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Shivangi is chair of Mississippi Health Board Details on page 17

Dr Anil Kumar to fight for Congress seat Details on page 18

VOL 20, No. 1037

August 1, 2014

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'TIME TO TRANSFORM INDO-U.S. TIES' Kerry outlines new vision on Delhi visit

WASHINGTON: The US and India have reached a "transformative moment" in their relations, Secretary of State John Kerry has said ahead of his crucial visit to New Delhi for high-level talks with the new Indian government to revitalize ties that he termed as a "strategic imperative".

Kerry also backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's poll slogan of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" calling it "a great vision", and a "vision that we want to support".

"We believe it's a great vision, and our private sector is eager to be a catalyst in India's economic revitalization," Kerry said in a major foreign policy speech on India at an

event held by the Center for American Progress, a top US think tank.

He said now is the time to renew that dialogue with a new government, with a new set of opportunities, new possibilities.

"This is a potentially transformative moment in our partnership with India, and we're determined to deliver on the strategic and historic opportunities that we can create together," Kerry said ahead of his visit to New Delhi to cochair the fifth India-US Strategic Dialogue with his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj.

Details on page 5

US Indian doc alleges rape by Army officer

Modi meets infra secys to set new targets Details on page 10

WTO: India says no to TFA without food security Details on page 21

New lawmaker mistook officials as Indians Details on page 9

BJP app to connect Delhi MPs with voters

Details on page 13

Details on page 12

Obama mulls big move on immigration

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 30-31 Classifieds ------------------------- 48

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Modi will ease nuclear ties with US? YES 76%

NO 24%

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 38-39

FESTIVAL OF JOY: Muslims offer prayers on the occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr at Jama Masjid in New Delhi on July 29

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Publisher’s Diary

S

o okay, a lot is happening in the world today that has people everywhere overtly concerned - like the worsening situation in Gaza, the recent twin tragedies involving Malaysian Airlines, etc. - but it's never a bad time to talk about climate change.

I bring this up as I follow Secretary of State John Kerry's recent address to the Center for American Progress where he spoke on India's progress and future. Clearly, Secretary Kerry had done a bit of homework on India, which is highly relevant in view of the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US. Secretary Kerry's observations become poignant considering how interconnected and interdependent the world is today. India is already facing the threats of extreme weather. Monsoon in India all but failed last year in several states and has been 50% lower than average this year. That makes it one of the worst droughts in a generation, affecting 120 million Indians.

What's worse, it is giving rise to mercenaries and armed bandits - a trend that the world had better watch out for in their own backyards as a future possibility - who are imposing water taxes, illegally rationing out water and selling water by the bucket.

While that may be so, there are other parts in India that suffer from too much rain. Adding to the natural calamity is administrative mismanagement which leads to devastating floods like those witnessed in Uttarakhand last year.

Another aspect to this is of air pollution where six of the ten worst polluted cities in the world are in India. But, it's no consolation for India that China and the US rank first and second respectively as the leading carbon emitters in the world.

Now this is where India and the West including the US differ in principle, over carbon emissions. While India is justified in standing up to western bullies on the carbon issue, I think a greater vision of global climate conditions on part of all concerned is what will bring solutions. Like Secretary Kerry, who echoed Modi's mantra of 'Sabka saath, sabka vikaas', I repeat, should work for a better earth for our children.

Romesh K Japra

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Jacqueline Khan Salman Khan has admitted having a lady love in his life - his 'Kick' co-star Jacqueline Fernandez

Cover Story: Transforming ties The US and India have reached a "transformative moment" in their relations, says Secretary of State John Kerry

Community: Eid prayers The largest Eid prayer congregation in Chicago was held at Holiday Inn Skokie in three different prayers.

Big Obama move Obama is planning to grant work permits to millions of immigrants in this country illegally before November's elections

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India’s no to WTO In a strong message to WTO, India said it will not ratify trade facilitation pact until a solution is found on food security

Kanha National Park Situated in Madhya Pradesh, the picturesque Kanha National Park was the inspiration behind Kipling's Jungle Book

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'Time to transform Indo-US ties' Kerry outlines new vision on Delhi visit WASHINGTON: The US and India have reached a "transformative moment" in their relations, Secretary of State John Kerry has said ahead of his crucial visit to New Delhi for high-level talks with the new Indian government to revitalize ties that he termed as a "strategic imperative".

Kerry also backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's poll slogan of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" calling it "a great vision", and a "vision that we want to support".

"We believe it's a great vision, and our private sector is eager to be a catalyst in India's economic revitalization," Kerry said in a major foreign policy speech on India at an event held by the Center for American Progress, a top US think tank.

He said now is the time to renew that dialogue with a new government, with a new set of opportunities, new possibilities.

"This is a potentially transformative moment in our partnership with India, and we're determined to deliver on the strategic and historic opportunities that we can

create together," Kerry said ahead of his visit to New Delhi to cochair the fifth India-US Strategic Dialogue with his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj.

"I want to emphasize the key relationship for the US - one of the key relationships for the US in that context is the deepening relationship with India, and particularly trying to deepen our ties with India in terms of our strategic imperatives, both of us.

"President Barack Obama is absolutely right to call this a defining partnership for the 21st century. India's new government has won an historic mandate to deliver change and reform," he said.

"And together, we have a singular opportunity to help India to be able to meet that challenge - to boost two-way trade, to drive South Asia's connectivity, to develop cleaner energy, to deepen our security partnership in the Asia Pacific and beyond.

"The US and India can and should be indispensable partners for the 21st century, and that is, I assure you, the way we approach the Modi government and the way we view this particular time," he said.

"This is the moment to transform our strategic relationship into a historic partnership. This can be a moment where our destinies converge. US and India can create a more prosperous future for the world," he said.

Noting that India-US ties are yet to "blossom" together, Kerry said, "The US and India can and should be indispensable partners for the 21st century. The dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit of our relationship is needed to solve some of world's greatest challenges."

He said the two countries can work together to tackle global challenges from climate change to

clean energy and others.

Kerry in his speech supported India's vision of an integrated South and Central Asia and that with Southeast Asia.

The Obama administration is ready to help India in this regard, Kerry said as he praised Prime Minister Modi for his initiatives to establish peace and improve relationship with the neighboring countries.

By inviting Pakistan Prime

the two countries in various areas including economy, clean energy, and counter-terrorism.

The India-US collaboration on counter terrorism, in particular real-time information sharing, helps confront common threats and bring terrorists to justice, he said.

Describing climate change as a biggest challenge not only for the world, but also India, Kerry called for increased collaboration

Kerry said, "The US and India can and should be indispensable partners for the 21st century. The dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit of our relationship is needed to solve some of world's greatest challenges."

Minister Nawaz Sharif to his inauguration, Kerry said Modi has taken the "first step" to establish peace and friendship with its South Asian neighbor.

Supporting the move to increase India-Pak economic relationship, Kerry said improved trade is a win-win for both the countries.

Reiterating support for India's place in the UN Security Council, Kerry in his speech said India is a global power.

The Secretary of State listed out the progress made between

between the two countries on this issue.

Kerry said US President Barack Obama would welcome Prime Minister Modi at the White House in November.

Kerry is accompanied on his Delhi visit by US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker as well as other members of the interagency, including Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security and NASA. The trip marks the first US cabinet-level visit to New Delhi since Modi took over office. -PTI

US think tank launches program for US-Indo ties WASHINGTON: A top American think-tank has launched a program, "India:2020", which will examine short and long term policy priorities for every aspect of the India- US strategic partnership with a focus on concrete recommendations that can be achieved by the year 2020.

India 2020 was launched by the Center for American Progress (CAP) at an event organized by the top US think tank, where Secretary of State John Kerry, delivered a major foreign policy speech on India.

India: 2020 seeks to build and expand upon strong foundation of existing work on South Asia by CAP and analyze why the gap exists between the current realities and hopes for the relationship, the think tank said in a statement.

Members of the "India 2020" advisory council include Ashton Carter, former Deputy Secretary of Defense, Swadesh Chatterjee,

India: 2020 seeks to build and expand upon strong foundation of existing work on South Asia by CAP and analyze why the gap exists between the current realities and hopes for the relationship Padma Bhushan recipient, and member of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Global Advisory Council of Overseas Indians,

and Vishakha Desai, President Emeritus of the Asia Society and Special Advisor for Global Affairs to the President and Professor at Columbia University.

Other members of the advisory council include Shekar Narasimhan, Commissioner, White House Initiative of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and three former US Ambassadors to India, Nancy Powell, Tim Roemer and Frank Wisner.

"The Center for American Progress has a unique opportunity and responsibility to anticipate and shape foreign policy debates on India and the greater South Asia region.

With India: 2020 and the wisdom of our distinguished advisory council, CAP will help chart a new and ambitious course for the USIndia partnership," said CAP

president Neera Tanden.

By using 2020 as a benchmark, CAP will anticipate and provide regional analysis and forward-

In his remarks, Kerry praised CAP for its work on India US relationship.

"CAP has continued to prove that good ideas are still the most important currency in our political debate," he said. looking policy recommendations in an effort to deepen the partnership with India through trade and investment, defense cooperation,

a strategic dialogue for bilateral cooperation, and citizen exchange, a statement said.

In his remarks, Kerry praised CAP for its work on India US relationship.

"CAP has continued to prove that good ideas are still the most important currency in our political debate," he said.

"That is a principle that has also guided CAP's work on foreign policy, especially in convening track II - the first intensive climate change dialogue between the United States and India".

India: 2020, builds on that success by showing how the United States and India together can tackle global challenges, from security in the Asia-Pacific, to providing clean energy, to delivering more inclusive growth," Kerry said. -PTI

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Climate change cooperation can start new phase in ties: Kerry WASHINGTON: Asserting that the solution to climate change is energy policy, Secretary of State John Kerry has fully supported the "saffron revolution" call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that cooperation between India and the US in the field would kick off a new chapter in bilateral ties.

"He (Modi) has called for a Saffron Revolution, because 'the

ence here, and we need to eliminate the barriers that keep the best technology out of the Indian market.

"The US can help India find and develop new sources of energy through renewable technologies and greater export capacity for liquefied natural gas," Kerry said in his address to the Centre for American Progress, a US think-tank.

made in a Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Centre," Kerry said.

Referring to the commitment of the Modi government to electrify every home in India by 2019, Kerry said with fewer limits on foreign technology and investment in India's green energy sector, they can help make clean power more cost-effective and more acces-

Narendra Modi

"He (Modi) is absolutely right, and together I believe that we can at last begin a new constructive chapter in the USIndia climate change relationship," Kerry told an audience

John Kerry

saffron color represents energy'.

He (Modi) said that 'this revolution should focus on renewable energy sources such as solar energy, to meet India's growing energy demand.

"He (Modi) is absolutely right, and together I believe that we can at last begin a new constructive chapter in the US-India climate change relationship," Kerry told an audience here.

"The United States has an immediate ability to make a differ-

The US, he said, has already brought together more than 1 billion in financing for renewable energy projects.

"And with this funding, we helped to bring India's first 1,000 megawatts of solar power online.

But we need to build on the USIndia Civil Nuclear Agreement, so that American companies can start building and can start providing clean power to millions in India.

And we need to build on the USD 125 million investment that we've

sible at the same time.

"We can provide 400 million Indians with power without creating emissions that dirty the air and endanger public health. And by working together to help an entire generation of Indians leapfrog over fossil fuels, we can actually set an example to the world," said the Secretary of State.

Noting that energy policy is a solution to climate change, Kerry said the latter poses one of the biggest threats to humanity. -PTI

John Kerry praises Tata for creating jobs WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State John Kerry has praised Indian automobile giant 'Tata' for creating thousands of jobs in the United States.

"Take a look at the jobs that Tata is creating for Americans by expanding auto design and sales in the United States, adding to its 24,000 employees already in this country," Kerry said in a major foreign policy speech on India at the Center for American Progress, a US think-tank.

"Already, Indian investment creates close to 100,000 jobs right here at home," Kerry said referring to the jobs being created in the US by Indian companies.

In his speech the Secretary of State also praised the American motor company Ford for creating employment opportunities in India.

As the largest India-headquartered multinational in North America, Tata has 12 companies covering diverse operations.

In the United States these in-

clude soda ash mines in Wyoming, coffee manufacturing in Maryland, steel manufacturing facilities in Ohio and Pennsylvania, tea manufacturing and processing in Florida, Georgia, and New Jersey, The Pierre hotel in New York, the Taj Boston hotel

"And whatever impediments we may face along the way, we need to always be mindful of the opportunities and the bigger picture around this," and the Taj Campton Place hotel in San Francisco, animation labs in California and IT development centers in California, Michigan, and Ohio.

Having a presence in North America for over 60 years, some

of its popular and recognized brands in the US including Jaguar Land Rover vehicles, Tetley, Good Earth, and Eight O'Clock Coffee.

In his remarks, Kerry said he believes that the United States and India should continue to reach for the ambitious target that Vice President Joe Biden laid out last summer in India, to push from USD 100 billion to USD 500 billion a year in trade.

"And whatever impediments we may face along the way, we need to always be mindful of the opportunities and the bigger picture around this," he said.

"It is completely in our mutual interest to address those obstacles that kind of raise their head here and there as you go along the way and to remember that a lot bigger opportunities will come from more robust ties, so we need to keep our eye on the prize out there and not get dragged down by one small or lesser particular aspect of a restraint," he added.-PTI

Obama looks forward to working with Modi WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama looks forward to working with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfill the extraordinary promise of the US-India strategic partnership and deepen bilateral cooperation, a White House spokesperson said here.

Obama has invited Modi to the White House in September, which is expected to set the tone of the long-term relationship between the leaders of the two largest democratic countries of the world.

"The President looks forward to working closely with Prime Minister Modi to fulfill the extraordinary promise of the US-India strategic partnership and continuing to expand and deepen the wide-ranging cooperation between our two democracies for years to come," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told PTI. While the date of the ObamaModi meeting has not been announced, it is likely to take place on September 30 at the White House.

There is much enthusiasm and

excitement in the Obama Administration to throw a red carpet welcome to the Prime Minister, who in May this year led his party to a historic win - the first time a party in nearly three decades got absolute majority in the Lok Sabha.

Old timers in the US Government hope that the strain in the bilateral ties, which was evident in the last phase of the previous UPA regime would be a thing of

Josh Earnest

the past and after the September meeting, Modi and Obama would personally drive the relationship in realizing the true potential of the strategic ties between India and the US.-PTI

Need to further promote bilateral trade: Bera WASHINGTON: Firmly of the belief that the US-India relationship can be the defining relationship of the 21st century, Indianorigin Congressman Ami Bera has said the two countries need to promote bilateral trade, which would benefit both the nations.

"I strongly believe that the US-India relationship can be the defining relationship of the 21st century. We need to further promote bilateral trade, which will ultimately lead to more jobs in both countries," said Bera, the only IndianAmerican lawmaker said during a Congressional hearing.

"I look forward to Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to the US to reinvigorate our ties with a natural friend and partner," Bera said.

He was participating in a House Committee on Foreign Af-

fairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific hearing to examine the future of the US-India relationship.

"As an Indian-American, I am proud that the Indian Diaspora has

Ami Bera

made many remarkable accomplishments in the United States.

"Especially notable is India's foreign direct investment, which has resulted in more than 100,000 jobs in the United States," he said.

-PTI

August 1, 2014

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Modi's 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' is great vision WASHINGTON: The developmental plan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected in his poll slogan of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" is a great vision, US Secretary of State John Kerry said.

"The new Indian government's plan, 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', together with all, development for all - that's a concept, a vision that we want to support. We believe it's a great vision, and our private sector is eager to be a catalyst in India's economic revitalization," Kerry said in his address to a Washington audience at an event held by the Center for American Progress, a top US think tank.

"American companies lead in exactly the key sectors where India wants to grow: in high-end manufacturing, in infrastructure, in healthcare, information technology, all of them vital to sort of leapfrogging stages of development so you can provide more faster to more people," he said.

India also wants to build a more competitive workforce, and already 100,000 Indians study each year in American universities, he said, adding US community colleges actually set a remarkable standard for 21st century skills training.

"We should be expanding our educational ties across the board, increasing opportunities for young people in both of our nations. I know Prime Minister Modi drew from that energy of India's youth during his campaign. He repeatedly pointed out that while India's one of the world's oldest civilizations, it has the world's youngest population.

"Prime Minister Modi has said that young people have a natural instinct to rise like a flame. And he has spoken about India's duty to nurture that instinct, and we believe, frankly, that's a duty for both of our nations," he said.

"And that means strengthening the exchange in technical education, in vocational programs for high-skilled trades, and especially in areas where we can build on the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of both of our nations," he said, adding that everyone knows about the extraordinary work ethic that people in India have and the capacity to be able to do this and seize this opportunity," Kerry said.

"One of the marked contrasts of this moment is this juxtaposition to parts of the world where young people demanded a participation in this world they see around them, and rose up against leadership that had stultified over the course of years, decades even

- Tunisia, Egypt, Syria.

"They all began without one flake of religious extremism involved in the revolutions that brought change. It was all about young people gathering and forcing the notion that they wanted

"American companies lead in exactly the key sectors where India wants to grow: in high-end manufacturing, in infrastructure, in healthcare, information technology, all of them vital to sort of leapfrogging stages of development so you can provide more faster to more people," he said something more to life. They wanted opportunity, education, respect, dignity, jobs, a future," Kerry noted.

"So this possibility I've just defined between India and the United States, which fits very neatly into Prime Minister Modi's vision that he expressed in a campaign which was ratified overwhelmingly by the people of his country is exactly the vision that we need to embrace now, and that's why this opportunity is actually so ripe," Kerry said.

"This area of cooperation is particularly exciting, I think, and I'm particularly confident about

"Innovation and entrepreneurship are in both of our DNA, and they not only make us natural partners; they give us natural advantages in a world that demands adaptability and resilience. The US and India cannot afford to just sort of sit back and rest on these currently existing advantages these opportunities, because only countries that reward creativity the way the US and India do could have possibly launched Holly-

wood and Bollywood.

"Only countries that celebrate the entrepreneur the way we do could have launched Silicon Valley and Bangalore as global epicenters for innovation," he said.

"Innovation and entrepreneurship are in both of our DNA, and they not only make us natural partners; they give us natural advantages in a world that demands adaptability and resilience. The US and India cannot afford to just sort of sit back and rest on these currently existing advantages. We have to build on them and we have to build on them by investing more in one another," he said.

"If India's government delivers on its plans to support greater space for private initiative, if it creates greater openness for capital flows, if it limits subsidies that stifle competition, if it provides strong intellectual property rights, believe me, even more American companies will come to India.

They may even race to India. And with a clear and ambitious agenda, we can absolutely help create those conditions," he said.

"So as we work with our trading partners around the world to advance trade and investment liberalization, India has a decision to make about where it fits in the global trading system. India's willingness to support a rules-based trading order and fulfill its obligations will help to welcome greater investment from the US and from elsewhere around the world.

"The greater transparency and accountability that Prime Minister Modi put in place during his time as chief minister tells us he has already provided a model of how raising standards can actually increase economic growth," Kerry said.

The US and India should continue to reach for the ambitious target that Vice President (Joe) Biden laid out last summer in India, to push from USD 100 billion to USD 500 billion a year in trade.

"And whatever impediments we may face along the way, we need to always be mindful of the opportunities and the bigger picture around this.

"It is completely in our mutual interest to address those obstacles that kind of raise their head here and there as you go along the way and to remember that a lot bigger opportunities will come from more robust ties, so we need to keep our eye on the prize out there and not get dragged down by one small or lesser particular aspect of a restraint. The bigger picture has to guide us and the end game has to guide us," Kerry said. -PTI

Kerry hails Modi for inviting Sharif WASHINGTON: US Secretary prosperity and stability in the reof State John Kerry has praised gion," Kerry said referring to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for series of meetings being planned inviting his Pakistan counterpart between officials of India and PaNawaz Sharif for his swearing-in kistan. ceremony which he described as Kerry said Modi understands the first step towards improving the opportunities that regional relations between the two neigh- connectivity provides for India bors. and for a more stable, prosperous "Prime Minister Modi took the region. important first step of inviting "And by inviting leaders from Nawaz Sharif to his inauguration. around the region to his swearBoth men are businessminded leaders who want to create opportunity for their people," Kerry told a Washington-audience at an event organized by the Centre for American P r o g r e s s (CAP), a US Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif think-tank.

"I talked to Nawaz Sharif after his visit there. ing-in, and by bringing them toHe was very encouraged, thought gether to speak about connecting it was positive, possibilities he their economies as one of his first understood. So improved trade is orders of business, he is eager for a win-win for both countries and India to play a leading role. And guess what - So are we," he said. both peoples," he said.

"Nowhere is that leadership "I know that there are plans for the commerce secretaries and for- more critical than in improving eign secretaries (of the two coun- cross-border trade and relations tries) to meet in the coming weeks between India and Pakistan," said the Secretary of State, endorsing in order to build on that.

"I commit to you that the Modi's move in this regard.

Kerry said he is convinced that United States will do everything we can to encourage India and just as the US and India can do Pakistan to work together and im- more to create shared prosperity, prove the prospects for both so can India and its neighbors.-PTI

Kerry visit lays groundwork for Modi's US visit WASHINGTON: The India visit of US Secretary of State John Kerry would lay the groundwork for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington in September to meet President Barack Obama, an American official said here.

"Secretary Kerry's visit underscores the importance of the USIndia partnership, and will lay the groundwork for Prime Minister Modi's September visit to the United States," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said.

Kerry is accompanied by Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, who will lead discussions to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Other members of the administration in-

clude Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman, Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary Francis Taylor and NASA Associate Administrator Michael O'Brien.

"In addition to holding the Strategic Dialogue, Kerry will meet Modi, the first cabinet-level meeting with a US official since the inauguration of the new Indian government," Psaki said.

Discussion will cover the full range of bilateral issues, including expanding bilateral trade, tackling climate change, improving India's energy security through cooperation in clean energy and energy access, and expanding the already robust people-to-people ties, she said. -PTI

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Senate resolution seeks address to Congress by Modi NEELA PANDYA

WASHINGTON DC: If the recent Senate resolution pitching for inviting Indian PM Narendra Modi to address the Joint Session of Congress is any indication, the US lawmakers are all set for big improvement in Indo-US relations and undoing the wrong done by the administration 10 years ago denying visa to the then Gujarat CM Modi.

Senators Mark Warner, John Cornyn, Tim Kaine and Jim Risch made Senate history by sponsoring a resolution supporting a Congressional invitation for a Joint Session of Congress address by Indian Prime Minister Modi during his September 2014 visit to the United States. The bipartisan resolution has been sent to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for necessary action.

This follows the nationwide grass root campaign, launched

by US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC), for setting the course right in cementing IndoUS ties. The resolution further outlines a significant roadmap to a jump start US-India trade and

Senators Mark Warner, John Cornyn, Tim Kaine and Jim Risch

strategic partnership, including an early White House appointment of a new American Ambassador to New Delhi.

USINPAC's legislative team and the organization's significant grassroots membership, who had participated in extensive Congressional outreach, were delighted with the text of the resolution.

USINPAC Chairman Sanjay Puri remarked: "I believe that the remarkable election in India and the transition to a new govern-

New lawmaker mistook US officials as Indians WASHINGTON: A newly- ful with the new change in regime elected US lawmaker has apolo- that the future and the land of gized for his embarrassing faux promise and the land of opportupas when he mistook two senior nity of India can finally become Indian-origin Obama administra- so," Clawson had said. tion officials as Indians during a The lawmaker from Florida recent congressional hearing. shared his bitter experience in InRepublican Congressman Curt dia as a businessman.

Clawson had posed questions "Just as your capital is welcome about "your country" and "your here to produce good-paying jobs government" to Assistant Secre- in the US, I'd like our capital to be tary of State for South and Cen- welcome there and there to be freetral Asia, Nisha Desai Biswal, and dom of capital so that both sides the Assistant Commerce Secretary for Global Markets, Arun During the testimony, Kumar, while they were Clawson quizzed Biswal and testifying before the Congressional subcom- Kumar - both of whom are mittee on the Indo-US Indian Americans - as if relationship under the new Indian govern- they were representatives of ment. the Indian government "I made a mistake in speaking before being fully briefed and I apologies. I'm a are on the same territory. And I quick study, but in this case I shot ask cooperation and commitment an air ball," he said using a bas- and priority from your (Indian) ketball analogy, having played the government in so doing. Can I sport as a university student. have that?" Clawson asked the During the testimony, Clawson two bemused US officials. quizzed Biswal and Kumar - both "I think your question is to the of whom are Indian Americans - Indian government. And we ceras if they were representatives of tainly share your sentiments. And the Indian government. we certainly will advocate that on "I am familiar with your coun- behalf of the US government," try. I love your country. I'm hope- Biswal replied.-PTI

ment there has led the way to a re-energized US-India partnership. The United States Senate has made history since never before has a Senate Resolution asked for a Joint Session of Congress by a foreign Head-ofState."

