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IPL VERDICT: CSK & ROYALS SUSPENDED
NEW DELHI: Star-studded Chennai Super Kings, twotime champions in the IPL, and Rajasthan Royals have been suspended from the cash-rich cricket league for two years for the betting activities of their key officials Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra during the 2013 season. Meiyappan, the former Team Principal of CSK, and Kundra, co-owner of the Rajasthan Royals, were suspended for life for indulging in betting and bringing the
RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: Festival of Globe (FOG) is a 10day jubilant celebration from August 7 to 16 in the Silicon Valley which includes major events like San Francisco Global
IPL and the game into disrepute. The punishment was handed down by a Supreme Courtappointed three-member committee, headed by former Chief Justice of India R M Lodha, putting a spanner on the high- profile T20 league, which began in 2008. "He (Meiyappan) is declared ineligible for participation in the sport of cricket as explained in the anti-corruption code for a maximum period of five years under article 2.2.1. Details on page 5
Details on page 17
New UK visa crackdown to hit Indian students Details on page 8 RELUCTANT HANDSHAKE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting the Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, in Ufa, Russia on July 10.
'Jindal smartest candidate in prez race' Details on page 9
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FOG will honor high achievers in cinema
Movie Fest, FOG Awards, Famous Mela (Fair), and Grand Parade. Surpassing previous turnout records, this year promises to attract the largest ever gathering in the Bay area. About 20,000 people are expected to attend the FOG awards in SAP center and over 150,000 are expected to participate in the FOG Grand Parade. Details on page 3
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 30-31 Classifieds ------------------------- 48 Community Post -------------- 16-26 Date Book -------------------------- 47 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 34-36 Horoscope ------------------------- 11 Immigration Post ------------- 44-46 Life Style ----------------------- 50-53 Philosophy ------------------------- 49 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4
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Festival of Globe (FOG)
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FOG Awards will honor high achievers in world cinema RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: Festival of Globe (FOG) is a 10-day jubilant celebration from August 7 to 16 in the Silicon Valley which includes major events like San Francisco Global Movie Fest, FOG Awards, Famous Mela (Fair), and Grand Parade. Surpassing previous turnout records, this year promises to attract the largest ever gathering in the Bay area. About 20,000 people are expected to attend the FOG awards in SAP center and over 150,000 are expected to participate in the FOG Grand Parade.
Bappi Lahri
Bappi Lahri is a legendary Bollywood music director and a strong supporter of Festival of Globe (FOG) SF Global Movie Fest. He will be producing a video for the FOG awards with Hollywood singers and also performing a song at FOG Awards along with Kat Kramer. Bappi Da will be bestowed the Life Time Achievement Award this year for his superb contributions to music world and humanity. Sonu Nigam and Bickram Ghosh will be conferred the prestigious San Francisco Global Movie Fest Award for movie 'JAL' in the Best Original Score category. The music of 'JAL' was composed by the legendary singer Sonu Nigam and classical, rock, new-age, fusion to film musician
Bickram Ghosh. JAL has incredible background score by Sonu Nigam and Bickram Ghosh. They have used a mix of Indian and International sounds.
Festival of Globe events: FOG Awards is a premier show with unique recognition for global achievers that selects over 100 winners from movies submitted from more than 30 countries. The host of celebrities from Bollywood, Hollywood, Latino World, Europe, China and Far East, top movie makers, independent movie makers and investors will attend the event. Bappi Lahri, the legendary Bollywood music director will perform along with famous Kat Kramer, Andy Madadian and Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam. They will perform together in filling the SAP enter with the poetic beauty of Persian and Armenian music and soulful Indian vibes. 'Bohemia the king of Punjabi rap' will have an unprecedented live stage performance. Jackie Chan, Sharon Stone, Martin Sheen, Rani Mukherji, Ileana D'Cruz, Neha Dhupia, and many more Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities are among the star attractions. FOG Awards will be held on Saturday, August 15 at 6pm at SAP center. SF Movie Fest is home to world's movies and its mission is to empower and integrate global cultures and communities through film arts, performing arts, visual arts and folk arts. The movie fest will feature short films, documentaries, feature films and music videos submitted by independent filmmakers from around the world.
Program details: SF Movie Fest FOG Awards Mela/Fair Grand Parade
August 7-14 in San Jose August 15 at SAP Center, San Jose, 6 pm August 15 and 16 in Fremont August 16 from 11 am to 2 pm in Fremont
Dr Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener, FOG, and San Jose Council member Ash Kalra look on while Gulshan Grover announces about the galaxy of Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities who will attend the FOG Awards
SF Global Movie Fest will be held from August 7 to 14 at various theaters in San Jose, CA The Fair (Mela) will be a cultural epiphany comprising Kids Carnival, Health Fair and Bazaar. More than 100 dance groups will showcase their talents and compete for the honors to be called best dance group in Bay area. The two-day Fair with over 200 booths will depict and exhibit art, crafts, ethnic dresses, literature, fashions and designs. It will be held in Fremont on August 15 and 16 from 10am to 5 pm. This festival coincides with Indian Independence Day celebrations and has many popular and well sought after segments such as health fair, grand parade, kids talent programs, cultural programs representing cross section of India. It features the best of offers for Indian community. Free Health Fair run by over 100 health professionals screens for heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, eye problems, dental disorders and other diseases. Grand Parade will be a showcasing of culture, creativity, reflections and traditions. This year celebrities from Hollywood,
Bollywood and rest of the Globe will be luminaries riding more than 100 open cars along with over 50 colorful floats. The Grand Parade to be witnessed by over 150,000 people will be held in the City of Fremont on Sunday, August 16 from 11am to 2pm. Dr Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener, FOG, spoke of his
a long way in building a vibrant and integrated culture across communities." About organizers FIA's goal is to promote humanity with honesty, integrity, accountability and above all, abundant compassion and bring aid to those who need it the most. FIA pursues this goal by assisting with shelter, food, clothing, counseling, education and bring-
Bickram Ghosh and Sonu Nigam
dream and mission of empowering social and cultural entrepreneurship. He said, "We are going Global this year to empower and integrate all cultures and communities. FOG creates various platforms and activities to champion social causes. FOG Awards will go
ing communities together. The Federation of Indo Americans (FIA) of Northern California (FIA) is a Fremont based 501-C (3) umbrella organization (Non-Profit Tax id #77-01-77823) Visit www.FOGsv.org for more details.
FOG aims to empower women in community JUSTIN (JASPREET) SIDHU
SAN JOSE: This year FOG will be celebrating the International Year of the Woman at Camera 12 Cinemas in San Jose. Festival of Globe (FOG) makes its grand debut in Silicon Valley, succeeding the annual Festival of India and introducing a large entourage of international celebrities. During the ten-day-long San
Francisco Global Movie Fest and FOGAwards, Women Empowerment forums will be held with celebrities and other empowered women with the objective of inspiring others. To be held on August 8 and August 13, the festivities will include screenings and insightful discussions on the woman's plight in society. The mission of
Indian Women Empowered (IWE) is to nurture the development of the Indian-American woman of Northern California by engaging them in meaningful group activities and collaborative dialogue. At the FOG Women Empowered events, two different films will be screened. Cont’d on page 26
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Publisher’s Diary
B
eing a Hindi movie buff, this particular phrase from a certain dialogue in some movie, kind of stuck with me for its simple sense - Chance pe Dance - which interprets itself as 'seizing the opportunity'. And strangely enough, it was that phrase that played on my mind as I watched this past week, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, as she stood outside the State House watching the embattled Confederate flag being brought down in what is decisively a far reaching achievement for the state, the country and well, her own political career. Governor Haley is definitely on the right side of history making events events that stem from what can only be seen as a dark past and a stark present in the context of race relations in this country. For sure, the events of the past month where a deranged white youth gunned down nine African American church goers in an apparent hate crime are not about Governor Haley. Or for that matter, about any politician past or present. But as far as politics go, the right decisions taken at the right time can and do amass a wealth of political capital. Until less than a year ago, Gov. Haley was against the idea of the divisive flag coming down. But then, in the wake of the Charleston church shootings, it took her just that bit of gumption to not allow the conservative backers of the flag unlike all politicians who buckle down before the gun lovers - to not procrastinate and seize the opportunity to display some real leadership qualities, if not political acumen. Already, there is buzz about her running for President, or at least be pushed up as a vice presidential candidate for 2016. I hope Louisiana Governor and Republican Presidential hopeful Bobby Jindal is taking copious notes on PR management from his (Indian American) counterpart. Anyway, from a historic perspective, the South Carolina-white attacker-black victims-confederate flag scenario makes symbolic sense. But what about the next time a crazed non-specific gunman kills innocent people in a school or a mall or a movie theater? Any ideas for symbolism?
Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com
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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Where is Asin? After a spectacular start with Aamir Khan in Ghajini, Asin seems to have disappeared from world-view.
Cover Story: IPL verdict Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have been suspended from IPL for two years for betting activities
Community: Community protests Human rights groups across US staged rallies for Tuktuki Mondal, the kidnapped daughter of a poor laborer in W. Bengal
Deportation arguments Activists chanted as lawyers argued over Obama's proposal to shield illegal immigrants from deportation
Life style: Shahid weds Shahid Kapoor and fiancée Mira Rajput tied the nuptial knot at a farmhouse on the outskirts of the national capital
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Oberoi Udaivilas The Oberoi Udaivilas, on a private island in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, has been declared best hotel in the world
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IPL verdict: CSK, Royals suspended NEW DELHI: Star-studded Chennai Super Kings, two-time champions in the IPL, and Rajasthan Royals have been suspended from the cash-rich cricket league for two years for the betting activities of their key officials Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra during the 2013 season. Meiyappan, the former Team Principal of CSK, and Kundra, coowner of the Rajasthan Royals, were suspended for life for indulging in betting and bringing the IPL and the game into disrepute. The punishment was handed down by a Supreme Court- appointed three-member committee, headed by former Chief Justice of India R M Lodha, putting a spanner on the high- profile T20 league, which began in 2008. "He (Meiyappan) is declared ineligible for participation in the sport of cricket as explained in the anti-corruption code for a maximum period of five years under article 2.2.1. Two: He is suspended for life from activities as explained in article 7.5 under level 4. And three: he is suspended for life from being involved in any type of cricket matches under section 6, rule 4.2. The above sanctions commence from the date of this order," Justice Lodha said while giving out the verdict in a packed press conference. The former CJI then read out exactly the same punishment for Kundra, husband of Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty. The Committee was constituted by the Supreme Court in January this year with its terms of reference being to announce the quantum of punishment against Meiyappan, Kundra and the two franchisees India Cements Ltd, owner of CSK and Jaipur IPL, owner of Rajasthan Royals. "India Cements argued that they have done a lot to grow the game of cricket. But it cannot be a mitigating factor because they as franchise owners did not punish Gurunath, who was clearly identified as a team official, after he was found guilty of betting. It was only the BCCI who suspended Gurunath from participating in cricket," Justice Lodha said. "Jaipur IPL claims it is highly celebrated as a nursery of players. But three of its players have been accused of alleged spot-fixing. This shows that all is not well in their handling of affairs. The position of Raj Kundra with the Rajasthan Royals franchise - part owner and team official - means his actions brought the game, BCCI and IPL into disrepute," he added.
Making scathing remarks against the accused, Justice Lodha said the credibility of the game has been hurt quite grievously. "Disrepute has been brought to cricket, the BCCI and the IPL to such an extent that there are doubts abound in the public
renders the argument of his being first offender and unblemished antecedents in previous IPL tournaments of no worth. That he lost up to Rs 60 lakhs in bets shows that he engaged himself in heavy bets. It is his bad luck that he did not make money out of these bets," he said.
is not young but middle-aged. It is difficult to accept that he has passion for the game," he added. After making similar observations on Kundra, the committee, which also comprised retired Supreme Court judges, Ashok Bhan and R Raveendran, took questions from the waiting media and
Justice R M Lodha, Chairman of the Supreme Court appointed Justice Lodha Committee, with member Justice Ashok Bhan and Justice RV Raveendran at the announcement of their verdict on Indian Premier League (IPL) fixing, in New Delhi on July 14
whether the game is clean or not," Justice Lodha said. Giving the committee's observations on Meiyappan, Justice Lodha said it has proved beyond doubt that the CSK official was heavily involved in placing bets on his own team. "His (Gurunath) habit of regularly placing bets in IPL matches
"Any agony suffered by him because of media coverage or any hardship that may have been caused to him is too small in comparison to the huge injury he caused to the reputation and image of the game, the IPL and the BCCI. If the reputation and image of the sport are lost, what remains? Being 40 years of age, he
was asked whether any action against IPL COO Sundar Raman, who was also accused of wrongdoing, is being contemplated. Justice Lodha said it will be some time before his fate is decided. "About Sundar Raman, we examined the material about him and we believe it requires further
investigation. Vivek Priyadarshi has been appointed by the Supreme Court to look into it and he is examining the matter, we are awaiting his report. After that we will decide what will be the action," he said. The committee said its observations with respect to the muchtalked about conflict of interest in the BCCI would be given after completing interactions with various stakeholders of the game. "Conflict of interest questions have been raised. Once we complete the process of interacting with all the stakeholders, we will take a view on that. That exercise is not complete. This order is confined to determining the quantum of punishment to the two individuals and the franchises," he said. "We have interacted with 4045 people, we are yet to meet a few others. Once that is done we will decide what guidelines are to be given. Our idea is to get inputs from all stakeholders. It is not confined to cricket administrators and politicians," Justice Lodha added. He also refused to comment on the criminal cases pending against the suspended officials, saying, "No aspect touching criminal liability has been decided by us." On whether the two franchisees would be allowed to participate in case there is a change in ownership, Justice Lodha said that aspect is for the BCCI to decide.PTI
'Verdict will restore people's faith in IPL' NEW DELHI: The suspension of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals is only a temporary setback to the IPL and the Lodha Committee verdict will actually help restore people's faith in the League, says Justice Mukul Mudgal, who headed the Committee which probed the IPL betting scam. "This is a very strong punishment. I think it will have a good effect on IPL, BCCI and the players. Many people feel it will have an adverse effect on the game but I think this is a temporary setback and cricket will come out cleaner and people's faith on IPL will be restored," Mudgal said. Former BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah said BCCI could have avoided such a situation if it had taken proper action earlier on the matter. "I think BCCI took whatever action was to be taken although it was slow. They did not visualize that this would go to Supreme
Court. We could have avoided this earlier, we have to take a lesson," he said. Former BCCI president AC Muthiah said, "Whatever has happened in BCCI, nobody stood up for the wrong doing. All these rules were already in place but they were done to suit individu-
pend the two teams for such a long period of time. "It doesn't surprise me that Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra have been found guilty and so the punishment wasn't unexpected either. I do find a slight problem on purely legal platform as to the suspension of the two
“The team itself didn't indulge in match fixing activity. So unless you find a team is collectively to be blamed, I do wonder if the team should be meted with such consequence. I think it is an upset for the entire league," als. I think, IPL should be kept alive and BCCI needs to distance itself from IPL. It should be run by an independent body comprising eminent people." BCCI lawyer, C Aryama Sundaram said he did not entirely agree with the decision to sus-
teams for that long period," he said. "It was found it was an individual act, done by a person. The team itself didn't indulge in match fixing activity. So unless you find a team is collectively to be blamed, I do wonder if the team should be
meted with such consequence. I think it is an upset for the entire league," Sundaram added. Former BCCI chief Inderjit Singh Bindra also hailed the decision. "A historic and landmark order. Beginning of the process of cleansing Indian cricket. I do hope that BCCI learns the right lessons," he wrote on his twitter handle. Bindra also said that ICC Chairman N Srinivasan, father-in-law of Meiyappan, should also be put to task by BCCI for his role. "Srini is obviously guilty of protecting Guru and CSK. BCCI should take immediate action against him by withdrawing his nomination to ICC. NS (Srinivasan) has no moral authority to continue as head of ICC. He should step down immediately, failing which Board should take action," he tweeted. Cont’d on page 6
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Incredible Indians win 3 titles in Wimbledon LONDON: It was an incredibly successful Wimbledon for India as the country took three titles this year. A vintage Leander Paes clinched his 16th Grand Slam trophy, winning the mixed doubles event of the Wimbledon Championship with legendary Martina Hingis after a dominating win over Alexander Peya and Timea Babos, here. Sania Mirza won the women's doubles and Saumit Nagal won the
title, tennis star Sania Mirza is hoping that the triumph will inspire many more girls in the country to aim big in life. Sania and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis were seeded top but were pushed to the brink by second-seeded Russians Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina before prevailing 5-7 7-6 (4) 7-5 in a thrilling final here. "There is this thing about being an inspiration for others but
Leander Paes of India (L) & Martina Hingis of Switzerland hold up trophies after winning mixed doubles final against Alexander Peya of Austria & Timea Babos of Hungary
junior boys doubles trophy. Seventh seed Indo-Swiss pair drubbed the fifth seed AustrianHungarian team 6-1, 6-1 in the lopsided summit clash which was over in just 40 minutes. It was Paes' eighth mixed doubles title and second with Hingis. They had won the Australian Open early this year. 42year-old Paes has eight men's doubles crowns in his Grand Slam collection. For Hingis, it was second title in as many days, having won the women's doubles with Sania. Overall it was 18th Major title for the Swiss and third in mixed doubles. Hingis was back on court less than 24 hours after that win with Sania but showed no sign of fatigue. She served well and was terrific at the net, complementing the Indian Pro. Paes and Hingis literally toyed with Peya and Babos, who surprisingly failed to put any resistance.
This triumph will inspire girls: Sania On cloud nine after becoming the first Indian to clinch the Wimbledon women's doubles
obviously I am not thinking about all that. I play and I want to win because that's what you play for. But I hope it inspires other girls to win," Sania said in the postmatch press conference.
fierce serve all through, Sania and Hingis said sheer belief pulled them through. "For a match like this, the No.1 and No.2 seeds playing, it was the
"Even when we were down, we knew we were giving everything we had on the court. These are the moments we worked years and years and all our lives for. This is what we play for. We feel really honored to have won” best match you could have asked for the tournament. It was unbelievably exciting. It was exciting to play. I really hope it was exciting to watch, too," Sania said. "Even when we were down, we knew we were giving everything we had on the court. These are the moments we worked years and years and all our lives for. This is what we play for. We feel really honored to have won that match really," she added. Sania said though she and Hingis were doing the catching up for most part, they did have their chances all through. "We had chances every game. I don't know why, we both believed. Even at 2-5, we didn't feel like we were down and out of the match. It was about one break, and it really was," Sania said. "All we said to each other was, 'Make them win the match. Hingis, on her part, said they occasionally waited for the fortunes to favor them as the Russians were serving just too well. "Sixty-four miles an hour match point second serve, it was like, 'OK, praying for it.' I'm like, 'Watch out [Sania], don't get killed.' She (Vesnina) missed it thankfully. At 40-love, you just hope for putting the balls in and make it happen," she said.
Tennis prodigy to focus on singles
Sumit Nagal
Faced with opponents who had them running for cover with a
Meriano Delfino since last July, is ranked 745 on the ATP charts and is yet to turn Pro. Son of a school teacher, Nagal described the experience of play-
NEW DELHI: A doubles title at the prestigious Wimbledon Championships has put him in the spotlight but Sumit Nagal says he is more keen to excel in the singles and has set himself a target of breaking into top-300 by the end of this year. 17-year-old Nagal, who trains at Schuttler Waske Tennis University near Frankfurt won the junior boys doubles title with Vietnam's Nam Hoang Ly. "My main focus is on singles. My goal is to be in top 300 by this year so let's see where I can take myself. I will do my best. Let's see what I can do for my country," he told PTI from Frankfurt, Germany. Nagal, who is training with
ing at the hallowed courts of AELTA as "phenomenal". He said the fact that Nam Hoang Ly is the first player from
"In that sense, we made history and my name will always be there, so nothing can beat that feeling." "The experience was phenomenal. It's just an amazing place with amazing people plus in a beautiful city. It's just a perfect tournament," he said. Nagal also recounted early days when his parents struggled to support him. "The beginnings are always rough. My parents sacrificed a lot for me which I don't know if it's possible for anyone else in this world. I left home when I was 10," he said. Nagal has been supported by India's veteran star Mahesh Bhupathi. It was Bhupathi who
Martina Hingis of Switzerland, left, and Sania Mirza of India hold their trophies after winning the women’s doubles final against Ekaterina Makarova of Russia and Elena Vesnina of Russia at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships in Wimbledon, London on July 11
his country to win such a prestigious trophy gives him immense satisfaction. "I am super happy that we won the title. Coming from such a big continent, and seeing such a low number of people doing well out of billions, it just feels great. And to be honest, I feel even more happy because Nam Hoang Ly is the first Vietnamese ever to win such a big title," Nagal said.
