-half decades. This is important from the point of view of sustained growth and social needs of providing jobs to a young population," he said, adding India's economic fundamentals are strong and its growth story is intact. As regards the taxation issues, Sharma said, "Government is working on it and Goods and Services Tax is being pushed with all sincerity". Referring to the immense possibility of the economic engage-
Cameron ready to help Mumbai realize its global goals Cont’d from page 11
"Today there is a new connection between the thousands of artists and art organizations of the two countries. Britain has some of the world's greatest museums, and we can make a partnership with other museums in other parts of the world," Cameron said. The mummy display has been on since November 20 last and will run through the middle of next month (March 24), when the four mummies will return to London after a 50-nation tour.
Addressing the gathering, RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani said 35,000 students and 40,000 others have already visited the mummy exhibition and we expect over 1 lakh visitors before the mummies return to the British Museum headquarters next month. This is the first collaboration between the British Museum and its city counterpart. The mummies on display include the coffin of Nesperennub, a priest who lived and died in Egypt nearly 3,000 years ago, and discovered at Luxor in the 1890s. -PTI
The minister also welcomed the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth funds to invest in the Indian economy. "Our economies are also defined by complementary strengths. It is these complementary strengths, which we must build upon as two people bound by ties of history to write a new essay of economic partnership in the 21st century," he said. Noting that bilateral trade between India and the GCC region rose to above USD 145 billion in 2011-12 from USD 67 billion five years ago, Sharma said, "I expect that with the kind of dynamism which has been shown in our
MUMBAI: Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of USD 100-billion Tata Group, has called for deeper partnership between India and UK, saying it would serve both the countries, apart from tapping the potential of Asia and Africa. "If India and England could be partners, both can not only serve the large Indian market but also cater to the third-party markets together.....like Asia and Africa," Tata said while addressing a luncheon session visiting British Prime Minister David Cameron had with India Inc at Taj Hotel. Tata Group patriarch also said his companies' experience in England has been very positive. After the buyout of one of the largest British steel companies Corus and the iconic car brands Jaguar and Land Rover, Tata Group is now the largest manufacturer in England. "It has been a very pleasant experience in Britain; the value and the manner in which the government supports us," Tata said lauding the business environment in UK. He also said that the group had
made the ambitious investments in steel and auto sector in Britain, without factoring in the financial meltdown.
Ratan Tata
"We had no idea that there will be a financial meltdown in Europe, hence our rather ambitious investments," Tata said, adding while Jaguar and Land Rover is a great success story, the steel industry is facing problem due to the demand slowdown in the Euro region. -PTI
Same-day UK visa for Indian businessmen Cont’d from page 11
I announce that we are going to introduce for businesses a same-day visa service to those who want to come to our country and invest...," Cameron told India Inc at Hotel Taj, the country's hospitality icon. The British premier, whose visits comes amidst the raging storm over AgustaWestland chopper deal, described India as one of the "great phenomena" of the century whose enormous growth is going
to make it the third largest economy by 2030.
Proud that Tatas make JLR
Cameron said he is proud of the fact that an Indian company Tata Motors makes Jaguar and Land Rover "that are taking the world by storm", even as he pitched for further opening up of India's insurance and banking sectors. He made this remark while asserting that Britain is one of the most open and "incredibly welcoming" economies.
Addressing the staff of Hindustan Unilever (HUL) at the company's headquarters here, Cameron said: "Britain is an open economy and we encourage investments.... We should be having a conversation, which we will have with the Indian Government about opening up the Indian economy. "Trying to make it easier to do business here, allowing insurance and banking companies to do more foreign direct investment into the Indian economy." -PTI
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India, Abu Dhabi to sign investment protection pact ABU DHABI: India and UAE have in-principle agreed to ink Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPA) to boost the two-way trade, and al-
locate USD 2 billion for investments in infrastructure projects and in establishing strategic oil reserve in the South Asian nation.
These issues were discussed during a meeting between visiting Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi
India trims US treasury holdings to $57.9 billion WASHINGTON: Trimming its holdings of US government securities for the fourth straight month, India held American treasury bills worth USD 57.9 billion in December. India, which is among the top 20 holders of American government securities, has been reducing its holdings since August 2012, even as neighboring China is purchasing more of these bills. Amid global uncertainties, the US economic output for the first time in more than three years shrank 0.1 per cent in the 2012 December quarter. India's held American treasury bills to the tune of USD 57.9 billion in December last year, lower than USD 58.8 billion worth securities owned in November, according to latest data from the US Treasury Department. In October, the same stood at USD 59.6 billion slightly lower than USD 59.7 billion recorded in September. India's holdings of American government securities had touched USD 60.6 billion in August.
However, the holdings in December 2012 were much higher than in December 2011 when it stood at USD 43.5 billion. Going by the official data, India is the 18th largest holder of
The US, the world's largest economy, is going through a tough phase. Besides slow growth, the country is battling high debt levels. In the last three months of 2012, the American GDP unexpectedly shrank 0.1 percent these securities while China topped the table at the end of December. China's holdings touched USD 1.202 trillion, closely followed by Japan that reached USD 1.120 trillion during that month.
Among the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) nations, India has the lowest exposure to American securities. At the end of December, Brazil owned US treasury bills worth USD 251.5 billion, while that of Russia touched USD 157.6 billion. The US, the world's largest economy, is going through a tough phase. Besides slow growth, the country is battling high debt levels. In the last three months of 2012, the American GDP unexpectedly shrank 0.1 per cent. The contraction - first time since the second quarter of 2009 when there was recession - was mainly on account of sharp cuts in government spending. "Real gross domestic product the output of goods and services produced by labor and property located in the US - decreased at an annual rate of 0.1 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2012," the US Commerce Department had said in January. Defense spending was slashed more than 22 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2012. -PTI
US manufacturers added about 5 lakh jobs: Obama WASHINGTON: Asserting the manufacturing sector added about five lakh jobs in the last three years, US President Barack Obama has said there was a need to accelerate this trend and make it a "magnet" of hightech jobs and manufacturing. "After shedding jobs for more than 10 years, our manufacturers have added about 5,00,000 jobs over the past three. What we need to do now is simple. We need to accelerate that trend," Obama said in his weekly radio and web address to the nation. He said there was need to launch manufacturing hubs across the country that will transform hard-hit regions into global centers of high-tech jobs and manufacturing. "We need to make our tax code
more competitive, ending tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas, and rewarding com-
Barack Obama
panies that create jobs here at home," he said. The President said there was need to invest in the research and
technology that will allow the country to harness more of its own energy and put more people back to work, "repairing our crumbling roads and bridges". Obama has addressed meetings in North Carolina, Georgia and Chicago to put forward his agenda of economic growth. These steps, he argued, will help US businesses expand and create new jobs. "But we also need to provide every American with the skills and training they need to fill those jobs. Let's start in the earliest years by offering high-quality preschool to every child in America, because we know kids in these programs do better throughout their lives," he said. -PTI
Crown Prince Court Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan here. "We talked about the need to have an investment protection agreement. We have in-principle agreed for that and it will be expeditiously concluded," Sharma told reporters after the meeting. The Minister, who is heading a Ficci delegation, is here in connection with the inaugural meeting of the UAEIndia High Level Task Force on Investments. A joint statement issued later said the meeting of the Task Force on Investments focused on wideranging issues with a view to increasing the bilateral trade and investment and expeditious conclusion of BIPA. Noting that the UAE business community raised issues and concerns related with their past investments, Sharma said, "I have as-
sured them that within the limit of our laws, India will protect the investments." The statement said assistance and support of governments would be extended for expediting the resolution of issues associated with existing investments and opportunities for new cross-border investments across a range of sectors. UAE-based Etisalat had invested in Indian telecom venture Etisalat-DB but had to exit the country after the Supreme Court cancelled 122 licenses, including those of Etisalat-DB. To boost investments, the statement said, it was also decided that working groups would be set up to strengthen bilateral relations and "allocate USD 2 billion for investments in infrastructure projects in India and support the establishment of a strategic oil reserve in India". -PTI
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Himachal clears industrial proposals worth Rs 169 cr SHIMLA: The State Level Single Window Clearance and Monitoring Authority (SLSWC) has approved 23 industrial proposals with proposed investment of Rs 168.95 crores and employment opportunities to 922 persons. The projects included five new proposals and 18 expansion proposals of existing units. The new proposals approved by the authority included setting up of Controlled Atmosphere Cold Store Integrated with refrigerated vans at a cost of Rs 35.69 crore at Baddi in Solan district by AB Refer Warehouse, Rs 1.2 crore unit of Shakti Bhog at Nalagrh for manufacturing Flour Wheat, Maida, Suzi and proposals of Food Industries Himalaya Ever Green Industry and Paradise
Paints India with an investment of Rs 35.63 lakh. The expansion proposals in-
The new proposals approved by the authority included setting up of Controlled Atmosphere Cold Store Integrated with refrigerated vans at a cost of Rs 35.69 crore at Baddi in Solan district clude unit of Kansal Building Solutions with proposed investment Rs 14.64 crore and employment
potential to 28 persons for the manufacture of Autoclaved Cellular Concrete Blocks at Paonta Sahib, Rs 8.46 crore unit of Purogenic Fruit Juices and Rs 14.46 crore expansion unit of Siddartha Super Spinning Mills for manufacturing Synthetic Yarn. A Rs 18.08 crore unit of Sheela Foam for manufacturing of Comfort Products at Kala Amb, Rs 10.90 crore project by greenply Industries Ltd for manufacture of Laminate Sheet at Nalagarh and Rs 13.36 crore unit of Amico Textiles for manufacturing of all type of yarn and fabric and Polyster staple fiber at Nalagarh were also approved. Presiding over the meeting, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said the state should get its due share of 7.19 per cent in all the
other hydel power under BBMB and 8 per cent free power from all the hydel projects in the state.
Mukesh Agnihotri, Industries minister, briefed the Chief Minister about the industrial growth in the state along with progress made in the matter of revival of industrial package to the state till 2020 He said that as all the above industrial units were cleared by the single window authority, the
concerned departments should expedite the other works at their own level so that units could commence production. Mukesh Agnihotri, Industries minister, briefed the Chief Minister about the industrial growth in the state along with progress made in the matter of revival of industrial package to the state till 2020 as discussed with Union Industries and Commerce minister, Anand Sharma. He said after the announcement of Special Industrial Package for the state in the year 2003, industries with investment worth Rs 48,000 crores were cleared by SLSWC, out of which investment of only Rs 13,000 crore had been made in the state, indicating some flaw in the system which needs correction. -PTI
India to resolve Teesta issue with B'desh by Sept: Khurshid
2G case: Signatures of RTL executives verified
solve the land boundary issue, DHAKA: India has said that it Khurshid called on her. could resolve the longstanding Khurshid reiterated that the India and Bangladesh exchanged Teesta river water sharing issue upcoming budget session of the maps of demarcated stretches. The symbolic exchange of strip with Bangladesh by September Indian parliament was expected to when Prime Minister Sheikh ratify an additional protocol for maps, carried out in accordance Hasina is set to visit the country. the 1974 Land Boundary Agree- with the Land Boundary Agree"I do sincerely hope, in the next ment (LBA), amending the consti- ment (LBA) of 1974, pertain to adpossessions and few months we will be able to re- tution to remove an irritant in bi- verse undemarcated stretches. solve it," External Affairs Minister lateral ties. Salman Khurshid told reporters at end of his two-day Bangladesh tour for the second Joint Consultative Commission meeting with his counterpart Dipu Moni. Khurshid said he expected India could resolve the issue of water sharing in common Teesta River with Bangladesh by September when Bangladesh Hasina is set to visit India. Khurshid said a process was underway to resolve External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina at quickly the pendthe inauguration of articulated buses ing issue, engaging The crucial land boundary issue West Bengal chief minister "One major milestone will be Mamata Banarjee, who had op- achieved when it would be rati- involves exchange of land in 111 posed the inking of the deal fear- fied," Khurshid said, as his visit Indian enclaves in Bangladesh and ing it will lead to water shortage in came three days after the Indian 51 Bangladeshi enclaves to India. Asked if the existing bilateral her state. cabinet approved draft of the LBA Earlier, Hasina had hoped that for parliamentary ratification security cooperation against the India would take a "liberal view" through constitutional amend- use of Bangladesh territories by Indian separatists could be afto resolve the Teesta river water ment. sharing issue. The bill will facilitate the imple- fected in case of change of gov"We hope India will take a lib- mentation of the LBA signed in ernments in the countries as the eral view to resolve the problem" 1974 while its protocol was inked both await general elections next year, Khurshid answered in the and initiate measures to sign the in 2011. agreement, Hasina said, when In a major step forward to re- negative.-PTI
NEW DELHI: The CBI filed in a rected the three executives to give Delhi court the forensic report on specimen handwriting and signaspecimen signatures of three top ture to CBI for comparing it with executives of Reliance ADA the documents already placed on Group, facing trial in 2G case, say- record before it. ing there were no "fundamental The court had allowed CBI's differences" among the specimen plea for specimen of these three signatures and those found on accused saying it was "justified" seized documents. to reach a conclusion. "I have not observed any funCBI, in its plea, had said that damental difference between the during 2006 to 2008 these three questioned and specimen English accused had signed certain docusignatures. Cumulative consider- ments which were filed along with ation of the aforesaid points (in the report) of similarities observed The conclusion of the handbetween the questioned writing expert, who anaand the specimen En- lyzed the signatures of Religlish signatures in both general and individual ance ADAG executives writings characteristic, Gautam Doshi, Surendra constitute the basis of Pipara and Hari Nair - with aforesaid opinion," the Central Forensic Sci- the specimen signatures, ence Laboratory (CFSL) said that there were no report said. "fundamental differences� The conclusion of the handwriting expert, who analyzed the signatures of the charge sheet and some of the Reliance ADAG executives - witnesses examined so far had Gautam Doshi, Surendra Pipara also proved their signatures but and Hari Nair - with the specimen Doshi, Pipara and Nair have "not signatures, said that there were no been in a position" to identify "fundamental differences". them. The forensic report was filed in The CBI had earlier told the pursuance of an earlier court or- court that these documents inder. The court has kept the report clude books of accounts of Swan on record and has said its copies Consultants Services Pvt Ltd, Tiwill be given to the accused, if ger Trustees Pvt Ltd and other desired. firms and some documents relat"The same (report) be taken on ing to RTL. record and copies thereof be supAccording to CBI charge plied to all 17 accused, if so de- sheet, Swan Consultants Services sired by them immediately," spe- Pvt Ltd and Tiger Trustees Pvt Ltd cial CBI judge O P Saini said. were the alleged associate firms of The court on December 19 di- Reliance ADA Group. -PTI
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Desi News CHERISH celebrates 1st Anniversary with Saraswati Pooja SANGEETHA SRINIVASAN
FREMONT: CHERISH, a youthoriented association under the FIA umbrella, celebrated its 1st anniversary with a successful Saraswati Pooja on February 17. CHERISH operates from the Fremont Hindu Mandir. On this festive day, children and adults from near and far came to the mandir to perform Bhajans for Goddess Saraswati. Afterwards devotees found peace in a divine pooja performed by 19-yr old CHERISH member, Dev Roy. Following the pooja, everybody was given a heart-healthy prasad. Amidst the joy and friendship, young children and a brave adult found pride in representing their culture by participating in the public speaking competition in Hindi and English.
COMMUNITY
Lotus Indian Express adds spice to Valley
ACROSS AMERICA
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Metropolitan Museum showcases Lord Krishna
Details on page 21
Bhartiya Senior Citizens celebrate Valentine Day HAIRSH RAO
CHICAGO: Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago celebrated Valentine's Day on Feb16 at Shrinadudhthji Haveli in Addison, IL. More then 300 members and invited guests participated in the event. The program began with Ganesh Vandana sung by professional singer Shaila Khedkar and Anish Kadiwala. Committee member Kalyani Patel gave the program summary. Secretary of BSC Pursottam Pandya introduced the guests and sponsor. The event president is a well known photographer Jayanti Oza. Details on page 19
Lord Krishna and Metropolitan Museum, New York India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York is displaying authoritative commentary on 16th century painting of Lord Krishna holding Mount Goverdhan, including an audio-visual essay and interactive feature. This watercolor, "Krishna Holds Up Mount Govardhan to Shelter the Villagers of Braj", is a folio from a Harivamsa (1590-95).
Met's presentation lets the viewer take a closer look at the dense cast of characters in the painting by selecting hotspots. Curator is Navina Haidar. This painting is showcased under Met's "82nd & Fifth", yearlong multimedia online series featuring 100 works of art, launched on January 31. Founded in 1870, Met, one of the top art museums of the world, has large collections of ancient art,
including Greek, Roman and Near Eastern. The Met's mission includes art that "collectively represent the broadest spectrum of human achievement". Thomas P. Campbell is Met's Director and CEO. Applauding Met for organizing Hinduism focused exhibit, Rajan Zed of Universal Society of Hinduism said that art had a long and rich tradition in Hinduism and ancient Sanskrit literature talked about religious paintings of dei-
ties on wood or cloth. He also urged museums of the world, including Musee du Louvre and Musee d'Orsay of Paris, Los Angeles Getty Center, Uffizi Gallery of Florence (Italy), Art Institute of Chicago, Tate Modern of London, Prado Museum of Madrid, National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, etc., to frequently organize Hindu art focused exhibitions, thus sharing the rich Hindu art heritage with the rest of the world.
Charming Bengali 'Music, Movement & Encounter' at UC
WomenNow spreads love in all facets VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service
T
he exceptional team of WomenNow TV did it again, with their lavish and fun filled "WomenNow Affaire de Coeur (an affair of the Heart!)" on February 9 at San Jose Garden Airport Hotel. They proved that there are no barriers to dreaming and achieving big with the classy evening. "Love is in the air, Love is everywhere", says Ena Sarkar, Founder of Women Now TV. Details on page 25
Somjit Dasgupta (R) on the sarod accompanied by Manpreet Bedi on the tabla. Pics Asian Media USA Asian Media USA
CHICAGO: The six day informative-cum-entertainment series themed "Performing the Bengal Borderlands: Music, Movement
and Encounter" held at the University of Chicago (UC) was a big success. It started with a concert titled "Hindustani Strings at the Borderlands" on Feb 11 at the Reva and
Amie Maciszewski (R) on the sitar accompanied by Manpreet Bedi on the tabla
David Logan Center for the Arts. It featured separate performances by Amie Maciszewski (Austin, Texas) on the sitar and Somjit Dasgupta (Kolkata, India) on the sarod. They were accompanied by
Manpreet Bedi on the tabla. The weeklong series of events is hosted by UC's South Asian Sound Interventions Series (SASI). Cont’d on page 18
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Guru Rakeshbhai reveals secret of prayer Asian Media USA
H
ave you ever found your self wondering why in spite of praying so hard, you still feel an emptiness within? Introspect and check whether it was a true prayer, or only a de-
enough. The answer is - If a prayer is a prayer, it is enough. But the real question is, has your prayer come from the heart, or is it borrowed? Is it something you have learnt or read, or has it come from within? If it has come from the depths of your heart, then it is cer-
Gurudev at the Gaushala
mand for the fulfillment of your own desires.
The Purpose of Prayer A disciple asked his Guru, 'Do prayers reach God?' The Guru replied, 'You have not understood the purpose of prayer. A prayer is meant for you to reach God, not for your prayer to reach God. When a flower blossoms it spreads its fragrance. Does the fragrance reach someone? This question is futile, for the purpose of the flower is to bloom, not to ensure that the fragrance reaches someone.' Why did this question arise? It is because the prayer was not an earnest feeling; it was merely a demand. Hence, there was an eagerness to find out whether the demand would be fulfilled or not. A prayer weighed down with demands is not a prayer at all. The sanctity of the prayer lies in desirelessness.
True Prayer Jalaluddin Rumi tells the Lord, "I am weak, O Lord! If I ever ask for something from You, please don't listen to me. And even if You do, please don't act upon it. Let Your will alone be fulfilled. My happiness lies in what pleases You. I don't even understand what is good for me! Whatever You do is right, even if I don't understand it." Is prayer meant to change the will of God or to change you? A true prayer begins as a request to change oneself and culminates in a tranquil, silent and thoughtless state of mind. On the other hand, any request to change circumstances cannot be called a prayer. That would be sheer begging.
Is Prayer Enough? Another question that may arise is, whether prayer alone, is
tainly enough. How can reading or verbalizing someone else's emotions be called a prayer? That which is borrowed cannot be a prayer. No matter how many times you repeat the words, if your heart is not moved or your dormant existence does not start dancing, believing that such a prayer will be beneficial, is a mere illusion. Only the soft emotions of love emerging from your heart can transform you, not the borrowed words.
Cannot be Taught Prayer expresses itself in different ways, in the form of tears or as dance. It has nothing to do with the vocabulary. Words may or may not be present. Only that heartfelt emotional state is necessary.
