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Dr. Romesh Japra

Festival of Globe (FOG) scales new height Details on page 17

VOL 22, No. 1155

November 18, 2016

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Periodical Postage

KAMALA TO FIGHT TRUMP POLICIES

WASHINGTON: Indian-American Kamala Harris, who scripted history by winning a Senate seat, has said she would open a battlefront against President-elect Donald Trump's anti-immigration policies, saying "we must reject racism and xenophobia in our politics".

"I recognize that this election has made millions of people in this country feel powerless and afraid of what is to come," Harris, 52, said in an email sent to her support-

ers launching a signature campaign against Trump's policies on immigrants.

Harris, the first Indian-American elected to the Senate from California, described Trump's immigration policies like mass deportations and wall along the US-Mexico border as "absolutely unrealistic" at a news conference in California.

A two-term Attorney General of California, she would be sworn in as US Senator on January 3.

Details on page 5

Amul Thapar on Trump's list for SC judge

Raja Krishnamurthi

Indian Americans make a mark with 6 victories Details on page 16

Record rise in number of Indian students in US Details on page 6

Trump win may deter world students Details on page 6

Details on page 5

CRUSHING EMBRACE:

Bobby Jindal a probable in Trump Cabinet

Indian-origin Sikh student shot dead Details on page 7

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President of

Details on page 5

Israel, Reuven

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This week’s question

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November 15

Philosophy ------------------------- 49

Are you happy with Trump victory?

Last week’s result

Does Britain’s support count for much?

YES 23%

(Details on page 7)

NO 77%

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W

ho said democracy was an easy way of life anyway? As difficult as it is for those who run it, it is even more difficult for the people to decide who they want to vote for. Nobody makes perfect choices, but the beauty of this political system is that everyone gets the opportunity to make their choice in good turn.

And when it comes to electing a President, more often than not, we are only electing the presumptive best of the given and not necessarily the best that ought to be. Still, when a popular vote is not good enough to make your choice stick, it does lead to heartache. Our democracy is designed that way, a system the newest generation of voters, let alone the millennials, may not understand.

Be that as it may, I was heartened to see the outpouring of angst and frustration onto the streets since this past week by our kids who, in this age of technological interconnectedness, perhaps find the campaign call for exclusive societies unacceptable.

While it may be the job of the outgoing President to put on his cap of decency and wish his contentious successor well, it is interesting to note that a lot of our liberal-minded celebrities have decided to move on. 'Give Trump a chance' is fast becoming the conciliatory line of acceptance for those taking the high road, even as some on the fundamentalist fringes are already out marking their newfound territory.

For better or worse, an emerging reality of democracies the world over is that the winning candidates are increasingly standing singularly as the official representation of the ideology of those who voted for them rather than as a unifying representative for all including his ideological opponents.

Worrisome as it may be for many, I see that very aspect of democracy as one that should keep us all hopeful. There will always be a better candidate that stands for our own ideology that we can vote in come next elections. And if we are lucky, that candidate will do well by all, including those who didn't vote at all.

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Female 'Dil Chahta Hai' Farhan Akhtar agrees with Alia Bhatt that the next Dil Chahta Hai will be an allfemale version of the film.

Cover Story: Kamala's battle Senator Kamala Harris says she would open a battlefront against President-elect Trump's anti-immigration policies

Community: Ind-Am winners The number of Indian Americans elected are Raja Krishnamurthi, Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Kamala Harris.

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Immigration: Deporting 3 million President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to immediately deport up to three million undocumented immigrants

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Kamala Harris to fight Trump policies WASHINGTON: Indian-American Kamala Harris, who scripted history by winning a Senate seat, has said she would open a battlefront against President-elect Donald Trump's anti-immigration policies, saying "we must reject racism and xenophobia in our politics".

"I recognize that this election has made millions of people in this country feel powerless and afraid

Mexico border as "absolutely unrealistic" at a news conference in California.

A two-term Attorney General of California, she would be sworn in as US Senator on January 3.

"Our diverse movement and the responsibility the people have granted me in this office comes into play. We have the power to give a voice to the voiceless in Washington as we advance an

"We must reject racism and xenophobia in our politics as we work to protect our immigrants through real reforms. Right now is a time to bring people together. To unite our country around the common values and ideals that actually make us great of what is to come," Harris, 52, said in an email sent to her supporters launching a signature campaign against Trump's policies on immigrants.

Harris, the first Indian-American elected to the Senate from California, described Trump's immigration policies like mass deportations and wall along the US-

agenda rooted in justice and equality, she said.

"It is no secret that there exist two divergent directions for our country to take on immigration reform and the treatment of our immigrant communities, both documented and undocumented.

"One side believes it is okay to demagogue immigrants, has pro-

posed unrealistic plans to build a wall, and is promising to break up families by deporting millions of people. The other side believes in respect, justice, dignity and equality as part of an approach to bring millions of people out of the shadows," she said.

Harris said she wants every immigrant family in this country as well as the new Trump administration to know exactly where she stands on immigration reform.

"We must reject racism and xenophobia in our politics as we work to protect our immigrants through real reforms. Right now is a time to bring people together.

To unite our country around the common values and ideals that actually make us great.

Demagoguing or outright attacking communities of color is not a real plan, it is a recipe for disaster.

"What we must do is rededicate ourselves to the fight for who we are and build a coalition that is ready to join that fight because we are stronger when we are inclusive," Harris, whom President Barack Obama had described as fearless, said.

Harris has already talked with her future Democratic colleagues about "banding together" to protect immigrants from what she

documented. We must bring them justice and dignity and fairness through comprehensive immigration reform. I intend to fight for

Kamala Harris

described as the draconian immigration proposals of the Presidentelect, Los Angeles Times reported.

"I intend to fight for a state that has the largest number of immigrants, both documented and un-

'Black Lives Matter' and to ensure truth, transparency and trust in our criminal justice system and to fight for a woman's access to healthcare and reproductive rights," she added. -PTI

Amul Thapar on Trump's list Bobby Jindal a probable in Trump Cabinet for SC judge WASHINGTON: Indian-American judge Amul Thapar is among the shortlisted potential nominees for US Supreme Court justices picked by President-elect Donald Trump.

Thapar's name figured in Trump's second list of 21 individuals who would be considered for nomination to Supreme Court.

The nomination list, announced on September 23, now

Moreno, 64, who sits in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida, is the only other minority candidate to be shortlisted.

The first Article II Judge of South Asian origin, Thapar was nominated to this position by the former Republican president George W Bush.

"He has taught law students at the University of Cincinnati and

47-year-old Thapar currently holds the position of US District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky. The first Article II Judge of South Asian origin, Thapar was nominated to this position by the former Republican president George W Bush assumes significance since Trump, as the 45th president of the United States, would be in a position to nominate three Supreme Court judges.

47-year-old Thapar currently holds the position of US District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

Venezuelan-born Federico

Georgetown. Thapar has served as an Assistant US Attorney in Washington and the Southern District of Ohio," the Trump Campaign said.

Immediately prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Thapar was the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. He received his law degree from the

University of California, Berkeley.

"This list is definitive and I will choose Justices of the United States Supreme Court only from it," Trump had said in September while releasing the list.

"I would like to thank the Federalist Society, the Heritage Foundation and many other individuals who helped in composing this list of twenty-one highly respected people who are the kind of scholars that we need to preserve the very core of our country and make it greater than ever before," he said.

Born in Detroid, Michigan, Thapar was nominated by George W Bush on May 24, 2007, to a seat vacated by Joseph M Hood. He was confirmed by the Senate on December 13, 2007, and received commission on January 4, 2008.

Thapar has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center, and was an Adjunct Professor at the University Of Cincinnati College Of Law, where he taught Federal Criminal Practice. He graduated from the renowned Boalt Hall School of Law of the University of California after receiving his undergraduate degree from Boston College. -PTI

WASHINGTON: Bobby Jindal, Jindal, who has been keeping a two-term Louisiana Governor a low profile after dropping out of and the first Indian-American to the Republican presidential pribe elected as a state Governor, is mary, did not respond to queries among the shortlisted candidates on his possible Cabinet position. for Trump's Cabinet, according to On the other hand, it is almost a media report. certain that Carson would be a part If appointed, 45-year-old Jindal of Trump's Cabinet. Trump, in the will be the first ever Indian-Ameri- past, has indicated Carson to be can to be included in the his first choice for the position of President's cabinet Heath Secretary. and second ever to Jindal has be elected to the served as a princiUS Congress. pal adviser to the According to US Secretary of The Wall Street Health and Human Journal, Jindal is Services in the being considered Bush Administrafor the position of tion, during which Secretary of he excelled with Health along with his administrative Ben Carson. His and management name also figured skills and later on Bobby Jindal in the list of Powent on to be litico whereas it elected to the was absent in the Buzfeed's list of House of Representative for twopotential Cabinet members of the terms and thereafter as Louisiana Trump Administration.

Governor twice.

Both Carson and Jindal are Last year, he expressed his deformer Republican presidential sire to run for the US presidency candidates. While Jindal, after but dropped out of the race early dropping out of the race, en- this year following low polling dorsed Senator Ted Cruz for presi- among a crowded Republican asdency, Carson supported Donald pirants of 17 candidates. During the Trump, the winner of the US presi- primaries, Jindal was highly critical dential elections. of Trump and his policies. -PTI

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Modi, Trump will be best friends: Shalabh EDISON, New Jersey: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President-elect Donald Trump will be "unparalleled" friends and under their leadership Indo-US trade could reach a whopping trillion dollars a year in less than a decade, said a prominent IndianAmerican industrialist and Trump supporter.