USINPAC Director for US-India LNG Initiative Rahul Sreenivasan, pointed out: "We are proud to be Americans of Indian heritage and we are looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to the United States."

The US India Political Action

Committee (USINPAC) is the voice of over 3.2 million IndianAmericans and works on issues that concern the community. It supports candidates for local, state and federal office and encourages political participation by the Indian-American community.

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Modi meets infra secys to set target for current fiscal NEW DELHI: Aiming to spruce up growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met here secretaries of nine infrastructure ministries to set targets for 2014-15 and identify key projects in sectors like road, power and railways.

According to sources, Planning Commission Secretary Sindhushree Khullar made a 15-page presentation on the performance of core infrastructure ministries in 2013-14 and deliberated on the targets suggested by the ministries for the current fiscal.

Infrastructure sector is a focus area for the Modi-led government.

The Centre is keen to speed up infrastructure development and investment to

boost economic growth which remained at sub 5 per cent level during the previous two fiscals.

Secretaries and senior officials from nine infrastructure ministries - power, road transport, shipping, civil aviation, coal, petroleum, railways, telecom and renewable energy - were present in the meeting. Besides, top officials from Rural Development Ministry and Environment and Forest Ministry also attended the meeting.

Source said the Commission has proposed laying of 300 km new railway track during the current fiscal. Indian railways laid 450 kms of new track in 2013-14, which was short of the targeted 500 km.

Similarly, the Plan panel, proposed to set a target of 700 km for doubling of rail tracks in the current fiscal against 900 km targeted in 2013-14. Indian railways achieved doubling of around 700 km of rail track in previous fiscal.

For the civil aviation sector, the Commission has proposed to lower the investment target from Rs 1,008 crore in previous fiscal to Rs 934 crore in the current fiscal.

The investment realization was about 55 per cent of the target in 2013-14.

The plan to develop airports in nonmetro cities was also discussed at the meeting.

Problems being faced by road and trans-

port ministries were also deliberated upon.

As many as 189 highway projects involving a cost of Rs 1,80,000 crore are stuck due to problems of land acquisition, delays in forest and environment clearances, nontransfer of defense land and hurdles in rail over bridges, among other things. -PTI

Ministries to give inputs for Modi's I-Day speech NEW DELHI: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his maiden Independence Day address, various ministries have been asked to furnish by this month end details of programs in different sectors which could form part of his speech, possibly in the form of announcements.

The Prime Minister's focus in the August 15 address from the iconic Red Fort is expected to be on infrastructure development, skill development, job creation, control of inflation and building of 100 smart cities across the country.

The Finance Ministry has written to other ministries and departments asking them to spell out the roadmap for implementation of the Budget proposals and new schemes that could be launched, sources said here.

They have been asked to reply by Julyend after which the details will be forwarded to Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth.

The Cabinet secretariat will assess these inputs and important decisions will be taken before August 10 regarding what will form part of the address, the sources said.

Modi's first address to the nation from the historic monument will be watched keenly as he has outlined that his priority areas would be 'good governance' and development, the planks on which BJP got a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections.

In this regard, his focus is on developing infrastructure like world class roads, airports, ports and railway networks besides development of rivers Outlining its vision in the President's Address to Parliament last month, the Modi government had said it will revive 'Brand India', riding on its strengths of five 'T's tradition, talent, tourism, trade and technology - and pursue foreign policy on the basis of "enlightened nationalism" and mutually beneficial relationships.

To revive the economy which has seen sub-five per cent growth for the last two years, the government has promised to create a policy environment which is "predictable, transparent and fair" so that the investor sentiment is re-ignited and foreign investors pump in money.

The government is also focusing on developing energy-related infrastructure, human resource and technology for which it has promised to come out with a comprehensive National Energy Policy.

Housing is another aspect to which the government is paying keen attention besides sanitation and 24X7 electricity supply and access.

Cont’d on page 11

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Modi launches portal for citizens to help governance NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a website MyGov that aims to help citizens contribute in governance by giving their opinions and views on important issues like clean Ganga or skill development.

The inauguration of the people-centric platform also marks the completion of 60 days of the new government.

The Prime Minister said in the past 60 days, the experience of his government was that there were many people who wanted to contribute towards nation-building and devote their time and energy, an official statement said.

Modi said MyGov (mygov.nic.in) is a technologydriven medium that will provide citizens an opportunity to contribute towards good governance, the statement added.

"The platform would bridge gap gulf between people and government. Democracy cannot succeed without people's participation in government and this participation should not be limited only during elections," the Prime Minister said.

Besides Modi, Communica-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the launch of “MyGov portal�, an official portal of Government India, in New Delhi on July 26

tions and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth, DEITY Secretary R S Sharma were also present at the launch of the portal.

National Informatics Centre (NIC) of the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) will implement and

manage the platform.

There are multiple theme-based discussions on MyGov where a wide range of people can share their thoughts and ideas with the government, Sharma told reporters after the launch.

"It is also an initiative to build a digital knowledge library. We

will guide the people on the topics of national importance on which the government would like to know their views and ideas," he added.

The platform presents an opportunity for the citizens to both 'Discuss' and 'Do', Sharma said, adding, any idea shared by a contributor will also be discussed on the discussion forums, allowing con-

structive feedback and interaction.

At present, there are six groups on the platform - Clean Ganga, Girl Child Education, Clean India, Skilled India, Digital India and Job Creation.

"Citizens can also volunteer for various tasks and submit their entries. These tasks would be reviewed by other members and experts. Once approved, these tasks can be shared by those who complete the task and by other members on MyGov," Sharma said.

Each group consists of online and on-ground tasks that can be taken up by the contributors. The objective of each group is to bring about a qualitative change in that sphere through people's participation, he said.

"We will review the working on MyGov in three months and over time the number of groups, tasks and discussions will increase. The platform will also be used as a comprehensive knowledge repository," Sharma added.

The portal can even be extended to act like public audit platform for government projects like citizens giving feedback on status of completed infrastructure projects or availability of various social sector programs, he said. -PTI

Lab-to-Land; PM's slogan for Modi greets people on agri-boost occasion of Eid

NEW DELHI: Pitching for greater use of research for boosting the agriculture sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the slogan 'Lab-to-Land', saying that farmers should be able to en-

ing natural resources and the challenge of climate change.

The Prime Minister also called for 'Blue Revolution' in fisheries sector on the lines of Green and White Revolutions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi going round the exhibition at the 86th Foundation Day of ICAR and ICAR award presentation ceremony, in New Delhi

hance production to increase their income and feed the country as well as the world.

He pressed for the use of scientific technologies to help raise the agricultural production in "less land, less time" as he expressed concern over the deplet-

"We have to prove two points.

One is how we can make farmers capable of feeding the whole country and the world.

Second is how we can make agriculture capable to fill the pocket of our farmers," Modi said while addressing the 86th Foun-

dation Day of Indian Council Agriculture Research (ICAR) here.

He asked the scientific community to plan for the centenary celebrations of ICAR and achieve more in the next 14 years than what they have over the last 86 years of the existence of the premium agriculture research body. "'Per drop, more crop' can be our mission statement," he said, while noting that India is still dependent on import of edible oil and pulses despite being an agrarian economy and efforts need to be made to become self-sufficient.

He emphasized upon the need for taking scientific research to fields and suggested setting up of radio stations by agri-colleges and universities to create awareness among farmers.

The farm growth target cannot be achieved unless farmers' income is increased, Modi said, adding that the government's policies therefore should focus in this direction.

Modi also talked about the need to address the challenge of taking farm research from 'Lab-toLand' by making efforts to convince farmers about efficacy of new farm techniques in simple ways. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and hoped that the festival strengthens the bond of peace, unity and brotherhood in the country.

"Greetings on Eid-ul-Fitr.

May this auspicious day strengthen the bond of peace, unity & brotherhood across our Nation," the Prime Minister said

in his message.

Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan, was celebrated across the country on Tuesday July 29. The Prime Minister greeted Vice President Hamid Ansari, Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptulla and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on the occasion, an official release said. -PTI

Ministries to give inputs for Modi's I-Day speech Cont’d from page 10

Last year, Modi, as Chief Minister of Gujarat, had attacked the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying his Independence Day address contained nothing new.

Modi had alleged that much of what Singh spoke was said by first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his First Independence Day address.

"I am wondering that despite

your name being included among those who have unfurled the tricolor on maximum occasions, you are saying the same things which were said by Pandit Nehru in his first address to our nation," Modi had said, addressing Singh.

"The same problems and concerns are highlighted by you (Manmohan Singh) which were mentioned by Nehru in his first speech. The question arises what did you do for the past 60 years," he had asked. -PTI

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High energy Sports Day marks another kickoff for Festival of India India Post News Service

FREMONT: High temperature, high spirits and high energy was the highlight of the 4th Annual Sports Day held on July 26 at TakFudenna Stadium in Fremont.

The events started at 10:30 am, ending at 5 pm.

FIA, Fremont Hindu Temple and NurtureKids Learning center teamed up to organize another successful kickoff event to the Festival of India and Parade, 2014.

This event marks the beginning of the celebration that leads to the 22nd Festival of India and Parade on August 16th and 17th, in Fremont.

The event started with Abhay Dewan, Tanushka Dewan, Rishiv Chugh, Lovish Mujral, Shefali Sastri, and Moxit singing the

American National Anthem followed by Shalu Dewan, and Dharminder Dewan founders of NurtureKids, singing the Indian National Anthem along with parents and children from the audience.

"This event is for the children and by the children", said Dharminder Dewan, "and it is exciting to see the dedication of the youth volunteers who helped in a big way in the planning and managing of this event". The age of children participating in the event ranged from 3 years to 70 years, as everyone wanted to "run a race" and "win a medal".

The races started with 100m for different categories, from the 3 years old to the Seniors, with everyone cheering up their children, spouses or parents. The 100 m was followed by a cookie eating contest with children eating healthy crackers and oatmeal cookies, keeping the sugar to the minimum. 1,2,3,4,5‌ was the count as the jump rope competition rolled throughout the day and the children hopped in the Sack race and balanced the "marble potato" on the spoon as they raced to the finish line in the Spoon race.

There were 200m and 400m races that put the stamina of all participants to test, with each one of them finishing the race, irrespective of coming in the top three positions or not.

"We need to keep our youth involved, engaged and fit and continue to keep them connected with our culture and provide them with an opportunity to

grow culturally as well as politically", said Dr Romesh Japra, Convener of 22nd Festival of India and Parade. He said, "FIA is an organization that has successfully done that for the past 22 years". Dr Japra further said, "22 years back the 1st festival started with a few hundred people attending to now where thousands of people come to the festival each year, and we are able to accomplish this with a dedicated team of volunteers all of whom believe in giving back to the community".

President of FIA, Rajesh Verma, Gen Secretary of FIA, Deepak Chhabra and ex Planning Commissioner of Fremont, Yogi Chugh

were present at the event.

Also present were school board members, Lily Mei and Desrie Campbell. Addressing the gathering, Lily Mei, talked about how excited she was to be attending the event again this year and also about the positive changes that are coming in the Fremont Schools in the coming year and ended by her announcement of running for the Fremont City Council in November 2014.

Despite the scorching temperatures, the kids and their parents showed considerable amount of effort throughout the day by participating in multiple events and encouraging their children to do the same. Winners proudly displayed their medals with grand

parents, parents and children. "I thought that the Sports Day went very well and was a big success.

The volunteers put in a lot of hard work and we were able to accomplish a lot, despite the extremely hot conditions", said Abhay Dewan.

Complementing the festivities was excellent food provided by

Shalimar, an Indian restaurant located in Sunnyvale, whose mango lassi and samosas were a hit at the event.

As the event came to a close, the tired and tanned volunteers were thrilled on the success of the event and were already talking about how they can make the next Sports Day, bigger and better.

BJP app to connect Delhi MPs with voters NEW DELHI: With a view to would further the cause of good ensuring better governance governance espoused by Prime through technology, BJP has Minister Narendra Modi. launched a mobile phone app for Shah, however, warned that Delhi which citizens can use to such measures should not stop connect with their local MPs and the direct communication between register complaints and offer feed- voters and their elected represenback. tatives. Public representatives Launching the initiative, BJP should continue to meet with the President Amit Shah said it would public and maintain person-tohelp in the early redress of public person contacts with voters in grievances in the national capital.

The 'Constituency Shah, however, warned Connect App', which that such measures should will help BJP MPs connect with their constitu- not stop the direct encies, can be downcommunication between loaded on both Android phones and voters and their elected iPhones.

It will provide infor- representatives mation on MPs and their work in the constituency and their constituencies. in Parliament, besides offering a "This is probably the first time forum to the people to give their that an MP has taken the initiafeedback. tive to... reduce the gap between Voters in a particular constitu- MPs and the public. It is a new ency will have to provide their beginning for MPs in (Delhi) and voter ID card number to register I hope this initiative will be taken and they can thereafter use the forward in other areas too," Shah app to air their grievances on the told BJP workers. phone.

Speaking on the occasion, Hailing the app, which was Lekhi said the app has been deconceptualized by New Delhi MP vised with the help of IIT graduMeenakshi Lekhi, Shah said it ates and technocrats. -PTI

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Indian-American physician alleges rape by Indian Colonel PM SWAMY

UNITED NATIONS: An IndianAmerican physician has alleged she was raped by a Military Attache to the Permanent Mission of India by giving her sedation in the premises of the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations here.

Dr Anurita Kapur, a single woman with a nine-year old child, has alleged that she was raped by Colonel Manoj Tiwari, Military Attache at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York who also serves as a New York Liaison for the Defense of India. Tiwari, who calls himself Tiger Tiwari, is believed to have gone back to the Army War College at Mhow, India, after her complaint.

Dr Anurita said in a press release that she was approached by him on India's Republic Day at the Indian Consulate in New York.

"This was our very first meeting.

Colonel Manoj Tiwari started to chase me despite refusals to meet him. He made pretentious reasons to meet me including using excuses of social service for humanity, and medical project work etc. and praised me for the social work for humanity," she said.

Because he was an Indian Government official, Anurita said she trusted him and never suspected anything against him. After Manoj Tiwari's months of chasing, she said she finally agreed to meet him in a public place for a discussion in between her medical meetings and meetings at the United Nations. Manoj's story to Anurita was that he is single now but was married two times, his first wife ran away with another man, then as a rebound his mother got him married to another woman

who was an uneducated and insensitive towards him, the press release said.

Dr Anurita Kapur believed him and felt sorry for him and agreed to meet him in public places when time permitted her. Anurita gave her rules to him and made sure that Col. Manoj Tiwari understood that there cannot be any kind of physical contact nor sex since she does nor believe in premarital sex. Tiwari agreed to her rules and was grateful that she at least accepted him. To gain her trust, he started to send her unlimited love texts, unlimited calls

After Manoj Tiwari's months of chasing, she said she finally agreed to meet him in a public place for a discussion in between her medical meetings and meetings at the United Nations daily, e-mails, greeting cards and poetry using Permanent Mission's cell phone and stationery.

She was always invited by the Permanent Mission by Manoj Tiwari for various events and meetings. The press release said after months of familiarity Manoj raped Anurita by tricking her to come to his office and adding an unknown sedative in the tea served to her.

Since they were alone on the

entire floor after office hours, Kapur alleged that Manoj took advantage of the situation and attacked her when she was feeling dizzy after taking the tea.

She claimed becoming very sick and was not able to defend herself when Manoj violently raped her by forcing himself on her and scratching her that caused heavy vaginal bleeding and then raped her. After the rape, Anurita was devastated and was in severe pain, the press release added.

She told Manoj Tiwari that she would report him to the authorities and get him punished. Tiwari first threatened Anurita that something bad could happen to her if she proceeded to report him but Anurita was adamant. Tiwari quickly changed his tune and became very apologetic and got on his hands and knees offering her what meant value to her. He promised her that he wanted to make Anurita clean by marrying her as he loved her so much that is why he could not resist her. He promised her he would never have sex with her again until after they are married, the press release said.

He also emotionally blackmailed her saying if she still reported the incident then out of shame he will kill himself since he has a reputation at work. Anurita forgave him thinking that he is truly repenting. Because rape is a stigma in Indian culture if a woman gets raped, it is very hard to come out in public, Anurita did not want to go through the embarrassment and kept quiet about the rape, the press release said.

Anurita has saved all evidence like hundreds of Manoj's love text messages full of promises of be-

ing together and marrying her from his Permanent Mission cell phone, love letter that he wrote in his own blood for Anurita on PMI stationery, his emails to Anurita from PMI official email and recorded conversations and voicemails besides her soiled and blood-stained clothes with his semen on it.

Taking advantage of her goodness and innocence he flew to India and after he left the US, he stopped all contacts with Anurita when she had realized that he was a con-artist who had deceived her.

To escape from her complaint, he

Taking advantage of her goodness and innocence he flew to India and after he left the US, he stopped all contacts with Anurita when she had realized that he was a con-artist who had deceived her started slandering her name in the Indian community, the United Nations, the staff of the Permanent Mission to India and other Indian Government officials, to protect his image and reputation and to build a ground in case she files a complaint, the press release said.

The press release said Anurita then reported the incident to The Permanent Mission of India (PMI) to the United Nations in New York including Permanent Representa-

tive of India to the UN, Ambassador Ashoke Mukherjee, Deputy Permanent Representative of India Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri and other officers.

The Permanent Representative of India then passed on the complaints to his lower officers and nothing moved for over six months. No one investigated the matter at PMI. She feared that the officers were covering up for Tiwari.

Anurita also reported the matter to The Indian Embassy, all past and current Ambassadors, Permanent Representatives (PR) and Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR), Counselors, Military Attache, Air Attache and Naval Attache in Washington and New York and to her dismay no one investigated her complaint.

She also reported the matter to President of India, Prime-Minister of India, Minister of External Affairs, former Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Minister of Home Affairs, Chief of Army Staff, Director of Mechanized Infantry, Madras Regiment and leaders of the Indian Congress Party, she said.

Unfortunately, it has been over a year since Tiwari escaped to India but no justice has been done to Anurita. Instead the previous Indian Government tried to hush up the matter and shoved it under the rug to protect their high official, Colonel Manoj Tiwari who is a sex predator and a rapist, the press release said.

After Kapur made complaints against him to the Indian Government last year, Tiwari started making death threats to stop her from going public and filing complaints against him, she alleged.

India objects to UN peacekeepers tackling internal strife UNITED NATIONS: India has warned the UN Security Council that the new trend of using peacekeepers to tackle internal political conflicts is an "unsustainable" approach to the maintenance of global peace and security.

India, which is one of the largest contributors of troops to the UN Peacekeeping operations, said that a new trend of mixing peacekeeping mandates directly affects the operational effectiveness of the peacekeeping operations and "exposes traditional mandate peacekeepers to unnecessary threats from armed internal conflicts which the United Nations has not it-

self instigated".

"We would like to point out the dangers of using the UN peacekeepers to tackle what are essentially internal political conflicts. In doing so, the Council is effectively endorsing an unsustainable approach to the maintenance of international peace and security," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asoke Mukerji said at the UNSC open debate on peacekeeping operations.

India has sent more than 170,000 troops to 43 of the 69 peacekeeping operations mandated so far.

Mukerji added that with the changing nature of conflict, new demands have been placed on the

peacekeeping operations.

He said greater strategic guidance and support from the headquarters would provide effective command and control structure but these would be short-term remedies to long-term unresolved political issues that the peace-

Mukerji also called on the Council to engage with troop contributing countries while drafting new multi-dimensional mandates

keepers are unable to resolve.

Mukerji also called on the Council to engage with troop contributing countries while drafting new multi-dimensional mandates of the UN peacekeeping operations.

Further, he reiterated that it must be ensured that all attempts at the pacific settlement of disputes have been exhausted by the Member States belonging to regional arrangements before the Council is asked to approve new peacekeeping operations by regional organizations.

On the operational aspect of cooperation between UN and regional organizations, Mukerji said that it has been India's experience

that investment in equipments, logistics and training go a long way in making the peacekeeping operations more viable and sustainable.

Addressing the financial aspect of peacekeeping operations, Mukerji said that with the emergence of multidimensional mandates, new peacekeeping mandates are approved without providing for matching financial resources.

"The larger issue of financial imbalance must be taken into account when we look at the issue of providing sustainable and predictable financial support to the joint peacekeeping operations," he said. -PTI

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Swaraj describes her Nepal visit as 'very successful' KATHMANDU: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has described her three-day visit to Nepal as very successful during which the two neighbors agreed to finalize the text of a power trade deal and "review and adjust" a crucial treaty of 1950 to reflect current realities.

"It was a very successful trip and the achievements were more than my expectations," Swaraj said at Tribhuvan International Airport here before leaving for New Delhi.

Swaraj said both sides removed hurdles and agreed to step up cooperation in a number of key areas.

During her visit, the External Affairs Minister met Nepal's top leaders including President Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Sushil Koirala. Swaraj also met UCPN-Maoist chief and Leader of Opposition Prachanda.

Swaraj called on Deputy Prime Minister Bam Dev Gautam, who is also the acting chairman of the CPN-UML, which is a constituent of the ruling coalition.

Swaraj was in Nepal to co-chair the meeting of the Indo-Nepal Joint Commission (JC) which was held after a gap of 23 years and to prepare the ground for the twoday official visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from August 3 the first visit by an Indian Premier in over 17 years. The late Prime Minister I K Gujral had visited Nepal in 1997.

During the visit, India told Nepal that the new Indian government is very keen to impart "renewed momentum" to their multifaceted bilateral ties even as the

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj shakes hands with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Mahandra Bhadur Pandey at a meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal on July 26

two countries decided to step up cooperation in key areas of defense, security, trade and hydro power.

The two countries also agreed to "review" and adjust" the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 to reflect the current realties.

The JC directed the Foreign Secretaries to make necessary recommendations. It also directed the Nepal-India Boundary Working Group to commence field works at the earliest.

The decision was taken at the meeting of the Indo-Nepal Joint Commission co-chaired by Swaraj and her Nepalese counterpart Mahendra Bahadur Pandey.

The two leaders underscored the importance of harnessing vast hydropower potentials of Nepal for mutual benefits. They directed the concerned authorities to finalize the text of a Power Trade Agreement (PTA) at the earliest.

While noting the finalization of the Terms of Reference of the

Pancheswar Development Authority, they directed the concerned authorities for early completion of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project.

The Joint Commission expressed satisfaction over the implementation of 400 KV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur Double Circuit Cross-Border Transmission Interconnection and noted that the transmission interconnection would integrate the power

grids on the two sides of the border and pave the way to initiate unfettered flow of power between the two countries.

The Joint Commission decided to expedite the construction of 132 kV Kataiya-Kusaha and 132 kV Raxaul-Parwanipur Transmission Line Projects so that the transmission lines would help import additional power from India in the short term and help address power deficit situation in Nepal.

The two sides issued a joint statement which said the meeting reviewed the entire gamut of Nepal-India relations and affirmed that the Joint Commission would make an important contribution to strengthen the traditionally warm and close ties between the two countries.

The two Ministers expressed satisfaction over the ongoing cooperation in defense sector. They expressed happiness over the ongoing cooperation between the security agencies of both countries and emphasized the need for promoting greater collaboration and cooperation in combating cross-border crimes.

"They reiterated the commitment of their respective governments not to allow their territories to be used against each other," the joint statement said.

The two sides noted the significance of enhancing productive capacity in agriculture to positively impact on livelihoods of the people. The Indian side would continue to supply chemical fertilizers to Nepal and extend cooperation for the establishment of a Deemed Agricultural University, it said.-PTI

Inquiry launched into Indian- Indian-origin 'chicken king' in UK hygiene probe origin boy's killing LONDON: An independent inquiry has been launched into the murder of a three-year-old boy who was beaten to death by his Indian-origin mother at their home in Scotland earlier this year.

Rosdeep Kular aka Rosdeep Adekoya, 34, who had been charged with the murder of her son Mikaeel Kular, faces a lengthy jail term after pleading guilty to culpable homicide at Edinburgh High Court.

Fife council in Scotland has now confirmed it has ordered a significant case review after it emerged that Mikaeel had been in and out of foster care.

Serious questions have emerged about Scotland's social

work system after it was found that Mikaeel and his twin sister, now four, were taken into foster care in

Rosdeep Kular and her son Mikaeel Kular

Fife several times because of their mother's neglect, emotional illhealth and erratic lifestyle.

Rosdeep had pleaded guilty to reduced charges of culpable ho-

micide and attempting to defeat the ends of justice by covering up Mikaeel's death.

