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Indian acid attack survivor walks NY ramp Details on page 30

UK Bengali party boat catches fire Details on page 6

Kirpan-wielding men disrupt UK mixed marriage

VOL 22, No. 1146

September 16, 2016

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Periodical Postage

U.S. VIOLATING WTO; INDIA FILES CASE GENEVA: India has dragged the US to the WTO against the policies of eight American states for the renewable energy sector, alleging that the domestic content requirement norms are "inconsistent" with global trade rules.

"On September 9, India has requested consultations with the US under the dispute settlement system of the WTO regarding alleged domestic content requirements and subsidies provided by these states in the renewable energy sector," the WTO said in a statement.

Under the norms of domestic content requirements, it is mandatory upon domestic companies to source a por-

tion of input from local markets products.

India has alleged that the measures of those American states are "inconsistent with WTO's Agreement on TradeRelated Investment Measures and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures," the statement said.

They are inconsistent because they provide less favorable treatment to imported products than to like domestic products, and because the subsidies are contingent on the use of domestic over imported goods, it added.

Details on page 5

Rep Danny Davis felicitated on 75th birthday Details on page 16

11 countries to participate in Goa summit Details on page 6

Rafale contract on verge of finalization Details on page 6

Sharif dedicates Ei-dul Azha to Kashmiris

Details on page 5

Apple iPhone 7 India launch on October 7

Details on page 7

CONTENTS

Details on page 7

Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 52

INDIA POST SURVEY

Community Post -------------- 16-25 Date Book -------------------------- 47

survey@indiapost.com

Edit Page --------------------------- 54

This week’s question

HealthScience Post --------- 48-51

Does UN have a role in Kashmir?

Horoscope ------------------------- 27 Immigration Post ------------- 44-46 Life Style ----------------------- 30-33

Last week’s result

Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Can world criticism shame Pakistan?

YES 32%

NO 68%

HEAVE-HO: India’s Deepa Malik competes to win the silver in the women’s final shot put athletics event during the Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on September 12. (Details on page 5)

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 34-35 TechBiz Post ------------------- 36-39 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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Publisher’s Diary

S

o okay, Hillary Clinton had a coughing fit. Turns out she has pneumonia.

But does it have to be such a big deal?

Of course we need a healthy President, one that won't keep calling in sick (a bit difficult though considering the President works from a home office) or worse, die while in office. But, if what the media is trying to imply is that she may not be fit enough to be President because she is a woman, then they need to take a step back and remember that this is a woman who has been continuously working high pressure jobs for the last several decades, has been giving speeches almost every single day for the last more than a year, and has literally been on the road for as many months while being under constant scrutiny, responding to criticism and opposition from baiters and haters, been making television appearances, and worst, facing a federal investigation. And still, she continues to wake up every morning to do all of that all over again with a single minded goal of putting herself under even greater scrutiny and pressure for the next eight years.

So, c'mon folks, for this kind of rigor, this woman here is not just healthy, she is mighty healthy.

What concerns me though, is not the physical health of world leaders (selfappointed or elected), but their mental abilities. Does Hillary Clinton or for that matter Donald Trump have what it takes to tackle the growing evils of our times? Like, the mindless devils called ISIS, or rogue regimes like North Korea, or greed-induced economic upheavals, depleting natural resources, impending food and water riots in the world, or peoples' unrests owing to wealth gaps, or calamities due to climate change that are becoming increasingly unmanageable in terms of relief, rehabilitation and rebuilding?

American political leadership and most of its media is stuck in the post-World War II era of unchallenged American superiority, a dynamic that has long changed.

I am not convinced that either Clinton or Trump or any political leader in the world today has what it takes to lead a free world.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Miss fit Sunny Leone says though she felt like an outsider in Bollywood initially; she still feels she doesn't fit in.

Cover Story: Case against US India drags the US to the WTO against policies of eight American states on the renewable energy sector

Community: Rep Davis birthday Galaxy of leaders joined in praising US Congressman Danny Davis while celebrating his 75th birthday in Chicago

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Immigration: Trump, Clinton plans An analysis of how the approaches of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton on immigration will affect US

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Praise for Rajan Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan's clean-up of bank NPAs came in for praise from President Pranab Mukherjee

Lachen, Sikkim Lachen at 8838 feet is famous as a sightseeing spot with viewpoints providing splendid shots of mountains

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US violating WTO; India files case GENEVA: India has dragged the US to the WTO against the policies of eight American states for the renewable energy sector, alleging that the domestic content requirement norms are "inconsistent" with global trade rules.

"On September 9, India has requested consultations with the US under the dispute settlement system of the WTO regarding alleged domestic content requirements and subsidies provided by these states in the renewable energy sector," the WTO said in a statement.

Under the norms of domestic content requirements, it is man-

datory upon domestic companies to source a portion of input from local markets products.

India has alleged that the measures of those American states are "inconsistent with WTO's Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures," the statement said.

They are inconsistent because they provide less favorable treatment to imported products than to like domestic products, and because the subsidies are contingent on the use of domestic over imported goods, it added.

When contacted, an Indian official said: "Yes, we have sought consultations with the US in the WTO on the matter".

Consultations give the parties an opportunity to discuss the matter and to find a satisfactory solution without proceeding further with litigation

Kirpan-wielding men disrupt UK mixed marriage LONDON: British police said they have "contained" the situation at a Gurdwara in the West Midlands region of England after an eight-hour standoff with a gang of sword-wielding men who opposed a mixed race marriage there and released on bail 54 men who were arrested during the clash.

Warwickshire Police said 54 accused have been given bail until next month while a 30-year-old man remains in police custody as investigations are on the nature of the weapons used during the incident.

The force had made 55 arrests

statement said.

"Having contained the situation, it became apparent that there were 55 masked men involved, all of whom were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass.

Blades seized so far have been ceremonial. Another non-ceremonial weapon was seized. This is an ongoing investigation and we will be investigating the initial report that other weapons were involved," it adds.

Kirpans or short swords, are legally allowed to be worn by Sikhs in the UK as a symbol of their faith.

However, police have seized a

"We condemn the over-reaction by police and the disgraceful and inexcusable behavior by the management committee at Leamington Gurdwara that have unashamedly brought the law-abiding Sikh community into disrepute by fuelling false and sensationalized media reports," on charges of "aggravated trespass" at Gurdwara Sahib in the town of Leamington Spa. They were responding to reports of a gang of men carrying "bladed weapons" disrupting a mixed race wedding ceremony.

"Officers responded to an initial report of a group of masked men, initially thought to be around 20 in number, forcing their way into the Gurdwara.

"These were reported to be carrying a range of bladed items some of which were initially described as not being for ceremonial use. Officers assessed the situation and responded accordingly," a Warwickshire Police

blade not believed to be ceremonial.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that protesters from Sikh 2 Inspire and Sikh Youth UK were demonstrating in what they describe as a "peaceful protest" against an inter-faith Anand Karaj or Sikh matrimonial ceremony taking place at the Gurdwara.

The group believes Gurdwara Sahib Leamington Spa on Tachbrook Drive is a "rogue" group, which decided to break an agreement made last year between over 300 Sikh representatives at a meeting led by the Sikh Council UK to not hold an Anand Karaj in inter-faith cases.

Sikh Youth UK said, "Local Sikh youth attended the early morning prayers at the Gurdwara and began a sit-down peaceful protest by reciting prayers."

"There was no violence, so it does not make sense why Kirpans were confiscated and have to remain in police custody.

We feel the police should not be holding onto the Kirpans...we are not sure where the media has picked up their distorted narrative which damages the reputation of the Sikhs," added Gurmail Singh of Sikh Council UK. "We condemn the over-reaction by police and the disgraceful and inexcusable behavior by the management committee at Leamington Gurdwara that have unashamedly brought the lawabiding Sikh community into disrepute by fuelling false and sensationalized media reports," added Sikh Federation UK. Former treasurer of the Gurdwara, Jatinder Singh Birdi, confirmed that a marriage between a Sikh and non-Sikh was due to take place.

Superintendent David Gardner of Warwickshire Police said: "We would like to reassure people that this was a contained incident that we believe was an escalation of a local dispute.

A significant number of bladed weapons were seized from the scene. As a result of reports that the men were in possession of these weapons we deployed armed officers as a precaution.

Nobody was injured in the incident." "Over the coming days we will be working with local Sikh community to address some of the ongoing issues," Gardner said. PTI

The eight states are Washington, California, Montana, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Michigan, Delaware and Minnesota.

The request for consultation is the first step under the Dispute Settlement System of the WTO. Consultations give the parties an opportunity to discuss the matter and to find a satisfactory solution without proceeding further with litigation.

After 60 days, if consultations fail to resolve the dispute, the complainant may request adjudication by a panel.

In the past, India and the US were involved in litigation at the

WTO over the renewable energy sector.

The dispute panel of the world trade body had ruled against India in a case filed by the US. The panel had held that India's power purchase agreements with solar firms were "inconsistent" with international norms.

India has appealed against this ruling and the WTO's appellate body is expected to give its order by mid-September.

Earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said that the government is going to file16 cases against the US for violating WTO treaties. -PTI

Deepa Malik wins silver in Paralympics RIO DE JANEIRO: India's also been a motivational speaker.

Deepa Malik created history by beShe has also won medals in coming the first-ever woman from the swimming at international compecountry to win a medal at the titions. She holds the Asian record Paralympics when she bagged a sil- in javelin throw, and also has ver in the shotput F-53 event here.

World Championships silver Deepa's best throw of 4.61m medal in shot put and discus in from her six attempts was enough 2011. to clinch the silver medal.

Deepa's silver is India's third India, thus, now have secured medal of the Games after three medal from the Rio Mariyappan Thangavelu and Paralympics.

Varun Singh Bhati won gold and Deepa will receive a cash award of Rs 4 crore under Haryana Sports Scheme for her feat.

Bahrain's Fatema Nedham won the gold medal with a best throw of 4.76m, while Dimitra Korokida of Greece bagged the bronze medal with a throw of 4.28m.

Deepa, wife of an Army officer, is a paraplegic, paralyzed from waist down. She is a mother of two. Life took a twist when a spinal tumor made walking impossible for her 17 years ago.

The spinal tumor had to be operated and 31 surgeries were conducted. She was healed after 183 Deepa Malik holds her nation’s flag after winning the silver medal in the women’s shot put F53 athletics stitches between event during the Paralympic Games at the Olympic her waist and legs.

Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on September 12 B e s i d e s shotput, Deepa has participated bronze respectively in men's high in javelin throw, swimming and has jump. -PTI

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11 countries to participate in Goa summit PANAJI: Top leaders of 11 countries, including the heads of BRICS nations would take part in the eighth BRICS summit and retreat in Goa on October 15 and 16 to discuss bilateral ties and wide range of issues.

"Besides Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), Prime Minister Narendra Modi has especially invited the leaders from Bay of Bengal Initiative for

tries will take part.

"The Prime Minister has especially invited leaders from the BIMSTEC countries... At the end of summit, the world will be looking at what will go down in the history as the 'Goa Declaration'," he said.

During the BRICS summit, besides financial and economic issues, the countries will discuss counter-terrorism.

Heads of BRICS nations

Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand, who will be participating in the retreat that will follow the Summit on October 16," Sanjiv Verma, Chief of Protocol, Ministry of External Affairs, told reporters here.

The BRICS summit will start on October 15 and will end the next day, following which there will be a retreat, in which BIMSTEC coun-

"The entire idea is to have broad-based discussions...BRICS signifies emergence of a new global balance, where power is diffused in a multipolar reality. This grouping increasingly plays a major role in shaping the global agenda," Verma said.

Hosting an international summit has given an opportunity to India to set the agenda of an event of major diplomatic importance, he said.

Disclosing why Modi-led gov-

ernment decided to host the summit outside the capital, Verma said the Prime Minister's vision is of cooperative federalism.

"This is an opportunity to move out of the Delhi-centric approach and showcase the great diversity of India to the world," he said.

Goa was competing with another South Indian city with much better conferencing facility to host BRICS, but the Prime Minister gave preference to the coastal state (Goa), Verma said.

"Goa is a vibrant, cosmopolitan state that has always been welcoming visitors.

Besides, some participating countries are linked to Goa, like Brazilians and Russians," he said.

"With presence of 11 heads of states, Goa will be the cynosure of all eyes for three days hosting bilateral, E-BRICS and the BRICS outreach summit," Verma said.

The Chief of Protocol recalled that in 1983, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) was held in Goa, which showcased the state as a destination for conferences.

"The international attention on Goa during the conference will boost tourism," Verma claimed. PTI

UK Bengali party boat catches fire LONDON: More than 150 games until then," said the people, mostly of Indian-origin, spokesperson. had a lucky escape when the leiThe fire was put out before sure boat on which they were firefighters arrived at the scene having a celebration caught fire and passengers and crew were and crashed into the Canary taken off the ship by two other Wharf pier on River Thames in boats on the river. east London.

No serious injuries were reMost of the passengers on the ported among the 142 passengers vessel were Bengalis from 'The and nine crew members on board Tagoreans' - one of UK's oldest and the pier was briefly closed cultural organizations established before being reopened. in London in 1965, and were mark"Firefighters and officers were ing its golden jubilee year celebra- called to a small engine fire on a tions.

"It was quite a shock as towards the end of No serious injuries were the three-hour cruise reported among the 142 two of the engines caught fire. We could passengers and nine crew see smoke billowing at members on board and the the back of the boat, pier was briefly closed which was coming inside.

There was a bit of panic but all tour boat in the Thames. The fire the passengers remained surpris- was extinguished before the Briingly calm," a spokesperson for gade arrived," London Fire Bri'The Tagoreans' told PTI. gade said in a statement.

"The emergency services were "Crews checked the boat for at scene promptly, including a safety and ensured that the fire police helicopter and paramedics. was out. Eight fire engines and the Thankfully, there were only some fireboat attended the incident from minor injuries," she added. stations including New Cross, The company which owns the Greenwich, Millwall and boat has since apologized to the Shadwell," it added. group, which included young chilThe Port of London Authority dren and disabled members, and said boat is currently "safe and said a "full investigation" is un- secure" by the river bank with its derway. anchor dropped, and will be towed "We wait to hear back from away in due course. them. It is a relief as things could Transport for London's river have been much worse. We had services from Canary Wharf were an enjoyable afternoon of suspended on Sunday as a result Rabindra Sangeet and fun and of the incident. -PTI

Rafale contract on verge of finalization NEW DELHI: The contract for 36 Rafales is in the last stages of finalization and the multi-billion euro deal with France could be announced soon.

"Finer points of the contract are being worked out. The deal is almost in final stages," government sources said.

Last month, a report submitted by a team negotiating the muchanticipated Rafale deal with France was cleared by the defense ministry. The file was then sent to the Prime Minister's office for review and clearance.

Sources said the PMO had sought from Defense Ministry some clarifications on the life cycle costs and unit price of the aircraft which was replied to.

French sources have said they

are expecting a positive development this month.

During his visit to France in April last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that India would purchase 36 Rafale jets in a government-togovernment contract.

Soon after the announcement, the defense ministry

scrapped a separate process that was on to purchase 126 Rafale fighter planes, built by French defense giant Dassault Aviation.

The deal is expected to be worth around 7.89 billion euros for the 36 fighter jets in fly away conditions.

The weapon systems, part of the deal, will also include the newage, beyond visual range missile, Meteor, and Israeli helmet mounted display.

The price of the deal was brought down from nearly 10 billion euros, as sought initially, due to various reasons including tough negotiation by India, the discount offered by the French government and reworking of some of the criteria.

It is not clear if the price has been brought down further, but India has been keen on it. -PTI

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Apple iPhone 7 India launch on Oct 7 NEW YORK: Apple's latest smartphones iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus would be available in India from October 7 at a starting price of Rs 60,000, the US-based technology giant has said, while for the first time confirming the India pricing of the gadgets at the launch event itself.

The highly-anticipated latest iPhones with advancements such as s t e r e o speakers, water and dust resistance technology and wireless headphones were launched by Apple CEO Tim Cook at a packed event in San Francisco.

The California-headquartered company also unveiled the next generation Apple Watch and updates to its App Store and operating system iOS10.

As widely speculated, Apple also introduced 'AirPods', wireless headphones for the new phone, eliminating the traditional headphone jack. "iPhone is the industry gold standard, the phone by which all other smartphones are compared.

The iPhone has become a truly a cultural phenomenon," Cook,

dressed casually for the megaevent, said.

He said Apple has now sold over a billion iPhones, making it the "best selling product of its kind in the history of the world".

Announcing the new phone, Cook described the iPhone 7 as

the "best iPhone that we have ever created". iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be available in more than 25 countries beginning September 16 and the products will be "available to customers in India beginning October 7".

The iPhone 7, with a 4.7 inch display, will cost USD 649 while the 5.5 inch iPhone7 Plus will come

at a price tag of USD 769. The models will be available in silver, gold, rose gold and the new black finish in 32GB, 128GB and 256GB configurations.

The starting price would be Rs 60,000 for the 32GB iPhone model in India. "iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus dramatically improve every aspect of the iPhone experience, reaching a new level of innovation and precision to make this the best iPhone we have ever made," Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing Philip Schiller said in his presentation.

He said Apple has inculcated the advanced 'A10 Fusion' chip in the new phones, "the most powerful chip on any smartphone while delivering the best battery life ever in an iPhone, and an entirely new stereo speaker system provides twice the sound, all within the first water and dust resistant iPhone".

The phones will also have an improved home button that lets users perform different tasks by varying how hard they press it, the company said. -PTI

Sharif dedicates Ei-dul Azha to Kashmiris LAHORE: Needling India yet again, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif dedicated Ei-dul Azha to the "supreme sacrifices" of Kashmiris and said Pakistan will continue doing so till the Kashmir issue is resolved.

"We cannot ignore sacrifices of Kashmiris. They will succeed through their sacrifices. We dedicate this Eid to the supreme sacri-

Nawaz Sharif

fices of Kashmiri people and we will continue doing so till the Kashmir issue is not resolved according to their (Kashmiri people) wishes," the Prime Minister said in his message on the occasion of Eid-ul Azha.

Sharif offered Eid prayer along with other family members in the mosque at his Raiwind residence here.

He said, "Kashmiri people have sacrificed their third generation in their struggle to get freedom from

India."

"They are struggling for their right to self- determination and facing Indian atrocities. Their voice cannot be suppressed through force," he said.

President Mamnoon Hussain, in his message on the occasion, said Pakistan must remember "our Kashmiri brothers and sisters affected by terrorism".

"During this hour of need we must support the Kashmiri people. They are facing the worst atrocities to get their right to selfdetermination. Time is not far away when the Kashmiri people will get dividend of their supreme struggle.

They will soon celebrate such festivals in free land," the President said.

Meanwhile, Jammat-ud-Dawah chief and Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed led Eid prayers at Gaddafi Stadium and prayed for the "success of Kashmiris fighting against Indian forces." He urged the Nawaz government to take firm stance on Kashmir and "help them get freedom".-PTI

BAPS raises $100,000 to plant billion trees WASHINGTON: A Hindu charitable organization in the US has raised USD 100,000 for the plantation of a billion trees by 2025.

Raised through BAPS Charities Walk Green in more than 50 cities in the US, BAPS Charities presented the money to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in New Jersey.

USD 100,000 would help plant 70,000 trees in 2016, a Bochasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Sansthan (BAPS) media release said.

In all some 17,000 BAPS volunteers made donations for the event.

"It means a lot to us that your support is made possible by the thousands of BAPS Charities volunteers who believe, like we do, that a healthy planet is critical to building healthy communities where both nature and people can thrive," said Mark Tercek, president and CEO of TNC. "BAPS Charities has shown

that serving as good stewards of the planet is the collective responsibility that you take seriously. We also appreciate how you bring awareness to environmental issues and environmental opportunities on occasions like Earth Day and by supporting initiatives like planting trees, promoting water conservation and renewable energy sources," Tercek added.

"The leadership, support and successful promotion of conversation through the BAPS Charities nationwide walkathons, has raised awareness and support for the restoration of forests in US," said John Stapleton, TNC's Legacy Club Donor relations manager. -PTI

From Left to Right Parth Patel, BAPS Charities Board Members - Praful Raja, Rati Patel, Yogendra Parmar, The Nature Conservancy representatives Maria Fisher, Erin Daly, John Stapleton, and Moksha Patel

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Indian-origin woman jailed for 15 years NEW YORK: An Indian-origin woman, found guilty of brutally abusing and starving her 12-yearold step-daughter for more than a year and half, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in the US. Sheetal Ranot, 35, of Queens, was convicted by a jury in July this year of first-degree assault

hospitalization and surgery.

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said Ranot was the "epitome of an evil step-mother".

Not only did she refuse to provide basic nourishment for the child but also "wantonly beat and abused the girl inflicting pain still evident by the scars that mark her

Sheetal Ranot with husband Rajesh Ranot

and endangering the welfare of a child.

Queens Supreme Court Justice Richard Buchter sentenced Ranot to 15 years in prison.

Ranot's stepdaughter Maya was repeatedly denied food and so severely battered on one occasion with a broken metal broom handle that her wrist was sliced to the bone and required a lengthy

body today. The youngster, at 12, weighed just 58 pounds. No child deserves to be treated in this manner."

Maya's biological father Rajesh Ranot is also charged with assault, unlawful imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child and will be tried at a later date.

Ranot repeatedly hit her step-

daughter on her body and face, causing bruising and severe pain.

Between December 2012 and May 2014, she even locked the youngster inside her bedroom and for extended periods of time refused to feed her.

In one instance, Ranot kicked the girl in the face while wearing footwear, causing bruising, swelling and substantial pain about her eye and face.

On another occasion, she struck Maya in the face with a wooden rolling pin causing a laceration, swelling and pain to her left cheek that required the girl to be treated at a local Queens hospital, where doctors found Maya to be underweight and thin.

In a third instance, Ranot hit Maya with a broken metal broom handle. The blow caused a deep laceration and bleeding of the youngster s left wrist and right knee.

When medical personnel arrived at the family residence, they found Maya lying in a pool of blood in the kitchen with the tendons of her left wrist exposed.

The young girl had to undergo surgery for her wrist and received stitches to her knee. -PTI

Macedonia honors St Mother Teresa SKOPJE: A week after Mother Teresa was made a saint, several hundred people gathered in the city of her birth - the Macedonian capital Skopje - for a ceremony and mass in her memory.

Special papal envoy archbishop Vinko Puljic held the out-

nian parents in Skopje - then part of the Ottoman Empire - Mother Teresa won the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize and was revered around the world as a beacon for the Christian values of self-sacrifice and charity.

She spent all her adult life in

Mother Teresa

door mass in Skopje's main square, close to the house where Mother Teresa was born.

"Macedonia should be proud... of such a wonderful person," Puljic told those attending the mass, including nuns from her Missionaries of Charity order, religious dignitaries, top Macedonian officials and foreign diplomats.

Born in 1910 to Kosovan Alba-

India, first teaching, then tending to the dying poor for decades before her death in 1997 at the age of 87.

Archbishop Puljic also blessed a chapel at Mother Teresa Memorial House, a museum dedicated to her. Mother Teresa's canonization mass in Rome on September 4 was attended by more than 100,000 pilgrims, including heads of state. -AFP

Chinese OK with Air China's racism gaffe BEIJING: Most Chinese don't regret and back Air China's offensive advice asking travelers to be cautious in areas populated by "Indians, Pakistanis and black people" when visiting London, the state media said, terming the flag carrier's racially-charged warning a "careless mistake".

"Most Chinese on social media are not expressing much regret over the incident. Many have shown understanding of the Chinese airline, suggesting that it had done something right, but unfortunately not in an appropriate way," an article in the Global Times said.

"The travel alert, however, has unintentionally insulted Londoners and many other people who are inclined to use euphemisms to imply the connections between race and crimes.

As wonderfully diverse as London may be, harmonious it is not," it said.

The travel advice in Air China's in-flight magazine 'Wings of China' had warned passengers that London is generally a safe place to travel, but "precautions are needed when entering areas mainly populated by Indians, Pakistanis and Black people."

It triggered a huge controversy after journalists noticed the tip and tweeted the picture to Sadiq Khan, London's mayor, who is of Pakistani origin on September 8.

The magazine's publisher has since apologized and withdrawn the controversial issue, saying it was an editorial mistake. Chinese Foreign Ministry

too has asked the airline to investigate the incident.

The article suggested that the airline "should have just named boroughs and streets that have high crime rates without mentioning who lives there, a lesson for

other Chinese companies that must keep in mind the sensitivity of racial issues in many Western societies."

"Air China's careless mistake is not an example of how racism is tolerated in China," it said.

"It is merely a reflection of the Chinese' unawareness of racial issues because of their much less exposure to other groups compared to most Westerners.

Though many may seem prejudiced, they are not racist."

Referring to the protest lodged by British MP Virendra Sharma, the article said "for these British politicians who are making a fuss over the incident, perhaps they should just make their constituencies safer for both local citizens and travelers, so that travel alerts are no longer necessary".

"As China's population diversifies, it would benefit greatly to do away with prejudice and nurture trust among different people," it said. PTI

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Pakistan to print Guru Granth Sahib LAHORE: Pakistan will print Guru Granth Sahib to prevent any desecration of the holy book during Sikh pilgrimage in the country, the top body which looks after minorities' holy places in the Islamic nation has said.

"In order to save Guru Granth Sahib from any desecration as

Sikh pilgrims carry the holy scripture during yatras and had to undergo different checks at the borders, we have decided to print the

religious scripture in Pakistan as a service to the Sikh community," Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Siddiqul Farooq told reporters.

India's Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee will be engaged

in the printing process, he said.

Farooq said the Pakistan government is also taking steps to export 'Amrat Jal', holy water from

a sacred well in Nankana Sahib (the birth place of Baba Guru Nanak) in Nankana Sahib, some 80km from Lahore.

"We have made preparations to export Amrat Jal to India and other countries," he added.

He said the Be Be Nanki well in Nankana Sahib which had been out of order for 70 years, has been restored.

"Ownership has been given to yatrees in all matters. I am personally overseeing the arrangements for visiting Hindu and Sikh pilgrims. The number of Hindu and Sikh yatrees is increasing every year and the ETPB has decided to register travel promoters in order to facilitate them and attract more tourism," he said Renovation work has been started in all Gurdwaras and temples in the country besides a turbine has been installed at Gurdwara Punjah Sahib to generate electricity from water, he said. -PTI

Pak-Russia to hold first ever joint drills ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia are set to hold their firstever joint military exercises later this year, media reported, reflecting increased military cooperation between the two former Cold War rivals.

Around 200 military personnel from the two sides would take part in the joint military exercises; The Express Tribune quoted a senior Pakistani official as saying.

The move comes amidst increasing defense ties between

called 'Friendship-2016'.

He, however, did not divulge further details about the nature of the exercises or dates.

The development, Khalilullah said, reflected increased cooperation between the two countries.

"This obviously indicates a desire on both sides to broaden defense and military-technical cooperation," he told a Russian news agency last week.

The joint military drill is seen as another step in growing mili-

Russian President Vladimir Putin with Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif

Moscow and Islamabad as the latter was also thinking to buy advanced Russian warplanes.

Pakistan's Ambassador to Moscow Qazi Khalilullah told the newspaper that this is the first time that military personnel from the two countries would be taking part in joint military drills

tary-to-military cooperation, indicating a steady growth in bilateral relationship between the two countries, whose ties had been marred by Cold War rivalry for decades, the paper said.

Islamabad decided to broaden its foreign policy options after its relations with the US deteriorated

after secret CIA raid in Abbottabad killed al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in May 2011.

Over the last 15 months, the chiefs of Pakistan s Army, Navy and Air Force travelled to Russia.

The flurry of high-level exchanges between the two nations resulted in the signing of a deal for the sale of four MI-35 attack helicopters to Islamabad.

The formal agreement, which was signed in Moscow in August 2015, was considered a major policy shift on part of Russia in the wake of growing strategic partnership between the US and India.

Islamabad is eager to improve its ties with Moscow to diversify its options in the event of any stalemate in ties with Washington, The Express Tribune said.

After securing a deal of MI35 helicopters, Pakistan is also exploring options to buy Su35 fighter jets from Russia, it said.

For this purpose, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman visited Moscow in July.

The Pakistani ambassador said the PAF chief held 'fruitful' discussions with Russian authorities but would not provide further details of new military purchases, including the multirole, air superiority fighter Sukhoi Su-35. -PTI

US against independence for Balochistan WASHINGTON: The US respects the unity and territorial integrity of Pakistan and does not support independence for Balochistan, a State Department official has said.

