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'Sikh Captain America' takes on Trump Details on page 7

VOL 21, No. 1128

May 13, 2016

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Panama Papers show 2,000 Indian links Details on page 9

Shashank Manohar quits as BCCI Chief Details on page 8

INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Can Kal Penn work in a Hindi movie?

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Exposure of Pak deceit doesn’t shame them?

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KAL PENN CRITICAL OF MODI POLICIES

7 interested buyers for UK Tata Steel

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GRANDSONS OF SOIL: Indian-American actor Kal Penn and US Ambassador to India Richard Verma visiting the Tata Power Delhi Distributions smart grid lab in Delhi on May 9

NEW DELHI: American actor, director and White House official in the Obama administration, Kal Penn says that he strongly differs with PM Modi's conservative politics. In India to shoot for Guneet Monga's Ashram, Penn said that he is, on the other hand, a huge fan of President Obama's libertine ideals.

"On policy, I would differ fairly strongly with PM Modi. I am a huge fan of religious diversity and secularism, women's rights and LGBT rights, all of the things that I wish progress in India, as they continue to in the rest of the world," said Penn.

"On one hand, regardless of any president or prime minister, we cannot forget any of our histories. I don't think you have to learn from it and build upon it.

My politics align more with president Obama, than some of our conservative friends. I know that differs from Prime Minister Modi's path quite a bit."

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Details on page 5

Sadiq Khan sworn-in as London mayor Details on page 6

India calls for 'genuine' coop to fight terror Details on page 8

Indian-Americans charged with H-1B visa fraud Details on page 8

Tagore Project launched in London Details on page 9

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 48 Community Post -------------- 16-24 Date Book -------------------------- 47 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-35 Horoscope ------------------------- 31 Immigration Post ------------- 45-46 Life Style ----------------------- 50-53 Philosophy ------------------------- 49 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 42-43 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-15 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 36-39

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kay, here's why I think the Republicans are more worried of a possible Donald Trump nomination as their Presidential candidate than the Democrats. While I would advise the Democrats not to take the projection of Trump as "unelectable" lightly (because miraculous results on election night that debunk polls are not uncommon in a democracy), I would concur with this set of observers who say the GOP has more to lose if Trump makes it to the final run and worse… if he actually wins the Presidency.

Over last couple of decades the Republican Party has become the playhouse of the extreme rightwing Libertarians - the uber rich Americans who used their billions to systematically infiltrate ultra conservative values right from institutions of higher education to politics. This powerful group's basic "small government, no taxes, anti-welfare, what-the-hell-is-climate-change" propaganda pushed by unaccounted dark money have literally bought many a Republican candidate their elections at the state level and in the US Congress, the most spectacular results of which were witnessed by the nation in the 2010 midterms.

Now the problem with Trump is, being a billionaire himself, he is no puppet in the hands of the dark money funders like the Koch brothers and their ilk. If elected President, a megalomaniac with no ideological depth like Trump would be impossible to rein in for the country's rich; and in the scenario where Trump is nominated but loses the big election, it would mean a straight 16 years or more of liberal policy enforcement, which will effectively erode the returns on their investments on Republican candidates over the years.

My own concern over a possible Trump victory is somewhat facetious. I'm afraid four years into his presidency, unable to deal with the noose-like foreign policy strings attached to the more than $19 trillion American debt, he might simply declare Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In Trump's words, that would be "smart business". But for America, it just might be an awakening to a new world order.

So let's go for a Democrat again. An unknowable devil may be better in this case than the known devil.

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Fully chained Randeep Hooda chained himself with heavy handcuffs weighing 2.5 kg in each hand to get into the character of 'Sarbjit'

Cover Story: Strong difference Visiting India, Indian American actor Kal Penn says that he strongly differs with Prime Minister Modi's conservative politics.

Community: Musical extravaganza Shanti, a journey of peace, is a musical extravaganza denoting peace, tranquility, serenity and a state of oneness

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Immigration: $48 bn remittances India has received USD 48 billion in remittances in the first nine months of the previous fiscal, the government has informed

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Hiring slowdown American employers signaled their caution about a sluggish economy by slowing their pace of hiring in April after months

Shimla Its elegant streets, plummeting torrents and salubrious climate make Shimla a thriving hotspot for honeymooners.

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Kal Penn critical of Modi policies NEW DELHI: American actor, director and White House official in the Obama administration, Kal Penn says that he strongly differs with PM Modi's conservative politics. In India to shoot for Guneet Monga's Ashram, Penn said that he is, on the other hand, a huge fan of President Obama's libertine ideals.

"On policy, I would differ fairly strongly with PM Modi. I am a huge fan of religious diversity and secularism, women's rights and LGBT rights, all of the things that I wish progress in India, as they continue to in the rest of the world," said Penn.

"On one hand, regardless of

any president or prime minister, we cannot forget any of our histories. I don't think you have to learn from it and build upon it. My politics align more with president Obama, than some of our conservative friends. I know that differs from Prime Minister Modi's path quite a bit."

However, Penn also added that he is fascinated by how Modi and Obama work together to build better ties, despite owing to differing ideologies. "Although they would differ on policy if they were in the same country, but because they get along as world leaders, they work towards better opportunities to advance trade, to have an open

discussion about women and LGBT rights, about the environment, the industry and national security partnerships, in order to make both countries stronger," he said. "That's also a lesson for me to learn, on how you may disagree on a lot of things about a person's history and yet work together."

Penn, born Kalpan Suresh Modi, to Gujarati immigrants was raised in New Jersey. He was taken to Shastri Market Camp near Moti Bagh and Tata's Smart Grid Lab in Rohini by US ambassador Richie R Verma. Later, they also had a discussion of Namesake in the American Centre in the afternoon.

Verma, who hosted a reception

for Penn in the American Embassy in the evening, introduced him as someone whose career stands on

parents were part of India's freedom struggle. "I hope he continues to do so," said Verma.

Kal Penn talks on 'Cultural Connections in US-India Relations' at American Center, New Delhi

a wide range of roles. "He has produced, directed, and starred in serious roles, in comedy, in stoner films. He is a great actor. What we also discovered is that he was also

Penn also said that he disagreed the divisive ideals of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. "There are many Republican voters in America, and

the director of the office of public engagement in the Obama administration, a job he had to leave to resume films," said Verma. "He has been standing for the minority communities, and the voiceless, for Asian-Americans and other groups, purely unsung. There are no cameras, or press around him then; just him helping people."

Verma also spoke about the strong inspiration that Penn draws from the fact that his grand-

most of them did not vote for Trump in the Republican primary.

It's just that in some states he got the majority. If you look at the votes, and at all the applicants, and add up all the numbers, then one will see that many people are not voting for him. America belongs to all of us, and we are all Americans. And I hope that rhetoric purposefully wins over another that tries to diversify us," he said.-Courtesy DNA

U.S. Ambassador Richard R. Verma and Kal Penn together visited the Shastri Market Camp near Moti Bagh

Would love to work with Amitabh Bachchan NEW DELHI: Amitabh Bachchan brings out the fanboy in Indian-American star Kal Penn, who says he would love to be a part of the independent movies coming out of the country.

When asked who brings out the fanboy in him from Bollywood, Penn, 39, says, "Every actor has said that they want to work with Amitabh Bachchan, so that's probably given."

Irrfan, his co-star from "The Namesake", is another actor that impresses Penn a lot.

"One of the things that I like watching about Irrfan is that he has done these big budget movies but the way he utilizes si-

lence in his films is so amazing.

He does not need to say anything but you understand exactly what he is thinking."

Penn, currently in India to shoot for Guneet Monga's "The Ashram", says he would love to work with the new age directors as his recent favorite movie from India was "Bombay Talkies".

"The movie that I am working on is called The Ashram. It's a spiritual thriller... It has a global cast with global sentiments...

From last couple years my favorite movie is Bombay Talkies... that's incredible.

"I would love to work with any of those four directors. I keep emailing Zoya (Akhtar). Can I work with you please? She is very

sweet, we are friends but my Hindi is not good."

Penn shot to fame with his popular comedy "Harold & Kumar" and the actor has a crackling sense of humor, which he displays by describing the plot of an Indian TV show that he is currently watching in his bid to learn Hindi.

"One keeps hearing that they learnt English by watching TV and movies... I ordered the desi cable package... I could not understand most of it because it is so fast but these are like mother-in-law shows and I am totally, I am not kidding you... I am totally addicted to Saath Nibhana Sathiya," says Penn. -PTI

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Sadiq Khan sworn-in as London mayor LONDON: Sadiq Khan has been sworn-in as London's mayor after he won by a record margin to become the first Muslim to occupy the top post. He hailed his

the new mayor of London at a multi-faith ceremony in Southwark Cathedral here.

The first Muslim mayor of the British capital received a stand-

Britain’s incoming London Mayor Sadiq Khan reacts during his swearing-in ceremony at Southwark Cathedral in cental London on May 7

victory as a triumph of "hope over fear and unity over division."

Khan, the son of a Pakistani bus driver, beat Conservative Zac Goldsmith with 57 per cent votes - the largest mandate of any British politician in history - marking the return of Labor rule to the UK capital after eight years.

Khan was officially sworn-in as

ing ovation as he walked into the hall after he won 1,310,143 votes to beat his nearest Conservative rival Goldsmith.

"Good morning. My name is Sadiq Khan and I'm the mayor of London. I will be a mayor for all Londoners," he said, before signing his declaration of office.

The 45-year-old is the third

person to become the elected mayor of London, after fellow Labor politician Ken Livingstone and Conservative Boris Johnson.

In his victory speech at City Hall, his new office, Khan described London as the "greatest city in the world" and said he had never imagined that "someone like me could be elected as mayor of London".

"Thank you London. London is the greatest city in the world. I am so proud of our city. I am deeply humbled by the hope and trust you have placed in me today. I want every single Londoner to get the opportunities that our city gave to me and my family," Khan said.

"The opportunities, not just to survive but to thrive," he said.

Making a direct reference to the divisive campaign run by Goldsmith's team, which has been criticized for its attempts to link Khan with extremist personalities, he said, "This election was not without controversy and I am so proud that London has today chosen hope over fear and unity over division."

"I hope that we will never be offered such a stark choice again.

Fear doesn't make us safer, it only makes us weaker, and the politics of fear is simply not welcome in our city," he said.

Khan received 57 per cent of the total votes in the so-called 'Super Thursday' elections, compared to Goldsmith's 994,614, after the capital had its largest ever voting turnout at 45.6 per cent.

Khan's win seemed inevitable as all first preference votes were counted, giving him a 46 per cent vote share, nine points ahead of Goldsmith.

Though it appeared mathematically impossible that Goldsmith could catch him on second-

preference votes, but the count had to officially go into second preference votes to cover the 50 per cent vote share mark required for a clear victory.

Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn had tweeted his congratulations to Khan way before the formal announcement, "Can't wait to work with you to create a London that is fair for all! #YesWeKhan."

The new mayor, who succeeds Boris Johnson, has control over four major policy areas in London - transport, policing, environment, and housing and planning - under the London Assembly's scrutiny.

Scotland Yard Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said, "I look forward to working with him, and all London's new and reelected Assembly members, to

A prominent figure in former Labor Prime Minister Gordon Brown's Cabinet, he had resigned from the shadow Cabinet last year to launch his campaign to replace Johnson - whose second and final term as London mayor came to an end.

Khan relied mainly on his solid working class roots and upbringing on a London council housing estate as strong credentials against Goldsmith's more privileged background.

Oxford-educated Goldsmith, the son of late billionaire Sir James Goldsmith and brother of Jemima Khan, trailed through most of the mayoral campaign - attributed by some to his camp's failed attempts to link Khan with extremist personalities.

Jemima, former wife of Paki-

“London is the greatest city in the world. I am so proud of our city. I am deeply humbled by the hope and trust you have placed in me today. I want every single Londoner to get the opportunities that our city gave to me and my family," Khan said continue transforming the Met (Metropolitan Police) to keep London one of the safest capitals in the world."

Outgoing mayor Boris Johnson said, "Many congratulations to Sadiq on securing a huge mandate to do the best job in British politics. I wish him every possible success."

Britain's senior-most Muslim Cabinet minister, also of Pakistaniorigin, business secretary Sajid Javid tweeted, "From one son of a Pakistani bus driver to another, congratulations".

Khan is a former human rights lawyer and an MP from Tooting, east London, since 2005.

stani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, tweeted as the results became clear: "Sad that Zac's campaign did not reflect who I know him to be - an eco friendly, independent-minded politician with integrity."

Khan s personal triumph comes as a major boost for the Labor party, which had a rather poor showing in the overall polls, being relegated to third place in Scotland and just about holding on to its local council seats in London. This poll was seen as the single-largest test of political opinion before the next general election, which is scheduled for 2020.

-PTI

7 interested buyers for UK Tata Steel LONDON: Tata Steel Europe has announced it has received seven expressions of interest to acquire the firm's UK ailing business.

All seven have been "immediately taken forward" to the next stage of the sale process, which involves inputs from the UK government, the firm said in a statement.

Koushik Chatterjee, Group Executive Director (Finance and Corporate), Tata Steel Limited, said, "We are pleased with the response to the initial stage of the global sales process for Tata Steel's UK business. The announcement by Tata Steel Europe marks another important stage

gate in this process.

"The expressions of interest received have been through a robust initial assessment process with inputs received from the UK government whose views have been considered by the board.

"We believe that the bids being taken forward offer future prospects of sustainability for the UK business as a whole.

The sales process will continue as announced earlier in an expedited and robust manner to deliver greater clarity for all key stakeholders such as employees, customers and suppliers, he said.

"Whilst the sales process con-

tinues, Tata Steel's business in the UK under the new leadership team continues to focus on the business performance," he said.

The UK government has promised to put in place measures worth hundreds of millions of

Tata Steel Europe said it is also clarifying outstanding points with a number of other parties who have submitted an expression of interest

pounds to support any rescue deal for Tata's UK business which could include taking a stake of up to 25 per cent.

Tata Steel Europe said it is also clarifying outstanding points with a number of other parties who have submitted an expression of interest. It said that the seven expressions of interest being take forward fit in with the company's "primary intention" to ensure the sale of the whole of Tata Steel's UK business.

"Expressions of interest for parts of the UK business are not being taken forward at this point," the firm said.

In the next phase of the sales process the progressing interested parties will be given access to further business information and management team presentations in order for them to rapidly progress their interest to a binding stage.

Indian-origin businessman Sanjeev Gupta's Liberty House and Excalibur Steel UK Limited, a management buyout (MBO) team of former Tata Steel staff who have the backing of the Welsh government, are among the frontrunners to acquire the Indian steel giant's UK assets.

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'Sikh Captain America' takes on Trump WASHINGTON: Donald Trump wants to make America great again but 'Sikh Captain America' feels the presumptive Republican presidential nominee is making America hate again.

"Donald Trump has certainly been a candidate whose words have been alarming for someone like me, who happens to be at the front lines of bigotry in post-9/11 America," said Vishavjit Singh, a Washington-born Sikh artist-activist in his mid-40s who occasionally transforms into 'Sikh Captain America'.

Singh, who is a political cartoonist, on occasions transforms into 'Sikh Captain America', a costumed soldier with a turban who fights bigotry and champions cultural understanding through public appearances and talks.

As the film "Captain America: Civil War" plays at theatres, Singh drew a stark contrast between Trump and Captain America's alter ego, Steve Rogers - two iconic New York characters born in the 1940s.

"Captain America as a character would stand in complete opposition to Donald Trump and his candidacy. Today, besides ISIS,

the festering of extreme right-wing and supremacist forces at home will be targets for Captain America's wrath," he was quoted as saying by the Washington

compassion."

"He might be full of himself, overstuffed with his achievements with a towering skyscraper of an ego, but even deep inside

and future comic-book legends Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, who introduced their super-soldier by having him deliver a haymaker to the jaw of a reeling Hitler.

'Sikh Captain America' was also born in the Big Apple for sociopolitical reasons, as Singh was planning to attend his first New York Comic-Con as an exhibitor in the fall of 2011.

"Some of my art is informed by

my own experience on the streets of America and being targeted as an outsider - at times as a threat just based on my looks," Singh said. "So I had this vision of an American superhero fighting hate and intolerance."

"No other superhero seemed better placed for this task - I don't think I would have selected Superman or Batman," Singh said. PTI

7 interested buyers for UK Tata Steel Cont’d from page 6 “Sikh Captain America" cosplayer Vishavjit Singh in New York, from the short film "Red, White and Beard."

Post.

The artist also creates cartoon campaigns, such as the 'Send Sikh Note to Trump' postcard campaign, in which he and some of his fans send Trump a postcard every day "with a message focused on processing our anger inspired by his jingoistic madness into small kernels of humor and

him resides seeds of benevolence," Singh said.

"I wish him well; I wish him compassion; I wish him to realize the violence of his words; I wish him a landslide loss in the elections for his own good," he said.

Captain America was born in New York during World War II, from the minds of Jewish creators

These include the Port Talbot steel plant in south Wales, which is the UK's largest and employs around 4,000 workers as well as sites at Newport, where more than 1,300 people are employed, and Rotherham, which employs 1,200.

Last week, Prime Minister David Cameron said his government is "talking intensively" with Tata Steel and will work with it to create a shortlist of "serious" buy-

ers of the Indian steel giant's loss making units in the UK. "What we're doing is talking intensively with Tata to make sure they do everything they can to make sure this is a serious sales process," Cameron said while addressing the House of Commons.

"We need to work intensively with Tata and with those buyers to get that list down to those who are really seriously intending to bid for the business. It's a very short time table," he told MPs. -PTI

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India calls for 'genuine' coop to fight terror UNITED NATIONS: Describing the challenge posed by the growing terror threat as "daunting", India has called on the UN to do more to combat the scourge and emphasized that "genuine and effective" global cooperation is essential for achieving zero tolerance towards terrorism.

"The scale of challenge facing all our countries is daunting. No state is immune to this threat as

Having been a victim of terrorism for the past several decades, India is not only cognizant of the nature of the menace but also of the critical need for a collective international effort to counter terrorism, he said.

"Genuine and effective international cooperation is absolutely essential to meeting this challenge and is in our collective interest," he said.

With foreign terrorist fighters originating from more than 100 countries, Akbaruddin said UNCCT's work needs to take into account this "widespread malaise" and requires to be expanded to cover all affected regions continuing terrorist attacks across the world, many of them with links beyond the borders of the affected state, continue to demonstrate," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said here.

Addressing a meeting of the Advisory Board of the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), he said no single country, however rich or powerful, would be able to defeat the menace of terrorism acting alone.

Akbaruddin said while the United Nations is providing a "useful avenue" for such international cooperation to fight terrorism, the world body "requires doing more".

"We look forward to the UNCCT playing a useful part in contributing to the collective quest of 'zero tolerance for terrorism'," he said, adding that India attaches high importance to working towards strengthening of international cooperation in coun-

tering terrorism.

He emphasized that growth of the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters poses increasing threats and challenges and needs to be effectively countered.

Akbaruddin said tackling financing of terrorism is crucial in the fight against terrorism.

With foreign terrorist fighters originating from more than 100 countries, Akbaruddin said UNCCT's work needs to take into account this "widespread malaise" and requires to be expanded to cover all affected regions.

He reiterated that strengthening the legal capacities of member states to counter terrorism is "very important" in the fight to ensure the rule of law.

"The UNCCT working in unison with other UN agencies can be of assistance in strengthening the capacity of national legal systems to effectively prosecute and punish acts of terrorism," Akbaruddin said.

India, a member of UNCCT's Advisory Board, supports its work in contributing to the implementation of the Global CounterTerrorism Strategy (GCTF) of the United Nations through the Counter Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), he said. -PTI

Shashank Manohar quits as BCCI president MUMBAI: Shashank Manohar has resigned as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The development follows a proposed structural revamp of the International Cricket Council (ICC), that bars the chairman of the sport's governing body from holding any national or provincial position with any member board.

In a recent meeting in Dubai, the ICC decided that its chairman will be an independent one and will be elected in a secret ballot in May. The decision was taken following the Board and Committee meetings.

"The election process will be overseen by the ICC's independent Audit Committee Chairman

and all present and past ICC directors will be eligible to contest the election. However, candidates can only be nominated by a fellow ICC director who, in turn, will be allowed to provide no more than one nominee. Any nominee

Shashank Manohar

with the support of at least two Full Member ICC directors will be put forward as a candidate for election," the ICC release from that meeting had stated.

As per this, Manohar, who took over from N. Srinivasan as ICC chairman in November 2015, would not have been eligible to contest for the chairman's post in the upcoming ICC elections, if he had held on to his position with BCCI. Manohar, 58, earned a second term as the head of the Indian cricket board in October 2015 following the death of Jagmohan Dalmiya. With the board embroiled in a stand-off with the Supreme Court of India over the Justice Lodha Committee proposals to restructure the board, Manohar also ceded to several of the committee's requests, taking a particularly hard stand to rid the board of the prevalent conflict of interest situation.

Unconfirmed reports say that Sharad Pawar is likely to replace Manohar, while Anurag Thakur, Ajay Shirke and Rajeev Shukla are also in the race.

4 Indian-Americans charged with H-1B visa fraud WASHINGTON: Four IndianAmericans, including a couple from the Silicon Valley, have been charged in the US with conspiracy to commit H-1B visa fraud among other offences, federal prosecutors have said.

The couple - Sunitha Guntipally, Venkat Guntipally along with two others Pratap "Bob" Kondamoori and Sandhya Ramireddi have been charged in a 33-count indictment alleging crimes in connection with the submission of fraudulent applications for H-1B specialty-occupation work visas.

According to the indictment, the four defendants allegedly

Kondamoori's sister, Ramireddy of Pleasanton is alleged to have been the human resources manager and operations manager of all three companies.

All four defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud, false statements, mail fraud, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering and aiding and abetting these offences, the statement said.

According to the indictment, they submitted to the government or caused to be submitted, H-1B visa application materials stating that the foreign workers named in the applications would be placed at specific companies in the US.

used three California corporations to orchestrate the improper submission of more than one hundred H-1B visa applications.

In a statement, the US Attorney's Office Northern District of California said the husband and wife team of Venkat and Sunitha from the Silicon Valley founded and owned DS Soft Tech and Equinett, two employment-staffing companies for technology firms.

Venkat served as the president and Sunitha as the vice president of both companies.

Kondamoori, of Nevada is alleged to be the founder and owner of SISL Networks and

However, according to the indictment, those companies either did not exist or never intended to receive the foreign workers named in the defendants' applications.

Between 2010 and 2014, they submitted more than one hundred additional fraudulent petitions for foreign workers to be placed at other purported companies.

The indictment alleges that through their ownership, direction and control of DS Soft Tech and Equinett, the Guntipallys generated net profits from 2010 to 2014 of approximately USD 3.3 million and gross profits of approximately USD 17 million. -PTI

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Panama Papers show 2,000 Indian links NEW DELHI: The ICIJ has published a massive trove of 'Panama Papers' information on detailed offshore holding of companies in various tax haven nations including thousands of documents related to India linking close to 2,000 individuals, entities and addresses from the country.

"The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) publishes a searchable database

structures," the consortium said in its latest message.

A random check of the database for India displays about 22 offshore entities, 1,046 officers or individual links, 42 intermediaries and as many as 828 addresses within the country ranging from the tony and posh locations of metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai to mofussil locations like that in

A random check of the database for India displays about 22 offshore entities, 1,046 officers or individual links, 42 intermediaries and as many as 828 addresses within the country ranging from the tony and posh locations of metropolitan cities that strips away the secrecy of nearly 214,000 offshore entities created in 21 jurisdictions, from Nevada to Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands.

"The data, part of the Panama Papers investigation, is the largest ever release of information about offshore companies and the people behind them. This includes, when available, the names of the real owners of those opaque

Haryana's Sirsa, Bihar's Muzaffarpur and Madhya Pradesh's Mandasaur and state capital Bhopal.

The global body that brought out the first edition of the 'Panama Papers', by way of secret offshore data sourced from a Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, said the information about a particular country could have "duplicates" as it reiterated that "there are le-

gitimate uses for offshore companies and trusts."

"We do not intend to suggest or imply that any persons, companies or other entities included in the ICIJ Offshore Leaks Database have broken the law or otherwise acted improperly," the body said on its web portal as part of the disclaimer on the release of the offshore "leaks" database.

India, taking note of over 500 entities figuring during the release of the first set of names last month, had created a Multi-Agency Group (MAG) comprising officers from various central investigative agencies like the Income Tax department, FIU, RBI and Foreign Tax and Tax Research (FT and TR) under the Central Board of Direct Taxes apart from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money reviewing the probe in these cases.

Government has also said in the ongoing session of Parliament that the IT department has issued notices to a number of entities named in the list.

Indian investigators had said they "will be looking into" into as much fresh information that comes in this case including the latest revelations.

While stating that the ICIJ was

Canadian firm to sell canned air in India TORONTO, Canada: Just how Meanwhile, people from China packs costing between Rs 1,450 much is a breath of fresh air started purchasing the canisters and Rs 2,800.

How they collect the air is a worth? For people in New Delhi, online and many suggested that ranked number one on a WHO list what worked for smoke could ap- "trade secret" but it's a "giant of cities with the foulest air, it may ply to smog. Lam found a distribu- vacuum" process. "We suck up seem priceless. tor in China and now covers all the air in Banff, about 150,000 But a Canadian company seven cities, including Beijing and liters every time and it takes about thinks the price is about Rs 12.50 Shanghai, and has shipped nearly 40 hours," Lam said.