She admitted to beating up her son to death at their Edinburgh flat after he was repeatedly sick after a trip to a Nando's restaurant at the city's Fountain Park.

She then disposed off the body in a woodland in Fife and then reported him missing to the police, triggering a major search operation as members of the public helped the police look for the little boy.

Mikaeel's body was found four days after his death, wrapped in camouflage material and folded into a strapped-up suitcase.-PTI

LONDON: An Indian-origin businessman, referred to as the UK's "Chicken King", is at the centre of a major controversy over contamination of poultry.

Ranjit Boparan's '2 Sisters Group', the UK's largest poultry supplier, was singled out in an investigation by the 'Guardian' newspaper focusing on the contamination of chicken with campylobacter.

At last count, two-third of fresh chicken was found to be contaminated at varying levels by campylobacter.

Campylobacter is a bacteria frequently found in raw meat, particularly chicken, and can cause food poisoning. Although the bacteria can be killed by cooking, around 280,000 people fall sick every year in the UK, and it has killed around

100 people so far.

Poultry contamination rates are known to have increased in the past decade, the report said.

The report, which zeroed in on two factories owned by Boparan's group, has led the UK health ministry to launch its own urgent inspections.

A spokesperson for health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "The FSA (Food Standards Agency) has agreed, at the request of the secretary of state for health, to conduct a full safety audit of the facility."

"They will start in the next 24 hours and report back shortly. Undercover footage at a factory showed chicken that had fallen on to the factory floor being picked up and thrown back into the production line," he said.-PTI

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Report says US surveillance Swiss national held for suspected Maoist link hampering journalists NEW YORK: Revelations over the past few years about how US security officials have the ability to track people through phone, email and other electronic records are making it harder for journalists to report on what the government is doing, two human rights groups say.

Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union said in a report that access to data as detailed in leaks by former National Security Agency systems analyst Edward Snowden, coupled with the Obama administration's prosecution of people for leaking classified information, is having a chilling effect on reporters.

The groups are calling on the administration to be more upfront about the data it is collecting and how the information is used, and to increase protections for journalists and whistleblowers.

The same government access to information is eroding the ability of lawyers to protect the confidentiality of its contacts with

criminal defendants, the report concludes.

Ninety-two people, including 46 journalists, 42 lawyers and some present or retired national security officials, were inter-

ABC's Brian Ross, said he's been tipped to say, "I'm a US citizen, are you?" at the beginning of mobile phone conversations because of a legal prohibition against monitoring calls by citizens viewed for the report.

While journalists aren't being prosecuted for doing their jobs, news about the scope and type of information available to the government has forced many jour-

nalists to change how they work, said Alex Sinha, the report's author.

Several say that fewer sources are willing to talk to them because they fear the consequences, he said.

Reporters are turning to encryption technology that scrambles electronic communication with sources, although they worry the mere fact the government knows they are using encryption will raise suspicions. To counter monitoring of cellphones, some say they use throwaway phones.

One reporter said he calls many sources at the time of a big story, just to protect the identity of the ones he used.

Face-to-face contact is increasingly preferred.

One reporter, ABC's Brian Ross, said he's been tipped to say, "I'm a US citizen, are you?" at the beginning of mobile phone conversations because of a legal prohibition against monitoring calls by citizens.-AP

THRISSUR, Kerala: A 24-yearold Swiss national has been arrested after he allegedly attended a function organized in memory of a Maoist activist at nearby Valappad.

Police said Jonathan Bold, who arrived in Kerala on a tourist visa, attended a meeting organized in memory of Sinoj, a Maoist activist from Kerala who was killed while making country bombs in Andhra-Karnataka border last month.

The meeting was organized by a group having Maoists and Naxalite sympathies. Sinoj belonged to Valappad in Kerala.

Jonathan has been charged under the Foreigners Act, Section 14(b), which pertains to violation of visa conditions.

Police said some Maoist literature had been recovered from him.

Jonathan arrived in Kerala on July 10 with a woman companion and had visited Kannur and other parts of the state before arriving here. -PTI

Death of Indian-origin Israeli soldier mourned JERUSALEM: Thousands of people took part in the funeral of a 27-year-old Indian-origin Israeli soldier killed after being hit by a mortar shell near the Gaza Strip border while Israel was holding fire under a UN-brokered humanitarian truce.

Barak Refael Degorker, killed

on July 26, was laid to rest in a military cemetery in his hometown of Gan Yavne.

The bereaved family, parents Ora and Moshe and two younger brothers, while inconsolable at their loss spoke about "kind hearted" Degorker whose death has left a "permanent void" in their lives.-PTI

Desi News IIT BHU Global Alumni Meet In September HARISH RAO

NAPERVILLE: The IIT BHU Global Alumni Association (IBGAA) is hosting its 4th IIT BHU Global Alumni Meet on Saturday, September 13 at the Sheraton Lisle Hotel, 3000 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois, USA. The Theme for the Meet is "The IIT BHU Journey of Excellence Continues‌" Further details about the Meet are on the website at http:// chicago2014.iitbhuglobal.org.

Manoj Sinha, Minister of State for Railways, Government of India (Civil Engineering 1979, M. Tech. 1982) is the Keynote Speaker.

The Meet will include keynote address by noted alumni and panel discussions on relevant topics. Prof. Rajeev Sangal, IIT BHU Director (B. Tech. Electrical Engineering, 1975, IIT Kanpur) is confirmed to attend. Prof. Panjab Singh (Former VC-BHU) and Prof.

S. N. Upadhyay (Former Director IT-BHU, M. Tech. Chemical Engineering 1966, Ph.D. 1969) are confirmed as Special Guests for the Meet. Additionally, Dr Sarvajna Dwivedi, Co-Founder, Pearl Therapeutics, Inc., (B. Pharm 1984, M. Pharm 1986) is a confirmed Guest Speaker Manu Vora, a spokesperson of IBGAA, said, "We encourage all IIT BHU and BHU alumni to register and bring their family to this fun-filled global get together. This event is also open to other 15 IIT alumni and all IIT students in graduate schools. The Meet provides an excellent opportunity to network with highly accomplished alumni, renew friendships, share ideas about achieving excellence at IIT BHU, and enjoy interesting entertainment programs in the evening."

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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Details on page 19

August 1, 2014

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Eid celebration in Chicago: Multiple prayers held at Holiday Inn A.Q. SIDDIQUI

CHICAGO: Eid was celebrated with usual gusto all over Chicago on Monday morning. Although the moon sighting was announced only after 10pm, shoppers were already busy at Devon Ave and other places for last minute Eid shopping.

Eid celebrations mark the end of month long fasting by Muslims.

Men, women and children thronged to local mosques in colorful dresses for Eid prayers. The largest Eid prayer congregation was held at Holiday Inn Skokie in three different prayers.

The first Prayer at 8.30 was led

by Khateeb Dr Ahamad Murad.

The second prayer was led by Mufti Hussain Kamani at 9.30am and third prayer was led by Khateeb Hafiz Mohammad Ikhlass. In all three prayer gatherings, the hall was packed to full capacity in both the men and women sections.

Mufti Kamani quoted Makkah Imam's address on Eid reminding people that those who prayed for the month of Ramadan, the month long prayers were over for them.

But for those who prayed in Ramadan for God, the Almighty God is there everlasting and so the prayers will continue even after

SCE helps customers beat the summer heat India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: It's summertime and the living is hot and sticky.

And as Southern California temperatures continue to climb upward, reaching triple digits in some areas, air conditioners will get a rigorous workout as customers seek relief from the severe heat.

However, increased air-conditioner usage can spike electricity consumption and raise utility bills.

Southern California Edison (SCE) offers several programs, tools and energy-saving tips.

Details on page 20

VGS Chicago meet will celebrate Modi's victory

Eid greetings by a young girl

Eid prayers above and below at Skokie Holiday Inn

the month of Ramadan.

Mufti Kamani emphasized that Ramadan fasting strengthens the character of a Muslim, reinforces patience and anger management within a fasting person.

He called upon every Muslim to shun differences and exchange greetings for Eid, adhere to family ties. He cited example of Prophet Muhammad who shared his meal with his wife and created an example for marital bliss.

Soon after Eid prayers, Muslims greeted each other. Eid prayers were also held in many local mosques. Large number of Muslims were also seen attending Eid prayers at Jama Masjid on Devon and ICC on Lincoln Ave. Eid is celebrated to mark the end of month long fasting as commanded by God. Muslims observe complete fast from dusk to sunset. This year Ramadan coincided

with summer long day hours in North America and Europe where fasting was mostly from 4.30am till 8.40pm. The day was not as long in the Indian sub-continent and

over 15,000 people from the southwest suburbs alone.

Bridgeview Mayor Steve Landek and the Mosque Foundation hosted the annual Eid break-

Middle East where fasting was observed from 4.45am till 6.50pm.

fast reception. After the reception, speakers proceeded to the stadium where they addressed the congregation followed by the Eid prayer.

The Muslim American Society, Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (MAS-PACE) also held a massive voter registration drive during the event. MAS-PACE's goal is to register 2,000 new Muslim American voters to drive them to the polls this November to demonstrate the power of the Muslim vote.

Thousands gather at Toyota Park for Eid K RAJDA ADDS:

BRIDGEVIEW: On Monday, July 28, The Mosque Foundation held its Eid-ul-Fitr holiday prayer marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan at the Toyota Park in Bridgeview, a southwest suburb of Chicago. The Eid prayer drew

August 1, 2014

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Shivangi is chair of Mississippi Board of Mental Health PRAKASH M SWAMY

NEW YORK: Indian-American physician Dr Sampat Shivangi has been appointed as the chairman of the Mississippi Board of Mental Health, making him the first Asian to occupy the top health post in an American state.

Shivangi assumed the office of chair of the Board of Mental Health which is the second largest state agency with a budget close to billion dollars with the staff of 8,500. The office of chair is of one year duration elected by a nine-member board.

"We are in process of having the patients who are capable to move in the communities, are being moved in the communities with the help of federal and state funds to assimilate them in the communities rather than keep them in the institutions. The state is moving successfully in this direction,"

Shivangi said in a statement.

He was first appointed to the board as a member by the then

Dr Sampat Shivangi

Mississippi governor Haley Barbour for seven year term. Prior to this, he served one term at

Naya Jeevan gets fresh boost with independent location RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

Mississippi State Board of Health. "This term I served along with as an adviser at US health and human services in Washington DC an appointment by President George Bush," Shivangi said.

"We are very excited to have Dr Shivangi serve as chairman of the board of mental health," said Diana Mikula, Mississippi department of mental health executive director. From 20052008, Shivangi served as the adviser to the US secretary of health and human services.

He is the founding president of the American Association of Physicians of Indian-origin in Mississippi and is the past president and chair of the India Association of Mississippi. Shivangi is the president and CEO of US Info Systems of Mississippi.

CHICAGO: Naya Jeevan Jireh Center (NJJC), a nonprofit organization that has been serving the needy in the West Rogers Park for the past many years, put another feather in its cap on 15th of July by moving out of the home office to a commercial location to serve and get a more professional look

and level.

It was courtesy Sohan Joshi, president of National Federation of Indian Associations (NFIA) and a friend, philosopher and guide to many a needy in Chicagoland that Ruth Kaushal, the founder / director could have an independent facility for serving the community better.

Cont’d on page 19

Front row: L-R Dervilla Ward, Ruth Kaushal, Samson Macwan Second row: L-R Dr Jacob Agepog, Sohan Joshi, Binny Christian & Esmeil Naqeeb

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Chivukula honors Mridangam Dr Anil Kumar seeking Congressional seat exponent ASHOK JAIN

PM SWAMY

DETROIT: A successful urologist from Michigan, Dr Anil B.

he is obligated to give back to Michigan contributing his experi-

Dr Anil Kumar seen meeting a veteran on Memorial Day during the parade Chivukula presenting the NJ Assembly proclamation to Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan while dance guru Divya Yeluri, founder director of Nrithya Madhavi School of Dance, NJ and Venu Yeluri look on

TRENTON: Upendra Chivukula, deputy speaker of New Jersey State Assembly recently honored eminent South Indian classical instrumentalist and Mridangam exponent Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan with the New Jersey Assembly proclamation for his service and for promoting Carnatic music abroad.

The Citation said Vaidyanathan, born in a family of percussionists, began training at the age of six from his grandfather

and uncle and through his inherent sense of rhythm, disciplined practice and urge to excel in the art of playing Mridangam was showcased in concerts even when he was a high school student.

He underwent rigorous training under the tutelage of Mridangam maestro Karaikudi Mani and with dedication and hard work he became a much sought after percussionist for countless leading musicians in India, it added.

He had performed in leading

venues such as Lincoln Center in New York and Kennedy Center in Washington DC. He formed a symphonic ensemble Vibrations which performs multiple genres of music on a global level as well as promotes music through his position as Faculty Member of SIFAS in Singapore and as a mentor of young musicians who established the Tiruvarur Talavadya Vidyalaya in Chennai, the official proclamation added.

Kumar wears many hats - a caring doctor, a successful small businessman, a hardworking community activist, and a committed teacher.

He is now set to add one more feather in his cap.

He is seeking Congressional seat from 11th Congressional District in Michigan (a largely suburban area just outside of Detroit) as he believes that

Successful Katha fundraiser at Jalaram Mandir YOGESH THAKKAR

CHICAGO: Shree Jalaram Mandir in Hoffman Estate (a northwest suburb of Chicago) held its 5th Katha from July 13 through July 20. Judging from the attendance and donations received, it was a huge success.

The Katha was done by Madhusuden Trivadi (Chote Morari Bapu).

This was part of its fundraiser

Jalaram Bapa idol

effort for Mandir expansion. According to Mandir sources, during the Katha Mandir collected $25000 plus as brick donors.

The main sponsor of the Katha was Kantilal M Patel while Pothi yajmans were Piyushbhai Patel, Bharatbhai Thakkar, Kalpeshbhai Thakkar, Kanubhai Thakkar and Chirag Thakkar During the Katha, Ram Janam was sponsored by Darshanbhai Patel, Ram Vivah by Dayhabhai Thakkar parivar and Jalaram Mandir board members, Paduka puja by Dr Amin and Surendrabhai Thakkar, Setubandh by Arvindbhai /Ushaben Thakkar and Ram Rajyaabhishek by Nareshbhai Thakkar.

During the course of

the Katha, grocery was provided

by Deep Foods. Food was sponsored by Big Suchir and Prasad

by Shireshbhai Shah and Hemantbhai Maharaj.

The Mandir upcoming coming

program is Janmashtami; routine Mandir programs: Bhajan Sabah every Thursday; Bhajan every 1st and 3rd Sunday. The Mandir also holds medical clinic 4th Sunday 1pm to 3pm

Jalaram Mandir volunteers

ence and knowledge for the betterment of the lot of average Michigan families.

Dr Kumar meeting local residents

Pitching a strong battle in a largely Republican-heavy area, Dr Anil is contesting on Democratic ticket. He exudes confidence as he has faith in himself and still bigger faith in the voters who would send him to the Congress basing their judgment on his record as a medical professional, a successful businessman and a family caring person For the last decade, Anil has served as president of a surgical center in Rochester Hills. In addition to serving his patients, Anil also manages a small business and teaches at Michigan State University. Anil is deeply involved with community activities and is - most importantly - a family man.

"We live in the best time of history and this is because of the people before us, who sacrificed and worked hard to build this nation. We need to not only preserve it but rather we must improve it through collaborative efforts.

Cont’d on page 20

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VGS Chicago meet will celebrate Modi's victory SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Chicagoans and community organizers from various States from India got together in Schaumburg under the leadership of Naren Patel, Vishwa Gujarati Samaj-USA President, to discuss and plan the mega event of celebrating victory of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This would be part of grand annual celebration of Vishwa Gujrati Samaj meet on Sunday August 17 at Jain Temple in Bartlett, a northwest suburb of Chicago The excitement was high and the consensus was: "We are Indians first before we are Hindu, Muslim, Gujarati, Bengali, Punjabi, Sindhi, Sikh, Maharastrian or South Indian".

All organizations participated whether political, social, not for profit, cultural, or language club.

Naren Patel said that all take great pride in promoting their mother tongue. All those present at the meet agreed that Hindi being our national language, it needed greater efforts to be popularized.

The consensus was that in schools and in voting booths, it should be only one language we should mention and that is Hindi.

Organizations represented were both FIAs, AIA, MAFS, VGSUSA, all Patidar Samaj, Brahma Samaj, Vaishnav Samaj, Hindi Club, Manpasand, IAMA and IAMACF, Gujarati Samaj and culture associations, temples, churches, mosques, many senior parivars of Chicago land area, Kerala Samaj, Orissa Samaj, Kaunkani Samaj, UP Samaj, Kashmiri Samaj, Sindhi Samaj and many more.

The consensus was that all should join hands to have one celebration under the umbrella of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj-USA. The event organizers are Naren Patel from Medstar Lab, Event Chair Mafat Patel from Patel Brothers, Dr Yash Amin from BAPS, Kishore Chugh, VGS-USA Treasurer.

Schaumburg meet for celebrating Modi's victory

This program will be unique, Naren Pael pointed out. It will be done with magnificent decorations and exhibitions, variety of booths, photo-booth for families to take a picture with the cut-out of Narendra Modi, souvenirs and various States showcasing their cultural programs. Artists will include Kamlesh Patel and a wellknown playback singer from India.

Guest are expected to arrive at 3

The program will start at 6:00 p.m. with the American and Indian National Anthems and speech from Dr Ausuf Sayeed, Consul General of India. Beena Patel and Vandana Jhingan will be the Emcees of the program.

Vishwa Gujarati Samaj is an international organization of Gujarati community settled all over the world. Vishwa Gujarati Samaj-USA started in 2009 It is an extension

This program will be unique, Naren Pael pointed out. It will be done with magnificent decorations and exhibitions, variety of booths, photo-booth for families to take a picture with the cut-out of Narendra Modi, souvenirs pm and take a photo in the photobooth, shopping exclusive jewelry, Indian outfits, and traditional sarees, and most importantly enjoy the exhibition of NAMO's childhood, political and adult life starting from Chief Minister to Prime Minister, followed by the delicious dinner and cultural program.

of the global outfit. Its goal and mission are more or less similar to VGS India, with small variations, which are: Celebrate" Gujarat Din" every year in May; participate in the International Indian Women's Conference every year in March; recognize extraordinary and talented Gujaratis in Chicago land area every year; recognize Gujaratis in Chicago land who have shown and worked selflessly for social uplift and humanitarian interests; promote Gujarati culture, heritage and language in every household; promote and celebrate Indian festivals and heritage; encourage Gujarati all over the world to participate in World Gujarati Conference; support relief efforts after natural calamities/disasters in Gujarat and anywhere else in India; work with Gujarati community for a future "Gharda Ghar " (House for seniors) project.

"Our future goal is to include scholarship program for the deserving Gujarati and Indian students at large," Naren Patel added.

Naya Jeevan gets fresh boost with independent location Cont’d from page 17

Dr Erwin Lutzer, senior pastor at Moody Church in Chicago, "What you spend is gone, what you save, someone else will get it, and what you give to God will be yours forever."

Sohan Joshi spoke about the rich blessings received when individuals unite with a common goal for the welfare of society. Clients such as Nayer Khan, Rajkumari and Ambalal Kaila spoke about the successful results they received through the services from NJJC. Volunteers thanked NJJC for

Ruth has been serving the local needy for the last seventeen years from her own home that led to the official birth of NJJC on October 22, 2009. Although serving without compensation, Ms Ruth diligently served the helpless. The uniqueness about NJJC is the personal attention given to each client by Ms Ruth.

Ruth briefed those present on the services offered at NJJC namely ESL and computer literacy referrals, public benefit guidance, senior citizen needs, job assistance, career & academic guidance, Sohan Joshi spoke about fresh produce and food pantry assistance, ac- the rich blessings received cess to free clothes closet, domestic vio- when individuals unite with lence advocacy, free a common goal for the medical clinic and legal advocacy referral, and welfare of society foreign degree evaluation assistance.

One of her main goals is to re- giving them an opportunity to utibuild the long lost family structure lize their talents for a worthy cause. leading the community to be a In her vote of thanks, Ruth offered stronger unit. Positive outcome in special thanks to Sohan Joshi. A more than 90 percent cases makes prayer of blessings was offered by her feel very proud, but "we Pastor Ernest Singh of Indo Pak pledge to carry forward with a ser- Church. The celebration continvant attitude," she said. ued as the guests socialized with The event, well attended by refreshments graciously provided NJJC Board Directors, volunteers, by Sohan Joshi.

Ruth also announced NJJC's friends, clients, and community leaders, started with the welcome upcoming Fundraiser event set for address by the Volunteer Coordi- October 2014 and encouraged all nator and Grant Writer Sunil the guests to attend the event that Kaushal. He emphasized the need will include cultural dances, of a strong community support by Bollywood singing, delicious dingiving a quote from the sermon of ner and dancing.

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New York fundraiser for Pune project PM SWAMY

NEW YORK: Smt. Chandrakala Kamath organized a fundraiser in honor of Francois Gautier, journalist and author who was born in Paris as a Catholic and has undertaken the responsibility to build Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Pune.

Gautier believes that "India is not just a piece of land, it is the living Shakti." He is firmly of the opinion that Shivaji Maharaj should be to India what Napoleon is to France."

Indian American Intellectuals Forum cooperated with Smt. Chandrakala Kamath and sent a request to its list to support Gautier in his noble mission.

The tax-deductible checks issued in the name of FACT USA in the amount of $30,000 were collected and given to Gautier. We

hereby sincerely express our gratitude to all the supporters and participants.

The program was conducted

by Prakash Waghmare.

Indian American Intellectuals Forum cooperated with Smt. Chandrakala Kamath and sent a request to its list to support Gautier in his noble mission From left: Arish Sahani, Pabitra Chowdhuri, Vibhuti Jha, Francois Gautier, Surinder Verma, Narain Kataria, Nand Lal Ramsinghani and Krishna Darooka

SCE helps customers beat Dr Anil Kumar seeking Congressional seat the summer heat India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: It's summertime and the living is hot and sticky.

And as Southern California temperatures continue to climb upward, reaching triple digits in some areas, air conditioners will get a rigorous workout as customers seek relief from the severe heat.

However, increased air-conditioner usage can spike electricity consumption and raise utility bills.

Southern California Edison (SCE) offers several programs, tools and energy-saving tips de-

service representatives are also here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week." The telephone number is 1-800-655-4555.

At SCE's My Account, customers can learn about new Web tools that work together with a smart meter to help plan and manage a household's use of energy. Customers can oversee their energy management with features designed to help earn bill credits.

Who isn't on a budget these days? SCE's Budget Assistant lets customers manage their en-

SCE customers who participate in Save Power Days can earn up to $100 in bill credits each year and help conserve some energy. When a Save Power Day is called, customers will be asked to reduce their electricity usage between 2-6 p.m signed to help keep customers cool, conserve energy, earn up to $200 in bill credits, protect the environment and more during peak times of the day this summer.

"At Southern California Edison, we care about our customers and want to make sure they know about the tools and resources available to help them manage their energy usage and costs," said Marlyn Denter, SCE manager of Consumer Affairs. "In addition to the wealth of information and self-service options on our website, our customer

ergy spending. Set a spending goal and Budget Assistant will track costs online in close to realtime, sending customers alerts on how their projected bill compares to that goal.

SCE customers who participate in Save Power Days can earn up to $100 in bill credits each year and help conserve some energy.

When a Save Power Day is called, customers will be asked to reduce their electricity usage between 26 p.m. Customers can select how they would like to be notified, either by phone, email or text.

Enrollees in SCE's Summer Discount Plan can receive bill credits of up to $200 by allowing their central air conditioner to be temporarily turned off or cycled remotely during peak times of the day. This is a free, year-round program with savings typically generated from June 1 through Oct. 1. There are a variety of plans and options offered.

Looking for a place to stave off the sweltering heat? Some community businesses and organizations serve as rotating outage Cooling Stations or Cooling Centers - places where people with medical conditions that make them unusually sensitive to extreme temperatures can go to cool off.

Pretty cool indeed.

SCE customers can get more energy-saving tips at Twitter.com/ SCE. Here are some tips to conserve energy and help keep SCE customers cool: • Keep outdoor activities to a minimum and drink a lot of water during the hottest parts of the day.

• Set your thermostat no lower than 78 degrees.

• Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight.

• Use fans instead of air conditioning when practical.

• Reduce electricity use between noon-6 p.m. - peak hours of energy use.

• Shut off lights when leaving a room.

• Limit how often you open your refrigerator.

Dr Kumar with his wife Cont’d from page 18

It is unacceptable that our representatives in Washington D.C. refuse to work together," Dr Anil Kumar says.