"The government policy is that we support the territorial integrity of Pakistan and we do not support independence for Balochistan," State Department Spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference.

Kirby was responding to a question on growing clarion calls from both inside and outside Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province on its independence and violation of human rights by the Pakistani

security forces there.

"Where does the US stand on Balochistan? Because Indian Prime minister (Narendra Modi) has raised this subject," Kirby was asked.

"The US Government respects the unity and territorial integrity of Pakistan and we do not support independence for Balochistan," he reiterated.

In his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 70th Independence Day, Modi talked about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit and Balochistan and said people from there have thanked him for raising their issues. -PTI

PM Modi remembers 9/11 coincidence NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the "contrasting images" of 2001 terror attack in New York and Swami Vivekanada's historic speech in Chicago in 1893 in which he had talked about universal brotherhood and harmony.

"11th September...two contrasting images come to the mind.

Today we pay tributes to all those who lost their lives in gruesome 9/11 attacks.

"On this day in 1893, Swami

Vivekananda delivered his historic speech in Chicago & won many hearts & minds," Modi wrote in tweets.

He said Swami Vivekananda's speech in Chicago had "demonstrated the strength of India's rich culture & the power of universal brotherhood and harmony."

On this day in 2001, terrorists used planes as missiles to carry out attacks at the iconic Twin Towers of World Trade Center and three other places. -PTI

Pak envoy briefs UN on Kashmir ISLAMABAD: Pakistan says that its special envoy on Kashmir met UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva and briefed him over the alleged human rights violations on the Indian side of the restive state.

Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister on Jammu & Kashmir and Chairman Standing Committee of National Assembly on Foreign Affairs met Prince Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein as part of Pakistan's efforts to highlight the issue of Kashmir.

Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement that Leghari briefed UN High Commissioner "about the ongoing critical human rights situation in Kashmir, underscoring that the matter was of great concern to all Pakistanis."

It said that High Commissioner

Zeid thanked the Special Envoy for his visit to Geneva and for briefing him on "the human rights situation."

"He assured the Special Envoy that his office was carefully observing the situation in the area and was in contact with both India and Pakistan in this regard," the Foreign Office said.

The envoy asked the High Commissioner to take concrete measures to immediately end violence in Kashmir.

The envoy said that India should fulfill its human rights commitments under the UNSC resolutions and international human rights obligations.

Leghari is one of 22 envoys appointed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to brief the international community about the situation in Kashmir. -PTI

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China, Russia launch major naval drill BEIJING: China and Russia have launched a major naval exercise in the South China Sea, firming up their growing strategic alliance apparently to counter military push by the US into the region amidst muscle-flexing by the PLA into the disputed waters.

The eight-day "Joint Sea 2016" drill will feature the highest ever level of standardization, combat and digitalization in recent China-Russia drills, Chinese Navy spokesperson Liang Yang said.

China has not clarified whether the exercises would be held in the disputed parts of the South China Sea, especially Beijing's nine dash-line which was struck down by international court of arbitration in July.

However, the state-run Xinhua News Agency said a Russian fleet arrived at Zhanjiang port in the Guangdong province and the exercises would be held off the Guangdong coast, which is further away from the contested areas.

The participants will undertake joint air defense, anti-submarine operations, landing, island-seizing, search and rescue and weapon use.

The Russian Navy deployed three surface ships, two supply ships, two helicopters, 96 marines, as well as amphibious armored equipment.

Most of the Chinese forces came from the Nanhai (South China) Fleet under the

People's Liberation Army Navy, with some from the Beihai Fleet and Donghai Fleet.

A total of 10 ships from the Chinese

Navy, including destroyers, frigates, landing ships, supply ships and submarines, are taking part in the drill, as well as 11 fixed-wing aircraft, eight helicopters and 160 marines, as well as amphibious armored equipment.

Wang Hai, Chinese chief director of the exercise and deputy commander of the Chinese Navy, said this year marks the 20th anniversary of the two sides establishing strategic cooperation.

The two sides have conducted six joint navy drills in five years, and the drill will

enhance the abilities of both sides to counter common security threats, Wang said at the welcoming ceremony.

A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson in July said the drill will not target a third party but the growing alliance firmed up steadily after Russia annexed Crimea widening Moscow's estrangement with US and European Union prompting it to move closer to Beijing.

China's claims over almost all of South China Sea was fiercely contested by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan which have counter claims over the area.

China has rejected the international tribunal's verdict which invalidated Beijing's extensive claims in the area, saying the tribunal has no legal standing.

Russia backed China's stand of rejecting the verdict while asserting that the dispute should be resolved directly by parties concerned. -PTI

Pak girl to get admission in Delhi school NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has decided to "relax" its rules and grant admission in its school to Madhu, a Pakistani migrant girl, who has been struggling to secure admission due to lack of required documents.

The decision comes after Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took note of the reports of Madhu's struggle to secure admission and raised the issue with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

According to 16-year-old Madhu, she

Approving the request for her admission, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, "due to peculiar circumstances, the girl is not in possession of any school leaving certificate or date of birth certificate. She wants to study and on humanitarian grounds it is my considered opinion that we need to walk extra mile to accommodate her".

"To accommodate Madhu's request, the government can consider relaxing whatever rules and regulations, if they come in way

Sushma Swaraj with Madhu

had come to India with her mother, siblings, her uncle and cousins two years ago after they fled religious persecution in Pakistan's Punjab province.

After making rounds of Delhi government, co-ed senior secondary school in Sanjay Colony where authorities refused to enroll her in ninth standard as she does not have the necessary documents required to complete the formalities. The migrant girl also wrote to Kejriwal seeking intervention.

of her joining our school," Sisodia, who is also the education minister, said in an official order.

"Accordingly admission to Madhu may immediately be provided at any of our government schools located in Sanjay Colony, Bhati Mines, Fatehpur Beri, New Delhi. She would also be given necessary books and uniform and we may facilitate whatever is required for the girl to study in our school," the order further added. -PTI

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Indian, Aus to develop salt-tolerant rice MELBOURNE: A team of Australian researchers has partnered with an Indian research foundation in an effort to develop a variety of salt-tolerant rice, as part of a broader project to address the issue of food security.

An agreement was signed between the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and M S Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai last week for a USD 2 million project supported by the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund.

They will conduct research on salt-tolerant rice varieties identified from wild species using biotechnology approaches in India and in Australia.

Rice is one of the most important staple foods in the world, with 92 per cent of all rice produced in Asia, said Holger Meinke, head of the university's School of Land and Food head.

Production in this region was increasingly impaired by seawater intrusion or saline water tables

rendering vast areas of land unproductive and threatening the

that is capable of growing in highly saline coastal areas to iden-

livelihood of many rice farmers.

"Researchers from University of Tasmania, supported by Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, will be using a variety of wild rice

tify and transfer traits that confer its remarkable salinity-stress tol-

Indian Crossword League goes global NEW DELHI: Seeking to infuse love for words among people, especially students, in the age of video games, the fourth edition of the Indian Crossword League (IXL) has been launched here.

This year, it will include as contestants the country's Diaspora in five cities abroad. The grand finale of the contest, which will involve a combination of online and offline crossword puzzle-solving

finals," IXL founder Vivek Kumar Singh said.

The launch took place in the presence of several eminent personalities at the Civil Services Officers' Institute (CSOI) in Chanakyapuri area. The IXL trophy was also unveiled on the occasion by Nasscom President R Chandrasekhar.

"Crosswords are not just about wordplay and cryptic clues.

I see them as great stress busters and a If you see a sweating man tool to help grow our at an airport or a shouting incisive reasoning. So, you see a sweating person stuck in a traffic jam, ifman at an airport or a chances are he or she is not shouting person stuck in a traffic jam, chances a crossword solver," are he or she is not a crossword solver," Chandrasekhar said Chandrasekhar said.

Singh, also a senior competitions, will be held in bureaucrat in Bihar, said the IXL Bengaluru in December. was founded in 1913 to mark 100 "There will be 10 online rounds years of crosswords and to pay following which a leader board tribute to Arthur Wynne, who is would be generated. Top 20 con- credited with publishing the first testants from that list would crossword in 'New York World' qualify for the final showdown newspaper. where top six teams after an on"Last year, we added Toronto the-spot written round will and New Jersey to the contest on square off for the IXL trophy. an experimental basis. We got a "Also, a contestant each from positive response from the London, Toronto, Sydney, Dubai Diaspora. So this is also the offiand New Jersey in the US would cial global launch of the competifly into India to participate in the tion," he added.-PTI

erance," Meinke said.

"These traits will be transferred to traditional rice cultivars using a range of modern plant breeding techniques to create a salt-tolerant rice variety which will be suitable for growing conditions in India and other saline environments around the world," Meinke added.

"The project will include exchange visits between India and Australia and is a great example of Tasmanian researchers forming international partnerships and sharing expertise to address issues of global significance," he said.

The three-year project is being led by University of Tasmania Sergey Shabala who said the project is an important effort to improve global food security as well as production efficiencies for Australian farmers.

"Rice is Australia's third larg-

est cereal grain export, and the ninth largest agricultural export.

The industry generates around USD 800 million revenue per annum, with around USD 500 million of this coming from value-added exports," Shabala said.

"The development of a salinitytolerant rice variety will help improve outcomes for Australian farmers who are affected by transient salinity. This is the first step towards developing agricultural systems that are highly salt-tolerant.

"The capabilities and technologies developed through this project have the potential to ultimately enhance the agricultural productivity for other major crops such as barley and wheat," Shabala said.

The University of Tasmania will also work closely with Zhonghua Chen from the University of Western Sydney. -PTI

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Indian-origin joins Singapore India sees great postBrexit scope commission SINGAPORE: A Singaporebased Indian-origin businessman Sunny Verghese has become a member of the Business and Sustainable Development Commission, which will help accelerate sustainable growth in agri-business.

Verghese, Co Founder and CEO of Singapore's agri-business group Olam International Limited, joins roster of leaders from the private sector, academia and civil society, who are committed to accelerating the world's transition to inclusive and sustainable growth.

The Business Commission's mission is to make a powerful case, supported by sound evidence, rigorous research and compelling real-world examples, for why business leaders should seize upon sustainable development as the greatest opportunity of a lifetime.

Its purpose is to show how the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide the private sector with a framework for mak-

ing a real difference in addressing the major developmental challenges that we face.

"The world cannot achieve sustainable development without

Sunny Verghese

the full engagement of the food and agriculture sectors, which are critical to achieving not just one, but the majority of the Global Goals," said Lord Mark MallochBrown, Chair of the Business Commission.

"Sunny's leadership in agribusiness will be essential to in-

creasing the number of leaders who understand the incredible opportunity for both growth and sustainability in this sector," Mark said.

The SDGs, launched in 2015, are 17 ambitious targets for ending hunger and poverty, reducing inequality and tackling climate change by 2030.

"One of the meanings of the word Olam is 'enduring' or 'everlasting'. I believe the only way we can build an enduring business is to put sustainability at the heart of our business.

This is reflected in 'Growing Responsibly', our core purpose, which guides us to pursue profitable growth in an ethical, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable way," Verghese said.

"I am excited to join the Business Commission, as it seeks to inspire and catalyze companies to embed sustainability at the core of their businesses and aims to foster collaborations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030," he said. -PTI

Modi govt resorting to 'tax terrorism': Cong NEW DELHI: Congress has accused the Modi government of resorting to "tax terrorism" through "incessant" raids on traders and businessmen after "failure" to bring out black money through income disclosure schemes.

"Don't perpetrate tax terrorism on the honest taxpayer.

One needs only go to any trad-

told reporters here.

He claimed that the oligarchs and crony capitalists are "making merry" as the "honest tax payer" is being raided.

Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance that he would bring back black money stashed in foreign banks in 100 days of coming to power, he said that BJP had estimated in 2011 that

Targeting the government over raids, he told the Prime Minister that income disclosure schemes work on incentives and "not on intimidation�. "What has happened as a result of failure of the scheme, they have launched a reign of tax terrorism� ing hub in the country and there are horror stories as to how the small trader and the honest businessman are being coerced to make the targets for this scheme," party spokesman Manish Tewari

there are 25 lakh crore rupees in foreign banks. He said that the estimate was given by a committee headed by BJP veteran L K Advani.

Noting that in 2015, the gov-

ernment came out with an amnesty scheme for money undeclared in foreign banks, he said that the total declaration was only Rs 4164 crore while the total tax collected was Rs 2428 crore.

"BJP said there is Rs 25 lakh crore in foreign banks. Why have you been only able to recover Rs 2428 crore. Where is the rest? Why have you not brought that money back ?" he asked.

Targeting the government over raids, he told the Prime Minister that income disclosure schemes work on incentives and "not on intimidation".

He said that in 1997 when the then United Front government had launched the Voluntary Disclosure of Income Scheme, the total declaration was Rs 33,000 crore and tax collected was Rs 10,000 crore.

"What has happened as a result of failure of the scheme, they have launched a reign of tax terrorism across India," he said. -PTI

LONDON: India and the UK are "natural allies" and there is huge scope for collaboration between the two strategic partners in the wake of Britain's vote to leave the European Union, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said here.

The minister highlighted the potential offered by Britain to India, with London as a financial capital and great "centre for technology and innovation".

"I am hopeful after Brexit also, there is huge scope between India and UK. We are natural allies;

vest further in a big way," he said.

In reference to controversies around historic tax dispute cases involving firms like Cairn Energy in India, he said: "I would quote Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi's words: 'Gone are the days'. There is a new regime in India. We are very transparent on all tax issues.

There will be no problem in future.

"Specifically, in the case of Reliance (Reliance Industries Limited), its UK partner BP itself said in a public domain in London that there has been no new case in the last two years. Those are our cre-

Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurating the physical data room during an interactive session in London on September 12. India’s High Commissioner Navtej Sarna is also seen

we have a strategic relationship.

London has its own advantage as a financial capital for majority part of the world," Pradhan said here on the sidelines of the 'Road Show on Discovered Small Fields

by Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH).

"The Indian market and London's financial power and technology can be synergized.

Two of the UK companies are major players in the Indian market BP and Cairn. They are doing well in India and they are going to in-

dentials and credibility."

Several presentations were made as part of the road show in London, which concludes Pradhan's international tour to attract foreign investment after Houston, Calgary, Dubai and Singapore.

His road shows were aimed at highlighting details of policy reforms, the improvements on ease of doing business, the regulatory and tax innovations and the specific attractiveness of the present bid.-PTI

5 Indians held in China for drug smuggling BEIJING: Five Indians have been arrested by Chinese immigration officials at an airport in Yunnan province for allegedly smuggling about 18 kgs of cannabis from India.

The five accused who had kept cannabis in food packets and laptop bags were held at Kunming airport after they came from Kolkata on September 7, officials said.

The drug packets were discovered by the scanners at the airport.

Their arrests have been noti-

fied to Indian officials and they have been granted counselor access on September 21, the officials said.

Currently, seven Indians are held in prisons at Guangxi and Guangzhou on drug smuggling charges.

Drug smuggling in China is treated as a serious offence and in some cases the crime attracts death penalty or long prison terms.

In July, a Colombian model was sentenced to 15 years in jail for drug smuggling in China. -PTI

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Media is under siege in Pakistan M AMBREEN AGHA

y family has been falsely implicated in drug racket.

It is distressing to see that my family is suffering because of my profession. It is difficult to be a journalist in Pakistan and that too in tribal areas. You are punished for bringing out stories that do not sit well with the military establishment, which is ubiquitous here. We see Taliban commanders visiting military quarters in the tribal belt. What happens inside is not for us to know. We are caught between the military and the terrorists. Being a journalist has cost

attacks since 1994 (data till September 11). Meanwhile, the World Press Freedom Index - 2016, published by Reporters without Borders (RWB), ranked Pakistan at 147 out of 180 countries. The RWB Report on Pakistan, "Targeted on all Sides", states, "Journalists are targeted by extremist groups, Islamist organizations and Pakistan's feared intelligence organizations, all of which are on RSF's [Reporters Sans Frontières] list of predators of press freedom. Although at war with each other, they are all always

Apart from burning tyres and blocking roads, the enraged mobs burned a counter at the Hyderabad Press Club, injuring four journalists and a Press Club employee. They also beat up journalists en route to Karachi. me my family, who disowned me after the slapping of false charges.

And now I am without money, looking for alternative means of sustenance.

-An unnamed journalist from an unspecified location in tribal areas to SAIR. Media in Pakistan, particular in the tribal regions, is under siege.

Working under constant threat to life and livelihood, media personnel have faced a backlash from both state and anti-state elements.

These include the warring political parties, military intelligence agencies and terrorist formations operating across the country.

As freedom becomes increasingly elusive for media personnel in the country, the International

ready to denounce acts of "sacrilege" by the media. Inevitably, selfcensorship is widely practiced within news organizations…"

In a recent incident on August 22, a group of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) workers attacked the office of ARY News Channel, killing one person and injuring several others, near Zainab Market in the Saddar Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. A day earlier, another group of infuriated MQM protestors had damaged the Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) van of the Samaa TV channel in the Liaquatabad Town of Karachi.

The protestors involved in both these attacks had alleged lack of "due media coverage" of MQM

Minister Murad Ali Shah on August 31, Rangers Director General Major General Bilal Akbar informed the participants that 848 'target killers' involved in 7,224 cases have been arrested since September 4, 2013, in Karachi, of which 654 suspects were affiliated with MQM. The MQM suspects have allegedly confessed to being involved in 5,863 incidents of target killings.

In the past, religious-political parties have also brazenly attacked the media. Following the hanging of Mumtaz Qadri, an Elite Force commando convicted of killing former Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, angry protesters attacked media houses and facilities in Sindh and Punjab on March 1, leaving over half a dozen media people injured, and equipment burnt or destroyed. Qadri was executed on February 29, at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi District of Punjab.

The most violent attack occurred in the Hyderabad District of Sindh, where a demonstration was staged by several religious parties against Qadri's execution.

The collective call for protest outside the Hyderabad Press Club was given by different religious organizations and parties, including, Milli Yakjehti Council, Jama'at-eUlema Pakistan (JuP) and Pakistan Sunni Tehreek (PST).

Apart from burning tyres and blocking roads, the enraged mobs burned a counter at the Hyderabad Press Club, injuring four journalists and a Press Club employee. They also beat up journalists en route to Karachi. Two journalists, who were travelling to cover the protest in Karachi's Malir

Many journalists have rallied to protest against the attack on Hamid Mir

Federation of Journalists (IFJ) report, released on February 3, noted that Pakistan runs fourth on the list of the deadliest countries in the world for journalists, recording a total of 115 killings since 1990.

According to partial data compiled by Institute for Conflict Management (ICM), a total of 57 journalists have been killed in targeted

workers, who had been protesting since August 18, against the random disappearances and arrest of party workers by the paramilitary Rangers ever since the beginning of the ongoing 'Targeted Action' against terrorists and criminals in the commercial capital.

During a meeting of the Sindh Apex Committee headed by Chief

Town were pulled out of the car and beaten up. The cameraman was also dragged out of the van.

The infuriated protestors damaged the camera and the vehicle.

The media has been targeted by the country's proliferation of terrorist formations. On May 7, unidentified terrorists killed two people, including Shia religious

scholar and rights activist Syed Khurram Zaki and his journalist friend Rao Khalid, in North Karachi Town. While Khalid was currently working as a journalist, Zaki was a former journalist. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

On November 22, 2015, unidentified armed assailants shot dead TV journalist Hafeez ur Rehman (42), on the outskirts of the Kohat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Though terrorist outfits, primarily the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have claimed responsibility for these attacks, the media has been directed by the Pakistan

last attack on the media claimed

by TTP was on January 17, 2014, when at least three Express News workers, identified as driver Khalid, technician Waqas and security guard Ashraf, were shot dead after TTP terrorists ambushed a stationary DSNG van near Matric Board Office in the North Nazimabad Town of Karachi. In a live telephone call from Afghanistan TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan declared, We accept responsibility. I would like to present some of its reasons: At present, Pakistani media is playing the role of (enemies

Pakistani media representatives and civil society activists hold posters bearing the image of German photographer Anja Niedringhaus, who was killed in an attack in Afghanistan, during a protest to condemn attacks against media in Islamabad

Army not to report.

The unnamed journalist from tribal area, in a conversation with this writer, stated, Since the launch of the NAP [National Action Plan (NAP), media's coverage of the conflict in Pakistan and more specifically in the tribal area is dictated by the Army. There is a clear instruction to all journalists, independent or affiliated, working in the tribal belt to not report claims of responsibility by terrorist outfits. The military has drawn the line for the journalists working on the ground.

There are claims made by the Pakistani Taliban [TTP] after every attack that we are categorically told to ignore. Reporting a terror claim is a crime now. In the tribal areas, reporters risk it all to deliver the news independently and objectively. Instead, it is the Army's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), which has increased its activities in the last few years.

The 20-point NAP came as a counter-terrorism measure on December 24, 2014, after the gruesome December 16, 2015, Peshawar Army Public School massacre.

Corroborating this claim, the

and spread) venomous propaganda against Tehreek-e-Taliban.

They have assumed the (role of) opposition. We had intimated the media earlier and warn it once again that (they must) side with us in this venomous propaganda (sic)."

Five days later, on January 23, 2014, TTP issued a 29-page fatwa (edict) against the media, declaring it a "party to the conflict" in the country. Since TTP's creation in 2007, this was the first ever fatwa issued by the terrorist organization against the media, drawing up a hit-list of journalists and publishers across the country.

The fatwa accuses media of siding with "disbelievers" against Muslims in the "war on Islam". It alleged that the media was inciting people against mujahidin (holy warriors) through propaganda, and was propagating promiscuity and secularism. One of the author's of the fatwa, Sheikh Khalid Haqqani, 'deputy chief' of TTP, separated journalists into three categories - murjif, muqatil and Sa'ee bil fasad. Explaining the terms further in the fatwa, Haqqani stated, Cont’d on page 15

Perspective

September 16, 2016

India Post 15

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Media is under siege in Pakistan Cont’d from page 14

Murjif is someone who engages in propaganda against Muslims during a war between Islam and disbelief. Muqatil is someone who incites disbelievers and their allies to act against Muslims, while the third category (Sa'ee bil fasad) includes those who allegedly corrupt Muslim society through steps like replacing Islamic ideology with secular beliefs.

While sending the fatwa to Dawn, the outfit's spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan warned, "Media could mend its ways and become a neutral entity. Otherwise, the media should not feel secure. A few barriers and security escorts will not help. If we can get inside military installations, media offices should not be too much of a challenge."

Indeed, at least 13 attacks with nine fatalities have been recorded since the declaration of the fatwa on January 23, 2014.

The military establishment has

played a malicious role in this enduring wave of intolerance against the media. During the 139th Corps Commanders Conference held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on June 9, 2011, the then Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, warned critics to stop trying to deliberately run down the Armed Forces and the Army as an institution, and to put an end to "any effort to create divisions between important institutions of the country."

The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and other Pakistani intelligence agencies have a long history of intimidation, abduction and secret killings of those who challenge or expose them.

One prominent incident in this category was the abduction, torture and brutal murder of Asia Times Online Pakistan Bureau Chief, Syed Saleem Shahzad, on June 1, 2011, in the Mandi Bahauddin District of Punjab Province. Shehzad was abducted on May 29, 2011, by the ISI just one

day after he exposed links between al Qaeda, a group of naval personnel and the ISI, in the deadly attack on the Pakistan Naval Station (PNS) Mehran within the Faisal Naval Airbase in Karachi on May 22, 2011. 10 Security Force (SF) personnel were killed in the attack.

Shahzad's killing was a deliberate

had told his colleagues and friends that if he was attacked, Pakistan's ISI, "and its chief Lieutenant General Zaheer-ul-Islam will be responsible".

On the day of the attack, Geo News disclosed that Mir had also sent a recorded video to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) implicating the ISI in any possible attempt on his life. Mir had claimed that the Agency had been infuriated by his Capital Talk programs that criticized ISI's tactics against the separatists in Balochistan, where the military is accused of enforced disappearances and killings.

Persistent efforts by the Army

Shehzad was abducted on May 29, 2011, by the ISI just one day after he exposed links between al Qaeda, a group of naval personnel and the ISI, in the deadly attack on the Pakistan Naval Station (PNS) Mehran within the Faisal Naval Airbase in Karachi on May 22, 2011. and planned targeted killing that sent shock waves through Pakistan's journalist fraternity and civil society.

In another such attack, Hamid Mir, the anchor on Geo News, was shot at and injured by four unidentified armed pillion riders on April 19, 2014, in Sharah-e-Faisal Town of Karachi. Before the attack, Mir

and its agencies to silence the media over decades have diminished the spaces of freedom within Pakistan. There have been serious concerns voiced by activists regarding the "muzzling of free speech" in Pakistan. Expressing concern over the role of the ISPR department on June 15, Asma Jahangir, former chairperson of the

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), appeared before a two-judge Supreme Court bench consisting of Justices Ejaz Afzal Khan and Qazi Faez Isa, which was hearing petitions filed by journalists Hamid Mir, Absar Alam and others, seeking a court order abolishing the secret fund being maintained by the Information Ministry.

Jahangir asserted that ISPR should also be monitored by regulatory authorities and requested the Court to investigate the law under which the Army's media cell was operating. "We have been talking a lot about the civilian government, but the media cell of the [army] should also be monitored," Jahangir argued.

In the ongoing "war of ideologies", as TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan called it after the January 17, 2014, attack on Express News, the media has borne the brunt from all the three quarters political, military and terrorist. An environment of repression has been created, enforced by an unholy alliance of Islamist extremists, radicalized political parties and the omnipresent Army and its agencies, within a culture of enveloping immunity, expanding spaces for future ideological wars.

The writer is Research Associate, Institute for Conflict Management

Desi News Telengana Dy CM attends Ganesha festivities S RAMESH & KEERTHI RAVOORI

CHICAGO: A group of local Indian community activists in Aurora area (south side of Chicago) banding as Fox Valley Ganesha Utsav Committee, arranged installing for the first time a 5 feet statue of Lord Vinayaka on the occasion of Vinayaka Chaturthi at 5000 sq feet shamiana beside making food arrangements for the devotees and give a real festive look for the 8 days duration The Ganapathi Pooja was started at 10am on September 5 followed by Ganapathi Prathishtapam which was for the first time in open area in Chicago land. Lot of devotees were so enthusiastic to watch it that they started singing bhajans and kirtanas. Later it was followed by Ganapathihomam in the presence of 200 families belonging to different parts of Chicago land.

Details on page 20

Belgium firm puts Ganesha on beer SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: Hugely upset and angry at the trivialization of revered Hindu God Lord Ganesha, a large number of Hindus in this country have urged Belgium based The Musketeers Brewery to apologize and withdraw image of Lord Ganesha from its Jack's Precious IPA beer label.

Lord Ganesha's image is shown on Jack's Precious IPA (Alcohol: 5.9%, EBC: 20, IBU: 50) beer label carrying chef knife in one hand and sausage like object on the other, and brewery's trade mark symbol on his head; a product of Ursel (East Flanders, Belgium) headquartered The Musketeers Brewery.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

16 India Post

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Indian attorney explains new tax obligation for NRIs

September 16, 2016

Details on page 21

Galaxy of leaders join to felicitate Rep Davis on 75th birthday SURESH BODIWALA & RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Political luminaries, business leaders, church pastors, civil rights figures, community activists and physicians vied with each other in lavishing praises on the ranking US Congressman Danny Davis for his 51 years of unequalled public service rendered to the country and the community at large while celebrating his 75th birthday here.

The event was organized by Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force that included a good number of Indian Americans and political activists. The rousing luncheon reception for the Congressman was held at Captain Hard Times Banquet in Southside of Chicago on September 6.

A galaxy of political leaders including Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Deputy Mayor of Chicago Andrea Zopp, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Dorothy Brown, Illinois State Senator Napoleon Harris and many ethnic medical and community leaders took to the podium to pay glowing encomiums to the Congress-

United Telugu Christians Association presented a shawl to Senator Harris.

Deputy Mayor Andrea Zopp conveyed the City of Chicago and Mayor Rahm Emmanuel's birthday greetings to the Congressman and pointed out the significant contribution that he made in building a vibrant and strong City of Chicago. Nagendran Sripad of End Point Graphics presented a shawl to Zopp.

Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Dorothy Brown said that Congressman Davis is a role model to all successful leaders today. Ms. Geetha Sripad presented a floral bouquet and Nakul Cake Cutting ceremony at US Congressman Danny K Davis' 75th birthday with Chand, Midwest Manpolitical leaders and invited guests ager, Air India presented a shawl to Ms. Brown.