Therefore, a prayer can neither be taught nor learnt. Prayer does not mean memorizing certain words and then reproducing them. Prayer is not a specific set of words learnt and reproduced, as you may do at the time of examinations - write what has been memorized without having understood anything. Prayer must be from your heart. To say something that has been memorized is like replaying a tape. Whatever is borrowed, memorized or prepared in advance is not a prayer. That which is yours, spontaneous, and not rehearsed, is a prayer. The more prepared you are, the more superficial you and your prayer will be. For a prayer, there is no routine method. A prayer is meant for you to meet God. It is different for everybody. Everyone's way is different be-
Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai giving discourse
presence in Chicago Propounding the path of Bhagwan Mahavira, the torch bearer of Shrimad Rajchandraji's mission, Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai is a spiritual visionary and a mod-
spires one to rise above religious dogma and focus on the Eternal. His divine benevolence has uplifted numerous underprivileged lives through Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care.
Pujya Gurudevshri's Pravachan at the Ashram
cause everyone's expression of love is different. Everyone's prayer may be different but the inner state from where prayers emerge, is the same. Prayer is an inner dance, an expression of joy, a content state of being.
Guru Rakeshbhai's
ern day mystic. An embodiment of universal compassion, he has touched thousands of lives in various countries through enlightening discourses and an array of meditation retreats steering a multitude of souls towards the spiritual way of life. His preaching in-
He will hold two Pravachans in Chicago: Sat, 23rd Feb: 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Sun, 24th Feb: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Satsangs will be in Gujarati Hosted by: Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago, 435 N. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
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Lord Indra's statue for Bangkok City Hall India Post News Service
CHICAGO: Statue of Hindu deity Indra, riding his elephant Airavata, will be placed in front of new headquarters of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in Thailand, according to reports reaching here from Bangkok, Thailand. According to sources, some of Thailand's finest artists will create this elegant bronze sculpture of vraja wielding Indra riding the white elephant with four ivory tusks. When the BMA moves to the new site in Din Daeng area next year, this masterpiece of 10.4 meters height and over 10 tons in weight (excluding base) should be installed by then. Initially budgeted for 37 million baht, it is being considered to raise it to 48 million baht. It will be developed from the current City
Hall emblem, Indra riding Airavata, said to be Bangkok's "Symbol of Service", which can be seen on BMA vehicles, etc. Airavata is the white elephant who carries Lord Indra. According to the Ramayana, Airavata's mother was Iravati, the daughter of Kadru and granddaughter of Kasyapa. According to the Matangalila, Airavata was born when Lord Brahma sang sacred hymns over the halves of the egg shell from which Garuda hatched. He was followed at birth by seven more male and eight female elephants. Abharamu is the elephant wife of Airavata, who has four tusks and seven trunks, and is spotless white. Prithu eventually made Airavata the King of all elephants. The eight guardian deities who preside over the eight points of the compass each sits on an elephant vahana. They
are: Kubera (north), Yama (south), Indra (east), Varuna (west), Isana (northeast), Agni (southeast), Vayu (northwest), and Nirrti/raksasa (southwest). Each of these elephants take part in the defense and protection of its respective quarter. Chief among them is Airavata of Indra. Airavata also
stands at the entrance to Svarga, Indra's palace. Some newly appointed Thailand cabinet ministers in 2011 paid homage to Hindu deities before stepping into new jobs. Cont’d on page 19
Charming Bengali 'Music, Movement & Encounter' at UC Cont’d from page 16
raga Des ('country') that he found particularly appropriate for celebrating the dissolution of artificially imposed state boundaries. In fact, the original Sanskrit term never referred to the 'nation' (rashtra) but to the
Assistant Professor of Music and the Humanities Kaley Mason introduced Maciszewski and Bedi. The former, a student of sarod maestro Aashish Khan and Hindustani vocal diva Girija Devi, is a sitarist, teaching artist, ethnomusicologist, and documentary filmmaker. She played short pieces in different genres popular across the Bengal region, starting with raga Jhinjhoti Prof. Philip Bohlman (R) introducing Somjit Dasgupta's sarod performance popular as a folk variant (jhinjhit) among the Baul musicians. 'countryside' and the life of its 'folk' as opThis was followed by raga Saraswati, in posed to the urban and high classical tradiacknowledgement of the seasonal worship tion (marga). His brief meditative alap was of the goddess of learning, the arts, and followed by compositions in slow and fast music, just commencing in India. She con- tempo. He too concluded with a Bengali cluded with a Bengali boatman song. Bedi, a local Chicago artist, is a disciple of Suresh boatman's ferry (bhatiali) song in raga Bhairavi played without tabla accompaniTalwalkar and Ramdas Palsule. Prof. Philip Bohlman at the UC Dept. of ment that invoked the end of life in its last Music introduced Dasgupta (born 1953), line. The concert seemed to end abruptly who preserves the tradition of playing with the audience expecting more. Dasgupta also conducted a UC workHindustani classical music on string instruments belonging to the family of which the shop on "Musical Instruments across the most popular today is the 'sarod.' He performs on sarod, rabab, sur-rabab, mohan vina a n d sursingaar, the playing techniques of which all he inherited Audience at the Performance Penthouse of the Logan Center for the Arts from his guru Radhika Mohan Moitra, a famous sarod player and Bengal Borderlands" on February 12. He described and showed footage that traces a foremost musician of our times. Dasgupta, whose ancestral roots are in instrument production from raw materials erstwhile East Bengal, now Bangladesh, in villages to finished products in urban does not come from a family of traditional centers. Amie Maciszewski's UC workshop musicians. He learned to play the sitar at explored the worlds of public age of 10 from his father and dedicated him- ethnomusicology, documentary film-makself to mastering the instrument under ing, and musical performance. A reception of samosas and tea catered 'Radhu Babu' (Moitra) after listening to a six hour concert by the latter in Kolkata. by Rajun Cajun followed this concert at the Performance Penthouse of the Logan CenThis is his first visit to the United States. Dasgupta began his sarod recital with ter for the Arts.
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Bhartiya Senior Citizens celebrate Valentine’s Day HAIRSH RAO
CHICAGO: Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago celebrated Valentine's Day on Feb16 at Shrinadudhthji Haveli in Addison, IL. More then 300 members and invited guests participated in the event. The program began with Ganesh Vandana sung by professional singer Shaila Khedkar and Anish Kadiwala. Committee member Kalyani Patel gave the program summary. Secretary of BSC
Township Trustee. Chairperson of BSC Nalinkanth Shukla gave the introduction about candidate and offered thanks to Vinod Rami of New York Life who presents over 200 flowers every year on Valentine's Day to Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago. Shaila Khedkar and Anish Kadiwala sang old Bollywood hits for the seniors. The senior citizens enjoyed by dancing. Haribhai
BSC Chairperson Nalinkant Shukla giving good wishes to member Lilaben Patel
MAFS takes up cancer related pashmina project HARISH RAO
BSC Committees member Kalyani Patel giving flowers to seniors for good wishes
Pursottam Pandya introduced the guests and sponsor. The event president is a well known photographer Jayanti Oza. He and Kala Oza welcomed the invited guest Nimesh Jani who is slated to run as a candidate for Schaumburg
Patel, the BSC President presented compliments and congratulations befitting the Valentine's Day Celebration and gave information about a future Europe Tour. At the end, all those present enjoyed delicious dinner of Dudh Pak puree.
Lord Indra's statue for Bangkok City Hall Cont’d from page 18
In the past, Thailand brought out postage stamps of Hindu deities Ganesa, Brahma, Narayana, and Siva and quotations from ancient Hindu scripture BhagavadGita (Song of the Lord). Thailand is popularly called "golden land" and is known for its warmth and hospitality, white sandy beaches, and fertile rice fields. About 95% of Thailand's population follows Theravada Buddhism. King Bhumibol Adulyadej is head of the state while Yingluck Shinawatra is the prime minister. Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, welcomed BMA plans to install statue of Indra; the most frequently invoked deity in Rig-Veda, also referred as the king-
of-the-gods; riding four-tusked white elephant Airavata which emerged from "Churning of Ocean" and became vehicle of Indra. Madhu Patel, president of NRI Press Club in Chicago, also applauded the move by BMA to install Lord Indra statue and urged the concerned officials to strive constantly to serve the welfare of the Bangkokians, act selflessly without any thought of personal profit, keep welfare of public always in mind; and added that action was better than inaction. Nand Kapoor, former president of Indian American Associations (AIA) said that it is heart warming that while so called secularists take pleurae in sidetracking Hindusim in their utterances, those abroad do think favorably about this ageold religion.
CHICAGO: Metropolitan Asian Family Service (MAFS) in association with Asian Health Coalition has implemented the "Pink Pashmina Project," that reduces disparities in breast and cervical cancer screening rates for Muslims and South Asian Women in Chicago and Cook County. MAFS is a lead agency in this project which shall be in effect for the period July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013. The main objectives of this project are 1) Raise community awareness of breast and cervical cancer in Asian women through culturally and linguistically appropriate education. 2) Promote early detection through routine breast and cervical screening. 3) Identify and address barriers to screening and care. 4) Facilities access to preventive care services for the uninsured. Manmohan Sharma who is credited with extensive research on Cancer, its prevention and cure, observed in his recently published book that "call it 'the Garden of Youth' or call it 'the Herb of Kings'. The name or adjectives do not matter, Basil is one of the oldest and most popular herbal plants, rich in many notable health benefiting phytochemicals. This highly prized plant is revered as "holy herb" in many traditions all over the world. Anti-Cancer Benefits: The unique array of active constituents called flavonoids found in Basil provides protection at the cellular level. "Orientin" and
"viceninare" are two watersoluble flavonoids that have been of particular interest in basil. In the studies conducted on human white blood cells; these components of basil protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage. Cervical Cancer: A chemical constituent of Basil, known as caffeic acid, was tested in the study,
found that the antioxidant activity in basil has "the potential to block or suppress" liver, stomach, and lung cancers. According to Ayurveda, basil is helpful in fighting cancer. If basil leaves are regularly consumed it can cure cancer too. It is believed that by simply consuming 20 basil leaves with water every day, many cancers can be prevented and cured.
MAFS supporters with Executive Director Santosh Kumar and author Manmohan Sharma
conducted at Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, and found to be effective against cervical cancer. Skin Cancer: In the study, published in Food and Chemical Toxicology in November 1992, the researchers noted that the cumin seeds and basil leaves significantly decreased the incidence of skin cancer. Liver, Stomach and Lung Cancers: Laboratory studies in India
MAFS in coordination with White Crane Wellness Center presented a six weeks workshop at MAFS Chicago location. Jim Coogan, from White Crane Wellness Center and Ms. Himali Bharucha, from MAFS conducted a workshop titled "Preventing falls Discussion and Exercises" on January 22nd and 29, at MAFS Chicago locations. Over 40 Adult Day Care seniors have attended this workshop.
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St Louis Bal Vihar celebrates Dental Association elects woman President Republic Day BABU TANGEWALA
RAJ IYER & ASHWIN PATEL
ST LOUIS: Bal Vihar of St. Louis celebrated India's Republic Day at an event on February 10 at the Ladue Middle School. It was one of the events that students and parents alike wait for as they prepare so hard for the celebration. Bal Vihar had special guests who are admirers of Indian culture and tradition. Guests of honor were Dr Michael Castro, his wife Adelia Castro and Cecilia Nadal. Cecilia Nadal is currently President of Gitana Productions, a nonprofit arts and education company which raises cultural awareness through music, dance and drama performed by international artists. Prof Michael Castro is a poet, translator and educator. Dr Castro is Professor Emeritus in Communications at Lindenwood University, where he taught for 32 years. He was a Fulbright scholar in India, studying art and culture. He started a cross cultural studies
ditional attire at the booths representing various states of India. The attire as well as the mood was
this organization is to provide Indian cultural education to students age 5-18, its application and
ELMHURST: The Indian Dental Association (IDA) elected its new board members at the Annual Formal Dinner held on February 9, at Waterford banquets, in Elmhurst, a west side Chicago suburb . Dr Vishruti Patel was elected its first female President. Dr Patel is a 2002 graduate of UIC - College of Dentistry. She is a General Dentist, practicing in Plainfield. Dr
tect the interests of dentists and also moving the profession forward. Dr Patel also focused on giving back to the profession by helping patients. "I believe dentists have big hearts", she said, and that is what makes "Mission of Mercy successful." Last July Dr Patel led the very first Free Clinic initiative for the IDA. Several volunteers delivered free dental treatment to
Bal Vihar students in traditional Indian attire
very colorful and vibrant. Families present had a chance to visit the booths set up by all classes. It was an enlightening experience to learn interesting facts about various states of India. The booths were not limited to posters or arti-
integration with the global multicultural and multifaceted society. They are also taught discipline, tolerance and devotion in their daily routine. The ultimate goal is "From Darkness unto light".
L-R Dr Rajiv Puri (Vice-President), Dr Zishan Bader (Treasurer), Dr Vishruti Patel (President), Dr Asma Numera (Joint Secretary), Dr Ayesha Zahurullah (Social chair), Not in the picture - Dr Sonal Mehta (secretary)
Patel is excited to take IDA to its new level with the help of this board of enthusiastic professionals. In her speech at the Annual Formal, Dr Patel expressed how Dentistry has given her the freedom to find the right balance between her profession and raising her family. She emphasized that being part of organized dentistry like the IDA is important to pro-
Bal Vihar students who performed
course on India at Lindenwood upon his return. A group of young musicians from Bal Vihar put together an ensemble that played both the US and India national anthem. The children, as part of the event to represent the largest democratic republic, were all dressed up in tra-
facts - some had gone to extra length to prepare food from that state. Center for Indian Cultural Education - Bal Vihar of St. Louis, a non-profit organization, since its inception in 1992 has been serving the Metro St. Louis Indian community. The primary focus of
Republic Day guests Dr Michael Castro, his wife Adelia Castro and Cecilia Nadal with Bal Vihar activists
135 patients over two days. The event was held in an Indian American community of Chicago near Devon Avenue and California. She promised to make this an annual event. Dr Patel is currently enrolled in the ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership Program. Her leadership project focuses on raising Oral Health Awareness through Education.
Reno Police Chief honors Rajan Zed India Post News Service
RENO: Indian community activist, Rajan Zed was honored recently with a certificate by City of Reno Police Chief Steve Pitts in Nevada for interfaith interactions. Chief's Certificate of Appreciation, signed by Steve Pitts with Reno Police Department seal in the background, was presented to Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism. It states : "For his years of support to Reno Police Department and the City of Reno as a community, Rajan has been instrumental in the coordination and collaboration of interfaith interactions and discussions for years in our community and this dialogue has promoted transparent, safe and open environment to discuss many issues our community faces and to
Certificate of Appreciation being presented to Rajan Zed by Reno Police Commander Byron
propose solutions. Rajan embraces and promotes the Reno Police Department values of Respect, Integrity, Fairness and Service, and has been instrumental in our Vision to be a Model of Policing Excellence. "Rajan has taken up interfaith, religion, environment and other
causes all over the world. He has read opening prayers in United States Senate, various state senates and houses of representatives, counties and city councils all over USA. He prominently appeared in a recently released documentary on religion titled "Unresolvable?"
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CHERISH celebrates 1st Anniversary with Saraswati Pooja SANGEETHA SRINIVASAN
FREMONT: CHERISH, a youthoriented association under the FIA umbrella, celebrated its 1st anniversary with a successful Saraswati Pooja on February 17.
CHERISH operates from the Fremont Hindu Mandir. On this festive day, children and adults from near and far came to the mandir to perform Bhajans
for Goddess Saraswati. Afterwards devotees found peace in a divine pooja performed by 19-yr old CHERISH member, Dev Roy. Following the pooja, everybody was given a hearthealthy prasad. Amidst the joy and friendship, young children and a brave adult found pride in representing their culture by participating in the public speaking competition in Hindi and English. A representative from Forum for Hindu Awakening enlightened the attendees about Hinduism through a nice quiz. He explained each answer's significance clearly and concisely for people of all ages to understand. Cont’d on page 23
How to read labels and lose weight CHITRA THAKUR TLS coach
S
ince 1994, FDA recommended food labels or Nu trition fact labels on product packaging so that consumers are aware of the accurate nutritional values of the food. Once you read them, you realize that it is just a FDA requirement. You can really use them for the purpose of guiding to planning healthier meals or snacks or meals. Labels are required on almost all foods, except those which do not provide much nutrients such as coffee, spices, alcohol. Some restaurants provide nutrition information such as fiber, gluten etc. but it is really not necessary. The sellers who sell, pro-
duce, meat, poultry and sea foods do not put labels because they are strictly voluntary.
What is label reading? Front (Advertisement) and back (nutrition) The top part has nutritional facts regarding serving size, calories, and nutrients carb, sod, tchol, protein. The bottom part has ingredients and footnote with Daily Values (DVs) for 2000 and 2500 calorie diets. It shows recommended dietary info for key nutrients - fiber, fats, and sodium and their source and amount. Cont’d on page 23
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Dr Manu Vora to get one Telugu Association celebrates Sankranthi more recognition ASHWIN PATEL
SURI SWAMY
CHICAGO: The American Society of Quality, the world's largest network of quality resources and experts, will honor Indiaborn engineer Dr Manu K Vora for his innovative contributions and achievements in quality quality. Dr Vora will be thus honored on May 5 in Indianapolis, Ind., ahead of ASQ's World Conference on Quality and Improvement. Dr Vora will be recognized with nine others and will receive 2013 ASQ's Spencer Hutchens Medal for his commitment to social responsibility in founding, funding, and leading the Blind Foundation for India to serve over 15 million blind people in India. Dr Vora is Chairman and President of Business Excellence, Inc. He has over 38 years of leadership experience guiding Fortune 500 companies with Baldrige Perfor-
mance Excellence assessment in the areas of leadership development, customer satisfaction, em-
Dr Manu Vora
ployee engagement, and process excellence. Since 1993, he teaches "Quality Management" and "Project Management" courses at various business schools in the
Chicago area Dr Vora has B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and MBA with Marketing Management. He has taught Business Excellence to audiences in Africa, Caribbean, Far East, Latin America, Middle East, and USA. Dr Vora is serving on the Board of Examiners of the International Asia Pacific Global Performance Excellence Award Program since 2004. He is recognized with numerous awards from ASQ. ASQ is a global community of people dedicated to quality who share the ideas and tools that make our world work better. With millions of individual and organizational members of the community in 150 countries, ASQ headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis, has national service centers in China, India, and Mexico.
ST LOUIS: The Telugu Association of St. Louis (TAS), Missouri celebrated Sankranthi Sambaraalu 2013 on February 9 with more than 1000 people in attendance. Over 150 kids and
etc. Many members took part in Rangoli competitions. TAS Secretary Kishore Janga kicked off the program by inviting the TAS Executive committee and Board of Directors on to the stage
TAS Rangoli participant
Missouri varsity accommodation on Hindu holy days India Post News Service
MIZZOU: University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) has recommended academic and other accommodations to its faculty, staff and student leaders regarding Hindu students and staff observ-
those planning classroom activities and other academic and cocurricular events", announcement under "Major Holidays and Suggested Accommodations" on its website says. Appreciating this move on the part of the University manage-
University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou)
ing six religious days. The Hindu holidays suggesting accommodations listed on Mizzou's calendar are: Krishna Janmashtami, Navratri, Diwali, Holi, Vaisakhi and Raksha Bandhan. "Information about recommended academic and food accommodations will be valuable to
ment, members of the Indian American community observed that the Mizzou would do still better by adding Durgapuja, Ganesha Chaturthi, Dasara, Maha Shivaratri, and Ram Navmi also to this list of holy days suggesting accommodation besides declaring the most popular holy day Diwali
as a university-wide holiday for all. It is felt that this move would make Mizzou students well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow. The Mizzou's Museum of Art and Archaeology had showcased Hindu gods and goddesses in its nearly three-months long "Seeing the Divine in Hindu Art" exhibition last year. Permanent collections of this Museum reportedly include various stone and bronze statues of Hindu deities Vishnu, Shiva, Parvati, Durga, Ganesha, Lakshmi and Rama. Founded in 1839 and considered one of the nation's top-tier institutions, Mizzou (which calls itself "classroom for the best and brightest") offers 321 degree and certificate programs, with about 35,000 students from 120 countries (including many from India) besides all the 50 states of USA. With Bengal Tiger as the Mascot, it has over 267,000 living alumni; its library has 2.7 million volumes; its FY2013 budget is $2.1 billion; it has a nuclear research reactor and a nationally recognized power plant on the campus; and its researchers are creating healthy new food products, including a soy chicken substitute.
adults participated in the cultural program. Dressed in attires reflecting Telugu culture and tradition, artists presented a variety of cultural programs which drew huge applause from the audience. Stage decoration, audio visuals and great theme to reflect Telugu culture in a village environment were highlights of the program. The South Indian village atmosphere was created on the stage with a full blown house set, life-size bul-
for Ganesh invocation. Treasurer Muralikrishna Puttagunta managed member enrollments and reception area while Cultural Secretary Srikanth Saraswathula coordinated the cultural events. The participants were awarded TAS trophies. President Dr. Ramamamohan Reddy Paduru laid out TAS's next two years plans to get involved in social service programs, especially to engage youth in social activities. Vice-President Dr.