Kumar is facing ,at least one other Democrat, Bobby McKenzie, a resident of the Canton Township in Wayne County who announced his intention to run in 2014. The winner will face the incumbent Congressman Kerry Bentivolio, a Republican who got elected in a special election in 2012. It may not be a cake walk for Kerry Nentivolio as he is already facing.

Born in Jaipur but raised in Mumbai, Kumar had his medical degree from the University of Mumbai. Before coming to USA, he moved to England.

He completed his residency at Wayne State University, located in Detroit. He has been practicing for 33 years, has at least eight practice locations in an around Rochester Hills, and roughly 25 professional affiliations. He is head member of the Oakland Physicians Medical Center LLC and was formerly a board member of the Oakland County Medical Society. The elections are scheduled on Tuesday, November 4.

Tech News Bachchan in campaign to promote fruits NEW DELHI: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan will soon shoot for a TV campaign to promote Maharashtra's fruit produce after being appointed as the brand ambassador for the state Horticulture Ministry.

The 'Yudh' star announced it on Twitter that he has been named as the brand ambassador for the western state's Horticultural Ministry. "We have done a few print

campaigns in this regard but on August 3, we are going to do some work for the TV as well," Bachchan said on the sidelines of an event here to mark India's triumph over polio.

"I have dedicated myself to the polio campaign and though we have made India polio-free, my services to the campaign shall continue for any future noble cause in this direction," he said.

The 71-year-old actor, who is also the face of Gujarat tourism, is already a face of Gujarat tourism and polio eradication campaign.

"Being associated with polio campaign for the last one decade and having many medical episodes during my career, my respect for the Indian medical profession has only grown.

"So, promoting nation's health or Gujarat's culture or Maharashtra's fruit produce, I am always ready to volunteer for a good cause," Bachchan said. -PTI

Clay Craft launches 400 new product ranges JAIPUR: Ceramic tableware manufacturer and retailer Clay Craft has launched 400 new product ranges in Fine Bone China here.

The group, generating Rs 200 crore revenues per annum in household, institutional, retail and hospitality segments, also announced its growth target to achieve 35 per cent growth yearon-year.

"We are focusing on growth strategy and target to achieve 35 per cent annual growth and plan to introduce our products in 14 more countries," Rajesh Agrawal, MD Clay Craft, told reporters here. -PTI

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President & CEO of Honda Cars India Hironori Kanayama poses at the launch of Honda Bobilio at a press conference in Bengaluru on July 28

WTO: India says no to TFA without resolving food security issue GENEVA/NEW DELHI: In a strong message to the WTO, India said it will not ratify the trade facilitation pact until a permanent solution is found on food security and other issues of poor nations impacting livelihood of millions.

"To jeopardize the food security of millions at the altar of a mere anomaly in the rules is unacceptable," India said in the two-day General Council meeting that concluded in Geneva.

With India taking a strong stand, it will now be difficult for the developed nations to push their agenda of implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

With this deadlock, the WTO will miss another deadline to implement a pact. The world trade body is scheduled to ratify the TFA till July 31.

"In order to fully understand and address the concerns of mem-

bers on TFA, my delegation is of the view that the adoption of the TF protocol be postponed till a permanent solution on public stock holding for food security is found," the Indian Ambassador to the WTO Anjali Prasad said.

there will be constructive engagement on issues that impact the livelihood of a very significant part of the global population."

Amendment to World Trade Organization (WTO) norms regarding stockpile of foodgrains is

Regretting that in the last seven months no progress has been made on the public stock-holding for food security purposes, India said: "We do not have the required confidence and trust that

critical for India for implementation of its food security program.

The current WTO norms limit the value of food subsidies at 10 per cent of the total value of food grain production.

However, the support is calculated at the prices that are over two-decade old and not at current prices.

India is asking for a change in the base year (1986) for calculating the food subsidies. The US gives about USD 120 billion as agriculture subsidy as compared to India's USD 12 billion.

The final protocol for the TFA, which is dear to the developed world, including the US and Australia, was concluded by the WTO members, but no single meeting has happened on India's food security related issues.

Although an agreement was reached in WTO's Bali meeting last year after a gap of about two decades, it may now hit a roadblock with the developed countries, including the US, Australia and Europe pushing their own agenda of TFA and ignoring the concerns of the emerging and poor economies.

Cont’d on page 23

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Singapore PM to interact with Indian businessmen SINGAPORE: Singapore Prime the second Minister for Trade and Minister Lee Hsien Loong will in- Industry S Iswaran will be hostteract and discuss business opportunities in India with alumni of the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) and Indians heading global corporations at an international conference to be held here next month.

"Prime Minister Lee will be the guest of honor and deliver a key note address as well as interact with delegates," said Sanjiv Aiyar, President of the Pan IIM Alumni Association of Singapore (PIIMA), the Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong organizers of the conference.

Deputy Prime Minister ing segments of the conference, Tharman Shanmugaratnam and IIMPACT 2014, to be held on Au-

gust 22 and 23.

Indian business leaders would also be addressing some 1,000 delegates at the conference, backed by Singapore's trade promotion agencies.

The IIMPACT 2014 will also underline the growing importance of Singapore for India and global Indian business leaders.

There are about 6,000 Indian companies registered in Singapore. These companies can be used as a gateway to the East Asian markets under the "Look East" policy, said Piyush Gupta, chairman of the PIIMA Advisory Council and Chief Executive of DBS Bank of Singapore.

The "Look East" policy represents India's efforts to cultivate extensive economic and strategic relations with the nations of Southeast Asia.

Adani's Australian coalmine project cleared MELBOURNE: The Australian government has cleared the proposed Carmichael coal mine project of the Indian conglomerate Adani Mining in the Galilee Basin in central Queensland.

This is expected to provide electricity for up to 100 million people in India.

The approval was announced

by Environment Minister Greg Hunt, who said "after undertaking a thorough assessment and consideration under national environment law, I have approved the Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail Infrastructure project, subject to 36 strict conditions".

"The absolute strictest of conditions have been imposed

Gautam Adani

"These 36 conditions complement the conditions imposed by the Queensland Government, At full export capacity, and will ensure the propothe project is expected nent meets the highest environmental standards and to contribute almost USD that all impacts, including cumulative impacts, are 930 million to the avoided, mitigated or offMackay region's gross set," Hunt said.

Hailing the decision, regional product and Adani Chairman, Gautam USD 2.97 billion to the Adani said: "We welcome the Minister's approval of Queensland economy the Carmichael Mine and each year for the next Rail project, which takes us another step closer to 60 years. delivering our multibillion dollar mine, rail and port to ensure the protection of the development".

Hunt said a rigorous, open environment, with a specific focus on the protection of ground- and thorough environmental assessment process was underwater.

taken to take account of the public interest in the project and that he visited the proposed site to better understand the project and met with the local community to understand their views.

The project, which was proposed and advanced under the previous state and federal ALP Governments, is estimated to have a resource value of USD 5 billion per annum over 60 years.

At full export capacity, the project is expected to contribute almost USD 930 million to the Mackay region's gross regional product and USD 2.97 billion to the Queensland economy each year for the next 60 years.

It will generate an estimated 2475 construction jobs and a further 3920 jobs during the operations phase, he said.-PTI

"I have seen the profile of Indian companies changing in Singapore. I have seen a large number of regional hubs, treasury centers, family wealth and familyowned businesses shifting to Singapore. That shift in the profile of the kind of businesses en-

cially the large scale infrastructure development".

"From the Singapore stand point, India is a massive market. It is not only for Singapore companies but other companies domiciled outside Singapore," he said.

The conference, second after

"I have seen the profile of Indian companies changing in Singapore. I have seen a large number of regional hubs, treasury centers, family wealth and family-owned businesses shifting to Singapore. That shift in the profile of businesses in Singapore is important" gaged in Singapore is important," he said.

Likewise, Singapore companies are looking at India as "a massive market for opportunities, espe-

one held in April last year, is an ongoing initiative of the IIM Alumni to bring the global businesses of India and Asia together to drive the economic growth. -PTI

Agreement on IAEA scrutiny of N facilities comes into effect NEW DELHI: The Additional Protocol (AP) related to scrutiny of India's civilian nuclear facilities by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), mandatory under the Indo-US nuclear deal, has finally come into force.

The Safeguards Agreement between the Indian Government and the IAEA for the Application of Safeguards to Civilian Nuclear Facilities entered into force on July 25, 2014, the IAEA said.

It was signed by the two sides in 2009.

India's Resident Representative Rajiva Misra handed over the notification on the fulfillment of India's constitutional and statutory requirements to IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano.

Amano, while receiving the notification, congratulated India on this important development and stated that this step also contributed to the Agency's intensified efforts to encourage more Member States to sign and ratify the Additional Protocol.

Misra in his remarks stated that the Additional Protocol between India and the IAEA further strengthened confidence and trust between India and the Agency and was a positive outcome for both.

The Additional Protocol, signed between India and the IAEA on March 15, 2009, involves a high degree of scrutiny of

nuclear facilities, including its reactors and fuel cycle sites, by the inspectors of the atomic energy body. India has already listed 20 of its sites as agreed between the two.

These includes six facilities in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle in Hyderabad, unit 1 and 2 and two more facilities in Tarapur in Maharashtra , units 1-6 of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station, units 1 and 2 of the Kudankulam and Kakrapar Atomic Power Station.

The move will help in facilitat-

ing multiple entries for the IAEA inspectors for conducting necessary inspections. Even the data transmitting that happens can be done with remote transmitting. Information about the nuclear exports would also be given to the IAEA so that cross verification could be done easily.

The ratification is also a signal by the Narendra Modi government to the world, particularly the US, that it is serious on implementation of the Indo-US nuclear deal, government sources said.-PTI

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India huge force in shaping digital future: Mozilla WASHINGTON: As the Internet penetration gains more strength, India is headed to be a huge force in shaping the digital future of the world, a top official of Mozilla Foundation, makers of Firefox webs browser has said.

"India is a huge force, not only

noted.

Having traveled to India several times, Surman is highly impressed by the talent of Indian techies.

"One of the things so excited about India is that people are so aspirational. They are starting to

Mark Surman

in terms of people coming online, but also shaping what the digital future can be. As we figure out, how do people understand web, India absolutely has to be at the core of that," Mark Surman, executive director of the Mozilla Foundation told PTI in a recent interview.

As the web spreads to the whole of humanity, India and the talented code developers from India are going to play a key role in the global digital literacy.

As in the next decade some five to six billion people are expected to gain access to the web, Surman said it is important that everybody understands how web works.

"Web literacy is important," he

say, how I can make life better?

And Internet is a promise to that aspiration," he said.

"When I come to India, it is really exciting to see, especially those Mozilla volunteers, that aspiration and see unlock those things to people, and also they want to teach that to the other people across India," Surman said, adding that India is playing a key role in the recently launched global digital literacy program of

Manipal-Google tie up digital marketing course MUMBAI: Manipal Global Education Services has said that it has tied up with internet advertising and search giant Google to launch a threemonth certificate course in digital marketing aimed at business school graduates.

Google India will provide the Karnataka-based with the training curriculum and the course involves classroom sessions, e-learning and hands-on learning through a live project, a statement from

Manipal said.

Students who successfully complete the course will be awarded a joint certificate from Manipal and Google India, it added.

"As the Indian internet market continues to show robust growth, we believe a capacity building program to help young professionals gear up for the opportunity is the need of the hour," Google India's marketing director Sandeep Menon said. -PTI

Mozilla.

Mozilla, he said, decided a few years ago that it is not just important to create open source product, that empower people to use the web, but also that everybody in the world understand what they can do on the web.

"Not just to be a consumer, but also to be a creator of the web," Surman said.

Early July, Mozilla launched a two-month global campaign of events known as "Maker Parties" aimed at promoting web literacy to all people.

This includes around 2,000 events in 350 cities worldwide in the coming two months and many of them are taking place in India, which Mozilla describes as a global Internet pioneer.

The Maker Party events give hands-on education to people in everything from learning to write html code and build websites to understanding how to protect data and privacy and how to move from being a consumer of the Internet to a producer.

The campaign also includes work on more general topics like gender equality, economic development, good governance and how to make the web work better in the service of the goals people choose.

It is an utterly unique, ambitious worldwide push for web literacy and India is very much at the centre of it, Surman said.

Some of the important campaigns of this digital literacy campaign, he said, has being held in India, where people were creating new ways to teach.

One of the biggest of the maker parties this year is being held in Bangalore in India towards the end of the year, he said, adding that he is planning to attend this.

"This shows the leadership role of the Mozilla community in India," he said.

Some of the best volunteers of the Mozilla community are from India, who, he said are strong in their skills.

The Makers Party, he asserted is about more than coding.

"It is a great call to arms that puts the world's users at the centre of the web.

Success in the 21st century depends on web literacy and on making the web what we all want it to be," he said. -PTI

WTO: India says no to TFA without resolving food security issue Cont’d from page 21

The TFA, which aims at simplifying customs procedure, increasing transparency and reducing transactions cost, is being pushed by the US and others as they seek to bolster their sagging economies through an unhindered international trade by way of a uniform and easy procedures at customs.

A large block of global powers have joined hands against New Delhi in Geneva on the TFA issue.

In two separate statements the European Union and an Australialed group of more than two dozen countries have asked India not to veto the TFA. The European Union in a statement said without adoption of TFA by July 31 a great opportunity to mobilize trade as an instrument for growth and development would be lost and the credibility of the WTO would be further damaged.

"The Bali outcomes were negotiated as a package and must be concluded as such. Timelines are important but we cannot afford to act in haste in the WTO ignoring the concerns expressed by Members," India said.

Responding to concerns that WTO's is facing a credibility crisis, India said the failure of the WTO to work in the interests of all its members and to deliver mean-

ingfully on the "development" mandate of the Doha Development Round would pose a far more serious risk to its credibility than any other factor.

New Delhi said its expectations have been "completely belied" by the developments after the Bali Ministerial.

"As we have consistently pointed out, India is seriously concerned about the lack of progress on some of the Bali outcomes and minimal movement on the others."

India said a clear will to engage

in areas of interest to developing countries is conspicuously absent.

"To make matters worse, persistent efforts are being made to subvert the mandate by divesting it of its core elements.

While meetings have taken place on some of the Bali issues, they have not even resulted in the contours within which those issues are to be discussed further and resolved," it added.

Discussions on the Bali decision on public stock-holding have not even commenced despite repeated requests and proposals already on the table. -PTI

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SITA completes AI integration with Star Alliance NEW DELHI: Global aviation IT firm SITA has said it has completed a variety of technical requisites for Air India to integrate its systems with that of Star Alliance, including those concerning ticketing, ecommerce, departure control and revenue integrity.

The Societe Internationale de Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Aeronautiques (SITA), which earlier integrated the systems of erst-

while Indian Airlines and Air India after their merger, also provided its Horizon Passenger Services System (PSS) suite of solutions for Air India to seamlessly integrate with the global airlines' grouping.

The PSS suite comprises technological solutions for various activities like integrating reservations, frequent flyer programs, departure control services, fares and revenue integrity and e-commerce. It also provides passengers with an efficient online booking engine, kiosk check-in and web check-in, a SITA statement said.

Observing that Star Alliance membership would facilitate Air India's ability to achieve its future growth strategy, airline CMD Rohit Nandan said SITA's "cutting-edge technology was instrumental in making the membership possible and will undoubtedly allow us to continue to improve efficiencies and deliver enhanced passenger services".

SITA CEO Francesco Violante said Air India's entry into the alliance was "achieved in record time" and Air India would "now be able to offer passengers a seamless travel experience across the Star Alliance network around the world".

Its Vice President (India and Subcontinent) Maneesh Jaikrishna said his organization had provided Air India with "mission-critical solutions for more than 50 years including network connectivity, desktop infrastructure and associated support at all its domestic and international stations in addition to solutions for check-in, air-to-ground communications, fares management and baggage tracing".

SITA has implemented several innovations for Indian airlines, airports, passengers and other stakeholders like common use check-in and baggage management systems, air-ground communications and airport management systems.

-PTI

Andhra aims Rs 12k cr investment in IT sector HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh government aims to attract investment of Rs 12,000 crore in the Information Technology sector and that of Rs 30,000 crore in the electronics sector by 2020, which is expected to generate five lakh jobs.

The government also aims to create "at least one IT literate per family" besides an IT entrep r e n e u r, according to the IT and Communications Minister Palle Raghunatha Reddy.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu released "a blueprint" for IT, electronics and e-governance here.

Explaining its salient features to reporters later, the IT minister said three missions, one each on IT and electronics, e-governance and innovative capacity building, would be created with a budget of Rs 1,785 crore to achieve the objectives.

An advisory council of experts would be set up for each mission.

"Climate for IT sector is very encouraging in the state. Companies are ready to invest in the state but are awaiting the new IT policy.

The Chief Minister reviewed it here today and the new policy is expected to be discussed and approved at the next meeting of the Cabinet," Reddy said.

While Visakhapatnam would be the main hub for IT development, Kakinada, Vijayawada, Tirupati and Anantapuram would also see growth in the sector.

An IT incubation centre would be opened in Visakhapatnam by October, the minister said.

Wipro has already readied it's expansion plans in Visakhapatnam to create additional employment for 7,000 youths. -PTI

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Over Rs 3,350-cr worth NPAs Reliance to acquire all with Union Bank of India hydro projects of Jaypee NEW DELHI: Union Bank of India has Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) worth about Rs 3,350 crore from 20 defaulters.

Replying to a Right to Information (RTI) query, the bank, however, declined to share the names of the defaulters citing "commercial confidence".

"List of the borrowers cannot be provided as they are of com-

or intellectual property, the disclosure of which would harm the competitive position of a third party.

Exercising his Right to Information, Venkatesh Nayak had sought details of the top 20 borrowers responsible for NPA from five banks, including Union Bank of India.

The other four, State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of India, Central Bank of India and Indian Overseas

mercial confidence and exempted from disclosure under Section 8(1) (d) of the RTI Act. "We inform you, however, that the amount involved in the top 20 NPA accounts as of December 31, 2013, is Rs 3,350.17 crore," the bank said.

The Section bars making public of information related to commercial confidence, trade secrets

Bank (IOB) declined to share information on the amount of NPAs and list of borrowers.

"The information cannot (be) provided as it is related to third party personal information and held by the bank in fiduciary relationship and exempted from disclosure," SBI said in its response to the RTI application.

BoI, too, cited the "third par-

ties" clause to deny information on defaulters.

Central Bank of India said the information cannot be provided as it comes under "commercial confidence and personal information of the borrowers, which is exempted".

IOB said the information and details of the top 20 NPA borrower accounts with various details as to the property secured for the loans or credit limits sanctioned and value of such properties "formed the commercial confidence and is held in fiduciary relationship".

"The disclosure of information amounts to invasion of the privacy of the constituents and exempted," IOB said.

Nayak had earlier this year filed another set of RTI applications with Bank of Baroda, UCO Bank, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank and State Bank of Mysore seeking the names of defaulters and details of NPAs. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Anil Ambani Group firm Reliance Power has said it has signed an initial agreement to acquire all the three hydroelectric power plants of Jaiprakash Associates Ltd. "Reliance CleanGen Ltd (RCL), a 100 per cent subsidiary of Reliance Power Ltd, and Jaiprakash Power Ventures Ltd (JPVL), a subsidiary of Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL), has announced the signing of an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), for the 100 per cent acquisition by RCL of the entire hydroelectric power portfolio of JPVL," the company said in a statement here.

JPVL's hydroelectric power portfolio has an aggregate capacity of nearly 1,800 MW, fully in operation, the largest in the private sector in India, and with an asset base of over Rs 10,000 crore.

The portfolio comprises of the three plants, with an asset life of over 50 years, each using run-ofthe-river technology to convert

natural water flow to electricity, eliminating the need for a large reservoir.

JAL intends to utilize the entire proceeds of the proposed transaction to reduce its outstanding debt, and thereby deleverage its consolidated balance sheet, Reliance Power said.

"The completion of the proposed transaction would make Reliance Power the largest provider of hydroelectric power in the private sector in India," it added.

Currently, Reliance Power has hydroelectric power projects aggregating over 5,000 MW under development, of which 4,200 MW are located in Arunachal Pradesh, 700 MW in Himachal Pradesh and 400 MW in Uttarakhand.-PTI

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New cap controls smartphone via voice

MELBOURNE: A baseball cap that connects with the wearer's smartphone via Bluetooth and allows them to control their device via voice commands has been designed.

Sydney-based entrepreneur Will Miller has started a crowd funding campaign for the baseball cap that allows voice control of a paired device. Snaptrax looks like your regular baseball cap, but features a

Bluetooth module, microphone and speakers built into the corners of the cap just above the peak.

The wearer can make and receive calls, respond to texts and emails and control music, with a button panel on the side to operate volume and pairing, 'Gizmag' reported.

The development of Snaptrax is in its early stages and Miller and his team are working through the

technical details regarding the battery and charging capabilities.

"Obviously we don't want the whole lining to be filled with batteries. It has to be comfortable. We are aiming for around a 90 minute charge time and a couple of days use at a time," Miller said.

The cap is available in four varying combinations of red and black and the makers will begin shipping in January 2015. -PTI

Royal Jordanian to shut down Delhi, Mumbai flights DUBAI: Royal Jordanian Airlines has decided to stop all its services to western Indian city Mumbai and national capital Delhi due to reduced demand on travel to these cities, aggressive growth of regional competition and increased operating costs.

RJ will stop operating to Mumbai on September 10 and to Delhi on October 31, this year. The airline is also shutting down its Lagos route with effect from October 10. With the closure of the three destinations, the RJ routes

will count 51.

RJ Chairman of the Board/President and CEO Nasser Lozi said that the decision is part of a synchronized plan to turn around the airline covering operations and financial structure.

The move comes at a time whilst RJ is facing difficulties due to the instability in the region and high fuel prices. Lozi attributed halting these flights to the reduced demand on travel from/to these cities due to the aggressive growth of regional competition and in-

New app lets you turn your selfies into emojis WA S H I N G TON: A new smartphone app allows you to turn your selfies or other images into textable emojis you can send to your friends.

The app, called Imoji, allows users to choose a pic from the web or phone, or take one.

They can eliminate the background with a Photoshop eraser-like tool and save the photo.

The photo can then be dragged

into the middle of the screen and users can send their personalized emojis to friends, 'Gizmodo' reported.

"Imoji makes your texts more you," according to the app's website.

Users can also choose to make a sticker private, or allow to make it public for others to use in their own conversations.

Users can also search through a preexisting selection of stickers. -PTI

creased operating costs.

He added that shutting down the three destinations raises the number of destinations that RJ has stopped this year to eight. He said that RJ suspended its flights to Alexandria, Colombo, Milan and Accra last April and May. He also said that RJ continually studies the opportunities for new routes. There are a number of regional markets that RJ is watching closely.-PTI

EU antitrust body clears Apple's Beats deal BRUSSELS: The European Union's antitrust authority has cleared Apple's USD 3 billion deal to buy Beats Electronics, which makes headphones and offers music streaming services.

The 28-nation bloc's executive Commission said the transaction does not threaten competition because the firms' combined European market share in both fields will be low while facing strong competitors.

The takeover of Beats Electronics and Beats Music announced in May for USD 2.6 billion in cash and USD 400 million in stock is the most expensive acquisition in Apple's 38-year history.

The move to buy Beats, founded by rapper Dre and Jimmy Iovine, was widely seen as a bid to counter the increasing threat posed by music streaming services like Pandora and Spotify to Apple Inc.'s iTunes store. -AP

China launches probe against Microsoft BEIJING: China has placed US technology giant Microsoft under investigation while officials conducted raids on its offices in four cities.

The State Administration for Industry and Commerce sent its investigators to the company's offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu for an official investigation, Hong Kongbased South China Morning Post reported.

It is unclear why the company is being looked into, it said.

Microsoft China spokeswoman Joan Li confirmed that the company was being investigated and said it would "actively cooperate" with the government.

She did not specify what the investigation was about, the Post report said.

In late May, China announced it would ban government use of Windows 8, Microsoft's latest operating system mostly due to suspicions about cloud technology which stores key information elsewhere.

The ban was sought to ensure computer security after Microsoft ended support for its Windows XP operating system, which was

widely used on the mainland.

The state-run broadcaster CCTV also aired a strongly critical program in which experts suggested Windows 8 was being used to grab information on Chinese citizens.

Experts said the operating system posed a "big challenge" to China's cyber security efforts.

They also suggested that Windows 8 was one of the methods that the United States' National Security Agency was using to spirit data out of China, the report said.

Chinese officials have previously stressed that Microsoft should lower the price of Windows.

They have also told local news media that the nation should develop its own operating system to reduce its reliance on foreign companies.