spotted him during a camp at RK Khanna Tennis stadium and decided to back him. Nagal, who has a booming forehand, did not forget to mention the role Bhupathi has played in his fledgling career. "He has supported me on and off the court. He helped me in everything. I am very lucky to have him in my team. What he is doing is just fabulous," he said. -PTI
'Verdict will restore people's faith in IPL' Cont’d from page 5
Former India wicket-keeper Syed Kirmani said," It is unfortunate that such malpractices have cropped in the game. I think it is unfortunate for the players of these two teams. They have been playing at the highest level. So where they gonna go. But I guess it won't matter as there are so many tournaments." The social networking site was
abuzz with reactions from former players such as Sanjay Manjrekar and Bishan Bedi. Manjrekar tweeted: "Whatever needs to be done to get complete trust of the fans in the game has to be done. Fans make or break this game." Bedi wrote: "Justice Lodha committee after Justice Mudgal findings comes as breath of fresh air, but only just! There's more muck for Cricket 2 breathe afresh!"-PTI
July 17, 2015
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US hails India as global strategic, India downplays remarks economic player by Sartaj Aziz CHENNAI: The US has described India "as the global strategic, political and economic player," and assured to continue to be supportive of its global aspirations, including New Delhi's bid for UNSC membership in a reformed Security Council. US Ambassador to India Richard Verma recalled a series of developments last week, including "the significant and welcome announcement" of resumption of Indo-Pak talks on key security and economic issues, Prime Minister
aspirations. We will continue to support India's bid for UNSC membership in a reformed security council," he said. In his remarks to students at IIT-Madras, Verma said the US wanted India to play a 'leadership' role in Paris at the climate talks and "we have welcomed and saluted their role in humanitarian response -from Yemen to Nepal to the Maldives. Incidentally, his country had 'turned' to India to help evacuate its citizens from the strife-torn
US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma interacts with students during his first visit to IIT Madras, in Chennai on July 13
Narendra Modi securing 'important commercial and energy deals' during his five-nation Central Asian tour and ISRO launching five British satellites. "This is the new normal - India as the global strategic, political and economic player. We welcome that role and will continue to be supportive of India's global
Yemen recently, he said, adding, India was not just a regional power, but a global one. Strategic and economic cooperation were among the areas of focus, he said. A major naval exercise, 'Malabar', will include the Japanese Navy this year and will continue to build a common operat-
ing platform for conducting advanced humanitarian and disaster response missions, as well as military operations, he said. Similarly, 'Yudh Abhyas', involving the two armies, will be held in Washington in September, which he said will bring them closer together to forge common understandings on battlefield tactics and strategy." Air Forces of India and the US will 'rejoin our signature' Red Flag exercise in the US in 2016, he added. "The United States and India look forward to a day very soon when, for the first time, we establish secure phone lines between our respective National Security Advisors, as well as between the President and Prime Minister, further opening key channels of communication on sensitive issues," he said. Verma said bilateral trade had crossed USD 103 bn, with Indian companies increasingly opening and investing in the US, while US FDI in India "is on the rebound" even as Indian states were competing to attracting American investments. "We are in intensive consultations over a bilateral investment treaty; we have similarly intense discussions on food security at the WTO, and we have established robust dialogue and information sharing mechanisms on finance and tax," he said, adding, India had signed a bilateral agreement with the US to share information to deter and detect tax evasion and money laundering.-PTI
UK visa crackdown to hit Indian students LONDON: The UK has announced that it will ban overseas students from outside the European Union to work while they study in the country from the next month, a move that will hit students from countries like India. UK immigration minister James Brokenshire said that from next month students from outside the European Union who come to study at publicly-funded further education (FE) colleges in Britain will lose the right to work for up to 10 hours a week. "Immigration offenders want to sell illegal access to the UK jobs market, and there are plenty of people willing to buy," Brokenshire said. "Hardworking taxpayers who are helping to pay for publicly funded colleges expect them to be providing top-class education,
not a backdoor to a British work visa. "Our reforms - which include introducing English language testing, removing sponsorship rights from hundreds of bogus
The UK Home Office highlighted official figures which show 121,000 non-EU students entering the UK last year but only 51,000 leaving colleges, and restricting students' access to the jobs market - are all of our plan to control immigration
for the benefit of Britain," he said, as the latest rules were launched in the UK Parliament. In justifying the decision, the UK Home Office highlighted official figures which show 121,000 non-EU students entering the UK last year but only 51,000 leaving. Not only will non-EU student be banned from working while they study, but they will not be able to apply for a visa when their course finishes either. As a further crackdown, the term of the student visas issued for FE colleges has also been cut from three to a maximum of two years after which they will have to leave the country. FE colleges are educational institutions operating outside the realms of a full-blown university and include a range of vocational colleges in the UK. -PTI
NEW DELHI: India will go by with great rapidity, adding that it the joint statement issued after was signed by the Pakistani side. Ufa talks between Prime MinisThe sources said India was ters Narendra Modi and Nawaz looking forward to talks between Sharif and remarks by Sartaj Aziz NSAs and DGMOs of the two will not affect the road for engage- countries. On criticism of the govment agreed to by the two lead- ernment following comments by ers. Aziz, the sources said one should Downplaying comments by not pass judgment on a process Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor which has not started. on National Security and Foreign "They (Pakistan) did not do the Affairs, sources said Aziz did not first turn, how can they make a Usay anything which affected the turn. Do not jump the gun," said a "actionable propositions" agreed source. upon during talks between Modi Explaining the joint statement, and Sharif in Ufa on the sidelines they said it was not a statement of the SCO summit and his remarks where "you lay out all your hunwere ostensibly aimed at "domes- dred positions and they lay out tic audience". their positions and then you They said India was looking trade." forward for implementation of the Queried about criticism in Padecisions agreed upon in the kistan over Modi not stepping meeting. forward to receive Sharif at the Describing the joint statement meeting hall in Ufa, the sources as a "considered, honest, accu- said there was "no message" and rate and reasonable summary of called the observations "petty" the substance" of the talks, the and "ridiculous". sources said for India what They said as India sought the Islamabad tells is important and meeting, Modi was standing to renot what they say to the domes- ceive Sharif and if the Pakistani tic audience. Prime Minister had sought the It was Modi's idea to have a joint media interaction by foreign secre- Viewing that Aziz may have taries of both the countries after the talks fol- made the statement for the lowing which the two domestic audience, the sides drafted the statement, the sources said. source said it was a "kind of Three days after talks between Modi and a mix and match exercise" Sharif, Aziz had issued as the comments included a statement in Islamabad in which he known Pakistani positions asked for "more evidence and information" from India on the Mumbai attack meeting, then he would have case and asserted that talks can- waited for Modi. not take place without Kashmir Asked whether Kashmir was being on the agenda. discussed in the Modi-Sharif Viewing that Aziz may have meeting, the sources indicated made the statement for the domes- that all issues of mutual interest tic audience, the source said it was figured. a "kind of a mix and match exerOn whether India's expectacise" as the comments included tions from the meeting were met, known Pakistani positions along they said both sides came to it with what Aziz claimed figured in with positive intent and it took talks between the two Prime Min- place in a very congenial atmoisters at Ufa. sphere. "The fact that he (Aziz) is ofWhile the joint statement isfering additional comments obvi- sued after the Sharif-Modi talks ously speaks of a certain situa- said the two sides will find ways tion there," said a source. and means to expedite the They said one should not "pre- Mumbai trial, Aziz had indicated judge" possible outcome of a pro- that it will take some time, putting cess which is yet to start. the onus on India. Modi had raised the Zaki-ur Asked about Pakistan's comRehman Lakhvi issue as well as ment that the voice sample of Mumbai attack trial case in the Lakhvi is not likely to be provided meeting, they said. to India as agreed in talks between They said the joint statement the two Prime Ministers, the was like a summary of what was sources indicated it may figure in actually said and agreed upon at talks between NSAs of the two the meeting and it was prepared countries.-PTI
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Indo-US dialogue to be held 'Jindal smartest candidate in prez race' in September WASHINGTON: The first India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue would be held here in September, a top American diplomat announced while highlighting that it would give the two countries a new platform to build on past results and work towards future progress. From the US side, the dialogue, the announcement for which was made in New Delhi in January during the India visit of US President Barack Obama, would be cochaired by Secretary of State John Kerry and the Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker. The Indian delegation to the first of its kind dialogue, the dates for which have not been announced yet, would be led by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. "Our first Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, which Secretary Kerry and Secretary Pritzker will co-host in Washington this September, will showcase these efforts (of the last 10 years) and give us a new platform to build on past results and work toward future progress," Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal told a Wash-
ington audience. Biswal was speaking at an event organized jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industry and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a US-based think-tank on the 10th anniversary of India US Civilian Nuclear Deal. "Over the next ten years, we
"Fourteen years after the Indian parliament was attacked by terrorists, the Indian government will help to inaugurate the new Afghan Parliament building - a gift from India to the people� will work toward greater convergence on trade. In 2005, bilateral trade was less than USD 30 billion - today it is over USD 100 billion, and we want to get that to USD 500 billion," she said. "But we first must reduce investment barriers and streamline commercial regulations to open new markets and facilitate new
technologies. We must invest in each other's economic successes just as we are invested in each other's strategic successes," Biswal said. Over the next ten years, the United States will continue to bring international pressure on terrorist groups around the world who target Indians and Americans alike, she said. "Fourteen years after the Indian parliament was attacked by terrorists, the Indian government will help to inaugurate the new Afghan Parliament building - a gift from India to the people of Afghanistan, and a testament to the resilience of freedom and democracy in the face of terror and brutality," she added. Biswal said over the next ten years, the two countries will build upon their Joint Vision for the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean Region to promote regional development, a rules-based order and trade that is free and fair. "In September, our first US-Japan-India ministerial will move us closer to this goal as we strengthen our cooperation on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and economic connectivity," she said. -PTI
'US to continue role in India's transformation' WASHINGTON: The US would continue to play an important role in India's transformation in the decades to come and going forward the two countries will join hands in addressing global challenges, the Indian Ambassador to the US said here. "Going forward, I see the US continuing to play a role in India's transformation, and see India and the US joining hands to make the world a better place for our two nations and the rest of the world," Indian Ambassador to the US Arun K Singh told a Washington audience. "As the Indian Prime Minister, has said, 'We should not confine ourselves to thinking what India and the US can do for each other but what we can do together for the world'," Singh said. "We should take that as our common challenge for the future, as we step into the second decade of the historic and transformative
civil nuclear cooperation initiative," said the top Indian diplomat. Singh was speaking at an event organized jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industry and Carnegie Endowment for
Ambassador to the US Arun K Singh
International Peace, a USbased think-tank, on the 10th anniversary of India-US civil nuclear deal. Giving a brief overview of the progress in India-US relationship, Singh said the experience of the past ten years has taught
that deeper dialogue and effort at empathetic understanding is the best way to overcome challenges. "Autonomy of decision-making and differences, we believe, are not inconsistent with our strategic partnership," he said. "Our relationship with the US has transformed rapidly in the last ten years to become a full-spectrum relationship, covering virtually all fields of human endeavor," Singh said, adding that it is now embedded in the larger vision of a global strategic partnership that has stood the test of a decade of transitions, turbulence and challenges in an interdependent world. "The level of political comfort in doing things together is unprecedented. On the ground, habits of cooperation have formed among our departments and institutions. There is greater awareness of each other among our people," Singh said.-PTI
WASHINGTON: Indian-origin Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal might be trailing behind in recent polls, but is the smartest candidate in the race for 2016 presidential elections, a top US daily has said. In a report, the popular Christian Science Monitor attributed this to Jindal's Christian faith despite being born and raised as a Hindu. "Jindal may not be near the top of the polls for the Republican presidential nomination race or even drawing the biggest crowds, but he may be the smartest candidate in the race," the daily reported as it listed out six facts about his Christian faith. Topping the list is Jindal's remarks on several occasions that the single most important moment in his life "is the moment I found Jesus Christ." He was raised in a Hindu household. He has said on several occasions that he best identifies as an "evangelical Catholic" and says he "felt as if the Bible had been written especially for me," the daily reported. The monitor said some in the media like to poke fun at Jindal for his participation in an exorcism of his college friend. His Democrat opponent in the governor's race, Kathleen Blanco, even tried to use this fact against
him, but ultimately failed. Jindal called it an attack on his faith and Blanco soon dropped the attack in heavily Catholic Louisiana, it said. In 2014, Jindal told The Washington Post that after his conversion his parents "were very, very concerned." It was a cause of friction in their relationship for a period. "His parents are still actively Hindu but according to Jindal he says they are now more accept-
Bobby Jindal
ing of his decision and have attended the baptism of their grandchildren in the Catholic Church," the newspaper said. The sacraments and tradition led him to the Catholic Church in college, the daily reported. "His faith reflects his views on abortion and he delivered his youngest child at home before paramedics arrived," said The Christian Science Monitor. -PTI
Mystery of Bidens of Mumbai resolved
WASHINGTON: US Vice President Joe Biden now appears to have resolved the mystery behind his distant relatives living in Mumbai, India. Decades after he received a letter from someone by the last name of Biden from Mumbai, when he became a US Senator, the Vice President has now learned that his "great, great, great, great, great grandfather" worked in East India Company. "There are five Bidens in Mumbai, India," the Vice President told a Washington audience at an event organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of India-US civil nuclear
deal. Two years ago, when Biden traveled to Mumbai on his maiden vice presidential trip to India, he spoke about this letter that he received when he became the Senator for the first time several decades ago. "It turns out," Biden said his "great, great, great, great, great grandfather," by the name of George Biden was Captain in East India Trading company. After retirement, Biden said George Biden decided to settle in India and married an Indian woman. The Vice President said someone has provided him with the details including the phone numbers of the Bidens in Mumbai. He has not called them yet, but is planning to do so. -PTI
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Xi, Modi committed to take ties to 'new heights' BEIJING: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he had a "comprehensive" meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and both of them are "strongly committed" to take bilateral ties to "new heights", a day after raising strong concerns over China's move to block action against Pakistan over Mumbai attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi's release. "I met President Xi Jinping once again, this time in Ufa, Russia where we both are attending the BRICS and SCO Summit," Modi said in his post on the Chinese social media Weibo, akin to Twitter in China, where he had thousands of followers ever since he opened his account ahead of his visit
here in May. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organization summits in Ufa. "Our meeting was very comprehensive and several issues were discussed, both about India-China ties and global affairs. Both of us are strongly committed to taking India-China ties to new heights and increasing our economic, cultural and peopleto-people relations," Modi said. During his meeting with XI, Modi "strongly" and "clearly" conveyed concerns to him over China blocking a proposal for action by the UN against Pakistan on the release of jailed Mumbai attack master-
mind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. The two sides felt that the issue should be discussed further at the level of officials. He also voiced concerns over the USD 46 billion economic corridor that China is building with Pakistan as it crosses Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which India considers its part. "Friends, I am in Ufa along with several world leaders. I am confident the BRICS & SCO Summits will be very productive and the outcomes will benefit the entire world," he said. Modi had also posted three photos including Xi and him shaking hands at Ufa followed by their meeting along with respec-
tive delegations. During their talks, Xi called for proper management of differences over border issue and told Prime Minister Modi that China and India should work together to build a closer, comprehensive and firmer partnership among BRICS countries. The two sides should properly manage and control their differences on the boundary issue and jointly safeguard peace and security in the border areas, Xi said.-PTI
Putin for increased cooperation with India UFA, Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin pitched for increased cooperation with India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met him here for about 90-minutes, during which the two leaders discussed a host of issues, including market access issues and "challenges" to visa. "I am looking forward to developing the cooperation (between the two countries)," Putin said during the meeting with Modi, soon after the Indian leader's arrival here for a three-day visit to attend BRICS and SCO Summits. He said he was very interested in Indian culture.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi being received by the President of Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, for BRICS Summit, in Ufa, Russia on July 9
Modi, who is here primarily for BRICS and SCO Summits, thanked Putin for the welcome he got on his arrival earlier in the day. The Prime Minister, while talking about the close relationship between India and Russia, said he will be visiting this country again later this year for the annual bilateral Summit meeting. He thanked Putin with regard to the celebrations of Yoga Day on June 21 in Russia. He said it was held in all cities of Russia. Yoga will provide holistic healthcare to the new generation in the world, Modi said. In response, Putin said, "I do not know how to do yoga. When you people do it, it looks difficult. That is why I have not tried it." "There was a review of totality of the relations. -PTI
Horoscope
July 17, 2015
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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar July 17th - July 23rd 2015 (March 21 to April 20)
C
onfidence will be at it's peak. Property deal may finalize after making some last minute amendments. You may take a short trip to neighboring town to attend to some important business. Strong Jupiter will help those applying for further education this week. A close relative will try to hide some facts from you, be careful.
(April 21 to May 20)
M
oney wise you will do a lot better this week as planets give you several opportunity to make extra money. News will finally come and you will be completely relieved about a child. You may make an appointment with a government agency to resolve an important issue. Some of you will continue your search for better job.
(May 21 to June 20)
D
ecisions will reflect intelligence and confidence. People will notice change in your attitude and smile on your face. Work in and around property will also finish this week. You may be in touch with a financial institution for a big business loan. There will be some interesting and positive developments at work and a raise is in the air.
(June 21 to July 22)
Y
ou will continue to work on a great plan and almost start to smell the success. Keep an eye on the road when behind wheels and try to stay away from unnecessary argument at the party. You will also study some very useful material to update your knowledge. You will receive valuable advise and good leads from a matured person.
(July 23 to August 22)
(November 23 to December 22)
Y
ou will take a chance, stretch your limits and as a result these Fresh commitments will put you under pressure. Stay away from stocks for a little while if possible. Some of you may be traveling away from home for business purpose this week. Just handle all machinery and tools with care. You will receive invitation for a big upcoming event.
(August 23 to September 22)
P
lanets will help those looking for a change in career or to launch new venture in partnership with like minded friends. There will be big progress on personal front as the final commitment can come any time. Financial pressure will disappear completely. You will travel to another town to meet a friend this weekend.
(September 23 to October 22)
C
hanges in career become imminent. You may start looking for another place in or outside your organization. Property deal can also finalize and you may start working on relocation. Some of you may join a health club to get back in shape. Stocks purchased will appreciate quickly and you should dispose them off right away.
(October 23 to November 22)
O
pportunity will look great but it will be better to let it go and stay where ever you are. You may attend a religious ceremony with family this week. Affairs involving a child will get resolved in favorable way. You will help many with your expertise. People in business will see sales shooting up and make new clients.
PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
Y
our decisions will lack confidence and as a result you may miss the target. Youmay have some work done in and around your property this week. Spouse if working, will find another source to make additional money. You will meet an interesting personality during the course of a business trip this week.
(December 22 to January 19)
P
eople seeking a job will finally lay their hands on a good one. You will make final payment on couple of old bills and reduce the liability up to a great extent. Stay away from unnecessary argument with a colleague. You may also plan a very short trip to a nice place with family. Pleasant surprise coming in mail.
(January 20 to February 18)
O
bstacles will be followed by excellent solutions. Spouse may not support on your ideas but you will still move forward with your plans. Expenses may shot up temporarily. You may also try to cut down on caffeine or nicotine. Contract will get approved with minor changes. Keep an eye on your credit card bills.
(February 19 to March 20)
Y
ou may completely change or drop your plans to travel. There will be some changes in a partnership setup and you will start looking for a replacement. Some old payment or money due will come during the week. You will attend a big social event with family and meet many after long interval. Try your hands at lottery.
510-886-4370 www.parashar.com
Tech News Microsoft writes off $7.6 bn, to cut 7,800 jobs NEW YORK: In a major restructuring of its mobile devices business, US tech giant Microsoft has said it is writing off USD 7.6 billion it spent on acquiring Nokia and will cut 7,800 jobs, but was silent on India impact. "I want to update you on decisions impacting our phone business... We anticipate that these changes, in addition to other headcount alignment changes, will result in the reduction of up to 7,800 positions globally, primarily in our phone business," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in an email to employees. He said that restructuring of phone business has led to an impairment charge of approximately USD 7.6 billion related to assets associated with the acquisition of the Nokia Devices and Services business in addition to a restructuring charge of approximately USD 750 million to USD 850 million. Microsoft had acquired mobile devices business from Nokia in a USD 7.2 billion deal which concluded in April last year. This is the second round of major job cut after Nadella took over as Microsoft CEO. About a year ago he announced axing up to 18,000 jobs, biggest cuts in its 39-year history.-PTI
BSNL Andhra to add 93 more Wi-Fi locations HYDERABAD: BSNL Andhra Pradesh Circle has plans to launch Wi-Fi services in 93 more locations covering AP and Telangana this month, a senior official has said. In AP Circle, Wi-Fi services have been launched in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada at 79 locations (32 in AP and 47 in Telangana) and it is expected to be launched at 93 more locations (58 in AP and 35 in Telangana) in this month, BSNL AP Circle Chief General Manager P V Muralidhar told reporters here. Public can access the internet at Wi-Fi hotspot locations with their mobile phone/laptop and free internet access will be available for first 20 minutes in a day and for a maximum of three occasions in a month from the same mobile number and thereafter Wi-Fi prepaid vouchers can be purchased online, he explained. On the Next Generation Network (NGN), he said initially, 18 exchanges have been planned for migration to NGN in Hyderabad and Vijayawada cities.-PTI
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July 17, 2015
(Left to right) Sachin Naik of Xolo, Michael Adani of Flipkart, Sunil Raina of XOLO, Bogdan of Vodafone, Dinesh Prasad of Qualcomm and Vishal Sehgal Co-founder and promoter of Lava International unveil the new XOLO Black mobile phone with dual rear camera in New Delhi on July 10
'Indian exports will face poor prospects in TPP mkts' SINGAPORE: The proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) between the US and other Pacific economies will adversely impact Indian exports and the government should develop long-term strategies to stay relevant in global trade, a senior researcher here has said. "The effects are likely to include the challenges of upgrading to new quality standards of the TPP markets and developing longterm strategies for negotiating 'new' issues in trade governance," observed Amitendu Palit, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, a think tank at the National University of Singapore. "India's Foreign Trade Policy (2015-2020), while noting the advent and some of the implications of the TPP, does not spell out any clear strategies for addressing these," he wrote in a research paper titled - Trans-Pacific Partnership, India and South Asia. Otherwise, Indian exports will face increasingly adverse prospects in the TPP markets, as well as in the markets of countries that
are negotiating other mega-Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs), like the European Union, Palit points out. A lack of strategic vision for mega-RTAs can gradually isolate India and South Asia from a significant part of the global trade, he said, adding, "India must look closely at the global trade agenda set by the TPP for staying relevant
world economy and trade. Many of the same rules might also be implemented under other mega-RTAs that are being currently negotiated, he said. Given that several TPP members are major trade partners of South Asian countries, these impacts would have both short- term and long-term implications, spread over time, he said.
A lack of strategic vision for mega-RTAs can gradually isolate India and South Asia from a significant part of the global trade, he said, adding, "India must look closely at the global trade agenda set by the TPP�
in world trade". With its 12 members - Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the US and Vietnam accounting for around two-fifths of the world output and a quarter of global trade - the TPP's rules and writ will cover large chunks of the
TPP is expected to make 11,000 tariff lines duty-free for its members. This will affect the competitiveness of exports from countries that currently enjoy duty-free access in the TPP member-markets. The biggest erosion of competitiveness will be in the US. "The US offers duty-free access
to around 5,000 items of export from developing countries under its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). The preferences apply to all countries from South Asia." TPP members like Australia, Japan and New Zealand, which do not have these preferences now, might get duty-free access for many of the products covered by the GSP scheme. Moreover, non-preference-receiving exports from India to the US would be affected by the fact that, while their exports will attract duties, exports from TPP members will not. Tariff-preference erosion is a particularly serious concern for South Asian Least Developed Countries - Bhutan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal - and can adversely impact their major exports such as textiles and garments. Furthermore, India's existing trade agreements with these TPP members are much narrower than what the TPP will cover in terms of the number of goods that are likely to be made tariff-free, he pointed out.-PTI
'Right time' for India to join the APEC bloc NEW YORK: It is the "right Asia, as they made a strong case time" for India to join the APEC for India's membership in APEC. bloc and become fully integrated "Indian membership in APEC into the global economy, a former has been in the very slow lane for Australian Prime Minister and a 20 years through a combination of top US corporate leader have said, noting that India's growth potential is simply too important to ignore. "India is a rising power, eager for a greater role in Asian and global affairs," Kevin Rudd, former Australian Prime Minister who is the Kevin Rudd, former Australian Prime Minister current president of the Asia Society Institute and indifference and inertia in Delhi, MasterCard President and CEO Washington and the regional capiAjay Banga wrote in an op-ed pub- tals," the two wrote, underlining lished in The Wall Street Journal the fact that India remains outside
the mainstream of global trade. Banga and Rudd said the opportunity has never been greater to integrate such a "vital country" into the emerging economic insti-
Business confidence in India is still well short of what is needed to expand manufacturing and create the 12 million jobs tutions of the 21st century. "APEC membership is the right step at the right time," they said in the op-ed titled 'Bring India Into APEC'.
They also questioned APEC's relevance if the third- largest economy in Asia is not part of it. "...if APEC is to remain relevant itself, the continued exclusion of Asia's third-largest economy is untenable. India's growth potential and its huge market are simply too important to ignore." They said despite the accomplishments of the first year of the Modi government, that has put the Indian economy on a more stable macroeconomic footing, "business confidence in India is still well short of what is needed to expand manufacturing and create the 12 million jobs each year necessary to offer opportunity to India's burgeoning young workforce." Cont’d on page 15
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BRICS Bank to focus on borrowers' interest UFA, Russia: In a major shift from the way multilateral lenders function, borrowers' interest will be paramount for the USD 100-billion BRICS Bank as against the common practice of lenders' view getting preference, the first chief on the new institution K V Kamath has said.
up 'New Development Bank (NDB)', and eminent Indian banker Kamath has been made its first President with a five-year term. On whether NDB will bring in new members, Kamath said the immediate focus for the Bank is to write its rules and complete other procedures and any decision on
"We will look at product innovation, resource innovation, the delivery innovation and the most importantly the process innovation. We will look to bring in innovation in the entire process followed in the working of a multilateral bank." Five BRICS nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - have come together to set
expanding the membership would be taken by its Board in due course.