Congressman Danny Davis faithfulness to serving the people. gressman Danny Davis as a mass Dr Prabhakar said that tributes and leader who continuously served presented the Golden Eagle Award greetings have been pouring in people with commitment and con- 2015 to Dr William O.P. Dorsey, from all across the political spec- viction. Kishor Mehta, Task Force CEO, Jackson Park Hospital, Chitrum as Congressman Davis is Chair, presented a floral bouquet cago for his singular contribution widely esteemed inside the and Gerard Moorer, Task Force to the development of Jackson Director, presented a shawl to Ms. Park Hospital. Dr Pratap C Kumar, beltway. the Multi-Ethnic Advisory Task Force, introduced the ranking officials and described Congressman Danny Davis as a man of great virtue, piety and unparalleled

golden silk shawl.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan who received a rousing introductory welcome from Dr Vijay G Prabhakar, eulogized Con-

Details on page 22

Traditional style Navratri coming to Bay Area India Post News Service

MILPITAS, CA: A very unique and long awaited world famous Navratri festival is coming to the Bay Area in a traditional style.

Nine consecutive nights of openair, fully lighted, under artificial turf traditional Dandia/Garba (traditional Indian mass dance) for the first time in the Bay Area.

Indian calendar month of "Aaso" (Like December in Gregorian calendar) is a month of various celebrations filled with traditions throughout India.

Details on page 24

Indian supporters Dr Vijay Prabhakar, Kishore Mehta, Rep Danny Davis.

Sohan Joshi and Shirley Kalavakota

man Davis for his fierce devotion to the beliefs of public service spanning over five decades as Chicago Alderman, Cook County Commissioner and now the United States Congressman.

Presiding over the birthday celebrations luncheon, Dr Vijay Prabhakar, Executive Vice-Chair of

Harish Kolasani, President NRI SEVA and his team performed aarti and garlanded Congressman Davis on his arrival. Leontine Horne, Vice Chair, New Hope Community Service presented a bouquet of 75 red roses while Sohan Joshi, Chairman of New Hope Community Service, presented a

Jackson Park Hospital CEO Dr Dorsey with Indian activists Dr Pratap Kumar, Kishore Mehta and Sunil Shah

Madigan.

State Senator Napoleon in his opening remarks said that Danny Davis served him as an inspiring mentor and his aspirations remain to be like him serving the people and the country. Eddie Newell of Jordans Dreams presented a floral bouquet and Vijender Doma of

Past President, Indian American Medical Association-Illinois introduced Dr Dorsey and said that the previous recipients of the Award include Governor Pat Quinn in 2012.

Shirley Kalavakota, Reception Chair presented a floral bouquet to Dr Dorsey.

Cont’d on page 19

September 16, 2016

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Telengana Dy CM Mohammad Ali launches 'Glory of Hyderabad' A H. SYED

Mohammad Mahmood Ali, Dy Chief Minister,Telangana, A.K. Khan, Director General, Anti-Corruption Bureau,Telangana, CG Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Dr. Deepak Kant Vyas, Chairman Redberri Corporation, Mir Khan, President, Iqbal Baig, Vice President, Ashfaq Syed, secretary, Iftekhar Shareef, Syed Hussain, Ms. Gazala Rahman, Ms. Tasneem Osmani and Khalid Osmani at the Launch of Glory of Hyderabad

CHICAGO: The launch of the 'Glory of achievements. "The Hyderabadi Tehzeeb is Hyderabad' was held with lot of fanfare and the traditional mix of civility, hospitality, enthusiasm in Chicago on Sunday, September 5 at Shalimar Banquets on North Ave, Addison, in the presence of Mohammad Mahmoud Ali , the Telengana Deputy Chief Minister.

In his inaugural address Mohammad Ali said that Hyderabad has always been a point of convergence of many different cultures, traditions, festivals, and religions that gave it its distinct cosmopolitan character. "Hyderabad's lingua franca, 'Dakhini', is a unique blend of several languages, typifying the true plural character of the city, where people belonging to different castes, creed and religions live in peace and harmony and participate in each other's festivals with enthusiasm", he added.

He said 'Glory of Hyderabad' is aimed at celebrating the famed 'GangaDr. Ausaf Sayeed, A.K. Khan, Dr. Deepak Kant Vyas, Jamuni Tehzeeb' and portraying the Mir Khan jointly presented an award to "Hyderabadiyat", rather than merely Dy CM Mohammad Mahmood Ali glorifying Hyderabad's historical

Dy Chief Minister Telangana Mohammad Mahmood Ali, CG Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Mir Khan, Mr. Iqbal Baig, Ashfaq Syed, Krishna Bansal, Iftekhar Shareef, Ali Faheem and Dr. Mohammed Hussain at the Launch of Glory of Hyderabad

courtesy, and grace in social interaction, the hallmark of which is respect and consideration", added Mahmood Ali. "K Chandrasekhar Rao has been considered as the best Chief Minister in India. He is committed to transforming the old city of Hyderabad

into golden city of Hyderabad", he added.

A.K. Khan, Director General, Anti-Corruption Bureau of Telangana, who was the Guest of Honor at the event, said that Hyderabad is well known across the globe on account of its rich history and culture, Hindu-Muslim unity, and above all, its unique cuisine. He paid rich tributes to Hyderabadi-Americans for their rich contribution to the socio-economic and educational fabric of the US. Indian Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed said that Hyderabad has recently been declared as the most livable city in India and also gained reputation as a home for such global giants as Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Google and Facebook."While Hyderabad has been protecting and preserving its ageold culture and traditions, it has been proactive in welcoming and embracing the contemporary socio-economic changes", stated Dr Sayeed.

He added, "I met KTR, Minister in Telangana Government during his recent visit to the US. Thanks to his professional approach and enlightened leadership, Telangana Government and the State of Illinois are going to sign a number of MoUs very shortly".

Cont’d on page 20

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September 16, 2016

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Ilayaraja mesmerizes Bay area with evergreen classics VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

SAN JOSE, CA: Maestro Ilaiyaraja performed an Exclusive Live Tamil Concert on September

11 at San Jose Event Center in Silicon Valley. The show was organized by B&B Entertainments, Kalalaya, 8k milesmedia group.

This spectacular event featured the musical journey of the Mae-

stro in cinema through the years specifically Tamil cinema, on the occasion of him hitting the 1000 movie milestone.

The concert featured a Symphony Live Orchestra consisting

stage.

His music is such that it cannot be brought within a specific genre or trend. The Sunday night musical journey transformed the audience to different realms of blissful Maestro Ilayaraja with Tamil concert organizers (8K Miles media, Kalalaya and B&B Entertainments)

of more than 50 musicians, chorus and eminent singers of South Indian cinema such as Chitra, Sadhana Sargam, Mano, Karthik, Priya Himesh, Anitha Karthikeyan and many more.

Popular Kollywood actor Prakash Raj was also part of the concert.

There was an exclusive Telugu concert on Sept 10 organized by BATA. Speaking on the occasion, Babita Balamurugan, B&B Entertainments, said it was her privilege to host the legend and be part of his journey, it is a dream come true to me, she added.

Regarded as one of the finest music composers in India, Ilaiyaraja is also an instrumentalist, conductor, singer, and songwriter. He has composed more than 6000 songs and provided film scores for more than 1000 films, particularly being acclaimed for his background scores. In 2003, according to a BBC International poll, people from 155 countries voted his composition "Rakkamma Kaiya Thattu" from Thalapathi, fourth in the world's top 10 most popular songs of all time.

Isaignani Ilayaraja is synonymous with divine music. For him, creating music is almost like feeling God and it takes the listener on an ethereal trip.

The five-hour non-stop musical delight was an audio and visual treat for his fans. Ilayaraja is a master craftsman who can leave a mesmerizing effect on his audience and can drench them in an incessant shower of ambrosia.

He is one of the very few composers who continues to write his musical notes preferring the style over the technological tools and performs with a live orchestra at

space, far from the mundane world.

The show opened with a rich musical interlude by Ilayaraja with

FOG AWARD: Mr Ravi Durgham, assistant airport manager San Francisco, receiving the award on behalf of Air India at FOG awards function in Fremont, California during the recent celebrations.

his signature "Janani Janani" whetting the appetite of the crowd for a divine treat. Following his best in class performance was a mind-blowing rendition by singer Karthik.

This was followed by melodies and runaway hit from singers like Mano, Chitra, and Sadhna Sargam to name a few. The timeless feel of it transcends all kinds of literal and metaphorical boundaries. With over 30 years of delivering musical treat to his fans, Ilayaraja still holds his fort and enjoys a huge and loyal patronage.

September 16, 2016

Community Across America

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Tamil Ratna Award for Subramanian Swamy NEELA PANDYA

NEW YORK: America Tamil Sangam conferred its highest honor - Tamil Ratna - on Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subramanian Swamy at a glittering function held in New York.

Presenting the award, Prakash M Swamy, president of America Tamil Sangam, said Dr Swamy enhanced the image of Tamils around the world by rooting out corruption and abuse of power and working for more transparency and accountability in the functioning of the federal government.

The citation presented by the Sangam described the senior BJP leader as a one man army in India against corruption as he helped unearth many a scam that brought disgrace to the nation.

Prakash M Swamy detailed the BJP leader's contribution for purity in public life and his efforts to save Ram Sethu from demolition, a move of the then UPA DMK Government that invited lot of criticism. He compared Dr Swamy with

Secretary Soumya Murthy, Vice President Jaya Sundaranm, Dr Subramanian Swamy, Sangam President Prakash M Swamy, Executive VP Calai Chandra and Treasurer Saravana Kumar

Lord Krishna and Narendra Modi as Arjuna in the epic war against

Galaxy of leaders join to felicitate Rep Davis on 75th birthday Cont’d from page 16

Replying to the felicitations, Congressman Davis recalled the role of his parents, Church and Martin Luther King in shaping his destiny. Rep. Davis said that the celebration of his 75th birthday is a celebration of his constituents, the people of Illinois and his fellow Democratic leaders who have all collectively worked hard to

was conducted by the Task Force's Staff Director Gerard Moorer with the singing of the birthday song and feeding of the cake to the Congressman by Mrs Rupali Nakul Chand.

Kishor Mehta, Task Force Chair, in his closing remarks highlighted the role of Mother Josephine Wade, President of Captain Hard Times Dining Banquet and her team for hosting the luncheon

Two front ranking members of Multi Ethnic Task Force Dr Prabhakar and Kishore Mehta with Rep Danny Davis and Lisa Madigan

build a strong City of Chicago, a united County of Cook and a prosperous State of Illinois. He personally thanked the fellow Democratic leaders present, the Community leaders and the organizers for this wonderful celebration of life, love and unity.

The three tier colorful Cake Cutting Ceremony that followed,

event. He also called for nominations from the Community for those individuals or organizations that have successfully managed to make a difference in people /community lives and achievers to be honored at the Sixth Annual Congressional Awards Gala to be hosted on Sunday October 30 at Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows.

wholesale corruption and abuse of democratic power.

John Joseph, Chairman of the Sangam, said Dr Swamy is among the most respected Tamil leaders in New Delhi which was once dominated by top notch statesmen-leaders such as Kamaraj, Sathyamoorthy and Rajaji In his reply Dr Swamy said India under the leadership of Modi is attracting foreign investments, is again wielding considerable clout in the world arena and projecting the message that India can be governed in the most transparent manner He said the Aryan-Dravidan bogey of DMK got exposed and

the party is running stripped and out of ideas and ideology to remain in politics.

Captain Stanley George, the

posed a vote of thanks, said the previous Tamil Ratna Awardees include AR Rahman, Oscar winning composer, Kumari Kamala,

In his reply Dr Swamy said India under the leadership of Modi is attracting foreign investments and is again wielding considerable clout in the world arena highest ranking Indian-American in NYPD, was given community service award for his exemplary service to Indian community in New York.

Calai Chandra, Executive Vice President of the Sangam, who pro-

world renowned Barathanatyam dancer, Bharathi Raja, ace movie director and Dr Valavanur Subramaniam, leading interventional cardiologist of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

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Telengana Dy CM attends Ganesha festivities FROM S RAMESH & KEERTHI RAVOORI

CHICAGO: A group of local Indian community activists in Aurora area (south side of Chicago) banding as Fox Valley Ganesha Utsav Committee, arranged installing for the first time a 5 feet statue of Lord Vinayaka on the occasion

The Ganapathi festival arrangements were done meticulously by the decoration team Anupama, Prasuna and Sunitha. It was appreciated by all the devotees, a huge tent that can hold around 1500 people was erected and by

The Ganapathi Pooja was started at 10am on September 5 followed by Ganapathi Prathishtapam which was for the first time in open area in Chicago land. of Vinayaka Chaturthi at 5000 sq feet shamiana beside making food arrangements for the devotees and give a real festive look for the 8 days duration The Ganapathi Pooja was started at 10am on September 5 followed by Ganapathi Prathishtapam which was for the first time in open area in Chicago land. Lot of devotees were so enthusiastic to watch it that they started singing bhajans and kirtanas. Later it was followed by Ganapathihomam in the presence of 200 families belonging to different parts of Chicago land.

The event was also highlighted with the noteworthy presence of Mohammad Mahmood Ali, Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana State along with Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India, A.K. Khan, Director General of Police, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Telangana State and Iftekhar Shareef, a front ranking community activist in Chicgoland. They participated in the celebration and offered prayers to Lord Vinayaka.

This was a special moment where Hindu temple priest offered special prayers to the gathering of about 400 devotees.

entering into it the devotees really got a feeling that they are in a holy place.

All the Ganapathi Utsav Samithi members Srinivas Reddy Sirikonda, Vijay, Raj, KK Reddy, Sudheer Velpula, Vinoz Chanamolu, Krishanmohan, Chandra Sekhar Reddy, Krishna Mushyam, Harinda Reddy,

Members of Fox Valley Ganesha Utsav Organizing Committee: Chandrasekhar Reddy, Palvai Srinivas Reddy, Sarikonda, Sudhir Velpula. Krishna Mushyam, KK Reddy, Harinder Reddy, Vijay Kothakonda, Raj Addagatla, Malla Reddy, Gopi Pittala, Mohan Pittala, Venkat Reddy, Vinoz Chanamolu, Partha Pantham

ported by various other community leaders like Sundar Dittakavi,

Telengana Dy CM Mohammad Ali launches 'Glory of Hyderabad' Cont’d from page 17

Dy Telengana CM Mohammad Mahmood Ali, honored at the event

Venkat, Ramana Abbaraju, Gopi, Mallareddy and others worked hard to make it a grand success.

In addition first time it was sup-

Iftekar Shareef, Ravi Thokala , Mani Thallapragada, KV Reddy, Mohan Reddy, Dr Sukanya Reddy, Radhakrishna Reddy, Srinivas Peddamallu, Venkat Thudi, Chalma Bandaru, Rangareddy, Srinivas Reddy Chada, Narenar Cheemarla, Hari Raini, Srini Voruganti and other friends and volunteers Later in the evening, lot of cultural activities were organized and crowd was really pouring in to have Ganapathi darshan, Ravi Thokal and Mani Thallapragada really entertained the audience with their singing skills. Ravi conducted workshop that helped kids in making their own Ganeshas.

Srinivas Sirikonda planned the entire Pooja activities, Raj Addagatla organized the Maha Aarthi for which the devotees were so happy and felt that they didn't miss India for Ganapathi celebrations. All the food arrangements were taken care by Krishna Mohan, Venkat, Vinoz and Mallareddy.

The prasadam was provided voluntarily by none other than Tamarind Restaurant for more than 3000 members.

Chicago aimed at showcasing the culture of Hyderabad. He also applauded the generous efforts of Dr. Vyas for his commitment to finding enduring solutions to the problems of weaker sections of society in Hyderabad.

Mohammad Mahmood Ali presented Lifetime Achievement Award, on behalf of Glory of Hyderabad, to Khan Lateef Khan, Editor-in-Chief, Munsif Urdu daily for his services to community and for Urdu language, to A.K. Khan for his Meritorious and Dedicated Police Service, and to Dr.Ausaf Sayeed for his Exemplary Service

Dr. Deepak Kant Vyas, Chairman Redberri Corporation, graciously outlined charitable donation from the Redberri Earth foundation that will include: a Scholarship for a student of need to pursue a Master's level program in the US with a commitment to return to Hyderabad; establishing a Gold Medal Award at a University in Hyderabad; upgrading a Children's ward at a selected hospital, and surgery for a polio patient with economic need. "We are committed to partnering with the Telangana Government on projects that make a difference and are re- Dr Ausaf Sayeed and A.K. peatable", he added.

Vyas opined that the Khan jointly presented an four pillars of Charminar award to Mohammad represent Character, Community, Courage, Mahmood Ali for Charismatic and Confidence. We Leadership on behalf of the want to set an example Hyderabadi Community for giving back to the community in a way that reflects our commitment to to the Indian community of social responsibility", he empha- Chicagoland. sized.

Dr Ausaf Sayeed and A.K. Earlier, Mir Khan, Chairman, Khan jointly presented an award Glory of Hyderabad, in his wel- to Mohammad Mahmood Ali for come address, said that the chil- Charismatic Leadership on behalf dren born and brought up in the of the Hyderabadi Community in US are not familiar with the inher- Chicagoland. ent strengths and an array of Iqbal Baig, Vice President propositivities of Hyderabad. He said posed vote of thanks. He made a that efforts will be made, under the special reference to the managebanner of the 'Glory of Hyderabad' ment and staff of Shalimar Banquet to create awareness among the for making the event a great sucyounger generation about the in- cess. spiring history and robust culture 'Glory of Hyderabad' is a regisof Hyderabad. tered organization with Mir Khan He paid rich tributes to Dr. as President, Iqbal Baig as Vice Ausaf Sayeed for organizing a President, and Ashfaq Syed as number of high profile events in General Secretary.

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September 16, 2016

India Post 21

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Grand celebration of Indian attorney explains Radhashtami in Boston new tax obligation for NRIs GEETHA PATIL

BOSTON: Hundreds of devotees gathered at the ISKCON Boston temple to offer prayers, worship, and devotional songs glorifying the appearance of Divine mother Radharani on Friday, 9 September. Radhashtami is the

with singing of melodious bhajans by devotees. Gaura Aarti started at 6 pm followed by special Abhishekam of Ma Radharani and Lord Krishna performed by temple priest Pandit Antaryami Das with all the Vedic Vidhi Vidhans and

ISKCON Boston celebrates Radhashtami

only day on which devotees receive Darshan of Radharani's lotus feet. On all other days Her feet remain covered.

Chants of 'Radhe Radhey' echoed in the air of the temple since early Friday as devotees here cel-

Mantras. The deities were lovingly bathed by the priest with milk, curd, honey, and fruit juices of various colors and tastes. The Abhishekam went on for around 30 minutes amidst chanting of Hare Krishna.

Devotees flock to ISKCON temple

ebrated Radhashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna's consort Radha with great religious fervor. Radhastami is celebrated mostly by Krishna's devotees as the appearance day of Radharani, who is Krishna's great devotee, the feminine aspect of Absolute Truth and Krishna's energy which is personified as Radha.

Krishna devotees believe that one cannot attain Madhava without the mercy of Shrimati Radharani. The only goal of Krishna devotees is to become the servant of Shrimati Radharani, the most devotional servant of Lord Krishna. On Radhashtami day all the devotees engage themselves in singing, hearing the glories of Radhikaji and also serve her.

The Radhashtami celebrations began in the afternoon at 1:00pm

The festivities started with an evening of Radharani stories by Shri Paramarupa Das. Pleasant devotional songs by devotees to the beats of drums and strains of harmonium created an air of spiritual atmosphere. After the Sayana Aarti at 8:30pm, devotees were eagerly waiting for the Charanamritam of deities which was available in enough quantity.

Everyone was relishing the tasty Charanamritam and Prasad with blissful smiles on their faces.

Prasadam was sponsored by Shri Vishwanath Gorti and family, Ritu Madan, Jitendra Goela, Shyama, Mohini, Rajanath Das and Vinod Sharma and prepared and served by dedicated volunteers.

Cont’d on page 23

RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

have to pay a penalty 5% of financial assets and revise tax returns for 3 years and FBAR returns for 6 years, for all undisclosed income or gains.

Rajesh H Dhruva, eminent char-

week and he explained in detail the tax implications under the revised Streamlined Procedures and FBAR returns. All those present felt that the talk by Dhruva was very enlightening and they understood

CHICAGO: A group of Indian American professionals and businessmen gathered at Saffron India Restaurant in Westmont to hear a front ranking Indian tax consultant Rajesh Dhruva elaborating on the tax implications of recent treaty between the Indian and the US governments over disclosure of overseas financial holdings by non-resident Indians and its practical implications.

The meet was organized among others by Dr Dasgupta and it was attended by close to 50 interested people who wanted to get enlightened about the tax incidence, if any. Under the treaty, Indian banks ,Mutual funds and others are obligated Indian Tax consultant Rajesh Dhruva with Dr Dasgupta, Dr Utpal Parikh and Hari Patel to report the accounts of US citizens, Green Card holders and H1 visa holders to tered accountant of India, has better their position with regard to the IRS, which was not the case been on a short visit to USA visit- filing tax returns here and for some, the past. It is necessary for all US ing places like Houston, New Jer- back in India.

The Question Answer season NRIs to voluntarily declare Indian sey among others to explain the income and Indian financial ac- rules of Streamlined Procedures that followed the talk also highcounts to the IRS under Stream- and its practical implications for lighted various concerns and likely those affected in India, or here, on problems that the NRIs could face lined Procedures of the IRS. now and in the near future under Failing to do to so, Under the subject.

Dhruva was in Chicago last different situations.

Streamlined Procedures one will

Community Across America

22 India Post

September 16, 2016

www.indiapost.com

Belgium firm puts Ganesha on beer SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: Hugely upset and angry at the trivialization of revered Hindu God Lord Ganesha, a large number of Hindus in this

5.9%, EBC: 20, IBU: 50) beer label carrying chef knife in one hand and sausage like object on the other, and brewery's trade mark

Lord Ganesha on beer bottles

country have urged Belgium based The Musketeers Brewery to apologize and withdraw image of Lord Ganesha from its Jack's Precious IPA beer label.

Lord Ganesha's image is shown on Jack's Precious IPA (Alcohol:

symbol on his head; a product of Ursel (East Flanders, Belgium) headquartered The Musketeers Brewery.

Calling it highly inappropriate and insulting to the feelings of Indians here, the founding mem-

bers of NRI Press Club Surendra Ullal and Madhu Patel said that this type of trifling with Hindu deities has become a past time with many a non-Indian firms and "all of us need to be united to fight this type of cheap; commercialization on the part of corporate giants."

Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a statement said that Lord Ganesha was highly revered in Hinduism and he was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be used in selling beer for mercantile greed. Moreover, linking Lord Ganesha with an alcoholic beverage was very disrespectful, Zed added.

Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously.

Symbols of any faith, large or small, should not be mishandled, Rajan Zed noted.

In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and is invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking.

VHPA fundraiser for support a child JAYANTI OZA

CHICAGO: The VHPA of Chicago Chapter and Manav Seva Mandir on Saturday, September 10 organized a Fundraising event for Supporting A Child (SAC) "Krishna Priya" dinner with live performance at Manav Seva Mandir in Bensenville, a north side suburb of Chicago

More than 300 members and guests including representatives of Chicago organizations and community elites attended the program emceed by Yashasvani Desai and Jitendra Diganvker The program was inaugurated

by Nimesh Jani, a Village Trustee of Schaumburg Township with

lighting of the ceremonial lamp. He was joined among others by Hetal Patel (VHPA Child Support Coordinator), Rajubhai Chauhan (President of Manav Seva Mandir), Haribhai Patel (President of Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago).

Cont’d on page 25

Sushant Jadhav, Aditi Bhagwat, Harshada Jambekar performing "Krishna Janam" dance

Entries invited for 'Letters About Literature' contest HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Illinois Secretary of nine years in a row. I encourage State and State Librarian Jesse all our students to take part in White urged students in grades 4 Letters About Literature and I through 12 to enter the 2017 "Let- hope their participation leads to ters About Literature" contest - a a lifetime of reading." national reading and writing comThere are three levels of parpetition funded by the Dollar Gen- ticipation: Level I for grades 4eral Literacy 6, Level II for Foundation and grades 7-8 and the Library of Level III for Congress grades 9-12. through the One Illinois Secretary of winner will be State's Illinois selected for Center for the each level and Book program. will receive a "Letters $200 cash About Literaaward. Teachture" invites ers of the winstudents to ning students read a book, will receive a poem or play of $100 cash their choice and award to purJesse White write a letter to chase materithe author als for their about how the work changed their school library. Winners and life or view of the world. Students teachers will be invited to an can enter on their own or through awards ceremony in Springfield. their schools, libraries or other The State winners' letters will youth organizations. be forwarded for national judg"Every year thousands of stu- ing. dents in Illinois enjoy participatThe deadline to enter the ing in this inspiring competition," competition is Friday, December said White. "Illinois has had more 2, 2016 for Level III and Monday, entries than any other state for January 9, 2017 for Levels I and II.

David Frawley honors Sam Kannappan PM SWAMY

HOUSTON: Sockalingam Sam pointed Kannappan to the Texas Kannappan was awarded Life Professional Engineers Board from Time Achievement Award by Hin- 2012 to 2017 where he serves as dus of Greater Houston on Sep- Enforcement Committee Chairman. tember 10.

Among his many contributions for Dr. David Frawley, popularly charitable causes are fundraising known as Pt. Vamdev Shastry, a Padma Bhushan Awardee for his work on Yoga and Vedanta, presented the award to Kannappan.

Sam Kannappan has been living in Houston for over forty years. He spearheaded monumental work in building of Sri Meenakshi Temple in Pearland, Texas. He is the founder of Bharathi Kalai Mrs. Meenakshi Kannappan, guest, Sam Manram, Tamil Cultural Kannappan and David Frawley Organization in Houston and is currently the President, for eye donation for Sankara GOPIO Houston Chapter. He is a Nethralaya. He is also the foundCharter Member of the Society of ing member of Hindus of Greater Piping Engineers & Designers.

Houston. Even at 72 he is active Texas Governor Rick Perry ap- with many organizations.

Community Across America

September 16, 2016

India Post 23

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Tabla maestro Anindo to perform in Seattle India Post News Service

SEATTLE, WA: Anindo Chatterjee, maestro of Tabla drumming, joined by award-winning vocalist Srivani Jade, will perform

January a $10,000 Art Works award to the Anindo Chatterjee Institute of Tabla Seattle (ACIT Seattle), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting tabla drumming and Hindustani music through educaPics Courtesy ACIT Seattle

Anindo Chatterjee

at Jet City Improv near the University of Washington campus in Seattle on September 25. The concert, preceded by workshops on Saturday September 24, is part of the NEA funded Access to Ustads Project.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced in

tional programs, concerts and classes. The funding will help to support ACIT's 2016 Access to Ustads Project, an effort to bring four Indian maestros to western Washington for public performances and to provide accompanying educational workshops and lectures.

"This means more music education and accessibility, especially for kids, young people and local musicians in King County," said ACIT Seattle Board President Priya Marita Diaz. "It's a chance for performing artists and the public to study one of the world's greatest musical traditions, and offers opportunities to learn that are rarely seen in the United States, thanks to the support of the NEA." ACIT Seattle is one of 64 recipients nationwide who were awarded $1.3 million in Art Works grants in the Folk and Traditional category. These awards were part of $27.7 million awarded by the NEA in its first 2016 funding round. In its first 50 years, the NEA awarded more than $5 billion in grants to recipients in every state and U.S. jurisdiction, the only arts funder in the nation to do so.

"The arts are part of our everyday lives - no matter who you are or where you live - they have the power to transform individuals, spark economic vibrancy in communities, and transcend the boundaries across diverse sectors of society," commented NEA Chairman Jane Chu. "Supporting projects like the one from ACIT Seattle offers more opportunities to engage in the arts every day."

The Access to Ustads Project will take place in between April and November 2016, in King County.

Four master guest musicians - in-

The workshops and master classes will include student performances with a live public audience, including discussion and feedback sessions with the master musician

Grand celebration of Radhashtami in Boston

Chanting Radhika bhajans Cont’d from page 21

The whole event was organized by Vishakha Priya Dasi. The weather being enjoyable, there was

a large turnout.

A devotee said, "These celebrations gave us a first-hand experience about the process of devotional service. We feel fortunate

cluding tabla master Anindo Chatterjee - will demonstrate, engage and share techniques of their art form in the oral tradition with the public, including student and professional musicians of all ages.

Each performance will feature one of the artists on a traditional Southeast Asian instrument: bansuri, sarod, sitar and tabla. In addition, each master will also give a lecture and interactive workshop to engage children, musicians and the general public.