But the Chinese government continued to be a major Microsoft customer. -PTI

Cellphone unlocking set to become legal again NEW YORK: Congress has passed a bill that makes it legal to ``unlock'' cellphones so the devices can - at least in some instances - be used on other carriers.

The law, which President Obama said he looks forward to signing, undoes a move by the Librarian of Congress in 2012. That made it a copyright violation to unlock a phone without the carrier's permission.

The law passed by the House of Representatives makes it legal to unlock phones for personal use, at least until the Librarian's next round of rulemaking, next year.

The measure was passed earlier by the Senate.

Unlocking typically involves entering codes on the phone. In

more difficult cases, the phone needs to be hooked up to a computer to have new software installed.

Carriers have, in some instances, sued people who made a business out of unlocking phones and reselling them, but individuals unlocking for personal use have never been pursued.

Carriers have become more lenient in their unlocking policies in recent years. Verizon, for instance, ships most of its phones unlocked.

However, technical differences mean that it's often difficult to move a phone from one network to another, and if you can make the move, phone functions are impaired. The easiest move is between AT&T and T-Mobile US. AP

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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Samjhawan: Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania 2 Saturday Saturday: Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania 3 Aaj Phir: Hate Story 2 4 Jumme Ki Raat: Kick 30 India Post

www.indiapost.com

O

ne of Bollywood's most eligible bachelors, Salman Khan has admitted having a lady love in his life - his 'Kick' co-star Jacqueline Fernandez. Recently, the superstar jokingly gave her his surname Khan, and made her blush when he revealed his admiration for her.

While this is the first movie that two are doing together, they seem to have hit it off really well.

They made a joint appearance to promote their film Kick on Zee TV's India's Best Cinestars Ki Khoj.

Making an entry on the show, Salman introduced Jacqueline as 'JFK' on the sets, said a source.

When the show's hosts - Vishal Malhotra and Hussain Kuwajerwala -

quizzed him about Jacqueline being called 'JFK', Salman decided to keep mum while Jacqueline blushed.

Putting their thinking caps on, the two thought that Salman was probably making a reference to John F. Kennedy. When they tried reasoning this with Salman, he was quick enough to tell them that it stood for Jacqueline Fernandez 'Khan'!

While Jacqueline couldn't help blushing at this comment, Salman just laughed off any further questions.

Putting their thinking caps on, the two thought that Salman was probably making a reference to John F. Kennedy. When they tried reasoning this with Salman, he was quick enough to tell them that it stood for Jacqueline Fernandez 'Khan'!

August 1, 2014

5 Johnny Johnny: Entertainment 6 Hangover: Kick 7 Galliyan: Ek Villain 8

Veerey Di Wedding: Entertainment

9 Banjaara: Ek Villain 10 August 1, 2014: Kick

A

ctress-singer Priyanka Chopra has sung a lullaby in her forthcoming film 'Mary Kom', a biopic on the five-time World Champion boxer.

"I have sung a lori (lullaby) in the film, which comes in the important part of the film. It's a very intimate conversation between the mother and child and yes, it was fun. It has a good tune," said Priyanka. She was speaking at the trailer launch of Mary Kom. Director Omung Kumar got ample support from Mary Kom during the making of the movie, which will release on Sept 5.

In the last few years, Bollywood has successfully churned out films based on sportsmen like Paan Singh Tomar and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.

Many feel that sports based films have become trendy in filmdom, but Priyanka begs to differ.

She said: "This is the first film on a female athlete and it is very disrespectful to say it's a trend."

"I have sung a lori (lullaby) in the film, which comes in the important part of the film. It's a very intimate conversation between the mother and child and yes, it was fun. It has a good tune,"

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E

x-lovers Ranbir Kapoor and D e e p i k a Padukone are shooting for Imtiaz Ali's 'Tamasha' in the French coast of Corsica.

Though separated, the couple remain attached professionally. The Kapoor lad said, "I am very blessed that I can work with an actor like Deepika, because she adds so much to a film with her beauty, mind, talent and sheer presence. I am grateful that I'm getting an opportunity to work with her."

About teaming up with Deepika again, he told Hindustan Times, "We are mature individuals besides being great friends. We have

gotten over the past. A lot has been said and written about it (their relationship) for the last seven years.

(I keep getting asked) 'Is it odd to work with Deepika' or 'is it good to team up with her?' Kapoor added.

"But we have already done a film together, which was successful and people really appreciated our chemistry. This was despite the fact that we were working together after our break-up."

R

ecently at an interview Alia Bhatt was asked whether she is still too young to work with the likes of Shahrukh, Salman and Aamir. Alia replied, "I am right now definitely (young) because I look small not age wise, age is just a number, but my face. I am just maturing right now from Student Of The Year till now you can see a difference... So, when I become a little more matured looking, then it can work. But having said that I have done a film with Randeep Hooda, in which I looked too young without make-up, which didn't look bad at all. So if there is a scope or a character and a role like that then it will work."

She was also asked whether she is under pressure to deliver after having such a good start in Bollywood.

To that Alia replied, "Yes, I am constantly under pressure because goodness becomes a burden on your shoulders so do the flops.

A

mid lot of speculation around the title of the Rajkumar Hirani's P.K., the actual plot of the film seems to be out in the open.

Aamir Khan starrer P.K. has been creating a lot of confusion over the title change. The film's title Peekay was changed to only two initials P.K. which seems to be the initials of a person's name.

The reason behind the name change seems to be simple. The makers did not want to give away the plot of the film as the first title suggested the film is about a drunkard which is supposed to be played by Aamir.

According to the rumors, Raju wanted to keep the mystery around the film so he decided to camouflage it by changing the name of the film.

After the success of the film 3 Idiots, Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani have collaborated for the second time for the film set to release on December 19 this year.

According to the rumors, Raju wanted to keep the mystery around the film so he decided to camouflage it by changing the name of the film

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Husson University wins nurse practitioner grant BANGOR, Maine: Husson University has won a $684,000 grant to support education of nurse practitioners.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration is awarding the grant to the School of Nursing at the Bangor campus.

The funding will help support the education of more than 40 fulltime graduate students in Husson's Family and Community Nurse Practitioner program over the next two years.

Mary Jude, coordinator of Husson's graduate nursing programs, says the money will increase the number of primary care providers needed to meet the growing demand for medical care. -AP

No move to create Indian Medical Service NEW DELHI: The government has not taken any step to create an Indian Medical Service, close on the lines of IAS and IPS, for super specialist doctors, the Rajya Sabha was informed.

"As intimated by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the government has not initiated any proposal for creation of an Indian Medical Service and as such no specific steps have been taken in this regard," Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh said in a written reply.

However, representations from various quarters have been received on the subject, he said. -PTI

Telangana to get AIIMS-like hospital HYDERABAD: The Centre has agreed to set up an AIIMS-like super specialty hospital-cumteaching institute in Telangana.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has written a letter to state Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao in this regard, a release from the Chief Minister's Office said here.

Harsh Vardhan has asked the state government to propose three-four locations where about 200 acres of land is available in each site.

"A central team would select one of the sites proposed by the state," the release said, adding that chief minister has asked the officials to locate the sites and send proposals accordingly. -PTI

Health Science

SC hospital to expand water filtration system Details on Page 36

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US appeals court deals blow to Obama's health care law WASHINGTON: A US federal appeals court has delivered a stinging and potentially crippling blow to President Barack Obama's health care law, ruling that insurance subsidies may not be available to millions of users.

In a judgment it said has "major consequences," the DC Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the Obama administration cannot subsidize Americans who purchased their coverage through a government website, and that tax credits established under the 2010 law can only be issued to residents of states that set up their own socalled exchanges for buying insurance.

The law unambiguously "limits the availability of premium tax credits to state-established exchanges," two of the panel's judges wrote in a 72-page ruling.

The decision could severely hamper the law's mandate of bringing affordable health care to millions of Americans.

The decision impacts 27 states where predominantly Republican governors or state houses are op-

posed to so-called Obamacare, and another nine states that have partially opted out.

The ruling stated that the law "plainly distinguishes exchanges

to can set up exchanges, our ruling will likely have significant consequences, both for the millions of individuals receiving tax credits through federal exchanges

President Barack Obama

established by states from those established by the federal government," the judges wrote.

"At least until states that wish

and for health insurance markets more broadly."

The Obama administration immediately called for a review of

the decision.

The case may eventually be decided by the US Supreme Court, which has already ruled in favor of the constitutionality of another part of the law in 2012.

"We believe that this decision is incorrect, inconsistent with congressional intent, different from previous rulings, and at odds with the goal of the law: to make health care affordable no matter where people live," Department of Justice spokeswoman Emily Pierce said.

She stressed that for now, the tax subsidies - which can dramatically reduce insurance costs for low income families or individuals - remain intact and available across the country.

But House Speaker John Boehner, the top Republican in Congress, hailed the verdict as a victory over White House executive overreach.

"For the second time in a month, the courts have ruled against the President's unilateral actions regarding Obamacare." AFP

India has second highest Hepatitis B infected NEW DELHI: India has over 40 million Hepatitis B infected patients, second only to China, and most people with chronic Hepatitis B or C are unaware of their infection, putting them at serious risk of developing cirrhosis or liver cancer which are life threatening.

As India observes World Hepatitis Day, the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) based in New Delhi painted a grim picture on prevalence of various forms of Hepatitis infection in the country and efforts to check it, saying the country's collective efforts in this field are "limited and painfully lagging behind".

Every year, nearly 600,000 patients die from HBV infection in the region but the government does not yet have national

policies relating to screening and referral for Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, it said.

Hepatitis B is a serious global

ILBS said.

"India has over 40 million hepatitis B (HBV) infected patients (second only to China) and

health problem, responsible for 1.4 million deaths every year compared to 1.5 million deaths from HIV/AIDS and 1.2 million from each of malaria and TB, the

constitutes about 15 per cent of the entire pool of hepatitis B in the world.

"Tribal areas in India have high prevalence of hepatitis B.

Every year, nearly 600,000 patients die from HBV infection in the Indian continent," the ILBL statement said.

"There has been lot of talk about Hepatitis and its adverse effect and its now time for action. Our aim is to rid India of all forms of Hepatitis infections by 2080," ILBS Director Shiv Sarin said.

"Most people with chronic hepatitis B or C are unaware of their infection and are at serious risk of developing cirrhosis or liver cancer," the statement said.

The study said that Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is responsible for 10-30 per cent of acute hepatitis and 5-15 per cent of acute liver failure cases in India and there is a vaccine available for HAV. -PTI

Health Science Post

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Bachchan ready to join polio campaign in Pak NEW DELHI: Having helped India eradicate polio, actor and UNICEF's Goodwill Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan has said he was open to a similar eradication campaign for the well-being of Pakistani children too if a proposition for it came his way from the

from there (Pakistan) and if a program can be made, then (I) will join it," he told reporters.

The 'Yudh' star, who has been the face of campaign against polio in the country for over a decade now, was in the national capital to participate in a func-

Amitabh Bachchan promotes new Polio campaign

neighboring country.

Bachchan said this during a press conference in response to a question regarding polio cases being reported in Pakistan.

"If a communication comes

tion to mark India's triumph over the disease, after the World Health Organization declared the country polio-free in March.

Speaking at the function earlier, Union Health Minister Harsh

Vardhan said, though India has banished polio after a massive campaign for two decades, there was no room for complacency as several other countries including Pakistan were reporting such cases.

"Out of 123 confirmed cases of polio worldwide (this year so far), 94 of them have occurred in Pakistan. And, cases are being reported in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and Israel too. We cannot sit complacent about being polio-free," Vardhan said.

UNICEF Representative to India Louis-Georges Arsenault said that the fight has to be taken forward as "India was polio-free and now the rest of world must eradicate the disease too."

Bachchan said, during the function, that he has "dedicated himself" to the campaign.

"Our country is polio free.

And, now we have to take this work forward. Our neighboring country (Pakistan) is reporting polio cases and other countries too... And, I am always ready to volunteer for a good cause," Bachchan said. -PTI

Govt alerted on influence of big food cos NEW DELHI: Concerned over the dangers posed by "unhealthy dietary patterns influenced by intense marketing by big food corporations", several public interest groups have sought strong laws to prevent conflict of interest in policy-making in this area.

"Over the years, we have contested attempts by the private sector to infiltrate public feeding programs like the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) by advocating ready-to-eat packaged food as a substitute for freshly-cooked meals and local foods," said Dr Arun Gupta, pediatrician and regional coordinator of the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), Asia.

"It is well known that India is also facing increasing prevalence of obesity and non-communicable diseases which are caused mainly by unhealthy dietary patterns influenced by intense marketing by big food corpora-

tions," Gupta added in a statement.

Amit Srivastava, Coordinator of India Resource Center, said they appreciate a recent World Health Assembly statement that India made on the issue of conflict of interest in which it cautioned about indirect funding from industry harming human health.

spaces.

"While, on the one hand, we see such indirect engagement with the private sector, on the other, the government is not adopting a strong regulatory approach on marketing of unhealthy foods.

"When it comes to the issue of dealing with big food corpora-

"When it comes to the issue of dealing with big food corporations, the government speaks in the language of 'engagement' rather than 'regulation'. That once again opens doors for these companies to expand their markets through government action or inaction."

Amit Sengupta of People's Health Movement (Jan Swasthya Abhiyan), said, "It is ironical that there are instances where the government is creating conditions for organizations with conflict of interest to occupy policy

tions, the government speaks in the language of 'engagement' rather than 'regulation'. That once again opens doors for these companies to expand their markets through government action or inaction." -PTI

Woman loses baby on being given abortion med JAMMU: A doctor and a paramedic have been arrested after an eight-month pregnant woman was allegedly wrongly administered medicine for abortion at a prominent private hospital here, leading to the death of her unborn child.

"We have immediately registered a case and arrested the doctor, whose negligent act has

"It is the worst case of negligence. I feel strongly that such hospitals should be closed. If this has happened to me today, tomorrow it can happen to any body else," her husband said. caused this," SP, South Jammu, Rahul Malik said.

He said a Female Multi Purpose Health Worker (FMPHW) was also arrested in the case.

The woman, a resident of Dongi Brahmana in Rajouri district, had come to the hospital for a routine medical examina-

tion, her husband said.

He claimed that the gynecologist apart from prescribing normal medicines to his wife, also advised that she be administered IV fluids as she was very weak.

"Doctors and para-medical staff instead of administering glucose, gave her abortion medicine, which was actually meant for another patient," he alleged.

"They killed my baby due to negligence," said the woman.

"It is the worst case of negligence. I feel strongly that such hospitals should be closed. If this has happened to me today, tomorrow it can happen to any body else," her husband said.

However, the hospital administration said that they have launched an inquiry.

"We have initiated an inquiry into the incident. As soon as we come to facts, we will act," a member of hospital administration said.

A case under Sections 304-A and 313 of RPC has been registered against the two arrested and an investigation is on, police said.

Meanwhile, the family members and relatives of the woman held a protest outside the hospital. -PTI

Birthday drinking can be bad for your health TORONTO: It may be unwise to party hard on your birthday, especially if you're younger than 30 years old, according to a new study.

New research found that birthday-related drinking is associated with upsurges in hospital admissions among young people.

Researchers, led by University of Northern British Columbia Associate Professor of Psychiatry Dr Russ Callaghan, analyzed records from all hospital admissions in Ontario over a fiveyear period (2002-07) involving people aged 12 to 30 years.

They discovered that during the week in which Ontarians turned 19 -the legal drinking age they produced an increase in hospital admissions of 114 per cent for men and 164 per cent for women.

In other words, young Ontarians had more than double the alcohol-related hospital admissions in the week of their 19th birthday as they did the rest of the year.

Callaghan said this type of re-

search can help policy makers develop event-specific strategies to reduce hazardous drinking.

"This study shows a clear need for efforts to prevent alcohol misuse at one's own birthday celebrations - not just when turning 19 but both before and after that milestone year," he said. -PTI

August 1, 2014

Health Science Post

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Oklahoma officials prepare for flu season OKLAHOMA CITY: Following a flu season in which a record number of Oklahomans died as a result of the virus, state and county health officials say educating the public and general common sense are vital to reducing both the death rate and the number of infections.

Becky Coffman, an epidemiologist in the acute disease service division of the Oklahoma State Department of Health, said getting a flu shot is key to at least reducing the severity of the virus. ``The most important message is to get the flu vaccine, stay home when you're sick,

Kansas City area clinic to offer HIV drug KANSAS CITY, Kan.: A Kansas City, Kansas, clinic is offering a medication used to prevent infection in people at high risk of getting the AIDS virus.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration two years ago approved the HIV drug, Truvada, for HIV prevention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines in May recommending that doctors offer Truvada to people at substantial risk of HIV infection, such as those in a sexual relationship with someone who is HIV-positive, The Kansas City Star re-

ported.

Sharon Lee, CEO of Family Health Care, a health care center in Kansas City, Kansas, is holding a weekly clinic at the health center for people who want to take the drug.

The clinic is among the first of its kind in the nation, Lee said. ``We have a possibility presented to us of preventing new infections of HIV. This is one tool I think we should be using,'' she said.

Truvada, however, has been slow to catch on. ``Doctors are uncomfortable prescribing it,'' Lee said. Expense is another issue.

Truvada costs about $13,000 annually. Not all insurance plans cover it, but the drug's manufacturer offers some discounts.

Lee said unlike her health center, the new clinic won't be operated as a safety net service. Patients will be charged about $300 for their first visit, which includes an HIV test and physical exam. Follow-up visits every three months will cost about $140. ``Maybe this will galvanize other providers to offer this treatment,'' she said. -AP

Health alert for Missouri company's chicken KANSAS CITY, Mo.: The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a public health alert because a Kansas City company refused to recall uninspected chicken products.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service said it issued the public health alert after Kansas City-based VU Foods wouldn't recall breaded chicken products after it was determined they hadn't been inspected. The USDA says the products bear the establishment number ``P-45038'' inside the USDA mark of inspection or on the label. They were also labeled for use in restaurants only.

The problem was discovered in mid-July

by the state of Missouri, which notified federal authorities. The USDA says it hasn't received reports of illness from eating the products. -AP

wash your hands very carefully, cover any cough with your sleeve,'' such as by coughing into the bend of the elbow, Coffman said.

The strains of flu that are forecast for the coming season, including the H1N1 and the H3N2 viruses, are the same strains that were seen in the state last year, Coffman said.

A flu shot, which is recommended for everyone older than 6-months, can provide protection for a year or more, covering the entire flu season -- considered to be late September through early May, Coffman said Tiffany Elmore, the administrator of clinical services with the Oklahoma City/ County Health Department, said the agency is currently working to determine how many doses of the vaccine to order. ``We like to look at the number of people coming in (in previous years) to determine how many doses to order,'' Elmore said.

She said the number of flu shots provided during the 2013-14 flu season was not yet available.

In Tulsa County, which had the great-

est number of flu-related deaths with 11 during the 2013-14 season, spokeswoman Kaitlin Snider with the Tulsa City/County Health Department said preparations for the coming flu season are just starting. ``We're making plans to get our orders in, and that will probably happen in midAugust,'' Snider said. ``We don't expect much change in the vaccines that will be offered this year from what was offered last year.''

Snider said flu vaccinations will probably be offered beginning in early October.

A total of 63 deaths were reported due to influenza during the 2013-14 flu season, nearly doubling the number recorded the previous flu season and breaking the record of 46 deaths recorded in 2009 - the year the state began tracking the statistic.

The reason for the increase was unclear. ``The flu season every year is very unpredictable and you never know who is going to experience flu complications,'' said Snider.

Coffman noted that the Health Department only in recent years began collecting data on the number of deaths attributed to influenza. ``It might be due to reporting, reporting might have been better last year,'' she said. ``Every year the flu is a little different and people's sensitivity to it is a little bit different every year.'' -AP

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August 1, 2014

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SC hospital to expand 29.59 crore for new medical water filtration system college in Delhi GREENVILLE, S.C.: Greenville Health System says it will expand a new water filtration system to all of its campuses to prevent the type of outbreak that infected 15 patients and may have led to four deaths.

The Greenville News reports that medical quality director Dr. Robert Mobley Jr.

Officials said last month that 14 people tested positive for atypical Mycobacterium abscessus. Most of them had cardiac surgery, while two had abdominal surgery and one a neurological operation said installation of the new filtration system is an extraordinary measure, but one the system has taken on to protect patients. ``The measures we've taken will make us an even better, safer place,'' Mobley said.

Officials said last month that 14 people tested positive for atypical Mycobacterium abscessus. Most of them had cardiac surgery, while two had abdominal surgery and one a neurological operation. Officials think the infection may have been spread by health workers using tap water before surgery.

Mobley said it remains a mystery as to how the patients were infected by tap water. The first patient recognized with the infection tested positive in March.

Mycobacterium abscessus is common in the environment, typically found in soil and water, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Healthy people drink it and bathe in it with no problem and officials say it's safe to use.

State health officials issued a statement earlier this week saying that consuming even high levels of Mycobacterium abscessus isn't typically a risk for infection.

But it has been known to cause infections in surgical patients, though that's rare, according to CDC, which investigates about half a dozen cases a year.-AP

NEW DELHI: Delhi government has sanctioned Rs 29.59 crore for the construction of temporary pre-fabricated structure with 100 seats in its pursuit to establish a new Medical College, attached with Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital in Rohini.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) under the Chairmanship of chief secretary S K Srivastava.

The construction will facilitate intake of 100 students apart from providing infrastructure for addition of 100 MBBS seats in a year to boost medical education in Delhi.

"By the time the permanent construction is completed at least three batches, that is 300 students (100 students per batch) would have been benefited which is a huge social gain.

"After completion of permanent building the pre-fabricated structure will be used for low-end facilities like labs and storage," a Delhi government official said.

Approval for construction of medical college under temporary structure will help the Health Department in filing formal application as per Medical Council of India (MCI) norms.

"Experience of other states have shown

that colleges are started in temporary structure and then moved to permanent structure with the passage of time.

"The proposed pre-fabricated structure is as good as permanent one with a life of approximately 20 years and can be utilized for the entire life of 20 years without dismantling as the site has been identified carefully and will not cause impediment in the construction of permanent building," the

"Experience of other states have shown that colleges are started in temporary structure and then moved to permanent structure with the passage of time.

"The proposed pre-fabricated structure is as good as permanent one with a life of 20 years " official explained.

These projects will be completed by March, 2015. -PTI

Gait & memory loss can predict Dementia HOUSTON: The pace of walking and memory loss of an individual can now predict dementia accurately, according to a recent study.

A study involving nearly 27,000 older adults from five continents found that nearly one in 10 met the criteria for pre-

dementia based on a simple test that measures how fast people walk and whether they have cognitive complaints.

People who tested positive for pre-dementia were twice as likely as others to de-

velop dementia within 12 years.

A team of researchers of Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University and Montefiore Medical Center led by Indian American Joe Verghese in a study titled "Motoric cognitive risk syndrome" said that in many clinical and community settings people don't have access to the sophisticated tests-biomarker assays, cognitive tests or neuroimaging studies-used to diagnose people at risk for developing dementia.

The assessment method by the team could enable many more people to learn if they are at risk for dementia since it avoids the need for complex testing and doesn't require that the test be administered by a neurologist, Verghese said.

He emphasized that a slow gait alone is not sufficient for a diagnosis of MCR. "Walking slowly could be due to conditions such as arthritis or an inner ear problem that affects balance, which would not increase risk for dementia. To meet the criteria for MCR requires having a slow gait and cognitive problems. An example would be answering 'yes' to the question, 'Do you think you have more memory problems than other people?". -PTI

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Realty Tidbits

Real estate, equities give max returns NEW DELHI: Investments made in the real estate and equities have given the highest returns of up to 20 per cent to investors in the last two decades, says a study.

According to a recent study by Cians Analytics on the returns from various asset classes in India during 1991-2013, real estate and equity market have given maximum returns to investors.

The study covers five types of asset classes - equities (BSE Sensex), commodities (gold), bank fixed Deposits (1-3 year maturities), government securities (10-year maturity), and real estate.

It was aimed at finding out which asset class would have provided the highest return since the liberalization process commenced in 1991.

Looking at the overall returns, the study noted that "real estate appears to have outperformed all other asset classes during the 23year period with an annualized rate of 20 per cent." -PTI

„ Delhi housing prices dipped 1.5% NEW DELHI: Delhi's apparently ever-increasing property prices finally seem to have hit a plateau. The National Housing Bank's property price index shows a marginal decline of 1.5% in residential property prices in the city in January-March 2014 compared to last year. NHB's RESIDEX, devised to track prices of properties in major Indian cities, reflected the same trend in 13 of 26 major cities.

Second-tier cities took the worst hit - the steepest fall being in Meerut, where prices dipped by 13.6%.

The index, however, shows that there is no overall slump in the country's residential property market as the 13 other cities tracked by it saw prices rising.