He's confident Indians may be (25 cents) per breath.

12,000 pieces to that country.

The start-up Vitality Air, based The product consists of com- in the market for clean, crisp Cain Edmonton in the western prov- pressed air, breathed in through a nadian air. "The pollution in India ince of Alberta, plans to start sell- mask, and comes in two flavors - is more than in China, we expect it to be our largest maring canned natural air ket." from the Canadian Taking charge of Rockies to Indian conIndia operations is sumers this May. The Vancouver-based Juscompany made plenty tin Dhaliwal, who said of headlines in Canada 100 bottles have arin 2015 after it rived there and they'll launched its product in be test-marketing it China, where smog levsoon, beginning with els in Beijing and other sending samples to big cities make for a the Canadian high close parallel to Delhi. commission in New Vitality Air's Delhi and setting up founder Moses Lam Vitality Air’s founder Moses Lam has shipped nearly 12,000 kiosks in malls while said: "It started as a pieces of the canned natural air to smog-hit Beijing raising social media novelty back in the summer of last year. There were Banff and Lake Louise. Banff in visibility.

Lam said their experience in forest fires in Calgary and with all Alberta is a national park and a the smoke, people started using popular resort. "It's close to China showed that users included our product."

Edmonton to start with, and it's pregnant mothers, corporate exThe former mortgage banker actually a natural treasure of ecutives, and even students prewanted to "do something disrup- Canada, it portrays fresh air," Lam paring for examinations. Now, they're waiting with bated breath tive" and the obvious model was said. the ubiquitous bottled mineral That air is made available in 3- to see if the concept takes off in water. litre and 8-litre cans, with twin- India. -Courtesy Hindustan Times

releasing these additional details on names and addresses in "public interest", it added that the latest action was also an effort to "find out who s behind almost 320,000 offshore companies and trusts from the Panama Papers and the offshore leaks investigations."

A cursory glance of the names and addresses put up on the website of the body not only

Fonseca, one of the world's top creators of hard-to-trace companies, trusts and foundations.

"ICIJ is not publishing the totality of the leak, and it is not disclosing raw documents or personal information en masse. The database contains a great deal of information about company owners, proxies and intermediaries in secrecy jurisdictions, but it doesn't disclose bank accounts,

"ICIJ is not publishing the totality of the leak, and it is not disclosing raw documents or personal information en masse. The database contains a great deal of information about company owners, proxies and intermediaries in secrecy jurisdictions� shows, in a graphic detail, Indian names and addresses along with the identities of their holding company but also specifies the date of incorporation of the firm in some cases.

The group said the "new data that ICIJ is now making public represents a fraction of the Panama Papers, a trove of more than 11.5 million leaked files from the Panama-based law firm Mossack

email exchanges and financial transactions contained in the documents.

"The leaked data covers nearly 40 years, from 1977 through the end of 2015," it said.

The Supreme Court also has sought response from the Centre on a plea seeking CBI inquiry against Indian offshore bank account holders named in the Panama papers. -PTI

Tagore Project launched in London LONDON: On Rabindranth Tagore's 155th birth anniversary, a new crowd-sourced initiative to make his works accessible worldwide has been launched here in the UK. 'The Tagore Project' is a Wikipedia style attempt, aimed at global mobilization of Tagore fans through a web platform (http:// thetagoreproject.org) and a mobile app.

The brainchild of Indian IT professional Subhanjan Sarkar, the project is designed so that anyone with knowledge of Bengali can choose a portion of his works and submit recordings to the open audio library, including his 2,200 songs.

"The Tagore Project is based in the Wikipedia model; nothing like this exists anywhere for any artiste. We are not collecting any donations but partnering with the Akshay Patra Foundation," Sarkar said at a launch event held at the Nehru

Centre in London.

The project is a way to preserve Tagore's works as well as make them available to the world, for free.

In 1913, Tagore became the first Indian and first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

His works have been translated in over a dozen languages all over the world.-PTI

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Sonia's emotional response to PM jibes THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an emotional response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's jibes at her Italian origins, Sonia Gandhi tonight said India is her home and "it is here that my ashes will mingle with my loved ones".

The Congress President used an election rally here to hit back at Modi after the Prime Minister

this part that the blood of my loved ones is mingled.

"It is here that I will breathe my last. It is here that my ashes will mingle with yours and my loved ones," she said, pointing out that the sole objective of Prime Minister Modi was to "indulge in character assassination of his adversaries and 'spread lies'".

Sonia Gandhi

raked up her Italian roots twice in the last three days while making a veiled attack on her over the controversial AgustaWestland chopper deal.

Sonia's response came while concluding her speech when she said she wanted to share something personal, not politics, about the Prime Minister's statement "about Congress and particularly about me".

"Yes, I was born in Italy. I came to India in 1968 as the daughterin-law of Indira Gandhi. I have spent 48 years of my life in India.

This is my home. This is my coun-

The Prime Minister can "sink to whatever depths" to challenge my integrity, she said, but he cannot take away the truth from my commitment and love for India.

"I cannot expect Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to understand these feelings. But I know, I am sure you will," she told the gathering at her second rally on the first day of her campaigning in poll-bound Kerala.

Without naming Congress or any leader of the party which has launched a counter attack on his government for dragging Sonia's name, Modi had asked "if the court in Italy has said that people from the last The Prime Minister can "sink government in India to whatever depths" to chal- have eaten money, why then are you troubling lenge my integrity, she said, us here?"

"Does anyone of but he cannot take away your relatives live in Italy? Does any of my the truth from my commitrelatives live in Italy.... ment and love for India I have not seen Italy. I have not been to Italy. try," Sonia said while referring to Nor have I met anyone in Italy. If Modi's sarcastic queries to the Italians have accused them what gathering at his two poll rallies in should we do?" Modi said.

Tamil Nadu and Kerala whether Continuing her tirade against they had any relatives in Italy.

Modi, Gandhi said the BJP-NDA Sonia said that all her 48 years was afraid because Congress stood in India, RSS, BJP and some other for the rights of the minorities, poor, parties had always "taunted me farmers, dalits, tribals and women. to shame me for my birth".

On the PM's statement that "I was born to proud and hon- Kerala had lagged behind in evest parents. I will never be ery sphere, she said, "I challenge ashamed of them. Yes, I have rela- him to show us at least one BJPtives in Italy. I have a 93-year-old ruled state that has better health, mother and two sisters. But it is educational achievements than here, in my country, India, it is in Kerala".-PTI

Indian in NZ sentenced for assaulting women MELBOURNE: An Indian-origin taxi driver in New Zealand has been sentenced to three months home detention for 'indecent assault' on two women in separate incidents, a media report said.

Sandeep Kumar, an Auckland taxi driver, twice groped women passengers in his cab. He has been sentenced to three months home detention so that he can support his wife and child, NZ Herald reported.

Kumar previously pleaded guilty to two counts of 'indecent assault' after he preyed on intoxicated young women who had trusted him to drive them home, the report said.

"People should be able to catch taxis without the threat of offending against them. It should be a

safe way for young women to get home at night," Judge Nevin Dawson said.

"Your offending not only makes it difficult for young women to rely on taxi services but now also casts

ger seat, the defendant began massaging her leg, the report said.

"She was very scared at that point and did not want to confront you," judge Dawson said.

Kumar asked her if she wanted

Kumar previously pleaded guilty to two counts of 'indecent assault' after he preyed on intoxicated young women who had trusted him to drive them home aspersions on all other taxi drivers; unfairly so," the Judge said.

The first incident took place in September 2014 when Kumar picked up a young woman from Ponsonby suburb of Auckland city.

As she sat in the front passen-

to go "somewhere else" but she declined and he dropped her home.

Nine months later, he picked up another female partygoer from the upmarket suburb. She told police that Kumar touched her inappropriately and groped her in the taxi. -PTI

Tech News Delhi sets up council to boost start-ups NEW DELHI: Delhi government has set up an advisory body to promote ease of doing business, boost new enterprises, fund startups and create new jobs in the city.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made the announcement about the formation of the 'entrepreneurship council' at a press conference here, which he said will submit its report in the next three months.

The council will work under the aegis of Dialogue and Development Commission of Delhi (DDC), which itself is an advisory body to the AAP government. DDC vice-chairman Ashish Khetan had earlier submitted a roadmap in this regard to the chief minister.

Kejriwal said the proposed draft statehood Bill, if approved by the Centre, would also provide a fillip to the businesses in the city, "many of which have moved to Noida and Gurgaon" despite being founded here.

"We will take the assistance of Start Up India of the Centre if needed but the focus will be inclusive. We want start-ups to grow in a big way through aggregation and will make available the necessary capital and environment," he said.

The council, whose patron will be Industries Minister Satyendar Jain, will have members from industries and businesses as well as angel investors, Kejriwal said.-PTI

Saudi Arabia to maintain 'stable' oil policies RIYADH: The new energy minister of Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, has pledged continuity in the kingdom's oil policy, after being named in a major government overhaul.

"Saudi Arabia will maintain its stable petroleum policies," Khalid al-Falih said in a statement a day after King Salman appointed him to replace longtime former oil minister Ali al-Naimi.

"We remain committed to maintaining our role in international energy markets and strengthening our position as the world's most reliable supplier of energy," Falih added.

Salman tapped Falih, the chairman of state oil giant Saudi Aramco, to head an expanded energy, industry and mineral resources portfolio.

His predecessor Naimi had led the now-defunct ministry of petroleum and mineral resources for about two decades.-AFP

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Torero to set up 'Police' stores in India KOLKATA: City-based Torero Corporation has said it will set up exclusive single-brand stores of international premium fashion label 'Police' in the country.

"We are in the process of setting up exclusive Police brand shops in India and in the next few months at least one would be unveiled at Mumbai airport," Torero Corporation CEO Yashovardhan Gupta said here.

Torero is the global licensee for Police leather bags and accessories, except for Middle East and Japan.-PTI

Why April's hiring slowdown may show caution on US economy WASHINGTON: American employers signaled their caution about a sluggish economy by slowing their pace of hiring in April after months of robust job growth.

At the same time, companies raised pay, and their employees worked more hours - a combination that lifted income and, if sustained, could quicken the U.S. expansion.

As a whole, the government's report Friday pointed to an American job market that continues to generate steady hiring, though at a rate that may be starting to slow.

Employers added 160,000 jobs in April, well below the average gain of 243,000 in the prior six months.

But the unemployment rate remained a low 5 percent, roughly where it's been since last fall. ``Employment was never going to continue rising at more than 200,000 a month indefinitely,'' said Paul Ashworth, an economist at Capital Economics, a consulting firm. ``Those monthly gains are simply unsustainable'' at a time of tepid economic growth.

Over the past six months, the economy has expanded at an annual pace of just 1 percent. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some employers have become concerned that sluggish growth could weaken customer demand and limit the need for more employees.

Still, most economists said they were not worried about the weaker hiring in April. In large part, it reflected declines in retail and construction hiring, an expected pullback after hiring in those areas surged in the first quarter of 2016.

And job gains have slipped before - most recently in January without signaling any persistent slump. ``The figures are a yellow light, not a red flag,'' said Andrew Chamberlain, chief economist at Glassdoor, an employment website.

April's hiring slowdown may also reflect a long-expected shift to a more sustainable pace of job creation. The job market has added 200,000-plus jobs a month for more than three years. That's harder to

achieve once unemployment falls to 5 percent, consistent with a nearly recovered economy. ``The good news is that more people were employed, they worked longer hours and got paid more for it,'' said Robert Dye, chief economist at Comerica Bank.

The slowdown in economies in the United States and overseas has led to volatility in financial markets and complicated the Federal Reserve's plans to gradually raise interest rates.

Many analysts had expected the Fed to raise the short-term rate it controls as early as June. But Friday's figures may make that less likely.

Market-based measures suggest that the Fed will raise rates just once this year. Its first hike in nine years occurred in December.

Jon Cooper, president of Spectronics, a maker of fluorescent dyes and ultraviolet equipment based in Westbury, New York, says weakness in China and Europe has posed problems for his business.

The company makes ultraviolet lights used in counterfeit de-

hire more engineers, machinists and customer-service workers because newer products are offsetting losses overseas.

Most of the economy's new jobs require higher education or skilled training. In April, workers without college degrees suffered job losses.

Recruiters speak to attendees at a job fair in Pittsburgh

The unemployment rate for college graduates is now just 2.4 percent, less than half the national average. Employers have hired 2.3 million college graduates in the past 12 months while letting go of 425,000 workers with a high school diploma or less.

Despite last month's pullback, hiring at April's pace should over

Iric Wexler, an executive at The Cleaning Authority in Columbia, Maryland, said lower unemployment has forced his company to raise pay to attract and keep workers. So far, the company has managed to raise prices to offset the costs. tection and crime-scene investigations. Its dyes are used by automotive and industrial companies to detect leaks. Half of its sales are overseas. ``There's certainly headwinds blowing at us as the global economy slows,'' he said.

But the company still wants to

Chamberlain said.

For four straight months, strong hiring increased the proportion of adults who either had a job or were looking for one. That was an encouraging sign because it meant Americans were more optimistic about their prospects. But that figure dipped to 62.8 percent

time be enough to keep up with population growth and lower the unemployment rate, economists said.

It should also help heal some underlying scars from the Great Recession in part by encouraging people who had stopped looking for work to resume their job hunts,

last month from 63 percent in March.

Higher-paying industries led the way in job growth in April. Professional and business services, which includes engineers, accountants and management consultants, added 65,000 jobs. Financial services added 20,000.

That helped boost incomes: Average hourly pay rose 2.5 percent in April from a year earlier, above the sluggish 2 percent annual pace that has been typical for the past six years.

Iric Wexler, an executive at The Cleaning Authority in Columbia, Maryland, said lower unemployment has forced his company to raise pay to attract and keep workers. So far, the company has managed to raise prices to offset the costs.

In the meantime, the U.S. job market is outperforming most of its counterparts overseas. The overall unemployment rate in the 19 European nations that share the euro currency, for example, is 10.3 percent.-AP

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Rajan favors higher tolerance to wealth NOIDA: Calling money a "great equalizer", Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan has called for raising society's tolerance towards wealth rather than prohibiting its use.

Rajan, who recently drew criticism for comparing Indian

do not need a pedigree, a great family history, the right table manners, or the right fashionable clothing or looks," he said in his convocation address at the Shiv Nadar University here.

"It is because money has no

Raghuram Rajan

economy as 'one-eyed king in the land of blind', also said he has no problem with India's growth, but it can do better.

"In a free market, all it takes to buy what you want is money. You

odor, because it is the great equalizer, that so many people across history have been able to acquire resources and invested them to make the world we live in."

Making it easier for Dalits to

start business can do more to social status than any reservation, he noted.

"Rather than prohibiting the use of money and wealth, let us think about increasing society's tolerance for its use," he suggested.

Lamenting that income inequality within countries is on the rise, he said the need of the hour is providing effective access to school and healthcare, a non-discriminating job market with many jobs and equal opportunities for advancement regardless of gender, race or background.

"Indeed, making it easy for Dalits to start businesses may do more for their social status because money empowers (more) than many other forms of affirmative action," the governor said.

On the country's GDP, he said: "I have no problem with India's growth. It is doing great. It could do better".

India has emerged as the fastest growing large economies in the world with a growth rate of 7.6 per cent in 2015-16. It is projected to expand by 7.5 per cent in the current fiscal. -PTI

'Nations with resources should welcome refugees' NEW YORK: As the world faces the biggest refugee crisis in recent history, Vice Chairperson of the Hinduja Bank, Switzerland Shanu S P Hinduja has emphasized that countries with resources should open their doors to those fleeing war and poverty.

"The doors and gates have to open now and the countries which do have the resources they have to welcome the refugees fleeing their homelands because of war and to find a better future," Hinduja told PTI. She said given the focus on globalization today, patriotism cannot only be about countries but has to be about "global citizenship".

"People now have to start looking at the world with different eyes. It is not about mine and yours. Globalization has to be about thinking in terms of global views, about each country bringing its strength and solutions at a global level and not only for itself," she said.

Against the backdrop of the

refugee crisis, she stressed that patriotism has acquired a new significance and nations and its citizens need to now have an "open approach".

"We have to look at people as people and not just where they have come from. If we look at his-

Shanu S P Hinduja

tory, at some point we all have been refugees from some where," she said.

"Patriotism does not mean you hate the other person.

Patriotism teaches loves and does not teach you to hate. The concept of patriotism was created to give people a sense of belong-

ing. We may look different but that does not mean we don't belong together," she added.

She stressed parents have a very crucial role of teaching the true meaning of patriotism to young children, whether it is towards a country, team or individual.

"Whether it's sports or in any other field, children must be taught to admire not just the team or country but what the individual has achieved in his or her field.

"You will then change the mindset of the child that patriotism is not hating the other team but that one has to admire and learn from the individual's talent and capability. The spirit of competition should be there but don't make it about hating the other team.

The mindset that we are going to change today will build the future," she said.

Hinduja also emphasized that countries should not have any reason to close doors as immigrants and refugees will eventually add to the cultural fabric. -PTI

ADB to raise lending to India to $3 bn FRANKFURT: Asian Develop- riod 2017 20 earlier this week here ment Bank (ADB) is keen to en- in Frankfurt. I take this opportuhance its lending to India to USD nity to thank the 32 donors for their 3 billion this year to support 'ro- generous contributions, despite bust growth' in the country. difficult fiscal situations in some "We have started expanding of your countries." the pipelines. During the last visit The contributions from emergin March, I discussed how we can ing Asian economies have inincrease lending to India. India creased to 11.7 per cent, compared needs more infrastructure funding with 6.9 per cent during the ADF and we are very happy to do this 11 period. to support more robust growth in The new ADF comes with a India," ADB President Takehiko number of innovative features, inNakao said at the annual meet here. cluding a doubling of the minimum The bank plans to increase its lending to USD 3 billion this year If private sector lending is as against about USD included it could go up to 2.2 billion in 2015 on USD 3.5 billion, he said addsovereign side, he said.

If private sector lend- ing that lending will also ing is included it could increase to USD 4 billion in go up to USD 3.5 billion, the subsequent year. he said adding that lending will also increase to USD 4 billion in the subsequent allocation for small countries, year. strengthened support for disaster Since 1986 when ADB started risk management, and regional lending operations in India, ADB health security, he added. has approved 197 sovereign loans On the capital increase, he said, totaling USD 33.1 billion. As on the bank may need raising this in December 31, 2015, the portfolio the future but there is no concrete included 84 ongoing sovereign proposal at the moment. loans amounting to USD 11.4 bil"We should consider seeking a lion. capital increase in the medium term With regard to scaling up op- to respond to the huge and growerations of the ADB, Nakao said, ing financing needs and to reflect "We also completed a strong re- changing economic circumstances plenishment of ADF 12 for the pe- in the region," he said.-PTI

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India, US want UK to stay in EU BRUSSELS: India and the US want the UK to stay in the EU to "look after their interests", a top European Parliament member has said and underlined that Brexit would be a "seismic shock" for the bloc if it goes through.

"Countries like India and the US, they want us in the EU in order to bring a bit of common sense to the institution and to look after their interests within this European organization," Geoffrey Van

mental to British interests and indeed in the interest of many of our European countries," Van Orden, the Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with India, told a visiting group of Indian journalists here.

"I would say about an 80 per cent of what goes on here I oppose. So you would think therefore I would naturally be a Brexiter.

My heart says leave but there are some serious reasons why one has

"Another very strong consideration particularly for me is that none of our Commonwealth friends and allies including India are saying to us leave the European Union. Indeed many of them are saying please stay for selfish reasons Orden, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and Britain's Conservative Party leader, said.

With just over a month left for the June 23 referendum on Brexit, Van Orden, however, said he has not yet declared his position but will do so in due course of time.

"I oppose so much of what goes on in this place (European Parliament) and in the European Union. I think a lot of it is detri-

to hesitate about that. And included among these reasons are...we don't know how easy it would be for us to negotiate new trade arrangements with the bloc that we are leaving behind," the 71-year-old said.

Van Orden said he has no doubt that the UK would be able to negotiate arrangements separately but how long will that take and how much of an economic upset

would that be in the meantime are all factors that need to be considered before deciding on Brexit, a term used for the UK's exit from the 28-nation European Union.

"Another very strong consideration particularly for me is that none of our Commonwealth friends and allies including India are saying to us leave the European Union. Indeed many of them are saying please stay for selfish reasons in fact this was indeed (the case) with our great American friends," the Vice-Chair of European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament said.

Asked if India and the UK should work on a bilateral trade agreement with the India-EU FTA talks not progressing much, Van Orden said such a step will have to "wait till June 23".

"This is one of the arguments how easy would it be for the UK (to negotiate trade pacts)...," he said.

"After all if the UK were to leave the EU, this would be a seismic shock to the EU and it would unlock a whole lot of forces in many other countries and lead to a lot of questioning of the EU relationship in many other places," Van Orden said. -PTI

Banks told to focus on J&K start-ups SRINAGAR: The banking sector in Jammu and Kashmir should create entrepreneurship culture in the state by providing hassle-free services to start-ups, Union minister Kalraj Mishra said here.

Speaking at a daylong workshop on Prime Minister's Employment Generation Program (PMEGP), the Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

nancial institutions should professionally perform their job, but dispose of cases on priority. You should be customer-friendly and create entrepreneurship culture by providing hassle-free services to the start-ups," Mishra said.

The minster, who is on a threeday visit to the state to take stock of the small and medium scale industries, directed the officials to

"We are doing our every bit to help the small-scale unit holders. By reaching out to the entrepreneurs we can make sure more and more people become self-reliant and self-sustainable," he said.

(MSME) said banks should be customer-friendly by providing hassle-free services to entrepreneurs on priority basis.

"Banks should not add to their (entrepreneurs) worries.

They should be given free hand in choosing their trades. The fi-

reach out to the entrepreneurs and provide them all sort of help and assessment.

"The Union government has created a framework to uplift the small scale and Khadi units across Jammu and Kashmir. My ministry will give all sorts of help to revive

and uplift the small scale industries across J-K," Mishra said.

The Union minister said the famous Pashmina, which was out of the ambit of the MSME, has now been included into the list.

"We are doing our every bit to help the small-scale unit holders.

By reaching out to the entrepreneurs we can make sure more and more people become self-reliant and self-sustainable," he said.

He said PMEGP would be a big success if more avenues were created for entrepreneurs.

"We are conducting skill development programs for the entire value chain of manufacturing, starting from village industries to state-ofthe-art manufacturing sectors, such as engineering and auto components, among several others.

"We have set a target of training 1.5 crore youths by 2022. The 18 tool rooms and technology development centers under the ministry are providing both long and short-term training to more than one lakh youth at present," he said.-PTI

Hiring in top IT companies may fall NEW DELHI: Attrition level has eased and is at benign levels for top IT companies, following which gross hiring in this space for the fiscal could see a reduction, says a report.

According to a research report

by Kotak Institutional Equities, attrition of top IT companies in March quarter has declined sequentially as well as on yearly basis with the exception of HCL Technologies.

"Gross hiring in fiscal 2016-17 could reduce on lower attrition and benefits of productivity initia-

Easing attrition levels are expected to ease wage hike pressures with some lag effect. Moreover, lower churn and stable project teams is also expected to facilitate project-level automation and innovation initiatives.

Total hiring of top IT could be lower in FY17 led by better employee retention, focus on utilization improvement, and productivity improvement driven by automation initiatives.

According to the report, TCS and Infosys have indicated reduction in total hiring numbers and

tives," the report added.

For HCL Technologies, the quarterly annualized attrition increased 320 bps YoY to 31%, while it was flat on a quarter-on-quarter basis.

"Attrition level at Infosys and Wipro is at 2-3-year low. TCS' attrition has also eased after an uptick in the first half of financial year 2015-16," Kotak Institutional Equities said in a research note.

The current attrition level is close to benign level (13-15%) -just about adequate for managing the employee pyramid without any execution issues, it added.

shift in favor of campus/freshers; laterals hiring will be calibrated.

Additionally, most companies have hinted at higher local hiring onsite. TCS indicated that its visa applications in April 2016 were a third of that in April 2015, it added.

Total hiring by top Indian IT companies in the March quarter was steady and in line with seasonal trends.

Top IT companies have hired 67,450 employees in fiscal 2015-16 up 10.3% YoY, the report said adding TCS accounted for 51% of tier1 IT hiring in 2015-16 as it hired 34,000 employees. -PTI

China's Silk Road project hits road blocks BEIJING: Sharp depreciation of yuan coupled with neighbors' suspicions are "holding back" China from the full rollout of its mega Silk Road project, prompting the country's think tanks to term the ambitious initiative as a "high risk project".

The depreciation of yuan late last year raised the cost of currency settlement for Chinese firms conducting overseas businesses, Chu Yin, an associate professor at the University of International Relations here said.

"The use of the yuan as a settlement currency overseas is a problem as the government is very cautious to take bold steps

out of fear of shorting the yuan in the offshore market," Chu was quoted as saying by Hong Kongbased 'South China Morning Post'.

The depreciation almost amounting to four per cent helped Chinese exports to post better numbers but depreciated yuan denominated overseas investments.