A classical dance in progress
lock cart, cow-and-calf, etc. depicting Telugu culture. There was a three-hour cultural program including songs, poem recitals, instrumental and vocal recitals, Kuchipudi and Andhra Natyam classical dances of South India, movie dance sequences,
Rama Krishna Gondi gave vote of thanks. Live music by Tamil Tappu Drums show in the dining area added more fun to the celebrations. Authentic Andhra dinner left the taste buds of everyone satisfied.
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Stress signifies lack of surrender to will of God SWAMI MUKUNDANANDA
T
hese days everyone is complaining of stress especially the stress experienced due to pressure at work place. The demanding nature of our work takes an excruciating toll on our health and mental well being. Often, seeking a remedy people attend stress management workshops and endeavor to manage stress and lead more peaceful lives. One may scrape the surface of the problem and find some quick fix solutions but the purpose
the wishes of his or her master. If we surrender to God and think that whatever he does is for our welfare, this attitude of surrender will help us get rid of stress. A surrendered soul says: "I am happy in your happiness. Whatever situation you put me in, I will blissfully accept it." Thus, stress is a symptom of lack of our surrender to the will of God. When we experience stress, the best medicine to cure it is to increase our level of surrender. A
“We experience stress because we want certain outcomes, situations and results. However, the soul is not independent, and it is not within its ability to fulfill all of its desires. By nature, the soul is a servant of God. Now, what is the duty of the servant”? should be to understand the root cause of the problem and thereafter eliminate it forever. Swami Mukundananda says we experience stress because we want certain outcomes, situations and results. However, the soul is not independent, and it is not within its ability to fulfill all of its desires. By nature, the soul is a servant of God. Now, what is the duty of the servant? It is to fulfill
spiritual doctor will prescribe you the medicine of submitting to God for getting rid of stress, whereas a material doctor will give you all kinds of medicinal drugs. However such drugs will not help eradicate the root cause of stress. By increasing the level of surrender, the source of stress will itself be eradicated. Shree Krishna states in the famous verse: Karmanye vadhikaraste ma
phaleshu (Bhagavad Geeta) "Work with full dedication. Do not be careless while performing your tasks. But do not get attached to the fruits of those works." Shree Krishna again says: Yoginah karma kurvanti… (Bhagavad Geeta) "A yogi is one who can work without any attachment to the results." If we follow this formula, stress will be abolished from its roots. Following is a set of questions most spiritual aspirants ask about performing their duties and spiritual practice in everyday life. Question: How does one do sadhana amid a pressurizing work environment? Due to demands of competitive work environment one finds very little time for sadhana or cannot get work out of one's mind, how can one still practice devotion? Swami Mukundananda: There are two ways of remembering God and Guru. The first way is to sit down and meditate on them. The second way is to work in the consciousness "I am doing this work for their pleasure." The second way may be more difficult, but it takes us to a higher level of divine love. This is because it develops the spirit of seva, or service.
How to read labels and lose weight Cont’d from page 21
Reading Label Lingo No fat or fat free - 1/2 gm/serving-(added sugarpresent) Low or reduced fat - 25% less, 3gms fat/ serving Lite - 1/3 calories present, ½ %fat than original No calories - 5 calories, low calories - 1/3 than original Sugar free - ½ gm sugar/ serving, low - 25% less than original No preservatives - no chemicals or preservative added. May have natural form preservative present Low sodium - 140 mg/serving, no salt - 5mg/serving High fiber - 5gm/serving Good source of fiber - 2.5-5 gm/ serving After you read all the information what you shuold remember is to follow the following guidelines by Mayo Clinic and Harvard University which are comparable to the Transitions Life Style recommendation Carbohydratess - 130 gms-4565% from good carb foods Net carb counts - carb-minus
Swami Mukundananda
Cont’d on page 26
CHERISH celebrates 1st Anniversary with Saraswati Pooja Cont’d from page 21
fiberminus-sugarminus alcohols minus glycerine or less than 2 gms. Cholesterol - about 300 mg/day, Total Fat - 20-35% daily calories
Saturated fat - 10% of calories- limit 20gm/day Fiber - 30-38 gm/day Protein - 10% cal, 46gms56gms/day.
Overall the event was a major success, and several people left the mandir that day satisfied that they had learnt something about Goddess Saraswati. CHERISH stands for Center for Hinduism, Enrichment, Recreation, Inspiration and Humanities. People of all ages contribute to the efficiency of this organization. Parents, adults, and children work together to emphasize, enlighten, and encourage youth to be proud of their identity. The members find lasting friendship and wonderful memories. As the members stand hand
in hand, they are proud to make a difference together through strong networking and high leadership roles. CHERISH collects youth, creates bonds, and instills responsibility and creativity in all its members while allowing everybody to
stay connected to their roots and finding a better understanding of their culture. Sangeetha Srinivasan is Grade 11 student at Irvington High School, Fremont
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Lotus Indian Express adds spice to Valley VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service
MILPITAS, CA: Lotus Indian Express, a restaurant that will add a little spice to Silicon Valley, had its grand opening on February 13 at Ranch Drive, Milpitas. Prashant Kodali, owner of Lotus Indian Express, said he is excited about the opening and the chance to offer authentic Indian cuisine in Panda Express style. Lotus Indian Express is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant's inaugural day attracted around 200 techies across Silicon Valley and the first 50 people got a free 3 enters combo lunch. Techies from Cisco felt the food was tastier, healthier and were happy to try out the different style in Indian cuisine. The restaurant is based on the "Panda Express" style offering authentic and healthier Indian cuisine. Prashant says the outlet will have healthier food, which is freshly cooked every day. The food is packed with nutrients, low in sodium, less oil. He is trying to bring healthier lunch options such as oats dosa, oats upma, brown
rice, whole grain entrees. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant will include a main dining room, with interiors combining traditional Indian features with modern style.
March 1, 2013
Community Across America
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WomenNow spreads love in all facets VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service
T
he exceptional team of WomenNow TV did it again, with their lavish and fun filled "WomenNow Affaire de Coeur (an affair of the Heart!)" on February 9 at San Jose Garden Airport Hotel. They proved that there are no barriers to dreaming and achieving big with the classy evening. "Love is in the air, Love is everywhere", says Ena Sarkar, Founder of Women Now TV. The romantic evening affair witnessed chocolates and strawberries tasting, wine tasting, c o u p l e dance competition, love portraits, soulfire dance. The event was to spread love in all facets of life and the event showcased the niche Bay area tal-
ents. The evening opened with soulful singing performance by Ashlesha Sathe,
and set the romantic mood through the evening. Fashion show by impressive models was complimented by Engracia Jewelry. The magical event was most memorable, well organized and
classy in style. Women Now TV is striving to excel in their mission and hopes to work for the community, says Ena Sarkar. She feels love is the tool to improve the community at large.
Supna Saxena, Priya Gandhi, and Jatinder Singh. Women Now TV does everything with a difference and showcased the same on this special day as well. Salsa and Belly dance by Sandy Chow and Adriana Marrelli swept the crowd
Namaste India is a unique open-air market VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service
SAN FRANCISCO: Namaste India, an upscale weekly openair market, was opened at Valencia Street, San Francisco on February 9. It brings the Indian bazaar experience to the vibrant city of San Francisco. The market is designed so you can taste Indian food, explore Indian crafts, enjoy Indian performance, art and cooking demonstrations. The founder and CEO Alok Dutt is from Delhi. He has always dreamt of bringing the Indian
market experience to the Bay Area. Something that feels authentic and something that stays open
late as way back in India. He says "We find Indian culture related retail and crafts in neighboring cit-
ies, there is nothing in the city of San Francisco specific to the Indian culture" and this market will bridge the gap. The market gives you a unique Indian experience where you can come with friends and family to relax and celebrate Indian culture. The opening week had about 15 stalls catering to Indian clothing lines, arts, crafts and food. The market was open till 11 at night and witnessed a steady pool of guests from all over the Bay area. The team is planning to have the same every week with authentic Indian flavor.
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Stress signifies lack of surrender to will of God Cont’d from page 23
Even though your present job may be burdensome, you can easily do the second kind of remembrance. Whatever you earn from your job, use a portion of it to serve the mission of your Spiritual Master. In this way, by offering the fruits of your work to God, you will develop the consciousness that you are working for his pleasure. You will then not look at your work as separate from your devotion, but as an integral part of it. This is the karm yog of the Bhagavad Geeta: yatkaroshi yadashnasi yajjuhoshi dadasi yat "Arjun! Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever austerities you perform, and whatever you give away, do it as an offering to Me." Along with working in this spirit, whenever you find the time, you should also practice the first kind of remembrance. For some time in the day, do no other work; simply sit and think of God and Guru. This will help you eliminate worldly consciousness from your mind and strengthen your devotional sentiment. Also, whenever your yearly schedule permits, do go and spend some days with your Gurudev as well. While doing karm yog, you can remember God and Guru in various ways. Practice to feel their presence with you. Think that they are watching you; make them your witness in every activ-
there are two kinds of vairagya, or detachment. The first kind is when you find the world as painful and burdensome, and want to run away from it. Shree Krishna
accept it as the will of God. On the other hand, if their work was motivated by personal interests, if they did not get the desired result, they will get disturbed. So
Swami Mukundananda in Patan, North Gujarat
calls this rajasic detachment (detachment in the mode of passion): dukhmityeva yatkarma kayklesha (Bhagavad Geeta) "Giving up one's work, thinking it to be burdensome and painful, is to be considered rajasic detachment, and it does not lead to Divine fruits." The second kind of detachment is where you continue working, while giving up attachment to the results. In other words,
Even though your present job may be burdensome, you can easily do the second kind of remembrance. Whatever you earn from your job, use a portion of it to serve the mission of your Spiritual Master. In this way, by offering the fruits of your work to God, you will develop the consciousness that you are working for his pleasure ity that you perform. This will help keep your mind in the divine realm, while you do your worldly duties with the body. Is it necessary to perform Karm Yog to develop detachment from the world? Would simply abandoning all work and responsibilities and spending one's time in devotion not lead to detachment more quickly? SM: You may be thinking that if you did not have to work at all, then you could have spent all your time in devotion. However,
devotion along with our prescribed work, even though it may be painful and burdensome. When our detachment develops to such an extent that we no
you practice equanimity in pain and pleasure, success and failure, hardship and luxury, favorable and unfavorable situations. Shree Krishna calls this sattvic detachment (detachment in the mode of goodness): karyamityeva yatkarma niyatam (Bhagavad Geeta) "Performing one's work, simply because it is to be performed, while giving up attachment to the fruits, is sattvic detachment." Hence, the proper path for spiritual progress is to practice
longer find our work burdensome, no matter how difficult it may be, only then should we consider giving up work, and performing devotion full time. However, this step of karm sanyas is to be taken only under the guidance of the Guru, when we are qualified for it. For the vast majority of the people, karm yog is more suitable, where they continue doing their work, but make their consciousness Divine. In karm yog it is said, "Do your karma, but do not desire". But how is it possible to perform one's actions without desire? For example: if any student desires to become a doctor, he can start focusing on medical studies. If he doesn't desire, it will be difficult for him to achieve it. Then how can we work without desire? SM: The answer to this question is that desire is very basic to the nature of the soul, just as heat and light are basic to the nature of fire. A state of desirelessness is as impossible for the soul, as is the state without heat and light for the fire. Now, karm yogis stop desiring for their own happiness, but that does not mean that they become desireless. They desire to love God, to please him, and to attain him. This spiritual desire to serve Him is the motivation behind all their works. Since their work is for the pleasure of God, they are not attached to the fruit of their work. If after putting in their best efforts, they do not get their endeavored fruit, they remain undisturbed, for they
the acid test whether our desire is for the service of God or for self-gratification is our response to lack of success. If we are disturbed, it will mean that there was self-seeking in it; if we calmly accept it and continue working with enthusiasm, it is an indication that we wanted the fruits for the pleasure of God. To dedicate one's life in the service of God and Guru should we simply renounce profession and
world live in you. When you have reached the point where you are doing the maximum devotion and seva possible, but you yearn to do even more, then the Guru may instruct you to leave the world. Many karma yogis in ancient history were great kings, such as, Ambarish, Dhruv, Prahalad, Prithu, Yudhishthir, etc. They were great kings, discharging their required duties and yet maintaining remembrance of God. The Bhagavad Geeta too is all about karm yog. Arjun wanted to leave his duties, thinking them to be burdensome, but Shree Krishna repeatedly instructed him: sarveshu kaleshu mamanusmara (Bhagavad Geeta) "Always think of me, and also do your duty." Swami Vivekananda very aptly summarized this as follows: "Devotion can be practiced even in the battlefield; the Bhagavad Geeta was preached there." It is only at the end that Shree Krishna said: sarva dharman parityajya (Bhagavad Geeta) "Give up all duties, and surrender to me alone." This instruction of karm sanyas has been given at the end. Thus, karm sanyas is also a bonafide path, but only for those rare few souls who have acquired the eligibility for it. Swami Mukundananda is a world renowned spiritual teacher from India, and is the senior disciple of Jagadguru
Desire is very basic to the nature of the soul, just as heat and light are basic to the nature of fire. A state of desirelessness is as impossible for the soul, as is the state without heat and light for the fire. Now, karm yogis stop desiring for their own happiness, but that does not mean that they become desireless. They desire to love God, to please him family? Or can we perform service even in our family life? SM: Renouncing your profession and family to do sadhana is the path of Karm Sanyas. Now, the life of a renunciate is not a cakewalk as it may seem from far. Many difficulties, obstacles and issues need to be resolved there, just as in any worldly vocation. The Guru will, depending upon our sanskars, first advise you to do devotion without changing your station in life. Practice living in the world without letting the
Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and founder of JK Yog. He has received his degrees in engineering from world renowned institutes in India, IIT and IIM. He has inspired people all over the world on the path of spirituality, holistic health, yoga, meditation, service to society and God realization. This year, Swamiji will be conducting weeklong programs in 30+ cities of USA from April onwards. For more information, please visit: http://www.jkyog.org/
Datebook
March 1, 2013
India Post
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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEW YORK
NEW JERSEY
ILLINOIS
Upcoming
Upcoming
Upcoming
Upcoming
Upcoming
Sat Mar 9 • Maha Shivratri
Sat Mar 23
Thu Mar 7
Fri Mar 1
• HOLI on the Beach
Sat Mar 16
• Bridezilla and her Minions
• Stressed Out? -- Art of Living
Venue: Devi Restaurant, 8 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 612-220-3617
• Share-A-Smile-Comedy Night
Venue: Princeton Junction, 25 Landing Ln, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 9084440702
Venue: India House, 1521 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 630-865-7868
Sun Mar 10
Sat Mar 16
• World Most Popular Desi Bridal Shows
• International Women's Day Celebration
• J K Yog Satsang & Bal Mukund Hindi Classes
Venue: Regency Long Island, 1717 Motor Pkwy, Hauppauge, NY 11788 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 732-754-1894
Venue: North Brunswick Township High School Auditorium, 98 Raider Road, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 732-800-2273
Venue: Anubhuti Meditation & Retreat Center, 820 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, CA 94949 Time: 11:00 am Contact: 4158842314
Fri Mar 15 • The Nondual Self-Inquiry Retreat Venue: Society of Abidance in Truth, 1834 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Time: 9:00 am Contact: 831-425-7287
Fri Mar 15 • Strings Live in Concert Venue: San Jose Airport Garden Hotel, 1740 N 1st St, San Jose, CA 95112 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 408-431-4750
Fri Mar 15 • Sajda - An offering of unforgettable and timeless classics of Jagjit Singh Venue: Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 408-802-5128
Thu Mar 21
Venue: Will Rogers State Beach (between towers 5&6), Pacific Coast Hwy, Los Angeles, CA 90272 Time: 11:00AM Contact: 843-503-2133
Sun Mar 24 • Pt Ajoy Chakrabarty Live in Concert
Sun May 5
Venue: Chinmaya Mission, 14451 Franklin Ave, Tustin, CA 92780 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 714-267-4023
• Masters of Indian Music
Sat Mar 30
Venue: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY 10025 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 212-545-7536
• Rang Barsey 2013
ATLANTA
Fri May 10
Upcoming
• Soorya Festival New York
Fri Mar 15 • Sri Shirdi Sainatha 4th Varshikothsavam Venue: Sai Baba Temple, 700 James Burgess Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024 Time: 6:00 am Contact: 678-455-7200
Venue: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 832 643 9131
WASHINGTON DC Upcoming Fri Mar 8
• Karsh Kale featuring Alam Khan
Sun Mar 24 • My Shadi Bridal Expo
• Hillarious Gujarati comedy play
Venue: Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 415-575-6175
Venue: Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel, 2450 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 9547848100
Venue: Laurel High School, 8000 Cherry Ln, Laurel, MD 20707 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 703-449-0772
Fri Mar 22
Sat Mar 30
Fri Mar 15
• Holi Celebration at Bishop Ranch
• Holi Dhamaka
• Adnan Sami Live In Concert
Venue: Bishop Ranch 2, 2680 Bishop Dr, San Ramon, CA 94583 Time: 4:30 pm Contact: 925-866-0100
Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture Dr, Duluth, GA 30096 Time: 9:00 am Contact: 404-934-9991
Venue: Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 202-596-2784
Venue: Deewan Banquet, 560 Stelton Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 914-479-2596
Venue: JClarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Time: Every 2nd and 4th Sun. 3:30pm-5:30pm
• 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) Time: Every 1st and 3rd Sun. 11am-1pm Contact: jay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-5614807 www.jkyog.org
TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Jiya Lage Na: Talaash 2 Ishq Shava: Jab Tak Hai Jaan 3 Dagabaaz Re: Dabangg 2 4 Fevicol Se: Dabangg 2 5 Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola: Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola 28 India Post
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March 1, 2013 6 Oye Boy Charlie: JMatru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola 7 Darmiyan: Inkaar 8 Jee Le Zaraa: Talaash 9 Khamakha: Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola 10 Heer: Jab Tak Hai Jaan
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nushka Sharma is in the news again for her bad temper and attitude. She is engaged in a verbal war with her PeeKay co-star Sushant Singh Rajput. The shooting for the movie started recently and Anushka is already giving her co-stars a bad time. The tension among Anushka Sharma and Sushant Singh Rajput started brewing when Anuskha went on record and said, "Sushant has only eight days of work…he is just a small chapter in my life." Well, that was quite a harsh thing to say Anushka and that's low, even for you. But the story doesn't end here. Sushant Singh Rajput was not going to go down so easily and that too without a witty remark. Sushant replied: "I will have to check the schedule to know exactly how many days I am shooting. As for being a small chapter, I hope it's an interesting one in her (Anushka) life. I come from the school of actors who believe there are no small roles, there are only small actors." While he has strong reviews for his Bollywood debut Kai Po Che!, we now know that he won't go down without a fight. So for everyone's sake, we hope Anushka does not cause any more trouble.
PATERNITY LEAVE V
ivek Oberoi says he has changed a lot as a person post marriage to Priyanka Alva. The couple was blessed with a baby boy on February 6 this year. "Priyanka just fills me with positivity, love, peace and calm. In the last two and half years that I have been married I have changed a lot as a person. For me I have nobody who I hate, I don't have place for hate in life," Vivek told. "I am genuinely a peaceful person now... I don't want anything negative in my life like hate, comparison, competition and jealousy. I think these things are very heavy and take away from you the way of enjoying life. I feel I have more clarity in sense of stability, calm and peace. For me she is part of my prayers," the 36-year-old said. Now that Vivek has become a proud father, he is taking off from work for some time. "From January, I have stopped shooting and I am promoting films. Now as the baby has come, I will go on paternity leave. I want to enjoy life and not keep working. I want to spend time with my wife and baby," he said. Vivek will be seen next in 'Jayanta Bhai Ki Luv Story', 'Zilla Ghaziabad', 'Krrish 3' and 'Grand Masti'.
Bollywood
March 1, 2013
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KID LOVE
NEW MAN?
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lia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan have become the talk of the tinsel town. After their debut in Karan Johar's 'Student of the Year', rumor has it that these two little birdies are now dating! Apart from having reel life chemistry, the duo proved the same off screen as well. No one would have guessed that these little kids were in love. It seemed the hard work they put in their movie showed off the brilliant chemistry. Well the two are now a couple. Their close friends revealed that these kids wanted to keep their relationship under wraps until 'Student of the Year' was released. After the release, the kids confessed to be in love. The hottest pair on screen is now indeed the hottest pair off screen! Professionally also, Alia's career on a high. With two movies up her sleeve, 2 States and Highway, Alia is very happy. Perhaps, the real reason for Alia's apple diets was Varun Dhawan and not her dedication to work. Varun will be seen next in Mai Tera Hero.
here seems to be a new guy in Chitrangada Singh's life. Any guesses? Well, if the sources are to be believed then it is none other than her Desi Boy's co-star John Abraham. She has been spotted chilling with John at a bar in the suburbs of Mumbai. Chitrangada recently shifted base from Delhi to Mumbai in the name of work commitments, leaving behind her golfer husband Jyothi Randhawa and her son Zorawar Randhawa in Delhi. It all started when Chitrangada Singh immediately agreed to do an intimate scene with John Abraham in their movie "I, Me Aur Main." Her enthusiasm left the onlookers puzzled. His other co-star Prachi Desai had strictly said 'No' to the scene. Jyothi Randhawa has been in struggling form since last year and John has been having an excellent run with his maiden film production "Vicky Donor" getting the critical acclaim as well as doing great business. With rumors of Chitrangada Singh and Jyothi Randhawa's split going around and John not able to maintain a steady relationship since his split with Bipasha Basu, this gossip seems to have some life.