Kochhar will take ICICI to great heights: Kamath UFA, Russia: Confident that from China in his new role at ICICI Bank will keep scaling Shanghai-based BRICS Bank greater heights, former Chairman taking him back to one of his faK V Kamath has said the bank is vorite countries where he spent in "great hands" under the lead- a good amount of time during ership of its current CEO Chanda his tenure at Asian Development Kochhar. Bank, between 1988 and 1996, "ICICI Bank is in great hands. when he returned to ICICI Bank Chanda will take it to greater as its CEO. heights and I have no doubts The 67-year-old banker beabout it," said Kamath, who re- gan his career in 1971 at ICICI, linquished his position as bank's the erstwhile financial instituChairman earlier this month to tion that was incidentally set up take up the responsibility as the at the initiative of another multifirst President of the BRICS nations' USD 100-billion New De- On India, Kamath said he is velopment Bank very optimistic about the (NDB). growth prospects of the "It (ICICI Bank) is a great bank and it country. "I have always will keep scaling new been sure that India will heights every passrealize its dreams� ing day," Kamath told PTI. He was here for the BRICS lateral development institution, Summit, attended by the heads the World Bank. of state of the five leading emergICICI Bank was later set up ing economies (Brazil, Russia, as a subsidiary of ICICI Ltd in India, China and South Africa). 1994, while the parent later The ratification process for set- merged into it in 2002. ting up of NDB was also comHe led the group's transforpleted during the Summit. mation into a diversified, techOn India, Kamath said he is nology-driven financial services very optimistic about the growth group that has leadership posiprospects of the country. tions across banking, insurance "I have always been sure that and asset management in India India will realize its dreams of and abroad. Back in 2008, when being a global power," he said. ICICI Bank was hit by widespread Kamath is the first president rumors of 'run-on-the-bank', of NDB, which will provide infra- Kamath led from the front and structure loans to emerging na- brought everything back into tions, rivaling multilateral lenders order, even as bank customers such as the World Bank and IMF. were queuing up before its Kamath will largely operate branches to withdraw funds.-PTI
The bank, which will have its headquarters in Shanghai, held its Board of Governors meeting in Moscow and completed its ratification process, a day before the seventh BRICS Summit began here. "Our aim will be that we do not see only from the point of view of the lenders, but also from the point of view of the borrowers," Kamath told PTI in an interview. Stating that the lenders generally keep their own interest in mind, Kamath said NDB will try to bring in an innovation. "It is an outcome of several things and it is the result of some very exciting developing countries coming together. "The governments of these countries felt there was a need and set up this Bank, which shows
Broadband via Bangladesh to improve Net speed AGARTALA: Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said the proposed international Internet gateway, which will provide broadband connectivity to North-east with the help of Bangladesh, would improve the quality of service in the region. Unveiling the plaque for International Gateway for Internet Service, in the presence of Governor Tathagata Roy and Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Prasad said it was a classical example of cooperation from Bangladesh to allow BSNL to use 10 GB from its unspent submarine cable at Cox's Bazaar in Bangladesh. The international gateway for broadband connectivity is being set up here in which connectivity will be provided through Bangladesh under an agreement between state-run BSNL and Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company. Now Tripura and other North Eastern states would get the internet speed on par with Delhi or Chennai, he informed, hailing Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for having "agreed to give us to use their bandwidth during our Prime Minister's visit to Bangladesh recently." As part of the arrangement, BSNL would pay Rs 7.2 crore to Bangladesh annually. The Union minister said improvement of the north eastern region is central to the government of India as rightly referred by the Prime Minister that "India could not develop without the development of the region." -PTI
that the developing world is coming of age and they are finding their own feet," he added. On his immediate focus areas as the first NDB President, Kamath said, "Innovation is something that we will try to bring about in the working of the multilateral banks. He said: "One of the areas that we will focus on is that lenders want the borrowers to follow a certain timeline. We need to see what innovation is required to ensure that this timeline is met or to try and reduce this timeline. "We will look at product innovation, resource innovation, the delivery innovation and the most importantly the process innovation. We will look to bring in innovation in the entire process followed in the working of a multilateral bank." Kamath also said that the new bank will strive to approve its first loan before end of the current fiscal. Stating that funding requirements are huge at USD 1-2 trillion for each BRICS country, Kamath
said he sees other multilateral lending institutions such as IMF, World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) as "partners,
K V Kamath
not rivals" in working for growth of the developing world. "It will require a lot of cooperation and collaboration with other partners. These partners could be Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other multilateral institutions," said Kamath under whose leadership top private sector lender ICICI Bank transformed banking industry in India. The NDB is being touted as a major alternative to other multilateral institutions and its USD 100billion Contingent Reserve will also help the member countries draw funds in times of short-term liquidity requirements. -PTI
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Chinese police find ‘clues’ of USD 3.2 tln stock market crash BEIJING: Chinese police probing the massive stock market crash that wiped about USD 3.2 trillion of capital out of the market last Sunday said they have found clues pointing to certain firms suspected of "manipulating" futures trading even as authorities launched a crack down on illicit securities trading. "The investigation team led by China's Vice Minister of Public Security Meng Qingfeng has found clues of manipulation", state-run Xinhua news agency reported, stating that the team is currently carrying out further probes. It did not provide other details. Chinese police joined the securities regulator to probe clues related to recent chaos in the stock market. The investigation team visited the head office of the China Securities Regulatory Commission in Shanghai to investigate what it called "malicious short-selling of stocks and stock indices", an example of the dodgy practices many believe were part of the recent
stock crash over the past few weeks. After China's key stock index plunged by over 30 per cent from its June 12 peak, the government has stepped in with various measures to stabilize the market, in-
As real-name registration is required by the law, this illicit conduct may damage other investors' legitimate interests," said the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). cluding pouring in funds and restricting futures trading on a major small-cap index. On the back of the government announced supportive measures, the stock market staged a strong rebound for a second consecutive
day with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index surging 4.54 per cent. Meanwhile, China's securities watchdog announced that it will crack down on illicit securities trading so that the market can recover steadily. "Some institutional or individual investors hold 'virtual' securities accounts or trade with borrowed accounts. As real-name registration is required by the law, this illicit conduct may damage other investors' legitimate interests," said the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). The commission asked local authorities to verify the authenticity of securities accounts and be more strict when supervising them. Institutional and individual investors will be prohibited from lending their accounts to each other. The CSRC said it will clamp down on any illicit conduct in accordance with the law, and will transfer violators to the police.PTI
Govt working on new agri insurance scheme MUMBAI: The Indian Government is working on a new agriculture insurance scheme that will cover all the inputs put by a farmer into his farm as also the loans taken by him, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said. "Hopefully, in the near future, a viable and vibrant insurance scheme will be in place for farmers," Jaitley said. "Dr Ashok Gulati (Infosys Chair Professor for Agriculture at Icrier) just now made a very valuable presentation to the Finance Ministry where he came out with a doable and effective insurance program wherein the farmer is able to at least recover the basic inputs that he puts in, in the events of uncertainties created by more than one reasons," Jaitely told the 34th Foundation Day celebrations of Nabard here. The present crop insurance schemes cover only the loans which a farmer has taken from banks.
Noting that the agriculture sector presents its own set of challenges with successive low rate of growth over the years, he admitted, "We have been unable to ensure even a 4 per cent growth consistently in the field of agricul-
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
ture." "With productivity levels reasonably low and 85 per cent farmers being small and marginal, the agriculture sector is afflicted by higher input costs, low level of irrigation, high indebtedness, absence of an effective insurance mechanism and adverse impacts of climate change," he said.
The Met department has predicted a 13 per cent fall in rainfalls this monsoon season. While the June rainfall was 25 per cent in excess of the average, July so far has been over 50 per cent deficient. Many international agencies have forecast a strong El Nino effect on the rainfall season in the year and even a possible drought. Speaking at the same event, RBI Deputy Governor HR Khan also said the government is working on the new insurance schemes for farmers and RBI has also sent its comment on it. "We have national insurance, we have modified national insurance and now we are going for weatherbased insurance cover and there is a talk about income insurance for farmers which has become a major issue," Khan said. He said the cost to the government in subsidizing such insurance schemes will not be large if there is willingness to do it. -PTI
American Toyota exec released from custody TOKYO: Toyota's highest rank- her plans. ing female executive until her arToyoda has acknowledged the rest in Japan on suspicion of drug company likely should have done law violations has been released more to help with her relocation from custody without charges. as the first foreign executive to be Julie Hamp, 55, who resigned permanently stationed in Japan. from Toyota Motor Corp., was arHer arrest, a big embarrassment rested June 18 on suspicion of for Toyota, highlights missteps in importing oxycodone, a narcotic its effort to diversify and become pain killer. The drug is tightly con- more international in its corporate trolled in Japan. culture. She emerged from a Tokyo poToyota's top executives are lice building where she'd been de- predominantly Japanese males, tained looking solemn and tired. although some progress has been She was whisked away in a made in recent years to promote minivan. foreigners. Hamp was the first Hamp, an American, was ap- high-profile female promotion. pointed three months ago as the Sakae Komori, a lawyer who frehead of public relations at the Japa- quently handles drug-related nese automaker, in a high-profile cases, said it's difficult to figure move that was highlighted by the out why someone is charged or Japanese automaker as promoting not charged. Suspects with diversity. smaller amounts of the same drug Prosecutors said that she ar- have been charged, he said. ranged with her father to have 57 ``This is seen as a very serious oxycodone pills sent air mail from crime in Japan,'' he said, acknowlthe U.S. to a Tokyo hotel in June. edging that the decision may inThey said this act was importation vite allegations of unfairness. of a narcotic but decided not to ``Perhaps the authorities see her p u r s u e charges. Japanese prosecutors are not obligated to publicly explain the reasons for their decisions. Legal experts say that a show of remorse and firsttime offenders tend to Julie Hamp, a former highest ranking woman executive of win some leToyota Motor Corp., leaves Harajuku police station niency. after being released, in Tokyo on July 8. Bringing in such a tightly controlled drug is a seri- as already facing enough social ous crime in Japan, often result- punishment, and she was not ing in charges. judged a drug abuser.'' Toyota named a replacement for Toyota is such a powerful comHamp, tapping Shigeru Hayakawa, pany in Japan that anything it a senior managing officer and does, or anything that happens to board member. Hayakawa, who it, can be seen as setting a precejoined Toyota in 1977, has experi- dent. ence in the company's U.S. operaKomori said Hamp's resignation tions and is a communications from Toyota could have helped in veteran at the company. winning her release. Toyota reiterated its apology Hamp, who joined Toyota in for the ``confusion and concerns'' 2012, worked at its U.S. operations Hamp's arrest might have caused. until her latest promotion. Before It again promised to promote that, she worked for PepsiCo Inc. qualified people, regardless of na- and General Motors Co. tionality, gender and age, as Police raided the automaker's Toyota continues its efforts ``to headquarters in Toyota city, cenbecome a truly global company.'' tral Japan, as well as its Tokyo and Toyota President Akio Toyoda Nagoya offices last month. has defended Hamp, calling her an It is not unheard of for foreignimportant member of the Toyota ers to be detained in Japan for team. Company officials said they mailing or bringing in medicine did not know her whereabouts or they used at home. -AP
July 17, 2015
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Exorbitant pay packets led to 2008 financial meltdown GENEVA: To curb excessive risk-taking, banks need to put in place strict executive compensation norms where payout schedules are linked to risk outcomes over a multiyear horizon, says Bank for International Settlements. Bank for International Settlements (BIS), the global grouping of banking regulators, has emphasized that compensation of bank executives should reflect risk-taking and risk outcomes. Excessive risk-taking ways fuelled by exorbitant pay packets has been seen as a significant factor that led to the 2008 financial meltdown. The latest suggestions from the BIS, through its detailed report on 'cor-
'Right time' for India to join the APEC bloc Cont’d from page 12
Even the development of India surpassing China as the world's fastest-growing large economy masks the reality that India needs to become fully integrated into the global economy if it is to sustain its current growth levels. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government must act decisively to open the Indian economy to the rapidly changing global trade system, especially in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region. Indian membership in the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum is an important first step toward India's fuller economic integration in the region. "The APEC economies represent the global supply chains that drive much of world commerce," they said adding that integration with the APEC countries is also essential to India achieving its goal of becoming a manufacturing hub. APEC membership would help prepare India to participate in the emerging mega regional trade arrangements, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) that will define the future of global trade. They said as emerging trade regimes start to change patterns of international commerce, India runs the risk of being increasingly locked out of these economic flows unless it revises its approach to trade. They noted the argument being made by many in India against further trade opening, pointing to India's mounting trade deficits, especially the huge imbalance with China. "This may be a political problem for Modi's government, much as it has been for the US in its long-term trade relationship with China. But this is an argument for India to reform its economy more rapidly so that it can attract more foreign direct investment and compete more effectively in global markets," the two said. They termed the APEC membership a "low-risk, high-reward pathway' for India to participate more fully in the Asia-Pacific and global trading system. -PTI
porate governance principles for banks', also comes at a time when global financial sector continues to see challenging times amid persisting economic uncertainties. "Banks have to set specific provisions for employees with a significant influence on the overall risk profile, so-called material risk-takers. Remuneration payout schedules should be sensitive to risk outcomes over a multi-year horizon," BIS said. Noting that remuneration structure should be in line with the business and longterm interests of the bank, the report stressed there should also be measures in place to prevent conflict of interest.
"Remuneration programs should encourage a sound risk culture in which risk-taking behavior is appropriate and which encourages employees to act in the interest of the company as a whole (also taking into account client interests) rather than for themselves or only their business lines. "In particular, incentives embedded within remuneration structures should not incentivise staff to take excessive risk," it said. According to BIS, the remuneration framework should provide for variable pay to be adjusted with a full range of risks, including breaches of risk appetite limits. "Practices by which remuneration is paid
for potential future revenues whose timing and likelihood remain uncertain should be carefully evaluated by means of both qualitative and quantitative key indicators," said the report released recently. Among others, BIS has delved into aspects related to board of directors' role in overseeing the implementation of effective risk management systems. The report also underlined the importance of the board's collective competence as well as the obligation of individual board members to dedicate sufficient time to their mandates and to keep abreast of developments in banking. -PTI
Desi News Naperville community plans grand I-Day Parade DAVE VASUDEVAN
NAPERVILLE: The Indian Community Outreach and The City of Naperville will be host to a grand India Day Parade and Celebration on August 16 to mark the 69th anniversary of India's independence. Several thousand people from Chicago and the suburbs are expected to attend the event which will be held at Center Street and Central Park, Naperville. In addition, Naperville will continue its tradition of celebrating India's Independence Day by raising US & Indian flags on August 15 at Naperville Municipal Center. Details on page 18
Majestic Hindu Temple opens in Colorado India Post News Service
CENTENNIAL, Colorado: Centennial CO Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of the Rockies opened in Centennial (Colorado) on June 7 after an elaborate three-days of ancient Hindu rituals conducted by nine priests gathered from all over the country. The "Grand Opening Celebrations" included havans, artis, pujas, murti sthapana, cultural program, Veda pranayam, aradhana, archana, Maha Kumbhabhishekam, etc. The new temple, whose construction began in March 2014, besides being a place of worship, will also undertake various religious, cultural and spiritual activities/celebrations. Details on page 19
Balaji wedding & other events attract thousands PRASAD THOTUKARA
DALLAS, TX: It was a day when the gods would want to come down to earth, especially in Dallas, to witness the wedding of Sri Venkateswara being organized by tens of thousands devotees. Used to seeing the wedding at Tirumala, it turned out to be a welcome change for them! The venue was Dallas metroplex. A modest 10,000 devotees thronged the venue Dr Pepper Center in Frisco. The beautiful sunrise in the east of the town welcomed the devotees with warmth and compassion. Details on page 20
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
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Big Fetna event salutes Tamil culture giants Details on page 22
July 17, 2015
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Outraged community protests rapes, kidnapping in West Bengal SURENDRA ULLAL
CHICAGO: Human rights groups across United States staged rallies in Chicago, New York, New Jersey, Houston, San Francisco, Washington DC, Atlanta on Saturday July 11 for Tuktuki Mondal, the kidnapped daughter of a poor laborer in India. Tuktuki's plight began when she was once kidnapped while on her way to the bank by a Babusona Ghazi, a local radical Islamist gang member and his friends. She was gang raped but was finally released under the condition that there would be no medical examination, no police complaint and that she should be married off early, under aged. Agreeing to these conditions at gun-point, Tuktuki's father Subhas Mondal was able to secure her release. However Tuktuki's nightmare just started. The fourteen year old has become the global icon representing thousands of girls who have been
Demonstrations across USA against rape of West Bengal teenager
daughter since. Thousands of girls are reportedly kidnapped, gang raped and human trafficked in rural West
The fourteen year old has become the global icon representing thousands of girls who have been kidnapped, raped and sold into sexual slavery the world over, South Asia in particular. These global rallies were supported by human rights groups kidnapped, raped and sold into sexual slavery the world over, South Asia in particular. These global rallies were supported by human rights groups cutting across religious and ethnic divide. Sponsors include Overseas Friends of Bengal, Tuktuki, an extremely bright student, was preparing for her prefinal examinations on May 4 when her abductors returned and violently ransacked her home. Tuktuki and her family tried in vain to resist. Screaming for help, she was dragged away. A few days later, the frantic parents received a message directing them to a local mosque to find their daughter. Tuktuki's father went and was nearly killed by a 700 strong mob from the mosque. Tuktuki's parents have not seen or heard of their
Bengal and sold into sex trade across the region and to Middle East by radical Islamists who are
trict in Asia. Shocking and yet true, all these are happenings in India, a socalled secular democratic republic with the largest concentration of people following the Hindu faith. The only organization caring for these missing girls in the region is an NGO called Hindu Samhati. Its founder and President Tapan Kumar Ghosh has helped to save many such girls. For many years he has been incessantly working to raise the awareness of the plight of the Hindus there. In fact the only person who is in a position to help and ameliorate the position is mute and gleefully
this issue fearing that any action against Muslim perpetrators would deprive her of votes, it was felt. Satya Dosapati, a veteran human rights activist, New York has approached many officials in West Bengal seeking Tuktuki's release. Recently some leaders in Chicago, Houston, Washington D.C., among others have denounced the state of affairs in West Bengal. In San Francisco, the activists held a candlelight vigil to pray for Tuktuki and the other captive girls. Community leader and social activist for minority rights who worked with Yezidis and other communities, Somanjana Chatterjee ex-
The Chicago rally
profiting from the trade. In fact Sonagachi, where many of these girls are brought in transit, is reportedly the largest red light dis-
watching the situation with a strange attitude of indifference. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is indifferent to
pressed heartfelt sympathy for Tuktuki and demanded her immediate recovery. Cont’d on page 19
Community Across America
July 17, 2015
India Post 17
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Last chance to report Indian income to IRS RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: Rajesh Dhruva, the Chief Executive of a front ranking tax firm in India,
femaonline.com, said here that the Government of India and its counterpart in USA have finally signed a far-reaching Inter Government Agreement (IGA) on July 9 with very far reaching financial and tax implica-
Maharashtra CM leads top trade team to Michigan ASHOK JAIN, MD
DETROIT, MI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accompanied by a high-level trade delegation, was on a daylong official visit to Detroit, Michigan on June 30. The purpose of his visit was to promote trade, investments, manufacturing and economic cooperation between Michigan and Maharashtra. The Chief Minister had an interactive session with the US trade and industry representatives, besides officials of the Michi-
described Maharashtra as the most industrialized state in India contributing around 15% to India's GDP. He said that just like Michigan, Maharashtra is the powerhouse for the automobile and auto sectors and there is immense synergy between the two states. Indian Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed also addressed the Business Meet and mooted the idea of forging an economic partnership between Maharashtra and Michigan as 'Partner States' and establish-
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis with Indian CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed
gan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and office of the Governor of Michigan. The Chief Minister also visited the General Motors and had discussions with their top executives. While addressing the Business Meet at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, the CM
CG Sayeed added that Governor Rick Snyder is keen on strengthening Michigan's economic partnership with India particularly in the fields of automobiles, auto parts, IT, telecom, agriculture, food processing and hydrocarbons.
ing a 'Sister-City' relationship between Detroit and Pune, as both these cities complement each other in the automobile and auto parts sector. CG Sayeed added that Governor Rick Snyder is keen on strengthening Michigan's economic partnership with India particularly in the fields of automobiles, auto parts, IT, telecom, agriculture, food processing and hydrocarbons. A high-level investment mission from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) visited India from March 2-8 and met with senior officials of MEA, MoCI, MoF, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, RBI and EXIM Bank. A follow-up trade and investment delegation would be visiting India in October. India exports goods roughly worth $ 1 billion annually to Michigan. Indian companies Mahindra, Tata and HCL have set up manufacturing units in Michigan.
tions. Fed Tax Returns & FBAR returns for last 6 The agreement, the Foreign Assets Tax years. Compliance Act ( FATCA) requires Indian Visit for more information banks ,mutual fund , insurance companies femaonline.com/femamodule.php?id=20 and brokerages to identify and report acIt looks sure that this indeed is the last counts of us citizens , addressees , phone opportunity for disclosure as failure to opt numbers, place of birth or USA for SFCP can result in penal power of attorney to the Interaction by the IRS upon receipt nal Revenue Service (IRS) of of NRI accounts from all InUSA. The accounting period dian banks, MFs, insurance will be ending June 2014 but companies and stock brokers. the deadline for reporting to On failure to avail of this last IRS is 30th June 2016. chance one cannot opt for In a talk to this paper, SFCP / SDOP and will be liDhruva said that now it is imable for civil and criminal acperative and absolutely nections, Dhruva said. essary for all USA citizens or The IGA can be viewed on Green Card holders and other the website at USA taxpayers who have bank femaonline.com/PDFs/ Rajesh Dhruva and MF accounts or investIndia_iga_finalment in brokerage firms etc in _india_english.pdf India, to disclose these to IRS in timely man"It is important to have professional serner. vices and consultations regarding StreamIf they have failed to show Indian income lined Domestic Offshore Procedure (SDOP) in F 1040 or failed to File Foreign Bank Ac- by way of computation of penalty; preparacount Reports or have not opted for the tions of Indian income in US$ terms for reStreamlined Filing Compliance Procedure vising Fed Tax returns for previous 3 years; (SFCP), a very liberal scheme has been an- annexures of Foreign Bank Account Reportnounced. ing (FBAR) for previous 6 years," he added. This offers a chance for declaration of He pitched for professional help and conIndian income and financial assets not de- sultation to avoid any pitfall in reporting clared earlier by paying a penalty of only and offered his company services to any5% of the highest value of overseas Indian body in this regard He is in USA and is financial assets over previous 6 year ends. available at 832.324.9944 and India -(91) It also stipulates for a revision of last 3 years 982.404.9944.
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July 17, 2015
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Naperville community plans grand India Day Parade DAVE VASUDEVAN
NAPERVILLE: The Indian Community Outreach and The City of Naperville will be host to a grand India Day Parade and Celebration on August 16 to mark the 69th anniversary of India's independence. Several thousand people from Mayor Steve Chirico making announcement about India Day Parade with Krishna Bansal, Chairman of IOC, standing next to him
Naperville Mayor Emeritus George Pradel
Chicago and the suburbs are ex- dignitaries attending are the state pected to attend the event which and local elected representatives will be held at Center Street and and prominent leaders of the Central Park, Naperville. In addi- Naperville community. tion, Naperville will continue its Nimish Bhatt, Vice Chairman of tradition of celebrating India's In- ICO, explained that parade will dependence Day by raising US & begin at Center St and 4th Ave in Indian flags on August 15 at Naperville at 2pm while the celNaperville Municipal Center. ebration will be at Naperville CenThe India Day Parade will serve tral Park demonstrating outstandas a showcase of India's rich and ing performances. Flag raising cerdiverse culture, with several floats emony will be at the Naperville organized by Indian cultural, busi- Municipal Center on August 15 ness and political organizations. from 9am to 10am. Spectators will be treated to a rich Naperville, ranked as one of the variety of Indian cuisine, ethnic most desirable American cities for arts, apparel and jewelry. This a family, is home to more than event has the distinction of being the first India Day Parade backed by any city in Midwest America. The event has been organized by the Indian Community Outreach Organization (ICO) in association with the Alliances of Midwest Indian Association and the City of Naperville. ICO is a non-partisan and a not for profit organization whose mission is to preserve and promote the cultural heritage and contributions of Indian Americans while promoting their integration in the growth of Naperville. It's chairman Krishna Bansal has been appointed by Mayor of Naperville. Bansal said that the Indian community saw a dramatic growth since nineties and it now comprises ten percent of the suburb's total population. Moreover, ICO Chairman Krishna Bansal briefing about India Day event of August 16 with the recent influx of information technology workers and other professionals 10,000 Indian-Americans making it from India, over 70 percent are first the suburb with the largest and generation immigrants. growing population of the commuSeveral South Asian commu- nity in an area outside Chicago. nity leaders, restaurants, busi- Indian-Americans have been connesses and cultural organizations tributing greatly in the field of busihave come forward to support the ness, medicine, information techevent. Naperville Mayor Steve nology and as the leaders of large Chirico and Consul General of In- corporations. dia will be chief guests. Mayor For more information visit Emeritus George Pradel will be the w e b s i t e Parade Marshal. Among the other www.napervilleindian.com.