"Moves such as draining offshore yuan are a retreat of the currency's global push. Companies are facing a complicated process in currency settlement along with its very limited use in the region [of Southeast Asia]," Chu said. -PTI

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May 13, 2016

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Chopper deal men got Air Costa applies for panIndia flying permit 'good positions' NEW DELHI: In a bid to buttress the allegations of Congress' involvement in AgustaWestland scam, Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar said all those who were linked to the tainted VVIP chopper deal were given "good positions" following their retirement.

"Many people who had some links with Agusta, I am not saying illegitimate links, but some links with Agusta procurement and supply, were given good positions," Parrikar told PTI in an interview.

Asserting that they were good to the powers at that time, he said, "They were close to the powers at that time. They were favorites. So obviously, they were placed there to ensure this deal goes through. It is an indirect evidence."

However, he said it was for the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate to decide whether to question the people concerned or not.

He was asked to elaborate on his remarks that people linked to Agusta deal were given governorship, ambassadorship among others.

He had made the remarks during an interaction with TV channels.

"If you see, many people from there (Agusta days) are sitting in good positions.

Someone became governor, someone became an ambassador, I am not questioning them but one has become constitutional authority.....(These) people are at good positions....

"Who do you make an Ambassador?

Who do you make a constitutional author-

ity? Only those whom you trust. It proves that they believed in them otherwise they would not be in positions," he had told a TV channel.

Several top officials including the then NSA M K Narayanan (former Governor of West Bengal), the then SPG Chief BV Wanchoo (former Governor of Goa), current Comptroller and Auditor General and former Defense Secretary Shashikant Sharma, who was involved in the matter as then Joint

Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar

Secretary (air), were all involved in decision making process that eventually led to the selection of the AgustaWestland choppers.

Former Air Force Chief N A K Browne, currently India's Ambassador to Norway, has strongly refuted as "baseless and malicious" reports that he was a "common link" in three major defense deals involving AgustaWestland, Rafale and Pilatus aircraft.

Browne said that he had nothing to do with these deals and none of them have been signed during his tenure as IAF chief. -PTI

Sebi expands probe into Mallya firms NEW DELHI: Suspecting serious lapses with the promoters and related parties. in financial dealings of various listed comBesides, Sebi is also probing any pospanies of Vijay Mallya-led UB Group, mar- sible violation of norms aimed at checking kets regulator Sebi has expanded its probe fraudulent and unfair trades and comprointo possible siphonmising the interest of ing off funds by the minority shareholders. promoters.

A forensic audit has The matter is also found possible 'irregubeing flagged to other larities and mismanageagencies and government' in advances and ment departments, ininvestments made by cluding the Corporate Mangalore Chemicals Affairs Ministry and and Fertilizers, where its probe agency for Mallya's UB Group rewhite-collar crimes, mains a promoter entity SFIO (Serious Fraud despite Zuari Group Investigation Office), a having acquired a consenior official said. trolling stake, to his The Securities and other group compaVijay Mallya Exchange Board of Innies. As a result, finandia (Sebi) is looking cial dealings of various into violation of securities market regula- other group companies with their respections including the strict disclosure require- tive promoters are also being probed, the ments including about the 'insider dealings' official said. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Regional carrier Air Costa has moved the aviation regulator DGCA for securing a pan-India flying permit, which would allow it expand operations to airports across the country.

The Vijayawada-headquartered airline had been granted the mandatory "No-objection certificate" by the Civil Aviation Ministry late last year.

The DGCA has received Air Costa's application for national permit last month, which is being processed for further action, a DGCA official said today.

Under the existing rules, a regional airline connects smaller destinations to the major metro of that region. It does not operate outside the region and does not connect to more than one metro.

The country has been divided into north, east, west, south and northeast regions for this purpose.

The Directorate will examine in detail documents submitted with the application before taking any decision in this regard, the official said without giving any timeline

for grant of national air operator permit to the regional carrier.

The LEPL group promoted Air Costa currently operates 32 daily services to nine domestic destinations with a fleet of four planes, of which one is out of operations for replacement with a higher-seating capacity plane.

Of the four planes in its fleet, three are 110-seater Embaraer E-190 while the fourth one is a 67-seater E-170.

The airline had last month said it was aiming to have an all E190 fleet by May. It also plans to induct five more E-190s to support its national flying aspirations and take the total fleet size to nine by March next year. -PTI

Desi News Cine Grand -New way of watching movies India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Cine Grand, Fremont is a part of Cine Grand Global, a Cinema Exhibition Company that was founded in June 2010 in Netherlands, by the professionals of the entertainment industry having more than six decades of domain experience of executing, managing and operating multiplexes.

Cine Grand globally operates under the brand "Cine Grand", "Grand Cinemas" and "My Cinemas" in various global markets such as Netherlands, Bulgaria and US. This is the only theatre in Bay area which has hosted a bunch of celebrities in less than a month and they plan to continue with unique marketing and promotional strategies for future.

Details on page 18

Dance Dil Se contrasts city vs village lifestyle India Post News Service

SANTA CLARA: Dance Dil Se, a Bollywood Dance Musical Company known for its outstanding accomplishment in the area of dance and drama, presented their latest movie on stage, a mega production show "the Vibrations of Pulse" in English/Hindi on April 16.

The completely sold out romantic comedy show was written and directed by Jyotsna Bendapudi (Dance Dil Se founder/ creative director/choreographer/ actor/dancer). This musical showcased the contrasting lifestyles of city vs. villages and how development of villages begins with educated young people going back to the roots.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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Umiya Dham Chicago welcomes Jyoti Rath

May 13, 2016

'Shanti' musical extravaganza resonates love, peace and harmony ARCHANA ASTHANA India Post News Service

CUPERTINO: Flint Center auditorium in Cupertino was transformed into a stage set for bringing peace, unity and harmony through a multi faceted program Shanti, a journey of peace. It is a musical theater extravaganza denoting peace, tranquility, serenity and a state of oneness with the universe. As stated in the preview of this performance, it is considered a choral symphony centering around Indian ragas that narrate and showcase the five thousand years of Indian cultural history.

Kalyan Vishwanathan of the Dharma Civilization Foundation (DCF) is credited with bringing this show to the Bay Area, and is tasked with raising funds for

the visionary creator of this show, were the participants and audience members alike. Kudos to the maestro for delivering a message of peace through the universal language of music."Wow", "amazing", "incredible", "stunning" were some of the accolades from

tiate a positive change a little bit at a time".

A choir member shared, "The coming together of different art genres took this presentation to new heights. The effect was exponentially synergistic and soul-stirring".

Another participant com-

graduate and doctoral studies in Dharmic religions at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) at UC Berkeley.

Unanimous in their adulation for Dr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran,

the younger audience members.

More mature and articulate appreciation was, "I became very emotional with the core-touching thematic presentation. The theme is so relevant today. Hope it will ini-

mented, "Like the twinkling stars on a grand sky amidst celestial bodies, we, the specks on the grand stage of Shanti took a bow for our Guru with beaming faces."

Another singer commented on

Details on page 19

Eighth Global Punjabi Milaap on June 11 SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: The Eighth Punjabi Milaap will be held on June 11 from 2 pm to 6 pm at Banga House in Glendale Heights, a north side suburb of Chicago just South of North Ave Rte 64. The topic for this year is, "Heritage of Punjab."

Global Punjabi Milaap is an effort to bring together people of East and West Punjab that was partitioned in 1947 at the time of division of India and Pakistan.

Many Punjabi people had to migrate suddenly and suffered heavy losses.

Details on page 23

Details on page 22

how much Sanskrit she had to memorize in order to sing those shlokas!

The sheer magnitude of the human power in this mammoth endeavor begs commitment from more than 250 members from the Indian and Western choir and orchestra. The dance compositions were curated from six different genres by Usha Srinivasan of Sangam Arts, and their flawless choreography transported the experience to a new sublime when the dancers twirled, leaped and curtsied with love and devotion for their art so palpably visible.

The musical scores, written by Kanniks utilized classical ragas, such as Yaman, Bhupali, Desh and some others to depict the required mood and set the tone for the narrative unfurling on stage. An added personal touch was the influence of childhood memories that Kanniks had growing up in Chennai, that found a resurrection in his musical compositions.

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Cine Grand -New way of watching movies India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Cine Grand, Fremont is a part of Cine Grand Global, a Cinema Exhibition Company that was founded in June 2010 in Netherlands, by the professionals of the entertainment industry having more than six decades of domain experience of executing, managing and operating multiplexes.

Cine Grand globally operates under the brand "Cine Grand", "Grand Cinemas" and "My Cinemas" in various global markets

such as Netherlands, Bulgaria and US. This is the only theatre in Bay area which has hosted a bunch of celebrities in less than a month and they plan to continue with unique marketing and promotional strategies for future.

On April 16, the music composer duo Vishal and Shekhar were there at the venue to promote the movie 'Fan' and interacted with the audience and media, signing off with their hit song Jabra.

This event was done in collaboration with Prria Haider productions and Bollywood Everything. The theater plays only Indian movies in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Urdu and Punjabi, making it convenient for Indian film lovers by giving them more options.

"Silicon Valley being home to large num-

ber of South Asians, we get to see a lot of Indian movies getting released here. With Cinegrand we want the audience not just to have a top notch movie experience, we would like to give them an immersive experience by organizing 'Exclusive Meet and

Greet' with movie stars and win official mer- a completely new and enhanced moviechandise from production houses. We are watching experience, making it the go-to doing this in collaboration with movie pro- place for watching Indian films in East Bay. "It is our endeavor at Cine Grand to producers and local event promoter," said Kavi Agrawal of Bollywood Everything and PR vide our patrons not only a theatre to watch movies but give them a wholesome grand for Cinegrand.

On May 5, the venue hosted South In- experience with latest design and technoldian Actor Surya and Jyothika and pre- ogy, best in class equipments, wide range miered his movie 24. Directed by Vikram of food and beverage offerings and impeccable customer service Kumar, 24 is the scientific reflecting highest level of thriller movie starring attention to details," Surya, Samantha and "It is our endeavor at James Murray, Manager Nithya Menon in the lead Cine Grand to proof Cine Grand told India roles. It was distributed vide our patrons not Post.

by CineGalaxy in US. 24 "We are targeting is a well executed intelli- only a theatre to niche theaters that the gent movie, one of the watch movies but other players may be best sci-fi entertainers give them a wholeoverlooking. We are lookever made in Indian cining for a site in Campbell ema within the commer- some grand experiarea in South Bay" he cial format. Science fic- ence with latest deKeeping in mind the tion offers Vikram huge sign and technology said. demographics and conscope to think out-of-thesumer needs, playing exbox concepts and his ingenious screenplay makes it an enjoyable clusively Indian movies is part of the group's well thought-out business strategy trip for the audience, worth their bucks.

Cine Grand located centrally on Paseo which has worked for us in Fremont," he Padre Parkway and Mowry, a location which added.

The founding members of Cine Grand was once known as Big Cinemas. However, after it shut down, Cine Grand leased the are: Amitabh Vardhan, who serves as the theater and spent a whopping $4 million to group's director and CEO; Ranjeet Thakur, renovate it. From the restored, digitally lit president of the group; and Prasanna plush-carpeted lobby and 180-degree vel- Manjrekar, who is on board as the director vet reclining seats, the facility now provides and chief strategy officer.

Enthralling Carnatic vocal plus Bharatnatyam GEETHA PATIL

BOSTON: MITHAS (MIT Heritage Arts of South Asia) organized a captivating and enthralling Carnatic Vocal and Bharatnatyam

by T.M.Krishna and Priyadarsini Govind re-

spectively on the beautiful evening of May 7 at MIT's Big Kresge Auditorium.

Mitha Concert artists performing in Boston

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May 13, 2016

Community Across America

India Post 19

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Dance Dil Se contrasts city vs village lifestyle India Post News Service

SANTA CLARA: Dance Dil Se, a Bollywood Dance Musical Company known for its outstanding accomplishment in the area of dance and drama, presented their latest movie on stage, a mega production show "the Vibrations of Pulse" in English/Hindi on April 16.

The completely sold out romantic comedy show was written and directed by Jyotsna Bendapudi (Dance Dil Se founder/ creative director/choreographer/ actor/dancer). This musical showcased the contrasting lifestyles of city vs. villages and how development of villages begins with educated young people going back to the roots.

This theme tied well with the

organization that Dance Dil Se helped by donating the proceeds from this show to Visions of India, a non-profit organization dedicated to development of villages.

Compliments poured in from the audience and people from all over the world who follow Dance Dil Se, which is famous for its topnotch powerful theatre shows and celebrity performances. The team with 150+ dance performers including adults and kids did amazing dances. Professional experienced actors did drama on stage with visually beautiful decorations and backdrops which left a spellbound experience.

Dance Dil Se Pulse added a surprise element with Bollywood celebrity Omi Vaidya (3 Idiots fame) making a Guest Appearance. Also as a guest actor, he enthralled the audience.

The show was powered by FOGSV.org (Festival of Globe) Dance Dil Se Delegate Dr Romesh Japra posted "PULSE !

Play on stage Dil Se by Jyotsna Bendapudi and the team was mesmerizing! Omi Vaidya of the fame 3 idiots was hilarious!! Rishi Kumar, Councilman from Saratoga appreciated the talent."

Feedback from one of the audience "Hi Jyotsna, my kids wanted to thank you for DDS performance. They loved PULSE musical play, especially my son is your fan now!!"

Feedback from supporters of Dance Dil Se Nitu Chehil "Thank you so much Jyotsna Bendapudi and Dance Dil Se team for giving an excellent opportunity to kids every year .Awesome performances from the entire Dil Se team and hats off to Jyotsana for putting up a great show with an educational theme for youngsters."

Dance Dil Se was founded in March 2011 to promote creative talent/art and serve the community.

In November last year, DDS screened "Dance Dil Se-Colors" to raise money for the organization Asha for Education and contrib-

uted to Sankara Eye Foundation through their first theater production, "Manthan-EMotions".

Delegates: Dr. Romesh Japra (Convenor of FOG/FIA), Rishi Kumar (Council Member of Saratoga) & and acknowledged by Jose Esteves (Milpitas Mayor) Powered by Festival of Globe (FOG) . Platinum Sponsors: Varsha Upadhye Realtor, CalHomes Ramana Reddy, JBFashionStore Dance Costumes Rental . Gold Sponsors: Uppal Dental, Mo Polani, PeachMode, Chaat Bhavan.

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'Shanti' musical extravaganza resonates love, peace & harmony Cont’d from page 16

Further use of Sanskrit shlokas and Hindustani taranas added nuanced dimensions to preserve the culturally rich heritage that was being showcased. The skillful conductor, Dr. Scot HannaWeir, Director of the Santa Clara Chorale, seamlessly blended the western music into its eastern

let fusion. The tradition of acquiring and passing knowledge through the respectful engagements of guru-shishya (teacherdisciple) came next which was presented as a suite in six movements showcasing various classical dance forms from Kathak to Bharatnatyam, Odissi and Kuchipudi.

The winsome dancers grace-

As an epic production, it spans the arc of the five thousand year old cultural history of India, rooted in its humble beginnings at the banks of life- sustaining river Ganga, the fluidity of which was expressed through a modern/ballet fusion. counterparts, where the two were sometimes indistinguishable, and, at others, complementary.

As an epic production, it spans the arc of the five thousand year old cultural history of India, rooted in its humble beginnings at the banks of life- sustaining river Ganga, the fluidity of which was expressed through a modern/bal-

fully dipped and swayed with abhinaya and taal to convey the meanings of the accompanying varied music. With the cultural progress came the realization of interconnectedness of all life that alone is the giver of shanti (peace).

Strains of the music in this sketch were reminiscent of the ancient Hymns of Creation.

The emergence of the plurality of Faith was depicted next as a suite in five movements. Notable among these were the young, joyful, vibrant Garba dancers to the beat of upbeat, almost marching band-like sounds of the music; the saffron and white garbed dancers performing the sun salutations in the yoga/Kallari/Bharatanrittam inspired movements. Other transitions were captured through slideshows of Mughal monuments and artifacts accompanied by the symphonic choir sounds.

The slideshow, narrative and music continued the story of prosperity of India that also brought forth great strife, which led to the absence of peace and disconnectedness, which is the element of Ashanti (lack of peace) and destruction. The cycle moves on to revert to reflections on restoring peace after the wrath of destruction. In a surprising shift, this piece was sans dance movements, which seemed like a missed opportunity to showcase apt dance forms that are often used to depict violence, discord, and rage,

such as Bharatnatyam which relies heavily on abhinaya (acting).

The final piece of this ensemble is the renewal after destruction in the ongoing cycle of life and death, with a spellbinding Dance of Creation executed with joyful abundance. A final message about the future brings in little kids - our future hope - on stage to sing a song about Peace and Joy. The

music speak. The message was often repetitive and overwhelming - almost a case of too much of a good thing at times. Overall, the performance was a resonating success. Most impressive was the universal feeling of love, peace and harmony that the participants expressed, which, obviously was genuine and not rehearsed.

The Bay Area is proud to have

The final piece of this ensemble is the renewal after destruction in the ongoing cycle of life and death, with a spellbinding Dance of Creation executed with joyful abundance. A final message about the future brings in little kids colorfully vibrant finale truly epitomized the message of love, harmony and hope as all dancers congregated and allowed us to glimpse the unity in diversity.

The discrete pieces of the saga were connected by explicit narration, sometimes overly lengthy, when brevity would have enhanced the enjoyment, letting the

been witness to such a labor of love from the creator and executors of this show, and bask in reflected glory as they got to see local talent create this magic. If you missed this show and want to experience all that is being discussed, you have the opportunity on May 21 at the Interstake Auditorium in Oakland to do so.

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Seniors visit Vivekananda Retreat in Michigan JAYANTI OZA

CHICAGO: Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago, numbering close to 300, visited Ganges in Michigan State on May 7. They visited the Shrine Library, Swami Vivekananda Museum, book store, Shrine Trail and Spiritual Retreat.

The Museum display was highly interesting and enlightening. After lunch, the six buses took Seniors to Holland, Michigan for 'Tulips Garden.' It's called Tulips Time as it begins May 7 and Swami Vivekanand statue inside the Museum

Seniors at Tulip Flower Lanes

ends on May 14. Tulip Time is Holland's premier event and each year it is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Seniors enjoyed magnificent tulips. It's no wonder Holland continues to receive top honors from America in bloom and re-

cently was named winner of the outstanding achievement award for Floral Displays. The Seniors enjoyed rich Dutch heritage and stars of the show all along the 6 miles of Tulip Lanes.

BSC Seniors also visited Wind-

mill Island. They visited delightful Dutch shops. They came back to their starting point in Carolstream and had a delicious dinner of Khichdi, Kadhi, Bhakhri, Potatoes Shak and Chhach (Butter milk)

Enthralling Carnatic vocal plus Bharatnatyam Cont’d from page 18

Hundreds of admirers in their customary Indian outfits gathered for this exciting evening. MITHAS is bringing eminent South Asian music, musicians and arts from

Palakurthi, the Chairwoman of Board of Directors, who are tirelessly working behind the MITHAS's movement as well.

Hari Arthanari, the President of the Executive Committee, introduced Priyadarsini Govind, fore-

mary of their specialization. She also provided a short wonderful description in the beginning of each episode of the program to the audience to understand what the composition and dance are going to depict. K. S. Balakrishnan, as a

Meera Bai, Ambedkar, Gandhi, and others.

This new work focused on liberation and evolution beyond our 'self' to the larger collective planes of meaning and existence. The combination of two powerful and

A section of the audience

across the globe to Boston since 1993 by presenting two concert series annually: namely Spring Concert Series, which usually runs from April through June and Fall Concert Series, which usually runs from August through November.

Each concert series includes around six concerts and special events.MITHAS brings the unique and ancient classical Indian music by inviting high quality musicians from across the globe to communitiesof MIT and the Greater Boston area.

George Ruckert, the Artistic Director, cordially welcomed the audience to the melodious evening function and introduced the most senior member of the Board of Directors and Anuradha

most Bharatanatyam dancer, who is also the Director of Kalakshetra Foundation. He said that she blends very artistically the new choreography with the traditional and extends the boundaries of Bharatanatyam repertoire. She is well-known for her excellent performances given in the prestigious venues all over India and across the globe, he added.

Hari also gave a big thank you to the huge crowd of audience, members, patrons, mentors, volunteers, artists, local teachers, local artists and each and everyone who have been associated with MITHAS over all these years.

Before the concert commenced, Priyadarsini introduced each artist to the audience with a brief sum-

highly experienced Nattuvanar Conductor of the program - exhibited his brilliance and talent.

He was accompanied by Vedakrishnan Venkatesan on Mridangam, who used a refined technique laden with bhava and delighted the audiences. Carnatic vocalist T. M. Krishna, who is described as a rare phenomenon in the Carnatic music world today, presented a consummate and supreme performance. He sang with full heart by immersing himself in the depth of joy and took his audience to the world of divinity. He and Priyadarsini presented their recent composition on the theme 'Philadelphia's history of the spirit of freedom and independence' with songs and thoughts of Tagore,

classical art forms of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam dance offered a mesmerizing concept of the

human experience, longing and flying of human soul into the new heights of liberation.

Priyadarsini Govind and T.M. Krishna have been transforming the shape and progression of their two classical art forms for more than a decade by introducing contemporary themes that look beyond the physical and personal being to collective and whole humanity. T. M. Krishna says his idea is rooted in the spirit of creating new things and sharing them with music lovers, and honestly responding and respecting their thoughts.

R.K. Shriramkumar on Violin and K. Arun Prakash on Mridangam added a unique dimension to the whole program.At the end of the concert, many of their fans went on the stage to greet, obtain autographs and take their pictures with them.

Dance Dil Se contrasts city vs village lifestyle Cont’d from page 19

Other Sponsors: Gallant Exclusives, Shree Travels, Jano Hindi, Speak Debate, Shantanu Jewelry, SVU College Media Coverage: Aina TV, India Post, HMTV, Media Mahima, Azmi Gill, IndTV, TV5 Founder & Main Organizer:

Jyotsna Bendapudi Co-Organizing team: Kalpana, Namita, Vasu, Parul, Saru, Valli, Neerja, Padmaja, Kumar, Bhuvana, Raghu, Santosh, Sangeetha, Shruti, Sundar Drama Actors: Sunny Moza (Hero), Jyotsna (Heroine ), Lakshmi, Ashwini , Tanvee, Santosh, Prasad, Parinita, Phani, Namita

Community Across America

May 13, 2016

India Post 21

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SNM blood drive & health camp in Tracy PRAFULL LANDE

TRACY, CA: On Sunday, April 24, the Northern California chapter of the Sant Nirankari Mission celebrated 'Manv Ekta Diwas' in Tracy, California by hosting a Blood Drive and free health camp. Delta Blood Bank, the local non-profit organization, conducted the blood drive. Also, for health camp doctors covering various specialties attended the camp and provided free consultation to patients.

The blood camp received an overwhelming response. 85 people registered and 65 units of blood were collected. The total blood collected exceeded everyone's expectations, 50% more than the target. This will eventually save 200 lives. Around 70 patients got benefited by health camp as well.

Doctors who volunteered their precious time were Dr. Bhupinder Bhandari, Dr.

Nelson Hue, Dr. Attaullahkhan, Dr. Abhishek Sharma, Dr. Arora, Dr. Shefali Dham, Dr. Padmini Aggarwal, Dr. Jabeen Latif. Chiropractic Interns from lifewest health center Daniel Goodman, Boris Cicak, Keith also devoted their time for the health camp.

Representatives from the Delta blood bank as well as the volunteers of the Sant Nirankari Mission (sewadal) gathered at the Tracy Bhavan early in the morning to set up the blood camp and health camp. Snacks, fruits and juices were arranged for the blood donors.

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PEN for UN inquiry into Bangla murders NEELA PANDYA

NEW YORK: On World Press Freedom Day, PEN America leads a group of 16 human rights organizations calling for a Commission of Inquiry by the United Nations Human Rights Council into the murders of at least nine writers, bloggers, publishers, academics, and activists in Bangladesh since February 2015. Four of these murders took place in the last month alone. Dozens of others have been attacked or threatened for the expression of their views.

In December 2015, PEN America led a coalition of organizations in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary

of State John Kerry to consider granting humanitarian parole to Bangladeshi writers most at risk.

Since then, PEN America has had ongoing dialogue with the U.S. State Department concerning the importance of measures to protect free thought in Bangladesh. But as the spate of deadly attacks by Islamic hardliners against secular intellectuals there has escalated with near impunity, rights groups are seeking new avenues to accelerate international pressure and assistance to put an end to the violence.

PEN America pitched to:

• Collect evidence that will enable future prosecutions for these crimes, • Send a message to perpetrators that the international community is engaged and will not tolerate a climate of impunity for these

brutal murders, • Elucidate the forces that have fueled these killings and stymied capture and prosecution of their perpetrators, • Recommend measures to end the violence and ensure protec-

PEN America logo

Umiya Dham Chicago welcomes Jyoti Rath JAYANTI OZA

tion for threatened individuals.

The Constitution of Bangladesh, in Articles 39 and 41, guarantees all citizens the rights to freedom of conscience and speech, and religion, respectively.