Real Estate 38

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August 1, 2014

Home loans to businessmen riskier MUMBAI: Housing loans to self-employed people are more "susceptible to default" than those given to the salaried class due to possible volatilities in income, India Ratings has said.

"A study of borrower characteristics suggests that loans to self-employed borrowers are 50 per cent more susceptible to default than those extended to salaried customers because of higher income volatility, which is accentuated during economic downturns," the ratings agency said in a report.-PTI

5 housing trends for summer 2014 POLYANA DA COSTA

I

f you had been preparing to buy a home this summer, you may be relieved to know that you have not missed the boat on low mortgage rates.

It may still be hard to find the home of your dreams with the limited inventory for sale. But at least when it comes to getting a mortgage, you might have more options as lenders loosen some of their standards.

Borrowers who are self-employed, or who need larger mortgages, are often told that loans are hard to get. But a new wave of creative lenders offers options for these customers.

Other buyers have small down payments, so they need FHA loans. They can get discounts for getting counseling about the responsibilities that come with homeownership.

Here are some of the housing trends you should expect to see this summer.

Mortgage rates have surprised many industry observers who expected rates to rise this year. Rates remain near the bottom and it is unlikely they will spike this summer.

"Rates are falling as a direct relationship to the fact that the economy is not healing as fast as everybody thought it would," says Anthony Hsieh, CEO of loan Depot.

The Mortgage Bankers Association's latest forecast says the 30-year fixed rate could average 4.9 percent by the third quarter and reach 5 percent by the end of 2014.

But there's a good chance rates will remain stable through the sum-

mer, says Peter Grabel, senior mortgage loan originator for Luxury Mortgage Corp. in Stamford, Connecticut.

"I don't feel there's any reason for rates to change a lot," he says.

Still, if you like the rate you have today, don't waste time. "They are not that much off all-time lows.

There's only room for them to go in one direction and that's up."

lower credit scores on FHA loans.

Many lenders required borrowers to have a credit score of at least 640 for an FHA loan.

When new mortgage regulations were implemented this year, many lenders said they would not lend outside the guidelines provided by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's qualified mortgage rule, or QM.

Getting a mortgage these days is obviously not as easy as it was during the housing boom, when pretty much anyone could get a loan.

But after years of tightening, it seems like the standards are loosening up a bit.

"We are seeing underwriters have a little more flexibility with some common-sense issues," Grabel says. "That's not a suggestion we are going back to the old days."

Standards have loosened mostly for larger loans, or jumbo loans, because they are not the types of loans that get sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The institutions have their own guidelines and lenders must follow them if they want to sell the loans after they issue them.

They said it would be challenging for many borrowers to be able to get approved for a home loan once the rules went into effect.

Loans that meet QM's requirement offer lenders a certain level of protection against borrowers' lawsuits. But now that lenders are slowly becoming more comfortable with the rules, some are once again offering creative loans that don't meet QM requirements.

Still gotta be able to fog a mirror Mel Watt, the new head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, recently said his office will change some of the guidelines to allow lending to borrowers with slightly lower credit scores. The FHFA oversees Fannie and Freddie.

"Mel Watt reversed course for the first time in many years to say we have to loosen the current lending standards," Hsieh says.

Some lenders also are allowing

Lenders seize opportunity "There are some places offering non-QM loans," says John

a loan because of new regulations and the lender explains the details.

But it is helpful for certain borrowers, including some who are selfemployed and those seeking larger loans, to have access to lenders that go outside the QM lending box.

Homebuyers with small down payments have long relied on FHA loans, or loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration. But the cost of mortgage insurance on FHA loans increased significantly in recent years and it's an obstacle to many borrowers.

The government is trying to ease some of that burden for borrowers who are willing to go through housing counseling before they purchase a home.

The FHA recently announced a program called HAWK. The program reduces the upfront fee the FHA charges borrowers to 1.25 percent of the loan amount, from 1.75 percent. That is if the borrower agrees to get counseling. It also reduces the annual mortgage insurance premium to 1.25 percent from 1.35 percent.

Saves enough money to notice "It's a pretty decent discount that you would get," Walsh says.

"If you get a $200,000 loan, you are going to save $1,000 upfront and 10 basis points yearly." On that same loan, that would translate into about $17 per month in savings.

"For people that are aware of it, it would be crazy not to take ad-

"It's a pretty decent discount that you would get," Walsh says. "If you get a $200,000 loan, you are going to save $1,000 upfront and 10 basis points yearly." On that same loan, that would translate into about $17 per month in savings.

Walsh, president of Total Mortgage Services in Milford, Connecticut. "I think you will see more investors enter that space because there is an opportunity there."

Borrowers usually don't know whether or not they are getting a loan that meets QM requirements unless they are told they can't get

vantage of this program," Walsh adds.

"Plus, the counseling service should help people understand what it really means to buy a house."

The FHA has not yet announced when the program goes into effect.

Cont’d on page 39

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August 1, 2014

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Key suggestions coming up for smart cities SINGAPORE: The Indian real estate players are helping with their suggestions in framing policies for 100 smart cities in the country proposed by the new government.

"Smart cities are on table...it will take some more time to formation.

But still it poured a lot of positive sentiments in the real estate sector. At this time, we are trying to contribute in framing the policy by sending suggestions to the Prime Minister's Office," Abhay Kele, chairman & managing director, Prithvi Edifice, Pune, told PTI. Architects and designers have stressed on the importance of in-

novation in building world-class cities and facilities in the country.

"The real estate market has traditionally been an un-organized and fragmented one. But, we have witnessed the influx of international technologies and materials in the building industries in cities like Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai," said Srinivas Ammanabrolu, vice president, Living Walls, Bangalore.

Ammanabrolu cited the use of modular form work, Austrian technology for bricks, gypsum plaster that are being used commonly these days than five years ago.

Building designs and architec-

tural finishes in the Indian real estate projects have been improving in recent years, said the executives.

They noted a significant change in the usually lackluster but profitoriented real estate sector, pointing out that developers are hiring international designer architects and planning new things.

While the industry is waiting for more details on the plan for smart cities, the executives have stressed on the importance of technology in the development of facilities.

"It is important to use technology and adapt to difficult situations," said Vikas Arora, director of marketing and sales, Runwal Group.

He cited the challenges in redevelopment in crowded south Mumbai and called for innovative ways for project implementations.

However, most of the developers are still set on older practices while architects continue to press for a big change in project implementations, given the massive housing development and urban re-development required in the country. -PTI

Office space absorption up 11% in Delhi-NCR NEW DELHI: Office space absorption rose 11 per cent to 1.38 million sq ft in Delhi-NCR during the April-June quarter, over the year-ago period, on higher demand from IT/ITeS sector, global property consultant DTZ said.

However, the absorption fell by 18 per cent when compared with the previous quarter.

"Office space in Delhi NCR witnessed total take-up of 1.38 million sq ft in Q2, representing a decrease of 18 per cent q-o-q (quarter-on-quarter) but an increase of 11 per cent y-o-y (year-on-year)," DTZ said in its report 'Property Times Delhi NCR Q2 2014'.

DTZ describes take-up as floor space acquired for occupation that includes offices let to an eventual occupier and developments pre-let or sold.

IT/ITES sector was the primary demand driver, accounting for the large majority (81 per cent) of total take-up in Q2, compared to 36 per cent in Q1.

"Delhi-NCR witnessed an increase in demand for space by

ITES companies in specialized domains like telecom, aviation and BFSI," DTZ said, adding that the demand is likely to grow in the second half with corporates expected to increase hiring activities given the expectation of an economic revival.

Transactions of more than a lakh sq ft accounted for 60 per cent of total absorptions in Q2 against 26 per cent in Q1.

"Multinationals based out of Europe accounted for 60 per cent of demand over the quarter, which was 16 per cent in the previous quarter. Multinationals based out of US and India contributed 10 per cent and 11 per cent respectively," DTZ said.

Gurgaon witnessed a 5 per cent q-o-q increase in demand for space, primarily from the IT/ITES

domain. Noida and Delhi saw a qo-q decline. "There was, however, an increase in enquiries for leasing space which are expected to close in the coming quarter."

Rentals remained stable in all the micro-markets in Q2 due to new

supply.

DTZ noted that rentals are not expected to see significant growth due to the currently high vacancy levels and robust development pipeline despite expected growth in demand during the second half of this year. -PTI

Sebi to issue final norms for REIT CHENNAI: Capital markets regulator Sebi will issue final guidelines on newly proposed Real Estate Investment Trusts and Infrastructure Investment Trusts, as also revised norms for ESOPs by listed companies in coming weeks, Chairman U K Sinha said.

Sebi has already announced draft regulations for REITs and InVITs, for which the government also proposed tax benefits during the union budget earlier this month. Besides, Sebi board recently approved certain changes in ESOP norms.

"You might have seen that in the current budget an announcement has been made about Real Estate Investment Trust.

I am hopeful that sometime next month, SEBI will be coming out with (final) guidelines. My feeling is that these guidelines are going to help the growth of real estate industry", Sinha said in his address at the 178th AGM of Madras Chamber of Commerce here.

Sinha also said there is scope for aligning Sebi's corporate governance guidelines with that of the new companies law.

The Companies Act, 2013, many of whose provisions came into force in April this year, has strict norms to ensure good corporate governance practices in the country.

"There are some areas where there is scope of aligning the

guidelines on corporate governance and the Companies Act (2013)," Sinha said, while citing the example of independent directors' tenure, among others.

Apart from the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Sinha said Sebi would also issue guidelines for the Infrastructure Invest-

U. K. Sinha

ment Trusts (InVITs).

"We are also going to come out with guidelines for infrastructure investment trusts. My feeling is that sometime next month, SEBI is going to announce that", he said.

Sebi in 2012 had barred employee welfare schemes and trusts of listed entities from purchasing their own shares from the secondary market.

To a query on the guidelines for ESOP (Employee Stock Option), he said, "But, we are going to release that ban to an extent that they can buy if they want to give ESOPs to their employees". -PTI

5 housing trends for summer 2014 Cont’d from page 38

period last year.

The spring home buying season wasn't as good as people in the industry had expected. Maybe more buyers will come out this summer and more houses will be on the market for sale.

But for now, home prices seem to be taking a break. That's good news for those planning to buy a home this summer.

Home prices are still growing strongly compared with last year but at a slower pace, according to the latest report by the National Association of Realtors.

The median price for previously owned homes was $191,600, up 8.6 percent in the first quarter of this year, compared with the same

Why price rises might slow Part of the reason home prices have increased so rapidly in some places is a shortage of homes available for sale, experts say.

"In the New York City area, rents are so high and there's still tremendous demand for buying," Grabel says. "But people are getting stretched already. I don't think that can continue much longer."

Investors and institutional investors also have contributed to higher home prices as first-time homebuyers get squeezed out of the market, Hsieh says.

"We are in an unsustainable recovery," he says.

- Courtesy Bankrate.com

40 India Post

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S

ituated in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the picturesque Kanha National Park was the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling's unforgettable classic Jungle Book.

The romance of the Kanha National Park has not diminished over time - it is still as beautiful.

If one were to point to the middle of India, chances are he will pick out the forests of the Banjar and the Halon valley, the two forming the western and eastern halves of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, which have long been famous for their wide diversity of wildlife.

The park was created in 1955 by a special law and, since then, it has dedicated itself in preserving a variety of animal species. Many endangered species have indeed been saved here. Today Kanha is among the few most scenic and beautiful wildlife reserves in Asia. This 'Tiger Country' is the ideal home for both predator and prey.

By far the most striking features of this region are the open grassy meadows, where sighting blackbuck, swamp deer, sambhar and chital is common. And, if one can transcend into time, a barefooted Mowgli would perhaps come padding along the dusty trail, for this is the land of Kipling's Jungle Book.

Cont’d on page 42

August 1, 2014

August 1, 2014

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Goa to host Force Incredible India walking tours Gurkha RFC India 2014 on smartphones

PANAJI: Goa's Tourism department has joined hands with the first edition of the Force Gurkha Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India 2014, as its tourism partner.

The upcoming motorsport extravaganza, which will held in Goa from August 8-14, is an offshoot of Malaysia's Rainforest Challenge (RFC), with India becoming the

eighth country to join the international chapters of the RFC. "We are very excited to have the first edition of Force Gurkha RFC India in Goa. It has a synergy with our aim of promoting Goa as a destination for adventure tourists. I wish the organizers the very best for the upcoming motorsport challenge," Director, Goa Tourism department, Nikhil Desai said in a statement here.

According to the release, over 40 teams, both domestic and inter-

national, are expected to participate in the launch edition of the domestic edition of the sports for India's off-road four-wheeler enthusiasts.

Goa, in the past has hosted numerous international events, including the Goa Fest and India Bike Week, state's tourism department now plans to encourage adven-

ture lovers to visit the state during the monsoons, it said.

The event will be organized by New Delhi-based Cougar Motorsport Pvt Ltd. Founder and Director of Cougar Motorsport Pvt. Ltd Ashish Gupta said in a statement, "We are delighted to have Goa Tourism as our tourism partner. It is a matter of great pride for India and Goa in particular that an international event of this stature is going to be held here." -PTI

Saputara Monsoon Festival begins Aug 16 NAGPUR: The annual Saputara Monsoon Festival of the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) will be held at Saputara from August 16 to September 7, officials said here.

To promote the festival, TCGL has also launched some attractive tour packages to suit the time and budget of tourists, TCGL, Mumbai, Resident Manager Sanatan Pancholi, said at a press

conference here.

"The two-day package will commence from Surat and will cover sites like Eco Point, Wagha Bari, Step Garden, Artistic Village, Museum Lake, Sunset point and ropeway. The package is nominally priced at Rs 5, 000," Pancholi said.

It also includes one-day tour to Dang district's tribal spots.

He said the company is heavily investing in infrastructure of Saputara to develop the hill station into a major tourist destination.

The festival will be followed by Tarnetar fair from August 29 to 31 at the temple of Lord Shiva, he said.

The state in 2013-14 has attracted 287.88 lakh tourists, which is 13.30 per cent higher than the previous year, Pancholi said. -PTI

NEW DELHI: A mobile application that will help the tourists around the globe to explore Indian destinations at their own pace and convenience has been launched

by Tourism Ministry here.

Incredible India Walking Tours, a self-guided tour application presently covers 16 Indian cities including Delhi, Agra, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Chennai, Amritsar, Mumbai, Surat, Patna and Goa. "The Ministry of Tourism has launched the mobile application to enable its users to independently travel and experience 16 cities in the country," Tourism Secretary Parvez Dewan said.

The facility was available on Blackberry phones earlier and now

it can be viewed on Android smartphones also, he added.

The app enables users to sightsee free of cost at their own pace

and convenience, with the help of walking tours curated by travel experts.

With India becoming the world's second largest mobile market with about 900 million subscribers,

Tourism Ministry hopes the app would be in good use for tourists.

The facility in collaboration with Genesys International Corporation would be extended to 36 cities by December 2015.

Dewan said the response has been very good since it's launch on Blackberry.

"Our aim is to facilitate tourists to choose their destination, hotel, shopping place, eatery and street to be taken among others."

He said at the moment the facility is available in English but later on more international languages like French, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and Hindi would be used for the program. -PTI

42

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Travel & Hospitality Post

August 1, 2014

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KANHA NATIONAL PARK

Inspiration behind Kipling's Jungle Book Cont’d from page 40

Best time to visit: The climate of this region is tropical.

Summers are hot and humid with a maximum and minimum temperature of 40.6°C and 23.9°C. Winters are pleasant with an average maximum and minimum temperature of 23.9°C and 11.1°C, respectively. The annual average rainfall is 152 cm. The park is closed from July to mid-November during monsoons. Best time to visit is April to June and November to January TOURISTATTRACTIONS The main wildlife attractions in the park are tiger, bison, gaur, sambhar, chital, barasingha, barking deer, black deer, black buck, chousingha, nilgai, mouse deer, sloth bear, jackal fox, porcupine, hyena, jungle cat, python, pea fowl, hare, monkey, mongoose, tiger, and leopard.

The bird species in the park include storks, teals,

pintails, pond herons, egrets, peacock, pea fowl, jungle fowl, spur fowl, partridges, quails, ring doves, spotted parakeets, green pigeons, rock pigeons, cuckoos, papihas, rollers, bee-eater, hoopoes, drongos, warblers, kingfishers, woodpeckers, finches, orioles, owls, and fly catchers.

However, if one animal species were to represent Kanha, it would probably be the barasingha, or the swamp deer.

The barasinghas at Kanha are unique, being the hard ground variety, which populate the large open tracts of grass amidst the forests of teak and bamboo. Twenty years ago, the barasingha was faced with extinction but some desperate measures including the fencing-off of some animals helped save them and again the air in Kanha bugles with their rutting calls.

The open meadows during the cold winter months are

usually teeming with barasinghas and there is plenty of tiger activity around the fringes. A female with two small cubs would circle around at least two or three times during the day and the swamp deer would go berserk, their husky alarm calls ringing through the jungle.

Far from being the cunning, smart aleck, portrayed in Disney's adaptation of the Jungle Book, the real "Sher Khan" is true blue-blooded royalty.

There is a museum at Kanha depicting attributes and activities of the park and tribal culture. It is closed every Wednesday.

Places around: Near Kanha National Park is Bamni Dadar visited by every tourist who comes to the national park.

This place is also known as the sunset point. The Kanha National Park is at it scenic best at this point. The sunset from this spot is mesmerizing. The eminent natural splendor of the park comes to the fore here. The grazing sambhar, barking deer, gaurs, and other animals make the ambience magical.

HOW TO REACH Air - Nagpur (266 km) is the nearest airport. It is connected by Indian Airlines flights with Mumbai.

Rail - Jabalpur (175 km) is the convenient railhead to visit Kanha.

Road - Kanha National Park is connected by road with Jabalpur (175 km), Khajuraho (445 km), Nagpur (266 km), Mukki (25 km), and Raipur (219 km).

August 1, 2014

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Haryana to renovate tourist complexes CHANDIGARH: The State government will spend Rs 22 crore on the renovation of Haryana Tourist Complexes in 2014-15, an official spokesman said here.

Besides, the Haryana Tourism Department would pay special attention for promoting Highway Tourism and Pilgrim Tourism in the state, he added.

The officials of the department have been directed to provide the tourists with better services and facilities at all Haryana tourist complexes of Haryana Tourism Nigam Ltd in the state, the spokesman said.

He said that looking at the sanctity and religious importance of Kurukshetra where the divine message of Sri Bhagavad Geeta was delivered by Lord Krishna, Akshardhaam and Tirupati Balaji temple was being constructed which would attract not only pilgrims but also other tourists to visit the holy city.

He said that following the In-

dian tradition of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' which means that the guest is god, the Department would pro-

Masjid located in Mewat district.

During the year 2013-14, the Haryana Tourism Department

Chuhimal Talaab

vide best facilities in all tourist complexes.

The Department officials are exploring the tourism possibilities in Shiv Mandir, Chuhimal Talaab, Shermusa Dargah and Kotla

Thomas Cook, Sterling Holiday merger deal cleared NEW DELHI: The Rs 870-crore merger deal of travel firm Thomas Cook (India) with resort owner Sterling Holiday Resorts India has got clearance from BSE and NSE. The 'no-objection' from two stock exchanges would allow the two companies to file their scheme of amalgamation with the High Court for further clearance of the deal.

The deal would give Thomas Cook access to Sterling Holiday's

day, NSE and BSE said they were granting their 'no-objection approval' to the proposed scheme and this observation letter would be valid for six months, within which period the companies would have to file the scheme with the High Court for further clearance.

The exchanges have noted the confirmation given by the company stating that the scheme does not violate or over-ride or circumscribe the provisions of various

19 properties in 16 holiday destinations across India.

The two firms now need clearances of the High Court among others to close the deal by the fourth quarter of 2014 as planned.

The deal has received the approval of the Competition Commission of India.

In separate communications to Thomas Cook and Sterling Holi-

regulatory norms.

"Accordingly, we do hereby convey our 'no-objection' with limited reference to those matters having a bearing on listing /delisting/ continuous listing requirements within the provisions of the Listing Agreement, so as to enable the company to file the scheme with the High Court," the exchanges said in a similarly worded circulars.-PTI

managed a business of Rs 330 crore which is Rs 15 crore higher than the last year, the spokesman said.

There are 42 tourist complexes in the state. -PTI

Rise in tourists from Bangladesh to India NEW DELHI: Bangladesh continued to top the list of six neighboring countries in terms of number of foreign tourists arriving in India, Rajya Sabha was informed.

Bangladesh held the apex position in this regard during the last three years.

A total of 1,139,238 people from six neighboring countries Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Bangladesh visited India in 2013, Tourism Minister Shripad Naik said in a written reply.

There were 4,63,543 visitors from Bangladesh in 2011 which increased to 4,87,397 in 2012 and the number increased to 5,24,923 in 2013.

Visitors from Pakistan also increased from 59,846 in 2012 to 1,11,794 in 2013.

However, as per Sri Lanka, 2,96,983 tourists came in 2012 which decreased to 2,62,345 in 2013.

Naik said the Tourism Ministry as part of its ongoing activities carry out media campaigns in the domestic and international markets under the 'Incredible India' brand to promote various tourist destinations of the country and to increase foreign tourist arrivals. -PTI

China to build more roads, rail lines, airports in Tibet BEIJING: China has unveiled Plan (2016-2020) period, the conplans to build more highways and struction of a railway connecting airports in Tibet by 2020 to make Shigatse with Gyirong county, travel to the "roof of the world" a which has a checkpoint connectlot easier with projects underway ing Nepal and with Yatung county, to construct a rail network to con- (close to Indian border near Sikkim nect places along the borders with and Bhutan) a trade centre borderIndia, Nepal and Bhutan. ing India and Bhutan, will start.

The plans include 1,10,000 kms Building roads connecting ruof highways and 1,300 kms of rail- ral areas has become the policy ways, China's Ministry of Trans- focus. port said.

The authorities plan to make The plan is to complete a pri- sure that by 2020, every village in mary network of railways by then with 1,300 kilometers of railway in Tibet has received about operation, it said adding that the country 83 billion yuan (USD 13 will also build more air- billion) in transport ports in Tibet in addition to the six existing investment during the last ones.

20 years.

The rail line connecting Tibet's provincial capital Lhasa with Xigaze (also Tibet has at least one road conknown as Shigatse) close to the necting with the outside, state-run Indian border in Sikkim as well as Xinhua news agency said.

Nepal and Bhutan, which is curTibet has received about 83 bilrently under trials, would become lion yuan (USD 13 billion) in transoperational next month. port investment during the last 20 Another new line connecting years.

Lhasa to Nyingchi in the east is In ancient times, it usually took also expected to start construction months even years for people livsoon. Nyingchi is located right on ing in the country's middle and top of Arunachal Pradesh. eastern regions to get to Tibet.

The railway expansion will conAlthough airlines, railways and nect Nepal, Bhutan and India by expressways have made travels to 2020, state-run Global Times re- Tibet much more convenient, the ported. Yang Yulin, deputy direc- transport infrastructures in the autor of the railway office of Tibet tonomous region are still outsaid that during the 13th Five-Year dated, the report said. -PTI

In Brief West Texas shelter would be largest in US CLINT, Texas: Authorities are considering a bid to build a shelter in West Texas that would be the largest in the U.S. to hold unaccompanied children who enter the country illegally.

A number of sites in Texas and elsewhere are being considered as detention facilities for many of the more than 57,000 unaccompanied children who have entered the U.S. since October.

But with 3,500 beds, the proposed Abraham Lincoln Transitional Lodge southeast of El Paso would be far larger than other shelters. One that recently opened in McAllen holds about 1,000 children.

The lodge's marketing director, Charles McGuire, tells the Houston Chronicle that the principal backers of the bid previously have invested in housing for oil workers in Texas.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is reviewing the proposal. -AP

„ Del. wants money to care for immigrant children

Gov. Jack Markell

DOVER, Del.: Delaware officials say the federal government should provide more information about 117 immigrant children placed with Delaware families and should reimburse state agencies and nonprofits for providing services.

The News Journal reports federal officials have not disclosed the location or identities of the children who immigrated alone to the U.S. That makes it more difficult for state officials to coordinate services such as education and health care.

Gov. Jack Markell says he learned on a White House conference call that the children had been placed with Delaware families. The children are among thousands from Central America who were caught migrating alone across the U.S. border. Markell says most of the children are staying with their own relatives. -AP

Immigration 44 India Post

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August 1, 2014

Lawyers, non-profits try to aid border kids Details on page 46

Obama mulls large-scale move on immigration before Nov WASHINGTON: Even as they grapple with an immigration crisis at the border, White House officials are making plans to act before November's mid-term elections to grant work permits to potentially millions of immigrants who are in this country illegally, allowing them to stay in the United States without threat of deportation, according to advocates and lawmakers in touch with the administration.