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potted, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone past midnight near Ayesha Takia and Farhan Azmi's restaurant Seven Bungalows. Were these actors rekindling old flames? We thought all was going well between Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, and all of them were happy couples. Why this sudden change guys? Our obvious guess would be trouble in paradise. But the real question is, is it for Ranbir Kapoor? Or is it for Deepika Padukone? Only time will tell. Apart from chilling out with each other, both Ranbir and Deepika are busy with their respective movies. While Deepika is busy with Chennai Express, where she is wearing a lungi and donning a completely new look and with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ram Leela, which we hear is based on Shakespeare's epic and is also a tragic love story like Romeo and Juliet. Ranbir on the other hand is busy with Besharam. With three major movies up her sleeve, one could possibly assume that dusky beauty Deepika would be busy and would want to relax during her free time. Instead of going on long drives with an old friend. It wouldn't be surprising if all this turns out be a mere publicity stunt between lady long legs and chocolate boy for their latest movie "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani".
Publicity stunt?
PUBLICITY STUNT?
Realty Tidbits
Haryana revises norms for change of land use CHANDIGARH: The Haryana government has revised the norms, guidelines and parameters for grant of Change of Land Use permission for development of retail outlets and fuel filling stations other than CNG (compressed natural gas) or PNG (piped natural gas). While stating this here, a spokesman of Town and Country Planning Department said that while considering or examining CLU (Change of Land Use) application for setting up of retail outlets, fuel filling stations in controlled areas, land requirement and other parameters as per new guiding principles shall be followed. In case of independent petrol pumps along National Highways, the minimum area for independent fuel filling stations in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and highways shall be followed, which would be 35 meter by 35 meter on undivided carriageway. On divided carriageway, it would be 35 meter (frontage) by 45 meter. In 'urbanisable' zone or areas, it would be 20 meter by 20 meter. The maximum area for this category shall be as per Letter of Intent (LoI) and site plan issued by Petroleum Companies but should not be more than 3000 square meters. -PTI
Rs 2,650-cr housing plan for poor in Haryana CHANDIGARH: With an eye on wooing voters for the 2014 Assembly elections, Haryana is all set to launch a housing scheme for the poor in its upcoming Budget. The scheme, which will mean an additional outlay of Rs 2,650 crore (of which Rs 1,650 crore will be provided by the state government), will be launched in April. Based on the Indira Awaas Yojana, it is expected to be a flagship scheme by the state government and will help the government garner rural and urban votes. Under this scheme, the state government is hoping to provide dwelling units to 1.50 lakh urban EWS/ BPL families and to two lakh rural BPL/ EWS families. The features of this scheme were unveiled during a State-Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) meeting held here. The cost of constructing the rural houses will be Rs 1.50 lakh, of which Rs 90,000 will be borne by the government and the remaining will be financed to individuals by the banks. Each unit will be constructed on 100 square yard plots.
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DDA ready to auction 38 residential plots
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he Delhi Development Authority has announced auction of 38 residential plots on freehold basis. The auction is expected to take place next month. The plots are located mainly in Rohini, Yamuna Vihar, Zafarabad and Vikaspuri. The reserve price of the corner plots, and those near roads that are 24 meters or above, is 10 per cent higher than other plots. -PTI
Make a great first impression Inexpensive ways to make your home shine MICHELE DAWSON
O
nce your home is listed and the for-sale sign is firmly implanted in your front lawn, all is ready for would-be buyers to tour your home. Or is it? As anyone in the real estate industry will tell you, it's important to make your home look its best when it comes time to show it. That first impression is everything. Even if you're in a market where homes are selling quickly and for full asking price, it's still key to spruce up your home and prove that it's worth every penny you're asking. And it doesn't have to cost you a fortune. In fact, a great first impression, coupled with the decreasing amount of time the typical home is on the market these days, is sometimes all it takes to see a speedy offer come your way. So, if you're in a market with few available homes for sale, you're probably less likely to spend a lot of money on major aesthetic improvements. But there are a lot of simple, fairly inexpensive things you can do to make a good first impression and attract offers as quickly as possible. Some things you can do to ensure your home's exterior lands favorable first impressions include: Stay on top of your lawn mowing and maintenance and tidy up your front landscaping. Plop a new, colorful welcome mat in front of the door. Embellish your door area with a nice, big potted plant to the side of the front door. Slap a fresh coat of paint on your door. Move all the toys, bicycles, and scooters away from the front of the house. Clean all your windows until they're sparkling. Invest in a new doorknob and lock - this will jazz up your door and provide greater security. Make sure your street numerals are polished and in place. Or, invest in a nice new set that stands out among your neighbors' standard numerals. Place a seasonal wreath or arrangement on your door.
Repair any loose shingles - the last thing a potential buyer wants to worry about is the roof. Paint and repair your gutters.
bulbs in your light fixtures and vanities. Thoroughly clean all your appliances, including the inside of
house's natural light leaves some rooms dark during certain portions of the day, turn on the lights if you know your house
Once the exterior wows your potential buyers, you'll need to continue to make an impact on them when they make their way inside. You can almost think of it
your oven and microwave. Place a beautiful centerpiece in the center of your dining room table. Eliminate odors as much as possible - place potpourri in the
may be shown that day. If you have any decorative or track lighting, be sure it is on. Clean your fireplace. If you have too much furniture, place some of it in storage. Add some final touches, a couple of fresh bouquets of flowers and some nice potted plants in decorative containers can do wonders. Basically, just use common sense. Remember that everyone has his or her own style. You're not trying to impress with your particular brand of décor. Rather, you're trying to present a simple, clean, attractive home that exudes potential - an empty, yet enticing, palette for your home's next owners. -www.realtor.com
Even if you're in a market where homes are selling quickly and for full asking price, it's still key to spruce up your home and prove that it's worth every penny you're asking. And it doesn't have to cost you a fortune as preparing for a formal dinner party. For starters, you can: Remove all the clutter - make sure kitchen and bathroom countertops are as clear as possible, try to keep toys organized in closets and shelves, temporarily remove any excess knickknacks or family photos if you tend to have a lot. Hang fresh clean towels in the bathrooms. Touch up your paint if your walls have a few rough spots. You probably already have the extra paint sitting in your garage. Vacuum your floor each morning. You may also want to think about getting your carpets clean before potential buyers view your house. Make sure all your faucets are drip-free. Replace any nonfunctioning
bathrooms, use air freshener and deodorizer, especially if you have indoor pets or there's a smoker in the house. Let the light in - open all your blinds and curtains. If your
Unitech Q3 net profit up 52 pc at Rs 84.17 cr NEW DELHI: Real estate major Unitech has reported 52.43 per cent jump in consolidated net profit at Rs 84.17 crore for the third quarter ended December 2012 on higher sales realization and lower finance cost. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 55.22 crore in the year-
ago period. Total income from operations rose over 25 per cent to Rs 644.72 crore during October-December quarter of 2012-13 fiscal as against Rs 514.22 crore in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal. Cont’d on page 31
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Why some homeowners are turning down free money BECKY QUICK
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merican homeowners are in the midst of a hot and heavy love affair with low interest rates. But not every courtship has a happy ending. As the final days of 2012 slipped away, Lisa Price made her client an offer she thought he couldn't refuse. Her client - we'll call him John Doe - was paying a rate of 6.616% on his $435,000 mortgage, with 25 years left to go. Price, a mortgage banker for Quicken Loans, offered to refinance his loan at 4.125%, keeping the 25-year payout time. The deal would have knocked his monthly payments down to $3,383, a savings of $630 a month. Closing costs were minimal and would have been recouped through the savings within four months of signing. And with the streamlined process she proposed, it would have required very little paperwork and wasn't contingent on any appraisal valuation. It seemed like a no-brainer. But John Doe said no thanks. "It didn't make any sense," says a stunned Price, reflecting on the rejection. "Usually when I call someone with a deal like that they're really excited." It's typically pretty easy for mortgage brokers to give away money, and indeed, refinancing activity
has skyrocketed as interest rates plummeted in recent years. The one group of homeowners who didn't participate in the refi boom -- those whose home prices tanked, leaving them without enough equity in their home to qualify for refinancing – are now eligible to restructure their loans thanks to a new government program.
cally to help out those underwater homeowners still paying their mortgages on time by giving them access to the low rates so many others are enjoying. HARP has been refined several times since its inception in 2010, and every version of the plan has made it easier for homeowners to qualify. But getting the word out hasn't
Quicken says, only about 25% of the homeowners who qualify for HARP actually end up refinancing. And that's the shame of it all. HARP is a smart program. It rewards good behavior – those who have continued to pay their mortgages - while lending a helping hand to those who could really use it. But as Quicken Loans and other mortgage originators have learned, it can be surprisingly difficult to persuade some of these people to take sweet deals like the one above, even when the government is greasing the skids. The first government assistance programs after the housing bubble burst offered to help homeowners only after they stopped paying their mortgages. But a later program -- the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) -- was designed specifi-
been easy. Quicken and other mortgage originators have aggressively tried to let homeowners who qualify know about the program. "We get their home number, the business number, their e-mail, we express-mail packages to their house so it looks serious," says Dan Gilbert, founder and CEO of Quicken. "We leave messages; we tell them, 'Go look up HARP on Google and you'll see it's real.' We don't quit." And yet almost half of these homeowners don't
A sign the housing recovery just might stick NIN-HAI TSENG
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nvestors armed with cash have largely driven the recovery of the U.S. housing market to date, but a few signs suggest that trend may be easing up. For the past five months, applications for new mortgages have risen, suggesting that regular buyers may be starting to play a bigger role in the housing recovery. A shift would be significant. The worry has been that once home prices rise to a point where it's not as worthwhile for investors to buy, prices could eventually drop off. But if individual buyers dominate home sales, we might see a more sustainable recovery under way. In January, mortgage applications rose by 1.8% from the previous month - the highest level in 18 months. And during the last week of January, applications rose to the highest level since mid-2010. To be sure, cash sales by investors haven't let up. Colony
Capital, Blackstone (BX), Waypoint Real Estate Group LLC and other firms have scoured the country from Phoenix to Atlanta for bargains. They've snapped up homes on the cheap, with plans to
Individual buyers will likely play a bigger role in the housing recovery, but the pace may feel like it's happening in slow motion. At least it's happening rent them out and eventually flip them for a profit when the market is right. Roughly 20% of all existing homes are sold with cash, says Stephen Melman with the National
Association of Homebuilders. That share has stayed steady for the past year. For there to be a shift in the market where individual buyers drive the recovery, cash transactions would likely have to drop to 10%. As interest rates stay ultra low, there have been many more borrowers refinancing their homes rather than taking out new mortgages. In 2012, it's estimated that refinances made up 71% of all mortgage originations. However, experts expect home loans to rise as refinances decline: New mortgages are expected to increase from an estimated $503 billion in 2012 to $592 billion in 2013 and $703 billion in 2014, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Individual buyers will likely play a bigger role in the housing recovery, but the pace may feel like it's happening in slow motion. At least it's happening.
respond. "If you would have told me all the facts about how this works before, I would have predicted we'd get 80% to 85%," Gilbert marvels. Ultimately, Quicken says, only about 25% of the homeowners who qualify for HARP actually end up refinancing. And that's the shame of it all. HARP is a smart program. It rewards good behavior – those who have continued to pay their mortgages – while lending a helping hand to those who could really use it. And it attempts to even the playing field by giving more Americans fair access to the low interest rates enjoyed by big businesses and the wealthy. This program is also good for the economy, as consumers spend much of the money they save on their mortgage payments.
So how do the government and mortgage originators convince the public to take advantage of a program that can truly help many who need it? It's the classic lesson of once bitten, twice shy. Wounds from all those nomoney-down loans and balloon payments have yet to heal for the homeowners bitten when the housing bubble burst. Others still feel the sting of paying hundreds for appraisals in an attempt to refinance, only to be spurned when their homes were valued at less than they owed on the mortgage. It may be hard for those consumers to trust again anytime soon. But for those with the courage to give it another go, love might actually be better the second time around. -Courtesy Fortune.
Unitech Q3 net profit up 52 pc at Rs 84.17 cr Cont’d from page 30
During the October-December quarter of this fiscal, the finance cost declined to Rs 8.4 crore from Rs 27.05 crore in the year-ago period. Unitech's consolidated net debt stood at Rs 5,421 crore as on December 31, 2012. Net debt to equity ratio was 0.45, which the company said was one of the lowest in the industry. Commenting on the result, company's Managing Director Sanjay Chandra said: "There has been a significant scale up in construction activity in the recent months and the worker strength at sites reached an all time high recently". He said the company is focused on further ramping the construction activity in the coming months with a view to not only clear the delivery backlog of the older projects but also commence delivery of finished product in some new projects.
"Residential property demand remains stable. Average price realization for residential property has witnessed continuous increase for the last four quarters," Chandra said. Going forward, he said the company would try to maximize price realization, improve sales and reduce the risk of delay in delivery through optimal timing of project launches and selling product over the life cycle of a project. During the first nine months of this fiscal, Unitech said it has achieved sales bookings of 4.41 million sq ft and launched projects totaling an area of 3.38 million sq ft. The residential sales bookings stood at 4.09 million sq ft worth Rs 1,785 crore, while the commercial sales bookings were 0.32 million sq ft valued at Rs 429 crore. "Total value of sales bookings is Rs 2,213 crore".
Health
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Court exempts Ind. company from birth control rule
INDIANAPOLIS: A federal court has barred the government from enforcing the birth control mandate in President Barack Obama's health care overhaul against an Indiana company that raised religious objections. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago voted 2-1 to grant a temporary injunction preventing the government from fining Madison-based Grote Industries $100 a day for violating the Affordable Care Act. The decision reversed a lower court ruling. The Grote family say their Catholic beliefs will not allow them to offer contraception to their employees. Many U.S. business owners are filing similar lawsuits, claiming a violation of their religious beliefs. The lawsuits are yielding conflicting rulings in appeals courts around the country. -AP
NJ considers rules to encourage breastfeeding TRENTON, NJ: New Jersey's Health Department wants hospitals to encourage new mothers to breastfeed as part of an effort to focus more on the health of newborns. The department proposed regulations that would require hospitals to ask new mothers how they want to feed their babies. Those who choose breastfeeding would be given education and support, and extra help for those who have trouble with breastfeeding. Those who choose to use bottles would be allowed to use them. -AP
WHO urges vigilance over SARS-like virus GENEVA: The World Health Organization urged countries to be vigilant over the spread of a potentially fatal SARS-like virus after a new case in Britain brought the global number to 12. "Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns," the United Nations health agency said in a statement. British health authorities said that a third member of a family had been diagnosed with so-called novel coronavirus, but was not in danger. -PTI
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SARS-like virus spreads personto-person LONDON: Health experts in Britain believe the latest human transmission of a SARS-like virus that has infected 11 people worldwide, is the first indication that the respiratory illness can spread from person-to-person. Details on page 36
Geography to play larger role in health premiums SACRAMENTO, Calif.: Whether it's the densely populated Southern California coast or the mountains of rural Northern California, geography is going to play a larger role in the cost of health insurance under the federal health care overhaul set to take effect next year. Health insurers are facing new rules and restrictions on how they set prices as part of the Affordable Care Act's aim to expand coverage to millions of Americans. No longer can insurers deny coverage because of a preexisting condition or place lifetime limits on medical care. While a person's age will remain a factor in setting rates, older customers cannot be charged more than three times what younger customers pay. California also has rejected an option under the federal law that allows health insurance companies to charge smokers up to 50 percent more for their premiums. All this leaves geography as one of the few ways insurers can adjust premiums. The premiums will not be set for most consumers under the law until summer, although estimates are available at the website of California's health benefits exchange, www.coveredca.com . The federal government has proposed that a state should not create more than seven geographic rating areas to prevent insurers from charging excessively high premiums in certain areas. To accommodate California's size and diversity, the state's health exchange is proceeding
with 19 regions with the understanding that its plan eventually will receive federal approval. To complicate matters, state lawmakers are scheduled to convene a special session during which the Democrats who dominate the Legislature could come up with their own number. "Should there be one rate for all of California, every zip code or something in between?'' said Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, which
petition in the area for providing medical services. Health policy experts say different regions carry different risks for disease and access to treatment. For example, the Central Valley has higher incidence of asthma because of its poor air quality. But consumer advocates are concerned that smaller regions will give health plans the opportunity to target poor, rural or less healthy communities with higher rates, similar to how insurance compa-
California needs to balance the social benefit of spreading risk defined as having healthy people subsidize care for those who are less healthy - against having people paying their own medical costs, said Marian Mulkey advocates for low-income families. It's still too early to say just how much of a determining factor geography will be in setting premiums. But one health plan rated the difference between east and west Los Angeles County by a factor of 50 percent, which could mean a difference of hundreds of dollars for a family of the same size and whose members are the same age. Health plans argue that 19 ratesetting regions are necessary in California because premiums should reflect the underlying costs of care. Those costs include regional wage rates, number of hospitals and the amount of com-
nies have charged higher auto rates in some communities deemed higher risk. California needs to balance the social benefit of spreading risk defined as having healthy people subsidize care for those who are less healthy - against having people paying their own medical costs, said Marian Mulkey, director of the Oakland-based nonprofit California HealthCare Foundation's health reform initiative. ``There's probably some Goldilocks, just-right balance between there, but it's extremely hard to find,'' she said. ``And that's why this is a sticky conversation and difficult to navigate.''
California Secretary of Health and Human Services Diana Dooley said having seven rating regions is ``completely unrealistic for California.'' The state is moving ahead with 19 regions with the understanding that the federal government will allow it. ``We're going to be making adjustments to this, certainly in the first few years and maybe over the course of the decade,'' she said. ``When we see how this performs after a year or two, we may come back and make changes to those rating regions.'' The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is currently reviewing comments and plans to issue a new rule soon. At this time, there is no geographic standard for setting premiums. Health plans typically have used nine rating regions in California because they also can use so many other factors in determining premiums, said Charles Bacchi, executive vice president of the California Association of Health Plans. Health insurers had argued that California needs many rate-setting regions because the state is asking them to switch to a standard benefit design next year. While it will allow consumers to make direct comparisons of health plans, insurers say the standardization of benefits could drive up premium costs. That is because it restricts the amount and the number of ways they can charge people for co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles. -AP
Brewer faces tough fight expanding Medicaid PHOENIX: Republican Gov. Jan Brewer faces one of the toughest fights of her political career as she bucks her own party in an effort to expand Medicaid to about 300,000 more poor people in her state under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. Brewer had been one of the most hard-line opponents of the federal law, and her decision to comply - and raise what critics say amounts to new tax to pay for it has turned allies into foes. There
Brewer had been one of the most hard-line opponents of the federal law, and her decision to comply - and raise what critics say amounts to new tax to pay for it - has turned allies into foes
is even talk of lawsuits to stop her. "It's going to be a very big hurdle,'' said Rep. Carl Seel, RPhoenix, a tea party conservative who is pushing a bill to block Brewer's plans. "I think the Republican Party is, by and large, opposed to it,'' he said. There is some GOP support, but even the House Speaker and Senate President, both Republicans, are wary of how the system would be set up to prevent costs for the state. Cont’d on page 35
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Most in Texas Medicaid are children or elderly AUSTIN, Texas: Every odd-numbered year, the Texas health and human services commissioner appears before state lawmakers hungry to cut spending on Medicaid, and at every meeting he or she shows them a chart of whose health services would suffer: impoverished children, senior citizens and the disabled. That's the moment when even the most hard-hearted lawmaker realizes that cutting the program, which accounts for a quarter of state spending, will be tougher than they thought. Texas already has one of the most restrictive Medicaid programs in the country. But Texas faces a fundamental problem in that the number of poor children and impoverished elderly continues to grow, and federal law requires the state to provide a basic level of services to these people in return for matching funds that cover about 60 percent of the program's cost.