July 17, 2015
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Majestic Hindu Temple opens in Colorado India Post News Service
CENTENNIAL, Colorado: Centennial CO Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of the Rockies opened in Centennial (Colorado) on June 7 after an elaborate three-days of ancient Hindu rituals conducted by nine priests gathered from all
gram, Veda pranayam, aradhana, archana, Maha Kumbhabhishekam, etc. The new temple, whose construction began in March 2014, besides being a place of worship, will also undertake various religious, cultural and spiritual activities/celebrations. Its architecture
Durga Maa, Ganesh Ji, Gaurishankar, Laxmi Narayan, Radha-Krishna, Ramdarbar, Saraswati Mata, Shiva Lingam and Nandi, Shiva Parivar and Tirupati Bala Ji, reports suggest. Reva Nayar, C.P. Mishra, Modhumita Mukherjee and Satish Kumar are President, Vice Presi-
Raghavendra Iyer are the priests. The Hindu community in Colorado set up the Hindu Society of Colorado in mid eighties in the wake of a sizeable increase in the Hindu population. This group would meet at different members' homes for spiritual discussions and deity worship. A need for a
The third lot was sold and the land in Centennial measuring 4.25 acres was bought at $500,000 in January 2007. The Bhoomi Pooja Samaroha was celebrated in June the same year. The design of the new temple was completed in 2008 and the site plan for construction was approved in 2009.
true temple was pressing, so another group, Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of the Rockies (HTCC), was formed and it merged with the Hindu Society of Colorado in 1995. By 1996, the group successfully raised $100,000 to purchase an old church building in Littleton for the much needed temple in Colorado. This temple started successfully and in the same year, the neighboring lot was purchased. With this growth, temple activities for both children and adults expanded in 2001 with Bal Mandir and Yoga classes. In 2002, the third lot was purchased, and talk regarding a bigger temple began. In 2004-2005 the parking was paved and a New Temple Committee was formed.
Commending the opening of the temple, Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that the efforts of temple leaders and area community for realizing this Hindu temple complex need to be welcomed by the community at large across the country. Rajan said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this new temple would help in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.
Centennial Colorado Temple
over the country. The "Grand Opening Celebrations" included havans, artis, pujas, murti sthapana, cultural pro-
is based on ancient Vastu and Aagam Shastra principles and it includes murtis of Aayapaa Swami,
dent, Secretary and Treasurer respectively of the Temple while Kailash Chandra Upadhyay and
Outraged community protests rapes, kidnapping in West Bengal Cont’d from page 16
So did Manik Tyagi who had also organized a google hangout with Tuktuki's father, Subhas Mondal. Another organizer there and West Coast President of the Overseas Friends of Bengal, Judhajit Sen Mazumdar, said, "The ex-pat Indian community in the Silicon Valley is outraged and disturbed by what is happening to Tuktuki and other girls from rural Bengal". In Chicago, Prasad Yalamanchi, Chairman Global Hindu Heritage Foundation organized a rally of several veteran activists before the Indian Consulate. Madhu Patel, founder president of NRI Press Club, said that the organizers and the demonstrators have decided to meet in person Consul General Dr Ausuf Sayeed amd present him with a memorandum demanding swift action on the part of concerned authorities to provide justice to Mondal family and the girl in particular. Dr Richard Benkin, a long time human rights activist from the Jewish community stated, "If you don't stop them in West Bengal now, soon it will be in New Delhi, New York and Chicago". Many
came to demonstrate in front of Indian consulate. They felt it was the right thing to do in order to send a message to the Chief Minister of the state, Mamata Banerjee. The demonstrators felt that Indians without their religious affiliations must face this atrocity with
It was pointed out in this context that Islamist Jihadis and radical gangs have made some regions of West Bengal state a no-go zone for the Hindus and this is a matter of serious concern. unity and create awareness among the mainstream society about the plight of women who are helpless victims of rape. The crime is heinous because it involved an underage girl who happened to be a school going student. It was pointed out in this con-
text that Islamist Jihadis and radical gangs have made some regions of West Bengal state a no-go zone for the Hindus and this is a matter of serious concern. The Global Hindu Heritage had organized the Chicago rally with several veteran activists like Prasad Yalamanchi, Madhu Patel, Rohit Joshi, Bhalailal Patel along with many others. Dr Richard Benkin, a long time human rights activist who visits Bangladesh every year collecting testimony on abduction of girls and presenting to Congressmen for action to stop human trafficking, addressed the rally and observed that " if you don't stop them in Bengal now soon will spread everywhere including New Delhi, New York and Chicago." Many activists observed that Tuktuki to them was like their daughter or grand daughter and those atrocities against "our innocent children must stop now." Tuktuki was doing well in school and had dreams to get her family out of poverty. She is now screaming for help remaining in captivity of czars of human trafficking while the world remains silent, observed Prasad Yalamanchi.
Community Across America
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July 17, 2015
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Balaji wedding & other events attract thousands PRASAD THOTUKARA
DALLAS, TX: It was a day when the gods would want to come down to earth, especially in Dallas, to witness the wedding of Sri Venkateswara being organized by tens of thousands devotees. Used to seeing the wedding at Tirumala, it turned out to be a welcome change for them! The venue was Dallas metroplex. A modest 10,000 devotees thronged the venue Dr Pepper Center in Frisco. The beautiful sunrise in the east of the town welcomed the devotees with warmth and compassion. The divine serenity and the blissful smile of the Lord opened the doors at 7 am in the morning. A unique and an once-in-a-lifetime experience was in the offing with not one, not two, but four major events happening simultaneously Suprabhata Seva, Vasanthotsavam, Archana and His Kalyanam. Seldom do devotees get a chance to watch such events back-to-back at Tirumala. But the Lord who is always a giver didn't let this opportunity go amiss for the welfare of the devotees. The volunteers had worked round the
clock for the last 30 days by then, and it was the Kalyanam day. The Suprabhata Seva started at 8 am. The archakas hymned the Suprabhatam invoking the Lord. The curtains were open and the devotees witnessed an eternal
sprinkled to the visiting devotees. The Kalyana Mahotsavam began soon and the whole center was reverberating with chanting of Govinda Nama, Annamayya Keertanas and the musical entourage from TTD.
votion. Elaborate arrangements by over 300 volunteers were made by the organizers such as seating, food, beverages, registration, Kalyanam donors, hospitality, Darsanam, decoration etc. Speaking at the occasion TTD
Devotees at Sri Balaji wedding and other religious events in Dallas
bliss at the sight of the goddesses and the god. Later Vasanthotsavam and Archana were performed for the deities and the holy Tulasi water was
The devotees engrossed themselves in the chanting and a divine fervor was clearly visible. Couples sponsoring Kalyanam were performing with utmost de-
Chairman thanked the devotees and felt happy for organizing Kalyanam in Dallas. Dallas metroplex Mayor Maher Maso read the proclamation at the
event as July 12 will be henceforth called "Srinivas Kalyanam Day". JEO Pola Bhaskar I.A.S, TTD Board member A.V.Ramana, event organizer Gopal Ponangi also addressed the crowd explaining the importance behind Sri Srinivasa Kalyana Mahotsavam and the welfare for mankind behind such events. The core committee members who worked round the clock to make the event memorable were Satyanarayana Pulipaka, Gopal Ponangi, Ravi Akula, Vijay Todupunoori, R.K. Panditi, Srinivas Kongara, Shyama Rumalla, Venkat Narpala, Rao Kalvala, Mahesh Adibhatla, KC Chekuri, Ranga Rao, Srinivas Pamidimukkala, Sreekanth Konda, Mahesh Choppa, Kiran Chelamalla, Uma Mahesh, Madan Bijili, Chandra K. Bandar, Ravi Pattisam among others. Leaders such as Aravinda Rao Ex. DGP, Prasad Thotakura, Dr Sridhar Reddy Korsapati, Dr Raghavendra Prasad, Prakashrao Velagapudi, TANA Executive VP Satish Vemana among others were witnessed and participated in the event.
Center for mentally challenged Sikh delegation from in Wheeling Punjab meets CG HARISH RAO
CHICAGO: Task Force, a not for profit organization to promote supportive housing to mentally challenged people, broke ground on June 23 in Wheeling, a northwest suburb of Chicago, for building a 50-unit community center that will give training to patients so that they can live independently and earn their living. It will be named Phil Haven in the name of Ex CEO of Alexian Brothers network of hospitals. Construction of the project will start in about 4-6 weeks and will
be developed by Daveri Development Group LLC. Residents will benefit from supportive services of Kenneth Young Center and Alexian Brothers. Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony were Jessica Berzac from Daveri Development, Susan Cowen from Kenneth Young Center, Rick Germann from Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health, John Melaniphy Village of Wheeling, Teri Graham Cook County, Susan Cambell and Jane Hornstein Cook County Bureau of Economic
Development, Rick Monocchio Housing Authority of Cook County, Senator Mark Kirk, Hugh Brady, President Task Force and Phillip, Resident of Myers Place Supportive Housing. Thakar Basati and Amolak Singh Gidda attended on behalf of Sikh community. Sikhs helped with petition signing for supportive housing in Palatine. Catherine Alice Gardens is planned for Palatine.
HARISH RAO
Cont’d on page 21
Members of Punjab delegation with CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed
Ground breaking ceremony for community center for mental patients in Wheeling
CHICAGO: A three-member high-level Sikh delegation from Government of Punjab had a meeting with Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed at his residence on July 11. The delegation comprised S. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Member of Parliament (RS), Sohan Singh Thandal, the Punjab Minister of Jails, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and Surjit Singh Rakra, the
Punjab Minister for Water Supply & Sanitation and Higher Education & Languages, The visiting delegation had discussions on community-related issues, steps to increase tourism in Punjab from the United States and ways and means of strengthening economic cooperation between the US Midwest and Punjab.
July 17, 2015
Community Across America
India Post 21
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Dance & Music Festival in St Louis
I
ndia Post ran a report on Dance festival hosted by Soorya Per forming Arts in St Louis in its issue dated July 10 and give credit for the story to Ashvin Patel. The report in fact, was written by Anith Nagendra. The error is regretted. The three-day 7TH Indian dance and music festival met with huge success. It was attended by not only members of Indian community but many American dance lovers too.
A classical dance performance at the Soorya Dance Festival in St Louis
Center for mentally challenged in Wheeling Cont’d from page 20
In many countries including India and Pakistan, mentally challenged patients are tied with shackles to walls, floors or any other heavy object and made to stay there whole day and night, sometime even in harsh weather conditions. McShane Construction Company is providing comprehensive construction services while VOA Associates Incorporated is serving as architects for the project. Financing for the project was provided by Illinois Housing Development Authority, Corporation for Supportive Housing, National Equity Fund, Village Bank & Trust, Cook County and Federal Home
Loan Bank of Chicago. Operating subsidies will be provided by Department of Mental Health, Housing Authority of Cook County and Regional Housing Initiative. Task Force already operates Myers Place in Mount Prospect, Illinois which is a 389 unit apartment building. There are about 17,000 individuals with mental illness who are living in various institutions. Having these communities helps people near their families yet independently. Supportive staff trains them to cook, take care of their personal belongings, and help them find jobs. If anyone would like more information they can visit housingtaskforce.org PO Box 904, Wheeling, Il 60090 or call 847-558-9917
Be a Democratic candidate in Lake County SURESH SHAH
HIGHLAND PARK: The Democratic Party of Lake County is accepting applications and questions from prospective candidates for various political offices in Lake County in 2016. If interested in running for office as a Democrat, send a resumĂŠ, a statement of your qualifications to hold elected office, and a brief explanation about why you would like to be a Democratic
nominee. A presidential cycle, 2016 will be an exciting time to run for public office. Lake County is full of strong, professional leaders. The Democratic Party is interested in fielding a slate of wellqualified, principled candidates to move Lake County forward. For more information or to tell us more about yourself, email lakecountycandidates@gmail.com.
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Big Fetna event salutes Tamil culture giants SAN JOSE, CA: The 28th annual Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America convention, otherwise known as FeTNA, organized an extremely successful & well-orchestrated celebration of Tamil culture in San Jose. FeTNA is the unified body and association of all Tamil Sangams in North America. Every year FeTNA conducts an annual convention in a major city of North America during the first week of July. FeTNA serves as an "Identity for all Tamil people living in North America". Every year they invite great literary Tamil scholars, Tamil film celebrities, Tamil community enthusiasts and philanthropists to honor the great convention. The primary objective of FeTNA is to promote Tamil culture,
sands the entire 3-day event was very well planned by a dedicated team, and managed to squeeze in salutes to all of Tamil business, education, literature, history, politics, music, drama, dance and, of course, film and its associated celebrities. The convention kicked off with a private 'Dinner with the Stars' for sponsors, donors & media, during which beloved Kollywood actor R Madhavan and singers Haircharan, Pooja Vaidhyanathan, Aalap Raju and Carnatic singer Sowmya. NPC-Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran from Northern Province of SriLanka also graced the ceremony. This year's event celebrated two main events namely Centenary celebration (100yrs) of "Tamizhisai Aringer" V.P.K. Sundaram and 125 years of great composer
elders. The categories of events were diverse enough to attract people of varied interests like Literature, Drama, Dance, Folk Mu-
tradition, and art using simple forms of literature, music and drama among the Tamils living in North America and for the future generation. Attended by thou-
Papanasam Sivan. This year's annual convention had 80 hours of program spread over three days, catering to a wide range of age groups from kids, teens, adults to
sic, Classical Music, Light Music, Entrepreneur Forum, Children's Program and many more. The first day of the convention, Friday July 3, was full of talks
India Post News Service
and networking sessions encour- concurrently running youth semiaging the growth of Tamil busi- nars on various topics, and time nesses in North America and with Kollywood attendees, inabroad, in concurrence with cluding actror Madhavan and events regarding Tamil literature, Jaishree. political issues and presentations FeTNA 2015's peak of attenby American Tamil associations. dance was of course the concert The day also included some star on Saturday evening featuring power in the form of comedy by RJ Dheena, Badava Gopi and a full The day also included Tamil music concert by some star power in the Sowmya. The day ended with a formidable form of comedy by RJ dance performance of Dheena, Badava Gopi and the 'Sivakamiyin Sabadam that greatly a full Tamil music concert showcased local talent by Sowmya. & surpassed expectations - proving that the cultivation of ancient forms of Hoirchara, Pooja Aalap Raju, Thamizh storytelling are being kept Magizhini, Pragathi accompanied alive by today's NRI youth. by Bennet and Band. Overall, kuOn Saturday attendees re- dos must be given to FeTNA ceived the convention's primary 2015's organizing committee, the dose of Tamil arts and cinema, as Bay Area Tamil Manram and the the day was filled with ongoing American FeTNA association as Carnatic music, contemporary a whole, for devoting immense dance performances, Thirukural amounts of time and effort to competition, dramas, make the entire convention such Silambattam, chess competition, a well-orchestrated success.
CAIR hosts annual Capitol Ramadan Iftar India Post News Service
On July 1, the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) hosted the 12th annual Capitol Ramadan Iftar commemorating the holy month of Ramadan. The reception drew more than 200 state elected officials, community members and interfaith leaders to break the fast with one another at the California Capitol. This year's Capitol Ramadan Iftar was co-hosted by more than 55 assembly members and senators who also co-authored a member resolution, presented by Senator
Richard Pan, congratulating the American Muslim community on commencing Ramadan and also for its contributions to the fabric of the state of California. Cont’d on page 26
July 17, 2015
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Musings from Chicago
Time to say goodbye to paper-pencil examination!
T
he sensational Vyapam scam has taken the whole country by storm. This admission and recruitment scam in Madhya Pradesh has assumed colossal proportions with close to 50 witnesses and accused dying so far. High level link ups and alleged role of well known politicians has ensured that media takes much interest in the unfolding of the Vyapam scam. Unfortunately, Vyapam scam wasn't the only recent news regarding discrepancies in the recruitment and entrance examinations. Last month, the honourable Supreme Court declared the All India Pre Medical Test (AIPMT) void after reports of paper leak surfaced soon after the exam was conducted. Resultantly, lakhs of medical aspirants across the country have to prepare yet again for the most stressful exam of their careers. And the buck does not stop here. In March this year, Uttar Pradesh Civil Services exam was cancelled after it was reported that the paper was leaked on 'Whatsapp' 15 minutes prior to the examination. In 2013, the Staff Selection Commission examination suffered a similar fate. The list of
based test' pattern, with no reports of any glitches in recent memory. In 2009, the US based Prometric was hired to conduct online CAT examination. With the IIMs taking the first step, other institutions were expected to follow suit. However, such transition is taking painfully long. Although the first edition of online CAT had a few hiccups, the process has largely been smooth and hassle free ever since. Last year, Prometric's five year contract for CAT examination ended and a new contract for CAT examination was awarded to TCS. With an Indian firm taking charge of one of the most significant examinations in the country, this should encourage the other authorities to follow the same pattern. For the past couple of years, CBSE has been giving an option to choose from online and offline mode of examination to the students appearing for IIT JEE examination. From the 13.03 lakh students who appeared for IIT (Main) exam this year, 1.86 lakh chose the online mode. Although this fraction is just above 14%, experts are of the view that it is expected to rise in the coming years. There are multiple things that go in favour Most of the International tests of online examinations. such as GMAT, TOEFL and For one, it can be conducted in batches GRE follow a 'computer spread over multiple based test' pattern, with no weeks. As a result, in reports of any glitches in case of any discrepancy, only a single batch recent memory. would need to be re-examined and not all the such 'leaked' examinations is end- candidates. This also saves the canless. For someone who is reading didates from travelling hundreds of such news in the morning newspa- miles and facing exhaustion before pers, it is a routine affair. But for reaching their examination centre. the students who prepare for such In 2011, the apex body for recruitexaminations for months and ing officers and clerks in Public Secyears, it can come as a huge set- tor Banks, IBPS introduced online back in more ways than one. mode of examination. Though close Nationwide examinations are an to 20 lakh aspirants appear for the extremely tedious process for both, IBPS exams each year, there have the students and the organizers. never been any reports of discrepConsidering that majority of the ancies in these examinations in the examinations in India still follow the past four years, which is a testament pen and paper mode, huge resource to the process' competence. mobilization is involved in such One of the key roadblocks toexaminations. wards an increased number of Add to that the extremely high online examinations in India is the vigilance required at all the levels lack of confidence the test authoriand the amount of paper needed ties have in private players. for such examinations, and you Though outsourcing entrance exwould understand why such mode ams to private players is a common of examinations is a bad idea. Yet, phenomenon around the world, only a handful of examinations have most Indian authorities are still taken to 'online' mode. But those averse to this idea. Interestingly, which have taken this plunge rarely these authorities prefer to trust conface such issues anymore. tractual workers who are involved In comparison, most of the In- at various stages of the examinaternational tests such as GMAT, tion, rather than involving profesTOEFL and GRE follow a 'computer sional organizations with a proven
DR MUNISH KUMAR RAIZADA
track record. Another relatively ignored downside of pen-paper mode of
Dr Munish Kumar Raizada
examinations is the usage of huge quantities of paper. Two of the most premier examinations in the country, the Civil Services Examination and the Staff Selection Commission
examination are given by over 10 lakh candidates each year. There are a number of other examinations which attract lakhs of aspirants each year. All the talk of paperless initiatives comes to a full stop here. Crores spent for transporting papers throughout the country significantly inflates the cost of examinations apart from increasing the chances of a security breach. Saving on a huge amount of money and manpower are the other aspects which give an edge to the computer-based examinations. Computer-based examinations will help us go green also! Online pattern of examinations bring with them an element of transparency, absence of which forms the basis of scams such as Vyapam. With no chance of tampering with the candidates' an-
swers, online examinations present a major case for their induction. Minimal logistical requirements and instant results make online examinations a great option. Whether it is the budget allocation or efforts to revamp the old structures, education has long been ignored by the governments. All the big talks of privatization and increasing the efficiency of the system remains confined to political subjects such as Railways, Infrastructure and Defence. The time is ripe to have a closer look at the examination patterns in the country and provide our youth with a fair and just chance of realizing their true potential. The author is a Chicago-based columnist. Email ID: pedia333@gmail.com Twitter @drMunishRaizada
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BJP MLA visits Southern California India Post News Service
CHINO HILLS, CA: On Friday July 10, a large group of BJP supporters and friends got together at Paradise Indian Cuisine restaurant in Chino Hills, California. A big crowd got together to listen to Rohitbhai Patel, BJP MLA of Anand, Gujarat. Rohitbhai discussed current Indian politics, Gujarat politics and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. Patel's driving force for entering politics is contained in his mission statement, which says "you can serve the community (Samaj) better by
being in the government rather than outside of the government". In his first year in government he implemented "Namo Garib Seva Rath", which is special and personal to him. This is a project to help the poor and helpless in the remote villages of his consistency. He has helped fund this project by using his personal pay from the government. This project provides a dedicated staff to listen to the complaints of the villagers and help solve problems they face. If the staff is unable to resolve the issue, Patel personally gets involved to find a solution. His first
priority is fighting corruption and helping the common person resolve issues regarding infrastructure such as building road. Patel informed the audience that everyone could help support the BJP and PM Modi by creating awareness about voting and get-
FOG aims to empower women in community Cont’d from page 3
Petals in the Dust, directed by Nyna Pais Caputi, will be shown on the 8th, and Tara, directed by Kumar Raj, will be shown on the 13th. At the end of each movie, elite panelists in conjunction with dignitaries from the worldwide film industry such as Kat Kramer and Shabana Azmi will discuss the relevant subject matter and take questions from the audience. This new step for the fledgling IWE organization marks a significant upswing in importance for the women's cause. The head of IWE, Anima Desai, had some additional thoughts on the renewed initiative: "The international year of the woman is an important year for gender equality and women's safety and education. The burden to blaze a trail falls on all empowered women to meet the challenges to mobilize and energize this movement to the next level." The FOG Women Empowered festivities are available to anyone who wishes to be a part of an insightful and thought-provoking conversation about women. More information is available at www.iweusa.org. A two-day event
ticket package is available at www.fogsv.org. The upcoming events exhibit female empowerment and independence, themes that are concurrent with a main focus of FOG this year. Dr Romesh Japra, the convener and creator of FOG, stated that "Festival of Globe is proud to endorse women empowerment and all related women's issues. FOG is going all out to make women empowerment the only social cause of the 2015 Festival. Personally, I will leave no stone unturned to make this Initiative number one among all societal concerns." FOG is proud to announce that proceeds of all FOGrelated events between August 6 and August 17 will go towards women's issues such as sex trafficking, domestic violence, and gender equality. Online resources and details about additional FOG events this August can be found at www.fogsv.org.
Everyone could help support the BJP and PM Modi by creating awareness about voting and getting involved
ting involved in the voting process. This will enable the party and Modi to continue to work to better India. Patel also praised the work being completed by Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben stating she has implemented several projects to help the poor and lower middle class communities in Gujarat.
CAIR hosts annual Capitol Ramadan Iftar
Cont’d from page 22
This year's reception included addresses by Senator Richard Pan, Assembly Members Kevin McCarty, Jim Cooper and Ken Cooley, along with several other legislators. "CAIR-California's annual Capitol Ramadan Iftar is a momentous event that draws together community leaders and state leg-
islators to break bread and commemorate Ramadan," said CAIRSV Executive Director, Basim Elkarra. "The support of elected officials in co-hosting the iftar and in co-authoring the resolution sends a message to the nearly 1 million Muslims in California that they are part of the great fabric of the state of California and that their achievements are recognized."
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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Jeena Jeena : Badlapur 2 Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan : Roy 3 Jee Karda: Badlapur 4 Khamoshiyan : Khamoshiyan 5 Sooraj Dooba Hai : Roy 30 India Post
July 17, 2015
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A
fter a spectacular start with Aamir Khan in Ghajini, Asin seems to have disappeared from world-view. What happened to this promising sprightly South Indian beauty who was so much in demand after her debut in the year 2008 when she swept all the awards right from under the nose of the other debutante of the year, Anushka Sharma? In fact Anushka had expressed her disappointment at being so completely usurped at the awards by Asin. Today the two actresses are in reversed positions with Asin facing extinction from Bollywood while Anushka has raced to the top. According to a major producer, "It's all karma catching up with her. Asin had it all, the looks and the talent. She squandered it all with her high-handed attitude. She rejected plum assignments with the biggest of the production houses to do big-budgeted films with top heroes. Those films did nothing to her career. When she said no to Mukesh Bhatt, he prophesied she won't last long. Sadly Mr Bhatt's words seem to have come true."