Additionally, Bangladesh is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which assures every individual the right to freedom of religion, belief,

and expression in Articles 18 and 19. Instigating and authorizing a Commission of Inquiry into these killings is an essential step to restore these rights in Bangladesh, the PEN said.

Among the other signees were American Association of Publishers' International Freedom to Publish Committee; Canadian Journalists for Free Expression; Center for Inquiry; City of Asylum Pittsburgh, ICORN; Committee to Protect Journalists; English PEN; European Humanist Federation; Freedom House; Freemuse; Hague Peace Projects; Human Rights First; Index on Censorship; International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU); International Media Support (IMS); PEN Bangladesh.

PEN American Center, founded in 1922 and based in New York City, works to advance literature, to defend free expression, and to foster international literary fellowship.

The Center has a membership of 3,300 writers, editors, and translators.

SNM blood drive & health camp in Tracy Cont’d from page 21

Carrying Umiya Mata Palki during Shobha Yatra at Manav Seva Mandir are seen Umiya Dham Committee members and devotees

CHICAGO: More than 500 members and devotees participated in the first Padharamni, Jyoti Rath Yatra. They welcomed it with chanting "Bolmari Umiya Jai Jai Umiya" at Manav Seva Mandir in Bensenville a northwest suburb of Chicago.

Manav Seva Mandir's President Rajubhai Chauhan and Shree Umiya Dham Chicago's Trustee

Chhotalal Patel welcomed the first Umiya Mata Rath with Puja performed by Mandir's priest.

During the Shobha Yatra devotees gathered and played Garba.

The Mandir management organized "Satya Narayan Katha and Aarti.

Shree Umiya Dham Chicago Trustees thanked the Mandir officials for hosting this great event -

the first Padharamni of Shree Umiya Mata.

Narendrabhai Patel, a prominent activist of the Dham, said we would like to express our gratitude to Mandir priest and all committee members and activists including Dr Bharat Bhai, Dahya Bhai, Sandip Bhai and many others as well as the team members of Shree Umiya Mata Dham.

All volunteers who helped during the first Umiya Mataji Rath Padhramni. In the group picture are Satish Patel, Kirti Patel, Krishnkant Patel, Narendra Patel, Piyush Patel, Gaurang Patel, Jatin Patel and Rajesh Desai

human values. Moreover, blood donation is the best service one could offer to humanity. When transfused in human veins blood knows no religion, caste or nationality.

The Sant Nirankari Mission is essentially a spiritual movement.

Its principal commitment to its followers is to make their minds conscious of the Eternal Reality and unite their Soul with the Creator, the Formless God. The Mission believes that ignorance and super-

In a hall, adjacent to the camp, satsang program (spiritual congregation) was conducted with screening of the message to mankind by the head of the Sant Nirankari Mission, His Holiness Baba Hardev Singh. He reinforced the importance of human unity.

Tracy Council member and Mayor Pro tem Robert Rickman attended the event and presented certificate of recognition to Sant Nirankari Mission for organizing free health fair and Blood drive. Tracy Council member and President of SNM USA, Mayor Pro tem Robert Dr. Iqbaljit Rai accepted Rickman attended the the certificate on behalf of the mission. Dr Hanif event and presented cerKoya, member of tificate of recognition to Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and owner Sant Nirankari Mission of Fiji Sun newspaper attended the event as well. stition are the biggest obstacles The Sant Nirankari Mission to- in man's path to real progress and day is one of the leading blood happiness. Narrow-mindedness, donating voluntary organizations hatred and pride brooded by them in India. Scores of blood donation are the most vicious source of camps are organized in the month trouble for the mankind. of April every year. These camps The Mission endeavors to reare held as per the wishes of the move the same by making spiripresent Spiritual Head of the Mis- tual enlightenment within the sion Baba Hardev Singh who said reach of every man and woman that donation of blood would be young or old, rich or poor, high or the best tribute to Baba low, educated or illiterate, whatGurbachan Singh who sacrificed ever the language, faith or culture, his life for the sake of Truth and whatever the state or the nation.

Community Across America

May 13, 2016

India Post 23

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Eighth Global Punjabi Milaap on June 11 SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: The Eighth Punjabi Milaap will be held on June 11 from 2 pm to 6 pm at Banga House in Glendale Heights, a north side suburb of Chicago just South of North Ave Rte 64. The topic for this year is, "Heritage of Punjab."

Global Punjabi Milaap is an ef-

fort to bring together people of East and West Punjab that was partitioned in 1947 at the time of division of India and Pakistan.

Many Punjabi people had to migrate suddenly and suffered heavy losses.

"This is an attempt to help find

some lost families, friends. This year it is an honor to host S Amardeep Singh from Singapore who visited Pakistan and thoroughly documented the lost heritage of Sikh Legacy in Pakistan in the form of a book," said Thakar Basati, one of the organizers.

Blind Foundation to host music program SURENDRA ULLAL

NAPERVILLE: The Blind Foundation for India (BFI) is hosting its 6th Annual Music Program (Geeton Se Roshni) on Saturday, June 4 at the Avery Coonley Performing Art Center, in Downers Grove, a south west suburb of Chicago. The program will start at 5:30 pm.

Among the highlights is Dr Dipak Shah, Dr Sheela Shah and Ajay Shah singing famous Bollywood numbers accompanied

by Hitesh Master and Orchestra Sa Re Ga Ma. There will be famous Bollywood dances by Monika Shah and Monika Kapoor.

This is the 6th Public Program organized by Drs Dipak and

Sheela Shah. From the last three public events, a mobile van per event has been donated to BFI's medical partners in India (Ramakrishna Mission Ashram,

Dehradun, UK, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Smriti Mandir, Khetri, RJ, and Sarada Seva Sangha, Howrah, WB).

The Blind Foundation for In-

dia (BFI) was established in 1989 with a charter to prevent and cure blindness and educate and rehabilitate permanently blind people in India.

There are over 15 million blinds in India accounting for one-third of the world's blind population. So far, BFI team has raised over $4 million and supported 160,000 free Cataract operations, gave 10,000 Braille Kits to blind children for education, donated 120 vans to transport doctors and patients.

On the prevention front, over 750,000 children in Government schools have been examined for their eyesight and provided necessary interventions, free of cost.

Social activist Suru Manek honored DILIP BUTANI

LOS ANGELES: A grand celebration was held on the occasion of 56th birth anniversary of Gujarat State in Whittier, Los Angeles. It was jointly organized by Academy of Indian Culture and the World Gujarati Samaj (Los Angeles).

The program started with lamp lightning ceremony followed by a wonderful cultural program 'Geet Gurjari' organized by Arvindbhai Joshi and his team of well-known artists. The program included two wonderful dance items.

Social activist and businessman Surubhai Manek, who was earlier given "Gaurav Award" by Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and Morari Bapu, was honored on this occasion. Arvindbhai Joshi, Govind Vaghasia and leaders of 51 organizations of Southern California showered praise and h o n o r e d Surubhai Manek.

There was also a photo exhibition 'Gujarat Darshan' in the adjoining hall.

Over 350 guests attended the function which ended with a sumptuous dinner.

Global Punjabi Milaap meet last year

"The content of the book is so enriching that I asked my public library to look into it and see if they will buy it for us and they have agreed to it after looking at the websitewww.lostheritagebook.com," he added Global Punjabi Milaap has covered topics previously in Punjabi language such as "Punjab di

Saanjh,Rishte, Baba Bulleh Shah and The Legend of Waris Shah" Eminent speakers talk about these topics at length and Punjabi poets recite fulfilling Punjabi poetry.

This is the only platform where the richness of Punjabi language is fully explored and discussed.

People from all over the world have participated in it.

Rockford Council to open with Vedic prayers MADHU PATEL

ROCKFORD: Rockford City Council (Illinois) will have its first historic Hindu opening prayer on May 16. It will contain verses from world's oldest existing scripture for the first time in 164 years.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, will deliver the invocation from ancient Sanskrit scriptures.

After Sanskrit delivery, he will read the English translation of the prayer. Sanskrit is considered a sacred language in Hinduism and is a root language of Indo-European languages.

Zed, will recite from Rig-Veda, the oldest scripture of the world still in common use, besides lines from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures. He plans to start and end the prayer with "Om", the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude religious work.

Reciting from Brahadaranyakopanishad, Rajan Zed plans to say "Asato ma sad gamaya, Tamaso ma jyotirgamaya,

Mrtyormamrtamgamaya", which he will then translate as "Lead me from the unreal to the Real, Lead me from darkness to Light, and Lead me from death to Immortality." Reciting from Bhagavad-Gita, he proposes to urge Aldermen to keep the welfare of others always in mind.

Rockford, chartered as a city in 1852, on the banks of the Rock River, is the third largest city in Illinois. It is known for Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps; Mendelssohn Club, claimed to be the oldest music club in the nation; Cheap Trick rock band; etc.

Lawrence J. Morrissey is the Mayor.

24 India Post

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May 13, 2016

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United Punjabis to host Punjabi Mela India Post News Service

CHICAGO: June is the official start of the summer season and the United Punjabis of America (UPA) is set to get this season off to a sizzling start with a Punjabi Mela to be held at Ashton Place in Willowbrook, a southwest suburb of Chicago, on Sunday, June 12.

The Mela will begin at 11 am and the curtain will come down on the festivities at 4 pm. With delicious Punjabi food available for purchase and booths offering the latest in fashion and style, this afternoon will feature three very exciting competitions, a group dance competition as well as Miss UPA and Ms. UPA, the first such competitions to be held in the Chicago area.

"Miss UPA and Ms. UPA competitions are an opportunity to showcase the immense talent and style that young people have," said Sureeta Trikha, a UPA officer and the point person for these

competitions. "In the spirit of inclusiveness that is a hallmark of UPA, the competitions are open to any woman who meets the age criteria and registers by the registration deadline of May 19. The application form as well as contest rules are posted on the UPA w e b s i t e , www.unitedpunjabisofamerica.org , Sureeta added.

"The beginning of the summer season in India is observed in every part of the country with much singing and dancing," observed Pratibha Jairath, a VP of UPA. "And we will be recreating that same sense of joy and gratitude for Nature's bounty by having folk dances from various regions celebrating the diverse cultures of India. We are excited that so many organizations will be sending their representatives to participate in the Mela."

"The attendees as well as our vendors last year were very

pleased with the arrangements and we look forward to an equally successful event this year," Sharan Wallia , a spokesman said.

The mission of UPA is to preserve the rich Punjabi heritage and

serve and become a positive force for enhancing and strengthening the Punjabi community and the communities in which Punjabis live. "UPA is not just for Punjabis.

It is for everyone interested in the

Punjabi culture and the Punjabi community. That is why we are so excited about the upcoming Mela and the cooperation with so many cultural organizations," Dharam Punwani explained.

With Malice to None

Who has gained by beef ban?

A.Q. SIDDIQUI

T

he Bombay High Court has upheld Maharashtra Government's ban on slaughter of bulls and bullocks along with cows in the state, but struck down as "unconstitutional" the ban on possession or eating of beef if brought from outside the state. The judges said the state could not dictate a citizen's "choice of food". The HC agreed the section violated the "right to privacy" and what the court held was part of the fundamental right to life and liberty guaranteed under the Constitution.

The petition was filed in HC by a coalition of citizens of Mumbai from every community, filmmakers, journalists, and social activists.

The HC decision has once again proved that when democracy is mishandled by politicians, courts in India are not far to rescue it.

What we may like most about this decision is the fact the judges ruled, that state cannot intrude into privacy of a citizen. "The State cannot make an intrusion into his home and prevent a citizen from possessing and eating food of his choice."

The HC did not remove the ban on slaughter based on facts submitted by Maharashtra Government, but it has upheld the basic rights of citizens and allowed them to eating beef brought in from other states.

Well some wisdom prevails.

The rulers in Maharashtra and elsewhere in India shall not forget they are elected by democratic norms and it is their prime responsibility to uphold the rights of citizens as guaranteed in constitution.

The HC decision on Beef Ban will have far reaching repercussions.

Soon it will prompt others elsewhere to move in courts against the Beef Ban. The beef packets will soon be available in market. While the neighboring states will benefit for transporting beef into state, Maharashtra is going to lose a viable financial industry within. On April 8, the Times of India carried a news item, "Saved by Maharashtra beef ban, cattle are dying of thirst and hunger". The

news detailed the plight of poor peasants who rear cattle for a living and were left in lurch as there were no takers for their old and dying bulls and bullocks.

There was no way to export the cattle to neighboring states as the Maharashtra Government's earlier ruling banned transportation of cattle also. The HC has now removed this clause. The transportation of animals is decriminalized in new ruling. This will enable poor peasants to send their cattle to neighboring states for buyers. At least here is some relief for those farmers who rear cattle for a living. But the state of Maharashtra is losing good revenue to neigh-

boring Telangana state.

Finally, there is need for logical understanding of this situation.

Who is benefitted by a ban on beef eating? Thousands of poor butchers and workers at abattoirs lost their jobs. Thousands of peasants rearing cattle for a living lost their livelihood. Hundreds of transportation workers lost their jobs. The cost and demand of poultry, vegetables and meat went up all over the state. This put a burden on each citizen in the state.

The Government did not provide alternate relief for those affected by the ban on beef. So whose advantage it was? Only a sensible soul will answer this.

I Miss You, Mom So often, I wish You were here So I could speak to you On many things in abundance And so many times When something happens When I create something When I write something When I cook something I wish You were here To share them with you So I could see you enjoying them As your loving daughter I have realized how special you are And I am thankful for this bond Living far from you Someway makes me feel I miss you more and more But, Mom, I love you So much And very much GEETHANJALI

(Mother's Day was celebrated on May 8)

Perspective

May 13, 2016

India Post

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The Religion that the Iranian Mullahs fear most ZENOBIA RAVJI

A

sk someone about the Zo roastrian religion and-as suming they've heard of it-you will typically get three responses. Your interlocutor might inaccurately describe followers of the Zoroastrian faith as "fire-worshippers." He or she may recognize Zoroaster, the priest who founded the religion, as the pro-

lennia before the Prophet Muhammed appeared on the scene. "Converting back" to Zoroastrianism, as many refer to the process of rediscovering their roots, has encouraged a view of Islam as an alien Arab faith that was imposed on unwilling Persians during the Muslim conquest of the seventh century.

Words, and Good Deeds" in Avestan, an ancient Iranian language. He learned that fire, which plays such a central role in Zoroastrian religious ceremonies, represents the divine light of wisdom.

Then he decided to undergo the Navjote, an initiation ceremony into the faith that is similar to a Bar Mitzvah.

the experience. "Even though I grew up in a household where religion didn't play a central role and was never forced on me." Ali now believes in asha, a Zoroastrian concept meaning "the path of truth and righteousness"-that things always fall into place if you follow the right path.

In the seventh century, Arab tribes armed with the Quran patched together the former territories of the Sassanian Empire, the last pre-Islamic Persian dynasty, forcing the conquered population to adopt Islam. As a result, some Zoroastrians fled Iran for lands as varied as China, India, and the Balkans. But many stayed behind, resisting the Arabs for 200 years, in what some call "The First Arab Occupation."

"Students were taught that Zoroastrian priests and the

they could not afford the tax, they were subjected to torture, confiscation of property, and even threats to their life." Another humiliation imposed on the Zoroastrians, along with other religious minorities, was a law compelling them to wear a yellow patch on their clothing to mark them out -a badge of inferiority that the Jews of Europe were all too familiar with. Many Zoroastrians were shepherded into ghettoes known as gavrestan.

"In Persian, that word is reminiscent of 'goorestan' or cemetery," Dr. Jahanian added. "In this hostile environment Zoroastrians were even blamed for natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods."

Iranian scholars point to 1979 as the year that reignited the innate curiosity of many Iranians

Over the past few decades, Iran has seen a revival in the native religion that predates Islam-something that the ayatollahs desperately want to suppress.

Zoroastrian priests performing a group Navjote initiation ceremony.

tagonist of the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche's classic work, "Thus Spoke Zarathustra."

And there's the oft-quoted "fun fact" that Freddie Mercury, the flamboyant vocalist of rock group Queen, was and still is the world's most famous Zoroastrian.

Much less well-known is that Zoroastrianism is a living faith, with communities in India, Europe, the United States, and the Middle East-especially Iran. Ten years ago, a study by the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of America concluded that there were, at most, 190,000 followers of the faith around the world. But as Laurie Goodstein noted inThe New York Times, there was reason to be skeptical of this number, because of the "wildly diverging counts in Iran, once known as Persia - the incubator of the faith."

In common with other religions, Zoroastrians in Iran have confronted both persecution and a concerted attempt by the Islamist regime in Tehran to destroy the very foundations of their faith. One critical consequence of this-no doubt unintended by the ruling mullahs-is that growing numbers of Iranians inside and outside the country are exploring a faith that crystallized two mil-

For most of his childhood in pre-revolutionary Iran, Dr. Ali M. heard virtually nothing about his family's religious heritage. (He declined to share his full name out of concern for family members still living in the country) But when Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini seized power following the 1979 revolution that overthrew the Shah, Ali's family left for Germany.

Experiencing a foreign culture for the first time, Ali, who now works as a physician in southern California, began to ask questions about his background. "When I lived in Germany, I was going through my teenage years," he explained. "I tried to find out who I am and what was going on around me in a world of chaos and displacement."

Ali began asking his parents about their religious heritage and ancient roots. That's when he found out through conversations with his mother that his grandfather's family was descended from the Zoroastrian priestly lineage.

Anxious to acquire more knowledge about his hidden faith, Ali began studying Zoroastrian teachings. He learned about the three principles propagated by Zoroaster: Humata, Hukhta, and Hvarshta, "Good Thoughts, Good

At first, the priests whom Ali met in America were apprehensive about performing the ceremony, pointing out that doing so would be regarded as apostasy by Iran's rulers, which could cost Ali his life if he returned home. According to Iran's official records, Ali's father is registered as a Muslim. Under Iranian law, children automatically take their father's religion.

Iranians who depart Islam for another faith face imprisonment or even execution.

Ali was devastated and angry. "I was in tears, I was actually crying," he said. "I said I don't need these people to prove who I am. I was going to find somebody to do this for me, so I could formally declare my belief."

Eventually he found a Zoroastrian priest to perform his Navjote.

"I felt that I'm the same person and have always been a Zoroastrian," Ali said, reflecting on

Sassanians were barbarians, and that the Arabs had to come in to 'civilize the people,'" said Dinyar, a Zoroastrian historian asked to use a pseudonym because he regularly travels to Iran.

Zoroastrians continued to resist conversion despite continued persecution. By the 15th century, a sizeable portion of Persia's population still remained

regarding their roots and origin.

After the revolution, Iran became estranged from the Shah's Western allies, forcing ordinary Iranians to examine their national and spiritual identities.

The revolution dislodged the Pahlavi dynasty, founded by Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1925, who was then succeeded by his son, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi.

A graduation ceremony for Zoroastrian priests-in-training.

Zoroastrian, especially in the northern provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran. Their continuing presence raised concerns among the Muslim clergy that others might probe their roots and family backgrounds and leave Islam.

"Those who did not convert had to pay jizya, the infidel tax," explained Dr. Daryoush Jahanian, a leading Zoroastrian scholar. "If

The Pahlavis combined brutal authoritarianism with secularism and an embrace of Western norms and customs. For the Zoroastrians, this meant recognition of their faith and even the official adoption of some of their traditions, like Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, and the celebration of the spring equinox.

Cont’d on page 26

Perspective

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May 13, 2016

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The Religion that the Iranian Mullahs fear most Cont’d from page 25

In the early 1970s, the Shah encouraged the return of Parsis, Zoroastrians who had been living in India for centuries. Iranian Prime Minister Asadollah Alam met with several Parsi businessmen who were urged to invest in Iran. Many Parsis did just that,

guished, soon the trash will spread and they invite all to join the [Zoroastrian] creed."

As Dr. Jahanian pointed out, scholars of Zoroastrian and ancient Iranian studies were persecuted after 1979. "Many suffered physical, psychological, and financial punishments," Jahanian said. "Some were arrested, jailed, and beaten. Others lost their jobs

An ancient Zoroastrian prayer book.

including a significant number who relocated to Iran.

"In the 1970s, ancient Iranian stuff was really in and cool," Ali recalled. "People wanted to connect to that-especially educated people, who thought Islam was more of a regressive factor in Iranian culture. That's still a very strongly held belief, especially among the younger generation, hence the animosity and misplaced anger toward Arabs and Arab culture.

"When I was growing up in Iran, and somebody was wearing a chador, a full body covering worn over regular clothes by women, or even a headscarf, they were either thought to be a maid, a peasant, or somebody who's very uneducated," he added.

"And that association kind of remained."

Once Khomeini was in power, the tentative revival of Zoroastrianism in Iran was suddenly halted, and Zoroastrians started to flee the country. In the main Zoroastrian temple in Tehran, the portrait of Zoroaster was replaced with a portrait of Khomeini. As far as Khomeini was concerned, Zoroastrians were, as he wrote before the revolution, "dishonorable, fire-worshipping knaves‌if this fire of dirt that has risen from the temples of Fars is not extin-

and even suffered the loss of a dear one."

Furthermore, Zoroastrians, including other religious minorities, were by law prohibited from holding senior government or military positions. They were also discriminated against in the legal system, receiving more severe punishments and worse lawsuit settlements than Muslims do. Today, Zoroastrians-officially numbered, according to Iran's 2011 census, at just over 25,000are still subjected to apartheid-like legislation: No more than 3,000 copies of any religious text may be printed, and principals of Zoroastrian schools must be Muslims.

Even so, many Zoroastrians have clung stubbornly to their beliefs and practices, even performing conversions in private.

Those who fled abroad experienced a similar awakening. "I felt that I had found my identity," said

Shahrooz Ash, born in Tehran to secular Muslim parents who emigrated to England. "I felt I had returned home to who I really was, to my roots. A lifelong search of who I was and where I came from had finally reached its destination."

Ash has not returned to Iran since the revolution. After his time in England, he came to America, where he studied philosophy at UCLA. An encounter with a philosophy professor, who asked him about pre-Islamic Iran, a subject about which he knew almost nothing, spurred him on to further study.

"I was ashamed that I did not know my own roots, the glorious and powerful ancient people I came from," he said.

Ash said that his true identity, like many Iranians, had been overwhelmed by the impact of the Islamist revolution. "Iranians are," he said, "conflicted between these two identities, between being Iranian and being Muslim."

Dr. Jahanian describes the arrival of the internet as a "miracle"

izes in ancient Iran. Nezhad and a group of scholars and cultural activists are the founders of the Persian Renaissance Foundation, the main backer of the Iranian Renaissance Movement, which produces content aimed specifically at audiences in Iran.

Nezhad, now 48, was born to non-practicing Muslim parents in Iran. "My parents were not Muslim by belief or by practice, but since I was not in any other category, I was recognized as Muslim. This is the case for millions of Iranians," he said.

Nezhad pursued a career in petroleum engineering and transferred to Houston to work for an oil company. He had always been

"There is no state where Zoroastrians feel at home," he argued. "Iran has to be their state, their stronghold, their center of attention and interest. And perhaps Iran can be the defender of the rights of Zoroastrians all around the world." interested in history, politics, and his ancient Zoroastrian roots.

"I had a very strong tendency to Zoroastrianism as a philosophy, as a national heritage, and that's the tendency among many, many Iranians," he said. "So they look at the Zoroastrian culture and religion as something that really belongs to their ancient, Persian heritage or old Iran."

Nezhad started to consider

A group of priests from Kerman, Iran.

because of its role in the Zoroastrian awakening-just one of myriad reasons why the Iranian regime exercises such strict control over its own sphere of cyberspace.

Among the leaders of this information revolution is Dr. Shahin Nezhad, an academic who special-

Nezhad eventually decided to perform his Navjote in his early 40s-one day after marrying his wife, who is a Zoroastrian herself. However, Nezhad always felt that in his heart he was Zoroastrian, and so didn't need a formal conversion to tell him so. "For Iranians, you feel that being Zoroastrian is like being Iranian," he said. "Being Muslim is not really being Iranian. It is a kind of an identity crisis for them. It's very complicated."

Nezhad foresees "an Iranian Iran" with a significant Zoroastrian population, which, he believes, will pacify the region, reducing tensions between the other nations and people.

himself a Zoroastrian in his early twenties, and began following the Gathas, the most sacred Zoroastrian texts, consisting of 17 hymns composed by Zoroaster.

They are essentially a philosophy on how to create a balanced and peaceful life.

"There is no state where Zoroastrians feel at home," he argued. "Iran has to be their state, their stronghold, their center of attention and interest. And perhaps Iran can be the defender of the rights of Zoroastrians all around the world."

Nezhad believes that a cultural revolution from within will gradually degrade the foundation of the current Islamist system of government. "Rather than going 180 degrees and opposing the establishment, we try to oppose them by awakening people to their real heritage and real identity, rather than what they are told by the current system," he said. "Therefore, for time being, at least until we figure out something else, our strategy is education, education, education."

The determination of Iranians to use the very online tools that the regime has actively tried to close down is a powerful signal that this learning process is finally underway. Scholars like Jahanian and Nezhad say that outside of the official figures, there are around 100,000 Zoroastrians who are formally registered as Muslims but practice Zoroastrianism. This, they say, is the cusp of a broader awareness among Iranians that their pre-Islamic past provides the grounding for a post-Islamist future in which all religions will coexist in equality.