This year lawmakers will try to wring out every dime possible in efficiencies and fighting waste. Sen. Jane Nelson, chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, has introduced bills to fight waste and fraud while rewarding great efficiency. ``These are some of the most vulnerable people we serve. We need to make sure they get the best possible care and that we are delivering services in a way that ensures we can keep caring for them into the future,'' Nelson said. This year the agency's new commissioner, Kyle Janek, showed the chart to the House Public Health Committee, where five out of 11 lawmakers are new members. Chairwoman Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, pledged that any proposal must answer two questions, ``Does it lower the price of health care and does it improve outcomes?'' Janek explained that Texas does not offer Medicaid coverage to single, childless
Obama admin winds down plan for 'uninsurables' WASHINGTON: Citing financial concerns, the Obama administration has begun quietly winding down one of the earliest programs created by the president's health care overhaul, a plan that helps people with medical problems who can't get private insurance. In an afternoon teleconference with state counterparts, administration officials said the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will stop taking new applications. People already in the plan will not lose coverage. Designed as a stopgap solution until the law's full consumer protections are in effect next year, PCIP is currently serving more than 100,000 people, a lifeline for patients with serious medical problems such as cancer and heart failure. But Congress allocated a limited amount of money, and the administration's technical experts want to make sure it doesn't run out. ``We're glad this program was here and able to help,'' said Amie Goldman, who oversees the program in Wisconsin. ``I'm certainly disappointed we won't be able to serve everyone who has a need for this coverage.'' The plan covers people who have had problems getting private insurance because of a medical condition and have been uninsured for at least six months. Premiums are keyed to average rates charged in each state, which means they're not necessarily cheap, often amounting to several hundred dollars a month for middle-aged individuals. Starting next January 1, insurance companies will no longer be able to turn anyone away because of poor health. At the same time, the federal government will begin subsidizing coverage for millions of individuals who have no access to employer plans. That means many of the people currently in the PCIP program may end up with lower premiums once the government's financial help is factored in.
The enrollment suspension will take effect immediately in 23 states where the federal government administers the program, Goldman said. Residents of states that run their own programs may have longer. Wisconsin residents, for example, have until March 2 to apply. Enrollment around the country has been lower than expected, partly because some people could not afford the premiums. But individual cases have turned out to be costlier than originally projected.
"We're glad this program was here and able to help,'' said Amie Goldman, who oversees the program in Wisconsin. ``I'm certainly disappointed we won't be able to serve everyone who has a need for this coverage" In documents provided to the states, the administration said the program has spent about $2.4 billion in taxpayer money on medical claims and nearly $180 million on administrative costs, as of Dec. 31. Congress allocated $5 billion to the plan. ``From the beginning (the administration) has been committed to monitoring PCIP enrollment and spending closely and making necessary adjustments in the program to ensure responsible management of the $5 billion provided by Congress,'' PCIP director Richard Popper wrote in a memo. ``To this end, we are implementing a nationwide suspension of enrollment.'' The sole exception: program beneficiaries who move to another state will still be able to get coverage in their new home. -AP
adults, so the homeless man standing on the street corner doesn't benefit from the program; other taxes pay for his health care. Medicaid also does not pay for legal or illegal immigrants.
Medicare doesn't cover everything and seniors must make co-payments. Medicaid covers those costs when the elderly earn less than $8,500 a year, unless they need a nursing home But federal rules require Medicaid to cover citizens who are parents in low-income families, poor children, elders and people with disabilities, Janek explained. In Texas, 83 percent of the nearly 4.2 million people on Medicaid are either children or elderly and 55 percent female. For a child between 1 and 5 years old to qualify for Medicaid, they must be part of a family that makes less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $25,975 a year for a family of three. Once they turn 6, the threshold drops to 100 percent, or $19,350 a year.
More than 2.5 million Texas children are enrolled in Medicaid, and an additional 583,000 qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program. Because a parent's health has a direct impact on their children, Medicaid covers 226,000 poor parents who make less than $2,322 a year. The disabled make up the second largest group receiving Medicaid, and they qualify at 74 percent of the poverty level, or $8,500 a year. More than 418,000 adults qualify and most cannot work, while many require constant care. All elderly people qualify for Medicare, the federal insurance program often confused with Medicaid that covers senior citizens. However, Medicare doesn't cover everything and seniors must make co-payments. Medicaid covers those costs when the elderly earn less than $8,500 a year, unless they need a nursing home. Then they qualify if they make less than $25,278 a year. In Texas, that's about 320,427 people. More than 93,000 pregnant women who earn less than $21,256 a year qualify for Medicaid until after they give birth. Medicaid pays for 55.9 percent of births in Texas. Yet while children and pregnant women make up the majority of people on Medicaid, more than half of the money is spent on the elderly in long-term care and the disabled, Janek said. Poor children cost the program $250 per month, poor adults and pregnant women cost about $600, while the aged and disabled average $1,200 a month. -AP
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Haslam nixes health insurance exchange partnership
Gov Bill Haslam
NASHVILLE, Tenn.: Tennessee won't participate in a partnership with the federal government in establishing a health insurance exchange, Gov. Bill Haslam has announced. The Republican governor said in a letter to U.S. Health and Human Resources Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that the partnership model doesn't address his concerns over what he called ``ag-
gressive federal timelines, a lack of true flexibility for states, and misguided federal policies.'' Exchanges are online markets required under President Barack Obama's health care law where consumers will be able to buy individual private policies and apply for government subsidies to help pay their premiums. Haslam noted that he had the same complaints when he rejected
a state-based exchange in December. His deadline decision means Tennesseans will participate in an exchange completely run by the federal government. About 982,000 people lack health insurance in Tennessee. The state projects that about 300,000 people will participate in the exchange, though some estimates put that number as high as 600,000. Gordon Bonnyman, executive director of the Tennessee Justice Center, a group that supports greater access to Medicaid, said the governor's rationale for rejecting the partnership was understandable. ``The governor is not alone in expressing concern about the delays in federal guidance and some of the difficulties states are having meeting the timelines,'' he said. Haslam's decision on the exchange is independent of whether he will recommend that the state pursue an expansion of Medicaid - a choice the U.S. Supreme Court has left to the states, though the federal government will pick up most of the cost.
Haslam said that he's ``seen some growing flexibility'' in which services the state would have to cover among the expanded Medicaid population. Hospitals and business groups are pushing for an expansion, but a positive rec-
Expanding Medicaid eligibility to 138 percent of poverty could add an estimated 145,000 people to the rolls of TennCare, the state's expanded Medicaid program ommendation would likely meet heavy resistance in the Republican-controlled Legislature. Expanding Medicaid eligibility to 138 percent of poverty could add an estimated 145,000 people to the rolls of TennCare, the state's expanded Medicaid program. The federal government would pay for all of the increased costs
under the expansion for the first three years, phasing down its share to 90 percent after that, which is still well above the average 60 percent share it currently covers for Medicaid. ``A lot is at stake for working families, for rural communities and for Tennessee businesses,'' Bonnyman said. ``The governor and legislators are carefully studying those factors and will make a decision that isn't influenced one way or the other by the announcement.'' Even if the state declines to expand Medicaid, officials project an influx of people who are eligible for coverage but hadn't previously signed up. About 46,700 people are expected to join TennCare in 2014, at a cost of $56 million. While Republican governors were once mostly unified in their opposition to expanding Medicaid under the health care law, six Republican governors have now proposed to accept federal dollars to expand the program to cover more low-income residents, citing the financial realities of their states' medical costs. -AP
House panel rejects Medicaid expansion in North Carolina RALEIGH, N.C.: A House committee has rejected a Democratic proposal to use federal dollars to expand Medicaid coverage to an estimated 500,000 low-income residents for three years, with Republicans saying it is unlikely that the state could drop the new additions once North Carolina was required to start shouldering some of the cost in 2017. A Democratic legislator who proposed the temporary expansion fully paid for by Washington said it would allow some of North Carolina's sickest residents to receive care, for hospitals to worry less about emergency-room treatment that patients can't afford to pay, and lower health insurance rates for all as hospitals seek to recoup their costs for unpaid treatment. ``It would treat our sickest people during those three years at no cost to the state. There is no reason for us not to do this,'' said Rep. Verla Insko, D-Orange. But a Republican-dominated House committee voted along party lines to reject the idea. ``You're telling me that we're going to expand this to 500,000 people, which is the estimate that would be covered, for three years and then we're just going to throw them off the boat at that time?'' asked Rep. Marilyn Avila, R-Wake. The committee then approved legislation blocking any Medicaid expansion and leaving the federal
government to launch an online marketplace for private health insurance. The legislation rejecting state involvement with the federal health overhaul law appears headed toward House passage. The Senate approved an earlier version. Republicans control both chambers. Gov. Pat McCrory said that after considering the state's options, he's decided the General Assembly is right. McCrory said there was no guarantee that the federal government would live up to the law's promise to pay 100 percent of the cost of expanding Medicaid between 2014 and 2016. Under President Barack Obama's health care law, the federal share would fall to 90 percent by 2020. ``The results of our findings make it abundantly clear that North Carolina is not ready to expand the Medicaid system and that we should utilize a federal exchange,'' McCrory said in a statement. McCrory's opposition comes even as a growing number of Republican governors are now buying into parts of the system as the financial realities of their states' medical costs begin to counterbalance the fierce election politics of the issue. Michigan's Rick Snyder became the sixth GOP governor to propose expanding his state's health insurance program to cover more low-income residents. The Governor and Republican
legislators also cited a recent state audit of the Medicaid program that found administrative spending is significantly higher in North Carolina than in nine states of similar size. The audit also found state Medicaid administrators used flawed or incomplete budget forecasting methods, helping contribute to a $418 million short-
Expanding Medicaid would generate 23,000 new jobs in North Carolina through 2021 and increase disposable income by $1 billion a year statewide as doctors and hospitals increased hiring to meet higher demand for compensated treatment fall with the program last year. ``When you've got a house in shambles, you don't build onto it,'' said Rep. Justin Burr, R-Stanly, a primary sponsor of the House version of the bill. Medicaid provides health coverage for more than 1.5 million North Carolina residents - most of
them poor children, older adults and the disabled. The program spends about $13 billion in state and federal funds. Expanding Medicaid would generate 23,000 new jobs in North Carolina through 2021 and increase disposable income by $1 billion a year statewide as doctors and hospitals increased hiring to meet higher demand for compensated treatment, an outside consultant for the state Department of Health and Human Services estimated. The North Carolina chapter of the American Association for Retired Persons decried the House committee's vote. Medicaid expansion was needed ``to help those who work hard, but still can't afford the medical coverage they need,'' AARP state director Doug Dickerson said. McCrory also joined GOP lawmakers in saying North Carolina should wash its hands of running a health benefit exchange, an online marketplace for private health insurance for those who now have the hardest time finding coverage. Many of the policies sold would be governmentsubsidized. If North Carolina doesn't create an exchange, the federal government will run it. ``There has been a lack of preparation within state government during the past year to build necessary and reliable systems to
implement a state exchange,'' McCrory's statement said. The deadline for running a North Carolina-based exchange passed last year. States have to tell federal officials if they will partner with Washington and locally run some functions like consumer help lines and making sure insurance policies sold on the exchange comply with federal rules. After lawmakers last year failed to pass legislation creating an exchange, the Legislature directed the state's health and insurance agencies to keep working on the details. The North Carolina Institute of Medicine spent more than two years developing a detailed roadmap for operating an exchange with input from groups representing hospitals, doctors, consumers, foundations, and employers. ``To say we are not ready for a partnership exchange is deeply misleading. We are absolutely ready to run a partnership exchange,'' said Adam Linker, a policy analyst with the Health Access Coalition, part of the liberal-leaning North Carolina Justice Center. McCrory and GOP lawmakers including House Speaker Thom Tillis, R-Mecklenburg, held out the possibility that North Carolina could expand Medicaid or operate a state-based health exchange in the future if conditions change. -AP
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Brewer faces tough fight expanding Medicaid Cont’d from page 32
And in a strange twist, Democrats are supporting the governor after years of sparring with her at every turn. Brewer previously joined several other Republican-led states in a legal challenge that failed last year before the U.S. Supreme Court to have the law turned back as unconstitutional. Republicans called the health care law a federal takeover and opposed it as a step toward socialized medicine. The nation's highest court upheld the law's key components but gave states the option of maintaining their Medicaid programs without expansion - an out clause of sorts that most expected Brewer to embrace. That gave her the option of rejecting an expansion of the program just as she had rejected establishing a state-run health care exchange. But Brewer, in announcing her decision to expand the Medicaid program during her State of the state address last month, said despite her opposition to the law, turning down the expansion would hurt Arizona. She said as many as 300,000 low-income residents could gain insurance, and more importantly, hospitals would see less uncompensated care because about $2 billion in extra federal money would flow into the state. In addition, average Arizonans who have health insurance end up paying higher premiums to cover the uninsured, so pressure on those premiums should go down. Brewer's proposed legislation to expand Medicaid has yet to be released. Lawmakers say they don't know exactly how she'll craft the proposal, but some conservatives in her own party are vowing a bitter fight. The biggest battle will take shape over new fees imposed on hospitals, expected to pay for the state's initial $154 millionper-year expansion costs and result in much more federal money coming back to the state under Obama's health care law. Brewer isn't calling it a tax, but an as-
sessment - a key distinction because a voter-approved state law requires a twothirds vote of both chambers of the Legislature to pass tax increases. For hospitals stuck with millions of dollars in uncompensated care each year, agreeing to be taxed makes sense. They would pay 6 percent of their revenues and get a much larger amount back from Medicaid from the newly insured.
She said as many as 300,000 low-income residents could gain insurance, and more importantly, hospitals would see less uncompensated care because about $2 billion in extra federal money would flow into the state. In addition, average Arizonans who have health insurance end up paying higher premiums to cover the uninsured, so pressure on those premiums should go down Conservative Republicans in the House say that regardless of how the governor phrases it, Brewer is raising a new tax. They say they'll fight efforts to pass any version of an expansion. An economist with the Goldwater Institute, a libertarian think tank that opposes the expansion, acknowledged that Brewer may be able to push the assessment through, although they won't absolutely rule out a lawsuit. ``In this case there are just some weird issues as to what constitutes a tax,'' said Goldwater's Byron Schlomach. ``But to me and I think a vast majority of people with any sense, it definitely walks and talks like a tax. But what's obviously to us isn't always obvious to the courts, like in the last Obamacare decision.'' There is also concern from some hospitals and clinics that don't treat as many patients without health insurance, like the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale and some smaller
Mental health group gives hugs to Virginia moviegoers WAYNESBORO, Va.: Moviegoers got more than just tickets when they arrived at a Waynesboro theater. Volunteers raising awareness about depression and seasonal affective disorder were there to offer hugs. Seven volunteers held out bowls of chocolate and wore signs around their necks offering free hugs at Zeus Digital Theaters, The News-Leader reported. The volunteers were with a local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. They also handed out literature about mental illness. The annual event was timed to occur around Valentine's Day. Some onlookers declined to take part in the festivities, but there were many from the younger generation taking the group up on its offer. ``You just made my day!'' exclaimed Kara Kirby, 12, after hurrying over to hug volunteer Judy Isak and get a ``warm fuzzy'' colorful mini pompoms. Her friends, 12-yearold Katie Cumming and 13-year-old Emily Baraclough followed suit with big smiles.
hospitals in rural areas. Rep. David Stevens, R-Sierra Vista, said some clinics in his district are very concerned. ``It will not work. I spent last night with some community health care people from my district and they want exemptions out of that,'' Stevens said. ``I tell them, the reason we got this so early in the year is that it's not a done deal. I would venture to say that most of my compadres are not in support of this.''
The group held a similar event last year at a Staunton mall but decided to find a busier venue this year. Volunteer Henry Brennan made an oversized cardboard hand that read ``Go NAMI'' and drew plenty of high-fives, especially from men. A college student who also works as a peer recovery specialist at Western State Hospital, Brennan said he felt it was important to reach out to young men, who often find it difficult to admit they have a mental illness. Brennan was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when he was 18. ``I feel good when I can catch guys my age who are denying it, and I can let them know that I've experienced some of what they are going through,'' Brennan said. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in any given year about one fourth of adults struggle with a diagnosable mental illness, while one in five children will have a debilitating mental disorder sometime in their lives. -AP
Brewer, however, isn't standing alone. Her supporters include Rep. Heather Carter, RCave Creek, who heads the House health committee. She said negotiations are ongoing as to what the legislation will look like. ``This is probably one of the most historic moments in Arizona's history in the last 20 years that any of us have seen related to health care,'' Carter said. Carter said supporters need to make sure
Arizonans understand the consequences of refusing the expansion. The end result, she said, could be the federal government pulling all funding for some parts of Medicaid if the program doesn't go ahead with the expansion. She said it's now time for details of the bill Brewer wants the Legislature to debate to be released. Brewer followed her Jan. 14 announcement with a full-court press to sell the idea, holding press conferences across the state with hospital administrators who support the expansion and the assessment on their revenues. She also lined up support from the business community and the Board of Regents, powerful interests that could sway many legislators with cold feet. Brewer has the support of Democrats in both chambers, but could lose some as whatever bill she introduces is amended to draw Republican support. Lawmakers are talking about lawsuit reform, tougher audits and even some tax cuts as possible tack-ons that could drive away Democratic support. ``Will people try to add things on and take things off? I'm sure that's going to be part of the process,'' Carter said. ``And the sooner we have that language the sooner that process can start, which means the sooner we can get to either a `go forth' or `we're not going.'''-AP
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SARS-like virus spreads person-to-person LONDON: Health experts in Britain believe the latest human transmission of a SARS-like virus that has infected 11 people worldwide, is the first indication that the respiratory illness can spread from person-to-person. The country's Health Protection Agency (HPA) had said that one person who had recently traveled to the Middle East and Pakistan was being treated in an intensive care unit at a Manchester hospital after becoming infected with a new type of coronavirus. Now officials have confirmed that a relative of the patient, who is also a UK resident, has become infected and is being treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. The patient is known to have
an underlying health condition which may have made him susceptible to the infection. Cases of the infection may come from contact with animals. However, if the virus can spread between people it poses a much more serious threat. However, officials here say the threat to the whole population remains very low. "Confirmed novel coronavirus infection in a person without travel history to the Middle East suggests that person-to-person transmission has occurred, and that it occurred in the UK," John Watson, head of the respiratory diseases department at the HPA said. "Although this case provides strong evidence for person to per-
son transmission, the risk of infection in most circumstances is still considered to be very low,"
"Confirmed novel coronavirus infection in a person without travel history to the Middle East suggests that person-to-person transmission has occurred, and that it occurred in the UK" Watson said. "This doesn't raise too many alarm bells. In a family things can
spread far more easily than they would spread outside, people share towels and toothbrushes etc. If it was somebody who was not related or a nurse or a doctor that would be a lot more serious," John Oxford, a virology expert at Queen Mary, University of London, added. Around the world, there have been 11 confirmed cases of the infection, which causes pneumonia and sometimes kidney failure. The HPA said there have been five cases confirmed in Saudi Arabia resulting in three deaths, while two patients treated in Jordan both died. A patient from Qatar was treated in Germany but has since been discharged. Infected patients have com-
plained of serious respiratory illness with fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. The exact source of the new virus and how it spreads is still unknown. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), which spread through droplets of body fluids produced by sneezing and coughing. In 2003, an outbreak of SARS killed about 800 people after the virus spread to more than 30 countries around the world. The new coronavirus was first identified in September last year, in a patient in Saudi Arabia who has since died. -PTI
Air pollution 5th largest killer Now, a capsule to kill cancer cells in India: US study NEW DELHI: Air pollution is the fifth largest killer in India taking 6.2 lakh lives per year and Delhi is among one of the five most critically polluted regions in the country, a study by a USbased health institute has claimed. The other four most critically polluted regions in the country
are Ghaziabad, Gwalior, West Singbhum district in Jharkhand and Raipur, according to the study. The study has claimed that 6.2 lakh premature deaths in India occur due to air pollution-related diseases, a six-fold increase as compared to that in the year 2000. It said air pollution had also turned out the fifth leading cause of death in the country, after high blood pressure, indoor air pollution, tobacco smoking and poor nutrition. Global Burden of Disease (GDB) report by US-based Health
Effect Institute has ranked air pollution as one of the top ten killers in the world, and sixth most dangerous killer in South Asia. "6.20 lakh premature deaths occur in India from air pollutionrelated diseases. This is a shocking and deeply disturbing news. This calls for urgent and aggres-
sive action to protect public health," Sunita Narain, Director General CSE, said here. The report said that Delhi is among the troubled cities suffering from multi-pollutant crisis. "Delhi is definitely there, Kolkata is there and there are small towns where we are seeing what we call multi-pollutant crisis," it said. "About seventy eight per cent of the cities (141 cities) exceed the PM10 standard. Of this ninety cities have critical levels of PM10, twenty six cities have most critical level of PM10 exceeding the
standard by more than three times," the report said. Atmospheric particulate matter - also known as particulates or particulate matter (PM) - are tiny pieces of solid or liquid matter associated with the Earth's atmosphere. "Multi-pollutant crisis means there is not just one pollutant, but there are many pollutants that are going together into the atmosphere and it is having a very bad effect on health. We need to strengthen our action plan."