She rejected plum assignments with the biggest of the production houses to do big-budgeted films with top heroes
W
ith their behavior, Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn have indicated that they have little to say to one another after their fallout over Karan Arjun exactly two decades ago. In fact, eyebrows are raised when the two Bollywood superstars do their polite number of greeting one another on a Rohit Shetty set. Or for that matter, when they pick the phone on each other because they have a common link in Kajol, Ajay's wife and SRK's co-star. However, everyone knows that the nature of friendships and enmities in Bollywood is fickle. So, when you chance on a photograph that has Ajay and SRK dining together, then it is fodder for thought.
6 Tu Hai Ki Nahi : Roy 7 Judai : Badlapur 8 Tu Har Lamha : Khamoshiyan 9 Chhil Gaye Naina : NH10 10 Dard Karaara : Dum Laga Ke Haisha
C
elebrities don't really believe in "Honesty is the best policy" proverb, however, the Queen of Bollywood Kangana Ranaut is always up for upfront answers. The 28-year-old actress, who was recently spotted at the launch of limited edition of Nisaan Micra in Mumbai, revealed that, she is a materialistic girl and feels money is certainly important in life. The Tanu Weds Manu star said, "Money can't buy everything but can certainly buy most of it and being an independent girl I always put my work as a priority because I don't give-in to those philosophical talks like "money is nothing". It is only because of money that I could give a very comfortable life to my parents". She continued that she could afford a very secure future for her only because of money a n d could support causes that she really believes in.
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Recently the actress was in Dubai and so was Karan. The duo according to a film magazine portal caught up for lunch, where the Student Of The Year director apparently doled out advice on her career
I
t seems like Parineeti Chopra has found a new mentor in Bollywood. No, it's not her superstar sister. The bubbly actress impressed the audience in Malaysia with her stint as host, however as far as films are concerned it looks like a lull period for the young Chopra gal. In fact, Yash Raj Films protege Parineeti has now found a new mentor and it is none other than Karan Johar. Parineeti has been busy shifting into her new home off late. Recently the actress was in Dubai and so was Karan. The duo according to a film magazine portal caught up for lunch, where the Student Of The Year director apparently doled out advice on her career. The filmmaker-turned director apparently gave her tips of the kind of movies she should now be working on. He also asked her to 're-strategize' her moves in Bollywood. Does this mean that Karan will soon be roping in Parineeti for one of his upcoming films? Well, the talented actress definitely deserves a second chance, so what of her last few movies didn't perform at the box office.
I
t feels great when you do something which you love and feels even better when you become successful in the field you're so passionate about. Shilpi Sharma is known as the most successful actress turned DJ in India. She transitioned from a model and an actress to a DJ and that is what makes her different from other. She has been popular for her work in movies such as Jo Bole So Nihaal, Right or Wrong, Thank You and Heroine. Motivated by her passion for music, she took another step for her music career and is now the most successful DJ in India. Shilpi has been recently focusing on her new DJ look. She aims to be stylish and glamorous. She believes in giving music her own unique tone. According to her, music is empty without some attitude, style and grace.
Force sequel
N
ishikanth Kamath directed Force, released in 2011, starred the hunky John Abraham opposite Genelia D'Souza. The sequel to the same has been announced with John Abraham in the lead. It will be directed by Abhinay Deo and produced by Vipul Shah. Recently, there was a strong buzz that Imran Khan has been approached to play a negative role in the sequel. When approached, producer Vipul Shah said, "Yes, it is true that we met Imran Khan.
5
1-year-old Govinda has started shooting for a Marathi film. The yet untitled film is being directed by Devdatt Manjrekar and is eyeing a year-end or early 2016 release. Says a source close to the development, "The film kicked off on June 15 and should wrap up by September. It's an out-and-out commercial film with Govinda playing a man from the rural interiors." The makers have also roped in 'funny man' Johnny Lever. "Yes, we are doing a Marathi film with Govinda sir but it is too early to reveal details," said 'funny man' Johnny Lever, who costarred with Govinda in movies like Dulhe Raja, Hadh Kar Di Aapne and Joru Ka Ghulam.TV actress Ketaki Palav will make her film debut opposite Govinda.
It's an out-and-out commercial film with Govinda playing a man from the rural interiors
32
July 17, 2015
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Health
Line
Five kids got wrong immunizations SALEM, N.J.: Authorities say at least five children have been given the wrong immunizations at a New Jersey health clinic for the uninsured, including a 2-year-old boy who got an ``excessive dose'' of a cervical cancer prevention vaccine. Salem County officials say the county-run ``Shots for Tots'' program has been shuttered while they try to determine how and why the errors occurred. None of the children have apparently suffered any adverse health effects because of the errors. But the county has agreed to pay for the children's medical monitoring costs ``for the foreseeable future.'' -AP
Gov. Hogan makes appearance after chemotherapy ANNAPOLIS, Md.: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has made his first public appearance since finishing his opening round of chemotherapy. Unscheduled, Hogan came downstairs on July 6 from his second-floor Annapolis office to open the restored Old Senate Chamber to visitors. Hogan completed his first course of chemotherapy for nonHodgkin's lymphoma. He told the visitors that he felt ``pretty good'' and wasn't feeling some of the harsh side effects of the treatment. Hogan says that opening the chamber back to the public was a historic event in itself. -AP
Kansas opens health plan to same-sex spouses
TOPEKA, Kan.: The health insurance plan for Kansas state government workers is allowing married gay and lesbian couples to obtain coverage for their spouses. Kansas Department of Health and Environment spokeswoman Sara Belfry says the health plan has begun accepting coverage applications. The department's policy change follows the U.S. Supreme Court's decision last month legalizing same-sex marriage across the nation. Kansas had banned gay marriage. Gov. Sam Brownback said last week his administration was reviewing the ruling and studying its implications before extending benefits to same-sex married couples. -AP
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Diabetes drug may help fight obesity Details on Page 36
Hundreds lack health insurance at Taj Mahal casino ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.: Hundreds of workers at Atlantic City's Trump Taj Mahal casino still have no health insurance six months after their employer ended health care coverage. A survey of 500 workers released by Local 54 of the UniteHERE union finds 44 percent have not been able to find health insurance on their own. An additional 23 percent rely on government subsidies to pay for health insurance. A bankruptcy judge in October allowed Trump Entertainment Resorts to cancel health and pension coverage for workers. The company gave employees a stipend toward the cost of buying insurance under the Affordable Care Act, but even with that, many say they have been unable to afford insurance. Paul Smith, a longtime cook at the casino, needs surgeries on his neck, shoulder and back but can't afford them. He moved in with a friend because he couldn't afford to pay rent any longer. ``I have to pay cash for my doctor visits, which are expensive: $155 for a visit,'' he said. ``I have to pick and choose which medicines I buy: Do I take my heart medication or my pain pills that get me through the day so I can work? Every day it gets worse.''
Smith fears he will end up addicted to pain medication because he has put off surgeries for so long. ``Eighteen months ago, I became a grandfather,'' said Smith. ``If I don't get surgery soon, I'll be crippled. I won't be able to hold
found at least 70 percent of respondents say they feel depressed numerous times a week. The union has been locked in a battle for nearly a year with billionaire Carl Icahn, who is acquiring Trump Entertainment Resorts from bankruptcy court. Union
my granddaughter or even lift her up. That's my greatest fear.'' Health care has always been the top priority among union members in Atlantic City; over the past 11 years, workers have seen their pay rate increase by only 80 cents an hour because they opted to keep their health insurance benefits intact. The in-person survey also
president Bob McDevitt said Icahn, the casino's main lender, has taken hundreds of millions of dollars out of it in loan payments. Icahn said he does not yet own the casino and called the health care fund unreasonable and unaffordable based on the current depressed gambling market in Atlantic City. ``While I no doubt believe that
morale among employees at the Taj is low, this union has already caused three other hotels in Atlantic City to close and now they are doing everything they can to destroy the Taj,'' Icahn said. ``If they succeed, won't their members be even more depressed without jobs? What does their unscientific, self-serving, propagandadriven survey say about that?'' McDevitt said the report shows ``that for the men and women of the Taj Mahal, the lack of health insurance is a crisis.'' The union is appealing the court-ordered termination of health and pension benefits for Taj Mahal workers. Icahn has said if an appeals court reinstates the benefits, he will cut off financing for it, and it will close. Smith said the $32 a week in company stipends designed to help workers buy insurance on their own ``is a joke.'' He said work rule changes the court allowed, including the elimination of paid lunch breaks, cost him $18,000 a year in lost income. Smith is looking into joining a health care plan some friends recently signed up for if he can afford the premiums. ``Icahn says he fights for the little guy,'' Smith said. ``I am the little guy. And he's fighting me.'' AP
Haldiram products under scanner in Maharashtra MUMBAI: Maharashtra government has asked its health regulator to check samples of Haldiram's packaged snacks to find if they are fit for human consumption. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been asked to collect packaged food samples of the Nagpur-based leading domestic snack-maker from all over the state after reports emerged that its products have been banned in the US. Minister of State for FDA Vidya Thakur said she has written to FDA Commissioner Harshdeep Kamble regarding
collection of samples and their lab testing. She has also sought a report from FDA at the earliest.
The decision was taken in view of reports that Haldiram's packaged products had been banned in USA as pesticides
and Salmonella bacteria were found in them, she said. "This is a very serious matter. Since Haldiram products are manufactured in the state and consumed by a large number of people, it is necessary to find out if the snacks are fit for human consumption," Thakur stated in the letter. The decision to check Haldiram's products comes on the heels of the `Maggi' controversy. The Nestle's noodles brand faced the heat and was recalled from markets after tests showed it contained lead beyond permissible limits.-PTI
July 17, 2015
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Humans can't tell apart 1 trillion smells WASHINGTON: A researcher is calling into question recent findings that the human nose is capable of distinguishing at least 1 trillion odors, saying that the data used in last year's study does not support this claim. According to Rick Gerkin, an assistant research professor with Arizona State University School of Life Sciences, this is important because the findings are already making way to neuroscience textbooks, misinforming upcoming investigators and cutting off potentially productive lines of research that do not adhere to those findings. The last year's study was authored by researchers from The Rockefeller Univer-
sity and Howard Hughes Medical Institute and published in the journal Science. "We disagree with several aspects of the 2014 study," said Gerkin, who co-authored the new paper with Jason Castro, a professor with Bates College in US. "First, the assertion that humans can discriminate between at least 1 trillion odors is based on a fragile mathematical framework - one that's capable of creating nearly
any result with small variations in the data or the experiment design. So the result in question could be tens of orders of magnitude - a factor of one with dozens of zeros after it - larger or smaller than first reported," said Gerkin. "We also point out that the conclusion in the 2014 paper relies heavily on untested assumptions about smell perception," added Castro. "And the equation used actually shows that the number of distinguishable smells is fewer than 1 trillion, not more, making the original claim inaccurate, and in fact the exact opposite of what the calculation actually shows," Castro said. Gerkin and Castro show in their study that if the experiment had used approximately 100 additional subjects, the same analysis would have shown that the human nose could discriminate all possible odors - clearly at odds with the data in the 2014 paper. Moreover, had the researchers used a slightly more conservative statistical analysis, it would have shown that humans can distinguish only 5,000 odors - about the same number generally believed to be true prior to 2014, they said. According to Gerkin, the number of smells humans can discriminate is the kind of fact that could flow naturally from a deeper understanding of olfaction - something we currently lack, but that must be established to better understand olfactory health and diseases of smell.
Clinic raided for carrying out abortions CHANDIGARH: A midwife was arrested and kits used for allegedly conducting abortions illegally were confiscated from a clinic in Kurukshetra district during a raid by Haryana health department. Acting on a tipoff, the team of health officials, constituted by Deputy Commissioner Kurukshetra C G Rajini Kanthan, raided the clinic on the Guga Madi road in the district and police arrested the midwife on a complaint by the team, an official release said here. They also confiscated Medical Termination of Pregnancy kit, tablets used for abortion and various types of banned medicines and drugs from the spot, it said. The Kurukshetra district administration had received information that abortions were being illegally conducted at the clinic, the release said. -PTI
"Scientists can easily compute the number of discriminable colors because they know the organization of color perception," said Gerkin. "For example, think about the color wheel we learned in elementary school or
the red-green-blue color values that make it possible to display color on television. For smells, there is no accepted 'smell wheel' just yet," Gerkin added. The new study challenging the findings was published in the journal eLife. -PTI
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Diabetes drug may help fight obesity NEW YORK: A drug to treat diabetes can help obese people who don't have the disease lose weight and keep it off, a new study has found. Researchers found that 63 per cent of study participants given the drug liraglutide for 56 weeks lost at least 5 per cent of their body weight whereas just 27 per cent of the placebo group lost that much. "It is a very effective drug. It seems to be as good as any of the others on the market, so it adds another possibility for doctors to treat patients who are having trouble either losing weight or maintaining weight loss once they get the weight off," said study first author Dr Xavier Pi-Sunyer, a professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center. Liraglutide, developed by the company Novo Nordisk, mimics a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which is released in the human intestine and reduces hunger, increases satiety and slows the rate at which the stomach emp-
ties its contents into the small intestine. The US Food and Drug Administration approved liraglutide (at a higher dose than is used for diabetes) for treating obesity in
December 2014. In the new study, Pi-Sunyer and colleagues randomly assigned 3,731 men and women with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30, or a BMI of at least 27 if they also had high cholesterol or high blood pressure, to receive a 3.0-milligram dose of liraglutide daily, or a placebo shot. Study participants also received counseling on ways to change their lifestyle to promote weight loss. About 2,500 patients
in the study were given liraglutide, and about 1,200 were given the placebo injections, 'LiveScience' reported. After 56 weeks, the participants on liraglutide lost an average of 18.5 pounds (8.3 kg), compared with 6.4 pounds (2.9 kg) for the people on the placebo. Among the patients on liraglutide, 33 per cent lost at least 10 per cent of their body weight, whereas just 11 per cent of the placebo group lost that much. The most common side effects of the drug were nausea and diarrhea. Patients on
the medication were also at increased risk of gallbladder-related problems, which, the researchers noted, could have been due to their above-average weight loss. Drawbacks to the medication include its high cost - about USD 1,000 for a month of treatment - and the fact that it must be given by injection. Also, Pi-Sunyer said, patients will probably have to be on the drug indefinitely to maintain weight loss. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. -PTI
CVS leaves Chamber of Commerce in tobacco tiff NEW YORK: CVS Health is leaving the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, saying the trade group's position on tobacco products is incompatible with CVS' focus on health. The Chamber of Commerce said its position on tobacco products is being misinterpreted and it's unfortunate that a company is leaving the organization over the issue. A New York Times article published June 30 said the Chamber of Commerce is fighting anti-smoking laws around the world at the behest of the tobacco industry, which is facing increased regulation aimed at reducing smoking. The next day, the Chamber of Commerce said in a press release that it is not promoting the use of tobacco, but is working to make sure intellectual property rights are protected and international agreements are upheld, and is fighting against discriminatory treatment of unpopular industries. The Chamber of Commerce said it makes a ``principled defense of the rights of companies and the free enterprise system'' that applies to all industries, not just tobacco. The organization advocates says its members include about 3 million businesses ranging from small companies to major cor-
porations. CVS Health Inc. runs the second-largest chain of drugstores in the U.S., with about 7,800 locations, and manages prescription
benefits for about 70 million people through its Caremark division. The Woonsocket, Rhode Island-based stopped selling tobacco products at its stores in September because it was concentrating on health care. Competitors Walgreen Boots Alliance Inc. and Rite Aid Corp. haven't announced any plans to stop selling tobacco products. Walgreen has about 8,200 stores in the U.S. and Rite Aid has about 4,600. -PTI
Case of West Nile reported in Arizona PHOENIX: The Maricopa County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in Arizona this season. Health officials said that the infected man is a Maricopa County resident in his late 50s with no travel history.
The unidentified victim experienced flu-like symptoms, but wasn't hospitalized and has since recovered. Health officials say mosquito populations increase dramatically during periods of high rainfall and more cases are expected as the monsoon season progresses. West Nile can cause severe illness in some people, especially the elderly. Severe symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness and-or encephalitis or inflammation of the brain, which can lead to paralysis or death. There were 108 human cases of West Nile virus reported statewide last year. Ninety-three of those cases were in Maricopa County. -AP
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Realty Tidbits
Pawtucket plans riverfront development PAWTUCKET, R.I.: Pawtucket city officials are considering a development proposal for a longvacant parcel of land along the riverfront. Mayor Donald Grebien announced that the city's evaluation
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team is encouraging the city council to approve the proposal. Officials say the proposal by real estate development company Peregrine Group, LLC, includes a mix of market-rate residential apartments, commercial space and retail space. The project would include 8,000 square feet of commercial space and 214 apartment units. The proposal also calls for a public river walk that would connect to the newly renovated Festival Pier waterfront park and boat ramp. Grebien says the project has the potential to serve as a catalyst to drive economic growth along the riverfront. The proposal will be given to the Pawtucket City Council for review and approval. -AP
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Slain deputy honored in real estate program FARMINGTON, Utah: A home in the Northern Wasatch Parade of Homes has dedicated a room to slain Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Cory Wride. The Deseret News reports that a Farmington home included in the real estate event displayed police lights and a shirt uniform with Wride's name on it. There are also pictures and other law enforcement items. Wride was killed in January 2014 when he stopped to check on a vehicle that had its emergency lights on. The driver, Jose Angel Garcia-Juaregui, fatally shot Wride while the officer was in his car. In a crime spree that ensued, GarciaJuaregui was killed by police in a shootout. His teenage girlfriend, Meagan Grunwald, was recently found guilty of murder for her role driving the car during the events. -AP
HELENA, Mont.: Homeowners are getting property value notices in the mail from the department of revenue as officials prepare to calculate tax bills for the first half of the fiscal year. The Montana Department of Revenue said in a press release that property values are used to calculate tax bills that are sent out in November. Reappraisal and classification notices show homeowners how a change in property value might impact their tax bill from last year to the current year. -AP
Maplewood's residence 3 in Tracy ideal for family living India Post News Service
Mayor Donald Grebien
July 17, 2015
Property value notices show tax implications
TRACY, CA: Maplewood by William Lyon Homes offers four distinctive single-family home designs in Tracy, including the innovative Residence Three. Ideal for family living, this two-story residence has four bedrooms with a bedroom conveniently located on the first-floor, a private master suite and an optional fifth bedroom. A versatile bonus room can also be transformed into a playroom or work area as family needs evolve. This spacious design also boasts a gourmet kitchen with a large center island for meal preparation, a mud room and an impressive great room that seamlessly flows into a covered patio, creating ample space for family gatherings and entertaining. Interested buyers are encouraged to visit the sales gallery, tour the models and learn more about limited time, move-in ready Residence Three homes. To stay informed with important news and updates, visit www.LyonHomesMaplewood.com and join the interest list. "The Residence Three is a must-see for families who desire a spacious new home with room to grow in a desirable Tracy community," said, Kathy Floyd, Director of Sales for William Lyon Homes.
"With prices within your reach and select homes available for immediate occupancy, buyers are encouraged to act quickly." Maplewood's new home designs are well-suited for a diversity of lifestyles, offering select, two-story home designs with a downstairs bedroom and bath as well as a single-level plan for buyers looking to downsize. Situated in an established Tracy setting, the neighborhood's detached
start from the high $400,000s. Maplewood's location puts the Altamont Corridor Express 'ACE' Train within walking distance and offers easy access to the "H" Train commuter station, I-580, I-205 and I-5. Offering easy access to local schools, Maplewood is also across the street from a park that includes a tot-lot, playground and half-court basketball. Baseball and soccer fields are also found at nearby community sports facilities.
homes range from approximately 1,820 to 3,324 square feet, with 3 to 6 bedrooms, 2.5 to 4 baths and two-car attached garages. Finely detailed exteriors complement the impressive interior spaces with Spanish, French Country, Colonial and Craftsman architectural styles and large covered patios. Prices
William Lyon Homes have announced that Brokers will receive a 3% referral fee per closing. Brokers must bring client on first visit to register for broker referral fee. Buyers cannot be registered online prior to first visit. Broker referral fee to be paid at the close of escrow.
It matters who your builder is and William Lyon Homes is a company built upon a legacy of pride and integrity. A team of visionaries who are passionate about homebuilding and committed to providing a high quality homebuying and homeownership experience, William Lyon Homes has earned a solid track record for outstanding construction and customer service since 1956. The company continues to expand its well-respected brand beyond California, Arizona and Nevada and into other market areas across the Western region with the acquisition of Polygon Northwest Homes, its newest division in Washington and Oregon, and its Village Homes division in Colorado. William Lyon Homes' shares are publicly traded on NYSE under the symbol WLH. For updated information and to learn more, visit www.lyonhomes.com. To visit Maplewood, travel east on I-205, exit 11th Street and turn left at Crossroads Drive, then left on Solomon Lane. The Sales Gallery is on the right and is open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, please call 209.221.8946 or visit www.LyonHomesMaplewood.com. Pricing is approximate and is subject to change without prior notice. CalBRE Officer License: 00982816.
Online property search via mobile surges MUMBAI: With the penetration of smartphones increasing rapidly, online property search through mobiles has grown nearly three times faster than through desktop, a recent survey said. According to a survey by property site Indiaproperty.com, user-friendly apps and responsive website designs has resulted in property search through mobile growing three times faster than desktop. "Over the years home search has evolved from traditionally being broker or word-of-mouth driven to online property search. Today mobile solutions are taking a revolutionary leap in help-
ing buyers get home," company's Chief Operating Officer Muralikrishnan B said. Property search via mobile devices has witnessed a significant uplift in the last six quarters both in terms of traffic and leads, he said. In January last year, mobile search for homes constituted only 10 per cent of the property seekers, which in May 2015 stood at 40 per cent, the report said. The survey found that property search in Tier II cities, which has also witnessed a significant penetration of smartphones over the last few years, has grown 1.3 times compared to the national average.
It pointed out that nearly 69 per cent of property seekers using mobile phones for home hunting are in the age group of 18-34 years,
while 13 per cent between 35-44 years, 7 per cent each in age group of 45-54 and 55-64 while only 4 per cent are those above 65 years.
The number of home hunters through desktop between the age group of 18-34 is only 61 per cent. However, home seekers in the age group of 35-44 and 45-54 are more at 12 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively. Nearly 5 per cent of the home seekers through desktop are above the age of 65 years. The survey also found out that nearly 54 per cent of property seekers are women. "There is a higher engagement by female buyers on mobiles. More women are searching for property on mobile and spending longer time on their phone in the process," Muralikrishnan added. -PTI
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Dip in borrowing cost to boost house purchases MUMBAI: Declining borrowing costs, improving employment outlook and availability of affordable housing projects are encouraging prospective home buyers to purchase new properties in 2015, a survey has said. According to a report by ZyFin Research titled 'New Home Pur-
the sentiment is gradually becoming conducive for home buyers this year compared to 2014. There has been a significant rise in sentiment as the index stands at 43.9 in June this year compared with 30.7 in the same period in 2014. "A large section of the consum-
chase Sentiment Index', the regulatory changes including the recent Cabinet approval to the Real Estate Bill (Regulation and Development) are also expected to boost home buyers' sentiment further. The macro-analytics firm said
ers polled felt they expect borrowing costs to decline further making it easier to avail home loans," the firm said in its report. The index is a monthly barometer of Indian consumers' willingness to purchase a home within a
year, which is based on a poll of 3,000 consumers in 11 cities of different sizes across India. "The recent steps taken by lending agencies to curtail lending rates taking a cue from RBI's interest rate outlook would go a long way in convincing consumers to start opening their purse strings and help generate demand for new homes," ZyFin Research Chief Economist Debopam Chaudhuri said. He further said protection of consumer interests, promotion of fair play in real estate transactions and ensuring timely execution of projects have been some of the long pending demands of Indian home buyers. "Also, as perceived economic outlook improves, consumers feel optimistic about their levels of job security and household income. There is an indication that a rising number of consumers would be keen to invest in residential properties subject to availability of affordable housing projects and cheap loans," Chaudhari added. -PTI
What happens to reverse mortgage after parents die
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s more seniors turn to reverse mortgages, their adult children might well be puzzled or concerned about what will happen to that debt when one or both of their parents eventually dies. At that time, questions about how to pay off the loan will need to be resolved - and relatively quickly. Loans are due when borrower dies Nearly all reverse mortgages today are home equity conversion mortgages, or HECMs, which are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. HECMs are subject to certain rules that might not apply to non-HECMs. The first thing adult children should know about HECMs is that these reverse mortgages technically become due and payable when the borrower dies. The word "technically" is important because it's understood that a borrower's heirs can't possibly refinance or sell the home on the day of death to satisfy the debt, explains Beth Paterson, a certified reverse mortgage professional at Reverse Mortgages SIDAC, a division of Greenleaf Fi-
nancial in St. Paul, Minnesota. A harsh letter Instead, what usually happens in practice is that the loan servicer sends out a letter that Paterson says might seem insensitive but is intended to inform the heirs of the rules and ascertain their intentions for the loan and property.