"I have no doubt that Trump Sarkaar (government) and Modi Sarkaar will be the best friends and

said he is confident that "under Trump Sarkaar and Modi Sarkaar, India and US trade will reach one trillion dollars per year in the next eight years."

Kumar had last month organized a rally in New Jersey attended by Trump, who had said at the event that he is a "big fan of Hindus" and of India. He described Trump s stunning election win as a "second Diwali."

"There is a lot of commonality

Shalabh Kumar with Donald Trump

the two leaders will be unparalleled friends in the history of world leadership," Republican Hindu Coalition founder Shalabh Kumar said at an event to felicitate him following Trump's election victory.

Kumar expressed confidence that Trump will be president for two terms and the Modi government too will get a second term, giving both leaders at least eight years to work together at the world stage.

Citing strong growth in bilateral economic cooperation, Kumar

between India and the US. Trump will be the best President for India, he will be best friend with India," Kumar said at the event attended by several members of the Indian-American community.

Kumar stressed that areas such as electronic products will propel trade between the two nations to a trillion dollars in the next eight years. He said under a Trump administration, "lot of legislation that poses artificial barriers" to trade will be removed and India and the US will see greater collaboration in areas such as de-

fense, energy and manufacturing as well as combating terrorism.

He also expressed confidence that the Trump administration will enact strong immigration laws which will benefit the hundreds of thousands of Indians legally waiting for their US Green Cards and legal residency permits.

Terming radical Islam as the "camel in the room," Kumar later told PTI that Trump is not afraid to use the words to describe the problem of terrorism confronting the world.

"There is a camel in the room.

A lot of people ignore the camel in the room, Trump is not afraid to call it what it is - radical Islam, extremist Islam. Radical Islam has declared a war on the free world.

You have to first recognize the enemy, if you do not recognize that camel, that war and pretend that there is no war how can you fight the war," he said.

He stressed that the TrumpModi relationship "will not be just optics". Optics is "when President Barack Obama celebrates Diwali in the White House but then goes and gives F-16s to Pakistan," he said.

When asked how soon will the two leaders meet, Kumar said a meeting between Modi and Trump will happen "in a timely" order.

"There are a lot of pressing domestic problems that Trump faces which he will have to address immediately such as repealing and replacing the Obamacare Act, the Iranian nuclear deal and thousands of other legislation brought in by Obama," Kumar said. -PTI

Record rise in number of Indian students in US NEW DELHI: A record 165,918 quoting from the report.

Indians were studying in the US "In 2015-16, there were nearly during academic year 2015-16, a 69,000 more international students rise of 25 per cent over the last in US higher education compared year, making it the second lead- to the previous year," it said. ing country of origin among in"Higher education continues to ternational students in America, be the bedrock of our people to according to a report. people ties. More students from "This was the highest absolute India studied in the United States increase of students ever and fol- than ever before at all levels and I lowed the previous year's record am especially pleased to see the growth," according to the 2016 record back-to-back, year-on-year Open Doors Report on Interna- growth in student numbers," US tional Educational Exchange.

Ambassador Richard Verma was Also, "the number of interna- quoted as saying in the statetional students at US colleges and ment. universities surpassed one million "With efforts such as our Passfor the first time during the 2015- port to India initiative, we are also 16 academic year, an increase of seeing the number of American seven per cent from the previous year to a new high of nearly 1,044,000, The new report indicates representing five per cent of the total student there were a record 165,918 population at US insti- students from India, a 25 per tutions," it said.

The Open Doors re- cent increase on the port is published annually by the Institute of year before International Education in partnership with the US Depart- students in India beginning to ment of State's Bureau of Educa- grow," he added. tional and Cultural Affairs.

India accounts for one out of "The new report indicates there every six international students in were a record 165,918 students the US. Approximately three-fifths from India, a 25 per cent increase of Indian students are at the on the year before, making it the graduate level and three-fourths second leading country of origin are in the STEM fields (science, among international students in technology, engineering, and the United States," it said. mathematics).

The US hosts more of the Open Doors also reports that world's 4.5 million globally mobile over 313,000 US students received college and university students credit last year for study abroad than any other country in the during 2014-15, an increase of world, more than double the num- nearly three per cent over the preber hosted by the UK, the second vious year. leading host country, the US Em"India is ranked 13th among bassy here said in a statement, the top 25 destinations of US study abroad. The number of US students going to India to study for academic credit at their home university in the US decreased by 3.2 per cent to 4,438, although this of international students at US number has remained relatively flat universities exceeded a million across the last five years at 4,500," last year, according to new fig- the report said.

The release of the new Open ures from the Institute of InterDoors data marks the celebration national Education.

"I think America is going to of International Education Week, continue to welcome interna- a joint initiative of the US Departtional students, international stu- ment of State and the US Departdents are going to continue to ment of Education to prepare want to come here, we will con- Americans for a global environtinue to want to send American ment and attract future leaders students abroad as students and from other countries to study, learn, and exchange experiences cultural ambassadors.

I think that international edu- in America, the statement said.

To mark the Week, the US Emcational exchange is part of the fabric of many societies, includ- bassy is rolling out a series of short ing ours," said Allan E Goodman, social media videos with Indians the president and CEO of the In- who have returned from studies in stitute for International Educa- the US and highlighting the activities of its seven EducationUSA cention.

Cont’d on page 9 ters in country. -PTI

Trump win may deter international students HOUSTON: Donald Trump's victory in presidential polls may deter or restrict international students coming to the US for higher education and threaten the estimated USD 35 billion it adds to the American economy, experts have warned.

After a caustic presidential campaign and Trump's vows to limit immigration, build a Mexican border wall and force Muslims to register, experts in higher education sector are bracing for a backlash among students who see the US as a less welcoming destination.

Surveys of international students conducted during the presidential campaign suggested that many would be less inter-

ested in coming to the US if Trump were to become president.

For example, a survey of 40,000 students from 118 countries conducted by the international student recruiting companies FPP

they'd be less inclined if his opponent Hillary Clinton won.

The number of international students at US colleges and universities has hit a record high, but experts suggest that Trump's

After a caustic presidential campaign and Trump's vows to limit immigration, build a Mexican border wall and force Muslims to register, experts in higher education sector are bracing for a backlash among students who see the US as a less welcoming destination EDU Media and Instead found that 60 per cent said they'd be less inclined to come to the US if Trump were to win, compared with just 3.8 per cent who said

election may slow the growth of this market and threaten the estimated USD 35 billion it adds annually to the American economy.

For the first time, the number

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India, Israel to intensify defense, anti-terror cooperation NEW DELHI: Reflecting their growing proximity, India and Israel have decided to further "broad-base" their already close defense partnership and intensify cooperation in combating radicalization and extremism, while calling upon global community to act tough against terror networks and States harboring them.

The two countries also agreed to deepen their cooperation in a variety of areas including trade and investment, agriculture, water resources and cyber crime during extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, who is on his first visit to India.

Giving gist of his talks with the Israeli leader, Modi, in a media statement, said people of both countries were constantly threatened by forces of terrorism and extremism and both sides agreed to intensify cooperation in combating them effectively, particularly having "practical and specific" engagement such as in the cyber domain.

"We recognize that terrorism is a global challenge, knows no boundaries and has extensive links with other forms of organized crime," he said.

In an obvious reference to Pakistan, the Prime Minister said, "Regrettably, one of the countries of its origin and spread is in India's neighborhood.

"We agreed that the international community must act with resolve and determination against terror networks and States that harbor them. Failure to act and silence of speech only encourages the terrorists," he said.

Noting that Rivlin's visit has given a "crucial push" to efforts to build new pillars in bilateral ties,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, at the delegation level talks, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on November 15

based" through production and manufacturing partnerships.

India is Israel's largest buyer of military hardware and the latter has been supplying various weapons systems, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles over the

There were indications that Modi may visit Tel Aviv in first part of 2017 which will be 25th year of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries. India had established "full" diplomatic relationship with Israel in 1992 last few years but the transactions have largely remained behind the curtains.

The two sides inked two pacts to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and water resources management sectors.

Referring to growing collaboration between the two countries, particularly in defense sector, Rivlin, the first Israeli President to visit India in two decades, said his country is ready to "make in India and make with India".

President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin share a light moment during a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on November 15

Modi said both sides noted the strength of the growing defense partnership and agreed on the need to make it "more broad-

Rivlin said.

The two sides inked two pacts to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and water resources management sectors.

Talking about security cooperation, the Prime Minister said

He also asserted that nothing can justify terrorism.

"We stand together in defending our people and our values,"

the two sides agreed to "intensify cooperation to combat the forces of extremism and radicalization that threaten all peace-loving nations. We also prioritized practical and specific engagement such as in the cyber domain."

He said both sides recognized that terrorism is a global challenge that knows no boundaries and has extensive links with other forms of organized crime.

Referring to Israel's expertise in micro-irrigation in drought-prone areas, the Prime Minister said and water management and conservation, and collaboration in scientific research were identified as areas for priority engagement.

He said both sides agreed that the current trajectory of the Indian economy has opened up many promising opportunities for Israeli companies which can scale up their tie-ups with our India's flagship schemes like Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, and Smart Cities.

"Indian and Israeli companies can also work together in hightechnology manufacturing, and services sectors. Make in India and as President Rivlin told me in our discussion, Make with India can generate jobs and benefit both geographies. Our partnership can generate jobs and benefit both geographies," he said.

Modi said India was also grate-

ful to Israel for its "clear support" to India's bid for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.