"It is a significant opportunity to have musicians of this caliber presenting and teaching in this area," said ACIT Executive Director and Cofounder Ravi Albright, who is also a professional tabla player and percussionist. "We hope both for those familiar with, and new to, the melodic beauty and rhythm of Hindustani music will come to enjoy and participate."

In April sitarist Prof. Nayan Ghosh performed and

for being part of such joyful exchanges of love between Lord and his devotees. We look forward to be part of many mores such celebrations."

gave workshops for the first events of the Access to Ustads Project of 2016, followed by sarodist Tejendra Majumdar in May. This Fall, in addition to Anindo Chatterjee in September, Rakesh Charausia will perform and

give workshops on bansuri flute November 5th & 6th.

"ACIT is collaborating with many local community organizations and partners to promote and produce the concerts," he added.

"Each of these talented musicians will engage in lecture demonstrations and performance work-

Srivani Jade

shops. In the demonstrations, music students, professional musicians and the general public will have a chance to observe and learn about the history and evolution of the music from the master musicians. Subjects will include the tala (rhythmic) and the raga (melodic) systems.

The workshops and master classes will include student performances with a live public audience, including discussion and feedback sessions with the master musician, assisted by a panel of volunteer professional music instructors and academics."

24 India Post

Community Across America

September 16, 2016

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Traditional style Navratri coming to Bay Area India Post News Service

MILPITAS, CA: A very unique and long awaited world famous Navratri festival is coming to the Bay Area in a traditional style.

Nine consecutive nights of openair, fully lighted, under artificial turf traditional Dandia/Garba (traditional Indian mass dance) for the first time in the Bay Area.

Indian calendar month of "Aaso" (Like December in Gregorian calendar) is a month of various celebrations filled with traditions throughout India. Beginning this month, a festival called "Navratri" translated Nine Nights celebrated across the world and state of Gujarat in India, leads the celebration. This year for the first

time festival comes to Bay Area in its most traditional form.

Called the Raas Garba Mahotsav, it will be held from September 30 to October 8 at 25 corning Avenue, Milpitas CA. Band Abhishek Patvari and four other artists will be visiting from Ahmedabad, India.

Mouthwatering food will be available for purchase. Parking and security facilities will provide the best possible experience.

As it happens, from kids and youth to adults and seniors, everyone from smallest of the villages to metro cities celebrates this unique festival. Age is not a bar.

Typically, after sunset everyone gathers at a venue, around the statue of Goddess Amba or Lord Krishna and for countless hours often till early morning plays traditional Garba/Dandia (a form of rhythmic steps moving in a circle by a group) steps to various melodious beats.

Over the last many years festival has become truly global and

Here is what Saheli Shah, BAYVP youth tells about it. "Being a teenager of Indian origin in the US, it is hard to find places to embrace our culture and especially meet new people who love to do the same. Garba and Raas is so much fun, for those who have

Called the Raas Garba Mahotsav, it will be held from September 30 to October 8 at 25 corning Avenue, Milpitas CA. Band Abhishek Patvari and four other artists will be visiting from Ahmedabad, India.

A scene of last year's festivities

celebrated across the world specifically in USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Africa and many other countries.

On a religious front, many devotees do fasting for nine days in praise of Goddess Amba and get her blessings.

been learning since a young age and those who are learning as they go are sure to join this celebration. Doing same for nine consecutive nights in open-air I have never done and can't wait to be there and I am sure to bring my friends with me."

'Mindfulness Yoga for Cancer' program MADHU PATEL

FLORIDA: The Cancer Center of Martin Health System (MHS) headquartered in Stuart (Florida) is offering a six-week "Mindfulness Yoga for Cancer" program starting September 19.

This free program uses techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga and stretching, breath awareness and body awareness.

Kim Romer and Nancy Aldrich are the facilitators.

Participants will learn about mindfulness and cancer, coping with and responding to stress and calming the anxious mind. Mindfulness meditation, yoga and stretching, and breath and body awareness techniques are used to deepen practice.

Welcoming this initiative on the part of the Center, Rajan Zed, presi-

dent of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, Yoga was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. According to Patanjali who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain

perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

Yoga, referred as "a living fossil", was a mental and physical discipline, for everybody to share and benefit from, whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus

Valley civilization.

According to US National Institute of Health, Yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress.

Award-winning MHS, health care organization founded in 1939

Helping Cancer patients with Yoga

which offers cancer care besides various other services, has received Outstanding Achievement Award from Commission on Cancer besides various other honors.

John Loewenberg is Board Chairman, while Robert L. Lord Junior is the Chief Executive Officer.

September 16, 2016

Community Across America

India Post 25

www.indiapost.com

Study on Yoga effect on Parkinson's disease which motor and non-motor features are currently not being managed sufficiently. On average, one MINNESOTA: University of American is diagnosed with Minnesota (UMN) School of Parkinson's disease every nine Nursing in Minneapolis is assessminutes, announcement adds. ing "the effect of yoga on meaUMN study's participants insures of oxidative stress; motor clude individuals difunction; and agnosed with idionon-motor funcpathic PD in 45-75 tion in individuals age group who are with Parkinson's participating in a disease". yoga program. Assis"Yoga, a poputant Professor Dr. lar exercise modalCorjena K. Cheung is ity, uses poses, leading this study. meditation, and UMN is a public breath-control research university, techniques to help established in 1851, improve physical whose mission infunction and psycludes "We change c h o s o c i a l lives". Dr. Connie wellbeing", a White Delaney is UMN announceSchool of Nursing ment states.

Yoga and Parkinson study at Minnesota University Dean, Eric W. Kaler is C o r j e n a UMN President and Cheung, Ph.D., R.N., assistant professor in the the Parkinson's symptoms and Dean Johnson is UMN Regents Chair.

University of Minnesota's School making them worse.

In this feasibility study, Cheung According to a recently reof Nursing, has embarked on a new study to help those with is looking for 20 participants with leased "2016 Yoga in America Parkinson's disease."A lot of Parkinson's disease between the Study", about 37 million Americans (which included many celebpeople are doing yoga now, but ages of 45 and 75.

Parkinson's disease is a pro- rities) now practice yoga and yoga there's not a lot of research on its therapeutic effects," Cheung said. gressive, disabling, and costly is strongly correlated with having In this new study, Cheung neurodegenerative condition in a positive self image India Post News Service

hopes to discover whether yoga could also be an effective complementary option to medications that almost always accompany a Parkinson's disease diagnosis. She hopes to reduce stress, which could be contributing to some of

Learning electrical safety through play

W

JUSTIN FELLES

ho would've guessed that every kid's face in the room would light up with excitement while learning about electrical safety at elementary schools across Central and Southern California?

It's all thanks to Sparky the Wonderbug, who was about to buzz in for a performance of "A Bug's Light!," an interactive show designed to teach children important safety messages such as staying away from downed wires and to call 911.

In the show's fifth performance year, stops will be made at 40 schools throughout Southern California through October, performed by actors from the National Theatre for Children and sponsored

by Edison International, Southern California Edison's parent company. The show has previously visited 99 schools and been seen by nearly 54,000 students.

"It's important that we educate children and their families on the importance of electricity and how to be safe around it," said Erik Escobar, a National Theatre for Children performer in the show.

"The younger they begin learning, the more likely they will retain the concepts."

In the show, Sparky, a local in-

sect hero, is studying to pass an electrical safety test that will grant access to the "Electrical Safety Bug Brigade." But there's a problem the evil Dragonfly is trying to put an end to electrical safety by luring bugs into the bug zapper.

Sparky needs help. Fortunately, after hearing Sparky talk about how electricity works and the dangers to keep in mind, such as keeping hair dryers away from water, the kids are ready to assist.

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, each day in the U.S. nearly seven children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for electrical shock or burn injuries caused by tampering with a wall outlet. And in 2007, more than 98,000 children ages 14 and under were treated for burn injuries, including injuries from curling irons and room heaters.

In 2015, Edison International provided $1 million in grants to help fund public safety and emergency preparedness programs.

SCE employees also volunteered more than 168,000 hours across Southern California at a variety of events, including a partnership with the American Red Cross to install smoke detectors in underserved communities.

VHPA fundraiser for support a child

VHPA and SAC organizers and supporters with artists and Chicago elites Cont’d from page 22

Nirval Paatel of VHPA briefed the audience about the activities of his organization in America and played Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message from India through video transmission After that Nritya Natya Kala Academy and Kathak Dance and drama Institute (NNA) presented

Ganesh Vandna, Shiva Vandna, Krishna Vandna and Tarana , Krishnapriya poetry, narrative about Krishna Janam, 'Kehen Lage re Mohan Maiya Maiya' dance about Yashoda and Draupadi Drama dance. It was very well done by Aditi Bhagwat.

Local artist Madhura Sane performed dance 'Madhuban me radhika naache re' from

Bollywood movie 'Kohinoor."

Harshada Jambekar, Sushan Jadhav and Aditi Bhagwat performed many dances for about three hours like Aavi Rut milanki ( Radha Krishna), Gherigheri Aayi (Radha Viraha Ras) and JamunaTarana, Dr Sham Sheth, President of VHPA Chicago Chapter, and J Diganvker appealed all those

present to 'Support a Child - a way to serve and connect to India (Bharat).

SAC provides quality education, food, shelter and health care to homeless boys and girls. Nirval Patel said that "many in India are waiting for your support of $250 a year and you can make a difference in the life of an underprivileged child with your gift of less

than a dollar a day. This will provide a child with boarding, lodging, education and Sanskar." He also urged for Support A Child, Bal Vihar School and Seva in USA This fervent appeal from organizers led to 130 pledges for Child.

At the end of the program VHPA's Sanjay Shah thanked everybody including volunteers and people of the community.

September 16, 2016

26 India Post www.indiapost.com

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Horoscope

September 16, 2016

India Post

27

www.indiapost.com

Sept 16th - Sept 22nd 2016 Please send your birthday, place of birth and time, so I can give you your zodiac sign, according to Vedic astrology. Send to Jaysastrology@gmail.com

P

he professional matters look better this week enjoy time at work. Persistent caution is required, as transit of planets is bad avoid risky activities. Those who are appearing in selections may get good results. Stay away from manipulations. It is better to keep new ventures pending. The week may bring some concerns. The child may also bring some happy news.

T

rofessional matters look better this week enjoy work. Property matters need care, focus on your family at home. Some sudden obstructions , delays and stress are likely. Parents need care.

Better to avoid driving, risky activities, don't be at wrong place at wrong time. Work with patience focus. Take care of relationship matters, don't argue and avoid confrontation.

T

he professional matters look good. The week makes your mind agitated.

The students need better concentration. The health of father may need care. Handle all matters with patience. It is better to avoid haste and conflicts. Avoid unnecessary driving. Take care of your health and don't get involved in arguments. Patience is the Mantra for you. Avoid wearing grey color clothing.

he professional matters look better. Some of you may go for outing. The child brings happiness. Some additional income is likely. Social interaction and communications is better. The new professional opportunities are likely. Avoid conflicting situations during 2016, and take due care of your health. Get a physical for yourself. Exercise patience and avoid over ambitiousness.

T

he professional matters face challenges this week.. Avoid manipulations, people trying to take advantage of you. Students and those who are appearing in selections need caution and better concentration. Some of you may be rewarded. Some new rewarding opportunities are likely. The prolonged transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/Ketu are difficult for those.

T

he professional matters need caution, avoid conflicts and just focus on your work. The mental peace looks better. Some additional expense is likely be prepared for that. Stay away from manipulations.

Take care of your health get a regular physical if required.

Avoid aggressive behaviour and haste. Silence is golden for you. Better to avoid conflicts.

T

T

T

he professional matters face challenges. Social communications need caution. Handle relationship matters with patience. Child may need help. Avoid haste, conflicts, speculation, aggressive behaviour and unnecessary driving. Conflicts and financial concerns are likely to continue. Take care. Enemies are likely to trouble. Conflicts will put you to harm. Manage obstructions with due patience.

T

T

T

T

he professional matters look better. Some of you are likely to get promotion/reward/ recognition. You enjoy better mental peace. Things look better on health front. Financial position becomes better. The prolonged transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/Ketu are difficult for those whose ascending degree is around 18 or some planet is around 18 degree in odd signs up to 15th November, 2016.

he professional matters look better. Keep new ventures pending. Work with patience. The health needs better attention, Visit for regular physical. The week ending may involve some unrest and additional expenses.

Avoid haste, aggressive behaviour, conflicts, unnecessary expenses and driving/ travel. Handle obstructions and relationship matters with care up to September, 2016.

he professional matters face challenges. Avoid manipulations, stay away from people trying to take advantage of you. Some additional income is likely. Some good news is in the making.

The new business opportunities should be put on hold up to January, 2017. Avoid speculation, no gambling or stock market investing. Patience is the best medicine during this year, basically just relax and chill.

he professional matters look better. Some new opportunities are likely. Delays and obstructions are likely in the sources of income.

Manage obstructions with patience. Some gains through real estate assets are likely. It's better to avoid manipulations stay away from people trying to take advantage of you. The health of spouse may cause sudden concerns, see doctor don't delay for check up.

he professional matters look better this week enjoy work. The incidence of conflicts, obstructions, delays and sudden setbacks continues. Health of the spouse may cause concerns, get a check up. It is better to avoid driving or risky behavior avoiding places where you don't belong. Manage persisting difficulties with patience. This week bring many challenges.

This weekly horoscope is more focused and accurate as these are based on ascending signs. The ascending sign is worked out on the basis of your date, time and place of birth. You will find the predictions at other places based on your Sun sign or Moon sign. The Sun remains in one sign of zodiac for one month whereas the Moon remains in one sign for about 54 hours. It is the ascending sign, which changes every couple of hours." That is how this site offers you more focused predictions.

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

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Kala Chashma: Baar Baar Dekho 2 Tere Sang Yaara: Rustom 3 Jag Ghoomeya: Sultan 4 Sau Tarah Ke: Dishoom 28 India Post

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September 16, 2016

5 Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai: Sultan 6 Toota Jo Kabhi Tara : A Flying Jatt 7 Sau Aasmaan: Baar Baar Dekho 8 Tu Hai : Mohenjo Daro 9 Ikk Kudi : Udta Punjab 10 Beat Pe Booty : A Flying Jatt

S

he ventured into Bollywood in 2012 with the erotic 'Jism 2' thriller and has been on a roll since then. Indo-Canadian actress Sunny Leone says she felt like an outsider when she initially ventured into the Hindi film industry and still feels she doesn't fit in.

Asked if she ever felt like an outsider, Sunny said over e-mail from Los Angeles: "Yes, of course, but that would be anyone who is new to the job. I still don't think I completely fit in (Bollywood)."

At the same time, the 'Mastizaade' star feels she has met some nice people in Bollywood who she has 'grown fond of.'

The 'Ragini MMS 2' actress has been roped in for a song with superstar Shah Rukh Khan in 'Raees.' The song is reportedly a new take on the 1980 chartbuster 'Laila O laila' from 'Qurbaani'.

Another Junglee

V

idyut is lord of the jungle and he will have an elephant for a friend in Rohan Sippy's action thriller which is being produced by Junglee Pictures. The action thriller is about a unique friendship between man and beast. Vidyut plays an animal loving vet out to uncover a deadly poaching racket that took away his father and wiped out his beloved elephant's family.

Director Rohan Sippy says, "I grew up before television arrived so the biggest treat for my friends and me was when my dad (Ramesh Sippy) would bring a projector home and screen 'Haathi Mere Saathi' for us. That was one film I watched on every birthday. And that's what triggered the idea of Junglee," he informs.

The director plans to shoot with an actual elephant but as with Jungle Book and the 3D battle sequences in 'Game of Thrones', technology will play a role in making the shoot easy and the film larger-than-life.

T

he Desi girl of Bollywod Priyanka Chopra bares it all for the latest photoshoot. After gracing the cover page of Bazaar magazine, P r i y a n k a adorned the latest edition of GQ magazine and we can say she is sizzling. Piggy Chops goes topless for the sizzling photoshoot.

She looks amazingly hot and raised the oomph factor to the highest level.

On the work front, she is shooting for 'Baywatch' starring Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron. She has not signed any movies in Bollywood.

Bollywood

September 16, 2016

India Post 29

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"It was shot in six days, preceded by seven eight days of preparations.

Hrithik and Yami were seen swinging with professional dancers in a dance class,"

A

fter shooting for a romantic track for Kaabil, Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam recently filmed a Tango routine choreographed by Ahmed Khan in a suburban studio. While the romantic track was more of a montage video, the film's leads went all out to master the dance.

"It was shot in six days, preceded by seven eight days of preparations. Hrithik and Yami were seen swinging with professional dancers in a dance class," informs a source. The Sanjay Gupta directed film features Hrithik as a blind man on the path of vengeance with actor-brothers Ronit and Rohit Roy as the antagonists.

"It was a challenging song to shoot because Hrithik and Yami's characters are blind.

But they had rehearsed a lot and so it was smooth going," adds the source.

While her industry peers are quite active on Twitter and Instagram, the 33-year old actress is now set to join the two platforms

K

atrina Kaif is the latest Bollywood celebrity to embrace social media, after years of staying away from it, and the actress says she does not find it intrusive. Katrina, who has stayed guarded about her personal life, joined Facebook three months ago to interact with fans.

"You want your privacy, you feel, 'What I have to say to the audience is I say to my films. It's just the nature of me being little guarded.

Now, I'm on it and I've realized that there is nothing that intrusive about it and it's a lovely place to be."

While her industry peers are quite active on Twitter and Instagram, the 33-year old actress is set to join the two platforms.

N

argis Fakhri, who will be seen with Riteish Dehsmukh in 'Banjo' has earned the reputation of speaking her mind in a blunt way. When she was recently asked about her relation with Uday Chopra, the actress said they are just friends and not dating each other. Nargis also makes a facetious reference to Uday's propensity to keep her in the news. "I have very few friends in India and Uday is one of them,'' she says.

Nargis still considers herself an outsider in the industry because she has received lot of criticism after Rockstar (2011). The actress has also been in the news for being a loner and her inability to strike up friendships.

She says she doesn't socialize much and is a boring person.

"I don't enjoy partying and am an early sleeper.'' she adds.

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September 16, 2016

India Post News Service

T

former to the latter is a great one.

In her latest book, Indian Superfoods, one of India's top nutritionists and fitness experts, Rujuta Diwekar attempts to return to the basics by revealing the secret foods for health, vitality and weight loss that are found in our very own kitchens and backyards.

From aphrodisiacs to fertility boosters, fat burners to mind calmers, she talks you through ten Indian superfoods that will completely transform you.

Diwekar has authored three bestselling books including 'Don't Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight', the highest-selling diet book in the country. Her other books include Women & the Weight Loss Tamasha, The PCODThyroid Book, andDon't Lose Out, Work Out! In Indian Superfoods, Diwekar urges you to ignore everything

here are foods, and there are superfoods.

The line may be a fine one that distin guishes the two, but the effort to switch over from the

foreign and fancy-acacia seeds, goji berries etc. Instead she reminds of the desi stuff that you're most likely to find easily, like ghee, sugarcane, banana, and cashew.

These are foods that were once celebrated for their therapeutic, weight-loss and wellbeing properties but are now undervalued or forgotten. The idea is to make optimum use of these foods in a way that you benefit from the fat and the carbohydrate, and that's exactly what this is book is all about. In her sharp yet easy writing style, she explains the shift from local to industrialised foods, which have led to the lifestyle scourge of diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

Cont'd on Page 33

Reshma Qureshi

NEW YORK: Amid cheers and applause, young Reshma Qureshi, an acid attack survivor, walked the ramp at the New York Fashion Week.

Brimming with pride, the 19-yearold girl opened Indian designer Archana Kochhar's collection, titled, "A tale of two travels" at the fashion week. Reshma stunned in an ivory gown, which was offset with digitally printed motifs.

"I was very excited. This was my first time at New York. I am hoping that my participation in this runway will inspire hope and confidence in other acid attack survivors, that they can lead a normal life," Reshma said in a statement post show.

Reshma, who was attacked by her brother-in-law in 2004 and lost one eye in brutal incident, has become the

face of a campaign to end the open sale of acid in India. A court in Mumbai recently sentenced a man to death for murdering a 23-year-old woman by throwing acid on her face.

Archana, whose collection was inspired by her travel to the Taj Mahal and the village of Banjara tribe, said she was honored to have Reshma walk the ramp for her.

"I am honored to have Reshma Qureshi walking the ramp and showcasing different facets of beauty to the world. Beauty should not be affirmed by a certain height, color or size, it is beyond that. It should be an all-inclusive concept," Kochhar said.

Sunny Leone was the showstopper for the collection, becoming the first Bollywood actress to walk at the New York Fashion Week.-PTI

NEW YORK: Gap Inc.'s Banana Republic presented looks influenced by India at the New York Fashion Week.

The brand offered a presentation of 40 spring looks for men and women, inspired by its design team's trip to India early this year. ``We were loving the idea of the old meeting the new, like technology meeting the old handcrafted ideas,'' said Michael Anderson, senior vice president of design for the brand. ``Everybody does a lot of manufacturing in India, but we wanted to show a different Inspired by their design team's visit to India, side to India.''

Banana Republic highlighted Indian motifs in Cont'd on Page 33

their designs.

September 16, 2016

India Post 31

Rock On 2 is gripping, nostalgic musical India Post News Service

Turn up the volume and get

Farhan Akhtar and Arjun Rampal

ready for a trip back to 2008, the year that gave us one of the best musical films of recent times. The aura that Rock On left in the hearts and minds of its audience with their music 8 years ago, lingered on ever since.

After a long wait, Rock On 2 is back to relive their magic once again this winter. The film is the sequel to the 2008 hit musical drama Rock On, which took the audiences on a rollercoaster ride of friendship and emotions.

Much of the film is said to be set in Shillong, a place often called the rock capital of India.

Apart from the original

Shraddha Kapoor

cast, two more actors, Shraddha Kapoor and Shashank Arora, form a part of the sequel.

Prachi Desai with Shraddha Kapoor

Prachi Desai

New film by Indie pop band Euphoria

I

ndie pop-rock band, Eupho ria is now venturing into filmmaking with its first short film, which traces the band's journey from its inception and hints about the new music underway.

"We just finished shooting at multiple locations in Himachal Pradesh, and it was an experience of a lifetime. The story of the film has been developed around the first song from our next album. I've directed it myself and we are looking at an October end or November first week release for the film and the song," frontman and vocalist Palash Sen told PTI in an interview.

Sen injured himself during the film's shoot but says he continued shooting due to time constraints. The musician was in the national capital to perform with singer Rabbi Shergill for a music

concert filled with Punjabi, Bollywood and Sufi music.

The concert to raise funds for animal welfare was hosted by the People For Animals (PFA), one of the country's oldest NGO for animals.

"I had fractured two ribs, but continued shooting as we had very limited time. I could only do this, thanks to the support that my bandmates gave me through this ordeal," Sen said.

The band is performing in the city in the back of the release of their latest single "Halla Bol", which is inspired by 'true events' and features the violence in universities.

The singer has been quite vocal about the plight of independent music artists in India and the dominance of commercial Bollywood music over other genres. He said it is important that

record labels and corporates support the new artists.

"In Bollywood, it's all about the money. Music is not created to

The story seems gripping and the music invokes sweet nostalgia with the title track from the original movie getting a fresh, new rendition. The Rock On 2 story will pick up from where the first part, Rock On, ended.

While the first part was directed by Abhishek Kapoor, Rock On 2 is directed

by Shujaat Saudagar.

Shankar-EhsaanLoy, who composed Rock On's hit songs, have penned the musical score for the sequel.

Rock On 2 also stars Prachi Desai

and Shahana Goswami in supporting roles. The film is scheduled to release on 11th November.

express oneself, it is created to suit a producer's need to suit a director's vision of making an actor look good so that money is minted at the box office. The musicians in Bollywood do not have any power over the others. So I doubt that they are in a position to help others."

Euphoria became one of the pioneers of Indian pop music wave that hit the country in the mid nineties. Their first single titled 'Dhoom Pichuk Dhoom' became one of the most popular videos to hit TV screens in that decade. In 2001 it became the first ever band to play inside the United Nations General Assembly.

"The indie pop music scene in India is at a standstill now. We are the sole survivors of the indie pop wave of the late 90s. All our contemporaries are in Bollywood now.

I feel there should be a certain kind of a support system that favors newer artists who want to take out

their own music, labels.

Corporates etc need to support artists in order for the scene to survive.

"Hoping somebody with the money and the vision starts supporting true music because the ones who control it right now are wolves in sheep clothing," the singer said.

Besides the short film, Euphoria is also working on their eighth studio album which is likely to be released by the end of this year.

"We will be making a lot of announcements soon and we're sure that all Dhoomers and Euphorians across the world will love it. We just need you to be around to carry the word," Sen said.

Giving a word of advice to budding artists, he says one needs to just keep doing what they do best and believes the transition from film to non film music will happen again very soon because, "this is true non-pretentious music".-PTI

Rock on 2 team

Palash Sen

32 India Post

September 16, 2016 www.indiapost.com

Ajay Devgn ropes in British Vandana nominated for Canadian music award band for song India Post News Service

F

ilmmaker-actor Ajay Devgn has roped in UK-based popular teen band The Vamps for recording a song for his upcoming movie 'Shivaay'.

Sometime back, Ajay had hinted about his association with the teen band by sharing a picture of him and composer Mithoon with the band members on his Twitter page. "Guess where this association is h e a d i n g ? ? @ T h e Va m p s b a n d @Mithoon11," he had written with the picture.

On September 7, Ajay confirmed about his collaboration with The Vamps by sharing a sneak-peak video of music director Mithoon's jamming session with the band members on his Twitter handle. "Here's a sneak peak of @Mithoon11 and @TheVampsband jamming for Shivaay," the 'Singham' actor wrote along with the YouTube video.

The video features Mithoon at a studio with James McVey,

Tristan Evans, Connor Ball and Brad Simpson, all of who appear to be rehearsing for the soundtrack of Shivaay. Previously,

child artiste Abigail Eames will also mark their Bollywood debut with the movie.

The thrilling trailer of 'Shivaay'

Ajay Devgn ropes in British band The Vamps for 'Shivaay' song

the band featured in a music video, titled 'Beliya' with composer duo Vishal-Shekhar.

'Shivaay' stars debutante Sayesha Saigal, grandniece of veteran actress Saira Banu, while Polish actress Erika Kaar and British

with lots of high-octane action sequences was released in August.

The movie is slated to release on October 28. It will clash with Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' which has also released its teaser and the title song.

World record for largest collection of owls India Post News Service

T

he Guinness World Records - a reference book published every 12 months listing records of human achievements and extremes of the natural world - recently announced that the late Israeli entrepreneur Yaakov Chai, who owned Globe International Holdings, has been awarded posthumously the title for owner of the largest collection of owls in the world.

In an August announcement on the GWR website, the reference franchise said it verified Chai's collection of 19,100 owl-related items. He passed away in May 2015.

"Yaakov Chai passed

away before the collection was verified, and in that time friends and loved ones have donated owls, bringing the total up to 20,239," the announcement reads.

Chai's world record is the sec-

ond Israeli GWR verification to be announced in 2016. In March, the Guinness World Records confirmed that Israel Kristal of Haifa is the world's oldest living man.

Pam Barker is the current owner of Dianne Turner's owl collection, previously the world's largest

TORONTO, Canada: World music songstress Vandana Vishwas has been nominated in 'Best World' category at the 2016 Toronto Independent Music Awards (TIMA).

This is Vandana's fourth nomination at TIMA, having already been nominated in 2010, 2014 and 2015.

The Toronto Independent Music Awards was created in 2004 to support independent Canadian musicians across Ontario. The TIMAs acknowledge and celebrate songs in a variety of genres without regard to recording quality, industry affiliation or sales history.

The TIMAs are supported by Canadian and international music industry professionals, accomplished recording artists, broadcasters, and most of all - music fans and aficionados.

The 12th Annual Toronto Independent Music Awards Gala and Festival will be at Revival, Toronto on September 30.

An architect by profession, Vandana is formally trained in Indian classical music and has been an All India Radio artist since

childhood. She has released two critically acclaimed music albums 'Meera The Lover' and 'Monologues', and a single 'Samarasiddha' to date.

Vandana Vishwas

Her third full length album is due to be released in next couple of months. She is scheduled to tour United Kingdom and India this winter following the release of the album.

Shilpa Shetty shares fitness tips

A

ctress Shilpa Shetty Kundra who is known for her svelte figure, will soon be sharing her fitness secrets with her fans.