Such a large-scale move on immigration could scramble electionyear politics and lead some conservative Republicans to push for impeachment proceedings against President Barack Obama, a prospect White House officials have openly discussed.

Yet there's little sign that the urgent humanitarian situation in South Texas, where unaccompanied minors have been showing up by the tens of thousands from Central America, has impeded Obama from making plans to address some portion of the 11.5 million immigrants now in this country illegally. Obama announced

late last month that congressional efforts to remake the nation's dysfunctional immigration system were dead and he would proceed

sis of unaccompanied youths, a request that's gone unmet even as the House and the Senate scramble to see if they can vote

El Salvador's President Salvador Sanchez Ceren, left, and Guatemala's President Otto Perez Molina, as they listen to U.S. President Barack Obama speak to the media, next to Honduran President Juan Hernandez, right, after they met to discuss Central American immigration and the border crisis in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington.

on his own authority to fix the system where he could.

Since then he's asked Congress for $3.7 billion to deal with the cri-

on some solution to the crisis before adjourning for their annual August recess.

Meanwhile, White House offi-

cials led by Domestic Policy Council Director Cecilia Munoz and White House Counsel Neil Eggleston, along with Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, have been working to chart a plan on executive actions Obama could take, hosting frequent meetings with interest groups and listening to recommendations from immigration advocates, law enforcement officials, religious leaders, Hispanic lawmakers and others.

Advocates and lawmakers in separate meetings said that administration officials are weighing a range of options including reforms to the deportation system and ways to grant relief from deportation to targeted populations in the country, likely by expanding Obama's two-year-old directive that granted work permits to certain immigrants brought here illegally as youths. That program, called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, has been extended to more than 500,000 immigrants so far.

Cont'd on Page 46

No arrests yet in scam targeting migrant kids HOUSTON: Scammers have been preying on the relatives of unaccompanied young migrants being held at two U.S. military bases by conning them into paying nonexistent fees to be reunited with their loved ones, officials said.

The FBI is trying to determine how many people have been victimized by the scheme, in which con artists use private information about the children to contact their family members and demand payment for bogus processing and travel expenses needed to reunite the kids with their relatives. ``With each day that passes, we identify new victims who have paid money and have suffered losses,'' Michelle Lee, a spokeswoman for the San Antonio FBI office, said.

No arrests have been made

and the FBI has declined to say how those behind the scheme may have gotten the children's personal information.

The children whose families have been contacted by the scammers were staying at shelters

Antonio-based nonprofit, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the agency in charge of the children's welfare.

The children at Lackland and Fort Sill are some of the tens of thousands of unaccompanied mi-

Officials say scammers are preying on relatives of unaccompanied young migrants being held at two U.S. military bases by conning them into paying nonexistent fees to be reunited with their loved ones

at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and Fort Sill in Oklahoma.

The shelters are run by Baptist Child and Family Services, a San

nors who have been caught at the U.S.-Mexico border. More than 57,000 minors have arrived since October, mostly from El Salvador,

Honduras and Guatemala.

As part of the process of reuniting children at the two military bases with family members in the U.S., case workers for the nonprofit contact relatives. But at some point after that initial contact, scammers have been calling relatives and demanding money to complete the reunification process, Lee said.

The scammers have requested payments ranging from $300 to $6,000 and have called relatives in 12 states, including Alabama, Florida and Massachusetts.

Case workers have been able to warn relatives of the scam, with some family members telling investigators that con artists who called them hung up once they were challenged about the legitimacy of their requests, Lee said. -AP

Immigration Post

August 1, 2014

India Post 45

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Listing foreign national's qualifications on perm form-II CORA-ANN V. PESTAINA

Continued from last week

T

he issue of making every attempt to set forth the for eign national's qualifications on the ETA Form 9089 in a manner that ensures the Certifying Officer's (CO) comprehension was also highlighted in the Board of Alien Labor Certifications (BALCA) case, Matter of The Clariden School, 2011-PER-02857 (January 30, 2014). In that case, the primary job requirements for the position of "AMI Montessori Elementary Teacher" as listed on the ETA Form 9089 included a Bachelor's degree in any discipline and AMI (Montessori) Certification.

The Employer indicated in Section H.7 of the ETA Form 9089 that an alternative field of study was acceptable; specifically a Bachelor's in Education plus AMI Certification. In Section H-8 the Employer also indicated that it would accept the alternative combination of a Master's degree, and one year of experience. In Section H-14, the Employer noted that AMI Certification is required.

In Section J.11 of the ETA Form 9089 which requires the Employer to list the highest level of education achieved relevant to the occupation, the Employer checked "Other" from a list of options that included "None," "High School," "Associate's," "Bachelor's," "Master's," "Doctorate," and "Other." The Employer specified in Section J.11-A that the "Other"

the ground that the application did not indicate that the foreign national met either the primary or the alternative educational requirements of a Bachelor's degree in any discipline or a Master's degree in any discipline.

In its request for reconsideration/review, the Employer argued

The CO then went on to present the novel argument that "there is sufficient free form space on the ETA Form 9089" for the employer to disclose, for example, that the foreign national possessed a Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) in addition to AMI Certification. that it answered Section J.11 accurately because AMI Certification was the highest education level achieved by the foreign national and that such a certification is a level of education higher than Bachelor's but lower than a Master's or a Doctorate.

The Employer pointed out that the motion for reconsideration was its first opportunity to explain and clarify its answer on the ETA Form 9089, Section J, and that it was supplying supporting documentation which included a document from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota stating that one of the admission requirements for its AMI Montessori Diploma program is that the applicant holds a Bachelor's degree.

In its request for reconsideration/review, the Employer argued that it answered Section J.11 accurately because AMI Certification was the highest education level achieved by the foreign national and that such a certific ation is a level of education higher than Bachelor's but lower than a Master's classification was AMI Certification.

The Employer reported that the Alien obtained the AMI Certification in 2006 at the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee. The CO denied certification under 20 C.F.R. § 656.17(i)(1) on

the application that the foreign worker earned a Bachelor's degree which is the minimum education level required.

The CO then went on to present the novel argument that "there is sufficient free form space on the ETA Form 9089" for the employer to disclose, for ex-

The CO refused to bend and affirmed the denial arguing that the employer's representation on the ETA Form 9089 that Other AMI Certification is the highest education level achieved by the foreign national did not enable the DOL to verify from the face of

ample, that the foreign national possessed a Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) in addition to AMI Certification.

BALCA thankfully saw reason and held that while the initial denial could be understood since it is hardly intuitive that AMI Certification is a higher level of education than a Bachelor's degree, the CO's insistence that the Employer disclose the foreign national's holding of a Bachelor's or Master's degree be disclosed on the ETA Form 9089, even in the face of documentation on a motion for reconsideration showing that a Bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for the foreign national's admission to the Minnesota Montessori Training Facility for its AMI certification program, was unreasonable and unsupported by the regulations.

BALCA was not persuaded by the CO's claim that the ETA Form 9089 had adequate free form text fields finding, as any reasonable person would, that the form actually does not have any obvious free form space for clarifying why a person would necessarily have at least a Bachelor's degree to have obtained an AMI certification.

Matter of Clariden and the recent PERM denials highlight the fact that practitioners need to find some way to list all of the foreign national's credentials somewhere on the ETA Form 9089. While we await the DOL's

forthcoming FAQ, it is important to make every attempt to alert the CO that the foreign national possesses the qualification required for the offered position.

If the offered position requires experience in specific technologies then these technologies need to be listed somewhere in the job descriptions of the foreign national's past experience.

If the offered position requires any license, certification, knowledge or anything other than work experience, it needs to be listed in Section K. This information can be listed in Section K.9 between asterisks or in capital letters or in any manner at the bottom of any job description for the foreign national's past experience or it can be listed on its own in Section K.9.

The moral of the story is basically that anything which could remotely be unclear to the CO should be explained somewhere on the ETA Form 9089, notwithstanding the space limitations.

But with regard to the recent Section K denials, the hope is that once the FAQ has been published the DOL will apply its requirement prospectively rather than to already pending cases.

In such matters, the DOL really ought to hold itself accountable for setting a precedent for how the ETA Form 9089 should be completed merely by its certification of all prior cases.

Concluded * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

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

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Polk County Jail refusing immigration detainers DES MOINES, Iowa: Iowa's largest jail has joined the growing list of local law enforcement agencies that are no longer honoring federal requests to hold suspected immigrants in jail without a warrant.

Polk County Sheriff Bill McCarthy, whose agency oversees the county's jail, issued the order in early June, The Des Moines Register reported.

The 48-hour immigration detainers are issued to local law enforcement by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. They ask that immigrants who have been arrested be held for two days after they would normally be released to give federal officials time to initiate an investigation and take the person into custody for deportation, if necessary.

The practice is under scrutiny, and several agencies around the country have stopped complying with the requests.

The change in Polk County's policy came in response to a push by the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, which contends

the detentions violate Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Several federal courts have agreed, with a federal appeals court in a Pennsylvania case and a federal judge in Oregon finding that the detainers are not binding and that local authorities who held

McCarthy said the jail gets no reimbursement for inmates held for the federal government without a warrant. The jail estimates it costs $95 a day to house an inmate held on a detainer. people on an immigration detainer could be sued if they hold someone unconstitutionally.

McCarthy said the ACLU's legal position makes sense in light of those court rulings. ``How (is U.S. Immigration and

Customs Enforcement) different than any other law enforcement agency?'' McCarthy asked. ``How are you authorized to ask us to hold somebody not authorized by the court?''

McCarthy's decision came only days before a similar decision by the Hall County jail in neighboring Nebraska. The ACLU says other Nebraska counties are also considering moves to stop honoring the detainer requests.

Cost may have also been a factor in Polk County's decision. For the first six months of this year, the jail held 40 people on immigration detainers not signed by a judge, the Register reported.

McCarthy said the jail gets no reimbursement for inmates held for the federal government without a warrant. The jail estimates it costs $95 a day to house an inmate held on a detainer.

The Polk County Jail will still hold immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally if the federal detainer is approved by a judge, or in situations where public safety is threatened, McCarthy said. -AP

Obama mulls large-scale move on immigration before Nov Cont'd from Page 44

Advocates would like to see deferred action made available to anyone who would have been eligible for eventual citizenship under a comprehensive immigration bill the Senate passed last year, which would be around 9 million people. But Obama told them in a meeting a month ago to ''right-size'' expectations, even as he pledged to be aggressive in steps he does take.

That's led advocates to focus on other populations Obama might address, including parents or legal guardians of U.S. citizen children (around 3.8 million people as of 2009, according to an analysis

by Pew Research's Hispanic Trends Project) and parents or legal guardians of DACA recipients (perhaps 500,000 to 1 million people, according to the Fair Immigration Reform Movement). ''Our parents deserve to live without the fear of deportation,'' Maria Praeli, a 21-year-old from New Haven who came to the United States from Peru 16 years ago, said at a protest outside the White House. ''It is time for the

President to go big and to go bold.''

Another focus could be the potentially hundreds of thousands of people who might be eligible for green cards today if current law didn't require them to leave the country for 10 years be-

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, RVa., announced plans to use an oversight hearing on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency to raise questions about Obama's plans fore applying for one.

At the same time, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce says it is actively working to determine whether there are steps Obama could take by executive action that could help the business community.

For Obama, the political repercussions of broad executive action

on immigration could be unpredictable, and extreme.

Republicans are warning he could provoke a constitutional crisis. ''It would be an affront to the people of this country which they will never forgive, it would be a permanent stain on your presidency,'' Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., said on the Senate floor while urging language to block such executive action be made part of any legislation to address the border crisis.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., announced plans to use an oversight hearing on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency to raise questions about Obama's plans, which he warned could ''worsen the border crisis and encourage many more to come.''

On the other side, some Democrats have debated the best timing for Obama to take executive action, raising questions as to whether acting before the midterms could hurt vulnerable Senate Democrats in close races while boosting turnout among the GOP base.' -AP

Lawyers, non-profits try to aid border kids DENVER: Lawyers, churches and at least one nonprofit group in Colorado are hoping to help immigrant children who have flooded over the border with Mexico.

Denver officials have said they are considering applying for a federal grant to provide housing and other services to the children, who are mostly from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. The Denver Post reported that Grand Junctionbased Ariel Clinical Services is applying for a grant to place some of the children in foster homes in

called the Evangelical Immigration Table, which includes Focus on the Family, is hoping to help the children by taking members on trips to the border.

In addition, some immigration attorneys plan to travel to Artesia, New Mexico, in the coming weeks to offer legal aid to the minors being held there. About 100 other attorneys have been trained to offer assistance to the children that they anticipate will be brought to Colorado. ``Colorado tends to be a more

Some immigration attorneys plan to travel to Artesia, New Mexico, in the coming weeks to offer legal aid the Denver area. ``It's a good match with our mission. That's what we do is help kids who are in trouble,'' Ariel executive director Becky Hobart told the newspaper.

Immigration advocates and critics say another group that offers help to at-risk children, Rite of Passage of Arapahoe County, has offered to use its youth center in Watkins to house immigrant children. A representative of the group wouldn't comment.

So far, only a trickle of children from the border have come to Colorado to be placed with relatives.

A coalition of evangelical churches and faith organizations

open and welcoming community overall and more accepting of things like this,'' said David Kolko, chairman of the Colorado Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

However, Regina Thompson, president of the Colorado Tea Party Patriots, said she expected there to be protests as more young immigrants arrive in Colorado. She believes the federal government is breaking its own laws by allowing the youths to remain in the country, Thompson said. ``While I have compassion, I don't believe this is a real crisis,'' she said. ``I believe it's been engineered.'' -AP

Bahrain eases visa policy for Indians MUMBAI: The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) said here its new visa policy would enable Indians along with 35 other nationalities to apply for electronic visas from October 2014.

Starting in 2015, Indians would also be able to spend longer periods in Bahrain and visas would be valid for a month as well as renewed for up to three months, according to a statement.

Additionally, multiple entry visas would also be available, the statement said.

"The new visa policy would enable citizens from more than 100 countries to enjoy easier and quicker access to the Middle East's most open economy, as ranked by the Heritage Foundation's 2014, Index of Eco-

nomic Freedom," Bahrain Transportation Minister and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain EDB H E Kamal bin Ahmed said in the statement.

The new visa policy would also enable expatriates, who do business in Bahrain, to easily travel in and out of the kingdom more easily, as well as boost the tourism industry.

It would have a significant impact on Indians who live, work and travel to Bahrain in large numbers, since Indians make up the largest expatriate population in Bahrain, with more than 3 lakh people residing in the kingdom.

The decision to revise visa policy was taken based on key trends in the kingdom's investor base, the statement said. -PTI

Datebook

August 1, 2014

NEW JERSEY Upcoming Sat, Aug 2 • Devi Sri Prasad Live In Concert – New Jersey Venue: Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St, Newark, NJ 07102 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 732-404-7621

Fri, Aug 8

NEW YORK Upcoming Sat, Aug 09 • Tribute to R.D.Burman by Mahalaksmi Iyer and Jolly Mukherjee Venue: Union County Performing Art Center, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, Nj 07065 Time : 8:00 pm Contact :732-986-4011

• Cultural Festival Of Gujarat - Aug 8,9,10

Sat, Aug 9

Venue: St Antony's Conference Center, 275 Wolf Hill Rd, Melville, NY 11747 Time : 06:00 pm Contact: 917-697-8820

Venue: Colden Center, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367 Time: 08:00 pm Contact : 718-639-2881

Sat, Aug 9 • Tribute to R.D.Burman by Mahalaksmi Iyer and Jolly

Sun, Aug 24 • Mika Singh Live In New York

Venue: Union County Performing Art Center, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065 Time: 8:00 pm

• Kumar Sanu Live In Concert

Venue: Long Island University, 720 Northern Blvd, NY 11368 Time: 06:30 pm Contact: 347-989-6104

India Post 47

www.indiapost.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

Sun, Aug 3 • Bombay Jayashree And Shubha Mudgal Live In Bay Area Venue: Chabot Collage, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545 Time: 6 pm Contact: 408-368-6865

Sat, Aug 9 • Brahma Kumaris Silicon Valley Meditation Center to celebrate Raksha Bandhan Venue: Jain Temple, 722 South Main St., Milpitas, CA 95035.

Time: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Contact: rsvp@bksiliconvalley.org.

Sat, Aug 9 • BATA Cup (San Ramon)- All proceeds go to Sankara Eye Foundation (SEF)

Upcoming

Sat, Aug 2 • Another Bollywood Summer Nights Venue: IC Lounge, 193 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 408-887-5948

Sat, Aug 23 • Aa Family Komedy Chhey Gujrati Drama Venue: James Logan Performing Arts Center, 1800 H St, Union City, CA 94587 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 510-648-0596

ATLANTA Upcoming Sun, Aug 3 • Tamil Mega Kondattam

Sat, Aug 9 • GurdasMaan Live in Concert

Venue: Ferst Center for the Arts, 349 Ferst Dr, Atlanta, GA 30313 Time: 6:30 pm

Sun, Aug 10 • Meet & Greet With Siddharth Venue: Tirupathi Bhimas, 1208 S Abel St, Milpitas, CA 95035 Contact: 408-629-0554

Sat, Aug 16 • 22nd Festival of India and Parade Venue: Corner of Paseo Padre and Walnut Ave., 39439 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538 Contact: 510-565-9993

• J K Yog Satsang and Bal Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month Chicago Satsang Information: J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda Venue: Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes

Venue: Bay Area Telugu Association, 39120 Argonaut Way, Fremont, CA 94538 Timet: 8 pm

Venue: San Jose Center for Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, CA 95113 Contact: 408-802-5128

ILLINOIS

Stars

Sun, Aug 3 • Ayurveda Health and Beauty Venue: Art of Living Center, 7730 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30350 Time: 5:30 am

Sun, Aug 17 • Shreya Ghoshal Live In Atlanta Venue: Cobb Energy Performing Art Center Center, 800 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 Time: 7:00pm

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

48

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August 1, 2014

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INTERESTED APPL cants should reply with below details Name- Address A ge Mobile Phone Number Employment Status. =Jane Williams

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Horoscope

August 1, 2014

India Post

49

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Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar

AUGUST 1ST - AUGUST 7TH, 2014 (March 21 to April 20)

I

ts your turn to take care of people who took good care of you in the past. Money will come in plenty but will just slip out of your hands.

There will be some encouraging changes at work and you will be working with new people for next few months. It will be better to eat food at regular intervals to reduce the problem. An old friend will visit you.

(September 23 to October 22)

Y

ou will spend time with prominent people and make good and useful contacts. Property related atters will get resolved sud denly. You will be the one called for another interview among many applicants. You will make final payments on several bills and come out of negative. A child will need your time and support with his education this week.

(October 23 to November 22)

(April 21 to May 20)

I

f you are quick and play your cards right, the dream opportunity is in your pockets. You will become very diplomatic and act little child ish at home. New boss will assign additional work, putting you under lots of pressure. Some one close will encourage and inspire you.

Property deal can go through immediately if you offer little more.

Y

ou will have to deal with some one smart but little cunning person. Stick to your numbers and the other party will finally agree. Trips taken will not go waste and new associations will be beneficial for you. You will be able to help several needy people with your expertise. This week is also very favorable all financial decisions.

(November 23 to December 22)

(May 21 to June 20)

Y

ou will be offered the deal that will be hard to turn down. This is the correct time to make long term commitment. Strong will and determination will help overcome fears. People who hurt you in the past will be in deep trouble. Letter written will get immediate and positive response. You will be in generous mood and ready to celebrate.

Y

ou will give up and express yourself in very strong language.

Message will go across but may not make much impact on other party. Sacrifices made earlier will not go waste and you will need help of an expert. You will meet all your commitments and s will still have some leftover. Idea of taking a trip overseas will cross your mind.

(June 21 to July 22)

Y

ou will come across several new opportunities in life. Grab them but avoid risking something for which you had been having pa tience for past several years. For others money wise it will be a promising week. Stocks recently purchased will appreciate suddenly and it will be better to dispose them off for the profit and wait few days to buy them back.

(December 22 to January 19)

N

ew commitments will have long term impact on finances. You may go out of your way to win some one's heart. You will make plans to travel to a nice place coming summer. You may temporarily develop taste for sweets. Determination and focus will take you closer to your professional goals. You will attend a big community event this week.

(July 23 to August 22)

T

here will be improvements but not up to expectation, so some thing is better than nothing. You will be more optimistic in life and make all attempts with great confidence. Spouse will be under pressure and need to relax for few days. Buy or make offer on a property after doing thorough investigations. Money wise it will be a better week.

(January 20 to February 18)

Y

ou will become health conscious and start with little exercises and change in diet. Gamble will pay off and you will make extra money and sign a long term contract also. You will also win some favors from a government agency making room for big improvements in career. You will also have a chance to pass on valuable knowledge to a worthy student.

(August 23 to September 22)

B

achelors may face slight opposition from family about a relationship. You will be doing a lot of soul searching and make some positive changes in your general outlook. Avoid taking any chance with law and drive within speed limits. You may be traveling to coastal areas to meet some one. You may be in market to replace an old vehicle.

PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations.

He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

(February 19 to March 20)

H

ave confidence in your self and go for the opportunity thrown at your feet with full blast. Money will go on buying some fine items for personal use. You may make money through stocks also. Check from insurance will also arrive. You may start calling friends for a small get together at your place. Do not rush to conclusions about a relationship.

510-886-4370 www.parashar.com

50 India Post

August 1, 2014

www.indiapost.com

ARCHANA ASTHANA

O

h, what meaning this word holds!

Used to define an end product of a learning stage, where after, one enters the workforce...Now the term is used for transitioning from the preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school. When I saw little kids "graduating" from preschool and kindergarten, replete in tiny caps and gowns, I thought, surely this must be a prank. This myth was dispelled as I saw grandmothers weeping with joy while being photographed with the "graduates"...I shook my head, and thought..."only in the US of A".

The elementary school end took me by total surprise, at the realization that the years of protected, sheltered nurturing in a smaller campus with fewer teachers was ending, and a new one where the kids get to spread their wings was starting. The ceremony, aptly called 'Promotion" became emotional, when I found myself, quietly and surreptitiously wiping away a tear or two. I can see how that would affect most people, if it were the school the kids attended for all of seven years. Childhood, and neighborhood friendships, between kids, parents and teachers were nurtured and flourished.

The middle school promotion appeared more like a blimp in the real goal to getting to the all important high school. By now, the kids are a bit more mature, a bit less naive, and eager to be cast in the role of hormone kicking adolescent high schoolers. The parents dreaded the high school years for the same reasons that the kids loved them.

Tortuous journey The journey of the high school is one of the most tortuous, long, eagerly anticipated, grudgingly endured, and thankfully finished one for the American teenager. Talk to any parent of a high schooler and you get a mixed bag of emotions. From eager anticipation to daily grind and drudgery to bursts of excitement and motivation with school plays, debates, other extra curricular activities. Suddenly the growing up process has kicked in high gear.

Most identify with the comic strip "Zits" that appears as a daily cartoon in the newspaper, and while we laugh every morning at his antics, we cringe at the same ones in our own households. I guess, it is funnier to read about your life than to live it!

Navigating the high school years is a test as much for the parents, as it is for the student. Holding their hands as they traverse the high school corridors, trying to find their lockers; holding our breath as they move through benchmark

love, and is the only person who always has the best intentions for the child. The parent provides unconditional love, and hopes that would gloss over the many parenting mistakes. The child does not always see, understand or acknowledge all of the sacrifice and care and grey hairs, until much later, sometimes, when it is too late. But that is a rite of passage.

In this country, the high school graduation is a stand-in for the end of study, college graduation in other countries, including India, as far as family participation and celebration is concerned. This is the last Hurrah for celebrating a childhood, for teenage angst over girl/boyfriend issues, and pimples in the wrong places at the wrong times, for silly midnight calls and spins in the car after the all important driver's license is acquired.

Some of those things will recede in the memory banks, as new ones in new environments will be made.

Not so young, not so old The family and friends gather to congratulate and wish the young "graduate" all success in future endeavors. Much laughter and hugs follow with the parents beaming with pride and joy.

Silently too, the tears gather at the corner of the eyes when parents and grandparents become suddenly unsure of how to treat this moment, or, how to treat the young one The family and friends gather to who is not so young any more, and, not quite as old yet. In some ways, nothing really changes for the parents left congratulate and wish the young behind in their empty nest, except for the daily routines of "graduate" all success in future school, and of course, the deafeningly quiet living spaces, endeavors. Much laughter and and refrigerators that now take days to empty out.