On people-to-people ties, the Prime Minister said the 2000-year old Jewish community in India represents a thriving link to this past, adding people of the two countries were "biggest strength and the biggest beneficiaries" of the strong Indo-Israel partnership.

"Two-and-a-half decades of our friendship has brought rich dividends for both our nations. It has also strengthened voices of peace, stability and democracy globally. Your visit provides an opportunity to break new ground and shape new contours of our partnership," Modi said.

In his remarks, Rivlin hoped

Modi will visit Israel soon.

There were indications that Modi may visit Tel Aviv in first part of 2017 which will be 25th year of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries. India had established "full" diplomatic relationship with Israel in 1992 though it had recognized the country in 1950.

"As we approach this big milestone, we are both committed to advance our engagement on several fronts. And, build on convergences and commonalities in our interests and concerns on regional and global issues," Modi said. Rivlin was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier in the day.

The Israeli leader also visited Raj Ghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. -PTI

Indian-origin Sikh student shot dead SAN FRANCISCO: A 17year-old Indian-origin Sikh boy has been shot dead when he was returning home from work, prompting police to launch an investigation.

The incident took place at his home in his garage on Kandinsky Way in California.

Famliy of Gurnoor Singh Nahal, who was a high-school student, says he was coming home from work when he was shot. They do not suspect anything was taken and cannot understand why.

"We cannot imagine it. We are lost," his uncle Tejinderjit Singh was quoted as saying by the CBS Local News.

Nahal's grandmother found him lying in the garage. She

said he cried for help, but it was too late. "She heard it and it was very loud and I think when she heard that, she came out and then she saw him," Singh said.

His neighbors say that things like this do not happen in their North Natomas neighborhood.

"It was a young kid. We have kids - a 19-year-old and a 17-year-old - so it's really sad," said a neighbor, Gil Garcia.

Gurnoor went to Inderkum High and was supposed to graduate this spring.

Police responded to the scene and investigated the area for hours asking witnesses for help. They have not determined a motive in this case, the report said. -PTI

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Employees are scared after Trump's win: Nooyi NEW YORK: PepsiCo's Indiaborn CEO Indra Nooyi has said Hillary Clinton's defeat in the elections has left her daughters, gay workers, employees and the nonwhites devastated as there was "serious concern" among them about their safety in the US with Donald Trump as president.

morning of November 9, when Trump won the presidential election.

A visibly dejected Nooyi said Clinton's loss left her daughters and PepsiCo's employees devastated and there were serious concerns among the company's workers, especially the non-white em-

Indra Nooyi

"Do you have a box of tissues here," Nooyi, a staunch Clinton supporter, said at the New York Times Dealbook Conference here when asked how she felt on the

ployees, about their safety in an America with Trump as its president.

"I had to answer a lot of questions from my daughters, from our

employees. They were all in mourning. Our employees were all crying. The question that they are asking, especially those who are not white 'Are we safe'. Women are asking 'Are we safe', LGBT people are asking 'Are we safe'," she said at the conference on November 10.

Nooyi said she had never thought she would have to answer such questions, stressing that people across America should be assured that they will continue to be safe in the country.

"The first thing that we all have to do is to assure everybody in the US that they are safe, nothing has changed because of this election. What we heard was election talk and that we will all come together and unify the country," she said.

Congratulating Presidentelect Donald Trump, Nooyi said those who supported Clinton are mourning but life has to go on.

"The process of democracy happened; we just have to let life go on. We have to come together and life has to go on," she

Obama cautions Trump against undoing deals WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has cautioned his successor Donald Trump against undoing of international decisions like the Iranian nuclear pact and the Paris climate change agreement, saying a great deal of effort has gone into signing these landmark agreements.

"These international agreements, the tradition has been that you carry them forward across

dent-elect, and the reality.

"I think there was a really robust debate about the merits of the Iran deal before it was completed. I actually was pretty proud of how our democracy processed that. It was a serious debate. I think people of goodwill were on both sides of the issue. Ultimately, we were able to persuade members of Congress and the public, at least enough of them, to sup-

“Now, you've got 200 countries that have signed up for this thing, and the good news is that what we've been able to show over the last five, six, eight years is that it's possible to grow the economy really fast and possible to bring down carbon emissions as well� administrations, particularly if, once you actually examine them, it turns out that they are doing good for us and binding other countries into behavior that will help us," Obama, 55, told reporters at a White House news conference.

He said the Iranian nuclear deal was good example of the "gap between" some of the rhetoric in this town, not unique to the Presi-

port it," he said.

"At the time, the main argument against it was, Iran wouldn't abide by the deal. That they would cheat. We now have over a year of evidence that they have abided by the agreement. That's not just my opinion. It's not just people in my administration. That's the opinion of Israeli military and intelligence officers who are part of a government that vehemently

opposed the deal," he said.

About Paris Climate deal, Obama said there had been a lot of talk about the possibility of undoing this international agreement.

"Now, you've got 200 countries that have signed up for this thing, and the good news is that what we've been able to show over the last five, six, eight years is that it's possible to grow the economy really fast and possible to bring down carbon emissions as well.

"What the Paris agreement now does is say to China and India and other countries that are potentially polluting, come on board. Let's work together so you guys do the same thing.

And the biggest threat, when it comes to climate change and pollution, isn't going to come from us because we only have 300 million people. It's going to come from China with over 1 billion people and India with over 1 billion people," he said.

"If they are pursuing the same kinds of strategies that we did before we became more aware of the environment, then our kids will be choked off. Do I think that the new administration will make some changes? Absolutely," Obama said.-PTI

said.

Nooyi voiced concern that real issues facing the country were not talked about in the election campaign and serious discussions cannot happen in "bursts of sound bites" or 140 characters on social media. "...A lot of what should have been said during the elections, I don't think was said because I

ous discussions because the real issues don't lend themselves to 14 characters, the real issues don't lend themselves to sound bites on TV," she said.

Nooyi emphasized that at some point the nation will have to "pick up the big issues of technological unemployment, global trade, immigration - all of which need reform and have se-

"The first thing that we all have to do is to assure everybody in the US that they are safe, nothing has changed because of this election. What we heard was election talk and that we will all come together and unify the country," she said think we let the politics trump the issues. Pardon the pun, but I think that is what happened.

"The real issues that face us as a country were never talked about, the reason being that if the real issues were put on the table we would have had to engage in serious discussion. I don't think we are ready for seri-

rious conversation about that.

"Who is going to call for that dialogue, who will participate in that dialogue and what are we going to do about the dialogue are all big questions. I don't know how we can have it in short bursts of sound bites. It would be counterproductive to do it in sound bites," she said. -PTI

Demonetization ended terror-funding: Parrikar MUMBAI: Since the demonetization of high currency notes terror funding has come down to zero and there hasn't been stonepelting on security forces, Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar said here.

He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the "daring" move, which, he said, will also help clamp down on narcotic drugs.

"Earlier, there were rates: Rs 500 for stone pelting (on security forces in Kashmir) and Rs 1,000 for doing something else. PM has brought terror funding to zero," Parrikar said.

"In the last few days after PM's daring move there hasn't been stone pelting on security forces. I congratulate PM for it," he said, speaking at an event here organized by the BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar.

Talking to reporters later, Parrikar said those who sponsor terror will be affected by demonetization. Earlier, at the event, Parrikar said, "Bhatkhalkar did not tell me beforehand that he will felicitate me."

A citation was presented to Parrikar, which lauded his role in surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. It also thanked him for providing relief to people affected by land development rules in the vicinity of Central Ordnance Depots.

"When I became Defense Min-

Manohar Parrikar

ister, I did not think there will be things like this (dealing with CODland issue). I thought Defense meant bang-bang on the border," he said.

"Altogether, 17.38 lakh acres of land in the country is under Defense possession. Defense is the largest land owner in India," Parrikar said.-PTI

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Modi, opposition battle over demonetization NEW DELHI/KOLKATA/ LUCKNOW: With millions grappling with demonetization blues, a combative Narendra Modi defended the action as one which has brought "sound sleep" to the poor and unnerved the corrupt even as his rivals made a common cause against him, terming his remarks as "insult" to people.

As a belligerent Prime Minister sought to rally public support for the contentious measure, hailed and reviled by his supporters and opponents, the demonetization exercise saw many of his political rivals come together on the issue, with some even alleging BJP leaders had prior information about the impending decision.

Pummeling the Congress and other parties which are criticizing demonetization, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the corrupt were upset while the poor were "enjoying a sound sleep" after his decision and urged people to bear some inconvenience to root out graft.

"After demonetization, the poor are enjoying a sound sleep while rich are running from pillar to post to buy sleeping pills," Modi said as he tried to rally public support in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, picking up from where he left in his speeches laced with emotion and aggression in Goa and Belagavi.

"Don't mislead people...I want to ask Congressmen who claim people are facing problems how you turned the entire country into a jail for 19 months by imposing Emergency," he said addressing a rally in Ghazipur, adding it was done only to save the seat of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi after the Allahabad High Court verdict against her, and not out of any concern for the poor.

He said there was no dearth of

money for development, but the fact was that money was stashed away somewhere else and not where it should have been.

The November 8 decision of the Modi government, however, brought a fractured opposition together on the issue barely a couple of days ahead of Parliament's winter session with representatives of eight parties Congress, TMC, JD(U), RJD, CPI, CPI(M), JMM and YSR (Congress) - discussing the matter. The SP, BSP and AAP, which have strongly criticized the government on the demonetization issue gave the meeting a miss, besides DMK, AIADMK and NCP. Mamata Banerjee's TMC has even decided to meet President

P Jha had deposited Rs one crore in party account in West Bengal in currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 on November 8, shortly before the Prime Minister announced their demonetization.