"Multi-pollutant crisis means there is not just one pollutant, but there are many pollutants that are going together into the atmosphere and it is having a very bad effect on health. We need to strengthen our action plan" "Zero ignition vehicles need to be encouraged and the growing dependency on private cars need to be curtailed," Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director, CSE, told reporters here. CSE through its report has demanded timely introduction of 'Euro Five' and 'Euro Six' standards for emission as one of the ways forward to control air pollution. -PTI
WASHINGTON: Scientists have developed a nanocapsule which they claim could kill cancer cells and halt growth of tumors without damaging healthy cells in the body. Researchers led by University of California, Los Angeles, have developed a degradable nanoscale shell to carry proteins to cancer cells and stunt the growth of tumors. The team led by Yi Tang developed tiny shells composed of a water-soluble polymer that safely deliver a protein complex to the nucleus of cancer cells to induce their death. The shells, which at about 100 nanometres are roughly half the size of the smallest bacterium, degrade harmlessly in non-cancerous cells. The process does not present the risk of genetic mutation posed by gene therapies for cancer, or the risk to healthy cells caused by chemotherapy, which does not effectively discriminate between healthy and cancerous cells, Tang said. "This approach is potentially a new way to treat cancer. It is a difficult problem to deliver the protein if we don't use this vehicle. This is a unique way to treat cancer cells and leave healthy cells untouched," Tang said in a statement. The cell-destroying material, apoption, is a protein complex derived from an anemia virus in birds. This protein cargo accumulates in the nucleus of cancer cells and signals to the cell to undergo programmed self-destruction.
The polymer shells are developed under mild physiological conditions so as not to alter the chemical structure of the proteins or cause them to clump, preserving their effectiveness on the cancer cells. Tests done on human breast cancer cell lines in laboratory mice showed significant reduction in tumor growth.
The process does not present the risk of genetic mutation posed by gene therapies for cancer, or the risk to healthy cells caused by chemotherapy, which does not effectively discriminate between healthy and cancerous cells, Tang said. "This approach is potentially a new way to treat cancer" "Delivering a large protein complex such as apoptin to the innermost compartment of tumor cells was a challenge, but the reversible polymer encapsulation strategy was very effective in protecting and escorting the cargo in its functional form," said Muxun Zhao, lead author of the research. The study was published in the journal Nano. -PTI
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S
hillong, the capital of Meghalaya takes its name from the deity Shyllong or Lei Shyllong. This city used to be the capital of Assam for over century since 1874 till Meghalaya became a separate state. The city is based on an elevated swathe which lies almost 1500 mtr above the sea level. The city is picturesquely located within the Umiam ravine from north and the Diengiei hills from the north-west making it a prey to natural blessings as well as vagaries (incessant rains during June-September). One such incident almost wiped out Shillong from the face of earth in 1897 when a strong earthquake destroyed the city. The hard working people of Meghalaya reconstructed the city completely. Shillong was born in the laps of nature and offers everyone its bequeathed element for exploration. The amazing series of waterfalls, the mystic mountain peaks, crystal clear water lakes, breathtakingly beautiful golf courses, museums and zoo; Shillong has a different façade for everyone. Behdienkhlam, one of the famous and recreational festivals of Meghalaya is held in the Jowai Town every year during the months of June and July. The itchy feet may decide to venture a little farther and discover the limestone caves and the oldest Presbyterian Church. The People of Meghalaya are extremely courteous and friendly and any interaction with them is bound to end in a laugh riot. These wonderful people are full of life and the same is reflected in the products they offer. The hand-woven shawls, cane works, handicraft decoration and the special orange flower honey; each offering is special and unique.
Places to visit Butterfly Museum One of the most amusing sights even for an adult is to watch a delicate little butterfly land on hands and perform a bal-
Shillong was born in the laps of nature and offers everyone its bequeathed element for exploration. The amazing series of waterfalls, the mystic mountain peaks, crystal clear water lakes, breathtakingly beautiful golf courses, museums and zoo; Shillong has a different façade for everyone ancing jig before it takes off again to regale another bystander. The Butterfly Museum at Riatsamthiah presents some of the finest and rarest species of butterflies and moths. The museum had initiated the breeding pro-
gram for butterflies with an eye on the mounting commercial market. However, the program has now developed into a full fledged butterfly and moth anthology. The museum also provides a rare insight into the life cycles and habitat of these fragile mortals. Beadon Falls Waterfalls in Meghalaya are unique. They are always at their full glory and rarely dry up or become a trickle as the case with waterfalls in rest of the country. The Beadon Waterfall is surrounded by verdant forests from every side. The sight of the creamy torrent gushing down almost 100 feet to crush the resilient rocks below is awe inspiring. The clear water stream and the picturesque surroundings make for a memorable sight. It provides an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy a half day trek cum picnic with the entire family. An operational hydroelectric powerhouse is situated at the base of the falls. Cont’d on page 42
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Karnataka's hypnotic spell at Surajkund Fair SURAJKUND: Be it the smell of Kannada cuisine wafting through the air, an array of multi-ethnic costumes, performances on a templethemed stage, or even architectural
Tamil Nadu and Kerala as most tourists consider it to be. We have lavishly displayed and are celebrating our culture and heritage and welcome everyone to the state of
grandeur, celebrations spelt a new name for Karnataka at the Surajkund Fair here. Returning after a gap of almost 20 years as the 'theme state' at the 27th International Surajkund Fair, Karnataka has this time put up replicas of its famed architectural monuments across the grounds of the Fair. "We take this opportunity to announce and inform the world that South India is more than just
Karnataka, tourists or otherwise," G Satyavati, Director, Karnataka Tourism told PTI. The replica of Mysore's famed Palace Gates welcomed visitors and as they moved further down they were greeted with more gates and more heritage. Artists dressed up in costumes from all regions of Karnataka like Coorg, Mysore, Bellary and coastal areas among others caught visitors attention in general and photographers in particular.
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A traditional Coorgi family house called 'Ain-Mane' representative of the spirit of their ancestors dressed up in ethnic costumes performed at the Fair. While men wore Coorgi Peta (headgear) on their heads and carried a dagger around the waist, women dressed up in authentic Coorgi wear with a typical hairdo. "I have already visited the Fair twice and can't get enough of it especially with my camera around. Karnataka and Tejikstan have bowled me over. And, I will probably visit again before the closing. It's an extraordinary celebration of one's heritage and other states must learn from it," said Chaman Marwari, a photographer and visitor at the fair. "Apart from regular campaigns ... we also have a special branding for the Surajkund,' WOW Karnataka. Many Worlds Come Alive at the Surajkund Mela' which can be seen around the fair. “ The main stage has been designed as a replica of the Pattadakal Temple, a World Heritage site apart from many other gates like the Bijapur Gate, Hoysala Gate, Hampi Gate, and Dasara Gate where the President was welcomed," said Unni K, part of Bangalore-based Stark Communications, company behind the rebranding of Karnataka Tourism. In 1994 the southern state had a comparatively small presence at the Fair. "We were theme state back in 1994 but it wasn't a grand affair like this. About 130 artists worked for 36 days to present this southern spectacle. This is not just about tourism. We are proud of this occasion which celebrates the culture, the heritage and our very state," said Ratna Karht, Public Relations Officer,
Karnataka Tourism. "We have even brought the 'Madira' (bar carriage) from our famous 'Golden Chariot' here along with the station and platform rep-
dancing and also because Haryana Tourism has peacock too in its logo. Also, the designs are meant to represent unity and joint celebration of and for the
lica to go with it," said Karht. . A real-looking replica of the luxury train with signage of 'Hospet Junction' at one end of the heritage-look platform was displayed at the Surajkund Fair. Karnataka put up about 75
spirit of India." Close to 300 artists from the state participated in the event, which also put up a photo exhibition on the history of Karnataka. The fair which was upgraded as an international one from this year
Artists dressed up in costumes from all regions of Karnataka like Coorg, Mysore, Bellary and coastal areas among others caught visitors attention in general and photographers in particular stalls this year at the Fair and the Tourism office was designed to give a feel of the "Channapatna toys", traditional wooden toys from the state. Seerat Narindra, the designer behind the venue decoration said she "chose peacock as the symbol because it represents celebration because of its virtues for
hosted African countries like Namibia, Rwanda, Tajikistan, SaarC countries and Peru among others, as foreign participants. "I'm happy to be here. It was great to perform along with my fellow artists in front of the President of India and a wonderful crowd here," said Farida, an artist from Tejikstan team. -PTI
Incredible India show in Tokyo NEW DELHI: Road shows are being held in Tokyo and Osaka to showcase Indian destinations in Japan as part of the Incredible India campaign to woo more tourists. The two countries have decided to strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector."We have decided to strengthen cooperation in tourism sector with Japan. We also discussed possibilities of signing a MoU for this purpose and the modalities of the MoU are being worked out," Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi said after meeting Japan's Senior Vice-Minister of Tourism Hiroshi Kajiyama here. It was also decided that the two countries will identify areas for working together and explore new opportunities in tourism sector es-
pecially in the field of human resource development, exchange of tour operators, investment in the
“We also offered investment opportunities in hospitality sector to Japan as the government has allowed 100 per cent FDI in the sector", Chiranjeevi said tourism sector and exchange of information."We also offered investment opportunities in hospi-
tality sector to Japan as the government has allowed 100 per cent FDI in the sector", Chiranjeevi said. India and Japan are important tourism markets for each other. Japan is one of the top ten tourist generating markets for India. India has offered the Visa on Arrival facility to Japan since 2010. The number Japanese tourists in 2008 was 1,45,352 in 2008, which rose to 1,93,525 in 2011. There is a strong interest of Japanese tourists in places connected with Buddhism in India. JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) has extended loan of 7,331 million Japanese Yen (Rs 299 crore) for Development of Ajanta Ellora Conservation and Development Program.-PTI
March 1, 2013
Travel & Hospitality Post
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Sound and light shows at Red Fort on You Tube minute show at Purana Qila are now available for free viewing on You Tube, a senior Tourism Ministry official said here. With the objective to showcase the heritage sites, Tourism Minis-
sound and light show at Red Fort was written by legendary writers Ali Sardar Jafri, Kaifi Azmi and Khushwant Singh and directed by renowned film director Chetan Anand.
The sound and light show at Purana Quila, which went live in December 2010, has the voices of Naseeruddin Shah, Mukesh Khanna (Hindi) and Himanshu Sabharwal (English)
NEW DELHI: The light and sound shows at Red Fort and Purana Qila are now just a click
away with the tourism ministry making the events available for free viewing on social networking site
Turkey seeks more air connectivity with India NEW DELHI: Turkey has said it wants to double the number of flights from Delhi and Mumbai connecting the country to boost tourism and enhance trade and investments relations.
Burak Akcapar
“ We want to double the frequency of flights from Delhi and Mumbai. We also want to start flights to more Indian destinations. It will help in boosting tourism sector in both the countries,” Ambassador of Turkey to India Burak Akcapar said here at a CII function. At present, a total of seven flights from Mumbai and Delhi connect India toTurkey. “We have
completed all the procedures from our side (to increase flight frequency). Now the ball is in India’s court,” he added. Akcapar emphasized on the need to increase awareness among the business community of both the countries to enhance trade and investments relations. He said that the bilateral trade between the countries reflects that a lot needs to be done to increase twoway commerce as India is lagging behind several of its peers including China and several African nations. “Trade figure is very low. India lags behind in the way it represents in Turkey. It lags behind China, Africa and its peers in the world,” he said.The bilateral trade stood at USD 4.5 billion in 2011-12. The Ambassador said that huge opportunities exist in Turkey for Indian business community in sectors like infrastructure, IT and automobile. He also emphasized to increase cultural cooperation between the countries and urged the Indian Prime Minister to visit Turkey. Major imports from Turkey comprise minerals, fertilizers, nuclear reactors and machinery, while exports include pharma, manmade yarn and electronic goods. -PTI
You Tube. The entire 58-minute sound and light show at Red Fort and 54-
ter K Chiranjeevi has directed that the audio tracks of all 23 sound and light shows should be uploaded on the Internet for free viewing throughout the world, he said. Accordingly, two sound and light shows, both being operated directly by the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) are being uploaded, the official said, adding that the rest will be uploaded phase-wise. Conceptualized in 1968, the
Its Hindi version has the voices of cinestars Meena Kumari and Amrish Puri. The English version has the voices of Kabir Bedi and Pratap Sharma. The sound and light show at Purana Quila, which went live in December 2010, has the voices of Naseeruddin Shah, Mukesh Khanna (Hindi) and Himanshu Sabharwal (English) and the show is visualized, scripted and narrated by Himanshu Sabharwal. -PTI
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Mystic mountains, amazing waterfalls, friendly people Cont’d from page 39
Bishop’s Falls The Bishop’s Waterfall is often referred to as the twin brother of the Beadon Waterfall since both tumble down the same escarpment into a yawning gorge. As the gushing stream of water plunges and crashes into a cavernous lagoon the sprinkled droplets create a mystic rainbow that stretches across the spectrum. The emerald pool formed at the bottom is inviting and it’s a fantastic idea to trek up or down the hills along the stream discovering the marvels of nature. Although a few hotels and local vendors offer grub for the famished, do not expect a five star spread from these simple souls who are untouched by the mean grasps of bottomlines and profits
Shillong Peak The Shillong peak stands at a whopping 2000mtr above sea level. The peak dedicated to the city is also the highest point in the state. An ideal picnic spot, the Shillong Peak offer breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city and the scattered villages around the
Crinoline Falls Smack in the middle of Shillong City is another natural splendor. The Crinoline Falls cascading down the luxuriant woodland creates a graceful waterfall. The pool created by the fall has been creatively carved out to serve as a well sustained swimming pool. An attached restaurant provides relief for the tired spirits and the adjacent area nourishes the heart with some soul stirring cultural programs. Elephant Falls The Elephant Falls located 10 kms outside Shillong City provides a unique sight where the water column carves out its way and surrenders to gravity at two successive locations. The gigantic stream accumulated just at the pinnacle comes crashing down the terrain and rebounds only to cover a short distance and once again leaps into a daunting gorge. The very sight of natural pandemonium is enough to make one miss a heartbeat and leap with joy. The surrounding basin sheltered by the sky like greenvegetation provides a perfect backdrop to this enchanting picnic spot.
lar amongst the local populace and it is common to find a swelling crowd there during weekends. The place has been developed as a tourist spot and basic facilities for travelers and tourists are available at affordable prices. Wards Lake
Shillong Golf Club Considered to the first 18 hole Golf Course in India the Shillong Golf Club (an altitude of 5200 ft) is any Putters dream come true. The Shillong Golf Course is sometimes equated with “Glen-eagle Course” in the United States because of its beauty and unique location. The
Shillong Peak
peak. A sanctum offering curtsy U Shulong is located at the peak’s summit. The spiritual pastor of Mylliem State offers prayers at the sanctum during springtime. If the view of the human abode below is breathtaking during daytime, the view at nighttime is absolutely awe inspiring. The city and other dwelling lights provide the ground below an aura of the night sky. Sweet Falls Situated near Happy Valley, the Sweet Falls travel a stomach wrenching dive of an incredible 96 mtr before it pounds the black rocks in the crevice below. It is very popu-
The story goes like this. A Khasi prisoner, bored with the penitentiary routine requested the warden for some creative release by permitting him to create some construction over the Wards Lake. He was permitted to do so and what stands today is a marvelous site of the Wards Lake or Polok’s Lake as the locals prefer to call it. This century old picturesque (horseshoeshaped) artificial lake lying beneath the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s Residence) is located at the heart of the city and is extremely popular for its garden walks and boating. The lake is chock-full of fish it’s a common sight to see tourists feeding fish from the bridge. The lake is encircled by a winding walkway and is inter spread with gently sloping flowerbeds and innovative illumination, edged in by luxuriant greens.
Golf Course has been charted in a surging valley full of thick pine groves and rhododendron trees. The course initiated as a 9 (nine) hole course in 1898 was later converted into a full fledged 18 hole course by Capt Jackson in 1924. This enchanting Golfing paradise
is also often visited for the enormous panoramic view it presents of the Shillong city and against the backdrop of snow-covered Himalayan ranges. Best time to visit Shillong has a cool climate all through the year and can be visited any time of the year. But the best season is from September to May.Winters (November to February) are freezing and minimum temperature reaches 2°C. Fog formations are common during winter. Summers (March to June) experience a maximum temperature of 24°C and a minimum temperature of 15°C. This time is good for enjoying sightseeing and adventure activities. Monsoons (June to September) offer average to heavy rainfalls sometimes accompanied by heavy winds. How to Reach By Air: Borjhar Airport in Guwahati, Assam, is the nearest airport. You can get to Shillong in four hours from there in a hired taxi or a chartered bus. By Rail: There are no railway lines inside Meghalaya. The nearest railhead is Guwahati, 128 km from Shillong. Buses and taxis then connect to Shillong. It would take you about four hrs from Guwahati railway station to Shillong. By Bus: You can drive from Guwahati to Shillong in four hours and from Silchar to Shillong in nine hours. The drive from Guwahati is scenic.
Fun & Entertainment
Shillong Golf Club
Bara Bazaar (Lewduh Market) The Lewduh market or the Bara Bazar, as many old timers still prefer to term it, is one huge colorful jamboree. The market becomes the hub of a million activities on the Iewduh (the very first day of the Khasi week) when populace from the entire spectrum from Meghalaya arrives in vibrant bunches and enhances the festive atmosphere. The vendors offer some of the best Meghalay products for the most reasonable prices.
Bara Bazaar
Astro Buzz
March 1, 2013
India Post
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Here is an astrology column with a difference, giving you advice for the coming week by
DR ASHIT JALUI MARCH 1ST - MARCH 7TH 2013
he general planetary configuration this week is rather laid back, encouraging you to move along at a slower pace, perhaps a relaxed amble rather than your typical gallop. Mind you, the pressure will begin to rise again by the very beginning of the week. Get ready.
T
he Moon's position today is not considered a classically advantageous one for Taureans, yet it could encourage you to put more effort into a close relationship. It could also enhance your delight in languid and harmonious conditions, especially at work.
T
A
unar alignments focus your attention on that most Cancerian of concerns, your home and family. This is one of those days when Jupiter, planet of goodwill, is bound to lift your spirits and raise your morale. It could also show you how to turn a mistake to your advantage.
L
othing can really prevent you from making your point with colour and passion. A frank exchange of views is called for and you should not shirk the responsibility to lay your cards on the table. You need to put your material security first - just for a change.
N
Y
V
Y
he Moon is approaching a powerful position in your solar chart, but it's not there yet. The only reasonable conclusion is that you must pay much greater attention to people at large, not just close friends, and take pains to ensure the quality of your presentation.
enus, the planet with special responsibility for your affections, is on your side. This is bound to cheer you up and induce you to look on the bright side. It is also encouraging you to check out practical details. You might even spot a way to close a financial loop-hole.
A
s long as the Moon is in its present position, I am afraid you have little choice but to be scrupulous in your behaviour - and utterly charming. You have a rare ability to work out what other people are really thinking, and that should help you avoid a disagreement.
ou must cheer the domestic base or
family home up a little.
Venus and Mars are encouraging you to invite friends round and indulge in a spot of entertaining, much as part of the Scorpionic spirit resists such outgoing ventures.
Y
our mood this evening may be quite sharply differentiated from the way you feel during the day. That's partly to do with the Sun's daily cycle. Perhaps something will happen around late afternoon to annoy or disturb you, or even to interest and stimulate you.
crucial factor in your present affairs must be the location of Mercury, your normally astute planetary ruler, in a slightly muddled region. This is persuading you to ignore the facts and follow your intuition. On the plus side, though, you will soon have a chance to change your mind.
ou have a well-deserved reputation for being an honest and reliable individual. However, over the coming days it may be partners who can teach you a thing or two about the proper way to conduct yourself. Listen carefully, for you will learn more than you expected.
T
Y
ou have been around for long enough to know that there is a great deal to be said for keeping your own counsel. Yet you have probably thought deeply and long enough about one particular subject to be ready to speak your mind. Make sure the words come out in the right order.
Dr. Ashit Jalui, Masters in Astronomy also an expert in Numerology, Vastu and Vedic Astrology Now get one free astro consultation from Dr. Ashit Jalui by e-mailing your question to ASHITJALUI@GMAIL.COM
In Brief Alabama bridge deaths conviction overturned MOBILE, Alabama: An Alabama appeals court has thrown out the 2009 conviction and death sentence of a Vietnamese immigrant tried for killing four small children by tossing them off a coastal bridge, ruling that publicity surrounding the case made it impossible for the suspect to have a fair trial in Mobile where the crime occurred. The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals ordered a new trial for Lam Luong, whose wife testified he laughed when he told her their children whose ages ranged from 3 years to just 4 months would never be found. Alabama's attorney general could appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court. The case of Luong, a parttime shrimp boat worker, took odd twists that made headlines right up to the start of his trial.