In their hearts, they have the same anxieties, fears and hugs follow with the parents beamhope for their child that they did on the first day of kindering with pride and joy. Silently too, garten. Only now, the kid has exchanged the Spiderman the tears gather at the corner of the backpack and the lunch box for a duffle bag stuffed with dark clothing and heavy books and all types of wired eyes of parents and grandparents Cont'd on Page 52 gadgets. projects and face the trials and tribulations of daily schedules, when, by the end of the term, one day, they learn to drive!

Holding our heads high as they leave all that behind in search of greener pastures, to make their dreams a reality.

We hope and pray that we have done our jobs right, as the last bastion is crossed, and the baby is fleeing the nest. It is a scary thought that the helpless adorable one we once held in our embrace moments after birth, is now old enough to fend for himself and does not need us to watch over him as studiously as we have done till now.

Best intentions The only consolation at this enormous responsibility is that every parent comes from a place of

August 1, 2014

India Post 51 www.indiapost.com

Walking alone, towards self-discovery PREETI VERMA LAL

O

n the cover is a woman wrapped in turquoise saree, her hands splayed, her hair wavy, her feet bare. You cannot see the face; she seems floating in a green backdrop with

Mirror City

what seems like neon bubbles. You know not her name yet, but you get a feel that she is reaching out to the sky, seeking freedom, walk-

ing alone towards her own selfdiscovery. Mirror City, the book title is calligraphed in white. The author name in all capitals: CHITRITA BANERJI. If you love the 18th century Baul saint, mystic Lalon Fakir, you'd know where the book title comes from Lalon believed that in mirror cities lovers never meet. If you are a gourmand, foodie - even a glutton - you'd cook an image of Chitrita Banerji, the Calcuttaborn, Massachusetts-resident food historian. Her first book was Bengali Cooking: Seasons and Festivals (1997), followed by Hour of the Goddess: Memories of Women, Food, and Ritual in Bengal (2007), and Eating India (2008).

These food books rustled rave reviews and a few awards. The Independent called Eating Out "a gem of a book that will reveal an unfamiliar world to

the beginning epicure, whilst luring the more experienced into wondrous new adventures", while Time Out London listed it among the best new food books of 2008.

As a food historian, Banerji has presented papers at the Oxford Symposium of Food and Cookery where she twice won Sophie Coe Award in Food and History.

That's Banerji, the food historian that bookworms know of and libraries catalogue. One look at the cover of Mirror City and you know Banerji is stepping out of the kitchen and taking her first step into a world of fiction. Mirror City is her first novel, which, as she admits in Acknowledgements, "has been more than ten years in the making. Frustration and interruptions have made the process more difficult".

Before you flip open the first page, the back cover succinctly sums up the book. Daughter, wife, lover - her journey of self-discovery is just beginning. The story begins in 1973 when Uma, a Bengali from Calcutta, married to a Muslim from Bangladesh, moves with him to Dhaka. The newly independent nation is reeling under the scourge of political corruption, impending famine and the accom-

Singing Kumar India Post News Service

A

kshay Kumar has lent his voice once again for his movie 'Entertainment'.

This is not the first time the Khiladi

star has crooned his fans for his films, as he has previously sung 'Mujh Me Tu' for his critically-acclaimed film, Special 26.

To entice the crowds, Akshay recorded and sang in front of the media and the audience after talking to producer, Ramesh Taurani. Although it has been said that the star is very reserved when it comes to his singing, Akshay was said to be rehearsing religiously for the song, ahead of the event on 23rd July. At the event, Akshay Kumar even invited some of the audience to come up and join him in his serenade to the

crowd.

The song, which will sadly not be featured in the soundtrack of the film, was penned by Chirantan Bhatt and Akshay Kumar himself.

panying chaos of a new nation.

Within the anarchy of a nation as a backdrop, Uma's marriage witnesses its first cracks and her story unfolds amidst deafening questions about their inter-religious marriage and the brutal reality of her husband being a changed man.

Uma battles with harsh realities. She feels lonely and lost.

And then the inevitable happens - an adulterous love affair turns her world upside down.

Uma wrestles with her demons and fate. Between passion and loneliness, Uma seeks just one thing: Herself.

Published by Penguin Viking, this 399-page hardback (Price: Rs 499) is divided into five segments sequentially.

Beginning with Encounters (September 1973-July 1975) and running through Upheaval, Illusion, Dissolution, the book ends with Passage (January 14, 1977). Within these, characters flit in and out, drama happens, passions flare up, tears flow, questions are asked, eyebrows raised, and the story straddles grey moments and gay abandon, sometimes with ease, sometimes tediously.

Somewhere in between En-

counters and Passage, you find fiction borrowing from real life.

Banerji grew up in Calcutta and then packed her bags to fly seven seas and study English literature in Harvard University. Like the pro-

Chitrita Banerji

tagonist Uma, Banerji spent seven years in Bangladesh and went through a similar rigmarole of living in a familiar, yet so unfamiliar, nation and culture where religion and class stratify not just societies but hearts as well. Banerji left East Bengal, kept flying between her native Calcutta and the United States. In 1990, she settled permanently in the US; she now lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In real life, Banerji found her moorings. Was Uma's fate similar?

Did she find herself? (www.deepblueink.com)

52 India Post

August 1, 2014 www.indiapost.com

Special tribute to Om Puri at US museum NEW YORK: Veteran actor Om Puri will be the focus of a special tribute program which will also have a preview screening of his latest film "The Hundred-Foot Journey", in which he co-stars with Helen Mirren.

Puri, 63, will appear at the Museum of the Moving Image on August 3 for a conversation about his career moderated by actress and writer Madhur Jaffrey.

The tribute program, presented with clips of Puri's finest performances, will be followed by the preview screening of "The Hundred-Foot Journey". "'The Hundred-Foot Journey' is a warm, richly textured film, and a showcase for Om Puri, who has a memorable role opposite Helen Mirren," says David Schwartz, the museum's chief curator.

"The evening at the museum is a great opportunity to pay tribute to one of the world's most beloved and admired screen actors," he says.

In "The Hundred-Foot Journey", an adaptation of the book

by Richard C Morais and directed

by Lasse Hallstrom, the opening of a new Indian restaurant in the south of France next to a famous Michelin-starred eatery is cause for an all-out war between the two establishments.

Puri plays the role of a patriarch of a family displaced from India.

'Helen Mirren is my Smita Patil' Talking of his co-star, Om Puri compares veteran British actress Helen Mirren with Smita Patil.

The film also stars Manish Dayal and Juhi Chawla.

Gradual Graduation Cont'd from Page 50

In his heart too is the same anxiety of being the new kid on the block, but now as he leaves

home for the last time as a child, his shoulders are straighter, his step more self-assured, his gaze more steady, and his smile more confident. The embrace is fierce

"The special thing in this film would be that I am acting with Helen Mirren and they fall in love with each other. She is my Smita

A scene from The Hundred-Foot Journey

Patil," Puri said.

The film will have a romantic with each trying to reassure the other, and then he walks away, only to look back, and quickly looks away, as he too wipes a lone tear surreptitiously from the corner of the eye, just as his parents do.

One day, the grown up college graduate shall return, with dreams of ending world hunger, curing cancer and inventing new gadgets or starting revolutionary companies in a grown up world. Some will do so, and others will try. We will love them forever, no matter how they fare in the world, because they are still our babies. Hopefully, we will continue to see endearing reminders of our adorable babies in the new grown up.

All my graduating children....I wish you all the success and joy.

You make us very proud.

Oklahoma artist paints 50 oil works in 50 days NORMAN, Okla.: Norman landscape impressionist Tim Kenney has just returned from a whirlwind trip around the U.S. that saw him paint 50 paintings ... in 50 states ... in 50 days. A Herculean task for any veteran artist, made even more impressive by the fact that the 58year-old Kenney took up the palette knife just six years ago.

His paintings are coming home, too. The 30x40-inch oil works will be on display at First America Bank, 570 NW 24th Ave. and will remain on location for one week.

Nearly half of the paintings have already been sold to collectors from around the country and abroad, with 20 percent of the proceeds going to benefit the Nicole

Jarvis, M.D., Parkinson's Research Foundation, but all 50 will be on hand at the reception.

It definitely garnered a lot of attention, from high profile art magazine Southwest Art, where Kenney's work appears in the new August edition The whole idea began a year ago April, when he began to ponder the feasibility and cool quo-

angle between Puri, 63, and Mirren.

"It (film) has senior citizens' love angle which is tender and

tient of such a trip. He wanted to do something that would create a buzz, something that would be a challenge and something that would raise money for a worthy cause.

It definitely garnered a lot of attention, from high profile art magazine Southwest Art, where Kenney's work appears in the new August edition, to a park in Iowa where he crossed paths with a gathering of more than a hundred nuns at a Serra Club event.

Kenney said the whole trip was full of surprises, like painting the Mississippi River from the riverbank with an impromptu audience he could never have expected. -AP

compassionate. There is no sexuality in it. We also danced together... We did Waltz. I was very nervous as I am not a dancer. But we moved well. She helped me," the actor said.

Off screen, Puri and Mirren shared a good rapport but there was no conversation on films as

such.

"She had admiration for me. She is a wonderful co-star. I cooked meal for her two-three times and she loved the Indian food. We were living far from each other, she was living in the countryside, I was living in the city (while shooting in France). It was quite a distance.

So whatever chat we had was on the sets during free time," Puri said.

Ace Hollywood director Steven Spielberg, American talk show host-actress-producer Oprah Winfrey and TV-film producer Juliet Blake are producing the film.

"I still haven't met him (Steven Spielberg). He did not come on the sets. Only Oprah Winfrey was there... She had come for three days. She is a very nice, pleasant person. She greets you in Hindi saying Namaste," Puri said.

"She said she will go to Rishikesh. She is into spirituality now. I gave her a book, 'Blue Mountain', that I was reading," he added.-PTI

Greenwich mom writes kids book on manners GREENWICH, Conn.: Suzanne Wind wanted to school her three children in the good, old-fashioned art of manners.

It's not that they were particularly ill-mannered. But growing up in a world of screens, she wanted to make sure their tech savvy wasn't at the expense of learning how to maintain good eye contact or include people in a conversation. ``Society in general has become more relaxed and informal, which is fine, but basic manners have taken a backseat when really they should be the foundation of how we teach our children about kindness and respect,'' said Wind, who is mom to Charlie, 11; Nicky, 10; and Annie, 4. ``As parents we have become much more focused on academics and getting our kids into the right schools, and I don't think it's right to expect the schools to take care of character education.

I think it starts at home.''

Yet the Cos Cob mom is quick to acknowledge that parents are not always the best role models when it comes to social skills. ``Often we're glued to our phones ourselves and sometimes we're not listening to our children because we're answering email,'' she said. ``So we're not always setting the best example.''

Wind started digging online and found there were no children's workbooks on the market that teach manners. No literature offering a game plan for developing socially astute young adults.

So the stay-at-home mom decided to create such a book. ``The SMART Playbook'' is a hands-on workbook designed to help parents teach manners and social skills to their children through experiential learning.

Wind said she crafted the book of games, goals and prizes using her children as her guinea pigs and collaborators. ``I think one of the biggest challenges today is teaching our children empathy,'' Wind said. ``When our kids are on the computer, they can't tell how they're making the person on the other end feel, and that can lead to things like cyber bullying. So the book uses games like charades to teach about body language, tone and the importance of a smile. It teaches them that a `yes' or `no' question is not going to keep a conversation going - open ended questions do that.''

Already the book has won accolades. Creative Childs Magazine named ``The SMART Playbook''AP

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August 1, 2014

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis BAL GANGADHAR TILAK

G

ita was preached by one omniscient, all-powerful, prosperous, and highly revered Ksatriya to another powerful archer-warrior, in order to induce the latter to perform his duties according to the law of warriors at a date when our India was well-known on all sides as enjoying the happiness of Spiritual Knowledge, Material wealth, worldly success, and complete self-government. Mahavira and Gautama Buddha, the protagonists of the Jain and Buddhist religions respectively, both belonged to the warrior class.

Yet, Sri Krsna did not, as was done by both of them, adopt only the Path or Renunciation from the Vedic religion, and open the door of the Path or Renunciation to all classes, including the warrior class.

The advice given in the Bhagavata religion is that not only the warrior class, but even Brahmins must adopt the path of taking part in all worldly activities, till death, with a desireless frame of mind, while possessing the Peace (santi) pertaining to the Path of Renunciation.

If the sum and substance of the Gita is to be understood as being that one should abandon worldly life, and take either to Devotion to the Blessed Lord, or the Path or Renunciation, then there was no SWAMI TADATMANANDA

T

he Hindu doctrine of karma should not be confused with the concept of predestination. According to Hinduism, your future is not predetermined or predestined. Your karmas from past lives (and earlier in this life) do indeed affect you, but they do not necessarily determine your future.

Why not? Because the Lord has blessed us all with the power of free will. This power or shakti is so strong, we can overcome the effects of most karmas if we make a sufficient effort.

Traditional teachers compare the force of karma to the current of a river. If you are swimming across the river, the force of the current will carry you a bit downstream.

But if you are a very strong swimmer, you can even swim upstream, against the current! In the same way, if we employ our power of free will and strive with enough effort, we can overcome most of our karmas.

Suppose we are faced with a crisis like the loss of a job or a health problem. The crisis could be the result of our bad karmas in a past life. Yet, we are not helpless in the face of that crisis. We have no choice over the situation that confronts us, but we have a choice

necessity to give that advice to Arjuna, as he was ready to give up the terrible warfare of his own accord and to go begging round the world.

Sri Krsna has on the contrary said to Arjuna in the beginning of the second chapter that: "O Arjuna whence have you got this disastrous idea (kasmala)? This impotency (Klaibya) is unworthy of you! Your reputation will go to dogs! Therefore, give up this

paths was adopted by him, he would yet be wrong. He then tells Arjuna that fighting was his true duty consistent with the Path of Karma-Yoga.

If, on the ground that the idea that 'I am going to kill' is an illusion, you ask Me, why you should fight at all, then, My answer is, that it is the duty of the warrior class not to withdraw from that warfare which befalls that class according to the Sastras.

so that you will thereby incur no sin whatsoever."

That ultimate goal which is to be obtained by renouncing the world is obtained by the warrior by falling on the battle-field. It is stated in the Mahabharata: "There are only two persons who can pierce the constellation of the Sun and reach the sphere of the Brahman; the one is the Ascetic steeped in Yoga, and the other is the warrior who falls on the battlefield while fighting." (Udyo. 32.65)

Even Brahmins must adopt the path of action

Bal Gangadhar Tilak

"Warriors, who give up their lives in warfare, go in a moment far beyond that sphere which is obtained after death by Brahmins desiring heaven, by means of many sacrificial offerings, or of austerities."

weakness (daurbalya) and stand up and fight!"

Arjuna wanted to act like a Jnanin and was boasting about Renunciation of Action; and therefore, the Blessed Lord has commenced His advice with the description of the two paths (Nisthas) of 'Abandonment of Action' and "Performance of Action; which were being followed in the world by Jnanins; and He first tells Arjuna that whichever of the two

Even according to the Samkhya philosophy, it is considered meritorious to perform in the beginning all actions which befall one according to the arrangement of the castes and the stages of life. People will find fault with you if you do not do so.

Give up the Karma-vision that "I am killing and he is dying; and perform that Action which befalls you in the course of life, with the idea that you are merely doing your own duty,

We find a stanza conveying the same import in the book of economics (arthasastra) by Kautilya: "Warriors, who give up their lives in warfare, go in a moment far beyond that sphere which is obtained after death by Brahmins desiring heaven, by means of many sacrificial offerings, or of austerities."

Excerpted from 'Gita-Rahasya or Karma-Yoga.' The 158th birth anniversary of Bal Gangadhar Tilak was observed on July 23.

in how we respond to it. Perhaps karma determines the situations we encounter, but we have free will in choosing how we respond to the situation.

No matter how desperate the situation, we can still use our power of free will. And we can always use our free will to pray the Lord. Our prayers will certainly invoke God's grace. The Lord will

reach our goals. Whatever situations our past karmas might create, our prayers will always empower us to handle those situations gracefully.

the source of the universe, is satyam jnanam anantam, limitless intelligent existence. Since the universe is understood as a manifestation of God, God's intelligence must pervade the universe.

Science confirms that we live in an intelligent universe governed by the laws of nature. And those laws of nature, including the principles of random mutation and

Theory of evolution Evolution is based on scientific observations about how living organisms evolve from simpler to more complex forms through a pro-

Power of free will can overcome effects of karmas The Lord has blessed us all with the power of free will. This power or shakti is so strong, we can overcome the effects of most karmas if we make a sufficient effort. bless us with the strength and wisdom necessary to respond to any crisis.

Our prayers may not make the crisis disappear. A crisis born of past karmas is like the current of the river - it will not simply stop.

But whenever we invoke the Lord's grace in prayer, we will be blessed with the wisdom we need to navigate the tricky currents of karma and the strength we need

cess of random mutation and natural selection. According to evolution, man has evolved from lower life forms over many millions of years.

The ancient rishis (sages) were not like modern scientists. Instead of observing and analyzing the world around them, they were focused on discovering the source from which the world came forth.

They taught that God or Brahman,

Knowledge of the self is the mother of all knowledge. So it is incumbent on me to know my self, to know it completely, to know its minutiae, its characteristics, its subtleties, and its very atoms.

- Khalil Gibran The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.

- Albert Einstein Ignorance is the curse of God; knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly to heaven.

- William Shakespeare Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.

- Confucius To know, is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge.

- Socrates To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.

- Confucius

Swami Tadatmananda

natural selection upon which evolution is based, are understood as a manifestation of God's intelligence. For these reasons, the theory of evolution is completely consistent with the Hindu worldview.

Excerpted from hindustudentscouncil.org. Swami Tadatmananda is the founder and resident teacher of Arsha Bodha Center, New Jersey

To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.

- Marilyn vos Savant He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors.

- Thomas Jefferson

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Myanmar critical for India's Look East Policy

I

ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's neighbor hood push continues in full steam with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj now set to visit Myanmar within a fortnight, to try and consolidate ties with the leadership in Naypyidaw.

Her visit to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meeting from 9 to 10 August, besides, of course, holding a bilateral dialogue with Naypyidaw comes at a time when non-government actors in Myanmar are increasingly opposing projects in parts of the country being sought to be implemented with Chinese funding.

A case in point is the cancellation of a $20 billion railway line connecting Kyaukpyu in Myanmar and Kunming in China due to public opposition. The construction was to have been carried out by the China Railway Engineering Corporation.

Sushma Swaraj, therefore, has her job well cut out: prepare the ground for Modi's November visit to Myanmar to attend the East Asia Summit and engage in robust bilaterals with the leadership in Naypyidaw. It is widely accepted that Myanmar is in China's grip insofar as investments or arms supplies are concerned. However, it is still advantage India insofar as historical ties between the two nations are concerned.

As the leader of the Myanmar delegation at the Fifth IndoMyanmar Regional Border Committee Meeting, Maj. Gen. Min Nuang, in Imphal, India, on 25 July, said, "We share a long common border and have close affinity with your historical, cultural and religious background. We always think of India as a true friend."

Myanmar is a country where Indian and Chinese influences intersect. However, today, with the

India Post

WASBIR HUSSAIN

Swaraj would know it better that to push ahead with the Look East Policy by opening and putting in place workable channels of communication by roads and railway, the India-Myanmar region must be free of violent insurgencies. Even today, despite high-level militaryto-military engagement, several

these have existed in some form or the other, the conduct of local authorities and military units in Myanmar has been questionable.

These are issues that Swaraj will have to iron out so that the border can turn peaceful and relations can consolidate on the trade and security fronts.

I n d i a ' s Myanmar policy cannot be firmed-up without factoring China in. It is important to note that China has had a threefold objective in pursuing and cementing its ties with Myanmar.

First, it set its eyes on Myanmar's natural resources of oil, gas and timber, needed to meet Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj the huge domestic demand.

Northeast Indian insurgent Second, Beijing wanted to betgroups have bases in Myanmar. ter its security capabilities by exThe United Liberation Front of panding its access to the Bay of Asom (ULFA), the National Social- Bengal and the Andaman Sea and ist Council of Nagaland thereby allowing for greater pro(Khaplang), and several Manipuri tection of its "southwest silk road" rebel outfits have well-entrenched trade routes and the development camps in the country's Sagaing of a modern maritime reconnaisDivision, bordering North-eastern sance system. Third, China was India. bent on pushing policies to deny As recently as on 8 May, India India strategic space in the South and Myanmar signed a Memoran- Asian region. dum of Understanding (MoU) on One would wait to see what the Border Cooperation. This MoU new Indian Government's provides a framework for security Myanmar policy would be like. So cooperation and exchange of in- far, New Delhi's attempts at imformation between Indian and proving ties with Myanmar looked Myanmarese security agencies. nothing more than a response to Apart from providing for coordi- rein China in and not leaving the nated patrols on their respective field open to it - instead of a consides of the international border certed bid at building a good and the maritime boundary by the neighborly relationship for a solid hold in the region.

Besides, India also needs to New Delhi's attempts at improving ties with note China's 'all-weather friendship' with Pakistan and a fairly Myanmar looked nothing more than a regrowing Myanmar-Pakistan relasponse to rein China in and not leaving the tionship that is bound to have a field open to it - instead of a concerted bid at bearing on New Delhi. Rightly, however, India has changed its building a good neighborly relationship policy towards Myanmar over the past five years and one would public opposition in Myanmar to- armed forces of the two countries, have to wait and see the turn of wards Chinese-built or Chinese- both sides have agreed to ex- events after External Affairs Minfunded projects, particularly in the change information in the fight ister Sushma Swaraj that will be Kachin region, there is definitely against insurgency, and traffick- followed by that of Prime Minister a space India can try and fill in. ing of arms, drug, human and wild- Narendra Modi.

Myanmar isn't just the gateway to life. Steps to prevent illegal crossThe writer is Executive Directhe ASEAN, but is critical to the border activities have also been tor, Centre for Development & furtherance of India's Look East agreed upon.

Peace Studies, Guwahati, and Policy.

While agreements such as Visiting Fellow, IPCS, Delhi

2 young CMs

O

mar Abdullah in Jammu and Kashmir and Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh, two young chief ministers, a rare com modity in India, took office with a lot of promise. Both are now under scrutiny and the verdict for both is disappointing. Although Akhilesh has still three more years to go, Omar Abdullah faces re-election later this year.

It is believed that gerontocracy rules Indian politics. So when these two young politicians took office, it was like a breath of fresh air. However, the caveat is that both are sons of former chief ministers and were not in a position to function on their own. While Akhilesh always had his father Mulayam Singh Yadav breathing down his neck, Omar was not so much under the control of his father who was himself occupied as a union minister in UPA-II. But Omar's party did not have an absolute majority and had to function in coalition with the Congress. On the face of it the Congress never disturbed Omar's position as chief minister but he was not allowed a free hand. His ideas and schemes could not be implemented as the old guard of the Congress held sway in major ministries. Also, Omar was under obligation to the Congress in Delhi for propping him up. So all that he succeeded in doing was to air his complaints on Twitter and Facebook but was allowed little leeway for any fresh initiatives in Kashmir. The Congress was allowed to have a bigger say in his government. Although he repeatedly stressed that his goal was to undo the National Conference image of a party that bowed before New Delhi. He did not insist on a common minimum program and, in lieu of staying CM for the entire six year term, gave the Congress almost all the important ministries. Omar demanded repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) but the Congress did not oblige. Although he has lasted his full term, in the eyes of the electorate he has not fulfilled his promises. He has not been able to bridge the communal divide between the three parts of the State which was glaring in the election results with the Jammu region seats going to the BJP and the Valley seats being bagged by the People's Democratic Party of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. In his defense Omar said that no other state in the country is affected by outside forces as much as Jammu & Kashmir. He said he tried his level best but there were lot of things that were outside his control.

If there were outside factors which sabotaged his work, it is the family itself which has undone the efforts of the UP chief minister.

Though supposedly away from state governance as an MP in Delhi, Akhilesh's father Mulayam Singh Yadav continues to interfere in his son's work. In fact he seems to be back seat driving thus letting his son take all the blame while it is his own ideology of ruling by musclemen which has created havoc in Uttar Pradesh governance. Apart from the father, it is the uncles also who keep dictating to Akhilesh. Thus the promising foreign educated CM announces giving laptops to students and then loses on follow up. The hollowness of the policy soon became apparent as the poor students and their parents started selling their laptops. They had little use for the gadgets as they did not know their use and being poor, they saw an opportunity to make some money. If riots take place he seems to be unable to take control and then blames the opposition parties.

It is clear that these two young politicians were rewarded with the high post of chief ministers because of their fathers. They were there only in name and the real power remained with the old guard which continued its manipulations behind the scenes.

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