Mamata Banerjee, who has been in touch with various parties on the issue, including arch rival CPI (M), slammed Modi for his remarks that poor are enjoying a sound sleep after demonetization, saying it was an "insult" to the common people.

"The PM in his speech said that the poor are sleeping peacefully.

This is an insult to commoners and in bad taste," the TMC supremo said in a tweet after Modi's statement in Ghazipur.

"My humble suggestion is not

BSP supremo Mayawati, stung by the apparent reference to her in Modi's "garland of notes" remark, unleashed a no-holdsbarred attack on the Prime Minister, saying he cannot tolerate that a "dalit ki beti" is presented such a garland Pranab Mukherjee to highlight the "crisis" situation.

The Congress accused the Modi government of unleashing "economic anarchy" and "tax terrorism" in the country and called for unity among opposition parties.

"Whatever may be the differences, political parties should not shy away from voicing the concern of the people so as to address the grievances," party's chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said soon after the meeting of the opposition parties.

Daring Modi to make public the bank details of the party at the central and state levels, Surjewala alleged that a BJP functionary O

Prime Minister Narendra Modis mother Heeraben Modi visits a bank to exchange old currency at in Gandhinagar on November 15

to hit the common people like this," she said.

"This will be a killer for the common people. Already a staggering Rs 1.5 lakh crore of GDP has been lost by the economy in only six days," she said in a statement.

BSP supremo Mayawati, stung by the apparent reference to her in Modi's "garland of notes" remark, unleashed a no-holdsbarred attack on the Prime Minister, saying he cannot tolerate that a "dalit ki beti" is presented such a garland.

"BJP leaders have accepted garlands of notes and they have no problems if Modi is garlanded with notes any number of times.

But if a 'dalit ki beti' is offered such a garland, it does not become palatable for the Prime Minister, it reflects his cheap mentality," she said at a hurriedly convened press conference in Lucknow hours after Modi made the remark at a BJP rally in Ghazipur.

"In order to divert people's attention from his failures, Modi levels baseless allegations against his political opponents which is condemnable...allegations on policy matters are different but personal ones should not be made...he cannot tolerate that a dalit ki beti is presented garland of notes," she said, adding one cannot digest what Mayawati wears.-PTI

Trump win may deter international students Cont’d from page 6

might have come to the US. A drop-off in US international enrollment, which has increased 85 per cent in the past decade as universities aggressively recruit abroad, could have significant financial repercussions.

International students pumped USD 35 billion into the country s

The Seattle-based marketing company Study in the USA also surveyed 1,000 prospective international students on the election.

Of 975 responses, 639 said they d be more likely to study in the US if Clinton were to win, while just 91 said they d be more likely to come if Trump were elected.

"Due to Trump's Germany, Japan, Taiwan very explicit racist re- and Canada, meanwhile, marks, I would not feel very comfortable study- have all increased ing in the USA," one international recruiting respondent said.

If the rise of postBrexit anti-foreigner attacks in Great Britain is any indi- economy in 2015, according to the cation, the experts say, Trump's US Department of Commerce. presidency and its possible policy Much of the money from fullimplications could lead interna- tuition-paying international stutional students to look elsewhere dents serves as an important subfor their educations. sidy for American undergraduates.

Germany, Japan, Taiwan and Some public universities, inCanada, meanwhile, have all in- cluding Arizona, Ohio, Michigan creased international recruiting. and Pennsylvania State, Purdue A survey of international stu- and the University of Wisconsin, dents earlier this year revealed have even added a surcharge to serious concerns about a Trump the price for international stupresidency. dents to make up for budget cuts.

The March poll of 40,000 stuStill, others offered a more opdents in 118 countries by two in- timistic message. ternational student recruiting It s worth noting that Trump firms found 60 per cent of respon- himself once posted on Twitter dents were less likely to attend US about the benefit of retaining inuniversities if Trump were elected, ternational students in the US, compared to 3.8 per cent who felt writing in an August 2015 tweet, that way about Hillary Clinton.

"When foreigners attend our The election results may hinder great colleges and want to stay international student recruiting, in the US, they should not be said Benjamin Waxman, CEO of thrown out of our country."

Intead, which conducted the sur"One of the core values of invey with FPP Edu Media. ternational education is about "It seems as though there celebrating diversity and learncould be the beginnings of a sea ing from differences," said Rahul change here," he said.

Choudaha, the co-founder of "The results of Brexit and the US election definitely put a message out It is likely that the future there." policies will start looking In Mexico, about 80 per cent of survey re- inward and slow down interspondents said they national education exwould be less likely to changes and student attend US universities during a Trump presi- mobility dency. The country sent nearly 17,000 students to the InterEdge.org, an international US last year. student services company.

The two companies plan to "Trump's viewpoints are incomplete another survey soon to sular and not in line with the see how the election is influenc- values of international educaing college choices, Waxman said. tion. It is likely that the future The US business of educating policies will start looking inward people from abroad is also facing and slow down international other challenges, including the education exchanges and stueconomic slump in China and a dent mobility. Career advancebuilding spree in India, which is ment is one of the prime motivaestablishing 278 new universities tions for international students that might keep some of its stu- to study in the US," Choudaha dents at home who previously added.-PTI

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India, US launch $95 mln clean energy projects WASHINGTON: The US has announced two financial projects worth USD 95 million in India to bring more energy-efficient appliances to rural sector, as part of its efforts to continue the global transition to zero-and-low carbon energy sources.

The US has committed USD 70 million in Overseas Private Invest-

Government will formally launch a USD 20 million distributed solar facility in partnership with leading philanthropies, it said.

Known as US-India Clean Energy Finance program (USICEF), it will address a key financing gap in the Indian distributed solar market by funding early-stage project preparatory work, it said.

The US has committed USD 70 million in Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) financing for renewable energy projects in India; and announced to launch a USD 20 million partnership this week with the philanthropic sector to bring more efficient appliances ment Corporation (OPIC) financing for renewable energy projects in India; and announced to launch a USD 20 million partnership this week with the philanthropic sector to bring more efficient appliances to rural Indian villages.

The USD 75 million OPIC financing is for a utility-scale PV project in Telangana. It is sponsored by ReNew Power Ventures.

This commitment represents the rapid mobilization of financing under a USD 250 million facility to support up to 400 MW of new solar power projects in India across multiple states, the White House said.

Further the OPIC and Indian

USICEF is anticipated to unlock up to USD 400 million in longterm debt financing from OPIC and private sector investors, the White House said.

According to the White House fact sheet, the Rockefeller Foundation's Smart Power for Rural Development Initiative is also announcing a new partnership with the Clean Energy Ministerial's (CEM) Global Lighting and Energy Access Partnership (Global LEAP) to accelerate the deployment and use of energy efficient off-grid devices in rural India.

The US Department of State will, subject to Congressional notification, provide funding for

Global LEAP to support the development and roll out of a program to deploy energy-efficient devices such as televisions, fans, and refrigerators at selected Smart Power supported mini-grid sites, the White House said.

It will also develop a strategy for a program-wide scale-up targeted to reduce energy costs for some of the poorest people in India.

"When deployed it is expected to reduce energy consumption by over 50 per cent for rural households, increase revenue for mini-grid operators by over 300 per cent per household, and generate rural employment for people involved in distribution and supply chain management of the devices," it said.

Noting that the US President Barack Obama's leadership has catalyzed a global transition towards a clean energy economy, the White House said from 20102015 alone, the US has invested in more than USD 11 billion in international clean energy finance.

At the same time, the US has made research and development a top priority.

Key achievements include establishing Mission Innovation (MI), with the leaders of 19 countries, to accelerate innovation by doubling public investment in clean energy research and development to USD 30 billion over five years. -PTI

China continues to oppose India's NSG bid BEIJING: China, which has China's stand for non-disbeen blocking India's NSG bid, has criminatory criteria is regarded maintained its tough stand on the significant as Pakistan, a close issue and called for a two-step ally of Beijing too has applied "non-discriminatory" solution to for the NSG membership along admit non-NPT members into the with India.

48-member elite grouping.

China, which has blocked China's remarks came as the earlier India's entry on the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) at ground that India has not its meeting in Vienna November signed the NPT, has held two 11 discussed a formula acting on rounds of talks with India and India's application to join it.

Pakistan about their admission "We maintain that we should into the group. follow two-step approach.

India has secured the backFirst we should find out a so- ing of the US and majority of lution that is applicable to all non-NPT members applications to the NSG We believe that the solution through consultations should be non-discriminaand discussions," Chitory and applicable to all nese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng non-NPT members and it Shuang told a media must not damage the core briefing here outlining value of the NSG as well as China's stand at the the authority, effectiveness Vienna meeting.

The second step is and integrity of the NPT," to discuss specific nonNPT (Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty) members' admis- the NSG members based on its sion into the NSG, he said. non-proliferation record in com"We believe that the solution parison to Pakistan which faced should be non-discriminatory and serious allegations of nuclear applicable to all non-NPT members proliferation in the past speand it must not damage the core cially with regard to its nuclear value of the NSG as well as the scientist Dr A Q Khan. authority, effectiveness and inGeng said at the Vienna meettegrity of the NPT," he said. ing of the NSG, members talked "We hope that we can enter about the technical, legal and pointo the second step after fin- litical matters relating non-NPT ishing the first step at an early members accession to the NSG. date which is to talk about speHe said this is the first time the cific non-NPT members joining group talked about entry of the the NSG," he said. new members.PTI

China cautiously backs India-Japan n-deal BEIJING: China has cautiously backed India-Japan nuclear deal signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Tokyo visit, saying all countries are entitled for peaceful use of nuclear energy if they meet the international non-proliferation obligations.