A well-known fitness app has approached her and wants her to reveal the secret behind her perfectly flat stomach.

Shilpa will be giving her testimonial, diet chart, workout regimen and a video byte for her fans.

However, the actress is believed to have come on board this initiative after she learnt that every fitness tip shared on this app will promote healthy living and will have natural ways to tone and lose weight.

September 16, 2016

India Post 33 www.indiapost.com

Watch Armaan Malik Live in 5 cities India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Bollywood playback singer Armaan Malik attended a press conference on Sep-

promoter. Speaking at the event, Deepak and Archana Vohra, the national promoters, thanked the media, sponsors and promised an unforgettable, fun filled musical experience to the audience. Janta

as a finalist on the television show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs in 2009.

At the young age of 21, Arman is already a rock star. The singing heartthrob has 15 smash hit songs

genres like pop, R&B, and EDM. He aims to be an international singer. Some of his biggest hits to date include, 'Mujhko Barsaat Bana Lo' from Junooniyat, 'Main Hoon Hero Tera' from Hero, 'Bol Do Na Zara' from Azhar, 'Tumhe Apna Banane Ka' and 'Wajah Tum Ho' from Hate Story 3,'Sab Tera' from Bhaagi. He has also sung in Bengali, Telugu, Gujarati, Tamil and English to name a few.

Within a short time, Armaan has received many prestigious awards.

These include the 2016 Dada Saheb Phalke Award (Most Popular Singer for Mein Hoon Hero Tera) and the 2016 R.D Burman

Filmfare Award (New Music Talent).

When asked about his upcoming San Jose show on September 17, "This tour is special to me, my first International tour, and I would love to mesmerize the audience with all my hits and also my favorite picks sung by others. It is going to be 3 hours of unforgettable musical journey and more", he said.

Shirley Setia, Indo-Kiwi singer from Auckland, New Zealand will join Armaan for the 5 city tour. If you are looking to buy tickets for this show visit sulekha, tickethungama and eventmozo.

Daboo Malik, Farhath Hussain, Armaan Malik, Deepak Vohra, Archana Vohra, Shereen Chand

tember 7 at Sakoon, Fremont to launch his debut US Tour. The tour is set to capture the hearts of millions across the USA from 9 to 18 September. The musical extravaganza is scheduled for a 5-city tour (Houston, Rosemont, Dallas, San Jose & Washington DC).

Farhath Hussain is the international promoter. D&A llc Bollywood shows are the national

Connection is the media and marketing partner.

Hailing from a musical family, starting from his grandfather, music director Sardar Malik, father Daboo Malik and uncle Anu Malik, both composers and singers, Armaan's choice of musical career was a natural decision. As he said: It was like 'music or nothing.' and he shot to fame when he appeared

to his name and has worked with some of the biggest musicians in India. He received his first break as an adult playback singer for the film Jai Ho (2014), featuring Salman Khan.

Trained in Hindustani Classical music, Armaan's musical versatility is extraordinary. While romantic hero songs are his best, he loves delving into other

Daboo Malik, Farhath Hussain, Armaan Malik, Deepak Vohra

Back to Desi foods Banana Republic presents Cont'd from Page 30

Diwekar also defines these superfoods as foods that, like true love, have stood the test of time.

They have at least these five things in common: • They grow naturally in the

can be used in unique ways • They encourage diversity in your diet • They lead to a sustainable lifestyle, help local economy and make sound ecological sense Indian superfoods are futuristic foods. It's high time we embrace

India looks

Cont'd from Page 30

In particular, the design team was inspired by the lattice work in that country, using a vendor in Portugal to do laser cutting of fabrics.

For women, there were off-theshoulder laser cut eyelet tops paired with matching skirts, shirt

Banana Republic offered 15 looks from the women's collection that can be purchased on its website

Rujuta with Kareena Kapoor

land where you belong • They are rich in micronutrients and taste • Every part of the crop/plant

our roots and be future-ready.

Indian Superfoods by Rujuta Diwekar is published by Westland Ltd.

dresses styled with white trousers and pajama-styled striped shirts and matching pants. For men, there were plenty of fashions in madras plaid, including shirts, pants and vests. The collection highlighted colors that included oranges and cinnamons.

For those who can't wait until next spring, Banana Republic offered 15 looks from the women's

collection that can be purchased on its website now or at Banana Republic's store in New York's Flatiron district. That capsule included a one-shoulder asymmetric dress in red stripes and a cream-colored, laser-cut blouse. It's the second time the brand made some pieces

available for purchase right away. ``We want to have a deeper relationship with our consumer,'' Anderson said. ``There is a customer who is on the edge. They want things before everybody else gets them. There's this heightened sense of urgency.''-PTI

„

Realty Tidbits

Property rumors led to rush for divorces BEIJING: Seven real estate agents in Shanghai have been detained for spreading rumors about new government property restrictions, which have been blamed for a jump in divorce rates and a buying frenzy in China's commercial hub.

The seven suspects, who allegedly spread rumors online over new property curbs for better sales and commission fees, have been blamed for affecting the stability of the local housing market, a local police statement said.

Rumors have spread on social media and websites since late August that under a new regulation in the city starting September 1, those who have been divorced less than a year will face restrictions and higher minimum down payments and mortgage interest rates.

The rumors allegedly triggered a rush to marriage registrar offices in Shanghai for divorces, even though the city government later denied it was planning any changes to the city's home purchasing rules. -PTI

„ CCI rejects complaint against realty firm NEW DELHI: The Competition Commission has dismissed charges against Gurgaon-based realty firm Bestech India with regard to unfair terms and conditions imposed in a flat buyer agreement.

The allegations were dismissed after CCI found that the company was not a dominant player in the relevant market and had not violated competition norms.

It was alleged that the company not only failed to deliver the possession of a flat booked by the complainant in due time but and also unilaterally cancelled the allotment and forfeited the amount paid.

The charges also stated that Bestech India and other realty developers were luring customers with false offers by similar terms and condition in the buyer's agreements.

For this case, Competition Commission of India (CCI) considered "provision of services for development and sale of residential apartments/flats in Gurgaon", as the relevant market.

Rejecting the complaint, the watchdog said there are other major real estate players in the relevant market and Bestech India does not possess market power to act independently of competitive forces and is therefore not dominant. -PTI

Real Estate 34 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 16, 2016

No property tax for 10 years on new homes PERRY, Iowa: City officials in the Dallas County city of Perry are considering a growth incentive: No property taxes for 10 years on new homes. City leaders hope the plan will lure builders and potential residents to Perry, which sits within commuting distance of the Des Moines metropolitan area, The Des Moines Register reports. City Administrator Sven Peterson said Perry hasn't fully recovered from the recession and is losing residents to Adel, Waukee and other cities. -AP

Land development gearing up in Hyderabad thanks to stable govt V NAGARAJAN

T

he plotted development projects which have been in limbo for quite some time have gained momentum in Hyderabad with a spurt in the volume of enquiries and the capital values inching high marginally in select micro markets, thanks to a stable government and new industrial development such as Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR), Pharma City and Education Hub. The ITIR project alone covers most of the national highways peripheral areas with a massive investment of Rs 2.5 lakh crore over a period of time. The Pharma City coming up on a sprawling area of 8,000 acres on SriSailam highway will generate employment opportunities for 2 lakh people due to surge in demand for technical staff thus creating a population of 20 lakh people in due course.

IT majors like TCS, Convergys and CTS are coming up with expansion plans in Adibatla and projects have already commenced

operations and it is said that 5,000 people are already deployed in and around the area.

It is no wonder that land demand is up towards areas like

Vijayawada highway between Hyderabad and Vijayawada are expected to gain momentum resulting in land development abutting the highways.

Adibatla, Kollur, Mokila and Warrangal highway.

With Vijayawada getting a boost due to the Andhra Pradesh government's efforts to develop as a global city, commercial activities on

Land prices are marginally up by 5 per cent in areas en route to Ibrahimpatnam and outer ring road vicinity. Land prices vary from Rs 1,400 to Rs 3,500 per sq yd in areas en route to Ibrahimpatnam where a

number of plotted development projects by promoters like Suchir India, Chalapathi Estates and Zonah Developers offer multiple options to investors. In areas like Brahmanapalli, rates vary from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,700 per sq yd.

Close to Ibrahimpatnam, the government has already allotted lands to TCS and CTS for setting up their operations. The aero park, a SEZ, which is closer to outer ring road and Ibrahimpatnam-Adibatla corridor, is already operational which is again a major development that will increase the traffic flow and the setting up of ancillary units in the coming months.

With political stability improving the sentiment of the city, there are better days for land developers and the time is appropriate for investors to enter the market to strike bargain deals.

Mr Nagarajan is a property consultant and columnist on NRI investment in real estate. He can be reached through email: nagarajan53@gmail.com

Singapore to build smart township in HP SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh government has signed a preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore government for developing a smart integrated township in Jathiadevi near Shimla airport.

The MoU was signed between Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) and Asian Pacific Singapore Enterprise in the presence of Urban Development and Town and Country Planning and Housing minister Sudhir Sharma during a meeting here.

Presiding over the meeting of delegates of the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE), government of Singapore and senior officers of the HIMUDA, Sharma said development of a smart integrated township near the state capital was an ambitious project of the government which would

go a long way in decongesting the highly populated city.

He said the population of Shimla has increased 10 times, which was initially developed for 25 thousand people only, resulting in congestion and over utilization of infrastructure and it was high time for development of a

32 hectare land for developing this township at Jatiadevi which was connected by three national highways.

"The preliminary MoU has been signed for this project which will be expanded soon after detailed discussions between the two governments and the state is

The MoU being signed between HIMUDA and Asian Pacific Singapore Enterprise in the presence of Urban Development Minister Sudhir Sharma in Shimla

smart integrated township outside the city with a state-of-the-art social, physical, institutional and economic infrastructure.

He said HIMUDA has acquired

also looking forward to explore possibilities for expanding this MoU for more housing projects in the state as well", the minister said.

He said a working group has been constituted with representatives from both the governments to chalk out plan, exchange of ideas and working on key factors for this new township, adding in order to enhance quality of life of the citizens and ensure social inclusion, boosting economic and environmental impact, the state government was working for developing smart integrated townships with futuristic planning.

Kevin Chong, Director, Asia Pacific said SCE was very keen to assist HIMUDA in the project and the new township would be developed in a cost effective manner, smartly with Asian concept.

He said the township would be developed as per the expectations of the state government and taking into consideration the topography and other conditions of this hilly state. -PTI

Real Estate Post

September 16, 2016

India Post 35

www.indiapost.com

Designer tips on perfectly flexible guest room

H

osting houseguests can be a challenge under the best of circumstances.

Having a well-designed, private space for them is a huge help, but many homeowners don't have a dedicated room just for that. ``Realistically, most people don't have guests every week,'' says interior designer Betsy Burnham, founder of Burnham Design in Los Angeles, so many create hybrid guest room/home office spaces, or blend a guest room with a playroom or crafting room.

The challenge is making the space warm and welcoming to guests but functional for other needs.

Here, Burnham, small-space design expert Kathryn Bechen and Brian Patrick Flynn, founder of the design firm Flynnside Out Productions, offer advice: CREATE A FLEXIBLE SPACE If your home office will double as your guest room, Flynn suggests designing a creative work station that doesn't feel like a corporate office.

Instead of putting identical nightstands on either side of a bed or sofa bed, try mixing and matching bedside furniture, he says, ``letting one of them be a desk or console table to double as a workstation.''

And you may not want a queen-size bed dominating your workspace. Burnham notes that

there are many comfortable sofa beds these days. Or try a daybed with a trundle attachment. Decorate with structured cushions that give the appearance of a sofa by day, but are easily put aside at night.

One great retro option: Burnham says there are modern Murphy beds with innovative designs that work well in smaller rooms.

COLOR & TEXTURE Another way to make a home

He also suggests using a range of textures in upholstery, bedding and floor coverings. For example, ``Mix super-nubby textures like boucle that feel good on your feet with sleek ones like silk and satin.''

Burnham's new line of furniture, called Wardrobe, is upholstered in cozy, touch-friendly fabrics like soft linen, chambray and denim.

If the room has a sleeper sofa or futon with a less-than-luxurious mattress, add softness with plush blankets, bed pillows and highthread-count sheets. A sheepskin

Betsy Burnham shows a guest room designed by Burnham of L.A.'s Burnham Design. A full wall of built-in closets in this chic guest room gives guests a space for their belongings while allowing the homeowner to stash their own items out of sight behind closed doors, making it easier for the room to do double-duty as an office space or kids playroom.

office feel like a welcoming guest room is using color ``to personalize the space and draw you in to rest,'' says Flynn. ``I use bluegrays and gray-greens because they're soft and relaxing, but not too energetic.''

instantly warms up a guest room floor, Burnham says.

Too many throw pillows on a sofa or bed, however, can be a nuisance for guests to remove each night and rearrange in the morning. So stick with a few luxu-

Development on coastal oil land planned NEWPORT BEACH, CA: Several hundred people packed a hearing about a hotly contested plan to build nearly 900 homes and a hotel on a stretch of Southern California coastline long used for oil drilling that now provides critical habitat for owls and other wildlife.

Opponents carrying signs with pictures of owls descended on a meeting room in upscale Newport Beach, where the California Coastal Commission was weighing a plan to develop the 401-acre site known as Banning Ranch.

Supporters wore T-shirts backing the project.

More than 400 people signed up to speak about the proposal to build 895 homes, a 75-room hotel and retail complex on the tract in Orange County where the burrowing owl and other wildlife are known to live.

The site is considered to be the

largest remaining, privately held coastal property that could be developed south of Los Angeles, according to a commission spokeswoman.

The plan would preserve roughly 80 percent of Banning

More than 400 people signed up to speak about the proposal to build 895 homes, a 75-room hotel and retail complex on the tract Ranch as open space, but environmentalists want a much larger chunk protected, saying the property is home to species including the owl and the threat-

ened California gnatcatcher, a small, blue-gray songbird.

Newport Banning Ranch - a partnership involving an oil producer and investment and real estate companies - has argued that developing about 70 acres would help fund as much as $40 million in restoration costs following years of drilling and that the public would have access to walking trails and educational programs.

Environmental advocates contend the oil mess should be cleaned up regardless of whether homes are built. While some oil wells still operate, many have been abandoned and old, rusty pipes are strewn across the brush-covered property overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Commission staff members have recommended developers downsize the project further and confine building to 20 acres to protect the owl's habitat. -AP

rious ones that add beauty and comfort.

SHARING THE SPACE If the room is normally your office, decide whether you'll completely withdraw from using it while guests are in town. If it's possible to work elsewhere in the house for a few days, make that easier by keeping an attractive empty box or basket on hand to gather work items for temporary relocation.

If relocating isn't practical, Bechen suggests discussing the subject up front, preferably before your guest arrives. ``A lot of people work from home,'' she says. ``So the issue is being considerate and sensitive, and having good communication.''

Let your guest know if there are specific hours when you must use the room, so they can plan to go out or just relax elsewhere in your home during that time.

To avoid intruding on your guest at other times of day, Bechen suggests using high-end paper and ribbons to make a handcrafted ``Do Not Disturb'' sign for the room's door.

CLOSET & STORAGE If the room includes a closet, leave it partially empty so that guests will have a place for suitcases and other items. Deep shelves in a closet are ideal for a guest's clothing. And if the closet is deep enough, Flynn suggest

placing a dresser inside. Guests can have access to one or more drawers, and use the top as a vanity.

Also consider adding a storage ottoman or trunk to the room for hiding blankets and pillows, so you won't have to gather them from elsewhere in the house when a guest is arriving.

All three designers recommend having lots of closed storage so you can stash your things out of sight when someone is visiting.

FINAL TOUCHES Add an extra power strip so guests can charge digital devices, and print out your wifi password for easy reference.

If the visitor is an old friend or relative, create a small photo album of images from your shared past and place it on the nightstand.

Bechen suggests adding some of the details you'd find in a luxury hotel room. Put out a basket with sample sizes of good toiletries.

Add a bouquet of fresh flowers and a basket of snacks.

If you have space, create a small drink station on a dresser top or table. On a pretty tray, place a small coffee maker, a basket of tea bags and coffee, a few bottles of water, and some glasses and mugs. To complete the hotel feel, Bechen suggests making a little information binder about local sights and activities to help visitors get the most out of their time in your town.

-AP

Gurgaon to set up Development Authority GURGAON: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has announced that Gurgaon Development Authority (GDA) will be set up to ensure smooth running of affairs and a project to develop the city as a 'Super Smart' will be implemented with a corpus fund of Rs 500 crore.

The process to set up GDA will begin on November 1, the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the yearlong celebrations of Haryana's Golden Jubilee, he said.

"Gurgaon has been brought on the global map and is known by different names like millennium city, global city, Smart City. We have a plan for its integrated development," he said.

Informing that formalities for setting up of GDA will be completed over the next few weeks, Khattar said, "Gurgaon Development Authority will be set up. I am making this announcement on the

auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi. Corporation polls will be held after GDA is formed."

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari will soon launch a project for construction of underpasses or flyovers at IFFCO Chowk to ease traffic congestion on National Highway number eight connecting Delhi and Gurgaon, Signature Tower and Rajiv Chowk in Gurgaon, Khattar said.

Clamor had been growing for setting up of GDA, and Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, who is also the local MP, had been supportive of it. Haryana minister Rao Narbir Singh had stressed on the need for Gurgaon Development Authority, in view of the rapid urbanization in the NCR. Khattar said a Real Estate Regulatory Bill would soon be notified and construction of an expressway from Manesar to Kundli will begin within this month.-PTI

Tech News Industry delegation visits Silicon Valley NEW DELHI: A delegation comprising industry leaders and experts in business, education and economic development visited Silicon Valley for scouting business opportunities for Indian tech companies from August 31 to September 8.

The delegation led by Assocham President Sunil Kanoria visited various technology companies and universities including Google, Facebook, Stanford University and Singularity University to interact with various officials, think-tanks and industrial houses with focus on marketing, investment and joint ventures in India.

"Discussions were held on series of issues ranging from exponential thinking and possibilities that can transform workplace practices to collaboration of academia, non-profits and industry to make huge strides in sectors like education, finance and livelihood," Assocham said. -PTI

More Mexican auto part units in India KOLKATA: Mexican auto component industry is firming up plans aimed at boosting its presence in India, a top diplomat said here.

"Auto component sector is very strong. There are four Mexican companies operating in this sector and more are planning to set up shop here," Mexican Ambassador to India Melba Pria said here at an interactive session with The Bengal Chamber.

Pria said West Bengal is not known much in the Latin American country and the state should undertake a campaign to attract Mexican companies to invest in the state. The diplomat expects ties between the two countries to improve in future. -PTI

Pak says Wagah border open for Afghans ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has said it has not stopped Afghan traders to move their goods to India through Wagah border crossing, days after Afghanistan President warned to stop transit facility to Central Asia for Pakistani traders.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani had reportedly threatened to stop transit facility for Pakistan if Afghan businessmen were not allowed to trade with India through Wagah.-PTI

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September 16, 2016

China's auto sales grew 26.3% in August BEIJING: China's auto sales grew strongly again in August, driven by demand for smaller cars and the impending end of a sales tax cut.

The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, an industry group, said that sales of cars, SUVs and minivans rose 26.3 percent from the same month a year earlier to 1.8 million vehicles. That matched July's growth rate.

Sales of vehicles with engine sizes below 1.6 liters soared 40.7 percent. Auto demand cratered last year but rebounded after Beijing cut sales taxes. That cut is due to expire at the end of this year, which is prompting a rush to buy. -AP

President praises Rajan steps in RBI to clean up banks CHENNAI: Just retired Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan's clean-up of more than USD 100 billion of stressed assets on the books of banks came in for praise from President Pranab Mukherjee who felt rising NPAs are not a desirable situation.

"Of course more than often you listen to NPAs of banking system, which is no doubt a matter of concern. And Governor of RBI who has just retired, Mr Rajan, took many appropriate steps to put the

Raghuram Rajan

system in the right direction," he said at the centenary celebrations of Karur Vysya Bank here.

The stressed advances to gross advances of scheduled commercial banks have increased from 10.90 per cent in March 2015 to 11.40 per cent in March 2016, he said, adding the aggregate provisions for NPAs has increased from Rs 73,887 crore to Rs 1,70,630 crore.

Also, net profits of the banks have come down from Rs 79,465 crore in March 2015 to Rs 32,285 crore in March 2016, he said.

Rising NPAs is "not a desirable situation," he said, adding those resources must be available for commercial disbursement.

Rajan, who completed his threeyear term as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India on September 4, had forced banks to recognize the true state of their bad loans.

This culminated in a six-month asset-quality review that led to

banks reporting a surge in baddebt disclosures and higher losses this year.

Mukherjee said Indian economy and its banking system has done reasonable well considering "indiscretion of a private bank (abroad) could create such an international financial crisis from which world is yet to recover."

Forecasts of the IMF and World Bank are revised and re-revised year after year because world economy is hit by one after another crisis and overall performance of major economies of world are not so bright and prosperous, he said.

"Everybody at that point of time pointed out that when the major banking institutions in international arena were suffering, Indian banking system stood firmly and solidly because of

its prudent management not indulging in some sort of profligation. I am happy to note

Mukherjee said the effort made over almost one and half decade fructified with the passage of GST legislation.

"Finally with the constitutional procedures being complied and constitution amendment being carried by both Houses of Parliament and more than 19 states, perhaps 20 states, ratified and therefore it has qualified for Presidential assent," he said.

President Pranab Mukherjee Mukherjee that because of the basic founda- said India has firmly established tions, and strength of our macro- itself as the fastest growing large economic indices, Indian economy economy with a GDP growth rate is doing reasonably well," he said. of 7.3 per cent in calendar year 2015.

GST Council soon "Blessed with a normal monThe President expressed the soon this year, I am hopeful that hope that the government will set our food grain production will up a GST Council soon and re- surpass the record of 265 million duce cascading effect of indirect tons achieved in 2013-14," he taxes. said. -PTI

AI announces discounts for war disabled NEW DELHI: National carrier Air India announced discounts up to 75 per cent on base fares to the war disabled officers and their family members for flights across its domestic network.

"We respect & honor our Heroes. Concessions for War Disabled Officers & their families," Air India said in a tweet.

Air India offers 75 per cent discount on basic fare on select classes for the War Disabled officer while their family members would get a discount of 50 per cent on basic fare on select classes

across the airline's domestic network, it said.

Meanwhile, in another development, Air India has extended the waiver on ticket cancellation charges, rescheduling fee for travel on its flights to and from Kashmir till September 19.

"Wavier on applicable penalties of reissuance, date change, no-show, cancellation & refund charges has been extended for travel from/to Srinagar for both dom & intnl flts, on all tickets issued on/before 9th Sept for trvl till 19th Sept, 2016," Air India tweeted.

The tickets under the discount offer can be purchased any time with their validity one year from the date of booking.

Earlier in June this year, in a novel gesture to honor armed forces personnel, Air India had announced free upgrade to the business class for the recipients of war and peace time gallantry awards.

The soldiers who have been bestowed with military honors such Param Vir Chakra (PVC), Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), Vir Chakra (VC), Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra, would get an upgrade to business class from economy at the time of boarding in case seats are available in the aircraft from this month, Air India had said.-PTI

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Good response to railways flexi-fare system NEW DELHI: Amid criticism over introduction of dynamic surging fare in premier trains, the railways claimed that the response is quite good and the flexi-fare is still lower than airfare.

"Our flexi-fare system has got a good response and passengers have responded well to the scheme as there is about 30 per cent booking in the last two days," Railway Board Member (Traffic) Mohd Jamshed said here.

The railways has introduced the flex-fare system in Rajdhani, Shatadbi and Duronto trains from September 9, aiming at raking in Rs 500 crore more during the current financial year.

Jamshed said the railways has earned Rs 84 lakh and Rs 81 lakh more on September 9 and 10 respectively from the flex-fare sys-

tem.

As per the new system, passengers will be shelling out between 10 and 50 per cent more under the surge pricing system.

While 10 per cent of the seats will be sold under the normal fare in the beginning, it will go on increasing by 10 per cent with every 10 per cent of berths sold with a ceiling of 50 per cent.

Responding to the charge that train fare has now become costlier than airfare, Jamshed told reporters despite flexi-fare system, train travel cost is still lower than airfare.

Showing a detailed fare chart, he said at present, the Shatabdi train fare in the Delhi-Jaipur section is ranging between Rs 640 and Rs 915 while the airfare for the same sector is between Rs 1601

and Rs 2400.

Even road travel is costlier than train fare as AC bus fare for Jaipur from Delhi is between Rs 600 and Rs 1600, he said.

Modeled on the dynamic fare system in vogue in the aviation sector, the flexi-fare system has been introduced on an e x -

class in Duronto trains. First AC and Executive Class travel has been kept out of the new system due to al-

perimental basis for II AC, III AC and Chair Car in the three types of premier trains, besides Sleeper

ready prevailing high tariffs.

On the Delhi-Mumbai sector, Rajdhani fare is between Rs 2870

and Rs 4104 on II AC while airfare is ranging between Rs 2813 and Rs 13,746, Jamshed said.-PTI

India to grow at 7.5% in FY17: D&B NEW DELHI: The Indian economy is expected to expand by 7.5 per cent on the back of consumption-led growth in the current financial year, says a Dun & Bradstreet report.

The growth in 2016-17 will be largely driven by low global crude oil prices, good agriculture production, measures taken by the government to uplift rural demand and the 7th Pay Commission payouts, it said.

Reforms on foreign direct investment and clearance of Bankruptcy Code, GST and Debt recovery bill are expected to create a

better investment climate and improved ease of doing business in the country, it said.

"In view of these positive developments and a normal monsoon so far, we expect India's economic growth as measured by GVA at basic prices to grow by 7.5 per cent in FY17 (2016-17) as against 7.2 per cent in the previous fiscal," said Arun Singh, Lead Economist, Dun & Bradstreet India.

"The resiliency of the domestic economy during FY16 amidst the fragile global economic scenario revels that India is poised to curve its growth story driven by

several steps taken by the government," he said.

D&B cautioned however that stressed assets in the banking sector, non-revival in corporate investment and declining exports could

Meanwhile, savings rate is likely to remain almost flat at 33.9 per cent during FY17 as against 33.4 per cent expected in FY16.

India plans to reduce crude import SINGAPORE: India said it plans to reduce crude oil import by 10 per cent by 2022 to ensure energy security with Oil and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighting the government's bid to achieve self-sufficiency by enhancing indigenous production of petroleum products. "(This is) A key step of the larger plan to ensure 'Energy Se-

being offered for exploration.

He highlighted "the government goal of reducing crude oil imports by 10 per cent by 2022.

Crude oil import currently accounts for 70-75 per cent of India's total crude oil consumption".

"Aligned with its cherished goal of enhancing indigenous production of crude oil, the government has come up with a new

He highlighted "the government goal of reducing crude oil imports by 10 per cent by 2022. Crude oil import currently accounts for 70-75 per cent of India's total crude oil consumption". curity' for the country," he said while addressing Asian oil and gas industry executives at the launch a road show for discovered small fields with reserves of 650 million barrels of oil and gas which are

policy - Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP)," Pradhan said.

HELP is a market-driven policy framework which focuses on providing operational flexibility to the

market players, and strives to make the systems more efficient as well as effective.

India wants to bring in more entrepreneurial ventures into the Exploration and Production sector, as well as international investors to industrialize the energy producers.

"In line with government's policy on 'Maximum Government, Minimum Governance', we want to bring in more entrepreneurial ventures into the E&P sector. We recognize that the need of the hour is to increase the domestic energy production by unlocking India's hydrocarbon potential.

"We strongly believe that sustainable increase in the domestic production of oil and gas will not only counter the energy constraints that we face, but also make us self- sufficient in meeting our energy needs," Pradhan added. PTI

be a major drag to overall growth.

According to the research firm, investment rate is likely to increase marginally to 35.4 per cent this fiscal; however a meaningful recovery in investment activity could be expected in 2017-18.

Meanwhile, savings rate is likely to remain almost flat at 33.9 per cent during FY17 as against 33.4 per cent expected in FY16.

The report said the Indian corporate sector was exposed to prof-

itability pressures and high debt burden in 2015-16 and this vulnerability has translated into substantial deterioration in banking sector's asset quality.

"However, in FY16, there were series of initiatives taken by the government in the areas of mining, insurance, FDI, real estate, ease of Doing Business, etc. The impact of these initiatives on economy will get reflected over a period of time," the report added. -PTI

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Graft alleged in $208 mn Embraer deal NEW DELHI: The USD 208 million jet deal with Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer during the UPA regime has kicked up dust with US authorities going into alleged payment of kickbacks while India has sought information from the company within 15 days.