Zenobia Ravji is Associate Director of Coalitions, The Israel Project

May 13, 2016

www.indiapost.com

India Post 27

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Kar Gayi Chull : Kapoor & Sons 2 Sab Tera: Baaghi 3 High Heels Te Nachche: Ki & Ka 28 India Post

May 13, 2016

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4 Jabra Fan: Fan 5 Bol Do Na Zara: Azhar 6 Ji Huzoori : Ki & Ka

R

andeep Hooda, who is essaying the role of Sarabjit in the Omung Kumar directorial 'Sarbjit', chained himself with heavy handcuffs weighing approximately 2.5 kg in each hand to get into the character. 'Sarbjit' is based on the life of Sarabjit Singh, an Indian farmer who was convicted of charges of terrorism and spying in Pakistan and was sentenced to death.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be seen in the role of Dalbir Kaur, Sarabjit's sister, while Richa Chadha will essay Sarabjit's wife."Randeep Hooda has given immense dedication and hard work to his character. He has given his entire heart and soul for Sarbjit," Kumar said in a statement.

As Randeep's character was trapped in a Pakistan jail for years and given a heartless treatment, the actor made a dummy prison cell in an area of just 6x4 feet where he spent his entire day, fully chained with minimum supply of food intake. In spite of great irritation and pain, the actor didn't give up on his self-made training and went beyond his limits to get the realistic performance on screen.

7 Bolna: Kapoor & Sons 8 Most Wanted Munda : Ki & Ka 9 Let's Talk About Love : Baaghi 10 Buddhu Sa Mann : Kapoor & Sons

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fter some really emotional films, like 'Highway' where Alia Bhatt outperformed herself as a young girl who wishes to break free of the societal norms, who was subject to child molestation, to another heart-warming Tia in 'Kapoor & Sons', who tries to cope with her parents' sudden demise and balance a really emotional relationship, Alia's next outing is something light-hearted and fun.

With what looks like a sequel of the hit 'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania', Alia plays a really fun character in 'Badrinath ki Dulhaniya' in her third with Varun Dhawan, directed by Shashank Khaitan (who also directed HSKD). She mentions that along with it being a fun film, it involves a very different kind of acting which makes the film even more interesting.

Varun plays a cool 'Badri' from Jhansi.

K

alki Koechlin says she will love to do a film about women, but only if it is real and relatable. The actress who recently won the National award for her performance in 'Margarita, with a Straw', was reported as saying that she would also love to do a commercial scenario like a 'Charlie's Angels' like a kick-ass women," she was quoted as saying in an interview.

The actress who is gearing up for the release of her next, 'Waiting', with Naseeruddin Shah says that the two share a very emotional connect in the film.

"This time I think I was much more prepared for him and am more comfortable with him. It was really fun working with him because we get along really well.

We didn't have a very intellectual relationship, like people think we will be talking about theatre as we both come from theatre background, but it wasn't the case at all. We were most of the time listening to songs together and just hanging out and going for drinks and stuff. We had a very good emotional connect in the film."

The actress says she has got a lot of appreciation from people on winning the National award and she "hoped it will affect my future work."

May 13, 2016

Bollywood www.indiapost.com

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fter taking Bollywood by storm with her impeccable acting chops and envious looks, B-Town hottie, Deepika Padukone is all set to work her magic in Hollywood as well.

While the actress is busy shooting for her Hollywood debut 'xXx: The Return of Xander Cage' opposite Vin Diesel in Canada, we hear that the leggy lass has been auditioning for few other roles while being away from home.

According to a report on Spotboye.com, she has auditioned for a pivotal role in the popular 'The Mummy' franchise opposite Hollywood heartthrob, Tom Cruise, but is still waiting for a revert from the casting directors. There were reports that 'Gangs of Wasseypur' actress Huma Qureshi had also auditioned for the said role.

She has auditioned for a pivotal role in the popular 'The Mummy' franchise opposite Hollywood heartthrob, Tom Cruise, but is still waiting for a revert from the casting directors

S

onam Kapoor can't seem to do without her workouts. For the upcoming Cannes festival, she will take along her trainer Radhika Karle as well. A source close to her reveals that she has been working out with Radhika for some time now. And as she will be at the festival for a few days, she doesn't want to lose out on her training while there.

The actress who was last seen in 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', has been dedicating a lot of time to staying fit and trying different workout routines of late, one of them being aerial yoga. In a report to a daily, a source said she likes the regimen so much that she practiced it even while on vacation in Austria with her family.

She is also said to be disciplined about her food habits and eats food that is low on carbs.

A

fter proving his mettle in films like 'Airlift' and 'Holiday', Akshay Kumar is now gearing up for rom-com 'Housefull 3'. The actor says that he enjoys doing both serious and comedy films. Talking about his part of a split personality in 'Housefull 3', Akshay says, "It's just a comedy film. (It is) Not to be taken seriously. We didn't study the human brain for me to play the part. I play a wannabe footballer and I suffer from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in the film. My character is not supposed to know he has DID. So why should I?

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Horoscope

May 13, 2016

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31

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May 13th - May 19th2016 Please send your birthday, place of birth and time, so I can give you your zodiac sign, according to Vedic astrology. Send to Jaysastrology@gmail.com

M

ars and Saturn causes setback , obstruction's, accidents, problems to older sibling and friend and income. Remedy for this patience, no risk taking wear red and black colors more avoid green color and grey. Rahu involved with mercury and venus leads to anxiety and lack of confidence, no major decision making. Slow week for progress, skin and abdominal concern.

M

D

M

isputes with female partner, losses and expenses trouble in foreign land. Legal expenses and separatons. Good for children for trip and spend time with them. Problems at home setback, fixed assets, accidents at home or with a car.

No risky behavior and stay calm at home. Travel for work and looks positive at work.

Abdominal area and kidney concern. Avoid foreign travel.

ental peace at home, improvement in status and family time. Women helps in income. Low energy, anxiety, be careful how you talk to siblings and friends.

Don't argue. Avoid starting new projects as sun is weak and not in good house. Help father or father like person.

Romance initiated. Wear all colors more red, pink, and black except grey. Rahu creates wanting for business.

oon gives mental peace good drive for business short journeys.

Mars relates to children,education, emotions and investments connected to work, Positive results.

Stay away from disputes can lead to debts, vices and status. Avoid risky driving and talk to younger sibling wear more green color. Avoid grey, yellow and black colors.

Anxiety, nervousness, due to Rahu to Mercury.

R

ahu creating wantings, fame, material things, causing anxiety to you and family. Surround yourself with spiritual and religious leaders. Long distance journey. Good results in fixed assets such as property, cars, and home life. Advise is given, learning and teaching. Fortune thru women.

Professional outlook is good as status improves thru communication and confidence.

A

s Rahu and Jupitor in 12th house correlation between home life, properties, fixed assets can create expenses, losses, hospitalization, separations, sleepness nights, lack of desire, trouble in foreign land so be patient avoid yellow and grey colors.

Spend time on marriage, relationships, family and professional status. Be careful what you say avoid arguments.

Don't start new ventures as debts and disutees arise.

S

E

E

tatus looks positive as in come thru business and ventures. Feel energized spend time with kids, and family, positive week for bonding with family. Short lived obstructions with older siblings and friends. There is a up and down for expenses and travel for work. Anxiety with partner and in foreign land, expenses remedy be patient avoid hasty choices. Avoid green and grey colors.

xpect obstructions, setbacks, and delays, expenses and losses in foreign land. Hospitalizations, sleepiness nights, lack of desire so exercise patience.

Patients with liver and diabetes take extra care of your health. Avoid risky behavior and be vigilant of your surroudings due to Rahu.

Income from property is there, may purchase a car or home.

Keep your properties up to date.

void colors red, blue and grey colors, As these colors rules bad planets for this sign. Rough week short temper, Professional outlook not good as well as life at home, will tend to start disputes. Stay low and patient dont talk back. Take care of health, abdominal, kidney and private parts. Pay attention to debts, fire, theft, and false allegations.

A

xercise Patients with home life, business partners and setbacks with relationships. As Moon will cause argument, debts, obstructions and accidents tell your mother or mother like person be careful. Anxiety and nervousness, lack of confidence don't start new ventures, can lead to loss of fortune. Workplace is positive.

Week is related to partners so avoid grey, white and green colors.

S

R

etback and obstructions at work due to Moon, so avoid wearing white color and grey. Correlation of education and work, those looking for work be patient for few weeks. Ups and down in income and relationship with friends and older siblings. Exercise patience as separation from children is there so try to stay connected. Don't speculate as loss are there and in foreign land.

ough week honestly, as Pisces has many malefic (bad) planets. Manage family life and status, along with debts, disputes, theft, fires relationships with uncles and financial litigations. Remedy Avoid disputes be careful what you say. Mental peace is disturbed, ladies take care of private parts and immune system. Professional matters at work be careful and avoid confrontations.

This weekly horoscope is more focused and accurate as it is based on ascending signs. The ascending sign is worked out on the basis of your date, time and place of birth.

The predictions elsewhere are based on your Sun sign or Moon sign. The Sun remains in one sign of zodiac for one month whereas the Moon remains in one sign for about 60 hours. What is important is the ascending sign, which changes every couple of hours. That is how this site offers you more focused predictions.

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

„ Health

Line

Dengue costs the world $ 8.9 bn annually WASHINGTON: Dengue, a major public health threat in countries like India, is estimated to cost the world a whopping USD 8.9 billion annually, higher than several other major infectious diseases such as cholera, canine rabies and rotavirus gastroenteritis, scientists say.

A group of health economists at Brandeis University in the US has published a comprehensive assessment of the economic burden that dengue fever imposes on 141 countries and territories around the world where active dengue transmission has been identified.

At an estimated cost of USD 8.9 billion annually, the price tag for dengue exceeds that of several other major infectious diseases such as cholera, rotavirus gastroenteritis, canine rabies and Chagas disease, said Donald Shepard, lead author of the study published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Dengue is the world's fastest growing mosquito-borne disease, currently threatening about half the world's population or almost 4 billion people and leading to an estimated 60-100 million symptomatic dengue cases every year.

The disease's common nickname in the tropical and subtropical countries where it is found is 'break-bone fever,' which attests to the degree of suffering it can inflict.

Since it is transmitted by four distinct types of viruses, dengue can hit the same individual up to four times.

„

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Health service gets $1 mn for Rupert clinic

RUPERT, Idaho: A southcentral Idaho health services facility is receiving $1 million from the federal government to build a bigger clinic in Rupert.

The Times-News reported the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant announcement. Family Health Services will use the money for a new building in Rupert to make room for more doctors as well as space to start offering dental care.

The federal grant is part of $260 million given out nationwide through the Affordable Care Act's Community Health Center Fund.

The only other recipient in Idaho is Upper Valley Community Health Services, which has been awarded $680,000 for a clinic in St. Anthony.

Family Health Services CEO Aaron Houston says the money is ``much needed'' and will help bring additional providers to the Rupert community. -AP

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Only 21-plus can buy tobacco in California Details on Page 35

US bans sale of e-cigarettes, cigars to those under 18 MIAMI: The United States has issued a sweeping ban on sales of e-cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco and hookahs to those under 18, marking the first time these products have been federally regulated.

The ban will go into effect in 90 days, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, which described the final rule issued after several years of study and debate - as "historic."

"As cigarette smoking among those under 18 has fallen, the use of other nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, has taken a drastic leap," said Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell.

"Today's announcement is an important step in the fight for a tobacco-free generation - it will help us catch up with changes in the marketplace, put into place rules that protect our kids and give adults information they need to make informed decisions."

Key aspects of the rule include barring the sale of e-cigarettes to

minors online or in person, prohibiting the distribution of free samples and not allowing vending machines, unless they are located in an adult-only facility.

The rule also requires manufacturers to get marketing approval for any products that came on the market after February 15, 2007, to

This review process "gives the agency the ability to evaluate important factors such as ingredients, product design and health risks, as well as their appeal to youth and non-users," said the FDA in a statement.

The FDA gained the power to regulate a wider range of tobacco

A Hookah smoker

show that their "products meet the applicable public health standard set forth in the law."

products in 2009, with the passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

A preliminary rule was issued in 2014, resulting in more than 135,000 public comments, an FDA spokesman said.

About one in five Americans smokes, and the habit kills 480,000 people in the United States each year, according to health authorities.

Traditional cigarette smoking has declined in recent decades, but youths are increasingly turning to e-cigarettes, which are battery powered devices that heat a nicotine liquid - and flavored cigars.

E-cigarette use among highschoolers rose from 1.5 per cent in 2011 to 16 per cent in 2015 - a more than 900 per cent increase according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Last year, three million middle and high school students were current e-cigarette users.

Another recent study, carried out by the FDA and the National Institutes of Health in 2013-2014, showed four out of five youths who use some form of tobacco also had tried a flavored tobacco product in the past month. -AFP

Five new breast cancer genes uncovered LONDON: Scientists have uncovered five new genes associated with breast cancer and 13 new mutational signatures that influence tumor development, an advance that may lead to personalized healthcare for the deadly disease. The results of the largest-ever study to sequence the whole genomes of breast cancer also show what genetic variations exist in the disease and where they occur in the genome.

Researchers from Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in the UK led analysis of 560 breast cancer genomes; 556 from women and four from men. The study included breast cancer patients from around the world, including the US, Europe and Asia.

The results unveil more about the causes of breast tumors and provide evidence that breast cancer genomes are

highly individual, researchers said.

Each person's cancer genome is a complete historical account of the genetic changes that they have acquired throughout life, they said.

Researchers hunted for mutations that encourage cancers to grow and looked for mutational signatures in each patient's tumor.

As a person develops from a fertilized egg into adulthood, the DNA in their cells gather genetic changes along the way. This is because human DNA is constantly being damaged by things

in the environment or simply from wear and tear in the cell, researchers said.

These mutations form patterns, or mutational signatures, that we can detect and they give us clues about the causes of cancer, they said.

Researchers hunted for mutations that encourage cancers to grow and looked for mutational signatures in each patient's tumor.

They found that women who carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, and so have increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, had whole cancer genome profiles that were highly distinctive from each other and were also very different to other breast cancers.

The discovery could be used to classify patients more accurately for treatment, researchers said.

"In the future, we would like to be able to profile individual can-

cer genomes so that we can identify the treatment most likely to be successful for a woman or man diagnosed with breast cancer," said Serena Nik-Zainal from Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute.

"It is a step closer to personalized healthcare for cancer," said Ms Nik-Zainal.

Exactly where mutations occur in breast cancer genomes is important too, researchers said.

"All cancers are due to mutations that occur in all of us in the DNA of our cells during the course of our lifetimes," said Mike Stratton from Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute.

"Finding these mutations is crucial to understanding the causes of cancer and to developing improved therapies," said Mr Stratton.

The findings were published in the journal Nature. -PTI

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Rajasthan to expand health welfare project JAIPUR: A welfare program aimed at improving health of mothers and children in Rajasthan will be expanded to other parts of the state, officials here said.

The project, run by a foundation, started with Jhalawar district.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has asked the officials to identify districts with different geographical conditions to scale up the program. She has laid emphasis on effective execution of the program in districts falling in Tribal Area Development region, an official statement said.

Under the project, Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM), ASHA and Anganwadi workers, jointly identified as AAA, do mapping of villages for recording health and nutrition-related details of pregnant women, lactating mothers and newborns.

Founding Director, Antara Foundation Ashok Alexander told a conference, "This project is showing good results as the entire functioning of these three health workers became easy when they joined each other" "Adolescent girls of the village, aged between 13 and 19 years, were also being

made part of the project".

Health Minister Rajendra Rathore said Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) could be effectively controlled with the assistance of Anganwadi workers joining ANM and ASHA. Vice Chairman of the state-level Committee for Monitoring of 20-point Agenda, Digambar Singh said the innovative idea of the adolescent girls partnering in the

Vasundhara Raje

project would yield good results.

On this occasion, members of the council of ministers, parliamentary secretaries, chairpersons of various commissions, chief secretary and senior officers of all government departments were present. -PTI

'Chip kidney' may lead to safer drug dosing WASHINGTON: Scientists have used a "kidney on a chip" device to mimic the flow of medication through human kidneys, a technique that may lead to more precise dosing of drugs, including some toxic medicines used in ICU. Precise dosing in intensive care units (ICU) is critical, as up to two-thirds of patients in the ICU experience serious kidney injury.

Medications contribute to this injury in more than 20 per cent of cases, largely because many intensive care drugs are potentially dangerous to the kidneys.

The new technique offers a more accurate way to test medications, closely replicating the environment inside a human kidney.

It uses a microfluidic chip device to deliver a precise flow of medication across cultured kidney cells.

This is believed to be the first time such a device has been used to study how a medication behaves in the body over time, called its "pharmacokinetic profile," researchers said.

"When you administer a drug, its concentration goes up quickly and it's gradually filtered out as it flows through the kidneys," said Shuichi Takayama, professor at the University of Michigan.

"A kidney on a chip enables us to simulate that filtering process, providing a much more accurate way to study how medica-

tions behave in the body," Takayama said.

Takayama said the use of an artificial device provides the opportunity to run test after test in a controlled environment.

"Even the same dose of the same drug can have very different effects on the kidneys and other organs, depending on how it's administered," said Sejoong Kim, an associate professor at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital.

This is believed to be the first time such a device has been used to study how a medication behaves in the body over time "This device provides a uniform, inexpensive way to capture data that more accurately reflects actual human patients," said Kim, a former University of Michigan researcher.

The team tested their approach by comparing two different dosing regimens for gentamicin, an antibiotic that is commonly used in ICUs. They used a microfluidic device that sandwiches a thin, permeable polyester membrane and a layer of cultured kidney cells between top and bottom compartments. -PTI

Calculator 'overestimates' heart disease risk MIAMI: A commonly used method of calculating a person's risk of heart attack or stroke in the next five years may overestimate the actual risk, leading doctors to unnecessarily prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs, researchers said.

The study was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

"From a relative standpoint, the overestimation is approximately five- to sixfold," said senior author Alan Go, MD, chief of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions research at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research.

"Translating this, it would mean that we would be over-treating a good many people based on the risk calculator."

The tool in question is known as the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association Pooled Cohort risk equation for estimating the likelihood of atherosclerotic - or illness brought on by clogged arteries - and cardiovascular disease.

It was published in 2013 and was "considered an important step forward," said the study.

However, some researchers now say its equation was improperly based on several groups of volunteers in the 1990s that had

a limited ethnic diversity and age range, so it doesn't accurately apply to real-world situations.

The current study involved 307,591 men and women aged 40-75 from a range of ethnic backgrounds. They were followed from 2008 through 2013. None had diabetes, prior atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or prior use of cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins.

Using this population, researchers found that the actual incidence of heart disease over five years "was substantially lower than the predicted risk in each category."

For a predicted risk less than 2.5 percent, the actual incidence of cardiovascular disease or clogged arteries was 0.2 percent.

When the predicted risk was between 2.5 and 3.74 percent, the actual incidence was 0.65 percent, it said.

For predicted risk equal to or greater than five percent, actual incidence was 1.85 percent.

"Our study provides critical evidence to support recalibration of the risk equation in 'real world' populations, especially given the individual and public health implications of the widespread application of this risk calculator," said Go. -AFP

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New treatment for pancreatic cancer Scientists have for the first time shown that controlling cholesterol metabolism could reduce pancreatic cancer spread to other organs, an advance that may lead to a new treatment for the deadly disease using atherosclerosis drugs.

The findings suggest a class of drugs previously developed to treat atherosclerosis could be repurposed for treatment of pancreatic cancer and other forms of cancer, researchers said.

"We show for the first time that if you control the cholesterol metabolism you could reduce pancreatic cancer spread to other organs," said Ji-Xin Cheng from Purdue University in the US. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in arteries, restricting blood flow.

Researchers found accumulations of the compound cholesteryl ester in human pancreatic cancer

specimens and cell lines, demonstrating a link between cholesterol esterification and metastasis.

Esterification is a biochemical process that allows cholesterol to be stored in cells. Excess quanti-

ties of cholesterol result in cholesteryl ester being stored in lipid droplets within cancer cells.

"The results of this study demonstrate a new strategy for treating metastatic pancreatic cancer

Professor John Callan from Ulster University led the team of researchers who made the pancreatic cancer breakthrough

Why some women are likely to have twins LONDON: Scientists have identified two genes which may make women more likely to give birth to non identical twins.

If a woman's female relatives have fraternal twins, she is more likely to give birth to twins herself, but the genes behind this phenomenon have remained a mystery.

Researchers have now shown genetic links between having twins and female production of, and response to, follicle-stimulating hormone, which may help

predict how some women respond to infertility treatments.

An international team of researchers including scientists from Vrije Universiteit (VU) in Amsterdam aggregated genetic data from twin databases in the Netherlands, Australia and the US. The sample totaled 1,980 mothers of fraternal twins conceived without fertility treatments and

12,953 controls.

Researchers were looking for genetic variants, shared by mothers with twins, that showed a different frequency from those in the control groups.

Once researchers had identified a handful of candidates, they sent the results to collaborators in Iceland, who crunched the numbers on their own set of 3,597 mothers with twins and 297,348 controls.

"They looked for whether these variants were also signifi-

cant in their cohort," said Hamdi Mbarek from VU. Two of the gene variants were replicated in the Icelandic cohort, appearing more often in the mothers with fraternal twins conceived without fertility treatments, researchers said.

One of the variants, located near a gene called FSHB, is associated with higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH),

they said.

This hormone triggers follicle growth in a woman's ovaries, eventually leading to an egg being released - and with higher FSH levels, multiple eggs may be released at the same time, leading to twins if two get fertilized, researchers said.

"The second genetic variant, in a gene called SMAD3 involved in cell signaling, probably plays a role in how the ovaries respond to FSH," said Cornelis Lambalk from VU. If a woman produces an average level of FSH, but her ovaries are more sensitive to the hormone, she may still release multiple eggs at a time, researchers said.

"This genetic variant is totally novel and hadn't been shown before as a candidate gene for twinning," said Mr Mbarek. FSH is injected to stimulate the ovaries and obtain eggs for in vitro fertilization, but some women's ovaries hyper-respond to the hormone.

These two genetic variants are only the first piece of the twinning puzzle. The FSHB variant increased the relative odds of having twins by 18 per cent, and SMAD3 by 9 per cent (and if a woman had both variants, her relative risk was increased by 29 per cent), researchers said.

The findings were published in the American Journal of Human Genetic. -PTI

by inhibiting cholesterol esterification," said Jingwu Xie from Indiana University in the US. "We identified an aberrant accumulation of cholesteryl ester in human pancreatic cancer specimens and cell lines.

Depletion of cholesterol esterification significantly reduced pancreatic tumor growth and metastasis in mice," said Junjie Li from Purdue University.

Researchers used an analytical tool called Raman spectromicroscopy that allows compositional analysis of single lipid droplets in living cells.

Findings show that drugs like avasimibe, previously developed for treatment of atherosclerosis, reduced the accumulation of cholesteryl ester, researchers said.

The disease usually kills within a few months of diagnosis. It is hoped the potential new treatment might extend life of pancre-

atic cancer patients for a year.

Researchers analyzed tissue samples from pancreatic cancer patients and then tested the drug treatment in a type of laboratory mice referred to as an orthotropic mouse model.

Specimens of human pancreatic tissues were obtained.

Imaging showed a decrease of the number of lipid droplets, and Raman spectral analysis verified a significant reduction of cholesteryl ester in the lipid droplets, suggesting that avasimibe acted by blocking cholesterol esterification, researchers said.

Findings also showed that blocking storage of cholesteryl ester causes cancer cells to die, specifically due to damage to the endoplasmic reticulum, a workhorse of protein and lipid synthesis, they said.

The findings were published in the journal Oncogene. -PTI

Larger placenta may mean bigger bones LONDON: A greater placental size during pregnancy could lead to larger bones in the children, a new study has found.

Researchers at University of Southampton in the UK studied 518 children in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) who underwent bone scans at nine, 15 and 17 years of age.

Measurements such as thickness, volume and weight, were also taken from the mothers placenta.

The group, working with colleagues at the University of Bristol, found that greater placental size at birth was associated with larger bones at each age in childhood.

The study found that the relationship between the placenta and offspring bone remained robust even after adjusting for factors such as the child's height and weight and pubertal status.

The research offers new insights into earlier observations linking maternal factors in pregnancy with offspring bone health.

Larger bones in early life are likely to lead to larger, stronger bones in older adulthood, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis and broken bones in later life.

However, more research is needed to understand the more detailed mechanisms underlying associations between placenta size/function and offspring bone mass, researchers said.

"There are many factors which are likely to influence placental size and function, and importantly, we don't know as yet whether a larger placenta actually causes the greater offspring bone mass," said Nicholas Harvey, Professor of Rheumatology and Clinical Epidemiology, who led the research.

"These findings really help us to understand the possible mecha-

The research offers new insights into earlier observations linking maternal factors in pregnancy with offspring bone health. nisms whereby factors such as maternal diet, smoking, physical activity and vitamin D status may influence offspring bone development," said Harvey.

"This work builds on our previous findings from the Southampton Women's Survey, and demonstrates that positive associations between placental size and offspring bone size are maintained even through puberty," he said.

The study was published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. -PTI

May 13, 2016

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Only 21-plus can buy tobacco in California SACRAMENTO, Calif.: California Gov. Jerry Brown has approved raising the legal age to buy tobacco for smoking, dipping, chewing and vaping from 18 to 21.