Beijing also reacted mildly to the references to South China Sea in the India-Japan joint statement, reiterating its earlier stand that countries outside the region should respect efforts made by China and other contestants to resolve the dispute.

"With regard to nuclear agreement signed between India and Japan and on the use nuclear energy, we believe that

under the promise of absorbing international obligation of nuclear non-proliferation, all countries are entitled to the peaceful use of nuclear energy," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng

Contrary to the write-ups in the official media here prior to the recent signing of the civil nuclear deal, Geng made no reference to the media criticism of Japan selling its nuclear technology shed-

An article in the state-run Global Times earlier criticized Japan for relaxing its rules to sign civil nuclear deal for India and said that selling nuclear technology to New Delhi will "taint Tokyo's reputation of advocating for a nuclear weapons-free world Shuang told media briefing here.

"At the same time, the relevant cooperation should be conducive to safeguard the authority and effectiveness of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime," he said.

ding its past objections.

Japan has traditionally adopted a tough stand on proliferation issues having been the only victim of atomic bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki dur-

ing World War II. India is the first country which has not signed nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) with which Japan has signed the civil nuclear agreement. China opposes India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), citing India's refusal to sign NPT. An article in the state-run Global Times earlier criticized Japan for relaxing its rules to sign civil nuclear deal for India and said that selling nuclear technology to New Delhi will "taint Tokyo's reputation of advocating for a nuclear weapons-free world".

About the reference to the South China Sea in the joint statement issued at the end of Modi's visit, Geng said "under the concerted efforts of the countries in

the region including China, the situation in the South China Sea is developing in a positive direction".

"We have been repeating that we should come back to the right track of peacefully resolving the relevant dispute through negotiations and consultations.

"We hope that the countries outside the region would respect efforts made by countries in the region and safeguard as well as consolidate the sound momentum in the South China Sea and do more that is conducive to regional peace and stability," he said in a cautious response. -PTI

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November 18, 2016

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Perspective

November 18, 2016

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Daesh partnering local terrorists in deadly Pak attacks TUSHAR RANJAN MOHANTY

A

t least 52 persons were killed and more than hundred were injured when a teenage suicide bomber detonated his ex plosive vest in the midst of devotees at the shrine of Sufi saint Shah Noorani in the Khuzdar District of Balochistan in the evening of November 12, 2016. The explosion took place at the spot where the dhamaal (Sufi ritual of devotional dance) was being performed, within the premises of the shrine. "The bomber appeared to be 14 to 16 years old," said Muhammad Hashim Ghalzai, the Commissioner of Kalat Division, of which Khuzdar is a District.

Nawaz Ali, the shrine's custodian, added, "Every day, around sunset, there is a dhamaal here, and there are large numbers of people who come for this." According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jafar Khan, at the time of the blast, around 1,000 devotees were present in the shrine to view the performance.

The Daesh (Islamic State, IS, previously Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attack via Amaq, its affiliated news agency.

Daesh, along with Al Alami (international) faction of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), also claimed the October 24 attack on the Quetta Police Training College (PTC) at New Sariab, in which 61 Security Force (SF) personnel were killed, and another 164 were injured.

Three terrorists entered into the PTC and headed straight for the hostel, where around 700 Police recruits were sleeping. The attack began at around 11:10 pm, with gunfire continuing to ring out at the site for several hours. Major causalities were inflicted when two suicide bombers blew themselves up.

One of the terrorists, wearing a suicide vest, was killed by SFs. Though the Pakistani establishment claimed that the terrorists belonged to the

agency as stating, "A martyr from the Islamic State detonated his explosive belt at a gathering of justice ministry employees

"There is no presence of (Islamic State) in Balochistan.

The claim IS made is false." Bugti claimed that the recent attacks claimed by Daesh were carried out by LeJ-Al Alami, but this group gave information to Daesh relating to the attackers in order to harm Pakistan's reputation: "Claims through IS are a conspiracy to isolate Pakistan in the international community." Similarly, Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, on November 15, 2015, had ruled out any Daesh 'footprint' in the country and declared that no citizen would be allowed to have links with the terrorist organization, adding, "Pakistan has the capability to thwart threats by any terrorist organization, including the Volunteers move an injured blast victim from an ambulance at a hospital in the Hub district, some 40 kilometers from Islamic State." Similarly, Karachi, on November 12 Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah on November news agency, Daesh claimed that "Islamic and Pakistani policemen in...Quetta." The 23, 2015, claimed that the Islamic State did State fighters have killed a Pakistan intelli- Amaq report was released from Cairo, not exist in Pakistan and that some proscribed organizations within the country gence agent in the Sardaryab region... of Egypt.

A succession of deadly attacks in Paki- were using its name.

Pakistan".

Daesh appears happy to let its local alThe most significant claim from Daesh stan claimed by Daesh suggests a rising came on August 8, 2016, for the suicide at- partnership with local terrorist formations, lies in Pakistan operate under their own identacks on Quetta's Civil Hospital in which at even though the Pakistan establishment tities in exchange for allowing Daesh to claim least 74 persons, including 55 lawyers, were killed and over 100 were wounded, when scores of people had gathered to mourn the death of BBA President Bilal Anwar Kasi in a gun attack earlier in the day. Law enforcement officials stated that the two attacks were connected and the blast was carried (KP), when he was on his way to work in Peshawar, the provincial capital. In a short statement posted on Amaq, its affiliated

Three terrorists entered into the PTC and headed straight for the hostel, where around 700 Police recruits were sleeping. The attack began at around 11:10 pm, with gunfire continuing to ring out at the site for several hours.

Major causalities were inflicted when two suicide bombers blew themselves up. One of the terrorists, wearing a suicide vest, was killed by SFs LeJ-Al Alami, Daesh claimed responsibility and released photographs of the fighters involved, one of whom bore a strong resemblance to an attacker who was killed by SFs in the assault.

On the same day, Daesh also allegedly orchestrated another killing, when two motorcycle borne terrorists shot dead Intelligence Sub-Inspector Akbar Ali at a bus stop near his home in the Sardaryab area of Charsadda District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

out by a suicide bomber.

The 55 slain lawyers include BBA's former President Baz Muhammad Kakar; former Supreme Court Bar Association VicePresident Syed Qahir Shah; Advocate Sangat Jamaldani, son of Jahanzeb Jamaldani, Secretary General, Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M); and Advocate Dawood Kasi, son of Former Federal Minister Dr. Abdul Malik Kasi.

Reuters quoted Daesh's Amaq news

Pakistani lawyers and security officials gather around the bodies of victims of a bomb explosion at a government hospital premises in Quetta on August 8

continues to deny Daesh presence in Balochistan.

Thus, Baluchistan Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti stated, on November 13, 2016,

responsibility for high-profile attacks. Zahid Hussain, a Pakistani security analyst, noted, on November 13, 2016, Cont’ d on page 13

November 18, 2016

Perspective

India Post 13

www.indiapost.com Cont’ d from page 12

"IS may not have a formal structure in Pakistan, but certainly they have support among some of the banned terrorist groups, particularly Sunni sectarian groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Alami (LeJ-AA). It's a kind of nexus that we are seeing between global jihadi groups and local sectarian groups."

US commander General John W Nicholson, who commands the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, while briefing Washington-based journalists at the Pentagon, on August 1, 2016, said that almost 70 per cent of Daesh fighters in Afghanistan are Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists. Nicholson claimed, a "significant proportion, a majority of fighters" with Daesh in Afghanistan come from Pakistan's Orakzai Agency, over the border from Nangarhar, and are former members of TTP. He further stated that many of the fighters were Pakistani Pashtun from Orakzai Agency and had been forced out of Pakistan by the ongoing military offensive, Operation Zarb-e-Azb: "In the case of the IS fighters in southern Nangarhar, we see that many of them come from the Orakzai Agency, which is south of Nangarhar - actually, south of the Khyber Agency. And they were former members of the TTP, complete with their leadership, who wholesale joined Islamic State, pledged baya (allegiance) to Islamic State and joined them earlier this year."

Seeing Daesh as a major threat in the region, the US, on January 14, 2016, declared Daesh's Afghanistan-Pakistan wing a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). A statement issued in Washington declared, "The US Department of State has announced the designation of ISIL-K (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan) as a FTO under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act." The Department of State took this action in consultation with the Departments of Justice and the Treasury, the statement added.

On July 26, 2016, the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan were able to eliminate the then Daesh chief in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Hafiz Saeed, who was killed in a drone strike in the Kot District of Nangarhar province. Saeed's death represents a major setback for Daesh-K (Daesh in the imagined 'Khorasan' wilayat), as it tries to establish

proved incapable of holding the coalition of jihadists together. On August 26, 2014, a group of TTP 'commanders', led by Maulana Qasim Omar Khorasani, broke away from the parent organization and formed a new outfit called Jamaat-ulAhrar (JuA, Assembly of Freedom). JuA included TTP factions from the tribal areas - Bajaur, Khyber, Mohmand, and Orakzai Agencies in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA); and Charsadda, Peshawar, and Swat Districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). While announcing the split, Khorasani claimed, "The leadership of the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan [TTP] is a victim of narrow, personal objectives. A Pakistani security officials examine at the site of suicide bombing in Quetta, Pakistan, January 13 separate group was announced after the efforts to on Pakistan soil came on May 14, 2015, when pressure in its Syrian and Iraqi heartlands, keep TTP united ended in failure."