The borrower's heirs aren't required to sell the home to pay off the reverse mortgage, says Cara Pierce "The servicing companies have had issues with people not notifying them and trying to stay in the home, so that's why it needs to be harsh," Paterson says. "My conversation to the consumer is that communication is vital." Notice of demise Servicers use a number of resources to find out that a borrower
has died. These include the Social Security death index, proprietary databases and annual occupancy letters that typically are sent to reverse mortgage borrowers. "If they don't get the letter of occupancy back or property taxes or insurance aren't paid, they start doing the next steps: contacting an alternate contact, searching other records or sending someone out to inspect the property and see if someone is living in the house," Paterson says. Refi, sell or deed The borrower's heirs aren't required to sell the home to pay off the reverse mortgage, says Cara Pierce, a housing and reverse mortgage counselor at ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions in Fresno, California. But if heirs want to keep the home, they'll have to pay off the loan. "If they want to get a loan in their own name and pay off the reverse mortgage, they can," Pierce says. "But if they can't and there are no other assets, like life insurance, other property or a 401(k), that they could use to pay off the loan, they will have to sell the property." -Bankrate.com
Millennium Hollywood skyscrapers project cleared LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles inferred fault was estimated to be building officials approved plans at least 150,000 years old. to build a 1 million-square-foot Millennium Partners wants to complex of skyscrapers, stores and build a pair of skyscrapers, of 35 restaurants in the heart of Holly- and 39 stories, which would dwarf wood, agreeing with the developer existing buildings. that an earthquake fault underThe developer said it would neath the property is too old to be move forward with the project, considered active. which would be the largest and The Department of Building tallest single development in Holand Safety signed on geology re- lywood history and would replace ports that found that no active parking and rental car lots next to earthquake fault runs under the the Capitol Records tower. site of the Millennium Hollywood ``Millennium Hollywood redevelopment - even though the mains firmly committed to buildstate geologist last year con- ing a project that will preserve the cluded there was one. The move ends a twoyear debate over whether two massive skyscrapers planned by developer Millennium Partners could be built safely due to A rendering from the Millennium Hollywood Facebook page shows the project's planned towers. seismic conditions, the Los Angeles Times iconic Capitol Records building reported. and revitalize Hollywood's historic Studies by Millennium's Downtown, doing so in a manner geotechnical consultant, Group that conforms to the highest earthDelta, said there is probably a fault quake resiliency standards,'' Philip deep below the property that Aarons of New York-based Milroughly follows the path indicated lennium Partners said in a stateon the state's zoning map. How- ment. ever, contrary to the state's conThe City Council approved the clusions, the studies said that the development in 2013. -AP
Tata Housing selling 200 flats online NEW DELHI: Realty firm Tata Housing has announced an online exhibition to sell about 200 housing units spread over 11 projects in seven cities. In the last one and half year, Tata Housing has sold about 1,500 units online.
Home buyers participating in the exhibition would get a special offer of getting an extra room with their home at no extra cost, Tata Housing said in a statement. "Tata Value Homes, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Tata Housing, has announced India's first online exhibition for an exclusive audience through a valid invite code," it said.
The company has put about 200 housing units, in a price range of Rs 13-50 lakh, up for sale through this exhibition. These 11 projects are located in Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune. Tata Housing MD and CEO Brotin Banerjee said: "Our online platform has received an overwhelming response from our consumers with over 1500 booking till date. Though it was started as an experiment, it has now emerged as the fastest growing channel of sales for the realestate industry." Tata Housing is a subsidiary of Tata Sons Ltd in which the group holds 99.86 per cent stake. The realty firm started selling flats through online in December 2013 through its partnership with Google. Later, it also tied up with Housing.com and Snapdeal for online sales. -PTI
July 17, 2015
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eing named the world's best hotel is competitive work, but the winner among Travel + Leisure's readers had to beat its own sister properties as well. The Oberoi Udaivilas, on a private island in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, took home the top prize this year - one reader called it "luxury, redefined." In an opulent setting
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spanning 50 acres, the hotel certainly passes the eye test, though you could argue it's not even the best Oberoi property. Placing No. 5 among T+L readers was The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur, and ranking 16th was The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra. The latter hotel boasts views of the nearby Taj Mahal from every room - that might seal the deal for some travelers to India right there.
July 17, 2015
And then there are other contenders. The runner-up for world's best hotel was Castello di Casole in Tuscany, comprising a 10th-century castle in one of the most desirable travel destinations on the planet. The highest-ranking U.S. hotel was Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Mont., which tied for third, and that's an entirely different experience from the other top finishers: it's in a rustic, mountainside
setting with wood-burning stoves and cattle drives. So why does Udaivilas take home the hardware, and is it deserved? Here's what T+L had to say: "A palace fit for a maharaja, The Oberoi Udaivilas is nothing short of an oasis amidst the country's frenetic energy. The hotel sits on its own private island in Udaipurconsequently, the former hunting
grounds of India's kings-and guests are transported to the property via private boat. "After crossing Lake Pichola and the hotel's main courtyard (with a white marble lotus floating in a reflecting pool), enter your accommodations. Book one of nine Premier rooms for a semiprivate pool, terrace, and views of wildlife such as peacocks and white-spotted deer. Cont’d on page 42
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Ice cave collapses after warm temperatures VERLOT, Wash.: Ice caves popular with hikers northeast of Seattle partially collapsed, killing one person and leaving at least four other injured, officials said. The collapse came after authorities warned that the caves were especially dangerous because of warming temperatures. The person who died remained buried under the debris at the Big Four Ice Caves east of Verlot, Snohomish County sheriff's spokeswoman Shari Ireton said.
The ice caves have been closed until further notice. The U.S. Forest Service warned hikers in May that the ice caves were in their ``most dangerous state'' due to unseasonably warm weather. The caves about 70 miles northeast of Seattle are a popular hiking destination. Multiple warning signs have been put up in the past year to indicate the danger, Tracy O'Toole, a spokeswoman for the Mount BakerSnoqualmie National Forest, told the Daily Herald of Everett. A hiker filmed a section of the caves tumbling down. Several tourists were inside a cave during that collapse, but there were no reported injuries. The caves are formed by avalanches that cascade down from nearby Big Four Mountain during winter and spring. Visitors look out on the Big Four Ice Caves near Granite Falls, Most years, one or more Washington caves form as the ice All victims were believed accounted for, melts. Ireton said. In July 2010, an 11-year-old girl was killed Three of the injured, including a 25-year- near the caves by a bouncing chunk of ice. old man in critical condition, were airlifted She never even went inside the caves. to a Seattle trauma center. They included a Chloe Jakubowski, 18, told The Seattle seriously injured 35-year-old man and a 35- Times that she and three friends drove about year-old woman in satisfactory condition, 15 miles to a pay phone to alert emergency hospital spokeswoman Susan Gregg said. crews to the injuries. Their injuries included cuts and leg and ``Everybody there, we grabbed everybody pelvis fractures. out and helped as best we could,'' she said. A fourth person, a juvenile girl with miJakubowski told The Times she and a nor injuries, was sent to an Everett, Wash- handful of others were in the cave when ington, hospital, Ireton said. Providence she heard a loud crack, then ice and debris Regional Medical Center in Everett also ex- cascaded down. She said she covered her pected a second patient, spokeswoman head with her arms and crouched behind a Diane Torrance said. giant rock of ice. -AP
Online walking tour to explore Harlem
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n online walking tour and a sightseeing pub crawl offer new ways to explore Harlem. The free walking tour was created by the Museum of Modern Art in conjunction with an exhibition of Jacob Lawrence's ``Migration Series'' paintings. The paintings tell the story of African-Americans who moved from the rural South to Northern cities in the early decades of the 20th century. Lawrence lived in Harlem, and the walking tour highlights the places where he studied art, did research for his paintings and found inspiration. The tour - http://www.Moma.org/ harlemwalkingtour - includes a map, images, narration and interviews showcasing a dozen Harlem locations. They include Harlem Hospital, where the first floor is decorated with murals created by one of
Lawrence's mentors, Charles Alston; the Abyssinian Baptist Church, which Lawrence's family joined in 1930, when it was the largest Baptist congregation in the world; and cultural institutions like the Schomburg Center, where Lawrence did much of his research. The MOMA exhibit is up through Sept. 7 but the tour will be available online well beyond that, offering a compelling look at the neighborhood even if you can't do the tour in person. The walking tour is also being incorporated into a monthly pub crawl for Harlem newcomers. Eat Sip N' See describes itself as ``part sightseeing tour and part bar, pub, restaurant crawl'' with events scheduled for July 30, Aug. 28 and one on Sept. 25 aimed at students from Columbia University and City University of New York.-AP
Charleston on list of World's best cities
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harleston, South Carolina, was named the top destination in the U.S. and Canada for the third year in a row by Travel + Leisure magazine's ``World's Best Awards.'' The awards were voted on between Nov. 3 to March 2, before Charleston made headlines for the June 17 church shooting in which a white gunman was charged with killing nine African-Americans. This is the 20th year for the annual travel
awards. Nearly 17,000 Travel + Leisure readers participated in this year's survey. For the first time, Asheville, North Caro-
lina, made the top 10 list for cities in the U.S. and Canada, coming in at No. 10. Also on the U.S. and Canada list were New Orleans at No. 2, followed by Savannah, Georgia; Santa Fe, New Mexico; San Francisco; Quebec City, Quebec; Chicago; New York and Victoria, British Columbia. Kyoto, Japan, was chosen as the world's best city for the second year in a row. Cuzco, Peru, won best city for Latin America; Florence, Italy, won for Europe; and Cape Town won for Africa and the Middle East. The list named the Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, India, as the world's best hotel, and the Golden Door in San Marcos, California, as the best destination spa. Disney Cruise Line won best mega-ship ocean cruise line, Singapore Airlines won best international airline, Virgin America won best domestic airlines, and National Car Rental won best car-rental agency. For the U.S., the Ritz-Carlton New York in Manhattan won for best large city hotel and Charleston got another award for top small city hotel for the Wentworth Mansion.-AP
INS Viraat likely to turn docked museum NEW DELHI: INS Viraat, the oldest active aircraft carrier in the world, is likely to be converted into a docked museum when the ship decommissions next year. Defense Secretary will soon write to all the maritime states in the country eliciting a response to the proposal to convert the ship, which has completed over 50 years of service, into a museum. Defense sources said Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has already approached the Defense Ministry showing his government's keenness in taking over the ship and turning it into a museum. Following a letter from the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, the Ministry has sought Navy's response. The Navy is backing the proposal to convert the ship into a museum. The ship had first served the British Navy for over 30 years before being bought
by India. It was inducted into the Indian Navy in 1987 after undergoing extensive refits. Viraat, which also saw action in the Falklands War and was India's sole carrier for over a decade, will attend the Interna-
tional Fleet Review at Visakhapatnam in February 2016 before being decommissioned. -PTI
Free wi-fi for tourists in Kurukshetra soon CHANDIGARH: Free wi-fi facility will be soon available to tourists at prominent places in Kurukshetra district of Haryana. The district administration has decided to introduce the free wi-fi facility for tourists in a phased manner, a spokesperson said. In the first phase, the wi-fi system will be introduced at Kurukshetra Panorama and
Science Centre and Shri Krishna Museum, he said. Later, after reviewing the results of the system, it will be introduced at other places, including Sannihit Sarovar, Brahma Sarovar, Kalpana Chawla Planetarium, Shekh Chili Maqbara, Jyotisar and Saraswati pilgrimage in Pehowa, he added. -PTI
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OBEROI
UDAIVILAS
Declared best hotel in the world Cont’d from page 40
"Visit the on-site Bada Mahal, an 18th-century former palace with delicate frescoes, or take a camel ride to Devigarh Fort Palace for
lunch. Repeat visitors will love the departure gifts the property bestows, such as traditional mirrorwork coasters or jewelry boxes." It's hard to knock any of that. And if we apply the same standard
for greatness that we used when evaluating TripAdvisor users' choice of Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives as the world's best hotel, it does seem like Oberoi Udaivilas checks the boxes for
great service - guests are showered with rose petals upon arrival, for instance - as well as beauty. We love the idea of dining al fresco with a view of the lake.
One of the outdoor dining areas. (Courtesy: The Oberoi Udaivilas)
This luxury suite is going for over $7,600 per night. (Courtesy: The Oberoi Udaivilas)
WE ALSO LIKE THE MIX OF SECLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY WITH THIS HOTEL - YOU NEED A PRIVATE BOAT TO GET HERE AND EXPLORE THE SURROUNDINGS
A lotus pond on the property. (Courtesy: The Oberoi Udaivilas)
We also think a great hotel even a luxurious one - should be affordable. While you can't apply that label to Udaivilas' luxury suite with private pool, which was going for $7,683 per night, a 600square-foot Premier Room could be had for a much more democratic $377 per night. We also like the mix of seclusion and accessibility with this hotel - you need a private boat to get here and explore the surroundings, but you're not stuck on site, either. A tour of the City Palace, built in 1567, is especially appealing. Ultimately, the "best" hotel comes down to your own personal tastes - would you rather be surrounded by urban bustle, cattle, or olive trees? But for those who prefer peacocks, islands, and Indian palaces, Oberoi Udaivilas might be your cup of chai. -Courtesy Yahoo India
July 17, 2015
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Yosemite rock fall changes face of climb FRESNO, Calif.: A massive sheet of rock has fallen from the vertical face of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, making one of the most popular routes attempted by climbers in North America even more challenging, park officials said. The granite sheet that peeled off measured roughly 100 by 200 feet. It was discovered by climbers who were attempting the route and had to turn back. ``What used to be relatively easy climbing has gotten much more difficult,'' park geologist and climber Greg Stock said. Half Dome - an icon of the park that is visible throughout Yosemite Valley - is scaled by hundreds of experienced climbers each year. The rock fell from halfway up the sheer face of Half Dome, which rises more than 1,000 feet. A path for hikers using cable handrails was not changed. There are several routes for climbers to scale Half Dome, but the one impacted when the rock fell ranks as one of the top 50 climbing destinations in North
America, said Mike Gauthier, Yosemite's chief of staff and an avid climber. Such falls occur often in Yosemite Valley and on other climbing destinations, forcing climbers to find new routes, he said. ``Now is their chance to find a
Jorgeson said the fallen section had been one of his favorite routes. He has twice scaled Half Dome. In addition, he and climbing partner Tommy Caldwell made history early this year with a free climb up Dawn Wall on the oppo-
Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
new work-around,'' Gauthier said of Half Dome. ``And they will.'' Nobody was injured or witnessed the rock fall believed to have happened last week. Renowned climber Kevin
site side of Yosemite Valley. ``It's on a lot of people's lists for a classic big wall route to climb,'' he said of Half Dome. ``It would be uninformed to say that it is impossible.'' -AP
Photographer plans to take Nepal exhibition online NEW DELHI: Photographer Kanishka Prasad who captured Nepal, its buildings, landscapes and daily life in a series of images taken about 10 months before the devastating April earthquake, now plans to exhibit them online. An architect by profession, Prasad had displayed the photos at "The Nepal Exhibition" here in a selling exhibition; proceeds of which he says will go towards supporting relief and rehabilitation efforts of the Association of Youth Organization Nepal (AYON), an umbrella organization of youth volunteers in Nepal. "I am actually keen to explore the online prospects of the exhibition. After we got visibility here expanding it online would be just to get more print orders. So that the first chunk of funds we are sending them becomes a reasonable contribution" says Prasad. Photographs clicked by Prasad, revive the memories of Nepal before the earthquake. Most of the pictures have been taken in the capital Kathmandu and Pokhara. The photographs present a vivid look at the vibrancy of
Nepal's culture, its religion and heritage. Maximum number of pictures were taken at some of the most famous places such as Brijbihari Temple, the reminiscent Durbar hall, the famous palace Kathmandu Durbar and the serene Pokhara Lake.
Reflecting vibrant examples of art, several photos of graffiti on display gives a profound view of the influence of tourism in Nepal. "For me heritage is as much about people as building the structures. Therefore, through all my photos I have tried to introduce
images of culture and its artistic heritage. Although the country will rebuild again, the hope for me is that this country is able to find that same vibrancy again," says Prasad. "It was important for me to
present what this place was as it now lies in rubbles and people are struggling to rebuild their lives, but it was a beautiful country and has a lot of energy. It had a wonderful architectural heritage. So I think my effort has been one step ahead in recording that." -PTI
IATO for cap on maximum air fares NEW DELHI: Pitching for capping of maximum air fares for domestic flights, a tourist operators body, IATO has said that the airlines should not be allowed to charge ticket prices beyond a limit. "The Government must fix an upper limit for domestic air fares. We don't say that they should charge
age more travelers to fly, he added. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma was the chief guest on this occasion. Sharma has several times in the past expressed concern on "high fares" during the peak seasons and called for fixing lower and
less or equal to their direct operating cost. But the fares should also be not beyond the reach of a common man," Indian Association of Tour Operators (IAT0) president Subhash Goyal said here at a function to announce the dates for the 31st IATO Convention at Indore. Alleging cartelization by the airlines on this issue, he said that the government needs to check this trend. "A large number of flyers also comprise emergency travelers and they are forced to shell out huge money for last minute travel, especially in the peak seasons. They suffer a lot because of the high fares," he said. Lower air fares would encour-
upper limits for economy class tickets. However, a DGCA survey of average fares conducted over a period of one year in 2014 found that the average fares of the domestic airlines were closer to the minimum fares. "The average fare is closer to the minimum fare being offered by the airlines indicating that most of the tickets sold by the airlines are not at exorbitant price," DGCA had said after analyzing the fare movements during 2014. Earlier, Goyal announced that the 31st edition of the four-day IATO convention would take place at Indore (Madhya Pradesh) from August 20. -PTI
Wildflowers blooming early on Mount Rainier
W
ildflower season on Mount Rainier in Wash ington usually starts mid-July but flowers began blooming early this year because there was less snow than usual this past winter.
including a wildflower guide at http://visitrainier.com/wildflowers/ and suggestions for hikes at http:/ /visitrainier.com/wildflower-hikes/ . The organization says some wildflower-viewing spots can be accessed relatively easily by car, such
Flowers to look out for include penstemon (beardtongues), Mount Rainier lousewort, phlox, veronica and wild ginger. A local tourism marketing organization, Visit Rainier, offers several online resources for visitors,
as the meadows around Tipsoo Lake at the top of Chinook Pass and the meadows around the Sunrise and Paradise areas on the mountain. Other views can be had via gondola at Crystal Mountain Resort. -AP
In Brief Trump criticizes border policy, trade agenda PHOENIX: Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump criticized U.S. immigration and trade policies here in speeches that veered from accusing Mexico of deliberately sending criminals across the border to professing respect for the Mexican government and love for its people. Speaking to a gathering of Libertarians in Las Vegas before headlining an event in Phoenix, Trump repeated his charge that Mexico was sending violent offenders to the U.S. to harm Americans and that U.S. officials were being ``dumb'' in dealing with immigrants in the country illegally. ``These people wreak havoc on our population,'' he told a few thousand people attending the Libertarian gathering FreedomFest inside a Planet Hollywood ballroom on the Las Vegas Strip. In the 4,200-capacity Phoenix convention center packed with flag-waving supporters, Trump took a different view - for a moment - and said: ``I love the Mexican people. I love `em. Many, many people from Mexico are legal. They came in the old-fashioned way. Legally.'' He quickly returned to the sharp tone that has brought him scorn as well as praise. ``I respect Mexico greatly as a country. But the problem we have is their leaders are much sharper than ours, and they're killing us at the border and they're killing us on trade.''