The new law, which will take effect June 9, makes California the second state to raise the legal smoking age to 21. It will not apply to military personnel.

Brown did not say why he signed the measure along with four others restricting tobacco use in various ways, and his staff declined to comment. ``The action speaks for itself,'' Brown spokeswoman Deborah Hoffman said.

Supporters of the law said it aims to deter adolescents from the harmful, sometimes fatal effects of nicotine addiction. The Institute of Medicine reports that 90 percent of daily smokers began using tobacco before turning 19.

Lawmakers and health advocates applauded the move and expect other states to follow California's lead. ``By increasing the tobacco age to 21, the nation's largest state provides incredible momentum to similar efforts nationwide,'' Matthew Myers, president of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said in a statement.

The vaping industry has portrayed its products as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco, and one industry group, the Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Associa-

tion, released a statement calling the nel and passed it in early March. governor's move ``a step backwards.'' It The Institute of Medicine reported in penalizes smokers who are trying to quit March 2015 that increasing the smoking age through using vapor products, the state- to 21 would immediately deter 15 percent ment said. of people 18-20 from taking up a lasting Gregory Conley, president of American tobacco habit.

Vaping Association, an organization that champions electronic cigarettes to help people quit traditional cigarettes, opposed provisions of the new laws that classify and regulate vaping products similar to all other tobacco. ``The bill is sending the deadly message to smokers that vapor products are just another form of tobacco,'' Conley said.

When the law goes into effect, anyone who sells or gives tobacco to people under age 21 could be found guilty of a misdemeanor crime.

California joins Hawaii, which in April became the first state in the nation to raise the legal smoking age to 21. Other The new law makes California the second state to jurisdictions around the country have raise the legal smoking age to 21. It will not apply to military personnel. made the change, including New York and San Francisco.

Veterans organizations and Republican The study , conducted at the request of lawmakers in California objected to the bill, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, saying people old enough to die for their found that raising the minimum smoking age country are old enough to use tobacco. above 20 ``will mean that those who can The California proposal stalled for six legally obtain tobacco are less likely to be months until lawmakers agreed to retain the in the same social networks as high school 18-year-old tobacco age for military person- students.''

Dengue costs the world $ 8.9 bn annually Cont'd from Page 32

Dengue fever is prone to resource-intensive outbreaks that tend to hit hardest in the urban growth centers of endemic countries, like Brazil, Indonesia and India.

In this way, dengue can literally break the back of local health-care systems and lead to intensive associated costs, related both to medical care and lost productivity.

However, dengue fever is not a highly fatal disease and, therefore, it does not typically garner as much attention in terms of traditional measures of disease burden as malaria, for example.

Shepard and his team have published several studies on the economic burden of dengue at the level of individual countries where dengue is a major public health threat such as India, Malaysia, Mexico and the Philippines.

The research took a comprehensive view to assemble all existing evidence to generate a systematic estimate of global economic burden and, for the first time, to replicate this process 1,000 times to generate uncertainty intervals around the central estimate.

"The dearth of population-based data

for many elements was the biggest challenge of us. For important parts of the tropics - especially South Asia and Africa - almost no such studies exist, in fact," said Shepard.

The study provides both global and regional estimates on the cost of dengue, broken down by country and various shortand long-term costs.

By putting a value on the size of the

dengue problem, these estimates will help governments and donors make better-informed decisions around their dengue programs.

"In every country the public purse has more demands than it can satisfy," said Shepard. -PTI

Brown, a Democrat, has signed laws banning the sale of e-cigarettes to minors and reining in the use of tobacco at day care and community facilities.

Brown was out of public office when California became the first state in the nation to ban smoking in public places in 1995 then expand the law in 1998. He did not chime in publicly on 1998, 2006 or 2012 ballot initiatives that sought additional fees on cigarettes.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg donated $500,000 to support the 2012 initiative, which was heavily outspent by tobacco interests and narrowly defeated.

Altria gave $54,000 to Brown's 2014 reelection campaign.

Anti-tobacco groups are collecting signatures to raise cigarette taxes from $0.87 per pack to $2. They notified state officials in February that they've collected at least 25 percent of the 535,407 signatures they'll need to place the question on the November ballot.

Brown also signed legislation to regulate electronic cigarettes, set annual tobacco license fees, push for all charter schools to be tobacco free and expand existing requirements for tobacco-free workplaces to include small businesses, break rooms and hotel lobbies. He vetoed a bill that would have allowed local governments to establish tobacco taxes. -AP

36 India Post

T

he one-time summer capital of the British, Shimla is a gorgeous hill station in the In dian state of Himachal Pradesh. Located at an average height of 2,200 meters, Shimla is unique with its unparalleled glittering beauty. Set in the midst of impressive hills and dense jungles this hill town has its own charm. Its elegant streets, plummeting torrents and salubrious

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climate make it a thriving hotspot for honeymooners. Shimla is also the kick off point for the rest of Himachal, with well-knit roads and tourists should also include Manali tour package when in Shimla.

This erstwhile Nepalese state Syamala gained prominence as the most sought after hill station under the auspices of the progressive British officers who had acquired its control in the year 1819.

The snow-capped mountains, quaint surroundings and the

mighty formations of Victorian style that dot the city, reverberates the colonial texture of the city.

It is not just the substantiation of some grand monuments and colonial architecture that Shimla offers, it is also home to the most pleasing meanders and panoramic views that attract adventure enthusiasts and honeymooners alike.

Like the other Indian cities, fairs and festivals are the highlights of Shimla tourism. The awesome British populations of yesteryears make Christmas a fanfare of the valley. The most significant event

May 13, 2016

in the valley is the Summer Festival organized by the Government in the month of June, which showcases the rich culture and tradition of the Himalayan state. This larg-

est fun fare of the hilly state grabs people with the colorful performances of folk dancers and other activities based on the rich rustic tradition.

Cont’d on page 38

May 13, 2016

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India's domestic air traffic grew by 27 pc NEW DELHI: India's domestic air passenger traffic grew more than six times of the US domestic travel demand in March, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The IATA passenger traffic data for the month of March 2016 shows a growth of 27.4 per cent in India which is over six times more than the growth of the second highest market - the US at 4.1 per cent.

Globally, the overall domestic demand rose 3.7 per cent in March

this year compared to March 2015, driven primarily by performance in the two largest markets, the US which accounts for two of every five domestic passengers - and China, it said.

However, India accounted for only 1.2 per cent in the over all global domestic traffic.

According to IATA, March performance shows a moderate slowdown on the year-on-year growth rates recorded in January (7.2 per cent) and February (8.6 per cent) even after adjusting for the leap-year impact in February.

Demand for international traffic grew significantly more quickly (6.2 per cent) than that

for domestic travel, it said.

"While in line with long-term trends, demand growth in March represented a slow-down compared to January and February.

It is premature to say whether

this marks the end of the recent very strong results," IATA Director General and Chief Executive Officer Tony Tyler said.

IATA expects further stimulus in the form of network expansion and declines in travel costs, he said, adding however, the wider economic backdrop remains subdued.

Although India has been growing constantly, the difference between the two markets is significantly vast for the month of March 2016.

Growth in the India's domestic market is being propelled by the comparatively strong economic backdrop as well as sizable increase in services, it said.

According to IATA, the average flight frequencies within India are expected to go up by 11.5 per cent year-on-year in this year.

IATA also said India's annual domestic revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) growth rate has now been in double digits for 19 consecutive months.

The combination of such rapid growth in India and slower (even negative) growth in other similarly-sized domestic markets has seen India overtake the others in terms of seasonally adjusted domestic RPKs over the past year or so, most recently Brazil, which it surpassed in March, it said. -PTI

Special train coaches to be dedicated for tourists NEW DELHI: Two coaches in every special train passing through 25 railway stations most frequented by domestic as well as foreign tourists may get improved with special facilities.

These 25 stations, to be named Adarsh Railway Stations, will have a tourism help desk, special toilets, rest rooms, besides guide facilities, a source said.

A team of officials from Tourism and Railways Ministries will be formed who would identify in two months 25 railway stations which are most frequented by tourists, the source said.

It was discussed during a meeting between Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma and Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu in the presence of other senior officials here.

Police personnel who are trained in managing tourists' grievances and volunteers from NCC and NSS will also be deployed at these stations.

Two coaches, specially dedicated to domestic and foreign tourists, in the special trains which pass through these Adarsh Railway stations are also being considered, the source said.

These coaches, which would be colored differently, will have special fares, facilities as well as

tourists from these railway stations to tourist destinations.

Railway stations at Delhi, Agra, Amritsar, Guwahati, Puri and Varanasi may find place in the list of 25 Adarsh Railway stations, according to the source.

During the meeting, it was also decided to make a provision for

reservation criteria, he added.

The team would also come up with solutions for ferrying the

group booking customers to get seats in the same coach, the source said. -PTI

India expects 9 lakh S-E Asian tourists SINGAPORE: Some 900,000 South East Asian tourists are expected to visit India this year, up by about 15 per cent as compared to last year, boosted by e-Visas and a wide range of marketing campaigns carried out in the region.

"We are expecting 15 per cent increase in South East Asian tourists visiting India this year, especially boosted by the introduction of e-Visa and our promotional campaign across the region," said R K

region, through media and television network, as well as public buses which are especially painted with Indian tourist attractions," he said.

Suman has an elaborate Indian tourist destinations programs, saying he is bullish on the ASEAN tourists and aims to maintain a strong double-digit annual growth in traffic flow.

Comparatively, India had 8 million tourists last year, up 4.4 per

Suman, Assistant Director at India Tourism office in Singapore.

Last year, he estimated there was a 10 per cent on the year increase in South East Asian tourist visitors or over 754,000 to India.

This year, some 900,000 tourists from the region are expected to visit India.

Suman promoted India's tourism sector across seven of the 10 countries in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) region last year. He plans to expand the promotional activities and campaigns to Cambodia, Laos and Brunei from this year, completing the entire markets in the grouping.

"We have a wide range of promotional programs in the ASEAN

cent on the year.

South East Asian tourist traffic into India has been significantly increasing from 540,910 in 2012, 628,955 in 2013 to 685,805 in 2014.

Suman said he would continue with the tourist promotion program this year, through special seminars, forums, and networking sessions as well as participation in travel, tour and hospitality exhibitions held annual in the regions major cities.

Media blitz is through the regions leading newspapers, television channels, electronic and social mediums, Facebook, billboards across shopping malls and public places as well as bus wraps, or painting of buses in popular Indian destinations in ASEAN cities, he added. -PTI

Uber allowing rides abroad using Paytm NEW DELHI: Digital payments firm Paytm will enable Uber users to pay for their rides in Indian currency while travelling abroad using its mobile wallet by month-end.

Alibaba-backed Paytm will not charge any fees for conversion and the fares will be based on current forex rates.

Currently, Indian users need a credit card to pay for Uber rides taken aboard.

"We will enable users to pay for their rides in Indian currency while they travel abroad. The integration process is on and should be live by month-end... Users will be able to pay in Indian rupees based on current forex rates,"

Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma said.

Uber has announced a partnership with AliPay - Alibaba's online payment solution in China - to enable users to use AliPay's mobile wallet and pay in Chinese Renminbi (RMB) while travelling internationally.

"The integration with AliPay will allow Chinese users travelling abroad to book cabs via the AliPay app (apart from the Uber app)... This will help users who don't have a credit card to use Uber without hassles while travelling abroad," Uber Asia Pacific Head of Business Eric Alexander told reporters here. -PTI

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Rs 2500 for 1-hour air ticket planned NEW DELHI: There is a proposal to ensure that only Rs 2,500 is charged per ticket for one-hour flights, government has told the Lok Sabha amid concerns expressed by members over exorbitant airfares.

The government also said it will hold consultations with the airlines to explore the possibility of curbing the menace of charging exorbitant airfares during emergency situations.

"The Ministry will commence the process of consultations with stakeholders, including airlines, to explore possibilities ... of containing fares," Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said while replying to a debate on Demand for Grants for the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Tourism which was approved by the House later.

During the debate, members voiced concern over exorbitant airfares during emergency situations like unprecedented floods in Chennai and Srinagar and the recent Jat agitation.

Raju said that during the Chennai floods, the airlines did help the government to evacuate stranded people by operating flights from Arakonam air base to Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

He said airlines also came for-

Ashok Gajapathi Raju

ward to operate additional flights during floods in Srinagar, earthquake in Nepal and the Jat agitation in Haryana.

When a member from Kerala complained of exorbitant fares on

the Gulf route, the Minister remarked, "we can control only things in India".

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said the government is working on strengthening regional air connectivity and in this regard, there is a proposal to ensure that only Rs 2,500 per ticket is charged for one-hour flights.

Raju said a comparative study undertaken by the Ministry for JanuaryMarch 2013 and the same period during 2016 showed a reduction of 18.10 per cent in airfares.

This shows that the airlines are passing the benefits from lower ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel) costs to the passengers, he added.

In recent times, concerns have been expressed in various quarters about rising airfares despite fall in fuel prices, which account for over 40 per cent of a carrier's total operating costs. -PTI

Air India inks codeshare pact with Flybe NEW DELHI: Air India says it has inked a codeshare pact with European regional airline Flybe which will give passengers of the national carrier a seamless connectivity to the UK and rest of Europe from here and vice versa.

Flybe, a member of Star Alliance along with Air India, is Europe's largest regional airline operating on 216 routes through 75 airports across 10 countries.

Code-sharing allows an airline to book its passengers on its partner carriers and provide seamless connectivity to multiple destinations where it has no presence.

The new partnership will allow customers of both Air India and Flybe to fly seamlessly from Europe to India and from here to destinations covered by Flybe, via Birmingham, an Air India statement said.

"The codeshare will enable Flybe travelers using its multi-frequency Birmingham services from Belfast City, Edinburgh and Glasgow to book seamless flights onward to Delhi. Under the unilat-

eral agreement, Air India (AI) will place its marketing code on these Flybe flights (BE)," it added.

The seats for codeshare flights will be available for booking via Air India bookings portal as well as through local travel agents from May 10 for travel from June 1.

"The United kingdom is the residence of a large number of Indian Diaspora. This codeshare agreement will be a huge benefit not only to the Indians living in the UK but also to tourists travelling to and from domestic sectors of the UK and India," Air India Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said.

Flybe Chief Executive Officer Saad Hammad said the airline can now give the customers (under the code share pact with Air India) in the UK regions convenient access to the Indian subcontinent through Birmingham airport.

"This will relieve them of the

need to undertake long road or rail journeys to and from the UK's congested south east hub airports. It will also serve in contributing further to local economies by encouraging inbound travel from South East Asia," Hammad said in the statement.

Air India now operates five daily direct flights to India from London/Birmingham. On its overall European network, its presently connects eight destinations in six countries.

Flybe is the largest airline by

traffic movements at Belfast City, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Isle of Man, Jersey, Manchester, Newquay and Southampton airports. It has a fleet of 75 aircraft.

Besides, it also operates codeshare flights with British Airways, Air France, Etihad, KLM,

Chinese police patrol tourist hotspots in Italy BEIJING: Chinese police joined patrolling the streets of Rome and Milan to protect tourists from the country as part of a "groundbreaking" program in which China for the first time has sent its security officers to Europe.

Four Chinese officers received special training in Beijing before their assignment and can speak Italian as well as English.

Each has been paired with a local partner and they will be deployed at the busiest tourist attractions in Rome and Milan.

It was the first time China had sent officers to Europe to protect tourists, Liao Jinrong who heads international cooperation at the Ministry of Public Security was quoted as saying by the state-run Xinhua news agency.

tries such as the US, Spain and Poland.

In Milan's Chinatown, located in the northern part of the Italian business capital, between 70 and 80 per cent of shops are run by Chinese owners, but around 80 per cent of residents are Italian.

The teams can offer language assistance and explain local laws and procedures to visitors who run into trouble.

The program will last until May 13 and Italian police will later head to Beijing and Shanghai to offer a similar service, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

About three million Chinese visit Italy every year, making the mainland the fourth biggest source of tourists for the southern European nation in 2014.

Two Chinese police officers (right) and their Italian counterparts at the Colosseum in Rome

The initiative stems from an agreement between the two countries first reached in 2014 and confirmed last year.

Italian police have carried out similar collaboration with coun-

There have been media reports in recent years that thieves were increasingly targeting Chinese because they had a reputation of carrying more cash than other tourists. -PTI

J&K developing mobile app to guide tourists JAMMU: To guide tourists, the Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to develop a mobile application for them to convey all key information through cell phones.

"When a tourist enters the state from Lakhanpur in Kathua district, he has no information about where to go. I have asked the tourism department in Jammu to develop an app which could guide the visitors to tourist destinations in the vicinity," Minister of State for Tourism Priya Sethi told PTI. She said the aim of developing the mobile application is to increase the tourist footfall in the state.

"The tourists should have all the information regarding the tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir handy and in this age of technology, what better option could be than having a mobile application," Sethi said.

The minister said that she has asked the Director Tourism of Jammu to start working on the mobile application.

"People who enter Jammu don't have an idea where Ranjit Sagar Dam is, where Balidan Stambh is, where Jia Pota, Suchetgarh are. This app would provide location as well as the direction to the incoming tourists," she said. -PTI

May 13, 2016

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Places to see Christ Church: One of the oldest churches in North India, Christ Church was built by the British in 1857 to serve the large Anglican British community in the area.

Built in the Neo-Gothic style of architecture, Christ Church is one of the long lasting legacies of British rule in India and is

museum was inaugurated in 1974.

Himachal State Museum: A colonial building laid out in a spacious lawn, this museum is located on the Mall Road and is home to an excellent collection of coins, photographs and local handicrafts.

The Mall: This is the main shopping area in Shimla and has many restaurants, shops, offices and post offices.

Tara Devi Temple: Tara Devi Temple is situated at a height of 1851 meters above sea level, 11 kilometers from Shimla. It is accessible by rail, bus and car.

Summer Hill: Located 5 km from the Ridge it is a beautiful little township. Sitting at an altitude of 5600 feet on the ShimlaKalka railway line, this is where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay when he used to visit

one of Shimla's most recognized landmarks.

Jakhoo Temple: It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Located on Jakhoo Hill, 2.5 km from the Ridge, the Jakhoo Temple offers beautiful views of the Shivalik Mountains and the nearby town of Sanjauli.

The Ridge: The Ridge of Shimla is a large open spacious platform from where you can have a panoramic view of the mountain peaks of Shimla. The snow capped mountain ranges engulfed in the beauty of the nature is a phenomenal view that the Ridge of Shimla offers to the crowd.

Shimla State Museum: The Shimla State Museum houses a huge collection of magnificent paintings, sculptures, coins, handicrafts, photos, etc of not only the state of Himachal Pradesh but outside too. The state museum is a major attraction of the Mall area of Shimla built in the style of colonial edifice with sprawling lawns all around. This

Shimla. This is also where the Himachal Pradesh University is situated.

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex: One of the most historic places in Shimla, the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is 122 years old and has been recently been reopened to the public. The theatre is built in a Gothic Victorial style and is an important centre for various cultural and literary events.

Sankat Mochan: This temple is located 7 kilometers from Shimla at an altitude of 1851 meters. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman- a god of the Hindu Pantheon.

Naldehra: Naldehra is 23 kilometers from Shimla. It has India's oldest nine hole golf course laid out by Lord Curzon during the era of the British Raj. Chail: Chail is situated at a distance of 45 kilometers from Shimla city. It has the unique distinction of having the highest cricket pitch in the world. The twinkling

Cont’d from page 36

In Autumn, Shimla looks gorgeously beautiful and when the days are balmy and dazzling and the night's crunchy and chilly.

A typical hilly terrain with a picturesque countryside, wonderful climate and viable social standards, it is quite natural that this hill station has acquired the status of a preferred and much loved picnic spot in India.

lights of Shimla from Chail is a memorable sight.

Kufri: Kufri is a winter sports capital at an altitude of 2622 meters. Skiing is the favorite sport here. It takes approximately one hour to drive to Kufri from Shimla city Best time to visit Shimla is beautiful throughout the year and can be visited in any month. However, September to June are the best months.

How to reach

By Train: Shimla has a meter gauge railway station. It connects to the nearest broad gauge station at Kalka, which is at a distance of 89 km from Shilmla. Kalka has good connectivity from Chandigarh, Ambala, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

By Air: Shimla's Jubbarhatti Airport is nearly 25 km away from the heart of the city.

By Bus: HPRTC buses offer bus connectivity from all cities in Himachal Pradesh to Shimla. Frequent ordinary and deluxe bus services are available from Delhi to Shimla.

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„

Realty Tidbits

Promoters stake in Unitech falls to 26 percent NEW DELHI: Realty firm Unitech promoters stake in the company has come down to 26.77 per cent during the quarter ended March. Promoters' stake stood at 26.77 per cent in Unitech at the end of the January-March quarter as compared to 30.14 per cent as on December 31, 2015, according to a regulatory filing.

Unitech promoters had 41.13 per cent stake at the end of the 2014-15 fiscal. In February, Unitech had reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 16.10 crore for the quarter ended December on sharp rise in the finance cost as against a net profit of Rs 43.33 crore in the year-ago period.

The company's consolidated net debt as of December 31, 2015 stood at Rs 6,802.05 crore.

Meanwhile, Unitech is looking to raise about Rs 500 crore from private equity firms for the development of housing project in Noida and repay LICs debt.

LIC had issued a notice to eauction Unitechs 14 lakh sq meter land in Noida if the realty firm does not repay the entire dues. -PTI

„ Funding soon for Kauai resort demolition LIHUE, Hawaii: Developers seeking to rebuild the former Coco Palms resort site on Kauai say they are close to securing funding for demolition of the property.

The Garden Island reports that John Pang with the Honolulubased redevelopment firm Coco Palms Hui LLC says they expect to close on a deal with Utah-based lending company Private Capital.

He told the Kauai County Commission that they had agreed on the funds required for demolition and construction.

Pang says demolition will begin immediately after the deal has been finalized.

The resort has been closed since Hurricane Iniki damaged the property in 1992.

Coco Palms officials are looking to construct a new 350-room hotel at the site, with plans to have it up and running by 2018. -AP

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MP nod to housing policy for scribes BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh government has cleared a new housing policy for journalists which earmarks 230 houses for them on rent. The decision was taken at a state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, an official release said. Under the policy, journalists having their own houses will also be entitled for government accommodation but at double rent, it said.

The journalist house allotment committee will be headed

by Public Relations Minister Rajendra Shukla.-PTI

Delhi-NCR stuck with highest unsold housing inventory NEW DELHI: Inventory of residential premises and commercial estates has risen between 18-40 per cent in different cities with maximum unsold stock lying in Delhi-NCR, creating a drag on linked sectors like financial services and steel, a report has said.

The study by Assocham observed that in spite of a fall in prices and interest rates, demand for residential market has witnessed a steep decline by 25-30 per cent whereas the demand for commercial space dropped by 3540 per cent in Delhi-NCR region over the last year.

"Mumbai, which had been witnessing an increased activity around Navi Mumbai, Thane and other suburbs, is carrying the second largest inventory, followed by Bengaluru and Chennai.

"While Mumbai had unsold inventory of 27.5 per cent, for Bengaluru it was 25 per cent,

Chennai (22.5 per cent), Ahmedabad (20 per cent), Pune (19.5 per cent) and Hyderabad (18 per cent)," the paper noted.

It said the NCR residential mar-

units under construction due to delay in regulatory clearances and litigations.

"The ticket price of three-bedroom, two-BHK and single room

ket has an estimated 2, 50, 000 units of unsold inventory which is approximately 35 per cent of the

flats has seen correction by 35 per cent in Noida, 30 per cent in Gurgaon and 25 per cent in some

key areas of Delhi. Still, the demand stays subdued," the paper said.

This year, the unsold inventory in residential real estate was the highest in Delhi-NCR at 250,000 units, followed by the Mumbai metropolitan region at 98,000.

Bengaluru came next with 66,000 units, Chennai with 60,000 units and Pune followed with 55,000 units.

The subdued construction activity has had a huge negative impact on the labor market since there are about 10 to 12 million workers engaged in the real estate sector.

The slump in sales and launches clearly indicates that the residential market is facing a strong price resistance, it said.

Total number of new project launches in National Capital Region (NCR) has come down by 3035 per cent in comparison to the last year, said the Real Estate report. -PTI

Public warned on dealing with PACL NEW DELHI: Seeking to protect the interest of investors in PACL's illegal money-pooling case, a high-level panel has warned the public from dealing in any property owned by the company.

The committee, chaired by former Chief Justice of India R M Lodha, said such dealing will be considered unauthorized and liable to appropriate action.

The panel is in the process of selling all the properties of PACL (Pearl Agrotech Corporation Limited) in order to repay investors.

PACL, which had raised money from the public in the name of agriculture and real estate businesses, was found by Sebi to have collected over Rs 49,000 crore through illegal collective investment schemes over a period of 18 years.

In a public announcement, the committee has warned public at large against dealing in any property of PACL.

"The public at large is further informed/warned not to buy/sell/ deal with in any manner with such property owned by PACL, its as-

bee seized by the CBI or any other agency/ authority," it said.