In June 2014, while announcing the for- Daesh claimed responsibility for the May but the audacity of the attacks executed by mation of the Islamic State, Daesh had re- 13, 2015, bus attack that killed 43 Ismaili its regional affiliates suggests a rising danleased a map purportedly showing areas that Shias in the Safoora Chowrangi area of ger and an infusion of a greater lethality it planned to bring under its control within Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town in Karachi, the pro- into the enduring trends in terrorism and

Daesh partnering local terrorists in deadly Pak attacks five years. These areas included all of Pakistan within the projected 'Islamic Caliphate'. Abdul Rahim Muslim Dost, who was detained at Guantanamo for three years, had defected from the Afghan Taliban on July 1, 2014, and joined Daesh and was pronounced Amir of Islamic State Khorasan province just two days after Abu Bakr al Baghdadi named himself "Caliph Ibrahim I" and declared that his Islamic State was now a "caliphate."

However, in April 2016, several members of the 'Islamic State Khorasan province'

vincial capital of Sindh.

A blood-stained Daesh pamphlet was recovered from the scene, according to a Police official. A subsequent statement in Arabic declared: "Thanks be to Allah, 43

sectarian strife afflicting both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Crucially, fragments of groups that have long flourished under state protection or neglect in Pakistan, are now coalescing into the Daesh identity and finding

A blood-stained Daesh pamphlet was recovered from the scene, according to a Police official. A subsequent statement in Arabic declared: "Thanks be to Allah, 43 apostates were killed and around 30 were wounded in an attack carried out by Islamic State soldiers on a bus transporting Shia Ismaili infidels in the city of Karachi itself as a serious force in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Hafiz Saeed Khan was a former commander of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA, Assembly of Freedom), the break-away fraction of TTP, who pledged allegiance to Daesh. After Hakimullah Mehsud, then head of TTP, was killed in a US drone strike on November 1, 2013, the al Qaeda-linked group had been plagued by leadership disputes, infighting, and defections.

Mullah Fazlullah, Mehsud's successor,

"central council" as well as other senior and mid-level leaders based in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar broke their oath to Abu Bakr al Baghdadi and rejoined the Afghan Taliban. Dost claim that the 'Khorasan Province' had become a tool of "regional intelligence agencies and started torturing innocent people." He described Hafiz Saeed Khan, the succeeding 'emir' of the 'Khorasan province', as "illiterate" for approving attacks on civilians.

Purportedly the first of its major attacks

Rescuers and officials gather at a bomb blast site at a park in Lahore on March 27, 2016

apostates were killed and around 30 were wounded in an attack carried out by Islamic State soldiers on a bus transporting Shia Ismaili infidels in the city of Karachi."

It is unlikely that Daesh can extend its direct operational outreach into the AfPak region at a time when it is under increasing

a unity of purpose with an increasingly globalized movement of jihad, outside the control of the Pakistani state. This can only reinforce the instability of the AfPak region, and project increasing risks beyond.

The writer is Research Associate, Institute for Conflict Management

November 18, 2016

14 India Post www.indiapost.com

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Horoscope

November 18, 2016

India Post

15

www.indiapost.com

Nov 18th - Nov 24 th 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

he professional matters look ok. Some of you may be promoted/rewarded if planets are stong natally.

Some additional expenses are likely be alert. Those who are appearing in selections may face problems. Stay away from manipulations or people trying to take advantage of you. It is better to avoid new ventures as timing is not right. The child may cause concern.

T

P

rofessional matters need care. Those of you who have strong birth planets may get promotion through selection. Some gains are likely in property matters, may sell or buy property of equity. Better to avoid unnecessary driving. Work with patience. The transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/Ketu are difficult for those whose ascending degree is around 14 or some.

P

rofessional matters are good. Some of you may get promotions/recognition.

Some job related journey is likely. The students need more efforts. The health of father needs extra care. It is better to avoid haste and conflicts. Avoid unnecessary driving and take care of your health. Patience is the Mantra for you up to September 2017. Strengthen your birth planets through a Special Power Kavach .

he professional matters need care, just do your job. The business income is likely to be delayed. Social interaction and communication is disturbed, avoid using harsh language that can insult others. The health of the parents also need care.

Avoid conflicting situations during 2016, and take due care of our health. Exercise patience. Is the remedy for you.

T

he professional matters look good. The time is good for those who are in the field of communications, teaching, politics and international trading. Students and those who are appearing in selections have better chances of success. Some new rewarding opportunities are likely. Continue to perform peace making remedies for your functional malefic planets Moon, Rahu and Ketu.

T

he professional matters look good. The mental peace and patience help in managing the situation. Stay away from manipulations people trying to take advantage of you. Some additional income is likely. Silence is golden for you is your remedy. Better to avoid conflicts. Strengthen your birth planets through a Special Power Kavach as transit weakness of planets can bring sudden mishaps.

T

T

T

he professional matters look better. Manage obstructions with patience.

Keep new ventures pending.

Avoid manipulations, people trying to take advantage of you.

Handle relationship matters with patience. Child may need help.

Avoid haste, conflicts, speculation, aggressive behaviour and unnecessary driving. Enemies are likely to trouble, so avoid confrontation and conflicts with people you know that can cause you harm.

T

T

T

T

he professional matters are looking good. Those who have strong planets in their birth charts are likely to get a promotion or recognition. Take care of your health.

Get regular physical. Financial position is ok. It is better to avoid unnecessary driving,.

The transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/Ketu are difficult for those whose ascending degree is around 14 or some planet.

he professional matters look ok. Work with patience and avoid conflicts.

Keep new ventures pending, hold off till better time. The health of family needs attention please get physical if required or its time. The week may involve some additional expenses. Avoid haste, aggressive behaviour, conflicts, unnecessary expenses and driving/ travel. Handle obstructions and relationship matters with care.

he professional matters need care. Those who are appearing in selections have a fairly good chance of success. Additional expenses are likely. Child may bring happiness. The new business opportunities should be put on hold up to January, 2017. The week is good for students. Avoid speculation.

Always invest in safe assets.

Patience is the best medicine up to January, 2017.

he professional matters may face some obstructions. The new opportunities should be properly examined, due you diligence on purchasing new business. Delays are likely in the sources of income.

Manage obstructions with patience. Stay calm and focused. It is better to avoid manipulations and unnecessary driving. As bad planet can cause sudden mishap and you getting taken advantage of.

he professional matters look ok. The incidence of

conflicts and obstructions is seen. Take care of your health, see doctor if required or get regular check up. It is better to avoid driving. Risky activities such as rock climbing or jumping off planes.

Manage things with patience.

Stay calm and focused. Due to bad transit and bad planets stay calm.

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

Desi News Community reacts to Trump & Demonetization SURENDRA ULLAL & RAMESH SOPARAWALA

CHICAGO: Two major earthshaking developments took place last week - one here and one in India. Donald Trump who was relegated as a loser by the media and many Americans, was a big shocker winning the US Presidency with a good Electoral votes lead.

This has sent a turmoil among political bigwigs and also among average Americans many of whom have to reconcile to the new reality - the Four Years of Trump Presidency.

In India, Prime Minster Narendra Modi shocked not only Indians but the global Indian population by demonetizing Rs.500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes. This was done with a view to unearth black money, put a nail on Hawala transactions and cut the lifeline.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

16 India Post

www.indiapost.com

MAFS Fundraiser Dinner a grand

November 18, 2016

success Details on page 23

Indian Americans make a mark in polls with big victories ASHFAQ SYED, PRASAD THOTUKARA

Details on page 18

Tamil Sangam honors Maloney for Diwali stamp NEELA PANDYA

NEW YORK: America Tamil Sangam and Shri Vari Foundation have jointly honored Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney for her huge efforts to make the Diwali stamp a reality. The event took place at a musical evening held at St John's University Sunday night.

America Tamil Sangam has become the first Indian association to felicitate Maloney. She was draped in a silk zari shawl specially woven in Kanchipuram - the silk city of India - and offered a garland amidst cheers of the 600 plus audience.

Indian Americans going to US Congress

CHICAGO: For Indian Americans here the November 8 elections by and large proved to be harbinger of happier days ahead politically with a good number of their clan getting elected to US Congress, notably Raja Krishnamurthi and Ami Bera.

Others who got elected are Mrs.

of the countries getting affected by this development. Apprehensions are also if the government would go for a stricter immigration policy and its implementation.

What happens to a lot of Illegal Immigrants already here?

The other area of concern to Indian Americans under the new

cross border State sponsored terrorism. Many believe that Trump would sail with Modi in fighting terrorism everywhere in the world.

Trump has made his position clear that he is against radical Islam that triggers terrorist activities around the world. He has promised Indian Americans that the US will be

Asian and Indian Community proud by winning the Congressional election from 8th District of Illinois defeating Republican former Elmhurst Mayor Peter DiCianni.

For the Asian-Americans in general and Indian-Americans in particular, who comprise a sizable

Details on page 19 Raja Krishnamurthi with some of his supporters

OFBJP celebrates Deendayal bith anniversary India Post News Service

SUNNYVALE, CA: Overseas Friends of BJP (Northern California) organized a community event on 5th November to celebrate the Birth Centenary of Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay (9/25/1916 - 9/25/2016).

Prominent members and leaders of Indian American community, representing various organizations attended the event with great excitement and enthusiasm.

Chandru Bhambhra, in his welcome remarks, highlighted the contribution of Pt. Deendayal Ji as one of the founding member.

Details on page 21

Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Tulsi Gabbard and Kamala Harris.