After Defense Research and Development Organization

from manufacture of Embraer aircraft within 15 days on media reports on aircraft deal signed in 2008," Defense Ministry sources said.

"On receipt of information by the DRDO, further steps may be initiated," they said.

The deal was signed in 2008 between Embraer and the DRDO for three aircraft equipped with

The company has not released details regarding the state of the investigations, but three people who have been following the case have confirmed to Folha that the deals concluded in Saudi Arabia and India are being examined, the paper reported.

(DRDO) receives information, further steps may be initiated, the Defense Ministry said after reports emerged that the 2008 deal has come under the scanner of the US Justice Department which has been probing Embraer for alleged payment of bribes to secure contracts.

"DRDO has sought information

indigenous radars for AEW&C (airborne early warning and control systems).

The BJP attacked the Congress on the issue.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said they thought that the stories of Congress corruption would be less heard since change of power in 2014. However, every

deal is giving signal of taint.

"The past of UPA always keeps on appearing with alarming regularity," he said at a press conference at the BJP office.

The company has been under investigation by the US Justice Department since 2010 when a contract with the Dominican Republic raised the Americans' suspicions.

Since then, the investigation has widened to examine business dealings with eight more countries.

"Investigations that have been opened by the government of the United States to establish whether Embraer paid bribes in order to obtain contracts abroad have affected deals that the Brazilian company closed with Saudi Arabia and India," Brazilian newspaper Folha De S o Paulo reported.

It is suspected that a leading Indian middleman based in UK was roped in for the deal.

Embraer is cooperating with the investigations and announced in July that it was expecting to reach a deal soon with American authorities, the paper said.

The company has put USD 200

million aside to pay any eventual fines that come about as a result of the process.

The company has not released

ing examined, the paper reported.

In both cases, suspicions were underlined in May this year

details regarding the state of the investigations, but three people who have been following the case have confirmed to Folha that the deals concluded in Saudi Arabia and India are be-

when an employee with more than 30 years at the company reached a plea-bargain agreement in investigations being conducted by the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office in Brazil.-PTI

Minister defends PM image New highway to cover Delhi-Jaipur in 2 hrs on Jio ads NEW DELHI: Dismissing criticism over the Reliance Jio ads featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha has said there is nothing wrong in someone fulfilling Prime Minister's dream to provide digital connectivity.

He also said the tariff war unleashed by Reliance Jio by offering free voice calls and data at low price is "healthy competition" that will ultimately benefit users.

Sinha, 55, who replaced Ravi Shankar Prasad at the high-profile ministry in the last Cabinet reshuffle three months ago, also countered charges by COAI, the association of incumbent telecom operators, that sector regulator Trai is biased, saying "show me a decision taken by Trai favoring anyone".

In an interview to PTI, he said the intention of Prime Minister's Digital India campaign is to bridge the digital divide and use the

Internet as a growth enabler.

"I think when the Prime Minister launched Digital India campaign; the intention was to end the digital divide in the country. If anyone is giving digital connectivity to people on a large scale, then in a way, he is fulfilling the dream of the Prime Minister... then I do not see any objection," he said.

He was responding to the criticism by political parties, particularly the Congress and the AAP, over the Prime Minister featuring in a full-page newspaper advertisement issued by Reliance Jio immediately after billionaire Mukesh Ambani announced the launch plan at the RIL AGM. He hit out at the Congress for On the price war unleashed "doublespeak", saying, "I have received

by Jio, he said: "Healthy letters from 10-20 senior Congress leaders comcompetition in the sector is plaining that Reliance good for consumers�

Jio is not getting points of inter-connect (from

other operators) and that immediate action should be taken... It is

doublespeak."

On the price war unleashed by Jio, he said: "Healthy competition in the sector is good for consumers and as a minister, I feel consumer is God." Asked if this fierce competition triggered by Reliance Jio's entry as healthy or disruptive, the telecom minister recounted the journey the sector had made from a point when call charges were as high as Rs 15-17.

"There was a time when call rates were Rs 15-17... The journey began from there and then moved to Rs 1, and now to a point where it seems it does not require any money (free calls)," he said.-PTI

GURGAON: Union minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari has said a new access control highway would be constructed between Delhi and Jaipur which would reduce the travel time between the cities to just two hours.

The 270-km distance takes over six hours by road now.

The Minister also said an "intelligent transport" system - with CCTV cameras installed to monitor the traffic rule violators - would be put in place on NH8.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for improvement work on three junctions on NH-8, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,005 crore, Gadkari said the work would be completed in 15 months instead of the originally planned 30.

Referring to the new DelhiJaipur access control highway, Gadkari said the project would cost Rs 16,000 crore and work on it will be started in January, 2017.

The land acquisition process for the new highway would be started soon.

On plans to ensure seamless traffic flow on NH-8, he said work on the flyover at IMT Manesar Chowk would be completed soon.

He said four underpasses and as many flyovers would be con-

structed to make the traffic movement seamless.

Gadkari said work on the Dwarka Expressway had commenced and it would be completed soon.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar urged him to get the 1.75km stretch of this expressway, which falls in Delhi area, done quickly.

Gadkari said the junction near Ambience Mall would also be improved.

In addition, he assured to start construction work on the Manesar-Gurgaon bye-pass in near future. The pilot project of Metrino System between Dhaula Kuan in Delhi and Manesar had been cleared and work would be started soon, he said.-PTI

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Tech meet on making women 'digitally fluent' India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: The Anita Borg Institute (ABI), a non-profit organization focused on the advancement of women in computing and

from corporates, government and academia.

The conference was organized, under ABI's latest initiative called the ABI.Local. The ABI.Local communities are self-organized

There were thought provoking keynotes, technical sessions on the digital revolution in the consumer space, Big Data and the rise of Fintech, Text Analytics and the role of innovation in entrepreneur-

Left to Right:: Anjali Singh, SVP and COO, Banking and Financial Services, Genpact; Harmeen Mehta, Global CIO and Director Engineering - Bharti Airtel Limited; Shikha Rai, Vice President, Canon India; Sanjay Rishi, Regional President, American Express; Deep Kalra, Founder and Group CEO, Makemytrip

technology, organized GHC/1 Delhi-NCR, a one-day technical conference focusing on the career, research and entrepreneur interests of women in technology.

GHC/1 is modeled after ABI's flagship conference, the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing that takes place in the US and India every year.

The conference was attended by 485 women in technology professionals across all career stages, students and entrepreneurs from New Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The event also witnessed strong participation

groups that focus on growing and supporting current and aspiring women technologists. ABI.Local communities are currently active in many cities around the world, including Amsterdam, Boston, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, Seattle, Silicon Valley and Tokyo, to name just a few. ABI.Delhi-NCR was launched in 2015.

The centre of all discussions and sessions during the day was focused on technology, entrepreneurship, career development, leadership and advancing a gender diverse technology workforce.

ship. There was also a focused workshop on 'The Art of Storytelling' and how each individual can use the power of stories in their personal and professional lives.

The focus at the conference was to not only get more women into senior level positions in the

AirAsia bans Samsung Galazy Note 7 NEW DELHI: Malaysian nofrills carrier AirAsia Berhad which runs a joint venture airline with Tata Sons in India, has prohibited the use of Samsung Galaxy Note7 mobile devices on its flight as well as some of the subsidiary airlines, including AirAsia India.

The decision to prohibit the use of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 mobile devices was taken in the wake of its recall due to safety concerns over the battery issue, AirAsia said in a travel advisory.

"Following the recall of the Galaxy Note 7 mobile device by Samsung due to safety concerns over its battery, AirAsia and AirAsia X would like to inform all guests that the usage and charging of the

device onboard all our flights are prohibited with immediate effect until further notice," it said.

The advisory is applicable to all flights oper-

ated by AirAsia and its subsidiaries including AirAsia India, an airline spokesperson said.

All guests travelling on AirAsia and AirAsia X with a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 must turn it off until disembarkation from the aircraft, it said adding the device must not be kept in any checked baggage as well.

The travel advisory from AirAsia comes a day after the Government prohibited the use of Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices onboard an aircraft.

AirAsia currently flies to six destinations - Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Trichy - while AirAsia X flies to New Delhi.PTI

IT sector, but also to work towards "Global economies and societmaking larger group of women ies including India are witnessing 'digitally fluent'. With the IT sec- a revolutionary change at several tor providing one of the most con- levels, thanks to technology. At ducive environments for working the Anita Borg Institute, we enviwomen, there has to be concerted sion a future where the people who efforts to draw them into the sec- imagine and build technology mirtor considering that 'digital revo- ror the people and societies who lution' is on the horizon. use it. The inclusion and empowSpeakers at the conference erment of women in technology is were of the view that big data & crucial for sustainable innovation text analytics would play a key role in human resources and it was im- "Global economies and perative for the young professionals to be in societies including India sync with these devel- are witnessing a revolutionopments.

New Delhi and the ary change at several levneighboring area of els, thanks to technology�.

NCR is home to several leading technology organizations, startups and educa- and growth," said Geetha Kannan, tion institutes. Today, this region Managing Director, Anita Borg has established itself as one of the Institute, India. largest tech hubs in the country "Seeing the high-levels of parwith a constantly growing pool of ticipation and engagement at the talented women in technology. GHC/1 conference only makes our Industry leaders present at the case and the inevitably of incluconference unanimously agreed sion of women stronger. We hope that the inclusion of women in the that all women present here were technical workforce is integral to able to build valuable networks innovation and business growth and gain insights to build a reand were committed to driving a warding career in technology." added Geetha.

ABI's programs focus on advancing the careers of women in technology. After the success of their annual flagship conference the Grace Hopper Celebration India that has been held since 2010, ABI looks forward to reaching out to more gender diverse technical women technologists across India workforce in the area of New Delhi through platforms such as the and NCR. ABI.Delhi-NCR chapter.

Voda-BSNL roaming pact to tackle call drops NEW DELHI: Private operator Vodafone and state-owned BSNL have announced a 2G intra-circle roaming agreement (ICR) that is designed to benefit their customers and help reduce call drops.

"The agreement will enhance coverage for both Vodafone and BSNL customers. Next month, we will jointly provide seamless connectivity at the BRICS summit, which is to be held in Goa," BSNL CMD Anupam Shrivastava told PTI. The state-run firm, which regained its 5th position in terms of mobile subscribers in June, has nearly 1,14,000 sites across the country with a wide reach in rural areas.

Shrivastava added: "This partnership with Vodafone will help us make our network coverage better, especially in urban areas."

The availability of additional towers is expected to help both the companies address the coverage gap, thereby minimize chances of call drops.

Vodafone India has over 1,37,000 mobile sites across the country. The agreement will allow Vodafone to expand its 2G network further, especially in rural areas, and strengthens BSNL's network reach in urban localities.

"We made significant investments to expand, enhance and upgrade our network, making Vodafone SuperNet our best network ever, world-class and future-fit. This partnership with BSNL will further strengthen the reach of our network, especially in the hinterland and surrounding rural areas," Vodafone India MD and CEO Sunil Sood said in a statement.-PTI

40 India Post

T

he town of Lachen, located in the northern part of Sikkim, is one of the most beautiful places in the entire Indian state. A small town at an altitude of around 8838 feet, it lies on the North Sikkim highway; hence access to Lachen is quite easy.

There are many interesting places in and around Lachen that you can visit. Lachen is primarily famous as a sightseeing spot, with its many viewpoints that provide splendid shots of nearby mountains and greenery. You can also travel to Chopta Valley from Lachen, as this scenic destination is located quite near. This valley is famous for hiking and bird watching.

Green Lake is another famous tourist spot near Lachen that is open for tourist access. You can also take a trip to Kunchenjunga National Park, which is lo-

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September 16, 2016

cated near Lachen and has a wide variety of wildlife. Gurudongmar Lake is another important must visit destination that is considered sacred by Hindus and Buddhists.

However, foreigners are not allowed here as the lake is near the Indo-China border.

Tourist attractions Seven Sister's Waterfall: The Seven Sister's waterfall is a seven layered waterfall which can be seen on the way from Gangtok to Lachen.

Singhlik Viewpoint: The Singhik viewpoint is located close to Magan in North Sikkim and offers panoramic views of the Teestha Valley.

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September 16, 2016

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Golden Gate Bridge

LINA SHAH

T

he trip was in scenic and sunny San Francisco at the famous Pier 39. En joyed amazing views of the Bay, sea lions, and the picturesque cable cars and trams. In between exploring chowder bread bowls, the aquarium of the Bay, and the 7D experience, we took a tour of Alcatraz and

It would be a great treat to see a humpbacked whale! One cannot be bored in San Francisco. Walking on Bay area amazes with many other attractions like Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Crooked Street, Union Square, Madame Tussauds museum, etc.

The highlight of this day, though, has to be the Exploratorium, a public learning laboratory at Pier 15. Anything goes in this very

an incredible experience for the whole family.

Getting "hopped on" the Big Bus Tour with an entertaining history guide and getting off at the California Academy of Science was a great part of the trip. Here, kids enjoyed the rainforest dome and the movie in the planetarium. Experiencing the earthquake on simulator was fun! Right across the way, the De Young fine arts

Galveston sees drop in visitors

Golden Gate Park top view from the rooftop gallery of De yong Museum

GALVESTON, Texas: Galveston - one of the more popular tourist destinations along the Texas Gulf Coast - has seen a drop in visitors this summer, according to local officials and business owners.

Hotel bookings on the island city are down this season compared to last year, the Galveston County Daily News reported. ``I can tell you this is one of the slowest years I can remember. Some years are slow due to weather, but this has been worse for a number of reasons,'' said Jason Worthen,

Golden Gate Bridge on the Blue and Gold fleet. This narrated boat ride explains the history of San Francisco and the infamous prison.

museum shows some unique examples of American art.

At the top floor of the museum is an observatory that gave a grand view of all of San Francisco. Finally, we arrived at the pièce de résistance: The Golden Gate Bridge. After a windy trip on the Big Bus, we saw the red cables disappearing into the San Francisco fog.

Cont’d on page 42

hands-on, from learning embryology through transparent chicken eggs to understanding ecology through innovative computer models. The Exploratorium was truly

Largest Alpine Lake in North America with crystal clear water at Lake Tahoe

owner of Gulf Coast Water Sports, which rents Jet Skis.

Many of Galveston's visitors travel from Houston and Louisiana, and Worthen said the floods there this year had an impact, as well as a June report of a man who became infected with rare, flesh-eating bacteria. ``It's been a tough year between the bacteria and the flooding in Houston and Louisiana,'' Worthen said.

Galveston's hotel occupancy tax brought in $2.3 million in July - the latest month for which collections data are available and the immediate month after the bacterial scare compared with $2.6 million for the same month in 2015.

Officials with The Spot, one of the more popular dining and drinking sites on the Galveston seawall, say their business is down 3 percent this year.

Kelly de Schaun, with the Galveston County Park Board of Trustees, said the decline in visitors to Galveston this summer could be more than a local phenomenon. ``This year has been a struggle for the whole coast,'' de Schaun said. ``I think it's a regional issue, not just a coastal issue.

You look around and you see that Houston's visitor numbers are down, too. They had tremendous rains, and that affects people's plans.''

Max Wilson, who owns John's Beach Service of Texas, which rents beach umbrellas and chairs, said his business is down about one-third this summer season. ``I've been on the beach since the '50s, and this is the worst season I've ever seen,'' he said.-AP

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September 16, 2016

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Cont’d from page 40

Tashi Viewpoint: The Tashi viewpoint is in North Sikkim around 8 km from the city of Gangtok and is a popular scenic spot. From this point tourists can enjoy great views of Mount

Kunchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu.

The sun rise view from Tahi point is very famous. While there is no admission fee, tourists can pay Rs 10 to hire binoculars in order to get better and closer views of the enchanting landscape.

Best time to visit

The weather in Sikkim will vary depending on the altitude of the given region. The higher regions in Sikkim like Lachen will experience alpine climate, and the lower regions will enjoy a temperate climate. The main seasons in Lachen are summers, winters and the mon-

soon. The best time to visit Lachen would be from October to June.

How to reach

By Train: Siliguri and Guwahati are the nearest popular railway stations which are well connected to many other cities. To reach

Lachen from here, tourists can take buses or hire taxis.

By Air: Flights can be taken to Bagdogra Airport in the town of Siliguri. Regular flights to many places and destinations, including New Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata, are available from this airport.

San Francisco - Entertaining for whole family Cont’d from page 41

It was a beautiful photo opportunity, and an excellent sunset.

gressively more difficult, our confidence grew and by the end, we were crashing through Jaws, the most difficult rapid on the river. It

Shakespeare Festival, Incline Village, Lake Tahoe

Whitewater rafting (Class III rapids) in Truckee River

Would defiantly recommend 3-4 days and purchasing Go Card and CityPASS, covers about 30 major attractions admissions and public transport.

Reno - "The Biggest Little City in the World," is known for its casinos and its proximity to many ski resorts. On our way to Reno and Lake Tahoe, we stopped at Tahoe White water rafting down the Truckee River for a lifetime experience of rafting. While the class 3 rapids seemed daunting at first, especially because we had little swimming experience, the guides assured us and did an excellent job teaching us how to row and read the river. As the river became pro-

was a great adventure fun and highly recommended.

American Art piece, De Young Museum at Golden Gate's San Francisco Park

We then arrived at the Silver Legacy Resort in Reno, Nevada Beautiful Casino, food and sports.

It's a unique place where 3 Casinos - Circus Circus, Eldorado and Silver Legacy - are internally connected for eating, kid's fun, gambling, access to variety shows and music and safety. Show that night - the Full Monty at Eldorado - uproarious adult comedy had us in stitches through each of their musical numbers. We spent some time in the exciting casino before calling it a night.

A wholesome and awesome vegan brunch at the Great Full Gardens café the next morning provided excellent and unique variety of food. After a scenic drive through the winding mountainous roads, we arrived at Lake Tahoe crystal clear water and fine sand

with no algae. Here the See-doo speedboat and stand-up paddling

involved fun. Again, these are both really exciting and doable, even if you have little swimming expertise.

The speedboats were especially fun, and the placid water was the best place to learn how to manage the boats that can go up to 50 mph! Visit to Incline village - known as a haven for business and wealthy individuals from surrounding state - is very scenic on way to Crystal Bay of Lake Tahoe.

Finally, we ended at our night at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, at Sand Harbor State Park where we saw the Comedy of Errors. With a delightfully modern take on a 16th century English classic, the festival both educated and entertained our whole family.

Outside of Pier 39 at San Francisco showing liveliness and family fun

Travel & Hospitality Post

42 India Post

September 16, 2016

www.indiapost.com

Cont’d from page 40

Tashi Viewpoint: The Tashi viewpoint is in North Sikkim around 8 km from the city of Gangtok and is a popular scenic spot. From this point tourists can enjoy great views of Mount

Kunchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu.

The sun rise view from Tahi point is very famous. While there is no admission fee, tourists can pay Rs 10 to hire binoculars in order to get better and closer views of the enchanting landscape.

Best time to visit

The weather in Sikkim will vary depending on the altitude of the given region. The higher regions in Sikkim like Lachen will experience alpine climate, and the lower regions will enjoy a temperate climate. The main seasons in Lachen are summers, winters and the mon-

soon. The best time to visit Lachen would be from October to June.

How to reach

By Train: Siliguri and Guwahati are the nearest popular railway stations which are well connected to many other cities. To reach

Lachen from here, tourists can take buses or hire taxis.

By Air: Flights can be taken to Bagdogra Airport in the town of Siliguri. Regular flights to many places and destinations, including New Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata, are available from this airport.

San Francisco - Entertaining for whole family Cont’d from page 41

It was a beautiful photo opportunity, and an excellent sunset.

gressively more difficult, our confidence grew and by the end, we were crashing through Jaws, the most difficult rapid on the river. It

Shakespeare Festival, Incline Village, Lake Tahoe

Whitewater rafting (Class III rapids) in Truckee River

Would defiantly recommend 3-4 days and purchasing Go Card and CityPASS, covers about 30 major attractions admissions and public transport.

Reno - "The Biggest Little City in the World," is known for its casinos and its proximity to many ski resorts. On our way to Reno and Lake Tahoe, we stopped at Tahoe White water rafting down the Truckee River for a lifetime experience of rafting. While the class 3 rapids seemed daunting at first, especially because we had little swimming experience, the guides assured us and did an excellent job teaching us how to row and read the river. As the river became pro-

was a great adventure fun and highly recommended.

American Art piece, De Young Museum at Golden Gate's San Francisco Park

We then arrived at the Silver Legacy Resort in Reno, Nevada Beautiful Casino, food and sports.

It's a unique place where 3 Casinos - Circus Circus, Eldorado and Silver Legacy - are internally connected for eating, kid's fun, gambling, access to variety shows and music and safety. Show that night - the Full Monty at Eldorado - uproarious adult comedy had us in stitches through each of their musical numbers. We spent some time in the exciting casino before calling it a night.

A wholesome and awesome vegan brunch at the Great Full Gardens café the next morning provided excellent and unique variety of food. After a scenic drive through the winding mountainous roads, we arrived at Lake Tahoe crystal clear water and fine sand

with no algae. Here the See-doo speedboat and stand-up paddling

involved fun. Again, these are both really exciting and doable, even if you have little swimming expertise.

The speedboats were especially fun, and the placid water was the best place to learn how to manage the boats that can go up to 50 mph! Visit to Incline village - known as a haven for business and wealthy individuals from surrounding state - is very scenic on way to Crystal Bay of Lake Tahoe.

Finally, we ended at our night at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, at Sand Harbor State Park where we saw the Comedy of Errors. With a delightfully modern take on a 16th century English classic, the festival both educated and entertained our whole family.

Outside of Pier 39 at San Francisco showing liveliness and family fun

September 16, 2016

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

43

www.indiapost.com

Domestic tourism to attract Rs 50k cr investment NEW DELHI: The domestic tourism sector is expected to attract investments to the tune of Rs 50,000 crore from around 600 projects during a three-day investors' summit later this month, Union minister Mahesh Sharma has said.

Claiming that India's image as a tourist destination has improved considerably, he said the country has witnessed up to 40 per cent growth in tourist footfall from countries which have been visited

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his last two years in office.

144 investors from 70 companies have already confirmed their participation in the first-of-its-kind mega tourism summit - Incredible India Tourism Investors Summit to be inaugurated by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on September 21.

"Around 600 projects would be showcased during the summit. We expect to attract Rs 50,000 crore investment...144 investors have already confirmed their participation in the event," Sharma said.

On whether Modi could be made the ambassador of the Incredible India campaign, he said, "We have provided you the

data....India has witnessed a growth of five to 40 per cent in footfall of tourists from the nations where Modi has visited in the last two years, except Russia which has

tract tourists" but admitted that a "lot needs to be done" for building world-class tourism infrastructure in the country.

Asserting that security of tour-

Mahesh Sharma

seen fall in overall tourists flow.

"The image of the country has improved considerably among the foreign tourists. The Prime Minister is the symbol of Indian identity," Sharma said.

He said India has "everything that a country should have to at-

ists is of "prime concern", the minister said India will be the first country to launch a round-the-clock helpline number in 12 languages.

An investment desk is also being established in the ministry to help and guide investors. Better connectivity through new and im-

India twins to climb highest NZ peak LONDON: Two Indian sisters, through outdoors, adventure man trafficking. who entered the Guinness Book sports and mountaineering. We The aim of our foundation is of World Records for scaling have stretched our family's re- two-fold to raise awareness around Mount Everest and the Seven sources as far as they can go and adventure sports and tourism and Summits as the first women twins, want to raise awareness to attract provide women and girls in the reare now planning to conquer funds for this mission," said gion the right support. This ties in Mount Cook, New Zealand's high- Nungshi, president of the founda- with the government's 'Beti est mountain. tion.

Bachao' as well as Skill India misNungshi and Tashi sion," Nungshi said.

Malik, known as Starting from "Everest Twins" for Uttarakhand, the twins their mountain climbing plan to use their Mountain achievements, are in the Girls Outdoors LiveliUK to raise awareness hoods Program (MGOLP) for the 'Beti Bachao' to span all 10 states in the campaign.

Indian Himalayan Region They entered the and hill districts of two Guinness Book of other states. world Records as the UK-based charity Girl Indian twins Tashi (left) and Nungshi Malik (right) first women twins to Guiding recently selected became the first twins to climb the Mount Everest. scale Everest and first them among its top 10 most twins/siblings to scale inspiring women under 25, the Seven Summits, are on a misThe 25-year-old twins set up alongside Pakistani teenage activsion to raise funds for their the foundation last year after they ist Malala Yousafzai.

Nungshi Tashi Foundation in the became the first South Asians to They arrived in the UK to atUK this month. complete the "Explorers' Grand tend the Base Camp festival in the The next mission on the twins' Slam" by scaling the highest peaks Peak District and hold discussions calendar is to climb Mount Cook in all continents and skiing to the with like-minded explorers. in December, the highest mountain North and South Poles.

"They have very ambitious in New Zealand. If successful, this "There is an alarming 'economic plans to take outdoor sports in will again be a first as twins. migration' from the greater Hima- India to a completely another level, "The foundation is dedicated layan regions to the plains, mak- especially for women," Indian high to advancing and empowering the ing girls and women especially commissioner to the UK Navtej lives of Indian girls and women vulnerable to exploitation and hu- Sarna said. -PTI

proved roads, new airports and railway stations would help the tourism sector, Sharma said.

To a question on tourism facility in the northeastern states, he said helicopter services would be started in areas which are difficult to access by roads.

On the impact of the unrest in Jammu and Kashmir on the tourism sector, Sharma said in spite of the problems in the Valley, India has witnessed growth in the tourist flow.

"Kashmir is an important part of India. There have been problems due to militancy..., but most of the people want peace there.

Tourism projects worth Rs 500 crore have been approved for Kashmir. In spite of problems there, India has witnessed a growth in tourist flow," he said.

On the delay in announcing Tourism Policy, Sharma said it is "almost ready" and the ministry wanted to unveil it after the announcement of the Aviation Policy.

Tourism Secretary Vinod Zutshi said the summit is a "platform" for both domestic and international investors to meet project owners from across the states and Union

territories and private sector.

There will be participation from major stakeholders, including states and UTs with their ready to invest projects, banks and financial institutions, cruise liners, entertainment companies, helicopter services, hoteliers, restauranteurs, and spa and yoga centers among others, he said.

To make the summit a success, the Tourism Ministry had organized road shows in countries such as the US, the UAE, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Joint Secretary, Tourism, Suman Billa said this is the best time to invest in tourism sector in India with increased ease of doing business, creation of new infrastructure, opening up of the economy and paradigm shift of government from "being a regulator to partner".

Billa said the CII and Tourism Finance Corporation of India Ltd are principal partners for the summit which has four knowledge partners, namely Ernst and Young, KPMG, Yes Bank and Invest India to assist states and UTs for identifying projects that have investment potential.-PTI

John Abraham to promote Arunachal tourism MUMBAI: Bollywood actor John Abraham has been roped in to promote the mystical land of Arunachal Pradesh and to popularize the state's tourism.

"Our focus this year lies in boosting the tourism sector and making Arunachal Pradesh a 'Must See, Must Experience' state. For this we need like-minded partners that see and understand our vision and can help us chart this path," Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Secretary Joram Beda said in a statement.

"We found such a partner in Viacom18 who have helped us get John Abraham, an adventurer, on board. We believe our association with him will strengthen our pur-

pose of putting out our state in the Indian Diaspora as a prominent tourist destination," Beda added.

Arunachal Pradesh, which is the largest of the seven sister states that form the north eastern part of the country, mainly is promoting the state as an adventure destination in the country.

"Arunachal Pradesh is a traveler's paradise and a land of untold tales. In John, we have a celebrity who shares our enthusiasm of weaving the stories of the mystical land into a single narrative of 'Must See, Must Experience' Arunachal Pradesh tourism. After all, a journey is best when it is entertaining," Viacom18 Group CEO Sudhanshu Vats said.-PTI

In Brief Trapping foreign workers on Hawaii boats

Immigration

T

hough federal laws and rules don't mention Hawaii's fishing fleet by name, technicalities buried in immigration law, maritime regulations and agency rule books have combined to give it a rare distinction: In the Aloha State hundreds of foreign fishermen are stuck on their boats for years.

The Magnuson-Stevens and Jones acts make up the basis for most U.S. fishing laws. Their premise is that citizens should benefit from the work, food supply and revenue from American seafood.

Boat owners, captains, and most of their crew are supposed to be American.