It said dealing of any kind with respect to the property of PACL

Justice R M Lodha

sociate, group companies, employees, directors, others etc wherein PACL has a right or interest including property which have

other than the committee shall be "unauthorized and liable to appropriate action".

The committee has also cau-

tioned investors from sharing any documents of their investment in PACL schemes with the company or any other person.

It also asked investors "not to make any new investment or any other payment towards installments or otherwise to PACL or its officers or agents."

Following a Supreme Court order, markets regulator Sebi has set up the high-level committee to ensure refunds in the PACL case are made to genuine investors.

Earlier, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) advised investors concerned to hold on to the original documents and submit them for refund.

"It is advised not to yield to any pressure from any person, including PACL or their agents, for converting or switching over existing investments to any of their other schemes, if any," it had said. -PTI

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Foreign investors in fizzled development at wit's end MONTPELIER, Vt.: Foreigners who had been banking on their investments in a biomedical research facility and a hotel and rental cottage project in northern Vermont to get green cards are scrambling to find a backup now that the project's developers are accused of misusing hundreds of millions of dollars of investors' money in what investigators called a ``massive eight-year fraud scheme.''

Wei Wang and his wife, who are from Beijing and living in Houston after graduate school, had hoped their investment of more than a half-million dollars would lead them down the road to starting a restaurant. ``We were doing our business plans for the restaurant when this came up, so we have to change everything,'' Wang said. ``It's hard to accept that we may lose all of our almost 600K.'' Wang said he recently contacted about 30 other Chinese investors, of the 166 foreigners who chipped in a total of about $83 million in the biomedical research project, to see if they might be able to work together to protect their immigration status and money.

The federal Securities and Exchange Commission and the state of Vermont last month accused Ariel Quiros - owner of Jay Peak, a large ski resort in the state - and the resort's president of misusing in ``Ponzi-like fashion'' more than half of nearly $400 million raised

from foreign investors for developments through a special visa program. The EB-5 program offers foreign investors a chance at residency for investments in projects that create jobs.

Quiros also is accused in the civil complaints of ``pilfering'' $50 million of investor funds for his personal use, including to buy the Jay Peak and Burke Mountain ski resorts, a Trump Place luxury

Quiros, Stenger, the Raymond James financial firm and Quiros' then-son-in-law who was working at the firm. The lawsuit is seeking to recover funds the investor says were misused, commingled and stolen.

The status of investor funds related to the litigation ultimately will be decided by the courts, the state of Vermont said. The federal receiver overseeing the projects

But the biomedical research plant, which was expected to bring 450 jobs, is unlikely to happen, Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin said last month.

Federal receiver Michael Goldberg expects both Jay Peak and Burke Mountain resorts, including a new hotel at Burke that has not yet opened, to be sold.

Antonius Van Usen, of Utrecht, the Netherlands, said he had several options, including a life insurance company in Seattle and other commercial ventures, but chose to invest in the Jay Peak hotel and water park in 2008 because the Vermont government was in favor of the project and said it would monitor it, he said. ``For a layman as me, that gave me confidence,'' said Van Usen, Wei Wang poses with his wife and daughter in their Houston apartment. The Wangs whose son at the time and several other foreign investors had been banking on their investments in a wanted to study in the biomedical research facility in northern Vermont to get green cards.

U.S. The project was condo in New York, and to pay amid the fraud allegations said he completed, and he had the condipersonal income taxes. Both is attempting to protect both the tions removed on his visa in 2011.

Quiros and Jay Peak president Bill investors' immigration status and Now he wonders if he'll get a reStenger have said they will be the investments. turn on his investment. cleared of wrongdoing.

Five of the eight projects con``It's not that we have to eat The case is one of several nected to Quiros and Stenger grass from now on, but I mean I around the country in which the have been completed and are op- have to work hard for my $500,000,'' EB-5 program was allegedly used erating, including the Jay Peak said Van Usen, a builder, who has to defraud hundreds of investors Hotel, indoor water park, ice arena a property management company out of tens of millions of dollars. and golf course; the Jay Peak Golf and does some real estate.

One investor filed a class-ac- and Mountain Suites; and the Jay While EB-5 investors can hope tion lawsuit in Miami against Peak Lodge and Townhouses. for a return on their investment,

Complaint against Housing.Com rejected NEW DELHI: The Competition Commission has dismissed allegations that five real estate websites, including Housing.Com and Magicbricks.Com, abused their dominant position by putting in place 'no brokerage policy' for realty deals.

The Confederation of Real Estate Brokers' Association of India - with around 20,000 members - had also filed the complaint against 99acres.Com, Commonfloor.Com and Nobroker.In. After finding that the five entities are not dominant in the relevant market, the fair trade regulator decided to reject the allegations made against them.

For the case, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) considered 'the services of real estate brokers / agents in India' as the relevant market.

The main allegation was that

these websites are monopolizing the real estate broking business in India by adopting a 'no brokerage policy' because of which traditional brokers are losing their business.

Generally, traditional brokers charge about 2 per cent of the sale / purc h a s e value of a property as brokerage fee. " . . .

Presence of a large number of listing sites and traditional brokers in the said relevant market poses competitive restraint on each other and hence, no specific player can act independently of the market forces and affect the consumers or other players in its favor," CCI said in its order.

According to the watchdog,

since no license is required to undertake the brokerage business in the real estate sector, there are a number of players operating, both through online and off-line channels.

Besides, CCI considered the website ranking figures by a por-

tal to check whether the entities concerned are dominant in the relevant market or not.

In the absence of dominance of any of the entities in the relevant market, the Commission said it is of the view that there is no case of violating Competition Act's Section 4 - which pertains to abuse of dominant position. -PTI

there's no guarantee they will receive one, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The state also has since changed the structure of the EB-5 regional program to provide more financial oversight.

Felipe Vieira, of Brazil, said he decided to invest in the Jay Peak Hotel Suites Stateside project to create a more secure life for his small family. He said he made the decision after vacationing in Stowe, Vermont, when his then-8-year-old daughter said she wanted to stay.

He sold a small farm about two hours outside of Rio and an apartment in the city and moved to Stowe, Vermont, where he loves living but worries that he and his wife and daughter may not be able to stay. They could return to Brazil, he said, but would rather stay in Vermont.

He said he is in contact with other investors so they can communicate their main concerns to officials as a group.

Some investors have expressed interest in chipping in more money to make sure the projects are completed and jobs are created, said Michael Goldberg, the federal receiver. Vieira, who works as a business analyst, said he's out of money to do that.

He said he has expenses of lawyers, moving, housing, and next year his daughter is going to college. ``To tell the truth, I don't have money,'' he said. -AP

Godrej Properties Q4 net down 65% NEW DLHI: Godrej Properties have reported a 65 per cent fall in consolidated net profit to Rs 17.92 crore for the March quarter, dragged down by lower sales.

Its net profit stood at Rs 51.44 crore in the year-ago period, the Mumbai-based firm said in a regulatory filing.

Income from operations also fell by 26 per cent to Rs 515.59 crore for the fourth quarter of last fiscal, from Rs 697.98 crore in the January-March period a year ago.

For the entire 2015-16 fiscal, Godrej Properties net profit moved up 21 per cent to Rs 231.10 crore, from 190.9 crore in the previous financial year.

Income from operations during the fiscal increased by 43 per cent to Rs 2,633.96 crore as against Rs 1,843.09 crore in 2014-15.

Commenting on the results, Godrej Properties MD & CEO

Pirojsha Godrej said: "It was a best year for us on every relevant parameter. We registered our highest ever bookings, revenues, EBITDA, net profit, cash flows and deliveries despite a challenging year for the real estate sector."

Asked about decline in net profit during January-March quarter, Godrej said: "This was because no new projects reached the revenue recognition stage".

Moreover, he said, the development management fees was also lower in the fourth quarter.

Godrej highlighted that the company achieved highest ever sales in a financial year at Rs 5,038 crore, "which is likely to be the highest booking value achieved by any publicly listed real estate developer in India."

The sales bookings grew by 88 per cent during last fiscal despite weak market conditions. -PTI

In Brief Ecuadoreans in US seek immigration help LOS ANGELES: Ecuadorean immigrants are asking the Obama administration to allow their fellow citizens in the United States illegally to stay here and work while the South American country recovers from a magnitude-7.8 earthquake.

A group of Ecuadorean activists in Los Angeles joined similar calls by Democratic lawmakers after an April 16 quake killed more than 650 people and left thousands homeless.

Immigration

„ Russian dies at San Diego detention center SAN DIEGO: Authorities say a Russian man has died at a San Diego immigration detention center.

The cause of death is undetermined.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said that 46-year-old Igor Zyazin had been in its custody since April 24. He had presented his Russian passport at San Diego's San Ysidro port of entry, bordering Mexico.

Officers found him unresponsive before 10 p.m. Sunday at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. He was pronounced dead on his way to the hospital.

ICE says he was waiting for an interview with immigration officials to determine next steps in his case.

He was deported in 2009 and had no criminal history in the U.S.-AP

leaves Nepal after visa revoked

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India received $48 bn in remittances in 9 months of last fiscal NEW DELHI: India has received USD 48 billion in remittances in the first nine months of the previous fiscal, the government has informed Lok Sabha.

India, one of the top recipients of remittances globally, had received USD 66.26 billion in 201415 while the amount was USD

vestments made by NRIs under schedule 4 of FEMA (transfer or issue of security by persons residing outside India) Regulations is deemed to be domestic investment on par with investment made by residents.

He said existing policy allows special dispensation for NRI in-

Miriam Burbano speaks as Ecuadorean immigrants demonstrate to ask the Barack Obama administration to allow their fellow citizens living in the United States illegally to stay here

The U.S. periodically grants socalled temporary protected status to countries ravaged by war or natural disasters, such as Nepal following a 2015 earthquake. More than 300,000 people from more than a dozen countries are covered by such programs.

Critics say the status isn't really temporary since it can be continually renewed, noting Salvadorans granted the benefit in 2001 still have it. -AP

Canadian

Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh

65.48 billion in 2013-14.

Replying to a question, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh also said, as per policy, in-

vestments in construction and civil aviation sector.

To a separate question on whether over 300 Indian students

are facing action by US government for staying in that country illegally, Singh said the American authorities have arrested 22 brokers, recruiters and employers who allegedly conspired with foreign nationals to fraudulently obtain visas through a "pay to stay" New Jersey college namely University of Northern New Jersey (UNNJ).

"This 'college' was created and operated as part of the US Homeland Security Investigations' (HSI) enforcement action in this matter," he said.

He said, as per the US government, during investigation, it was found that 1,076 foreign nationals who previously entered the US on F1 non-immigration student visas to attend other accredited schools were found to have knowingly participated in the visa fraud by enrolling at UNNJ for the sole purpose of illegally obtaining or maintaining their non- immigrant sta-

tus.

"306 of these students are Indian nationals. It is understood that the US authorities have terminated the enrolment of all these students.

"The US authorities have further informed that any student thus terminated, who chooses not to file for reinstatement or his or her reinstatement application denied, must depart the country im-

mediately," Singh said.

The minister said government was in touch with the US government and has emphasized that due process must be followed and there should be no harassment and injustice to the students. -PTI

Obama urges Asian-Americans to fight bigotry WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama has urged AsianAmericans and Pacific Islanders to fight bigotry and to press Congress to update U.S. immigration policy.

Obama said America's tradition is to welcome newcomers because it was founded by immigrants. He said that tradition also makes difficult to understand why some people are blocking efforts to overhaul U.S. immigration laws. ``We don't simply welcome new immigrants. We are born of immigrants,'' Obama told hundreds attending the annual awards dinner for the Asian Pacific American Institute of Congressional Studies. The nonpartisan, nonprofit organization promotes Asian-American and Pacific Islander participation and representation in politics.

Obama sought to connect with the audience by noting his birth in Hawaii and his youth in Indonesia. ``The spirit and culture of the

on it. Obama has used his executive authority to shield some immigrants living illegally in the country from deportation, but more than two dozen states, led

by Texas, challenged his action in federal court.

The Supreme Court recently heard arguments in the case and a decision is expected by the end of June.

In his remarks, Obama said: ``The actions I've taken on my own can't take the President Barack Obama addressing the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies place of what we really need, which is 22nd Annual Awards Gala Dinner in Washington Congress to pass Asia-Pacific region, that's who I comprehensive immigration ream,'' he said. form. ... You have the power to Comprehensive immigration push Congress to do it.'' legislation cleared the Senate in He said the AAPI community 2013, but the House has not voted is the fastest-growing minority

group in the U.S., but is also significantly underrepresented at the ballot box.

In a reference to Donald Trump, who has become the likely Republican presidential nominee, Obama urged the audience to push back against anti-immigrant sentiment, especially from those who he says stoke such feelings for political gain. Trump has called for barring Muslims from entering the country.

Obama said that just as the U.S. has moved beyond ``No Irish need apply'' signs, questioning the loyalty of Catholics, persecuting Chinese immigrants and its treatment of JapaneseAmericans and immigrants during World War II, ``we are going to move beyond today's antiimmigrant sentiment, as well.'' ``We will live up to our ideals,'' said Obama. -AP

Immigration Post

May 13, 2016

India Post 45

www.indiapost.com

Clinton denounces Trump India raising visa issue with UK: Nirmala for stand on immigrants WASHINGTON: Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton has denounced Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump for doubling down on his

days in office to scrap DACA and DAPA and to finalize a design for a giant wall on the border. Well, the best way to prevent that from happening is to make sure he

Hillary Clinton

plans to deport millions of immigrant families, saying his "hateful" language needs to be repudiated.

"Now, every election is a choice, and just yesterday, Donald Trump doubled down on his plan to create a deportation force to round up millions of people. That's actually what he said," she said at a campaign rally in Los Angeles.

"He has pledged in his first

never gets near the White House," she said as the audience booed the Republican leader.

The former secretary of state urged her supporters to recognize that the kind of language coming from Trump is hateful, and needs to be repudiated.

"We not only have to work for comprehensive immigration reform, we have to recognize that the

kind of language coming from Donald Trump is hateful, and we need to repudiate it," he said amidst cheers from the audience.

Clinton, currently campaigning in California where the primary is scheduled for June 7, said the next president has to meet three tests: Can he actually help families get ahead and stay ahead? Can he keep Americans safe? And can he bring the country together?

"Well, Donald Trump fails all three of those tests. With all the challenges we face in America and in the world, we can't have a loose cannon in the Oval Office. That is a risk we cannot afford," she said, in a repeat of what she told CNN a day earlier.

As president, creating good jobs and raising incomes will be her number one priority, Clinton said.

"We will follow the lead of California and raise the minimum wage across America. We will guarantee equal pay for women's work. I think that's way overdue.

"I will do everything I can to make the economy work for everybody, to help more people lift themselves out of poverty, lift themselves into the middle class, and go as far as their hard work and talents will take them," she said. -PTI

Canadian leaves Nepal after visa revoked KATHMANDU: A Canadian software developer who was ordered to leave Nepal over tweets deemed to "incite conflict" has flown home after failing to win a reprieve from the country's top court, his lawyer said.

Robert Penner, 38, had been working in Nepal for nearly four years when the country's immigration department said he had violated the terms of his visa and gave him two days to leave.

Penner's lawyer had approached the Supreme Court to stay the government's decision pending an appeal, but his time ran out before the court heard the case.

"Our case was scheduled for today but we did not get a turn," lawyer Dipendra Jha told AFP. "Without a stay order he has to leave the country, otherwise he runs the risk of getting arrested."

Penner had spoken out on a number of controversial issues,

including a new national constitution that sparked deadly protests last year.

He recently tweeted criticism of the country's anti-corruption watchdog for its handling of the arrest of a Nepali magazine publisher and editor who has since

been freed on the orders of the Supreme Court.

The immigration department said he had violated the terms of his visa by "commenting on internal matters of the country, inciting conflict and disturbing social harmony." -AFP

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NEW DELHI: India has been consistently raising its concerns with the UK about the new British immigration law, which will impact domestic professionals earning below 35,000 pounds annually, Parliament was informed.

In 2012, the UK had made certain changes to the immigration rules, which would affect the settlement of non-European economic area workers with tier II visas based on the recommendations of the UK Migration Advisory Committee, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

"India has been taking up this issue consistently with the UK including at the highest levels, urging the UK to not accept these recommendations in the interests of the bilateral trade in services between India and the UK and its adverse impact not only on Indian IT companies but also on the UKs own economy and competitiveness," she said.

One of the changes recommended by the committee is that all skilled non-European economic area workers with tier II visas, except certain exempted categories, will only be eligible to stay in the UK permanently if they are earning at least 35,000 pound per annum.

Indian professionals have formed the largest category of individuals issued such visas by the UK over the years.

The changes will affect tier II migrants who obtained their visa

under the immigration Rules in force since April 2011 and want to apply for settlement in the UK after 5 years.

In March, the UK government has announced its decision to accept majority of the committee's recommendations.

"The proposed changes affect the ease of entry and the competitiveness of Indian IT and ITeS companies in the UK by making the UK visa application process more expensive and difficult," she said.

Nirmala Sitharaman

According to the UKs Office of National Statistics, of the 55,589 tier II sponsored visa applications cleared in 2014-2015, nearly 78 per cent were for Indians (31,058).

Thousands of Indians in the UK may get hit by this new law.

The exact figure of those affected by the salary threshold requirements remains uncertain but it is estimated to be between 30,000 and 40,000 workers.

Any kind of visa restrictions impact India's services exports, which aggregates at about USD 150 billion annually. The sectors export help the country in balancing the trade deficit. -PTI

May 13, 2016

46 India Post www.indiapost.com

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Datebook

May 13, 2016

NEW JERSEY Upcoming Sat, May 14 • Hindi Drama Chanakya New Jersey Venue: RITZ Theartre, 1148 E Jersey St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 Time : 8:00 pm

Wed, May 18 • Amjad Sabri Qawwali Night Venue: Edison Hotel, 1171 King Georges Post Rd, Edison, NJ 08837 Time: 08:00 pm

Sun, May 29 • Hasya Kavi Sammelan (Humor, Laughter & Poetry) Venue: Kenilworth Inn, 60 South 31st Street, Kenilworth, NJ 07033 Time: 03:00 pm Contact: 551-697-8703

NEW YORK

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

Fri, May 13 • Hindi Drama Chanakya - New York Venue: Community Center Auditorium, 14309 Holly Ave, NY 11355 Time : 08:00 pm

Fri, May 13 • Indian Speed Dating In NYC | Special Desi Valentine Event Venue: Maple / Aspen Club, 157 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036 Time : 06:00 pm Contact: 6465438127

Sat, May 21 • Desi Saturdays New Yorks Weekly Saturday Night Venue: LEXICON, 226 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022 Time : 9:30 pm

Wed, May 26 • Macy's Union Square Celebrates Asian Flavors And Culture With Chef Katie Chin For Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Venue: Macy's Union Square, Cellar 170 O'Farrell St., San Francisco, CA Time: 6:00 pm Contact: monica.gubrud@macys.com 415.954.6283

Sun, May 15 • Moving Closer Featuring Shafqat Amanat Ali and Rekha Bhardwaj Venue: Chabot College Center of Performing Arts, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545 Time: 7:30 pm

Sat, May 21 • Shri. Pattabhirama Pandit Vocal Venue: CET - Soto Theater, 701 Vine Street, San Jose, CA 95110 Time: 04:30 pm

Fri, Jun 3 • The Ultimate Antakshari Chal-

India Post 47

CHICAGO

Upcoming Fri, May 13 • Geet Ramayan By Sridhar Phadke Venue: Jain Temple Auditorium, 722 S. Main Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 07:30 pm

Sun, Jun 12 • Shri. R. Suryaprakash – Vocal South India Fine Arts Venue: CET - Soto Theater, 701 Vine St, San Jose, CA 95110 Time: 07:00 pm

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, May 14 • Splendor of the Indian Ragas Venue: Speakers Auditorium, Student Center East, Georgia State University, 55 Gilmer Street Southeast, Atlanta, GA Time: 4:00 pm

lenge & Karaoke Night

Sun, May 22 • S. S. Thaman Live In Concert

Venue: Golden Peacock Banquets, 24989 Santa Clara St, Hayward, CA 94544 Time: 07:00 pm

Venue: Lassiter Concert Hall, 2601 Shallowford Rd, Marietta, GA 30066 Time: 4:00 pm

Sat, Jun 4 • Maitra Jivache Mega live concert of Pt. Hridhaynath and Salil

Sat, May 28 • Bappi Lahri: The Legend Live In Atlanta

Venue: Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, 450 Persian Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089 Time: 06:00 pm

Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture Dr, Duluth, GA 30096 Time: 08:00 pm

ILLINOIS Upcoming 1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Swami Ishatmananda • Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662

• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822

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Philosophy

May 13, 2016

India Post 49

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T

he culture of a people must continuously serve them, nourishing their inspirations, guiding their actions and providing consolation and comfort, balance and equanimity in both their joys and sorrows.

A culture when sustained through its religious practices, if it has no elasticity, will come to choke the growth of the community and the people will then outgrow that culture. If an unyielding iron ring is put around a growing tree, in time, as the tree grows, the ring will be swallowed up into the very dimension and growth of the vigorous tree.

Our Bharatiya culture, as expressed through Hinduism, never died through all these millenniums, only because our culture had the required elasticity to embrace all the new dimensions into which our society grew during the march of time. The ideas enshrined in the Upanishads, couched as discussions held by the Rishis and their disciples in the forest vastnesses along the Ganges banks, the way of life and the eternal values that were preached therein, gathered in the minds of the people an association with the mountains, the trees, the silence, and the spirit of retirement of the jungles.

In short, the Upanishadic philosophy came to carry about itself, for no fault of its own, the fragrance of the forests, the hum of RABINDRANATH TAGORE

W

hen I had thrust the great world unnoticed behind the bars of my office habit I developed in me the belief that I was indispensable. Of the many means by which Nature exacts work from man, this pride is one of the most efficient. Those who work for money, work only to the extent of their wages, up to a definite point, beyond which they would count it a loss to work. But those whose pride impels them to work, they have no rest; even over-time work is not felt as a loss by them.

So busy used I to be under the belief that I was indispensable, that I hardly dared to wink. My doctor now and again would warn me, saying: "Stop, take it easy."

But I would reply: "How will things go on if I stop?" Just then my health failed me, the wheels of my car broke down and it came to a stop beneath this window.

From here I looked out upon the limitless space. There I saw whirling the numberless flashing wheels of the triumphal chariot of time - no dust raised, no din, not even a scratch left on the roadway. On a sudden I came to myself. I clearly perceived that things

the Ganges and the hymn of the eternal snow peaks. In the history of our cultural growth, thus, a time came when people felt that to live Hinduism was to live in retreat away from the rush of the people, the noise of the market-place, the struggles of the rustic fields and moving into the silence and quietude of the Himalayas.

Such a dangerous concept was prevalent not only among the unintelligent and the uninitiated, but even the educated, and the well

country, against all the material welfare of our people. It is at such a time of a crucial cultural crisis in our country, the genius of Shri Veda Vyasa produced the Bhagavad Gita all through keeping his pen faithful to the fundamental thoughts of the Upanishads, their sane conclusions, their demonstrated theories and their spectacular achievements.

Here in the Bhagavad Gita, we find a practical hand - book of in-

more productive men and individually more balanced and tranquil, pursuing our life at peace with ourselves.

Without this inward balance and the readiness to act well in the world outside, how can an individual ever successfully face his own problems in life? And when each individual fails to face the challenges outside him, since the community is made up of individuals, the community will not be able to face its own or the nation's problems.

Gita provides tips to enrich life within & without Our Bharatiya culture, as expressed through

The day, man will find that he never really dies; that his Soul persists beyond death; he will have no more fear of death.

-Swami Vivekananda

Hinduism, never died through all these millen-

Swami Chinmayananda

niums, only because our culture had the re-

To be idle is a short road

quired elasticity to embrace all the new di-

to death and to be diligent

mensions into which our society grew

informed men of action themselves shared in this national misconception of their own life giving culture. Arjuna himself felt the need for renouncing the world and refusing to fulfill his duties towards the community in order to retire into the silent arbors of contemplation and meditation.

This is against the very dynamic spirit of the Hindu culture, against the very national security of the

struction on how best we can reorganize our ways of thinking, feeling and acting in our everyday life and draw from ourselves a larger gush of productivity to enrich the life outside and around us, and to emblazon the subjective life within us. As we proceed on into our serious study of the Gita, chapter by chapter, we shall find how she unfolds a way of life by living which we can grow to be socially

Thus 'life' is a problem only when we know not how to meet the life's challenges rising around us. When that 'knowledge' is revealed to us, we know the solution, and then the problem is no more to us threatening or despairing.

Excerpted from chinmayauk.org. The 100th birth anniversary of Swami Chinmayananda will be celebrated on May 8

could get along without me.

There was no sign that those wheels would stop, or drag the least bit, for lack of anyone in particular.

But is this to be admitted so easily as all that! If it be really quite the same whether I go or stay, how then did my pride of self find a place in the universe, even

alize this price within me, so long do I steadfastly bear all the pains and penalties of keeping myself in existence. That is why the Buddhists have it, that to destroy egoism is to cut at the root of existence: for, without the pride of self it ceases to be worthwhile to exist.

However that may be, this

sire which is manifest in my pride of self. By virtue of this glory this infinitesimal "I" is not lower than any other thing in this Universe, in measure or value.