There was rejoicing in some quarters over the election of Donald Trump as President while a good number of backers of Hillary Clinton were deeply disappointed. It is a matter of opinion if Donald Trump would be a blessing in disguise or he would be a mixed bag of joy in coming years.

The worrying factor is his huge penchant for American jobs and an unfavorable stance on immigration.

The Tech fraternally feels and fears that the Trump administration would not frown upon somewhat friendlier H1 Visa policy but there could be a stricter regulation getting people from abroad to fill in Tech jobs. India would be one

Trump administration is the IndoUS relationship. Many do feel that Trump is better suited for India as he is frowning heavily on terrorist activities and India is a victim of

"best friends" with India Raja victory boosts morale Indian-American Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, 43, made the

Donald Trump, who assured best-friend ties with India, with a group of his supporters

population of the district, the victory of Raja is a matter of pride.

Asian Americans in general want him to become their voice in the Congress and become the true Raja, that is, the king of their hearts.

Raja Krishnamoorthi was on solid ground in this election, as he had received endorsements from President Obama, former Obama aide David Axelrod, and the senior US Senator from Illinois, Dick Durbin. He has been endorsed by three biggest newspapers in Chicago, apart from several prominent individuals and groups. His campaign has been a huge success in terms of fundraising as well.

Cont’d on page 19

Community Across America

November 18, 2016

India Post 17

www.indiapost.com

Festival of Globe (FOG) scales new height

Lighting the lamp

FOG has made great strides in providing a solid anchor to the community in retaining and propagatOver the past quarter century, ing cultural values that Swami Festival of Globe (FOG) has been Vivekananda kindled here, during a beacon of cultural and social in- his famous visit to USA. FOG mistegration for South Asian and Glo- sion is to help communities better bal communities. FOG is best integrate and celebrate their heriknown for its gigantic signature tage."

FOG 2017 is planned to be a community events that explore and enhance the depth and rich- showcase celebration of the 25th ness of global communities. Keep- year of scintillating events that will ing its tradition of cultural integra- satisfy broad interests of followtion, FOG has expanded its annual ers. To be held in the month of Auextravaganza over the years to em- gust 2017 in the San Francisco Bay Area, FOG will include FOG Movie Fest, FOG Awards, FOG Summit, FOG Fashion Fest, famous India Day Fair and Grand Parade.

Marking the 25 years of exponentially growing popular participation, this year promises to attract some of the largest gatherings ever in the Bay Area.

This year's FOG Grand Parade is expected to have over 200,000 people Dr. Japra addressing the gathering participate.

There will be brace multiple facets of global cultural programs, free health fair, Food Fest, kid's corner, and bigcommunity.

FOG 25th Anniversary kick- gest ever grand parade with faoff celebration was held on No- mous Bollywood celebrities. vember 6 at Japra Vineyards. People can visit, eat, and shop at Bollywood and Bengali Cinema over hundred booths. The admisSuperstar Prosenjit Chatterjee, af- sion is FREE for Mela and Parade.

FOG Movie Fest is home to fectionately called Bumba Da, was world's movies and its mission is the Celebrity Guest.

Dr. Romesh Japra, Founder and to empower and integrate global Convener FOG, said, " Working cultures and communities relentlessly over the past 25 years, through Film Arts, Performing

FOG team memebers

RITU MAHESHWARI

India post News Service

Arts, Visual Arts and Folk Arts.

Many of the movies are World Premiers being shown for the first time on any screen. Hundreds of film makers and stars will be join-

ing in-person for Q & A and Red Carpet.

FOG Awards, Youth Empowerment, FOG Summit, FOG Fashion Fest, India Day Fair and Grand

Punjabi singer Jeet Jagjit at FOG kick-off

Parade are the key featured events that make FOG an unparalleled community event.

Visit www.FOGsv.org for more details.

18 India Post

Community Across America

November 18, 2016

www.indiapost.com

Community reacts to Trump & Demonetization SURENDRA ULLAL & RAMESH SOPARAWALA

CHICAGO: Two major earthshaking developments took place last week - one here and one in India. Donald Trump who was relegated as a loser by the media and many Americans, was a big shocker winning the US Presidency with a good Electoral votes lead. This has sent a turmoil among political bigwigs and also among average Americans many of whom have to reconcile to the new reality - the Four Years of Trump Presidency.

In India, Prime Minster Narendra Modi shocked not only Indians but the global Indian population by demonetizing Rs.500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes. This was done with a view to unearth black money, put a nail on Hawala transactions and cut the lifeline for terrorist elements funded by neighbors to a great extent with fake currency notes.

PM Modi took a very calculated

step after nearly two and half years in office and the shock that it has given to underhand and underworld dealings, besides nonplussing a large number of middle class and poor families, could be termed enormous.

India Post could not be immune from the after effects of these shocks and it has scouted its readers for their views and opinions on these two topics as usual. Here we offer their views for general public. The consensus that we have for the USA is that the voters have given their verdict and let us all accept it in good faith and work for strengthening our economy and national interest.

For a change we shall start with an out of turn but hugely interesting observation by a Vedic Astrologer - Jay Guru - who predicted much before the elections on November 8 that Donald Trump would prove victorious . India

Post without any comment ran this item also on its front page of its issue dated October 8.

Jatin Patel, a pharmacist by training but an astrologer by vocation, observes that "After many hours of analysis and comparison of each candidate's individual Vedic Astrological charts, the conclusion to me was inescapable - "Expect Trump to Prevail and become the next President." And it happened exactly the same way, underling the significance of Vedic Systems Approach Astrology.

Now one may ask, what is next?

What awaits our country's future?

Much speculation has been floating around on different news channels all seeking an answer as to how the President Elect Donald Trump -who is made out to be divisive, inept, indulging in rhetoric and tagged with many other horrific descriptions - will fare as the 45th President of the United States? Our country is currently divided and has gone to the streets with many protesting their fear and anger over the election results.

Here is our Astrological analyses: Donald Trump has two strong planets - Jupiter and Mercury. The planet Jupiter signifies a top political and administrative position.

The planet Mercury gives him power of communication, reason, speech and sharp intellect. Mer-

cury also benefits the President Elect Donald Trump with some good sound judgment.

A Systems Astrology Approach shows a much different picture as the planets continue to shift which astrologically is called "Transit". Things happen in periods when specific planets are at a specific location and time.

Currently, President Elect

be popular with a large number of citizens but he must stick to his plans for the good of the country.

Trump must always trust his own judgment. He must always take time to reflect and relax for his mental health and peace as well as his physical health cutting down the adverse effects of Rahu and Ketu (the two shadowy planets) as per Vedic astrology.

The weak Sun can cause abdominal problems along with cardiovascular issues. The Moon is considered a bad planet (malefic) which causes trouble to his Sun that is making a good planet just weak.

Donald Trump runs into a good period. Jupiter is his main period which we remember that Jupiter is a Benefic period for him.

This is an advisory role period which is indicative that during his Presidency he will make some excellent business decisions and positive things will happen for the country. Vice President Elect Mike Pence has a strong chart with planets in positive places which are a huge asset to President Elect Donald Trump. He must have his mind steadied up and surround himself with excellent advisors and confidants. He must decide his plan of action during this period and take his time to set his goals and with mental quietude and fortitude he can achieve them.

Trump's chart shows that not all of his plans and decisions will

Planets are always moving during Transit and certain periods can give rise to problems due to a weak Sun and Moon. There could be affliction (that means causing trouble from bad planets to good planets) to his good planet (Benefic) even weakening Jupiter. This can cause changes in his moods or perhaps conflicting ideas. This is why it is imperative he surrounds himself with an excellent advisory team.

The weak Sun can cause abdominal problems along with cardiovascular issues. The Moon is considered a bad planet (malefic) which causes trouble to his Sun that is making a good planet just weak. This can cause an unexpected calamity, perhaps a sudden health setback, a status or professional life obstacle.

Trump ties with India will be as strong as ever S

RI SRI RAVISHANKER, one of the most internationally respected Indian Spiritual Gurus, observed that the US elections getting Donald Trump elected to the White House though was a shocker to many, he had that inkling during his recent visit to the US. He felt that India and the US relationship during the Trump Regime should be as strong as ever in as much as India is slowly emerging as a nation to reckon with.

Besides, one should not be judgmental basing analysis from pre- election rhetoric. Those ascending to high positions realize their responsibility to all and that is what Donald Trump also said

while observing that he is for all Americans. The same thing one can expect for his global dealings.

Educate middle class & poor

Turning to developments in India, Sri Sri wholeheartedly welcomed the measures taken by the

Indian government in demonetizing high currency notes - Rs 500 and Rs 1000. He felt that the measure was overdue and was expected much before. He also felt that the step would not hurt the middle class but those who have black money and those who indulge in anti-national activities.

He observed that the right thing to do now was to educate the middle a class and the poor that their money in any currency notes would be safe and that they can go to the banks and get them deposited. In all such drastic measures, there are some hassles and turmoil but it is the duty of all right minded people to spread a word that no harm will be done to the average common man.

Cont’d on page 20

November 18, 2016

Community Across America

India Post 19

www.indiapost.com

Tamil Sangam honors Maloney for Diwali stamp NEELA PANDYA

NEW YORK: America Tamil Sangam and Shri Vari Foundation have jointly honored Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney for her huge efforts to make the Diwali stamp a reality. The event took place at a musical evening held at St John's University Sunday night.

America Tamil Sangam has be-

dor Riva Ganguly Das, Consul General of India in New York, Upendra Chivukula, Commissioner of New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and former Deputy Speaker of NJ Assembly, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Padmashreeawardee and chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and Prakash M Swamy, president of America Tamil

Congresswoman Maloney presented with Welcome memo

come the first Indian association to felicitate Maloney. She was draped in a silk zari shawl specially woven in Kanchipuram - the silk city of India - and offered a garland amidst cheers of the 600 plus audience.