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Cont'd on Page 46
Rubio focuses on Cuban immigrant upbringing
HENDERSON, Nev.: Florida Sen. Marco Rubio says he is indebted to America and running for president is his way of repaying his obligation. The 44-year-old Republican candidate told the Libertarian FreedomFest audience how his parents made their way from Cuba to Las Vegas, where they found jobs in the casinos. Rubio says his parents embody the American dream. Rubio told several hundred voters in a suburban retirement community that as president he would make the U.S. the single greatest military superpower by competing with other nations that are investing billions in new military technology. He also promised to repeal and replace President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. Rubio also repeated his stance that Yucca Mountain in Nevada is currently the only option for storing the country's nuclear waste. -AP
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After 7 yrs Disney ends ban on Sikh worker Details on page 46
Appeals panel hears arguments on Obama immigration action NEW ORLEANS: Noise from hundreds of chanting immigration activists outside a federal appeals court building competed at times with lawyers arguing inside over President Barack Obama's proposal to shield an estimated 5 million people from deportation who are in the U.S. illegally. ``The three judges felt the vibrancy and power of our movement,'' said Marielena Hincapie, of the National Immigration Law Center, speaking to the crowd that rallied while a panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard the case. Demonstrators gathered on the steps of the federal courthouse with permission from authorities, their chanting mixed with speeches in English and Spanish and music from a brass band. Activists criticized Republican resistance to the Obama program and called for policies that let immigrants stay and work in the country. The crowd spilled into a blocked-off street and a nearby park. Organizers said there would be acts of ``civil disobedience.'' Police were seen escorting some away from an intersection near the court building. Police spokesman Frank Robertson said 14 people were issued summons for obstructing public passages. Inside the courthouse, the judges heard the latest versions of now-familiar arguments, with an
attorney for the state of Texas arguing that Obama's program amounted to executive overreach, and an Obama administration attorney saying the executive branch was within its rights in deciding to defer deportation of selected groups of immigrants.
peals would take months and, depending on how the case unfolds, it could go back to the Texas federal court for more proceedings. Obama's executive orders were intended to expand a program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which protects
Obama announced the plan in November. Republicans in Congress were highly critical and a federal judge in Texas, siding with Texas and 25 other states, issued an injunction, which the Obama administration appealed. It was unclear when the appeals court would rule. A ruling against the administration would further dim prospects of implementation of the executive action before Obama leaves office in 2016. Ap-
young immigrants from deportation if they were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. The other major part, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans, would extend deportation protections to parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have been in the country for some years. ``All that deferred action confers on an alien is the right to remain here,'' said Benjamin Mizer, an assistant attorney general ar-
guing for the administration. ``It is temporary and revocable.'' Scott Keller, representing the Texas Solicitor General's Office, argued that the administration was doing more than simply deferring action. He said the plan would effectively grant a new legal status legal presence - to people in the country illegally, putting them in line to get permission to work and benefit from Social Security. Judge Carolyn Dineen King seemed skeptical of that argument at times, noting that deferred action wouldn't change the fact that someone entered the country illegally and would not protect them from deportation under any circumstance. ``Based on the unlawful thing that they did to begin with, you can turn them out tomorrow,'' she said. Arguments also settled on whether Texas and the states even have the power to challenge the federal executive branch's authority to regulate immigration. Arguments on that issue largely have centered on the costs Texas would incur by having to issue driver licenses to DAPA beneficiaries - an injury, the state argued - that gave them the right to sue. Two of the judges on the panel, Jerry Smith and Jennifer Walker Elrod, were in the majority on a panel that voted 2-1 in May against allowing the deferred action programs to continue pending the appeal outcome. -AP
Woman shot by immigrant fuels debate SAN FRANCISCO: Kathryn Steinle, a medical device saleswoman who loved travel and dance, is the newest symbol for those seeking stricter immigration enforcement. They point to her death, from a gun prosecutors say was fired by a Mexican man in the country illegally after five deportations, as heart-wrenching evidence of the need for tighter border controls. The story is burning up conservative talk radio, with hosts and callers lamenting the senselessness of the seemingly random
killing, expressing anger that Juan Francisco Lopez Sanchez still was
in the country and consternation that San Francisco authorities had
Francisco Sanchez, right, is lead into the courtroom by San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi, left, and Assistant District Attorney Diana Garciaor, center, for his arraignment at the Hall of Justice
rejected a request by federal immigration authorities to hold him until they could take him into custody. Daniel Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which advocates for tighter immigration controls, said his organization has been doing six or seven media interviews a day on the killing since the news broke. ``You have someone who has been repeatedly deported,'' he said. ``In the end, it so clearly illustrates the complete breakdown of the system.'' Cont'd on Page 46
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Counterfeiter evades US lawsuits and gets green card SHANGHAI: This could be the story of an American dream. An immigrant family builds a successful business and buys a four-bedroom house in a quiet neighborhood with good schools for their young son. But not all is as it seems on the steep, curving streets of San Diego's Rancho Penasquitos. A 45-year-old Chinese woman, Xu Ting, lives in a brown shingle house with a weedy driveway. She has been sued for counterfeiting by eight luxury brands, including Gucci and Louis Vuitton, and owes Chanel Inc. $6.9 million in damages. None of this has stopped her from becoming a legal permanent resident of the United States and achieving a comfortable suburban life. China is not the only country with a counterfeiting problem. Most fakes are made in China, but they are sold in America. Counterfeiting is not a priority on par with drug smuggling or money laundering, and is rarely prosecuted as a crime. The lack of legal cooperation with China makes it easy for counterfeiters to move their money beyond the reach of Western law enforcement - and hard to root out counterfeiting kingpins. As long as counterfeiters can stay out of jail and hold on to their profits and consumers continue to buy the trade in fakes will likely thrive. Despite spending millions on brand protection, companies often end up playing whack-a-mole, shutting down producers and distributors of fakes, only to see them pop up again. Xu Ting simply refused to show up in court over the years. Instead, doing graduate studies in statistics at San Diego State University, helped her family amass at least $890,000 in bank accounts back in China, and bought the $585,000 Rancho
- or if she gets arrested.'' FINDING XU TING In the web of lies that counterfeiters weave - fake names, fake addresses, fake Internet domain registrations - one thing is always true: their bank account information. The need to get paid is the counterfeiter's fatal flaw, and Xu Ting's bank accounts were the first crack in her armor of misdirection. Her legal troubles began in 2008, when a federal judge in California ordered Xu Ting - who declined multiple requests for comment for this story - to pay Chanel Inc. $6.9 million in damages for selling counterfeits online. She still hasn't paid the damages, according to Chanel spokeswoman Kathrin Schurrer. ``The essential point for Chanel is really shutting down the counterfeiting operations, which we did successfully,'' Schurrer wrote in an email. But after the lawsuit, Xu Ting's business continued to grow. In 2009, a Florida judge ruled against Xu Ting and shut down seven websites she was accused of helping run that sold fake Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Celine. She did not show up in court. That case didn't stop her either. The next year, Gucci, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta and Yves Saint Laurent - all brands belonging to France's Kering group - filed a lawsuit in New York federal court against Xu Ting, her future husband, her younger brother, her mother and six others who the companies said sold more than $2 million worth of fake handbags and wallets online to U.S. customers. Gucci alleges that the group shipped merchandise from China to a house in San Diego,
Despite spending millions on brand protection, companies often end up playing whack-a-mole, shutting down producers and distributors of fakes, only to see them pop up again. Penasquitos house with her husband, who has also been involved in selling counterfeit luxury goods, public records and court cases in China and the U.S. show. ``There's a million ways to game the system,'' said Dan Plane, an intellectual property lawyer at Simone IP Services in Hong Kong, who is not involved in litigation against Xu Ting. ``Probably the only thing that's going to stop her is when she passes away - probably on an island resort somewhere
where it was repackaged and passed off as genuine. Four days after the suit was filed, Xu Ting married a Chinese man, Xu Lijun, a civil engineer licensed in California who is six years her junior, according to her marriage license issued in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon. Gucci subpoenaed banking records. JP Morgan Chase handed over account records with a wealth of information about the couple: addresses, dates of birth, driver's
license, Social Security and passport numbers and a student identification card. In November 2010, Xu Lijun reached a settlement with Gucci the only defendant to do so. He denied wrongdoing but agreed to let Gucci keep $400,000 in counterfeiting proceeds seized from accounts outside China. He also agreed to pay a $7,500 fine, according to a copy of the judge's order. Eric Siegle, a New York City lawyer who represented Xu Lijun, said he was ``a small-time nobody,'' and that Gucci's lawsuit, like many
hind him, in a two-story foyer, there were voices of a woman and young child. Xu Lijun asked an Associated Press reporter why he had come, then said, ``I don't want to talk to you.'' At a sprawling company compound in Beijing, no one answered the door at Xu Ting's family apartment. ``After your colleague's visit, we communicated and she still did not want to do the interview,'' the family's lawyer in Beijing, Chen Peng, said. He declined to comment in detail on the U.S. court cases against Xu Ting and her
Most counterfeiting prosecutions are civil cases brought by companies seeking to shut down websites selling fakes and get financial compensation. Criminal cases, which lawyers say are a far more effective deterrent, are rare. others, failed to tackle the real powers behind the operation. ``The people they are arresting or suing here in the United States are low-level people,'' Siegle said. ``If you can find where the money is going, you can get to the heart of the problem. It's like the drug wars. Why are we arresting all these kids on street corners?'' But Gucci, which is seeking $12 million in damages, couldn't find where the money was going because Chinese banks, including the state-run Bank of China, refused to disclose transaction details about the counterfeiters' accounts in China. ``BOC cannot comply with such orders without violating Chinese law,'' the Bank of China said in an email. Kering declined to comment on pending litigation, but spokeswoman Charlotte Judet said in an email that Gucci would ``vigorously enforce any judgment eventually entered against individuals who seek to tarnish its worldwide reputation for excellence no matter where they are located.'' Meanwhile, in 2013, Xu Lijun bought the house in Rancho Penasquitos, according to property records. Two weeks after the sale, Xu Ting transferred her stake in the property to her husband. Immigration authorities have the Rancho Penasquitos address on record as her residence, said a person with access to immigration records who spoke on condition of anonymity because the information is not public. A slight man in wire-rimmed glasses who answered the door at the Rancho Penasquitos house identified himself as Xu Lijun. Be-
family, but said they were not the prime culprits. ``My client also thinks making counterfeits is illegal, but they did not make them,'' Chen said. ``She is exercising her rights when choosing not to appear in court, which shouldn't merit any moral or legal judgment.''
GREEN CARD? NO PROBLEM Xu Ting's legal troubles did not prevent her from getting a green card. In February 2014, she became a legal permanent resident by virtue of being married to someone with an advanced degree or ``extraordinary ability,'' according to the person familiar with the matter. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesman Christopher Bentley declined to comment, citing privacy concerns. Dan Kowalski, an immigration attorney and editor of Bender's Immigration Bulletin, said immigration officials may not have known about Xu Ting's legal problems but, more likely, didn't consider them disqualifying. Grounds for denying a green card range from committing a serious crime to having communicable disease but there's nothing about civil liabilities. ``A vaguer requirement for ``good moral character'' is more commonly applied for citizenship, not legal residence. In the U.S., most counterfeiting prosecutions are civil cases brought by companies seeking to shut down websites selling fakes and get financial compensation. Criminal cases, which lawyers say are a far more effective deterrent, are rare.-AP
PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law
Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney
Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1
http://www.proy-singh.com
2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659
Immigration Post
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Woman shot by immigrant After 7 yrs Disney ends ban on Sikh worker fuels debate Cont'd from Page 44
Steinle, 32 of San Francisco, was gunned down July 1 while walking along a city pier with her father. After Sanchez, whom authorities have identified as 45year-old Mexico native, was arrested it was revealed he had seven felony convictions related to drugs and repeated illegal entries into the country. It also became clear that the San Francisco Sheriff's Office, citing city policy on immigrants with no violent criminal background, released Sanchez in April despite a federal immigration request that they hold him until U.S. authorities could take him into custody for deportation proceedings. Critics across the country have slammed San Francisco as a too-liberal ``sanctuary'' city that provides a haven for criminal immigrants. Some are calling for a ``Kate Steinle's Law'' to enhance enforcement. Jesse Watters, a correspondent with Bill O'Reilly's Fox News show, showed up at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting and held up a photo of a smiling Steinle. ``I'm not saying you pulled the trigger, but you're partially responsible. Her last words were, `Help me. Help me.' Why aren't you guys helping her?'' he asked. Immigration rights advocates say that Sanchez is a rare exception to the millions of people who are in the country illegally but live lawful lives while here. They say that ``sanctuary'' cities like San Francisco seek to build trust within that community, and that
helps public safety. ``Every time I talk about this, I feel so sad and so much loss for this obviously beautiful young woman,'' said Julia Harumi Mass, a senior attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California. ``But it's really important that we also recognize this is a terrible tragedy, one that would have been difficult to foresee almost, it seems.'' Laura Polstein, an attorney with Centro Legal de la Raza, echoed a
``The actions of one person should not be used to stereotype or criminalize the immigrant communities that are part of the fabric of our city and state.'' statement made by many advocates of sanctuary protections: ``The actions of one person should not be used to stereotype or criminalize the immigrant communities that are part of the fabric of our city and state.'' In a jailhouse interview with a news reporter, Sanchez said he is 56 years old and from Guanajuato, a picturesque town about a fourhour drive northwest of Mexico City. He said he found a gun under a bench and that it fired accidentally. Police have said the gun was reported stolen from a car belonging to a U.S. Bureau of Land
Management ranger. At a court hearing, Sanchez appeared to know little English and seemed confused at times. He repeated ``I'm not guilty'' to a question of whether he wanted to waive attendance at a future hearing. His attorney, public defender Matt Gonzalez, said Sanchez has a second-grade education level. Steinle's mother, Liz Sullivan of Pleasanton, described her daughter as strong and sensitive, deep and spiritual. ``We were best friends,'' Sullivan said. ``She and I drew strength from each other, and I just feel that she's still here.'' Family and friends held a private memorial for Steinle at a winery in Pleasanton. The family requests that people who want to help can donate to Steinle's charity of choice, the Challenged Athletes Foundation, a San Diego fund that provides sporting opportunities for disabled athletes. Her family has not taken an active role in the immigration debate since the killing, but Sullivan said Sanchez should not have been free. ``Hopefully out of this there will be stronger laws that will come about,'' she said. ``Maybe this will facilitate something to expedite it.'' San Francisco's handling of the case has drawn widespread criticism, even from many in the Democratic Party, including Hillary Clinton and the state's two U.S. senators, Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein. On the Republican side, Sen. Rand Paul was among Republicans calling for an end to sanctuary cities.-AP
Case dismissed against immigration agent SALT LAKE CITY: A federal judge has tossed out a case against an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent accused of slamming a man's face into a concrete floor, ruling the treatment wasn't unreasonable for an inmate in custody. Lawyers for Jon Martinson Jr. argued that the man's chest hit the floor when the agent used a common tactic in June 2013 to control an aggressive inmate awaiting deportation at an ICE facility in West Valley City. U.S. District Judge Dee Benson ruled that the so-called hip-toss was legal because
Fabian Maldonado-Pineda was a prisoner at the time. Authorities generally have more legal latitude in using force to keep control of potentially dangerous inmates in prisons, said defense attorney Paul Cassell. The case could be refiled. Federal prosecutors say MaldonadoPineda suffered serious injuries, and Martinson violated both federal law and the man's constitutional rights. Melodie Rydalch, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office of Utah, said that prosecutors are weighing their options. U.S. Attorney's Office Pros-
ecutor Carlos Esqueda argued that Maldonado-Pineda had completed his criminal sentence and was only in ICE custody because a judge had ordered him returned to Mexico, so he shouldn't have been treated like a prisoner. Martinson wants to be reinstated as an agent, said defense attorney Jeremy Delicino. He was suspended indefinitely after the criminal case was filed, according to ICE spokeswoman Virginia Kice. He joined the agency in October 2011. Martinson said in a statement that the judge's decision vindicates him. -AP
NEW YORK: A Sikh-American employee at the Walt Disney World in Florida, who was barred from working in view of guests due to his religious appearance, for seven years, has achieved a significant victory, with the company agreeing to end the segregation and accommodate his religious beliefs. Gurdit Singh had been employed as a mail carrier at the popular amusement park in 2008 but was told by his Disney bosses that he would not be permitted to run mail
route that had a greater workload than other routes. It created "animosity" among his co-workers because he could not assist in operating other routes and it precluded his opportunities for professional advancement. Following the intervention by Sikh Coalition and ACLU, Walt Disney World finally reversed its decision and granted Singh a religious accommodation. Singh will no longer be kept hidden from public view of Disney visitors because of his turban and beard, and he will be permitted to run all mail routes just like every other mail carrier, Sikh Coalition said. "For seven years, Singh was restricted to delivering mail Gurdit Singh, a Sikh employed at Disney World was kept to Disney's corlargely hidden from park-goers because he violated porate offices - a Disney's "look policy." After the Sikh Coaltion and ACLU mail route that inquired, Disney changed its tune. shielded him routes visible to park guests be- from areas where Disney guests cause his religious appearance congregate," it said, adding, all of "violated" the company's 'Look Singh's co-workers rotated their Policy,' according to the rights routes every three weeks and degroup Sikh Coalition. livered mail throughout the park. In a letter to Disney, Sikh CoaliSingh had contacted the Coalition and American Civil Liberties tion to help him assert his right to Union (ACLU) said the "segrega- be free of discrimination in the tion" relegated Singh to a mail workplace. -PTI
Trump criticizes border policy, trade agenda Cont'd from Page 44
His speeches in both venues were long on insults aimed at critics and short on solutions to the problems he cited. When he called for a wall along the U.S.Mexico border, the audience in Las Vegas groaned. In a break from the immigration rhetoric that has garnered him condemnation and praise, Trump asserted that he would have more positive results in dealing with China and Russia if he were president and said he could be pals with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Asked by an audience member in Las Vegas about U.S.-Russia relations, Trump said the problem is that Putin doesn't respect Obama. ``I think we would get along very, very well,'' he said. Trump has turned to victims of
crime to bolster his argument that immigrants in the U.S. illegally have killed and raped. In Las Vegas and Phoenix, he brought on stage Jamiel Shaw Sr., a Southern California man whose 17-year-old son was shot and killed in 2008 by a man in the country illegally. Shaw vividly described how his son was shot - in the head, stomach and hands while trying to block his face - and how he heard the gunshots as he talked to his son on the phone. Shaw said he trusted Trump, and encouraged the crowds in both cities to do the same. Trump's speeches were filled with tangents and insults leveled at business partners such as Univision and NBC that have dropped him in the wake of his comments that Mexican immigrants bring drugs and crime to the U.S. and are rapists. -AP
Datebook
July 17, 2015
NEW JERSEY Upcoming Sun, Jul 19
• Sau Saal Pehle- A Musical Journey Venue: Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, US Highway 1 S, Woodbridge Township, NJ 08830 Time : 3:00 pm Contact: 646-393-7931
Sat, Jul 25 • Comedy with Kapil and Family Venue: Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Time: 8:00 am Contact: 201-407-8378
Sun, Aug 2
• Nitin Mukesh live in concert New Jersey Venue: Sayreville War Memorial High School, 820 Washington Road, NJ 08859 Time: 5:30 pm Contact: 8482191079
NEW YORK Upcoming Sat, Jul 18 • Dhammal Comedy Of Father And Son Venue: Community Center Auditorium, 14309 Holly Ave, flushing, NY 11355 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 732-822-6163
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Venue: Private Apartment Rooftop, 39 E 5th St, New York, NY 10003 Time : 6:30 pm
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Sat, Aug 1 • Om Entertainment - Nitin Mukesh Live In Concert Venue: Community Center Auditorium, 14309 Holly Ave, flushing, NY 11355 Time : 7:00 pm
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Fri, Jul 31 • Paatasala Telugu School registration Venue: Telugu Times, 68 S Abel St, Milpitas, CA 95035
Fri, Aug 8 • Festival of Globe: International Year of the Woman Movie Petals in the Dust Panelists: Divya Khosla, Neha Dhupia, Nyna Pais Caputi Time: 05:00 pm to 09:00 pm
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Time: 8:00 am
Sat, Aug 1 • Gujarati Comedy Play Pappa Avaj Hoi Che
Fri, Aug 7 • Festival of Globe: Festival of India and Parade with San Francisco Global Movie Fest
Venue: Gujarati Samaj Inc, 5331 Royalwood parkway Tucker, Atlanta, GA 30084 Time: 8:00 pm
Venue: Corner of Paseo Padre and Walnut
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Ave., 39439 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 510-304-5619
Fri, Aug 7 • Iffer - Antakshiri & Karaoke Night Venue: Golden Peacock Banquets, 24989 Santa Clara St, Hayward, CA 94544 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 6509212846
Venue: Dallas City Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 2148838538
Mon, Aug 31 • MITHAS 2014 Membership Venue: Wong Auditorium, MIT, 70 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02142 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 857-205-9731
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
July 17, 2015
India Post 49
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Page Sponsored by Sahanis JOSIAH ROYCE
W
e all of us first learned about what we ought to do, about what our ideal should be, and in general about the moral law, through some authority external to our own wills. Our teachers, our parents, our playmates, society, custom, or perhaps some church these taught us about one or another aspect of right and wrong. The moral law came to us from without. But if we have learned the moral law, or any part of it, and if we do not ask any longer how we first learned or how we may still have to learn afresh our duty, but if, on the contrary, we rather ask: "What reason can I now give to myself why a given act is truly right? What reason can I give why my duty is my duty?" - then, indeed, we find that no external authority, viewed merely as external, can give one any reason why an act is truly right or wrong. Only a calm and reasonable view of what it is that I myself really will, only this can decide such a question. My duty is simply my own will brought to my clear self- consciousness. That which I can rightly view as good for me is simply the object of my own deepest desire set plainly before my insight. For your own will and your own SWAMI SIVANANDA
T
here are four paths to suit people of four kinds of temperament. They all lead to the same goal, the attainment of ultimate Reality. Roads are different but the destination is the same. The four paths that are inculcated for the achievement of this ultimate Truth from the different standpoints of the man of action, the man of devotion, the mystic man and the philosopher or the man of reason, are respectively termed Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yogi, Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga. The four paths are not antagonistic but in fact complementary. They only indicate that the different methods of Hindu religion are in harmony with each other. Religion must educate and develop the whole man, his heart, intellect (head) and hand. Then only will he reach perfection. Onesided development is not commendable. Karma Yoga or the path of action removes impurities of the mind and develops the hand. Bhakti Yoga destroys tossing of the mind and develops the heart. Raja Yoga, the mystic path, steadies the mind and makes it one-pointed. Jnana Yoga removes the evil of ignorance, develops will and reason
desire, once fully brought to self consciousness, furnish the only valid reason for you to know what is right and good. This comment which I now make upon the nature of the moral law is familiar to every serious student of ethics. In one form or another this fact, that the ultimate moral authority for each of us is determined by our own rational will, is admitted even by apparently extreme partisans of authority. Socrates long ago announced
makes God's will the rule of life; but he also shows that the reason why each of us, if enlightened, recognizes the divine will as right, is that, in Augustine's opinion, God has so made us for himself that our own wills are by nature inwardly restless until they rest in harmony with God's will. Our restlessness, then, so long as we are out of this harmony, gives us the reason why we find it right, if we are enlightened, to surrender our self-will.
self-direction of the rational will of each moral being. But now there stands beside this first principle a second principle, equally inevitable and equally important. This principle is, that I can never find out what my own will is by merely brooding over my natural desires, or by following my momentary caprices. For by nature I am a sort of meeting place of countless streams of ancestral tendency. From moment to moment, if you consider me
No external authority can decide right or wrong From moment to moment, if you consider me apart from my training, I am a collection of
Josiah Royce
necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. -Dalai Lama You will never be happy if you continue to search for
impulses. There is no one desire that is al-
what happiness consists
ways present to me. Left to myself alone, I
of. You will never live if you
can never find out what my will is.
the principle in question when he taught that no man is willingly base. Plato and Aristotle employed it in developing their ethical doctrines. When St. Augustine, in a familiar passage in his Confessions, regards God's will as that in which, and in which alone, our wills can find rest and peace, he indeed
If you want to find out, then, what is right and what is good for you, bring your own will to self consciousness. Your duty is what you yourself will to do in so far as you clearly discover who you are, and what your place in the world is. This is, indeed, a first principle of all ethical inquiry. Kant called it the Principle of the Autonomy or
apart from my training, I am a collection of impulses. There is no one desire that is always present to me. Left to myself alone, I can never find out what my will is. Excerpted from 'The Philosophy of Loyalty'. Josiah Royce (1855-1916) was Professor of History of Philosophy, in Harvard University
and brings in knowledge of self. Therefore one should practice all four Yogas. You can have one Yoga as the main one and practice the other Yogas as auxiliaries to get rapid progress on the spiritual path. Ordinary physical exercises develop the superluminal muscles of the body only. But Asanas are intended for the thorough exercise
tion of different kinds of cells and tissues of the body. The postures are as many in numbers as there are number of species of living creatures in this universe (84 lacs of bodies). There are 84 lacs of Asanas or postures described by Lord Siva. Among them eighty four are the best and among these 84, thirty two have been found very useful
tution. They hardly do any kind of intense spiritual practices. The body is closely related to the mind. A weak sickly body means a weak mind also. Though the body is insentient and useless, yet it is an important instrument for self-realization. The instrument must be kept clean, strong and healthy. This body is a horse for you to take you to the
Four paths of Yoga to suit people of four kinds
ing of life. -Albert Camus Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome. -Isaac Asimov Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. -Francis of Assisi Faith is to believe what you do not see; the rewhat you believe. -Saint Augustine The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child
Though the body is insentient and useless, yet it
into old age, which mean
is an important instrument for self-realization. The instrument must be kept clean, strong and healthy. for mankind. A vendantin or a philosophical student on Yoga is afraid to do Asanas and Pranayama or breathing on the ground that the practice will intensify his attachment to the body and militate against his practice of renunciation. I have seen many Vedantins in a sickly condition with a very poor physique and dilapidated consti-
are looking for the mean-
ward of this faith is to see
A weak sickly body means a weak mind also.
of the internal organs, viz, liver, spleen, pancreas, intestines, heart, lungs, brain and the important ductless glands of the body viz, thyroid and parathyroid at the root of the neck, adrenals in spleen, pituitary and pineal glands in the brain, which play a very important part in the economy of nature in maintaining health in metabolism and in structure growth and nutri-
Love and compassion are
never losing your enthusiasm. - Aldous Huxley
Swami Sivananda
goal. If the horse tumbles down you cannot reach the destination. If this instrument breaks down you will not reach the goal of SelfRealization. Excerpted from 'Practical Guide for Students of Yoga'. The 52nd death anniversary of Swami Sivananda, spiritual teacher and a proponent of Yoga and Vedanta, is being observed on July 14
One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion.