A rare exception, backed by Hawaii's lawmakers, say noncitizens can be used only to catch ``highly migratory species'' and only outside of the exclusive economic zone. That narrows it down mostly to Hawaiian vessels catching swordfish and tuna.

And so the fishermen in Hawaii fall into legal purgatory.

Since the boats call the U.S. their home, the State Department's Foreign Affairs Manual says the workers aren't just foreign-based workers coming ashore for a break.

If they were, they'd be eligible for a visa. Instead, they're supposed to get immigrant visas, as if they were trying to move here. -AP

„ Gubernatorial candidates face off before primary

CONCORD, N.H.: New Hampshire's gubernatorial candidates tangled over the state's opioid crisis, immigration and other issues in televised debates a week ahead of their primaries.

Four Republicans were first to face off in a debate on WMURTV, followed by a separate debate for three Democrats.

The candidates are competing in the Sept. 13 primaries for a shot at replacing Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan, who's running for U.S. Senate.

Early in the Republican debate, state Sen. Jeanie Forrester defended her call to get the National Guard involved in combating the drug crisis and criticized Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas as uninformed on efforts already underway.

In her closing remarks, she attacked each of her rivals in turn, saying Gatsas has ``lost control of his city.'' She accused Executive Councilor Chris Sununu of being ``rolled over'' by special interests, and dismissed state Rep. Frank Edelblut as ``the guy at the end'' who ``has no plans for New Hampshire.''

44 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 16, 2016

New immigrant youth lean more liberal Details on page 46

How Trump, Clinton immigration plans would affect the US WASHINGTON: No doubt Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have dramatically different approaches on immigration.

In tone, Republican Donald Trump often highlights violent crimes perpetrated by immigrants in the country illegally, with aggressive rhetoric that emphasizes nationalism. Democrat Hillary Clinton features a softer approach that embraces diversity and the value of keeping immigrant families together, even as her critics accuse her of promoting ``open borders.''

It's not just talk. The White House contenders' policies would send the country - and the lives of more than 10 million people - down very different paths.

Trump says he would build a massive wall, create a deportation task force to expel millions, and deny legal status to anyone currently in the country illegally.

Clinton would offer a pathway to citizenship for most immigrants regardless of how they arrived, continue to defer enforcement action against families, and offer health care options to immigrants here illegally.

Here is a summary of their proposals: PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP CLINTON: She promises to propose immigration legislation in her first 100 days that would include a

route to citizenship. Her approach is largely in line with that approved

by Democrats and Republicans in the Senate in 2013 turned aside by the House.

TRUMP: He clarified that he opposes any pathway to legal status for immigrants in the U.S. ille-

gally. They would have to return to their home countries and apply for legal entry should they wish to return. He has not said what would happen to those who choose to stay, but said they are subject to deportation. Trump has

also called for an end to ``birthright citizenship,'' currently granted to anyone born in the United States.

A BORDER WALL TRUMP: A centerpiece of Trump's immigration plan is a wall

along the border between the United States and Mexico. There are already some 650 miles of fencing along the border, including roughly 15-foot tall steel fencing in many urban areas. Trump says he'll extend a huge wall across the vast majority of the 2,100-mile border, which would be a major construction feat costing billions of dollars. He promises to make Mexico pay for it. He would also add 5,000 border patrol agents and expand the number of border patrol stations.

CLINTON: She says there are places where a physical barrier is appropriate but opposes largescale expansion of a border wall.

She prefers relying on technology and more border patrol agents to ensure the border is secure.

BARACK OBAMA'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS CLINTON: She supports President Obama's executive actions that deferred immigration enforcement against millions of children and parents in the country illegally.

Cont'd on Page 46

Clinton blasts Russia, Trump softens stance CLEVELAND: Setting the stage on Labor Day for a critical month in their testy presidential campaign, Donald Trump softened his stance on immigration while Hillary Clinton blasted Russia for its suspected tampering in the U.S. electoral process.

In a rare news conference aboard her new campaign plane, Clinton said she is concerned about ``credible reports about Russian government interference in our elections.'' ``We are going to have to take those threats and attacks seriously,'' Clinton told reporters traveling with her from Ohio to Illinois.

Clinton's comments follow reports that the Russian government may have been involved in the hacking of Democratic Na-

tional Committee emails just days before the party's national convention. The emails, later revealed by WikiLeaks, showed some DNC

- who has since endorsed Clinton for president.

She said Russian President Vladimir Putin appears ``quite sat-

Hillary Clinton

officials favoring Clinton over her primary opponent, Bernie Sanders

isfied with himself'' and said Trump ``has generally parroted what is a

Putin-Kremlin line.''

Meanwhile, Trump extended a rare invitation to journalists to accompany him on his private plane from Cleveland to Youngstown, Ohio. The billionaire businessman appeared to pivot away from his hard-line position on immigration, saying, ``I'm all about jobs now.'' Any immigrants who want full citizenship must return to their countries of origin and get in line, he told reporters - but he would not rule out a pathway to legal status for the millions living in the U.S. illegally, as he did in a longawaited policy speech last week. ``We're going to make that decision into the future,'' Trump said.

Cont'd on Page 46

Immigration Post

September 16, 2016

India Post 45

www.indiapost.com

Women break barrier as Border Patrol agents DEMING, N.M.: The morning is still dark when Border Patrol agents file into the station to get assignments and hear the latest intelligence. Of the agents present, there are 30 men and two women.

Armed with her standard-issue pistol, Agent Lorena Apodaca checks out additional weapons for her shift - an M4 automatic assault rifle and an FN303 ``less lethal'' launcher that shoots paintball-like projectiles. She is one of six women among 300 agents assigned to the Border Patrol's Deming station, reported the Albuquerque Journal.

Faced with a shortage of agents and an influx of Central American women and children migrants over the past two years, Border Patrol has been looking to hire more women to the force. The agency, with the lowest ratio of women in federal law enforcement, said in 2014 it would hire 1,600 females.

But its recruiting efforts - including a campaign specifically targeting women - have come up short.

More than 6,200 women applied to vacancies posted between October 2014 and September 2015, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Border Patrol's parent agency. From that pool, more than 1,300 were considered qualified. Just 54 were hired.

About 5 percent of Border

through the agency's rigorous academy.

She jokes about being a woman in Border Patrol as she scoots her seat forward: ``That's the biggest challenge we face - reaching the pedals.''

But the challenges of the hiring process and the field are real.

Built in hiring bias Border Patrol is still examining why it hasn't been able to attract and retain more women.

The agency has a high attrition rate of applicants who opt out during the 10-step hiring process, according to recruiter Agent Jennifer Ortiz. A Border Patrol union representative notes that the job is ``difficult, even for males.'' Sanz says the hiring process itself is ``designed for people to fail'' but is especially biased against women.

A 90-question application is the first of 10 hurdles. Then comes a written test, an oral interview, physical fitness test, medical exam, drug screening, polygraph and an FBI background check. The oral interviews in the Border Patrol sector that includes New Mexico are conducted in El Paso - so wouldbe recruits from anywhere in the state must travel to West Texas.

After clearing those obstacles, recruits attend an 11-week training academy - 19 weeks if they aren't already proficient in Spanish - in Artesia.

A Border Patrol union representative notes that the job is ``difficult, even for males.''

Sanz says the hiring process itself is ``designed for people to fail'' but is especially biased against women.

Patrol's nearly 21,000 agents are female, compared with an average of about 15 percent across other federal law enforcement agencies, according to Women in Federal Law Enforcement, or WIFLE, an advocacy group. ``They are working hard,'' WIFLE executive director Cathy Sanz, a retired agent of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said of Border Patrol. ``They are trying. Other federal agencies are watching what they are doing'' i.e., looking for signs of success in attracting women to the force ``because others are thinking they might want to go down this road.''

Apodaca, who is 5-foot-2, secures her weapons in the back seat of an F-150 pickup and puts a booster pillow up front. She describes how, at 37, she was one of two women in her class to make it

``Just the process alone stops you from hitting your numbers,'' Sanz said. ``From a `women in law enforcement' point of view, we look at processes that are biased. It's designed for people to fail. The focus becomes women because some of the categories affect women more.''

The training isn't local, so ``single parents start to self-select out,'' Sanz said. She points to the ``arbitrariness of some of the physical requirements,'' including scaling the 7-foot wall, which ``has been shown to be discriminatory,'' she said.

The Border Patrol academy requires the seven-foot wall as part of its confidence course, according to an online manual of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Artesia.

Some potential ``biases'' aren't

unique to Border Patrol, but were built into a federal law enforcement system that was by law almost entirely male until the 1970s.

Before 1969, women were not allowed to work any position in federal law enforcement that required carrying a gun, Sanz said.

President Richard Nixon signed an executive order ending that ban and the first women were hired in 1971.

late a situation,'' she said.

In eight and a half years on the job, most of them spent in the field, Apodaca has only threatened lethal force once, she said. She caught two suspected unauthorized immigrants in the desert ``one of them was big'' - and she drew her weapon but did not point it at them or fire, she said.

Instead, she told them to take their shoes off - a go-to move that

Border Patrol Agent Lorena Apodaca walks along a portion of the fence that marks the U.S.-Mexico border near New Mexico’s Bootheel.

The percentage of women in federal, state and local law enforcement has been growing at the rate of one-tenth of 1 percent per year since then, she said. ``It took two decades to go 2 percent,'' she said.

Physical demands The 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border features urban pockets like El Paso and Ciudad Juárez or the spot where Nogales, Sonora, meets Nogales, Arizona. But vast stretches, including much of New Mexico's southern border, are difficult, mountainous, desert terrain.

Border Patrol agents work alone. In places like New Mexico's remote Bootheel - trafficked by drug runners who occasionally travel 10 together, carrying 60pound loads of marijuana - agent backup can be an hour away. ``Once people see the job, it's not for everybody,'' said Shawn Moran, a border agent and spokesman for the National Border Patrol Council union, which represents 16,000 agents. ``It's very physically demanding. It's a difficult job, even for males. The odds are never in our favor. You have the dangers of law enforcement in general and then you throw on the dangers of the terrain and being outnumbered.''

Does an agent's size or build or voice matter at the moment of a potentially dangerous apprehension? ``This is something they find in research: As soon as women arrive on a scene, they de-esca-

she says can quickly put her in control of a situation. (The men were allowed to put their shoes back on after they were handcuffed, she said.)

``Shift work is difficult for any agent,'' said Ortiz, who also joined Border Patrol at 37, at the urging of her husband, who is an agent. ``As a recruiter, I like to be honest and tell whoever I speak to `This is what you're going to be doing on a daily basis. You are going to be working by yourself. You are going to be working in the dark.'''

Much time spent alone Amy Flores, 20, waitresses at Delicias Mexican Restaurant in Las Cruces six nights a week and studies criminal justice at Doña Ana Community College during the day. Her dream, she says, is to join Border Patrol.

She is working through the 90question application online but hasn't found time to finish, she said.

Flores lights up when she recalls first hearing about Border Patrol from an agent who visited her high school. She loved the variety of the job the agent described: the combination of police and detective work, midnight patrols, drug-busting. ``It's something I'm passionate about,'' she said.

And, she said, ``If something is going to happen to you, it's because it's meant to happen to you.

I'm not really scared of being alone.'' -AP

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Immigration Post

46 India Post

September 16, 2016

www.indiapost.com

New immigrant youth lean more liberal WASHINGTON: Young Hispanic and Asian-Americans who are immigrants or have an immigrant parent are more likely to be liberal in their views on politics and immigration than those with families who have been in United States longer, a new GenForward poll shows.

Eighty-seven percent of those age 18 to 30 who are immigrants or who have parents who are immigrants support allowing those who were brought to the United States illegally as children to stay legally, while 72 percent of those whose families have been in the U.S. longer agree. Eighty-five percent of first and second generation Latino and Asian immigrants and 74 percent of those who are third generation or greater oppose building a border wall.

"Having some sort of program that allows the illegal citizens to become legal citizens, I think it gives the viewpoint that the U.S.

cares," said Juan Tavares, a 24year-old from California whose parents were born in Mexico.

"You're going to have people who are illegal who will prove that they're loyal or they care about what this country has given to them and they would like a chance to give back."

Still, Tavares, a U.S. citizen, says the United States could do more to secure its border with Mexico, including by building a wall in parts of California and Texas.

"Just because I'm Mexican, it doesn't mean I believe in an open border," he said.

GenForward is a survey of adults age 18 to 30 by the Black Youth Project at the University of Chicago with the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The first-of-itskind poll pays special attention to the voices of young adults of color, highlighting how race and

ethnicity shape the opinions of a new generation.

Only a minority of young Hispanics and Asian-Americans in the poll - 27 percent and 9 percent, respectively - say both of their parents were born in the United States.

Brad Jones, a professor at the University of California, Davis, who focuses on race, ethnicity and immigration, said the results reflect that Latino immigrants are more directly affected by the increase in deportations under President Barack Obama's administration and shifts in immigration enforcement policy. Jones also noted that while much attention is focused on Trump's stance on illegal immigration, Asian-Americans have also been "widely tethered" to negative rhetoric on immigration throughout the campaign.

"It's not a surprise that young people who are closely connected either to parents who are immi-

How Trump, Clinton immigration plans would affect the US Cont'd from Page 44

A deadlocked Supreme Court decision in June blocked his order, but Clinton insists that such actions are within the president's authority.

TRUMP: He said he would ``immediately terminate'' the executive orders, which he said gave amnesty to 5 million immigrants. Indeed, the president's plan shielded up to 4 million people from possible deportation, all of them immigrants who came to the U.S. as children or are parents of citizens or legal residents.

DEPORTATION TRUMP: He promised to create a deportation task force that would prioritize the removal of criminals, people who have overstayed their visas and other immediate security threats. The numbers could exceed 5 million. He backed off his earlier pledge to forcibly remove all of the estimated 11 million immigrants in the country illegally, however, saying only that those who aren't immediate threats would have to go home and then apply for legal status.

Critics have likened that piece of the plan to Mitt Romney's widely panned call for ``self-deportation.''

CLINTON: She would continue Obama's policy of deporting violent criminals and others who break the law after entering the

United States. But she would scale back the current administration's immigration raids, which she says produce ``unnecessary fear and disruption in communities.'' Under her plan, the vast majority of people in the country illegally would be allowed to stay and apply for legal status and eventual citizenship.

Like many Republicans, he vows to crack down on socalled sanctuary cities that shield residents from federal immigration authorities.

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE CLINTON: She would allow all people to buy into the federal health care exchanges, although she has said those in the country illegally wouldn't qualify for subsidies. Her policy would also allow some to collect Social Security, so long as they pay into the system for at least 10 years.

TRUMP: He would deny immigrants in the country illegally access to any government benefits, including the federal health care exchanges. He said this week that

such immigrants should not be allowed to get food stamps, welfare payments or government-backed housing assistance. Those who do, he said, would be priorities for deportation.

SANCTUARY CITIES TRUMP: Like many Republicans, he vows to crack down on so-called sanctuary cities that shield residents from federal immigration authorities. Trump said this week he would block taxpayer dollars from going to any cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Municipalities like San Francisco, for example, have passed ordinances preventing city officials from even asking about immigration status unless required by law or court order.

CLINTON: She has not directly answered whether she supports sanctuary cities or not, but her campaign said that ``Hillary trusts our local police to make sound decisions about protecting their communities.'' That strongly suggests she would not interfere with local ordinances, like San Francisco's. She has said that such systems allow immigrants to freely report crimes and communicate with local policy without fear of deportation. Her campaign noted however, that she believes violent criminal should be deported and a system is needed to ensure that happens. -AP

grants or who are immigrants themselves are going to be just more attuned to the negative externalities of these policies," Jones said.

Zoraida Ramirez, a 20-year-old Hispanic woman whose greatgrandparents moved to the United States, opposes building a border wall or deporting the millions of people who live in the

United States illegally, though she only somewhat supports creating a path to citizenship for them. She somewhat opposes allowing people to become U.S. citizens if they graduate from college.

"There are people that have worked to do it the right way and worked to do it the legal way," Ramirez, who lives in Connecticut, said. -AP

Clinton blasts Russia, Trump softens stance Cont'd from Page 44

Clinton powered through a coughing fit at a Labor Day festival at a Cleveland park, sharply criticizing Trump's recent trip to Mexico as ``an embarrassing international incident.'' Unwilling to allow Trump to modify his immigration stances, she said his address later that night in Arizona amounted to a ``doubling down on his absurd plan to send a deportation force to round up 16 million people.'' ``He can try to fool voters into thinking somehow he's not as harsh and inhumane as he seems, but it's too late,'' Clinton said.

Clinton's 25-minute questionand-answer session was her first extensive availability with reporters since early December. Beyond Russia, she answered questions about the ongoing controversy surrounding her use of a private email server while secretary of state, which Trump has used to cast doubt over her ability to protect classified information. ``I take classification seriously,'' she said.

Trump told reporters that ``on occasion,'' he will invite journalists to travel with him.

The two campaigns arrived in Cleveland within hours of each other, underscoring Ohio's quadrennial role in presidential campaigns. No Republican has won the White House without carrying the state, and the airport offered vivid imagery of that crucial role.

The airplanes of Trump and his running mate, Mike Pence, were parked on the tarmac as Clinton and her vice presidential pick, Tim Kaine, arrived in separate planes.

It was a near-encounter that even forced the Trump press corps to the side of the road as Clinton's motorcade whizzed by. ``It's kind of interesting to have all the planes here on the same tarmac,'' Kaine said after he and Clinton greeted supporters. ``Just

shows you how important Ohio is.

We're going to be here a lot.''

While Labor Day has traditionally been the kickoff to the fall campaign, both Clinton and Trump have been locked in an intense back-and-forth throughout the summer.

The start of full-fledged campaigning opens a pivotal month, culminating in the first presidential debate Sept. 26 at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.

Polls show Trump trailing Clinton in a series of must-win battleground states, meaning the debates could be his best chance at reorienting the race.

The start of fullfledged campaigning opens a pivotal month, culminating in the first presidential debate Sept. 26 Trump told reporters he does plan to take part in all three presidential debates, joking that only a ``hurricane'' or ``natural disaster'' would prevent him from attending.

Clinton will have millions of dollars at her disposal this fall to air television advertising and power a sophisticated get-out-the vote operation in key states.

The former secretary of state raised a combined $143 million in August for her campaign, the Democratic National Committee and state parties - UGC to varsities her best month yet. She began September with more than $68 million in her campaign's bank account to use against Trump, who has not yet released initial fundraising totals for August.

Trump followed through with his vow to spend some $10 million on commercials in key states over the past week. -AP

Datebook

September 16, 2016

India Post 47

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NEW JERSEY Upcoming Fri, Sep 16 • Ladies Night Out 2016 Venue: Royal Alberts Palace(Grand Ball Room), 1050 King Georges Post Road, Edison, NJ 08837 Time : 7:00 pm Contact: 732-485-7504

Sat, Sep 17 • Sonu Nigam and Atif Aslam Live Concert in New Jersey Venue: Sun National Bank Arena, 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton, NJ 08611 Time: 8:00 pm

Sun, Sep 25 • Shraddha – Smt.Sudha Ragunathan Fund raiser Venue: Hightstown High School Auditorium, 25 Leshin Ln, Hightstown, NJ 08520 Time: 04:00 pm

NEW YORK

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

Sat, Sep 24 • 5th Annual Gala of HCA-NY Venue: Akbar Restaurant & Banquet Hall, 2 South Street, Garden City, NY 11530 Time : 6:00 pm

Sun, Sep 25 • Evening with Stars Gippy Grewal,Jassi Gill,Babbal Rai Venue: Antum`s By Minar, 244 West Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY 11801 Time : 7:30 pm

Sun, Oct 1 • Navratri & Dandiya 2016 Venue: Brien McMahon High School, Norwalk,CT, 300 Highland Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854 Time : 6:00 pm Contact: 203-545-8088

Fri, Sep 23 • Raju Raja Ram Aur Mein featuring Sharman Joshi Venue: Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94545 Time: 8:00 pm

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Venue: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054 Time: 7:00 pm

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's

Venue: Cabrillo High School Auditorium,

Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes

2001 Santa Fe Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90810 Time: 05:00 pm

Fri, Sep 30 • BAYVP - Raas Garba Festival Venue: Shreemaya Krishnadham - Bay Area Youth Vaishnav Parivar, 25 Corning Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035

Sun, Sep 25

Time: 06:30 pm

• Sangeetha Upanyasam Shri.

Dushyanth Sridhar

Contact: 408-586-0006

Venue: CET - Soto Theater, 701 Vine St, San Jose, CA 95110 Time: 4:00 pm

Fri, Sep 30 • GCA Raas Garba 2016 Venue: Washington High School, 38442 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536 Time: 8:00 pm

ATLANTA Upcoming Sun, Sep 17 • Yaadein 2016 By RaagRaagini of Atlanta Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture Drive, Duluth, GA 30096

Contact: 510-502-0405

Time: 7:30 pm

Sat, Oct 1 • Raas Garba With Hemant Mehta & Leena Benjamin Group

San, Sep 18 • Maestro Ilayaraja Live in Atlanta 2016

Venue: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802 Time: 07:30 pm

Sun, Oct 9 • Ketakiand Suvarna Musical Concert VALLEY Venue: Indian Oven Indian Cuisine, 10110 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 91311 Time: 02:00 pm

Upcoming

Sat, Sep 24 • Swara Sanjeevini 2016

Sat, Sep 24 • Vibha Disco Dandia 2016 (Dance on Dandia Beats & Groove with a DJ)

ILLINOIS

Venue: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 11067 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30009 Time: 4:00 pm

Sun, Oct 2 • haikkudam Bridge Live In Atlanta Venue: Lassiter Concert Hall, 2601 Shallowford Road, Marietta, GA 30066 Time: 4:30 pm

Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Swami Ishatmananda • Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662

• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822

„ Health

Line

Urine tests can detect stomach cancer BEIJING: Stomach cancer can be found through urine, avoiding painful tests, according to a new study by a Chinese hospital.

This has significance in treating stomach cancer as the disease may now be detected at an early stage, state-run China Daily reported.

A study team from Shanghai's Rui Jin Hospital has found that the tumor marker for stomach cancer can be tested through urine.

The research findings, formulated by a team led by Professor Zhu Zhenggang and Yu Yingyan, from the Shanghai Research Institute of Digestive Surgery, was published in the international academic journal "Oncotarget".

It could mean more to Chinese people, because many miss the best chance for an operation, when cancer is diagnosed in its mid or terminal stage because of their fear of the gastroscope test.

The team is reportedly now working on clinical application. PTI

„ UGC asks varsities to check drug abuse NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission has asked varsities and colleges to take proactive steps to make students stay away from intoxicants.

In a letter to Vice Chancellors, UGC secretary Jaspal S Sandhu said that Universities should take the pro-active steps not only to make the youth live a healthy life but also stay away from the addiction of intoxicants.

"The youth are becoming highly dependent on drugs and substances which are not only ruining their academic career but it is a financial burden on their families," the senior UGC official said.

It is the "moral" duty of educational institutions and the UGC to make students aware of the illeffects of drug addiction, he said in the letter.

Expressing hope that Universities have incorporated informative inputs on aspects of drug abuse in curricula of various programs, he said organizing orientation programs targeting freshers would also serve as an effective instrument of positively structuring their education.

Institutions may also use opportunities like annual day, cultural festivals and even convocation days to underscore the ills of addiction, the letter added. -PTI

Health Science 48 India Post

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September 16, 2016

Research priorities for cancer moonshot Details on Page 51

India grappling with shortage of health workforce, says Nadda NEW DELHI: India is "grappling" with shortage of health workforce while high rates of tobacco use is contributing to the rise in non-communicable diseases, Health Minister J P Nadda said while asserting that the country is "alive" to these challenges and committed to addressing them.

"India's large and diverse population is a formidable challenge. We know that many countries of this region including India, as well as of the world, are grappling with challenge of shortage of health workforce.

"India is at the crossroads of rising costs of healthcare and growing expectations of the people. We are facing a rise in non-communicable diseases. In India, high rates of tobacco use and hypertension prevalence in adults are risk factors contributing to this growing problem," he said.

Nadda was making an intervention address at the 69th session of the WHO South East Asia Regional Committee being held at

Sri Lankan capital Colombo.

To arrest the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases that kill 8.5 million people annually in WHO South-East Asia Region, member countries, including

Nadda said that improvements made during the MDG period (1990-2015) demonstrate that with sound strategies and targeted interventions, significant progress can be made and India is poised

Health Minister J P Nadda

India adopted the Colombo declaration which calls for strengthening delivery of services for these diseases at the primary healthcare level.

to carry forward this momentum into the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"We are alive to these health challenges and remain committed

to addressing them," he said.

He said that India's life expectancy at birth has nearly doubled since Independence while the under-five mortality rate and maternal mortality ratio has declined by over 60 per cent since 1990.

He maintained that the new HIV infection among adult population has declined by 57 per cent while "substantial" reductions in the incidence of and mortality from major infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, malaria, pneumonia and diarrheal diseases have also been achieved.

Nadda noted that in 2015 India celebrated five years since the last case of wild polio was reported in the country while WHO confirmed India's claim of yaws-free status in 2016. Yaws is a tropical infection of the skin, bones and joints.

"WHO has validated the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015 from India. Cases of kala-azar declined by 11 per cent in 2015 from 2014, and 78 per cent since 2006. Leprosy has been eliminated in 84 per cent of the districts," he said. -PTI

Warning labels can check unhealthy habits India Post News Service

DAVIS, CA: Adolescents who see warnings for sugary drinkslike those to be required on ads in San Francisco and proposed in California and New York on labels-are significantly less likely to choose sodas, sports drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages, according to a study from the University of Pennsylvania published in the "American Journal of Preventive Medicine."

"This study builds upon prior findings that sugary drink warning labels will work as intended and shows a significant impact on soda's prime consumer base: teenagers," says Dr. Harold Goldstein, executive director of Public Health Advocates.

"Overwhelmingly, teens reported that the warning labels succeeded in convincing them that sugar-sweetened beverages

are unhealthy when compared to other products."

That's good news for policymakers and health advocates around the nation who are considering warning labels as a

2,202 diverse adolescents aged 1218 years old to participate in an online shopping experience. The researchers then assigned the teenagers to one of three groups: a control group for whom sweet-

means of reducing sugary beverage consumption, which scientific evidence identifies as a leading and direct contributor to type 2 diabetes, obesity and tooth decay.

The study's authors recruited

ened beverages displayed no special label; a second group for which sweetened beverages displayed the American Beverage Association's voluntary "Clear on Calories" label of calories per

bottle or can; or a third group, in which sweetened beverages displayed various warning labels. They were then asked to select one beverage from a simulated vending machine containing a variety of drinks, sweetened and unsweetened.

The warning labels were found to be nearly three times more effective in convincing teens to select a healthier beverage as the "Clear on Calories" label. Compared to the control group, the warning labels reduced the number of teens who chose a sugary drink by an average of 17 percent, versus a decline of just 6 percent for the industry's current calorie label.

After completing the purchasing simulation, the teenagers were asked about their beliefs regarding sugary drinks.

Cont'd on Page 49

49 India Post

Health Science Post

September 16, 2016

www.indiapost.com

Deliver twins slightly short of full term PARIS, FRANCE: Twins should be delivered at 37 weeks, short of full term but not too short, for the best chance at survival, said a study that analyzed over 35,000 births.

The evidence however did not support routine delivery be-

risk of still birth.

But premature delivery is associated with health complications for the children, making it a tough balance to strike.

For the new analysis, an international research team looked at 32 studies published in the past

fore 36 weeks from the date of fertilization, said research published in The BMJ medical journal.

Current recommendations for twin births vary from 34 to 39 weeks, short of the normal 40 weeks of gestation, to lower the

10 years of women with uncomplicated twin pregnancies whose children died at birth or shortly thereafter.

They weighed data from 35,171 pregnancies to try to identify the optimal gestational age for twin

delivery.

Of the pregnancies, 29,685 were dichorionic, meaning each twin had its own individual placenta, and 5,486 monochorionic, sharing a single placenta.

Scientists had previously observed a thirteenfold increase in stillbirths in monochorionic twins compared to single child pregnancies, and five-fold in dichorionic ones.

In duo-placenta pregnancies, the risk of stillbirth and neonatal death did not change until 37 weeks, the team found.

"However, delay in delivery by a week (to 38 weeks) led to an additional 8.8 deaths per 1,000 due to an increase in stillbirth," said a statement on the study.

In the smaller group of singleplacenta twins the evidence was less clear, the researchers said, but there was nothing to support routine delivery before 36 weeks.