At the trial, Hughes told jurors that Luong was on drugs in January 2008 when he threw the children from the Dauphin Island bridge into the Mississippi Sound Days before jury selection, Luong said he wanted to plead guilty but he ended up withdrawing that decision. The trial judge denied requests by Luong's defense lawyers to move the trial outside of Mobile County. ``It is clear that publicity surrounding the murders completely saturated the Mobile community in 2008. A great deal of that publicity was prejudicial,'' the appeals court said in its ruling.`` Luong was denied his constitutional right to an impartial jury. Therefore, we must reverse Luong's convictions and sentence of death and remand this case for a new trial.'' Greg Hughes, Luong's lead defense attorney, applauded the decision. ``Maybe this will save his life,'' Hughes said. ``I don't know how this will come out down the road. But he's certainly better off than he was.'' At the trial, Hughes told jurors that Luong was on drugs in January 2008 when he threw the children from the Dauphin Island bridge into the Mississippi Sound more than 80 feet (24 meters) below. Three of the children were Luong's while the other was his wife's from a prior relationship. -AP
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Critics say Utah immigration law unconstitutional SALT LAKE CITY: The U.S. Supreme Court's split ruling on Arizona's immigration enforcement law last summer shows that a similar law in Utah should be ruled unconstitutional, argued critics of the 2-year-old law that has yet to be implemented. Details on page 46
High skilled immigration bill introduced in US Congress WASHINGTON: Targeting highly skilled talents from India and China, a bi-partisan group of US lawmakers have introduced a new bill in the Congress to create more than 125,000 new visas to attract global talents to America. The bill called Startup 3.0 proposes to help increase America's access to talent by creating a new set of conditional visas for 75,000 immigrant entrepreneurs and 50,000 foreign STEM (Science technology, engineering and math) graduate students. This will create half a million new American jobs, claimed authors of the bill. While in the Senate the bill has been introduced by Senators Jerry Moran, Mark Warner, and Christopher Coons, in the House of Representatives it has been introduced by Congressmen Michael G. Grimm, Loretta Sanchez, Kevin Yoder, Jared Polis, Devin Nunes, Gerald Connolly and Steve Chabot. The bill has the support of top US companies and organizations like Microsoft, Google, National Small Business Association (NSBA), CTIA, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), Financial Services Forum, Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), TechAmercia, Information Technology Industry (ITI), Compete America, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and TechNet. Startup 3.0 allows qualified com-
panies to apply research and development tax credits to their payroll tax liability, up to USD 250,000. For small startups, it also makes permanent the 100 per cent capital gains tax exemption on investments that are held for more than 5 years, in addition to the 28 per cent exemption on qualified small business stock. These provisions will unlock over USD 7.5 billion in new investments which will result in more innovation and jobs.
"With a renewed focus on comprehensive immigration reform, it is imperative that we take commonsense steps to help the US compete and win the global competition for talented innovators and entrepreneurs," Senator Warner said. The bill has been welcomed by the White House. "I'm encouraged to see continued enthusiasm and momentum in Washington to support entrepreneurs," said Steve Case, Revolu-
Research has demonstrated the positive impact of immigrants on American job creation: more than 40 per cent of all Fortune 500 companies were founded by an immigrant or the child of an immigrant Finally, the bill helps cut red tape, by requiring a cost-benefit analysis of any significant rule being proposed by a federal or independent agency. "Too often we educate the world's best and brightest in STEM fields, only to send them back to countries like India and China to open businesses and compete against us. This bill will keep top talent here in the US to build businesses that hire Americans, and drive US innovation and competitiveness," Congressman Grimm said.
tion LLC CEO and member of President Barack Obama's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness. According to the authors of the bill, research has demonstrated the positive impact of immigrants on American job creation: more than 40 per cent of all Fortune 500 companies were founded by an immigrant or the child of an immigrant. Research shows that startups create three million jobs per year, on average. Among other things, the bill eliminates the per-country caps for employment-based immigrant vi-
sas - which hinder US employers from recruiting the top-tier talent they need to grow. Senator Christopher Coons said Startup Act 3.0 will help bring ideas and discoveries from the laboratory to the marketplace, help startups access the R&D Tax Credit which supports growth and job creation, and ensuring that when a foreign-born, Americaneducated graduate student in science, technology, engineering or math has a great idea to start a business, they do it here in the United States instead of going home to compete with us. Among other things, the bill eliminates the per-country caps for employment-based immigrant visas - which hinder US employers from recruiting the top-tier talent they need to grow. It makes permanent the exemption of capital gains taxes on the sale of startup stock held for at least five years - so investors can provide financial stability at a critical juncture of firm growth; and creates a limited research and development tax credit for young startups less than five years old and with less than USD5 million in annual receipts. "America has long been seen as the land of opportunity for innovators and entrepreneurs. We must do everything possible to make certain that remains true," Senator Jerry Moran said. -PTI
USCIS discusses new policy manual CYRUS D. MEHTA
Continued from last week S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) held a stakeholder engagement on January 15, 2013, at which Director Alejandro Mayorkas discussed the first volume of a comprehensive new online Policy Manual, among other things. He noted that the first volume covers Citizenship and Naturalization and that the transition to a
U
centralized online policy resource is the result of an agency-wide review of all adjudication and customer service policies. He said the manual replaces the Adjudicators' Field Manual and policy memoranda that are in place today. During the engagement, Director Mayorkas also highlighted new citizenship and naturalization-related policies, provided updates on other issues, and took
questions. Director Mayorkas also noted that the agency plans to publish guidelines for issuing precedent decisions soon. USCIS's notes on the engagement have not yet been released. As content becomes available for each volume, USCIS will notify the public and invite comment on new or substantially changed policies. Public engagement opportunities will be announced on
USCIS's Web site. DHS adds Grenada to list of 59 eligible countries for H-2A, H-2B Programs The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has added Grenada to the list of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B programs for the coming year, effective January 18, 2013. Cont’d on page 46
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Illegal immigrants may get US residency within 8 years WASHINGTON: The White House is circulating a draft immigration plan that would allow some 11 million illegal immigrants to become legal permanent residents in the US within a span of just eight years, a media report said. According to the draft being circulated among various government agencies, visa applicants would need to pass a criminal background check, file biometric information and pay fees, USA Today reported. The plan would also allocate additional funds for border security and require business owners to check the immigration status of any new hires within four years. The estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States,
could also apply for a "Lawful Prospective Immigrant" visa, the report said. Once approved, they would be allowed to reside in the United
residence in the country. And, within eight years of this the immigrants could apply for a green card to obtain legal permanent residence if they learn English and
The new bill mirrors many provisions of the failed bipartisan 2007 bill that was spearheaded by the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, and Senator and 2008 Presidential Candidate John McCain, and then-president George W. Bush States legally, work, and leave the country for short visits without losing their status. A new 'fraud-proof' identification card would prove their legal
"the history and government of the United States." They would also have to pay back taxes, the report said. With greencard in hand, the
Silicon Valley talent dream tied to immigrant hopes SAN FRANCISCO: Silicon Valley's long crusade to break open doors to America for foreigners with key technology skills hinges on a political battle in Washington over broader immigration reform. For more than a decade, the tech sector has been struggling to get more visas and green cards for immigrants with engineering, math or science skills. While Silicon Valley has been largely backing reform-minded Democratic candidates including President Barack Obama, Republicans have begun paying attention to broader immigration reform, an issue dear to US Latinos. "The election happened and the Republicans took a shellacking from Hispanics," said Robert Atkinson, president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation think-tank in Washington. "It was a wake-up call," he continued. "A comprehensive approach to immigration reform became viable." The new political landscape hobbled efforts to push through stand-alone legislation focused just on high-skilled workers. "High-skill immigration is definitely being held hostage to
broader reform," Atkinson said. Stanford University fellow and Singularity University vice president Vivek Wadhwa champions STEM immigration. "Who is behind the US tech boom right now? Immigrants," Wadhwa said. "Just as the US is
"Providing citizenship to people who jumped over the border is contentious; it's toxic. In the meantime you are holding hostage the legal, skilled immigrants – scientists, engineers, doctors – who the whole world wants." reinventing itself with a whole range of technologies we are cutting off the circulation in Silicon Valley." A Republican-backed House bill to expand visas for foreigners graduating from US universities with advanced degrees in
science and technology was killed in the Senate by Democrats in the name of broader immigration reform. "We need visas and a new-andimproved immigration arrangement for Silicon Valley and the high-tech sector, but the only way we will win reform is to fight for top-to-bottom overhaul of our immigration system," Democratic congressman Luis Gutierrez said in an editorial on technology news website TechCrunch. Gutierrez is chairman of the Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and was responding to comments by Wadhwa, who testified in Washington this month. Wadhwa claims the two issues are separate. "Providing citizenship to people who jumped over the border is contentious; it's toxic. In the meantime you are holding hostage the legal, skilled immigrants – scientists, engineers, doctors – who the whole world wants." Reforming the immigration process for the tech industries would mean ramping up the number of H-1B visas, for immigrants with special skills. -PTI
immigrants would then be on a path to apply for US citizenship. News of this new legislation comes when members in both chambers of Congress are drafting their own version of a new immigration bill, it said. A bipartisan group has been negotiating an immigration proposal for years. Last month, four Republican senators joined with four Democratic senators to announce their agreement on the general outlines of an immigration plan. The new bill mirrors many provisions of the failed bipartisan 2007 bill that was spearheaded by the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, and Senator and 2008 Presidential Candidate John McCain, and then-president George W. Bush. In his first term, Obama often deferred to Congress on drafting and advancing major legislation,
including the Affordable Care Act. Two weeks ago in Las Vegas, while outlining his immigration plans, Obama made clear that he would not wait too long for Congress to get moving. "If Congress is unable to move forward in a timely fashion, I will send up a bill based on my proposal and insist that they vote on it right away," he said. Obama and top Republicans are now in agreement that political and demographic trends have shifted, making reform politically expedient and offering the best chance for serious reform in a generation. But differences remain, particularly in the contentious issue of how to accommodate the millions who entered the country without permission, or who came in legally but overstayed their visas. -PTI
PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law
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USCIS discusses new policy manual Cont’d from page 44
The agency explained that under DHS regulations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may approve petitions for H-2A and H-2B nonimmigrant status only for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, has designated by notice published in the Federal Register. That notice is renewed each year, and countries may be added or deleted. The notice announces that the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is now identifying 59 countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H2B programs for the coming year, including Grenada. Reminder: New Fee for Permanent Residence Takes Effect As of February 1, 2013, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun collecting a new immigrant fee of $165 from foreign nationals seeking permanent residence in the United States. This new fee was established in USCIS's final rule adjusting fees for immigration applications and petitions announced on September 24, 2010. USCIS said the fee will help to recoup costs for staff time to handle, file, and maintain the immigrant visa package, and the cost of producing and delivering the permanent resident card. USCIS final rule allows provisional unlawful presence waivers to reduce separations from immediate relatives U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has published a fi-
nal rule that reduces the time U.S. citizens are separated from their immediate relatives (defined as including a spouse, children, and parents) who are in the process of obtaining visas to become lawful permanent residents of the United States, under certain circumstances. The final rule establishes a process that allows certain individuals to apply for a provisional unlawful presence waiver before they leave the United States to attend immigrant visa interviews in their countries of origin. The process takes effect March 4, 2013. To obtain a provisional unlawful presence waiver, the applicant must be an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, inadmissible only on account of unlawful presence, and demonstrate that denial of the waiver would result in extreme hardship to his or her U.S. citizen spouse or parent. USCIS will publish a new form, Form I-601A, Application for a Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, for individuals to use when applying for a provisional unlawful presence waiver under the new process. Under the new provisional waiver process, immediate relatives must still depart the United States for the consular immigrant visa process; however, they can apply for a provisional waiver before they depart for their immigrant visa interview abroad. Individuals who file the Form I-601A must notify the Department of State's National Visa Center that they are or will be seeking a provisional waiver from USCIS. "This final rule facilitates the legal immigration process and re-
duces the amount of time that U.S. citizens are separated from their immediate relatives who are in the process of obtaining an immigrant visa," said Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano in an announcement on January 2, 2013. USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas said, "The law is designed to avoid extreme hardship to U.S. citizens, which is precisely what this rule achieves.
The final rule establishes a process that allows certain individuals to apply for a provisional unlawful presence waiver before they leave the United States to attend immigrant visa interviews The change will have a significant impact on American families by greatly reducing the time family members are separated from those they rely upon." USCIS said it received more than 4,000 comments in response to the April 2, 2012, proposed rule and considered all of them in preparing the final rule. Under current law, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens who are not eligible to adjust status in the United States to become lawful permanent residents must leave the country and obtain an immigrant visa abroad. Individuals who
have accrued more than six months of unlawful presence while in the United States must obtain a waiver to overcome the unlawful presence inadmissibility bar before they can return to the United States after departing to obtain an immigrant visa. Under the existing waiver process, which remains available to those who do not qualify for the new process, immediate relatives cannot file a waiver application until after they have appeared for an immigrant visa interview abroad and the Department of State has determined that they are inadmissible. USCIS revises guidance on adjudication of late jointly filed i751 petitions for conditional permanent residents A new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy memorandum revises and clarifies guidance issued on October 9, 2009, relating to late filing of a joint Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence, and authorizes immigration services officers (ISOs) to issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for untimely filed joint I-751s. The new guidance supersedes existing guidance for the processing of late jointly filed I-751 petitions submitted without explanation for the late filing. USCIS noted that the conditional permanent resident (CPR) and the petitioning spouse must jointly file an I-751 during the 90day period immediately preceding the second anniversary of the date the CPR acquired conditional resident status. USCIS may accept I751 joint petitions filed after this 90-day period if the CPR establishes good cause and extenuat-
ing circumstances for the failure to timely file. Under the new guidance, when an ISO adjudicates a late jointly filed I-751 petition, the ISO will check for a written explanation of the late filing. If the I-751 petition is submitted with an explanation for the late filing, the ISO will review the explanation for the untimely filing in relation to the length of time the application was untimely filed, along with any corroborating evidence that was submitted, to determine if the CPR established good cause for the late filing. If the CPR did not include a written explanation for the late filing, the ISO will issue an RFE, requesting a reasonable explanation for the late filing and corroborating evidence. If the ISO receives a response to the RFE, the ISO will evaluate the explanation, along with any corroborating evidence that was submitted, to determine if the CPR established good cause for the late filing. Corroborating evidence is not necessary if the explanation is acceptable on its face. After receiving a response to the RFE, the ISO may transfer the I-751 file for an interview if the documentary evidence leads to an inconclusive result and the determination of good cause for the late filing would benefit from a live interview. If the ISO does not receive a response to the RFE, the ISO will deny the I-751 for failure to comply with the filing requirements.
* Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com
Critics say Utah immigration law unconstitutional SALT LAKE CITY: The U.S. Supreme Court's split ruling on Arizona's immigration enforcement law last summer shows that a similar law in Utah should be ruled unconstitutional, argued critics of the 2-year-old law that has yet to be implemented. An U.S. Department of Justice lawyer and a team of private attorneys made that argument during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups in Salt Lake City. They urged Waddoups to permanently strike down the Utah law. Assistant Attorney General Philip Lott countered that the key provisions in the state's law are ``night and day'' different from Arizona's measures that the Supreme Court blocked in June. The high court upheld Arizona's section that requires police to check the status of people they suspect
are in the country illegally, which Lott said bodes well for a similar one in Utah's law. He asked Waddoups to allow Utah's law to go into effect. The law, HB497, was passed in 2011 but was shelved shortly thereafter for a court review. The hearing was the first on the law since February 2012, when Waddoups announced he would wait until after the Supreme Court weighed in on Arizona's law to take up the issue. Utah was one of several states around the country to mirror immigration enforcement laws after Arizona's well-known measure. The key provision in Utah's law is a requirement that police check the immigration status of a person arrested for a felony or a class A misdemeanor, while giving authorities discretion to check the citizenship
of those stopped for traffic infractions and other lesser offenses. Class A misdemeanors include
Assistant Attorney General Philip Lott countered that the key provisions in the state's law are ``night and day'' different from Arizona's measures that the Supreme Court blocked in June theft, negligent homicide and criminal mischief. The law also includes a provision making it a state crime to transport and harbor illegal immi-
grants. Another provision allows a ``warrantless'' arrest if police have reasonable suspicion that a person has committed a felony and is an illegal immigrant who has been ordered removed by an immigration judge or has been tagged for a federal immigration hold. During the 1 1/2-hour hearing, Waddoups asked dozens of questions to attorneys on both sides about several different provisions in the law. At the conclusion, he told them he'd issue a ruling soon. Waddoups questioned Utah's lawyers several times about the overarching purpose of different provisions in the law _ asking if certain measures were necessary and any different than what already takes place daily. Lott said the law clarifies Utah's role in cooperating with the federal government on immigration
enforcement. He also pointed to guidance issued by former Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff on how to enforce the law as evidence that police won't overstep their bounds. But the judge questioned if that guidance from Shurtleff would have any legal binding in relation to the review of the law's constitutionality. The U.S. Justice Department's lawyer, Scott Simpson, said it wouldn't because it could be altered or scrapped by the new attorney general. The hearing pitted Lott and one other state attorney against a team of lawyers arguing the law should be struck down. That side included Simpson, Karen Tumlin of the National Immigration Law Center, and Jennifer Chang Newell of the American Civil Liberties Union. -AP
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NOTIce is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted at the Health Care Services Agency, 1000 San Leandro Blvd., Suite 300, San Leandro, CA, 94577 NETWORKING BIDDERS CONFERENCES for RFP #902013 Organizational Development Consultancy Mandatory–Tuesday, February 26, 2013, 3:00 PM at Health Care Services, 1000 San Leandro Blvd, Room 325, San Leandro OR Wednesday, February 27, 2013, 3:00 PM at Public Health, 1000 Broadway, Room 5000A, 5th Floor, Oakland Response Due by 2:00 pm on March 21, 2013 County Contact: Kristel Acacio at (510)
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March 1, 2013 Akshay is riding on both the box office success and the critical acclaim of his latest film Special 26 that also starred Anupam Kher and
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ans of Akshay Kumar on Twitter got the hash tag #Akshay2000crore to trend worldwide for two days, suggesting that actor has earned Rs 2000 crores in his lifetime in Hindi cinema. Whether there is any truth behind this is not clear, but an emotional Akshay Kumar thanked his fans, whom he fondly referred to as 'Akkians' for starting and sustaining the thread for over 48 hours. "Honestly blessed to have you all Akkians in my life. Special thanks to my fan clubs who support me so much selflessly time & again. Thank you for the #Akshay2000crore tag only possible coz of you all," he tweeted. The trend started on February 16 and was taken off only on February 18. It was one of the top trends in India.
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor to turn actor MUMBAI: After putting his dancing skills to test on a TV reality show, celebrated Indian chef Sanjeev Kapoor will be soon making his acting debut with two films 'Lunch Box' and 'Super Nani'. 'Lunch Box' is directed by Anurag Kashyap's protege Ritesh Batra and stars Irrfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddique and Nimrat Kaur. It's a love story set in Mumbai between a young housewife and a middle aged man. Reportedly, Kashyap has got foreign producers to collaborate on the project. While 'Super Nani', based on women empowerment, shows how a grandson inspires his grandmother to do something worthwhile in life. Actress Rekha will be seen playing Sharman Joshi's grandma in the Indra Kumar-directed movie. "By default or otherwise I have ended up in a Bollywood movie. Currently I have two movies on the floor - Anurag Kashyap's 'Lunch Box' and Inder Kumar's 'Super Naani'. Both are very talented and respected directors from the industry. I will be playing a cameo," Kapoor told PTI. "It is a small but pivotal role, which directly affects the character of the protagonist in the film. I play myself in both the films. For me the small screen and the big screen are both the same, as long as I get to do good work," he said. Kapoor reveals he might even consider doing bigger roles in films and might produce films as well. "If I am offered a big role I would definitely consider it. I had never thought that I would end up being the first chef in the world to own a television channel. I think one can't predict the future but the chances of me turning into a film producer in the future must not be ruled out," he said.-PTI
Manoj Bajpayee. The revered Rs 100 crore club - of actors whose movies hit the 100 crore mark at the box office - may soon be a thing of the past if Akshay's news turns out to be true. Rs 2000 crore may just be the next achievable target by Bollywood stars. Piffling benchmark Meanwhile filmmaker Karan Johar, co-chairman of the FICCI Frames 2013, says the focus on the Rs.100 crore benchmark, is limiting the growth and content of Bollywood films at a time when the aim must be to mint Rs.1,000 crore from one film. "Rs.100 crore is restricting the limits of our self. We must add one more zero the Rs.100 crore films and take it to the next level. Rs.100 crore is limiting the growth and content (of films). The possibilities are endless, and we must focus on Rs.1000 crore mark instead," Karan said. "In the next five years, we will be in a position... it might sound aspirational, but there is a possibility that we may have achieved all that," added the filmmaker.