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Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput signing the wedding register
NEW DELHI: Bollywood superstar Shahid Kapoor and fiancĂŠe Mira Rajput tied the nuptial knot, at a farmhouse on the outskirts of the national capital, attended by close relatives and friends. The 34-year-old 'Haider' star, who got engaged to Mira, 21, earlier this year, kept his wedding a private ceremony. Son of veteran actor Pankaj Kapur and ex-wife Neelima Azeem, he opted for an arranged marriage with Mira, who did her English (Honors) this year from
Dancing together
Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College. Shahid opted for a white kurta-pyjama and a safa (turban), while Mira wore a green and pink salwar-kurta with a heavy embellished dupatta wrapped around her head. She teamed it up with a statement maang tikka on her forehead and minimal make-up. The ceremony was attended by 40 guests. The wedding celebrations started with a sangeet ceremony where Shahid was seen matching steps with Mira on his hit wedding song "Saj Dhaj ke" from "Mausam", directed by his father. Shahid, from the beginning, kept the details of his wedding under wraps, as he feels their marriage is a "normal and regular affair". "I refrain from getting into details. I thought that since I am here today, it was important to acknowledge it in front of the media, so I am doing that. Other than that, she is a normal girl and I am a normal guy, and we should treat it like something normal and regular. It's my personal space and I won't get into the details," he said. A dinner was hosted at a five-star hotel in which about 250 guests were invited. The actor, who was previously in a relationship with actress Kareena Kapoor Khan for over three years and later linked to his co-stars Vidya Balan, Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma and Bipasha Basu, had announced his marriage to Cont'd on Page 52 Mira in a Mumbai event in March this year.
July 17, 2015
India Post 51 www.indiapost.com
Desi bakers producing fancier cakes NEW DELHI: Fondant cakes with edible figurines are now popular among cake lovers but how about a two-foot long chocolatemade elephant or a pastry decorated with 3D shaped flowers that resemble the real thing? Led by international patissiers and chocolatiers, desi bakers are now experimenting more and more French chocolatier Christophe Morel, a finalist at the prestigious M.O.F Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France) title says it is just the beginning for the bakery industry in India, unlike in the US where he has conducted several classes. "The US is more into chocolates and bakery products. But the way people in India are specializing in this art of pastry making, I think in the next 10 years it's going to be a big industry in India. "When I went to Kuala Lumpur 5 years ago, it hardly had good bakeries but now it has progressed a lot. For me, India's fu-
ture in bakery is similar," says Chef Morel. Morel was recently at the Academy of Pastry Arts in Gurgaon recently to conduct demonstrations for local bakers in the art of chocolate making. One of his lessons was sculpting an edible face of an elephant using huge quantity of chocolate. The chef carved with expertise, the folds in the elephant's trunk, including minor lines of the face that showed up prominently in the end product. "The elephant that I have done may rarely be seen in bakeries because it's quite expensive, not only in the cost but also the quantity of chocolate. It has 8 kilos of superior variety of chocolate and a lot of hard work went behind creating it," says Morel. Chef Dinesh Rawat, Director of Pastry studies at the Academy says that something of the scale of the elephant has is rare but with expertise bakers could begin to
experiment. "The world is getting smaller and smaller. And we have no choice but either to lead or to follow. So surely we will come to this level as well," says Rawat who has also been the Head Chef at the UKbased The Blue Boar Inn. Rawat says that when he be-
During a cooking demonstration for young bakers, Morel dipped into shelves arranged with chocolate nuts and bars to whip up the perfect chocolates of hazelnut, peanut, coconut raspberry and other varieties. He even ordered for betel leaves to use the flavors of Indian
gan, baking in India was all about bread and cookies but now there is a marked difference.
'paan' in the chocolate and created a variety of chocolates using 'garam masala.' "I wake up 8 in the morning and from then on I begin tasting chocolates. It is important to innovate with flavors and at the same time get our students on par with us. The art and skill should be clear in our minds and from there it should flow through the hands and creature a spectacular product. That's what is important. Basics should be right and with that innovations can lead," says the chef. According to Chef Rawat, a tasting session is extremely important. "Till now bakers have been using compound chocolate but we teach use a different and better quality of chocolate, which is available in India but is not too easy to
Nawazuddin inspired by Khan trio A
ctor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is one of those fortunate actors to have worked with all three big Khans of the industry - Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh. He says he is extremely inspired by them. "There are a lot of aspects that we can learn from Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh. Sustaining their stardom for so many years is a big achievement. Even if I don't look at them as actors, they are individuals who have achieved a lot in their life. "Their achievements inspire me tremendously. And they have their own separate identity and special strengths," Nawazuddin, who will be seen with Salman in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, said. Nawazuddin had worked with
Aamir in Talaash, and he will be seen with Shah Rukh in Rahul Dholakia's Raees.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
The acclaimed actor says he enjoyed working with Salman in Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Nawazuddin's baddie act in Salman's Kick was his significant turn towards commercial cinema after featuring mostly non-commercial cinema. The bond between the two has strengthened with Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Nawazuddin is playing a Pakistani journalist in the Kabir Khan directorial. Though he is playing a serious character, his mannerisms and situations provide the humor in the film, as seen in the trailer.
find. It's a little expensive but far more superior than the usual chocolates. "The better quality of chocolate tastes better and also gives the strength required for such sculptures," Rawat says. Chef Lawrence Cheong Jun Bu, who won the World Pastry Cup, Lyon-2015 for the Best Chocolate Display, had flown in from Malaysia to conduct a session on the art of sculpting with chocolate and sugar. Adept at sculpting three to four feet tall artistic figures, the chef says the emphasis is to create "sweet structures that are strong and heavy enough." In one of his creations, the chef had fashioned a fish whose fins and curved tentacles were all blown and carved into shapes in a fashion similar to the manner in which a glass is blown into various shapes. The structure was made out of sugar, but not of the usual variety used at home or bakeries. "Since sugar begins to get sticky and melts when it comes in contact with moisture or water, this sugar is different and does not get deformed easily. It is sturdy and stays longer," says Chef Rawat. Teaching how to copy the art of copying nature through bakery, Chef Nicholas Lodge, who has decorated cakes for the British Royal Family, was also in town to show local bakers improvisations like adding realistic looking leaves and flowers to a fondant cake. Lode fashioned up flowers whose petals were similar to the olive green of real leaves with tinges of dark color in places to showcase a weathered effect on flowers. -PTI
52 India Post
July 17, 2015 www.indiapost.com
SUITABLE BOY HITCHED Shahid Kapoor marries Delhi girl Mira Rajput Cont'd from Page 50
Co-stars congratulate Shahid Kapoor's leading ladies including Amrita Rao, Bipasha Basu and Genelia Deshmukh have congratulated the actor. Amrita Rao, Shahid's co-star from his debut film "Ishq Vishk" and one of his career's biggest hit film "Vivah", congratulated the actor and his bride. "Congrats @shahidkapoor on the asli VIVAH. .. Besties to you and the Mrs for a blissful married life," she tweeted. Bipasha, who was linked with
Shahid in the past and worked with him in 2005 film "Shikhar", called the newly weds cute. "Congratulations @shahidkapoor. You and Mira look very cute. Stay blessed together forever," she wrote on her Twitter page. Genelia, Shahid's co-star in the 2010 dance-drama film "Chance Pe Dance", wished the couple, saying, "@shahidkapoor congratulations Shahid and Mira... Beautiful beginning to a beautiful life together." Kangana Ranaut, who is working with Shahid in Vishal Bhardwaj's upcoming project "Rangoon", wished the actor a
Newlyweds Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput hosted their wedding reception in Mumbai on Sunday (July 12) for his friends from Bollywood. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Shahid Kapoor's co-stars Alia Bhatt, Kangana Ranaut, Sonam Kapoor and friends Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor were seen at the reception party.
Shahid Kapoor has thanked his fans and colleagues from the industry for their warm wishes on his marriage. "Thank you to each and every one of you for your wishes. Means
Mira Rajput greets megastar Amitabh Bachchan with a namaste as she is introduced to the megastar by her husband and actor Shahid Kapoor.
happy married life. "I am happy for him (Shahid). I wish him all the best," she said. "Congratulations @shahidkapoor. Wishing you and Mira a blessed journey! Celebrating next week #JhalakReloaded style!" tweeted dancer-actress Lauren Gottlieb, who is sharing the judging panel with the actor on the dance celebrity show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa". Actor Riteish Deshmukh also tweeted his congratulatory message to Shahid and Mira. "Congratulations my friend. Wishing the newly weds @shahidkapoor and Mira a world of happiness. #PicturePerfect." Thanks 'everyone'
a lot," Shahid tweeted. Shahid will be next seen in Vikas Bahl's Shaandaar opposite Alia Bhatt and Udta Punjab, which is produced by Vikramaditya Motwane. Apart from his film assignments, the actor will be seen as a judge on the celebrity dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 8. Kareena not invited Kareena Kapoor has said that she wasn't invited to the wedding. "I wish Shahid well, and I am sure Saif wishes him the same. It (marriage) is
a great journey, and a great feeling. It is a moment of happiness for him; don't turn it into a soap opera," says Kareena, adding, "We should all understand that, and act a little restrained. I hope the media will do the same. It (Shahid's wedding) is not a movie. We should just stick to the fact that I wish him nothing but happiness and joy in his married life." Asked if such rumors affect her, the actor says, "I think we love to make commercial potboilers, but I prefer to only act in them ... my life isn't a soap opera," says Kareena, who is currently in London, UK, on a family vacation. Earlier, Kareena had said that Shahid had told her about the upcoming wedding. "We both performed at a recent event where he told me that he's getting married, before he told the media. I'm very happy for him. And I can vouch for marriage being cool," she was quoted as saying.-PTI
Amitabh Bachchan with Shahid Kapoor's parents Pankaj Kapur and Supriya Pathak.
Artists get a new platform in online auctions NEW DELHI: Bollywood memorabilia featuring heroes like Amitabh Bachchan and Raj Kapoor besides works by modern and contemporary art stalwarts like S H Raza as well as folk and tribal Indian art are among those on offer by online art platform StoryLTD.com. The platform has now introduced a concept of auctions to be held every week, beginning this month, with art works on offer being priced as low as Rs 1,575. Fresh works of Modern and Contemporary art, traditional Folk and Tribal art, antiquities, fine interiors and vintage film posters will be offered every week in "no-reserve" auctions. Minal Vazirani of StoryLTD.com says, "By introducing this new property of weekly online auctions, we want to keep our audiences continuously engaged with
great art, that is affordable as it is unique. If you're lucky, you could find an extraordinary work of art at an attractive price. We believe that art is meant to be seen, not stored." Since April 2014, the website says it has conducted 21 no-reserve online auctions and generated more than Rs 17 crores (USD 2.8 million) in sales. The rich landscapes of Ram Kumar, Ramkinkar Baij, Manu Parekh, the human figures in the works of M F Husain, Shibu Natesan, F N Souza, Krishen Khanna, Thota Vaikuntam besides the chance to unearth new possibilities in the works of Baiju Parthan, Sohan Qadri, Sadanand Shirke, Arpana Caur are on offer in the auction of Modern and Contemporary art held between July 7-8. Further up on July 14-15 brings
together significant indigenous art practices such as Gond and Bhil paintings by Durga Bai and Lado
homage to the gods, and stories of tribal life in patachitras. Film memorabilia like film post-
Bai of Madhya Pradesh, Warli etchings by the Mashes of Maharashtra, picchwais that pay
ers, lobby cards, publicity stills are on offer in the "Badshahs of Bollywood" upcoming on July 28-
29. A poster each of Amitabh Bachchan in 1990 film "Agneepath" and Dilip Kumar in the 1961 film "Jumna",a photographic still lobby card of Ashok Kumar in "Bandhan" , a photo still mounted on a lobby card of Raj Kapoor in the 1964 film Sangam are among the auction lots. Previous auctions on the website included that of Hollywood film and memorabilia besides Fine interiors and Collectibles among others. StoryLTD.com is an online service of Saffronart an auction house established in the year 2000 and which deals in fine art, collectibles, jewellery and prime properties bringing together select independent sellers and curated collections, featuring beautiful and significant objects from the past and present. -PTI
July 17, 2015
India Post 53 www.indiapost.com
Bruce Jenner's Olympic Torch going on auction NEW YORK: The 1984 Summer Olympic Torch that Bruce Jenner carried through Lake Tahoe, Nevada, is going on the auction block where it could fetch $20,000 or more. It's the first major piece of Jenner memorabilia to go to auction since the winner of the 1976 Olympic Decathlon Gold Medal became Caitlyn Jenner. The 24-inch torch, featuring a brass finish and leather handle, is being offered by Heritage Auctions at its Platinum Night Sports Auction in Chicago on July 30. The seller is Bob Lorsch, a Los Angeles philanthropist and entrepreneur who orchestrated the Tahoe leg of the torch relay and secured Jenner's participation. ``This torch serves as a wonderful symbol that masculinity and femininity are not mutually exclusive,'' said Chris Ivy, Heritage's director of sports auctions. ``The decathlon has long been considered the ultimate athletic proving ground. Jenner has played both gender roles masterfully.'' Jenner was approached to carry the torch as part of the Los Angles Summer Olympic Games to help support Caesars Tahoe's agenda of giving back to the local com-
munity and promoting area youth programs, said Lorsch. The hotel casino held a drawing for a chance
American Decathlete, Bruce Jenner poses with the 1984 Olympic Torch he carried through Lake Tahoe, Nev.
to win a place in the relay and sponsored 50 kilometers, or about 31 miles, of the Nevada route. Seven went to individuals and 42 to local organizations. Jenner was asked to run the remaining kilometer.
``Caesars saw it as a tremendous opportunity ... to do something more special, never realizing that we would be creating what is truly a piece of history that originated as a piece of sports history, then evolved as a piece of entertainment history through the Kardashian legacy and becoming a cultural phenomenon through the transition to Caitlyn,'' said Lorsch. ``Other than trinkets and signed memorabilia, this is the first piece of what I would consider significant Jenner memorabilia to reach the auction block,'' said Ivy. Better known to a younger generation as the patriarch on ``Keeping up With the Kardashians,'' Jenner, 65, announced earlier this year that he was transitioning to become a woman. Vanity Fair ran glamour photos of Jenner as Caitlyn. A spokesman for Jenner did not respond to a request for comment. Caitlyn Jenner will receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the upcoming ESPY Awards on July 15 for her bravery for publicly coming out as a transgender woman. An E! Entertainment network documentary series ``I Am Cait,'' depicting Jenner's transition from a man to a woman, will debut July 26. -PTI
Call for Hindu displays at Arkansas Capitol LITTLE ROCK, Ark.: Arkansas' decision to put a Ten Commandments display on its Capitol grounds could lead to a monument menagerie that includes a statue of a monkey-faced deity and a banner promoting a vegan lifestyle. The Satanic Temple has said it may erect a bronze Baphomet in Little Rock, and the Universal So-
ciety of Hinduism and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals announced plans for their own displays. Arkansas lawmakers this year emulated Oklahoma by authorizing a Ten Commandments display on Capitol grounds. The Oklahoma Supreme Court has rejected
Aamir on hunt for a singing girl
A
amir Khan is known to launch fresh talent in his productions. This time too, the 'PK' star is on the lookout for a young girl with a good voice for an upcoming venture of Aamir Khan Productions Pvt Ltd. The 50-year-old actor took to
Aamir Khan
Twitter and Facebook to put up the casting call mentioning the required specifications. The post has a logo of the production house and the message "WE'RE CASTING!" in red. The complete post reads: "Aamir Khan Productions is looking for a girl who can sing, in the age group of 12-17. Record a video of yourself singing a Hindi song of your choice and email it (or a link the video) to: casting@akpfilms.com. "Please include a short introduction in Hindi and attach a signed letter from a parent/guardian." Along with the post, Aamir also wrote, "Hey guys, need your help to spread the word. Thanks. Love. a."
First lady gives new look to State Dining Room WASHINGTON: Michelle Obama has given the White House State Dining Room a bit of a touch-up. The first lady has added peacock blue and ecru striped silk draperies and custommade mahogany chairs to the room where many dinners and other White House events take place. The gradual refurbishment has been under way since a new custom-made rug arrived in 2012. Gone are ivory silk-brocade curtains that were designed with flowers, baskets and ribbons, along with older chairs upholstered in
beige-colored fabric. The Committee for the Preservation of the White House approved the upgrades. The cost was not immediately
available, but the changes were paid for using private money that's set aside for the maintenance and upkeep of White House rooms that are open to the public. -AP
Lady Gaga's stylist for NY Fashion Week
A monument to Confederate women stands on the grounds of the Arkansas state Capitol in Little Rock, Ark.
religious displays at the Oklahoma City Capitol, so the groups have shifted their attention eastward. The Satanic Temple, Hindus and animal rights groups say symbols of their deeply held beliefs should be displayed alongside the Ten Commandments. -AP
NEW YORK: Brandon Maxwell, Lady Gaga's longtime stylist and a designer in his own right, will show his first full ready-to-wear collection at New York Fashion Week in September. Maxwell has created numerous looks for Gaga over the years, including a silver gown
with a plunging neckline and high slit for this year's Grammys and a majority of the outfits she has worn for her Cheek to Cheek tour with Tony Bennett. Known for a bold but glamorous aesthetic, Maxwell is listed in The Hollywood Reporter's Top 25 most powerful stylists in Hollywood. -AP
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A potential Indian role in West Asia?
India Post
RANJIT GUPTA
S
ince the beginning of 2011, a blood-soaked West Asia has been constantly enveloped by increasing deaths, destruction, devastation and displacement. The region is going through the worst ever period in its history with little prospect of any improvement in the situation in the near future. The Gulf region is India's preeminent oil supplier, leading trade partner, and 8 million Indians live and work there, sending annual remittances worth $40 billion to India. No major power is impacted either positively or negatively by what happens in the Gulf region as much as India. There has been much adverse comment that India, a very significant global power, situated next door to the region, an ardent aspirant to be on the global high table, and despite having this particularly significant strategic stake in the stability of the Gulf region, seems to be completely uninvolved; even completely disinterested. Should India get in-
ences. It is certainly not for outsiders to decide what constitutes legitimacy of the forms of government of West Asian countries. f. India deliberately avoids making partisan comments in relation to internal situations in countries experiencing domestic turmoil and continues its interaction with the regimes of the day in these countries, while keeping possibilities of discreet lines of communication with select influential groups, including those in the opposition. g. India fully respects the right of any country in the region to have whatever relationship it wishes to have with any other country. h. India does not take sides in intra-regional disputes except supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. India's relationships with countries of the Gulf region and Israel started growing substantively since the early nineties and have been blossoming in parallel particularly since the advent of the new millennium, even as India's commitment to the
China, India, Japan and South Korea should come together and strive to bring on board Saudi Arabia and Iran to discuss the promotion of a new security framework for the Gulf region, but quietly behind the scenes volved more actively? India's past interaction with West Asia has been guided by the following considerations: a. India has had a consciously low-key, non-intrusive policy approach to the Arab world, guided preeminently by considerations of pragmatism and mutual benefit. b. No interference in the internal affairs of other countries has been a cardinal principle of Indian diplomacy. c. Independent India has never gotten intrusively involved in wars between other countries. d. India has been consistently opposed to military interventions to solve political problems. e. Though India is the world's largest democracy and takes pride in that fact, it does not consider that promoting any particular form of government in other countries is any business of New Delhi. India endeavors to maintain good relations with all countries and accepts ground realities as they are, irrespective of its own prefer-
Palestinian cause has remained robust. This approach has paid dividends and has contributed to India's excellent relations with all countries of the Gulf region and Israel simultaneously. This is India's most spectacular foreign policy success. Therefore there is no reason whatsoever to change it. Furthermore, in the context of the current situation in West Asia, the reality and indisputable fact is that anything that India says or does will not even marginally influence the actions of any individual player or outcomes on the ground. Policy should always be consciously tempered by a mature recognition of the limits of one's capabilities and influence at any given point of time. The situation is exceedingly fluid and uncertain. There has been a massive proliferation of violent, irresponsible and irrational non-state actors and India's becoming intrusively involved could provoke them to harm Indian in-
terests; and in particular to attack the very large Indian community in the region. With 180 million-strong Muslim population, India has to be very careful about potential blowbacks. India has to do everything it can to avoid such possibilities. Therefore, reticence or so called policy passivity in a particularly unpredictably changing environment does not reflect an absence of decision making, an abdication of 'leadership', or of being a 'freeloader'. It is simply being prudent. India, like all other countries, must give top priority to its own national interests. India should continue on this path, undeterred by ideologically motivated domestic or international criticism. The current situation in West Asia clearly exhibits that predominantly military-oriented approaches to security are wrong, undesirable and unsustainable in the 21st century, particularly in as volatile a region as the Gulf. China, India, Japan and South Korea cumulatively already have a much larger energy and trade relationship with the Gulf region than the Western world and this is poised to grow exponentially in the decades ahead. These four Asian countries should come together and strive to bring on board Saudi Arabia and Iran to discuss the promotion of a new security framework for the Gulf region, but quietly behind the scenes, focus on dialogue. This effort would represent the beginning of a new process and patient persistence would be required. Success will take much time. It is only in these contexts that India must become proactive. Encouragingly, under President Barack Obama, the US has moved dramatically towards negotiations in preference to knee-jerk military interventions to promote solutions to West Asia's myriad problems; growing disenchantment between the US and Saudi Arabia on the one hand, and the nuclear deal with Iran on the other are factors that provide an environment conducive to moving forward on this process. This should be considered as complementary to the newly emerging US approach and not anti-US in any way. The writer is Distinguished Fellow, IPCS, former Indian Ambassador to Yemen (North) and Oman, and former Member, National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), India
I
Biased laureate
n interviews before the publication of his new book, Nobel Prize winner and top Leftist intellectual Amartya Sen has criticized Narendra Modi and the working of his NDA government. He has pointed out "limitation" of the Gujarat model on which the running of the Modi government is allegedly based. Making comparisons, he says in Gujarat, "immunization is lower than Bihar, lower health care and education, again lower than Bihar, though good performance in roads and power supply." He deplores the cut in education and health care in the budget and claims the "promise of power and roads has not been quite fulfilled either." Overall he feels there is very little change in the condition of the poor. In fact he sees regression here. Ironically he remarks there is change, but not for the better, in stronger academic interference. That Sen is biased against Narendra Modi was clear when he declared during the 2014 elections, "As an Indian citizen I don't want Modi as my PM." His present criticism would also have been less harsh had he not been removed as Nalanda University Chancellor in Bihar. He does not want to answer questions on this issue but obviously his vision has been clouded because of this treatment meted out to him. The criticism therefore seems self-serving. Sen has chosen to overlook the achievements of the Modi government in just one year and has preferred to focus on what has not been done. He has not noticed that whatever has not been done is the legacy of the previous Congress governments who he has been treating with kid gloves. Sen refuses to note how the Modi government has opened more than 14 crore bank accounts for the poor and connected these to life insurance and accident insurance for them. This goes counter to the claims that nothing is being done for the farming community. If these accounts have been opened for all poor, does not that include the farming community? The transparent auctioning of the coal blocks allocation and the spectrum has brought in Rs 3 lakh crore revenue to the government. Other initiatives include providing toilets in schools; launching of MUDRA Bank for financing small vendors and businesses; Soil Health Card scheme to enhance farm productivity; Swachh Bharat Mission; transformation of Indian Railways and setting up of Skill Development Ministry to enhance employability of youth. Amartya Sen refuses to see that the UPA had taken the country on the verge of economic collapse but a previously untested Modi has brought about a transformation in perception across the globe that India is on the rise again and not slipping into a 'basket case.' Indian Express columnist Tavleen Singh has asked some uncomfortable questions from Amartya Sen which no one else is asking. About Narendra Modi being unworthy of being PM, she says did Dr Sen ever say the same thing about Rajiv Gandhi? Reminding him she says that "within days of his becoming prime minister, the streets of Delhi were littered with the bodies of dead Sikhs. More than 3,000 were killed in three days and the city's morgues were so full that bodies were burned like garbage in public places. This was not a riot but a pogrom organized by the State and justified by the prime minister. In Gujarat in 2002, the violence was horrible but both Hindus and Muslims were killed. In Delhi in 1984 not a single Hindu lay among the dead. Did Dr Sen make a statement saying that Rajiv Gandhi had no right to be prime minister?" Tavleen Singh agrees with Dr Sen's remark that India will never be an economic superpower if it continues to neglect education and healthcare. She however asks why Dr Sen, as a virtual advisor to the last government, did not get Dr Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi to change this horrible state of affairs?
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