"Our estimates... should be taken into account when decisions are made on timing of delivery," the team concluded. -AFP

Air pollution particles in human brain LONDON: Scientists have for the first time discovered tiny magnetic particles from air pollution lodged in human brains - which could be a possible cause of Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers at Lancaster University in the UK found abundant magnetite nanoparticles in the brain tissue from 37 individuals aged three to 92-year-old who lived in Mexico City and Manchester.

This strongly magnetic mineral is toxic and has been implicated in the production of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) in the human brain, which are associated with neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease.

Professor Barbara Maher, from Lancaster Environment Centre, used spectroscopic analysis to identify the particles as magnetite.

Unlike angular magnetite particles that are believed to form naturally within the brain, most of the observed particles were spherical, with diameters up to 150 nanometres (nm), some with fused surfaces, pointing to high-tem-

perature formation - such as from vehicle engines or open fires.

The spherical particles are often accompanied by nanoparticles containing other metals, such as platinum, nickel, and cobalt.

"The particles we found are strikingly similar to the magnetite nanospheres that are abundant in the airborne pollution found in urban settings, especially next to

Particles smaller than 200 nm are small enough to enter the brain directly through the olfactory nerve after breathing air pollution through the nose.

"Our results indicate that magnetite nanoparticles in the atmosphere can enter the human brain, where they might pose a risk to human health, including conditions such as Alzheimer's disease," said Maher.

"Our results indicate that magnetite nanoparticles in the atmosphere can enter the human brain, where they might pose a risk to human health, including conditions such as Alzheimer's disease," said Maher. busy roads, and which are formed by combustion or frictional heating from vehicle engines or brakes," said Maher.

Other sources of magnetite nanoparticles include open fires and poorly sealed stoves within homes.

"This finding opens up a whole new avenue for research into a possible environmental risk factor for a range of different brain diseases," said David Allsop, of Lancaster University's Faculty of Health and Medicine. The findings were published in the journal PNAS. -PTI

Babies born by CSection risk obesity WASHINGTON: Babies delivered by cesarean section may face a higher risk of becoming obese than infants born by vaginal birth, a large new study suggests.

Individuals born by cesarean delivery were 15 per cent more likely to become obese as children, and the increased risk may persist through adulthood, the study found.

Those born via cesarean delivery were 64 per cent more likely to be obese than their siblings born by vaginal birth, researchers said.

They also found that individuals born via vaginal birth among women who had undergone a previous cesarean delivery were 31 per cent less likely to become obese compared with those born via cesarean birth following a cesarean birth.

"Cesarean deliveries are without a doubt a necessary and lifesaving procedure in many cases," said Jorge Chavarro, associate professor at Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health in the US, and senior author of the study.

"But cesareans also have some known risks to the mother and the newborn. Our findings show that risk of obesity in the offspring could be another factor to consider," said Chavarro.

While a number of previous studies have suggested a link between cesarean delivery and a higher risk of obesity in offspring,

the studies were either too small to detect a clear association or lacked detailed data.

The new analysis included 16 years' worth of data from more than 22,000 young adults in the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS), in which participants answered survey questions every year or two years from 1996-2012.

The researchers looked at the participants' body mass index (BMI) over time; at whether or not they were delivered via cesarean; and at other factors that could play a role in obesity, such as the mothers' pre-pregnancy BMI, smoking status, age at delivery, and where they lived.

They also looked at whether the mothers had previous cesarean deliveries.

"I think that our findings - particularly those that show a dramatic difference in obesity risk between those born via cesarean and their siblings born through vaginal delivery - provide very compelling evidence that the association between cesarean birth and childhood obesity is real," said Chavarro.

"That's because, in the case of siblings, many of the factors that could potentially be playing a role in obesity risk, including genetics, would be largely the same for each sibling - except for the type of delivery," Chavarro added.

The study was published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics. -PTI

Warning labels can check unhealthy habits Cont'd from Page 48

63 percent of all participants stated that they would support legislation requiring a warning label on sugary drinks. Only 8 percent opposed the policy. Overall, most participants reported that a warning label would change their beliefs about a beverage's healthfulness and would encourage them to purchase fewer sugarsweetened beverages in the future.

"This study confirms that warning labels provide consumers with the scientific information they need to make informed purchasing decisions," says Dr. Harold Goldstein, executive director of Public Health Advocates.

"If we don't make this information available, many teenagers will continue to unknowingly buy products that are contributors to type

2 diabetes, obesity, tooth decay and other harmful chronic diseases.

The beverage industry's voluntary labels may be clear about calorie content, but they say nothing about the specific dangers of beverages like sodas, sweet teas, and sports, energy and fruit drinks."

"The Influence of SugarSweetened Beverage Warnings: A Randomized Trial of Adolescents' Choices and Beliefs" was published online in the "American Journal of Preventive Medicine."

The study was funded by the Healthy Eating Research Program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It comes on the heels of another study which showed that the city of Berkeley's soda tax successfully reduced sugary drink consumption by 21 percent in low-income neighborhoods.

50 India Post

Health Science Post

September 16, 2016

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Healthcare corruption curbed by technology LONDON: Corruption, fraud and discrimination are major barriers to healthcare provision in many developing countries, but mobile phone technology innovations like apps could help beat the bad practices, a new study has suggested.

Researchers from universities of Edinburgh and Cambridge undertook a

"As digital technologies become more widely available there are real opportunities to make a difference, and we've seen some great examples of innovation" comprehensive review of existing studies on how digital technologies were being used to tackle questionable practices in healthcare.

They identified several initiatives - such as reporting of discrimination on social media - that were helping in increasing transparency and accountability in healthcare services.

Barcodes that can be read by mobile

devices are helping people to check that their medicines are genuine, they found.

Good governance is essential for ensuring citizens have fair access to high-quality healthcare, the experts say.

"As digital technologies become more widely available there are real opportunities to make a difference, and we've seen some great examples of innovation," said Claudia Pagliari, of University of Edinburgh's Global Health Academy and Usher Institute of Population Health and Informatics.

Pagliari, however, says further research is needed to understand which approaches are likely to work best and why.

Isaac Holeman, a Gates Scholar pursuing PhD studies at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School, and cofounder of the non-profit MedicMobile, adds: "To be effective these technologies need to be designed with a sound understanding of the lived experiences of users and accompanied by the right mechanisms for turning digital insights into action."

The study, published in the Journal of Global Health, was funded by the US Agency for International Development through its Leadership, Management and Government Project. -PTI

Book on kidney ailments on Whatsapp

RAJKOT: A book written by a city-based nephrologist to create awareness about kidney related diseases has been made available on multimedia messaging application Whatsapp in 26 languages.

"The book, titled Save Your Kidney was originally written and published in Gujarati

book on kidney will be available globally on Whatsapp," he claimed.

Pandya, a senior kidney specialist, had first published the book in September 2010 and gradually launched a multi-lingual website based on the book.

"Six years after launching the website in Gujarati language, the book will now be available in 26 languages, including 11 Indian and 15 international languages," he said.

According to the doctor, raising awareness about rapidly increasing kidney diseases is the need of the hour.

"Though Whatsapp is the easiest way now-a-days to reach maximum people, I decided make the book available on Whatsapp so it can be accessed easily. It will be an imDr Abdul Kalam congratulating Dr Sanjay portant step towards prevenPandya on his book tion and care of kidney dislanguage, but has now been translated into ease," Pandya said.

26 different languages," its author Sanjay After a call or text, Pandya will forward Pandya said. the book to the individual through the mes"This is probably the first time that a saging application. -PTI

Health Ministry campaign to eradicate leprosy NEW DELHI: The Health Ministry has launched a two-week massive campaign to eradicate leprosy by focusing on 149 endemic districts across the country.

In a first, the Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC) aims to cover more than 1,600 blocks in the 149 districts across 20 states where nearly 3 lakh health teams will undertake door-to-door visits to detect leprosy cases.

"We are launching a special campaign for leprosy eradication. This is the first time in the country that we are doing something of this kind.

"The campaign will be till September 18. It will cover 20 states, 149 districts and 1,656 blocks," Health Secretary C K Mishra told PTI. He said around 32.18 crore population has to be reached and checked through 2.97 lakh teams.

"It is a huge campaign that we are launching. The idea is to detect and treat leprosy and stop its spread," he said.

The campaign comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for eradicating leprosy from the country by 2019, which is the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

After the Prime Minister's appeal, Health Minister J P Nadda had directed officials to launch a campaign in this regard.

Mishra said the teams will go door to door, do a check up and if a suspected patient is found, put him or her on treatment.

He said although the number of cases will rise initially, it will ultimately come down because the moment the patient has the first tab, the spread will stop.

Elaborating about the disease, Mishra said while at the national level, leprosy has been eradicated and most of the states have also eradicated it, the disease still exists at the districts and block level.

"At the national level, we have eradi-

The campaign comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for eradicating leprosy from the country by 2019, which is the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. cated leprosy while most of the states also have done so but at the disaggregated level, in districts and blocks, it is still there.

Now we are concentrating on that. So we have picked up the 149 endemic districts," he said.

According to the website of National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP), a centrally-sponsored scheme under the Health Ministry, India achieved the goal of elimination of leprosy as a public health problem, defined as less than 1 case per 10,000 population, at the national level in December, 2005. -PTI

September 16, 2016

Health Science Post

India Post 51

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Research priorities for Maneka ensures treatment for HIV+ve woman cancer moonshot WASHINGTON: A new report outlines a scientific roadmap for the White House's cancer ``moonshot'' initiative - urging research to harness the power of immunebased therapy, and to better tailor treatment by helping more patients get their tumors genetically profiled.

Those are among a list of recommendations issued by a panel of cancer experts and patient advocates advising the moonshot project on ways to speed

Lowy, acting director of the National Cancer Institute, who will send the panel's report to Vice President Joe Biden's cancer moonshot task force.

Biden proposed the moonshot idea after his son, Beau, died of brain cancer in 2015. President Barack Obama has requested about $1 billion over two years for the project, money that would be in addition to ongoing cancer research. Whether Congress provides funding will determine how the recommendations move forward.

The goal: Target research areas that specialists find most promising.

Immunotherapy, for example, is transforming care for some hard-to-treat kinds of cancer, and often is less toxic than standard chemotherapy.

But scientists don't understand why it works for some patients and not others. To try to uncover why, the report urges creating a national cliniU.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaks at the Cancer cal trial network for immunoMoonshot Summit in June. A panel of cancer experts and therapy. patient advocates recommends research areas that Likewise, scientists have specialists find most promising. long known that genetic differprogress against the nation's No. 2 killer. ences inside tumors help explain why one Also on the list: Learning what drives person's cancer is more aggressive than childhood cancer, finding ways to minimize another's, and why treatments work better the side effects of treatment, and making for one patient than the next. Increasingly, better use of some proven anti-cancer strat- major cancer centers are ``profiling'' paegies. For example, about 3 percent of tients' tumors to help guide treatment. colorectal cancers are fueled by certain inThe moonshot report recommends creherited genetic mutations - and the report ating a national network to give more paproposes a pilot project to test all newly tients around the country access to tumor diagnosed patients so the relatives of those profiling. Those patients also would be able who harbor the defects could learn if they, to share their genetic data with researchtoo, are at risk. ers, and volunteer for cutting-edge clinical The recommendations mark ``a bold but trials of treatments that match their genetfeasible scientific proposal,'' said Dr. Doug ics. -AP

Two guilty in $25 mn Medicare scam NEW ORLEANS: Psychologists from Louisiana and Mississippi admitted participating in a $25 million Medicare scam by billing for unnecessary or nonexistent tests on nursing home patients across the Southeast, federal authorities said.

As part of their guilty pleas, Beverly Stubblefield, 62, of Slidell, Louisiana, and John Teal, 46, of Jackson, Mississippi, admitted they're responsible for more than $5.6 million in fraudulent claims submitted to Medicare, according to a Department of Justice news release.

Each pleaded guilty in New Orleans' federal district court to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

In statements made as part of their pleas, the two say that they worked for two companies run by co-defendants scheduled for trial next month. They said those compa-

nies, Nursing Home Psychological Services Inc. and Psychological Care Services Inc., billed Medicare for tests that were not needed or not given at all to nursing home residents in Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida and Alabama.

Teal and Stubblefield admitted that they tested the same residents repeatedly, according to the agreements. Some of those patients were ``non-responsive,'' Stubblefield's statement said.

Their co-defendants, Rodney Hesson, 46, and his mother, Gertrude Parker, 62, both of Slidell, are scheduled for trial Oct. 11.

The FBI and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General investigated the case for the Justice Department's criminal division and the Medicare Fraud Strike Force for the Eastern District of Louisiana. -AP

NEW DELHI: After an HIV positive pregnant woman was allegedly denied admission by the district hospital at Badaun in Uttar Pradesh and she gave birth to a stillborn, Union Minister Maneka Gandhi has stepped in to ensure that she gets adequate treatment.

The woman and her husband were forced to travel nearly 50 km from Badaun to Bareilly for the delivery after they were turned back by the district hospital. When the woman delivered the child, it was dead.

Reports claim that doctors said if the woman received timely treatment the child could have been saved.

"Heart wrenching to read this. Painful to comprehend what the couple must be going through at the moment. Badaun CMO Dr Sunil Kumar was contacted by ministry officials to understand why the woman was denied admission," the Union Minister for Women and Child Development tweeted.

"The Badaun CMO informed us that an inquiry report was being prepared on the direction of the Uttar Pradesh Addl Director Health. Since the woman is at present being treated in Bareilly, the CMO concerned, Dr Vijay Yadav, was also contacted.

"Have instructed the Bareilly CMO to ensure that the woman receives adequate medical attention & to apprise us about her

health status," she said in a series of tweets.

The woman's husband alleged that the hospital staff at Badaun had asked him to arrange for blood and protective gloves worth Rs 2,000. However, as the woman's health deteriorated they asked him to shift her to Bareilly.

Additional Director of Health, Dr Subodh

Union Minister Maneka Gandhi

Sharma has directed the CMO of Badaun to carry out an inquiry into the incident.

A day earlier, the Union Minister had intervened to help a pregnant woman forced to go from pillar to post by a hospital in Ferozabad.

On August 28, a 12-year-old boy died on his father's shoulder after doctors allegedly asked them to go from one department to another at a hospital in Kanpur.-PTI

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Philosophy

September 16, 2016

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T

he Person of Inferior Motive engages in Dharma activities purely for the sake of well-being in future lives. Therefore, he avoids all other activities, and will certainly attain rebirth in the higher realms.

The Person of Mediocre Motive, due to being dissatisfied with samsaric existence, engages only in virtuous activities. Therefore, he will certainly attain individual liberation.

The Person of Superior Motive engages in the practice of bodhicitta (compassionate mind) for the sake of all beings. Therefore, he will certainly attain complete enlightenment.

4 qualities for Dharma practice The person who lives by great compassion will attain the Mind of Enlightenment.

The person who does not practice hypocrisy will be able to hold firm to the Dharma Principles.

The person who does not practice deception will be able to keep their sacred pledge. The person who is free from attachment will form no false friendship.

Ten failings If you do not examine all the instructions thoroughly, through the keen view of a garuda bird soaring in the skies, you will have the failing of not knowing for certain where your practice may lead to.

If you do not gain confidence, through putting the instructions into practice, you will have the failing of being unable to incorporate the perspective of the instructions ROBERT ADAMS

T

here was once a girl who was born into a house of prostitution. And across the street in front of the market place there was a preacher, a holy man. He used to exclaim the virtues of God and talk about the house of prostitution. How it was filled with sinners and he told people to repent.

Yet the girl who grew up in the house of prostitution was twentythree years old.

She used to look out the window everyday and cry to herself and she would say, "How I wish I was like that Holy man, how I wish I was spiritual," and she would imagine in her mind that she was a holy person and yet go on with her work. Now they both got old and died and went to St. Peter to go into heaven.

St. Peter told the man, "You can't come in you've got to go to hell," and he told the girl, "You can come in." So the Holy man became dumbfounded and said, "Why? For all these years I've proclaimed your goodness and your virtues. I told people to repent. How can you let her in when she was a prostitute and leave me out?"

with the actions of actual practice.

If you do not know how to practice by means of samadhi (tranquil meditative absorption), you will not attain penetrating insight of the dharmata (innate nature of phenomena and mind).

If you do not practice in accordance to the instructions, you will not know how to practice and liberate all phenomena in your nature.

If you do not advance gradually, through the Vajrayana instructions, you will generate samsaric consequences instead of being able to cultivate the purity needed for tantric practice.

If you do not maintain your discipline in accordance to the sacred

learning, you will not be able to discern the uniqueness of different schools.

If you do not integrate the individual uniqueness of different schools into one single stream of spontaneous cognition, you will not understand that all teachings are of one flavor.

If you do not attain illustriousness in knowledge, understanding clearly and distinctly the meaning of all teachings, you will not gain realization of the Dharma.

Ten types of fantasy It is fantasy to claim to know the Dharma without having attended to the teaching.

It is fantasy to claim you have

practice.

It is fantasy to claim you have found a master without serving him.

It is fantasy to claim you are to be liberated through a means that does not have the support of lineage.

It is fantasy to claim you have attained realization without the oral transmission from the Spiritual Guru.

It is fantasy to claim your being is liberated without having engaged in any Dharma practice.

It is fantasy to claim you have practiced without having engaged in sincere effort.

It is fantasy to claim you are blessed with beneficial conditions without having kept the sacred pledge to the Holy Gurus.

Failings & fantasy in Dharma practice The Person of Superior Motive engages in the practice of bodhicitta (compassionate mind) for the sake of all beings. Therefore, he will certainly attain complete enlightenment.

Padmasambhava

pledge, you will plant negative karmic seeds of an unsatisfactory future.

If you do not redeem yourself through Dharma practice, becoming well versed with all its aspects, you will not experience the benefit of Dharma.

If you do not adopt analytical practice to evaluate all sources of

supra-mundane powers without having accomplished the development stage of Tantric practice.

It is fantasy to claim you have received the blessing of the Holy Gurus without having engaged in devotional practice.

It is fantasy to claim you have attained enlightenment without having engaged in meditation

Excerpted from teaching given

by Padmasambhava (the LotusBorn One) during his stay in Tibet. Also known as Guru Rinpoche, he was born in Northern Kashmir in 8th century. He is widely venerated as a 'second Buddha' across Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Himalayan states of India.

And St Peter said, "You've been a hypocrite. You were very worthy and talked a lot and said nothing. In your heart you thought everybody was a sinner but you.

Whereas the girl in her imagination, in her feelings, always was thinking of God. So she can come in, you can't."

The point is this: It's not what you say. It's not what you proclaim. It's what's deep, deep, deep

When thoughts come to you, you simply ask yourself, "To whom do these thoughts come?

From whence cometh these thoughts," follow the thoughts to their source. Find out the source of your thoughts. You will find that the source of your thoughts is I. Follow the I-thread to its source by asking, "Who am I?" or "What is the source of I? You will realize that the pro-

rich. Everything is attached to I. If the I becomes dissolved, so does everything else and you become free. Find out for whom there is an I and you will discover something amazing. You will discover that I never existed. There never was an I. You will discover that you never existed. There's no such thing as you. You will discover that you are the imperishable Self.

If 'I' is dissolved, you become free

Love does not fail for you when you are rejected, betrayed or apparently not Loved. Love fails for you when you reject, betray and do not love.

-Adi Da

Everything is dependent on everything else, everything is connected, nothing is separate. Therefore everything is going in the only way it can go. If people were different everything would be different. They are what they are, so everything is as it is.

-G. I. Gurdjieff

What we most love is not what we know, but what knows us and draws us -Ravi Ravindra

To grow up requires a whole life but to become old one night is enough.

-Ignazio Silone

And we all know love is a glass which makes even a monster appear fascinating.

-Alberto Moravia

Everything is attached to I. If the I becomes dissolved, so does everything else and you become free. Find out for whom there is an I and you will discover something amazing. in your heart that determines what happens to you. It's not reading books, it's not studying, it's not going to classes. It's sitting by yourself, becoming quiet, going deeper and deeper within yourself.

Transcending your mind and your body until something happens.

noun I is the first word that was ever spoken and everything else is attached to I. Every other word, every other thought, every other feeling, every other emotion, they're all attached to the I. I feel happy. I feel sad. I feel sick. I feel well. I feel poor, I feel

Robert Adams

That you are never born and you can never die. You will discover there is no God. There is only the Self.

Robert Adams (1928 - 1997), an American Advaita teacher, was a devotee of Sri Ramana Maharshi

The most serious thing, and the strangest, is that we are afraid to the point of panic, not so much of seeing ourselves as of being seen by ourselves.

-Rene Daumal

Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

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Measuring fragility: A case study of Pakistan

India Post

SADIA TASLEEM

T

he review of a decade of reporting in the Fragile States Index (2007-2016) - previously known as the Failed States Index - issued by the Fund for Peace suggests fairly consistent trends and patterns in Pakistan.

The Index shows only a minimal fluctuation in the overall status, ranking and scores attributed to the country.

Pakistan has been swinging between the 9th and 14th positions in the "most fragile states" list, with scores ranging from 100.1 to 104.1. Moreover, Pakistan has consistently been placed in the high alert category of states.

This year, the country apparently showed slight improvement in its rank by climbing down from 13th rank in 2015 to the 14th rank in 2016. However, Pakistan, placed 12th on the failed states index in 2007 scored better with 100.1 on the table than the present situation.

Discrepancy in ranks and scores raise fundamental questions about measuring fragility and assigning scores and ranks to states. Can fragility be measured

of electronic record keeping.

This gap makes the veracity of reporting debatable. Take for example the case of public services at the provincial level in Pakistan.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has made notable progress at the grass-root level in fields of education, healthcare and police reforms. But there is only limited data available to evaluate the progress made in the province. The FSI indicators of public service do not seem to take this into account.

On the other hand, Pakistan's score for human rights has received a marginal but improved rating in 2016 as compared to 2015.

It would be interesting to see the data and examine the process of data evaluation to understand how and why the revival of capital punishment, setting up of military courts that can also try noncombatant civilians, introducing stringent anti-terrorism legislations, and unreported episodes of violent excesses in conflict-ridden regions did not impinge upon the human rights rating.

Both cases indicate a perennial

In October 2010 - just after the disastrous floods - this author was in Washington, DC, for meetings with people from policy community and think-tanks. Whether or not Pakistan would survive that year's catastrophic floods was a question that was frequently asked with big data? Is the fragility of a state relative to fragility of other states? Or is fragility an intrinsic phenomenon that has its own peculiar course in each country?

Big Data: All that glitters is not gold The FSI deserves credit for creating and maintaining a huge database that helps identify fault lines around the world.

Undisputedly, there is some value in quantifying social problems - no matter how inadequately - to help policymakers understand the challenges they confront and address the gaps in the policy choices.

Discrepancies are natural in indexes that deal with big data concerning social and political issues.

There are limitations both in terms of the electronically available information and its processing. This problem accentuates particularly in states like Pakistan that are still struggling with creating a culture

problem of underreported achievements and challenges due to the unavailability of data.

There is no gainsaying the fact that Pakistan is mired with challenges of governance and security, be it education, safe drinking water, health care, law and order, refugees, brain drain, IDPs, grievances of smaller provinces, ethnic and sectarian divides, deteriorating political culture, military courts, minority rights, honor killing, terrorism etc.

Additionally, Pakistan has some delicate spots that could turn from bad to worse without prior alarm. It would be spurious to claim that the data used to analyze Pakistan is completely faulty.

As long as the quantities are conveyed and consumed in the spirit of identifying trends and patterns to indicate problems and challenges, the indexes, despite various discrepancies, can help serve the purpose.

However, the problem emerges with drawing the linkage between ranks, scores, "fragility" and international stability.

'Fragile': Anatomy of a word In October 2010 - just after the disastrous floods - this author was in Washington, DC, for meetings with people from policy community and think-tanks. Whether or not Pakistan would survive that year's catastrophic floods was a question that was frequently asked. In Islamabad, there was no conversation about Pakistan falling due to a natural calamity.

Unable to relate to the Western mindset, this author contained her desire to recite Ghalib, "Mushkilein mujh per padi itni key aasan ho gayi," ["So many problems befell me that they became easy"] Just as it happens to people, some manage to withstand tremendous pressures while others collapse. States too have their unique structures, with varying degrees of elasticity. Their responses to catastrophes, disasters, poor governance or even use of force vary accordingly, setting their own unique threshold for fragility.

Take the case of corruption in Pakistan. It is one of the indicators measured in the FSI to determine the fragility of a state. But it remains to be seen whether corruption itself makes a state fragile, or it is the resistance against corruption that does so. Interestingly, the Panama Papers issue caused a worldwide uproar.

In Pakistan, the opposition parties, viewing it as a God-sent opportunity, made their best efforts to de-seat the sitting prime minister and yet failed to mobilize the masses.

Ironically, corruption, despite or because of being rampant at all levels of social life - fails to stir people's emotions in Pakistan.

Consequently, many compromises are made, bargains struck, and power negotiated, not only among the elite but also between the masses and the elite. It, thus, keeps the system running.

In such circumstances, can fragility entail the same meaning as it would in countries like Iceland where the public took to streets on the same Panama Papers scandal or states where human rights violations are vehemently challenged?

The writer is Lecturer, Department of Defense & Strategic Stud-

Tougher approach I

t is heartening that some saner elements from Srinagar are coming forward with their opinions on the present unrest in Kashmir.

A political science professor in Srinagar has analyzed the reasons for the Kashmir agitations. According to him, "the present uprising has its roots in the betrayals of the past. The hanging of Afzal Guru, the growing majoritarianism and rowdy chauvinism in India, beef ban and related incidents of lynching and killings, demands for abrogation of Article 370, attacks on Kashmiri students in different parts of India, jingoistic news hours, and the incompatibility of the PDP-BJP alliance."

As for the solution he opines that "a parallel engagement on both tracks, New Delhi-Srinagar and New Delhi-Islamabad, is the need of the hour. Experience shows us that whenever India-Pakistan relations improved, peace prevailed in Kashmir."

That brings us to the question, which Indian Prime Minister has not tried to improve relations with Pakistan and hold dialogue. But the professor in Kashmir needs to be reminded that whenever some progress has been made in Indo-Pak relations, the neighboring country engineers attacks in some Indian location and the whole process gets back to zero. Narendra Modi started his tenure with great promise by inviting Nawaz Sharif for his inauguration and even dropped in at Lahore to greet Nawaz Sharif on his birthday. What was the response from Pakistan? A terrorist attack on Pathankot airbase. Since then relations have gone from bad to worse with no let up in Pak instigation and masterminding of the conflict in Kashmir Valley.

Modi might be on the verge of abandoning the soft approach towards Pakistan that he inherited from the Congress led regime and which he tried to continue initially. It is obvious that India's soft approach has not worked and it has only encouraged Pakistan to keep the pot boiling in Kashmir. India has also avoided strengthening military relations with Afghanistan so as not to provoke Pakistan. According to strategic expert C.Raja Mohan, India's "hesitation was rooted in the fact that governments in Delhi had privileged normal relations with Pakistan over a larger strategic role in Afghanistan." Raja Mohan feels that Modi now "appears ready to embark on a bolder course in matters related to Afghanistan. With his attempts to revitalize the peace process with Pakistan unsuccessful and Rawalpindi upping the ante in Kashmir, Modi may have fewer reasons to hold back in Afghanistan."

Afghanistan president Ashraf Ghani, who is now visiting New Delhi, for the last two years had been trying to get closer to Rawalpindi. He has also burnt his fingers and feels the same about Pakistan as Narendra Modi and is ready to depend more on New Delhi.

China should also worry about its prestigious China Pakistan Economic Corridor passing through unstable regions of GilgitBaltistan and Balochistan where Pakistan has had to employ large number of troops for the security of the Chinese.

Pakistan's former ambassador to the US, India and China Ashraf Jehangir Qazi writes in the newspaper Dawn that former Chinese president Jiang Zemin had told a joint session of Pakistan parliament that "Kashmir was an issue inherited from history and its solution should be sought in that context."

But Pakistan did not listen to his common-sense advice. Qazi also says that Pakistan's reliance on jihadi 'assets' has resulted in comprehensive jihadi 'blowback'. "This has significantly disabled Pakistan's diplomacy. There are hardly any international takers today for Pakistan's case on Kashmir and other issues," he adds.

Qazi also concedes that "India has emerged as a potentially major player on the regional and global scene that none of the major powers wish to alienate. Pakistan, by contrast, has emerged with the image of a challenged and possibly failing state whose advocacy of the Kashmir cause has become a liability for the cause itself."

Qazi says the major powers favor status quo in Kashmir dispute.

And "This is true even of our dear friend China," he adds.

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