Why do we shout in anger & whisper in love? DR KK AGGARWAL
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disciple asked his Guru 'Why do people shout in anger and whisper in love'? The saint explained, 'When two people are angry at each other, the distance between their hearts increases. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance. The saint continued, 'What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly, why? Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is very small.' The saint further said, 'When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all. That is how close two people are when they love each other. When you argue do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other more, else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return. Dr Aggarwal is Padmashri, Dr B C Roy National Awardee, National Vice President Elect IMA and President Heart Care Foundation of India.
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Most searched Bollywood celebrity
Sunny Leone
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dult star-turnedBollywood actress Sunny Leone was searched online 3.5 crore times in December 2012 Ever since shifting base to India and Bollywood, Sunny Leone has consistently found a place in most popularity polls. It's no
surprise then, that the adult star is currently the most searched Bollywood celebrity in the world. In December 2012, she was searched 3.5 crore times, as per cumulative data gathered from Google, YouTube and the Times of India website. Considering her profile, second ranker Katrina Kaif, with 1.6 crore searches should not grudge her this place. While the ladies do take the cake in this list, Salman Khan is the only male star in the top 5. With his box-office prowess, his charisma and his power to captivate the masses, Salman has successfully captured the imagination of the lowest common denominator. It's obvious then, that everyone wants to know everything about him, bringing his total to a massive 1 crore searches.
Sonal Chauhan turns singer for '3G'
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onal Chauhan is the latest actress to turn singer. She has sung a song in her forthcoming film "3G" and thanks music composer Mithoon for encouraging her by giving this opportunity. "It was a very good experience and I would like to thank Mithoon for it because he encouraged me a lot. I have always been a big fan of his music. I think encouragement was necessary because I am not professionally trained in music," the 27-year-old said at the music launch of the film at Big FM.
"Mithoon believed in me and he asked me to try it. I would like to thank Mithoon in front of everyone for giving me this opportunity, I love singing," she added. Sonal has sung the song "Kaise bataaoon" along with KK. Earlier, actors like Akshay Kumar ("Special Chabbis"), Aditi Rao Hydari ("London, Paris, New York"), Ayushmann Khurrana ("Vicky Donor"), Shah Rukh Khan ("Josh"), Aamir Khan ("Ghulam"), Amitabh Bachchan ("Baghban", "Kahaani", "Natwarlal") among others have gone behind the mic.
Shah Rukh, Katrina rock Oman
MUSCAT: Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif performed in Muscat, as part of the Temptations Reloaded tour and left Bollywood fans in the capital city of Oman wild with their energetic dancing on the eve of Valentine's Day. This is the first time that Shah
Rukh and Katrina performed together live in a full-fledged stage show. Preity Zinta, Ali Zafar, and singers Anushka Manchanda and Shalmali Kholgade also put up spirited performances. The gala organized by Oman Automobile Association Club had
more than 25,000 spectators cheering and screaming hoarse for the Bollywood stars. Shah Rukh performed a medley of his hit songs spanning his career, from Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen to Chhammak Chhallo. Katrina did a belly dance to the tune of her hit track Mashallah from Ek Tha Tiger. The two then came together for a romantic performance on the beats of Saans, the popular love song from their Diwali release Jab Tak Hai Jaan. Preity joined SRK dressed as a Kashmiri belle and they performed on Bhumbro Bhumbro from Mission Kashmir. Preity also danced on the title song of Koi Mil Gaya. Ali Zafar presented a few songs from his films such as London Paris New York and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. He also called a few girls on the stage, who were floored when he agreed to dance with him.
Muscat girl's dream date with SRK
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here are millions of girls who dream of being in the same room as Shah Rukh Khan, not to mention get a chance to talk to him, touch him and be 'woo-ed' by him with a song and dance. But one lucky girl - Amira from Muscat - got to do all that at the Temptation Reloaded event, recently. It is reminiscent of the Bruce Springsteen show from many decades ago, when he called a girl from the crowd to sing and dance with him on his song Dancing In The Dark. The girl in question went on to become a celebrity herself. She is none other than Courtney Cox who played Monica Geller in Friends. We don't know if Amira will become a celebrity in her own right but following this stage appearance she will soon become a missus! She plans to marry her boyfriend who made it possible for her to be with her idol! Amira, a student from Oman, not only got to see SRK in person, she also had an opportunity to groove with him on stage. It so happened that her
Amira dancing with Shah Rukh Khan
boyfriend knowing she is a fan of SRK, got the tickets for the show as a Valentine gift. And Amira had no idea what was awaiting her at the event. Says a source who was present at the show, "The girl was sitting in one of the front rows, and by chance SRK happened to call her on stage. She couldn't believe her
luck and initially just started crying. Soon, she was given a costume to wear and she danced to a couple of romantic SRK numbers including Aankhon Mein Teri and Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaun with him. She was so overwhelmed that she said she will marry her boyfriend at the earliest as he had fulfilled her wish."
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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar
MARCH 1 ST - MARCH 7 TH 2013 (March 21 to April 20)
E
xpect big financial growth this week. Money will pour in from various places. You will gain from a very influential person. Avoid any argument with a sibling and especially the one who is younger than you. You may start to worry about a relationship recently started. You may buy some nice decorative items for the house.
(July 23 to August 22)
A
n old health issue that pops up from time to time could bother you and this time you may decide to go for minor surgery to take care of it once for all. Boss will call and discuss an interesting assignment. Some of you may travel to a neighboring state to attend an event. It will be another good week for brokers.
(April 21 to May 20)
Y
ou may finally lay your hands on a nice piece of property. You will finish the project well before deadline and earn appreciation from boss. People in business will see increased foot traffic and may get new long term contracts. Some one close will really benefit from your expert and valuable opinion.
(August 23 to September 22)
S
ome cracks could start to appear in a recent business partner ship or a relationship. Spouse will need minor surgery if now now but in next few weeks. Some one you never trusted will give you some useful lead and show you the easy way to hit your goals. Legal bills may put a hole in your savings this week.
(May 21 to June 20)
W
atch out for a colleague trying to make things tough by inciting boss against you. You may purchase another car for personal use. Value of your assets and stocks will appreciate. You may call some one to seek legal advice on an important matter. Money will come in plenty but will disappear very fast this week.
(September 23 to October 22)
F
inancial opportunity will put you back on driving seat. You will try to maintain a balance between professional and personal life, though it will be not that easy this week. Project you are involved in can take you to financial freedom in next few months. You will also receive money in shape or rent or brokerage.
(October 23 to November 22)
(June 21 to July 22)
B
eing emotional is not going to help. You should gather all force and go after who's been a pain and a half for past several years if you really want the past not to haunt you any more. Expect some improvements in career as boss will take lots of pressure off you. You may receive a big check from a government agency.
A
ny legal process started at this point will not get you any where. Forget about any financial benefits but you will end up spending a fortune on legal fees. Things will continue to grow slow and steady in career. You may purchase some high tech gadget for your self. Dispose off money making stocks this week. (November 23 to December 22)
Y
ou will need to put your foot down and stick to your guns. Other party does not have much resistance and will give in quickly. You may have a small injury on hand while handling some tool. You may need to help a child with some paper work and money too. Working extra hours this week will be rewarding in many ways. (December 22 to January 19)
A
void any speculation and stocks for few more weeks. Quick actions can get you a big contract this week. An old friend will give useful hints. You will be spending more time outside or away from home. You may also buy some gadget for the kitchen. Some of you may start applying for another job at far off places. (January 20 to February 18)
I
t will be an exciting week. New relationship or partners will create enough motivation in life. Changes you had been waiting for can also take place in career this week. You will be invited to a big get together. You may need to help a child with studies. You may dispose off some stocks also and pocket the money. (February 19 to March 20)
Y
ou will really enjoy the company of a new friend and even make some future plans. Try not to waste money on things you do not need anyway. Health issues can be controlled by home made remedies only. You may start gathering paper work to apply for a loan also. Just phone calls will make things happen for you.
Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
510-886-4370 website: www.parashar.com
Philosophy
March 1, 2013
India Post
53
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Page Sponsored by Sahanis MOTHER (MIRRA ALFASSA)
I
am with you because I am you or you are me. I am with you, that signifies a world of things, because I am with you on all levels, on all planes, from the supreme consciousness down to my most physical consciousness. Here, in Pondicherry, you cannot breathe without breathing my consciousness. It saturates the atmosphere almost materially, in the subtle physical, and extends to the Lake, ten kilometers from here. Farther, my consciousness can be felt in the material vital, then on the mental plane and the other higher planes, everywhere. When I came here for the first time, I felt the atmosphere of Sri Aurobindo, felt it materially at a distance of ten miles, ten nautical miles, not kilometers. It was very sudden, very concrete, an atmosphere pure, luminous, light, light that lifts you up. It is now long since Sri Aurobindo has put up everywhere in the Ashram this reminder that you all know: "Always behave as if the Mother was looking at you, because she is, indeed, always present." This is not a mere phrase, not simply words, it is a fact. I am with you in a very concrete manner and they who have a subtle vision can see me. P D OUSPENSKY
T
he first step in acquiring consciousness is the real ization that we are not conscious. When you become identified you cannot observe. Another illusion is that we are awake. When we realize that we are asleep we will see that all history is made by people who are asleep. Sleeping people fight, make laws; sleeping people obey or disobey them. The worst of our illusions are the wrong ideas among which we live and which govern our lives. If we could change our attitude towards these wrong ideas and understand what they are, this in itself would be a great change and would immediately change other things. We speak only about consciousness and mechanicalness. If a role is mechanical, we must observe it and not identify with it. The most difficult thing is to act yourself consciously. The aim is to reach higher states of consciousness and to be able to work with higher centers. These small things happen according to certain definite circumstances which control them. You
In a general way my Force is there constantly at work, constantly shifting the psychological elements of your being to put them in new relations and defining to yourself the different facets of your nature so that you may see what should be changed, developed, rejected. But that apart, there is a special personal tie between you and me, between all who have turned to the teaching of Sri Aurobindo and
These communications reach me evidently at any moment, and you must have seen me more than once stop suddenly in the middle of a sentence or work; it is because something comes to me, a communication and I concentrate. With those whom I have accepted as disciples, to whom I have said Yes, there is more than a tie, there is an emanation of me. This emanation warns me when-
sciousness, I make contact with this subtle physical plane and the disc begins to turn. Then I see how things are, their development in time, the actual result. And if for some reason you write to me asking for my help and I answer "I am with you", it means that the communication with you becomes active, you come into my active consciousness for a time, for the time necessary. And this tie between you and
'I am with you on all levels, on all planes'
Mother (Mirra Alfassa)
myself - and, it is well understood, distance does not count here, you may be in France, you may be at the other end of the world or in Pondicherry, this tie is always true and living. And each time there comes a call, each time there is a need for me to know so that I may send out a force, an inspiration, a protection or any other thing, a sort of message comes to me all of a sudden and I do the needful. think you control them, but in reality they happen. We cannot 'do' because we are asleep. How can sleeping people 'do'? It is necessary to be awake; when one is awake, one can 'do'. Discipline is good if it is discipline. But if it is just an arbitrary invention, then it can give no result. The most important aspect of discipline is not expressing negative emotions and not indulg-
‘My Force is there constantly at work, constantly shifting the psychological elements of your being to put them in new relations and defining to yourself different facets of your nature’ ever it is necessary and tells me what is happening. Indeed I receive intimations constantly, but not all are recorded in my active memory, I would be flooded; the physical consciousness acts like a filter. Things are recorded on a subtle plane, they are there in a latent state, something like a piece of music that is recorded without being played, and when I need to know with my physical conmany of them never meet. When you realize that you are not one, that you are many, that you may know something for certain in the morning and know nothing about it in the afternoon, then this realization is the beginning. I do not mean that if we realize this plurality we can change it and become different; but this realization is the first step. Study of false personality is
me is never cut. There are people who have long ago left the Ashram, in a state of revolt, and yet I keep myself informed of them, I attend to them. You are never abandoned. In truth, I hold myself responsible for everyone, even for those whom I have met only for one second in my life. The 135th birth anniversary of Mother was celebrated on February 21 every possible way to stop selfremembering, takes some form of sleep and calls it self-remembering. Then it is quite happy. You must not trust your false personality-its ideas, its words, its actions. You cannot destroy it, but you can make it passive for some time and then, little by little, you can make it weaker. If you want to remember yourself, the best thing is not
All history is made by people who are asleep
P D Ouspensky
ing in negative emotions. Mechanical tasks cannot give any result, but if you catch yourself at a moment of negative emotion and stop it-this is discipline. We begin with our plurality. When I first spoke of the many 'I's in us, I said that new 'I's jump up every moment, control things for a brief time and disappear, and
We speak only about consciousness and mechanicalness. If a role is mechanical, we must observe it and not identify with it. The most difficult thing is to act yourself consciously one of the quickest methods for self-remembering. The more you understand your false personality, the more you will remember yourself. What prevents self-remembering is, first of all, false personality. It cannot and does not wish to remember itself, and it does not wish to let any other personality remember. It tries in
to think about yourself. As long as you think about yourself, you will not remember yourself. Catch a moment when you are particularly far from remembering yourself-at this moment you will remember yourself. The 135th birth anniversary of P.D. Ouspensky will be observed on March 5
It is the nature of great souls to act spontaneously for the relief of the distress of others, just as the moon here of itself protects the earth parched by the heat of the fierce rays of the sun. -Adi Shankaracharya Self-inquiry must be done continuously. It doesn't work if you regard it as a part-time activity. -Annamalai Swami Give to your fellow what he needs to accomplish what life asked of him. Do not impose on another your idea of how he should best live. -Jean Klein The infinite truth latent in everything reveals itself only when life is accepted in its totality. -Meher Baba The very search for pleasure is the cause of pain. -Nisargadatta Maharaj Those in whose heart Rama (god) abides never die nor can be cheated. -Guru Nanak Dev
You Insure all your Valuables, all are replaceable except YOU! So 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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Gwadar & China's search for a maritime Lebensraum VIJAY SHANKAR
C
hina's quest to secure rights of passage to the sea is to insure against the uncertainties of access to resources. It has led the country to the 'Northern Passage'; significantly, the route avoids two sensitive 'choke points', the Malacca Strait and the Suez Canal. China also theorizes that the road to securing lines of communication is through a strategy of 'Access Denial.' The strategy was founded on China's security concern with Taiwan where its logic is obvious. But, enabling such a strategy on a global scale invites confrontation. Today, China is the world's largest exporter; its economy is second to the US and it is the third largest energy consumer. When we look at the growth pattern of India since liberalization, we note a similar trend. Indeed, with one third of this growth being powered by trade to the East and China, our largest trading partner, the requirement to secure these interests becomes vital. In this circumstance, the race to garner resources by two very large economies is fraught. But the real alarm is that China seeks to influence and dominate international regulatory and security institutions without bringing about a change within its own biological morphology. China's disputed claims on the South China Sea (SCS); its handling of internal dissent; and proliferatory carousing with North Korea and Pakistan are cases that do not inspire confidence in change occurring within. The emergence of China from out of its defensive maritime perimeters, as defined by the first and second island chains, into the Indian Ocean is seen as the coming 'Third Security Chain'. Gone is the 'power bashfulness' that marked the Deng era, in its place is a cockiness that is discernible by the contemporary conviction that "the-world-needs-Chinamore-than-China-the-world".
Evolution of China's Maritime Strategy China published its sixth Defense White Paper in January 2008. The paper notes that struggle for cornering strategic resources, dominating geographically vital areas and tenanting strategic locations have intensified. Power as a natural currency of politics remained the preferred instrument.
Under these circumstances, the portents for conflict are ever present and would therefore demand preparedness, modernization and strategic orientation of a nature that would serve to neutralize friction (Cheng-Kun, 2008: 49-60). Central to the Paper is that "influence of military-security factors on international relations is mounting". 'Active Defense', embracing the development of bases overseas to launch strategy along with advanced assault and enhanced strike capabilities, remained the means. Doctrinal underpinnings to realize such capabilities and the development of 'Access Denial and Control' strategy are now at the core of Chinese military thought (Cheng-Kun: ibid). Two events of the 1990s have shaped Chinese strategy. From the Gulf War of 1991, China took home a reason for strategic pre-emption
aircrafts operating from Aan or Gwadar; one amphibious brigade standby with transports on hand at one of the 'string of pearls.' A regiment of ASAT missiles, along with cyber teams to wage information warfare that will seek to paralyze hostile operations.
To counter an enabled theory The principal demand of maritime operations is to attain a strategic position that would permit control of oceanic spaces. It therefore comes as no surprise that China develops forces and alliances necessary to realize an 'access denial' strategy. Consistent with theory is their shipbuilding program of escorts and scouts to exercise control; and aircraft carriers assisted by strike and denial forces for security of control. Control and security of control is the classic model that
Gwadar port
(Wilson and Xue, 2006: 237). The second was the Taiwan crisis of 1995-1996, where the US deployment of two carrier groups in the Strait embarrassingly infringed sovereignty. These episodes triggered the 'Access Denial' strategy. The development of capabilities, in material terms, operational precepts and strategic alliances threaten to upset the status quo. Operating from infrastructure cultivated in Sittwe and Aan in Myanmar, Hambantotta in Sri Lanka, Maroa in the Maldives and Gwadar in Pakistan gives legs to long range access denial. Specific operational deployments to muscle China's maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean may include one carrier group; Ballistic Missile Nuclear Submarine on deterrent patrol; nuclear powered attack submarines on sea lines patrol with cooperating surface groups and maritime patrol aircrafts; long range maritime strike
China's naval growth has been inspired by. China has unambiguously articulated its three strategic objectives; stability, growth and regional pre-eminence. The problem with such sweeping strategies, specifically the coming 'Third Security Chain' superimposed on access denial, is its blindness to recognize that we are dealing with a sea space that is the busiest of all the "vast commons". The reluctance for collaboration makes the potential for friction high. The only consideration that could deter a collision is the ability of India to attain a strategic posture that serves to stabilize. India's relationship with the US provides opportunity to establish cooperative security in the region that could counterpoise China's self-centered view of globalization. The writer is former Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command of India. Courtesy IPCS
Where's the PM?
E
ven as an increasing number of aspirants keep throwing their hats in the ring for the covetous prime ministership in 2014, we tend to forget that we already have a Prime Minister. Unlike in most other countries however, he remains off the radar even when he is occasionally seen on the TV screens doing some ritual welcomings or making hardly noticeable speeches. His absence is most glaring when crucial decisions are taken in the government. For instance, there has been a lot of debate on the rights and wrongs of the hanging of the alleged Kashmiri terrorist Afzal Guru. Credits and blames are being apportioned but none of these sticks to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. It is not known whether he had any role in this hanging and if so what was his stand. Did the villain of the piece, home minister Sushilkumar Shinde, seeks his approval before signaling the execution? Was he even kept informed or just bypassed? Shinde had boasted after the execution of Ajmal Kasab, the Pakistani terrorist, that the Prime Minister and Congress president Sonia Gandhi came to know about it after the event. He was keen to take all credit to himself just to prove how tough a home minister he was! Was it the same case this time also? Even if Manmohan Singh knew that Afzal Guru was going to be hanged, did he not object that the event would put to naught his efforts to bring back normalcy in Kashmir? Manmohan Singh had invested a lot on his attempts to talk to Kashmiris and resolve their sense of alienation when he appointed a panel of three interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir. In their report, the Center's interlocutors had recommended setting up of a constitutional committee to review all Acts and Articles of the Constitution of India extended to Jammu and Kashmir while favoring upholding of Article 370. Manmohan Singh's government "studied" the report and did nothing in the way of implementation. Was the exercise of setting up the three-member commission a farce? Was Manmohan Singh fooling the Kashmiris? Did he never have any intention of addressing the problems of Kashmiris? Was he only buying time? Whatever be the case it can't be said he would have liked to further complicate the problem for Kashmiris. In this election-eve year he would not give a new agenda to the separatists and their ilk. Apparently the government is in no position to execute many of its programs, but thanks to the new found gumption of Sushilkumar Shinde, it has taken a lead in executions. In defense of Shinde it is being said that the BJP was threatening to blow up the non-execution of Afzal Guru as an election plank for 2014. Shinde had already been frightened out of his wits with the threat of the BJP to boycott him in parliament and elsewhere in view of his remarks about "Hindu terrorists." So in an attempt to take the wind out of the BJP sails, he executed a Muslim terrorist to prove his "secular" credentials and has now landed himself in a worse soup. In spite of the BJP rhetoric about Afzal Guru, that party would never have executed Afzal Guru. Former Research and Analysis Wing chief AS Dulat is reported to have said that former Prime Minister AB Vajpayee, whom he served as an adviser, wouldn't have sent Guru to the gallows, regardless of the BJP's demand for his execution. Proof of that was his offer of talks to Pakistan within a year of the 2001 attack on Parliament. It is pertinent to ask, is Sushilkumar Shinde running the Indian government? Why has he been allowed a free hand to make a mess in the Home Ministry? Where is the Prime Minister in all this? Would he not like to have a word with his Home Minister? Or, in case the physical and mental exertions of office are proving too much for his old age, would he not, like the Pope, step down?
March 1, 2013
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