Man has viewed the desire in him to be in two different ways.

Some have held it to be an impulse of Creative Power, some a joyous self-expression of Creative Love.

is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent.

-Buddha Whenever you have truth it must be given with love, or the message and the messenger will be rejected.

-Mahatma Gandhi The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.

-Mark Twain The boundaries which di-

Egoism is price paid for fact of existence

vide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and

Amidst all the plentifulness with which

where the other begins?

space and time are teeming, it was never-

-Edgar Allan Poe

theless not possible to leave out this self of

Millions long for immortal-

mine. The fact that I am indispensable is proved by the fact that I am. for a moment? Amidst all the plentifulness with which space and time are teeming, it was nevertheless not possible to leave out this self of mine. The fact that I am indispensable is proved by the fact that I am.

Egoism is the price paid for the fact of existence. So long as I re-

price has been furnished from some fund or other - in other words, it matters somewhere that I should be, and the price paid is the measure of how much it matters. The whole universe - every molecule and atom of it - is assisting this desire that I should be. And it is the glory of this de-

ity who don't know what to Rabindranath Tagore

And man sets before himself different goals as the object of his life according as he views the fact of his being as the revealment of Force or of Love.

Excerpted from Thought Relics (1921). The 155th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore was observed on May 8.

do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

-Susan Ertz Someone has to die in order that the rest of us should value life more.

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May 13, 2016

Ali Fazal

Gulshan Deviah

W

e are all scared of something be it a person, thing or an other creature or animal. This fear is either discomfort or paranoia.

Just like all of us celebrities are also scared of things which we might find funny and far stretched but are actually phobias.

Ali Fazal - Scared of water This sporty person, who is also a Bollywood actor, suffers from Bathophobia which is the phobia of depths. Even though Ali loves swimming he cannot stand deep water bodies.

Lucknow born Fazal got recognition through his role of engineering student "Joy Lobo" in the super-hit movie 3 Idiots. Later, he played the lead role in 'Fukrey' and Khamoshiyan and now in Fan. Ali Fazal had a cameo in Paul Walker's last film Fast and Furious 7 where he seems to have grabbed eyeballs even with his small role.

The 3 Idiots actor will soon start work on an Indo-Chinese film.

Gowda, followed by a small but notable role as a dope pusher named 'Ricky' in Rohan Sippy's "Dum Maro Dum". He was last seen in Bhansali's movie Ramleela alongwith Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone.

Now, he will be seen in an upcoming movie Hunterrr opposite Radhika Apte.

Sayani Gupta

Gulshan Deviah: Snakes Big boys are scared of small things is proved by this actor who is scared of snakes even after spending his childhood in Coorg which is filled with reptiles. Even after being around cousins who caught snakes, he suffers from ophidiophobia.

Bangalore born Gulshan Devaiah debuted with Anurag Kashyap's first film "That Girl In Yellow Boots" in a negative role of Kannada gangster Chittiappa

Pulkit Samrat

Sayani Gupta: Lizards The versatile actress has been bold and stunning in her roles in the film industry but is scared Lizards. She flips and gets creeped when she sees a lizard according to her there is something eerie about them, something weird.

This fear of lizards is known as Herpetophobia.

Sayani Gupta made her Bollywood debut with 'Second Marriage Dot Com' in 2012. She came into limelight with her role in the movie "Margarita with a Straw". She was seen in the movie Fan and will soon be seen in Jagga Jasoos. She will also be seen in Anubhuti Kashyap's short film "Call Waiting".

Pulkit Samrat: Heights This Bollywood macho man is Acrophobic - someone who is frightened of heights. It does seem odd that although most people love to watch the mesmerizing view from the, he can't stand to see it.

Delhi born Pulkit Samrat made his debut in Bollywood with the movie Bittoo Boss opposite Amita Pathak. He came into limelight for his role of Lakshya Virani in the daily soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The character made him won the Best fresh new face award at The Indian Telly Awards and Favorite Naya Sadasya (Favorite Newcomer) at Star Parivaar Awards(SPA). He was also seen in Divya Khosla Kumar's movie Sanam Re.

52 India Post

May 13, 2016

Choosing & working with a wedding photographer www.indiapost.com

Y

our wedding is fast ap proaching and you have an un-blissfully long todo list, from finalizing your flower selection to choosing your menu to deciding on your dress.

Near the top of that list you might want to put ``select photographer.'' That way, one of the most important parts of your wedding the memories - will be preserved.

Think about booking your photographer soon after you have selected your venue, and make sure he or she is a good fit with your personality.

As a photographer with over 25 years of experience, including more than 50 weddings, I know the importance of selecting the right person. Not only will you be spending your entire day together, but the resulting photos will influence how you remember your wedding.

Look at potential photographers' electronic portfolios, pricing and availability, and plan to meet several candidates to gauge their sensibility.

Below are five tips on choosing and working with a wedding photographer: LOOK FOR DEPTH Ask to see a complete portfolio from beginning to end for at least one or two weddings. You don't want to see only a few ``best'' photos. ``It's easy to show a bunch of terrific single images taken at many weddings,'' says Radhika Chalasani, ``but a great wedding photographer has to capture an entire wedding beautifully from

start to finish.'' The New Yorkbased Chalasani has been photographing weddings since 2004.

Looking at portfolios will ensure that the photographer wasn't just an assistant or a guest with a camera.

You can see how the photographer handles all parts of the wedding, including the preparations, ceremony, cocktails, portraits, speeches, dancing and cake-cutting.

GET A CONTRACT A wedding photographer with-

out a contract (and without liability insurance) is likely not a professional.

The contract should spell out what the photographer will provide, and whether the pictures will be on DVDs, an online gallery, a finished album, etc. It will include the hours worked, and what happens if you ask the photographer to work longer.

In addition, you want to know how things will be handled if the

photographer becomes unable to work on the wedding day due to illness or injury. He or she should have a back-up.

The contract also should spell out the cost, the amount of any deposit and when the balance must be paid.

Small, casual weddings might not seem to require a contact, but having one will protect both you and the photographer.

DON'T BE SHY ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT ``There's no harm in being spe-

cific,'' says Chicago wedding photographer Candice C. Cusic, a photojournalist for 15 years and a teacher at Northwestern University.

Tell the photographer what the most important aspects of the day are to you, whether it's exchanging rings or walking down the aisle. ``Brides should be realistic about their day and make every possible effort to help their photographer capture great imagery,''

Tennis ball sized diamond could fetch $70 mn LONDON: It's a rock for the ages.

A 3-billion-year-old diamond the size of a tennis ball - the largest discovered in over a century could sell for more than $70 million, auctioneer Sotheby's says.

The auction house plans to offer the Lesedi la Rona diamond in London on June 29.

The diamond was unearthed in November in Botswana at a mine owned by Canada's Lucara Diamond Corporation. It measured 1,109 carats, the second-largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered. Its name means ``our light'' in the Tswana language of southern Africa.

The auctioneer said the rough gemstone ``of exceptional transparency'' could yield the largest

top-quality diamond ever cut and polished.

David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby's jewelry division, called the discovery ``the find of a life-

The 1109 carat "Lesedi La Rona" diamond is displayed in a case at Sotheby's in the Manhattan borough of New York, US

time'' and the auction unprecedented, because no rough diamond of this size has ever been auctioned.

``We put an estimate on it in excess of $70 million, so that is the sort of area we are expecting to go for, but frankly it is difficult to tell - what is the largest diamond in the world worth?'' he said.

The Royal Collection Trust, which oversees British royal treasures, says the largest gem-quality diamond ever found was the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, unearthed in South Africa in 1905. It was cut into nine pieces that form part of the U.K. Crown Jewels.

The Lesedi la Rona could smash the record price for a diamond of $48.5 million, paid at a Geneva sale last year for the 12.03-carat polished ``Blue Moon'' diamond.

Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau picked it up as a gift for his 7-yearold daughter.-AP

Cusic says. A bride or groom getting ready inside a messy hotel room, for instance, will not make for strong pictures, she notes.

MAKE SURE YOUR PERSONALITIES JIBE Other than your significant other, the person with whom you'll spend the most time on your wedding day might well be your photographer. He or she will be with you as you get ready and as you go through the emotional highs of the day. The photographer might guide you and your family

through a portrait session, walk backward as you process up the aisle, and hang close by during your first dance.

So this person's personality _ sense of humor, demeanor, even appearance - should be a good fit with both of you.

Craig Warga, a New Yorkbased wedding photographer, says ``good photography happens when you can get close to your subjects, and they feel

completely comfortable being natural and themselves in front of your lens. If you don't like someone, you're not going to have that level of comfort in front of them, and it will affect the pictures.''

If you like a sassy personality who will add some color to your day, then by all means hire a vibrant, outgoing photographer who exudes energy. On the other hand, if you want a subtle documentary photographer who will capture important moments without being intrusive, go for someone who won't talk loudly over you when you first meet, and who seems cool and composed.

The right photographer, says Warga, is someone who leaves you thinking, ``it'd be nice to have that person as a guest at my wedding.''

SWEAT SOME DETAILS Ask if the photographer has a full set of equipment: multiple bodies and lenses with back-ups.

Will he or she be working with an assistant or second photographer? If so, what is the additional cost and does that person need to be there all day?

If your venue will be dark, can the photographer handle it?

Is the photographer able to work in adverse conditions such as rain at an outdoor ceremony?

Finally, make provisions for your photographer to eat; it's hard to be ``on'' for eight to 10 hours straight. A 15-minute meal break might just be the best thing you do for the photographer. -AP

Shilpa Shetty to attend dietary course MUMBAI: Shilpa Shetty Kundra who will be going for a vacation to London will be taking crash course on health, diet and nutrition at a university there.

With the launch of her yoga DVD and co-authored book 'The Great Indian Diet' last year, Shilpa Shetty Kundra became synonymous with health and fitness and the actressturned- businesswoman has big plans to expand the empire.

Shilpa who last authored the book on how every Indian can achieve their target weight by simple ingredients in every Indian kitchen, believes that there is so much more to explore in the health and fitness space. She is taking slow, steady steps in educating herself on all that there is to know since she wants business opportunities in that space.

Comments a source close to the actress, "Shilpa has lots of ideas and concepts she wants to explore in the health and fitness space and before she activates those plans she wants to equip herself with all the knowledge on new workouts, super foods, the science behind correct eating and metabolism...she will attend a 3 week crash course in London to begin with."

Further talking about the same Shilpa says, "So many people have reached out to me after reading the book and told me how it has changed their life which was the reason I authored it. Fitness has always been a passion and there is so much more to learn...I am constantly seeking opportunities to explore more in the health and fitness space."

May 13, 2016

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A new trick for grilling the perfect burger ELIZABETH KARMEL

I

thought I knew how to make the perfect burger. Now I know better.

I still stand by most of my principles - making your own blend of ground meat, a combination of ground sirloin and ground chuck; working and mixing the meat as little as possible - but I recently discovered a far better way to cook the burgers. I discovered it while attempting to grill tiny samples of a variety of ground beefs (I was searching for just the right blend and didn't want to make lots of fullsize patties).

As I pondered how I was going to grill tiny patties without them falling through the grates, I considered a cast-iron grill platter, a thick, flat sheet of cast iron.

Bingo! We could grill the bitesized burgers on the sizzle platter!

I placed the platter on the grill grate and started grilling the bites.

They were all delicious. But the most exciting part was the rich, brown crust they all developed.

The platter turned the gas grill into a flat grill, while the heat of the cast-iron surface deeply caramel-

ized everything it touched. Because the lid was down and there were other foods on the grill, the burgers still got that smoky outdoor grilled flavor, but with a griddle-style crust.

It was the perfect cooking

The recipe below is my favorite burger these days. I traded in my aged cheddar cheese for old-fashioned American, which melts better and adds a layer of soft gooeyness on top of the crunchy caramelized crust of the burger. To

A grilled cheeseburger in Concord, N.H. Consider a cast-iron grill platter, a thick, flat sheet of cast iron, to grill up the perfect summer burger.

mashup of grill and griddle for my all-American cheeseburger topped with melted American cheese. Since that evening, it is the only way that I grill burgers of any size!

me, this is the best condiment and I don't need anything else except maybe pickles, which I layer on the bottom bun so that the cheese and the top bun stick together and become one.

Of course, you can add any of your favorite condiments and toppings, but try this minimalist burger at least once. When you use the best quality beef and grill the burgers using the cast-iron sizzle platter, you hardly need anything besides the cheese and a soft potato bun to make it summer's best burger.

GRILLED GRIDDLED CHEESEBURGER Start to finish: 20 minutes Servings: 6 1 pound ground beef chuck 1 pound ground beef sirloin 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) 1 teaspoon Coleman's Mustard powder (optional) Kosher salt and ground black pepper Olive oil 6 slices American cheese 6 potato burger buns Dill pickle chips Being careful not to overwork the meat, in a large bowl mix together the chuck and sirloin with the Worcestershire sauce, mustard

powder and generous pinches each of salt and pepper. Gently shape the meat into 6 burgers, each about 3/4 inch thick. Brush each patty on all sides with olive oil. Use your thumbs to make an indent at the center of each burger.

Heat the grill to medium. Place a flat cast-iron griddle on the grates at the center of the grill.

When the grill and griddle are hot, place the burgers on the griddle and cook, covered, until the meat is no longer pink, 8 to 10 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling time. Top each burger with American cheese about 2 minutes before you remove them from the grill. You want the cheese to be soft but not too melted.

Let the burgers rest 2 to 3 minutes and serve on a potato bun with pickle chips.

Nutrition information per serving: 550 calories; 230 calories from fat (42 percent of total calories); 26 g fat (10 g saturated; 1 g trans fats); 115 mg cholesterol; 900 mg sodium; 38 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 7 g sugar; 40 g protein. -AP

Why Aeropostale lost its cool with shoppers NEW YORK: Aeropostale Inc., once a popular mall destination for teens, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, becoming the latest victim in the fast-changing retail landscape.

Aeropostale joins the ranks of teen retailers looking to reorganize under bankruptcy protection including Wet Seal Inc., Pacific Sunwear of California and American Apparel. And like many of these ailing merchants, Aeropostale had been struggling for several years.

The chain has racked up three years of annual losses and five straight years of annual sales declines for a key measure. Annual sales shrunk to $1.5 billion last year, down nearly 40 percent from $2.4 billion in 2010.

Its shares were delisted by the New York Stock Exchange last month, after they were trading for 15 cents. Aeropostale's stock hit an all-time high of $32.24 in 2010.

Since the Great Recession, many teen chains have suffered because of fierce competition from the likes of online players and fastfashion retailers such as Forever 21. But they're also wrestling with seismic changes in shopping behavior. Teens have always been fickle shoppers, but these days they're shopping differently, mirroring broader trends in the retail

industry. They're no longer roaming around at the mall but researching deals and fashions on the Web before they go. And they're not looking to be carbon copies of their peers; instead, they're embracing individualistic styles.

Aeropostale was a bright spot during the downturn, as shoppers saw it as the cheapest option compared to the two other teen industry stalwarts: American Eagle Outfitters Inc. and Abercrombie & Fitch Co. But as the economy improved, teens went back to some of their favorite brands, though they still wanted fat discounts. Both American Eagle and Abercrombie have seen their sales improve recently as they have worked hard to reinvent their businesses. American Eagle, for example, has been able to scale back its discounting as it overhauled its fashions, including adding more stretch to its jeans. But Aeropostale has been slow to adapt to these changing times. ``It has become increasingly clear that Aeropostale's business model is broken and cannot be fixed without major restructuring,'' writes Neil Saunders, CEO of retail research firm Conlumino.

Here are four challenges that Aeropostale has struggled with:

TEENS DON'T WANT TO LOOK LIKE EACH OTHER: It used to be that teens wanted to dress exactly like their peers and were fixated on sporting anything with a logo from their favorite brands. Not anymore. Teens, inspired by Instagram and the like, are looking to personalize their looks, and prefer to grab items from

different stores. That has been a big problem for Aeropostale, whose sales had been driven by logoed merchandise. Aeropostale started to shed its logoed clothing and began focusing on trendy items about three years ago. It teamed up with names like stylish American video blogger Bethany Mota. But its efforts were too little, too late. The new looks never

failed to gain traction with shoppers.

AEROPOSTALE COULDN'T WEAN SHOPPERS OFF PROMOTIONS: Teens like deals and they like to research online before shopping at the stores. But they're also willing to pay full-price for something they covet. However, Aeropostale

was forced to constantly discount the entire store by as much as 70 percent off because they couldn't get shoppers to buy the clothes. ``They were too caught up in the promotions,'' said Ken Perkins, president of Retail Metrics LLC, a retail research firm.

THE CHANGING MALL: Aeropostale and other retailers

benefited from being at the epicenter of where teens shop: the mall. But increasingly, kids are shopping on their smartphones and going to the mall for specific items, not just to roam around.

And a rash of bankruptcies of mall-based retailers have left some holes and hurt traffic at the shopping centers, says David Tawil at Maglan Capital, a hedge fund that focuses on distressed securities.

That's hurt Aeropostale, which is now closing 113 of its 739 U.S. stores, or 20 percent of its store base. As of early January 2014, it had 1,100 stores. Analysts also say Aeropostale hasn't done enough to make their stores more exciting to shop. And some believe Aeropostale will need to close even more stores to restore profitability.

INTENSE COMPETITION: Teens are buying their clothing and accessories at lots of different places, from Forever 21 to offpriced stores like TJ Maxx and online. And the competition is only getting fiercer. Amazon.com is quietly expanding its privatelabel fashion business, while teen stores face new rivals from overseas. United Kingdom-based Primark, which sells trendy cheap items like $7 jeans, made its first foray last year in the U.S. -AP

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West Asia, US & Obama's statesman-like Legacy

India Post

RANJIT GUPTA

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he US has been the main architect and central pole of the West Asian security landscape since World War II. It has sought to maintain security through a web of bilateral and regional military alliances and militaristic solutions to political problems and issues including direct military interventions of its own.

The US' unconditional patronage and protection of authoritarian Arab regimes has acted as a major disincentive to domestic economic, political or social reform. This pervasive American dominance and the abject subservience of the rulers of Arab countries to the West has been a major factor in the growing public anger and frustrations among the Arabs at large.

The standout hallmarks of the US' past policies in West Asia the unconditional patronage of and support to Israel; the fallout of the exceedingly shortsighted creation of the modern jihad in Afghanistan; the demonization and sanctioning of Iran for decades; the utterly and completely

tries.

Despite intense domestic criticism and excoriation from allies both European and Arab, particularly trenchantly from Saudi Arabia - and from all prominent figures within his own administration, to his great credit, Obama has had both: the intellectual perspicacity to recognize the hugely negative consequences of past US policies, as well as the political courage to refuse to get militarily involved in new military interventions in West Asia, even going to the extent of effectively reneging on a red line he himself had laid down.

In that context, Obama said "I'm very proud of this moment," Jeffrey Goldberg quotes, in his April 2016 article in The Atlantic, 'The Obama Doctrine' - a must read on Obama's West Asia policy. "The overwhelming weight of conventional wisdom and the machinery of our national-security apparatus had gone fairly far.

The perception was that my credibility was at stake, that America's credibility was at stake.

And so for me to press the pause button at that moment, I knew,

Saudi Arabia cannot militarily trump Iranian influence and power in West Asia even in tandem with other Sunni powers such as Turkey and Egypt; and although bloodletting is likely to continue for some more time, ultimately, Riyadh will have to talk and negotiate a modus vivendi with Tehran unjustified invasion of Iraq; and the even more foolish wholesale disbanding of the former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's army and government, have been major contributors to the rise of phenomena such as al Qaeda and the Islamic State in addition to the hugely destructive and rampaging spread of militant Islamist extremism throughout the Arab world.

The surge of hope and optimism that swept through the Arab world in the winter of 2010-11 which swiftly felled two longstanding dictators - was subsequently brutally suppressed by autocratic rulers and compounded by self-serving foreign intervention, plunging the Arab world into the worst ever period in its long blood-soaked history.

US President Barack Obama had vociferously opposed the war in Iraq and sought election on a platform of withdrawing US troops from West Asia and Muslim coun-

would cost me politically.

And the fact that I was able to pull back from the immediate pressures and think through in my own mind what was in America's interest, not only with respect to Syria but also with respect to our democracy, was as tough a decision as I've made-and I believe ultimately it was the right decision to make....any thoughtful president would hesitate about making a renewed commitment in the exact same region of the world with some of the exact same dynamics and the same probability of an unsatisfactory outcome‌..What I think is not smart is the idea that every time there is a problem, we send in our military to impose order. We just can't do that," Obama added.

His prescription for regional security is clear: "[The Saudis] need to "share" the Middle East with their Iranian foes ‌ and institute some sort of cold peace."

Obama believes that leaders in West Asia are "failing to provide prosperity and opportunity for their people" and that they need to "do more to eliminate the threat of violent fundamentalism."

Obama has had doubts regarding the value of the WashingtonRiyadh alliance from before he became president. April 2016 saw his fourth visit to Riyadh, but the deep chasm that has developed between the two countries remained - there was no strategic congruence about Syria or Iran.

Had the US intervened in Syria, the nuclear negotiations with Iran would not have taken place.

Obama reaching out to Iran and the nuclear deal are testaments of a particularly statesman-like and visionary approach that he has also exhibited vis-Ă -vis Myanmar and Cuba.

Historians will judge him positively for his transforming US policy approaches towards and in West Asia.

Washington refraining from military interventions in West Asia is the first absolutely indispensable step that is necessary for new approaches to conflict resolution in that region.

The most immediate consequence has been that Riyadh's traditional calibrated, cautious, circumspect foreign policy has been jettisoned and replaced by completely uncharacteristic reckless assertiveness in Syria and particularly, in Yemen.

Despite Turkey's even more aggressive stance against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, they cannot militarily defeat and overthrow him; and if Assad has to go, it will only be via a negotiated settlement with Russia and Iran being on board.

Saudi Arabia cannot militarily trump Iranian influence and power in West Asia even in tandem with other Sunni powers such as Turkey and Egypt; and although bloodletting is likely to continue for some more time, ultimately, Riyadh will have to talk and negotiate a modus vivendi with Tehran, even if it is likely to take time and increasingly rising costs for this realization to finally sink in.

History will give Obama great credit for forcing this to happen, ultimately.

The writer is Distinguished Fellow, IPCS, former Indian Ambassador to Yemen and Oman, and former Member, National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), India

T

Pak TV serial

he negative character in Indian TV serials is given a long rope. He/she seems to be winning most of the time, with the hero and heroine just looking on bemused. The negative character can appear anywhere, just out of the blue, to stymie the good people. And he has to his assistance all the tricks devised by the production team.

The question is what if the really good people were allowed to win? Well, the serial would end, and so would the money train that comes from advertising week after week!

Pakistan Army is like the villain in an Indian TV serial. They are allowed to win every time. Everyone knows what they are up to. The crimes they have committed are detailed in books; breaking news stories in America reveal their trickery, but nothing really happens to bring them to account.

As far as India is concerned we have been victims of attacks planned by the Pakistani army ever since Dawood Ibrahim's Mumbai attacks. 26/11, Kargil, attack on Indian Parliament, the latest attack at Pathankot air base and the LOC violations and killings in Kashmir.

Proofs in each case have been provided to Pakistan but to little avail.

America also has been victim of Pakistani army's tricks in Afghanistan, in hiding Osama bin Laden and of course providing the 9/ 11 killers. The latest revelation has come in the book by former Pakistani Ambassador to the U.S. Husain Haqqani wherein he says the then-ISI chief Gen. Shuja Pasha had admitted to him at his house in the US shortly after the Mumbai attacks in 2008 that the planners of the 26/11 attacks were "our people" but it wasn't "our operation."

This is no revelation. We had known all the time that ISI was behind it. There is bravado behind Gen Pasha's admission. He knows no one can do anything about it. American lawmakers have been complaining and protesting about the double-dealing by their ally.

At the same time their government keeps sending arms and dollars to this rogue army.

Any army in any country would have been humiliated and lost the trust of the nation if they faced the kind of rout it faced in Bangladesh.

Out of its magnanimity India even freed the 90,000 Pakistani prisoners in the Bangladesh war. Instead of any gratitude, the Pakistani Army has been on a campaign to hurt India for that humiliation.

After the Musharraf fiasco the Army lost much of its sheen. It was then hoped that the Army would submit to civilian oversight. But it has not only rebounded but keeps making difficult the life of civilian leaders. The present Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had been sent into exile by Musharraf.

After Musharraf's exit he returned and his party was voted to power. It was expected that he would now put the army in its place.

But he was made to let Musharraf escape the law and his handpicked army chief is now threatening him with corruption charges.

The world powers have failed to discipline the Pakistani army. It is only the Pakistani civilian leadership which can hope to put them on leash.

But ever since independence the civilian leadership has been so compromised and so corrupt that it has lost the faith of the people.

Since they are not providing jobs and the civic amenities to people, the religious leaders are exploiting the situation by recruiting youngsters, giving them food and shelter and promise of heaven. The result is mushrooming of jihadis among the youth.

Pakistan has recently been hailing the election of the son of a Pakistani bus driver as Mayor of London. Will they also embrace his politics? During his victory speech Sadiq Khan referred to attempts to link him with extremist personalities, and said, "I am so proud that London has today chosen hope over fear and unity over division."

Does Pakistan understand such logic?

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