Speakers including Ambassa-

Sangam, praised the stellar role played by Congresswoman Maloney in the historic announcement of issuance of Diwali stamp.

The U.S. Postal Service commemorated the joyous festival of Diwali this year with a Forever stamp. The first-day-of-issue dedi-

cation ceremony took place at the Consulate General of India, New York.

In 2013, Congresswoman Maloney first introduced House Resolution-47, seeking that the CSAC should issue a Diwali stamp.

The resolution had 46 cosponsors. Maloney reintroduced the resolution in 2015 as House Resolution 32, which had 71 cosponsors. Maloney additionally wrote letters to the CSAC in 2010 and 2012 requesting approval of a Diwali commemorative stamp. She never gave up until the stamp, which was a dream, became a reality.

Prompted by a letter co-led by Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and India Diaspora led by M.R. Rangaswamy of California, more than 100 community organizations across the US also petitioned the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee.

Maloney said that the stamp release marked a triumph that truly exemplifies the meaning of Diwali.

"After many years, Diwali has finally received its own commemorative stamp, rightfully joining the ranks of other major religious and cultural holidays such as Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Eid. I want to thank the USPS for listening to the voices of the millions of Americans who celebrate this Festival of Lights.

Cont’d on page 22

Asian Americans elected at all levels in Illinois BRANDON LEE

CHICAGO : In 2017, for the first time ever, there will be Asian American elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels at the same time in Illinois: Tammy Duckworth

District (First Asian American nonjudicial officeholder on the county level, first Asian American on MWRD) "The data will show in the com-

"If we measured solely by the number of elected officials, it would have taken a very long time for us to say we had any power.

We have reached this point today through the decades of organizing, educating, and empowering of our community to take the lead in civic life." in the Senate (first Asian American Senator from Illinois), Raja Krishnamoorthi in the U.S. House, Theresa Mah in the Illinois House of Representatives (First Asian American in the Illinois General Assembly) Josina Morita on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation

ing days that this year is historic for Asian American turnout, but we can see that it's historic for Asian American elected officials here in Illinois. We look forward to re-engaging these newly elected community members in supporting policies at all levels of

government that benefit the Asian American and immigrant communities," said Tuyet Le, Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Chicago.

The Asian American community has grown significantly over the past decade, and showed its power on Election Day. Today, there are 756,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders living in Illinois.

"There are many ways to measure a community's power, including getting out to vote, the ability to organize, the ability to win an issue, and having elected officials from your community," said Le."If we measured solely by the number of elected officials, it would have taken a very long time for us to say we had any power. We have reached this point today through the decades of organizing, educating, and empowering of our community to take the lead in civic life."

PM Swamy honoring Congresswoman Maloney

Indian Americans make a mark in polls with big victories Cont’d from page 23

"Protecting social security and medicare, passing commonsense gun laws, making higher education more affordable, bolstering small businesses, raising the federal minimum wage, defending women's reproductive freedom, and addressing threat of climate change should continue to be his priorities is the widespread consensus of a large chunk of his sup-

porters.

"Raja has dedicated his life to serving our community and fighting for our most vulnerable citizens", said J Diganvekar one of his hardcore supporters.

Raja Krishnamoorthi, born in Delhi to Tamil parents, came to the U.S. as a toddler. He lives in Schaumburg, Illinois with his wife, Priya, a physician, who practices at a local hospital, and their three children.

Community Across America

20 India Post

November 18, 2016

www.indiapost.com

Community reacts to Trump & Demonetization Trump is expected to ease regulations

Let's accept verdict gracefully AFAT PATEL, one of the most successful Indian American businessmen often described as Uncrowned King of Mini India Town on Devon Avenue in Chicago, said that one of the good things about Donald Trump is that he is a businessman and is readily accepting challenges. He picked up the gauntlet and he won. The American voters have given their verdict and we should accept it gracefully, "although I am a Democrat," he said.

Mafat Patel feels that for the business and industry he should be good, and the way he reacts he would meet the economic challenges of the country.

M

"Let us hope for the best now." He added Corrupt elements would be hurt most With regard to the Modi government's move in cancelling high denomination currency notes (Rs 500 and Rs. 1000), Mafat Patel observed that this long overdue measure is a step in right direction.

"Those corrupt elements in politics and industry would be hurt most and not the common man or farmers. Besides, those funding terrorist activities would have a setback. Let us all be prepared for any small trouble that it involves, he felt.

Trump will not be fooled by lies of Pakistan R DAYAL MESHRI, a community leader in Tulsa Oklahoma heading Advance Research Chemicals (ARC), observed that President elect Donald Trump is highly intelligent, tough like a rock, man with his own mind, and could not be fooled by likes of Nawaz Sharif or Musharraf who fooled President W. George Bush with his lies like Osama Bin Laden is probably dead from diabetes or kidney failure.

He is a very competent businessman. He will give a break to businesses and by developing excellent relations with India, will boost economy of both countries.

Chinese industries will be replaced

by USA/India joint ventures.

China can see it in the mirror and is also nervous like Pakistan about extraordinary defense and economic commitment of two giant democracies of the world; USA and India. So in all respects, both countries are winners and America wins its honor back.

No country will dare to bully USA or fool it as it has been happening since our most beloved President Reagan left the White House. America has earned its honor back by electing an unusually smart, honest, noncorrupt man, Mr. Donald Trump as its 45th President and he does not need a penny for Donald Trump Foundation to live on.

D

Long overdue With regard to the Indian government taking up strong measures to unearth black

money, Dr Meshri said that the recent steps were absolutely long overdue. Billions if not trillions of rupees are stashed on the shelves of stainless 6 ft to 8 ft tall cabinets and remains tax free. All of the cash bribes coming in manila envelopes or in the briefcases; end up at the doors of ministers, government officials, politicians, and similarly unpaid tax earnings, black money of mafias and gangsters who have been keeping it away from daylight.

The recipients of this black money without paying any tax, enjoy taking trips abroad, spend great time in luxury hotels, buy luxury autos, jewelry, lavish life in bars buying expensive drinks, prostitutes and gambling, as they have no more room to stack black rupees in the house.

This money has put Las Vegas to shame while India's middle class is fighting up to their teeth to make ends meet and poor people cannot find even footpaths or tree shades to sleep under.

Modiji has taken an excellent step to destroy corruption and black money. Once everyone deposits their earnings, (hopefully earned by legal means) and pays proper taxes, the government can create new infrastructure, build more highways, new industries, reduce unemployment and India's growth can become two times higher than China's and every Indian can get Rozi, Roti aur Makan and it will be new India. So yes, Modiji's government is moving in the right direction. I salute our dearest leader Modiji.

R BHARAT BARAi, a leading oncologist and a former president of Federation of Indian Associations, said that it is difficult to make any clear cut observation about Donald Trump's stance or personality as a politician or lawmaker since very little is known about his experience in these areas.

He may be a successful businessman and it is in this context that we could look forward to easing of regulations and more pro-business policies including capital formation.

Barack Obama, as many described him, was the King of Regulations which came in the way of real growth of US economy. "We could have fared much better if the lot of regulations did not come in the way. One of the classic examples is Obamacare.

Though the measure is good in principle but the hospital and medical care givers have been hugely bothered and saddled with hundreds of small and big compliance measures that govern the care and payments to medical professional and hospitals, Trump is expected to ease regulations in many areas and it should spur father growth," he felt.

Many here and Indian Americans included may view with concern his observa-

D

tions on outsourcing and his pre-election stance on immigration. A curb on outsourcing to boost American economy needs to be viewed in a broader perspective of boosting domestic economy. His views on immigration and especially illegal immigration has to be welcomed. In the longer run, a drop in illegal entry could help legal immigration from all countries across the world.

Long overdue step Touching upon India demonetizing higher currency notes, he said that the Modi Government has taken a step in right direction. It was rather overdue to unearth black money and put a stop to Pakistan printing our fake notes.

The Modi government had given a chance to Indian black money holders to come out clean and declare their ill-gotten wealth. Many did not take this offer seriously and have to blame themselves for their decision not to declare their black - unaccounted money.

A good number of Hawala dealers, real estate developers, film personalities, big business houses and politicians could be in trouble. For middle class groups this measure would not affect much.

Wait and watch for the Trump team FTEKHAR SHAREEF, a community activist and former president of FIA, said that President elect Donald Trump got very lucky in getting elected, though opposed by many including Republicans all over the country. But ultimately it is the voters that matter and he won. We have to wait and watch what the team he selects and what this team will do to fuel the economy and get more jobs for our youth. The new team to work in getting the confidence of all Americans as he announced in victory celebrations that he will work with all "Sub Ka Saath Sub Ka Vikas." Time will tell us.

I

A healthy practice Touching upon the latest monetary move of the Indian Government, Iftekhar observed that definitely it caused a panic when Prime Minister Modiji announced the demonetiz-

ing of Rs.500 and Rs.1000 bills on 9/11 (9th.November). Confusion was more amongst low income and middle class income people of India. The people are puzzled and confused of their money stashed at home.

Every household traditionally keeps cash at home from anywhere from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 500,000 for emergency use whether it is for hospitalization of their family members or sudden marriages in family. They were put to confusion until further directions.

On the positive note it will is a healthy practice as it was done previously in the year 1958 and 1977. At that time it was not so effective. Hopefully this time it will be more effective in bringing thousands of crores back to the banks and flow of capital.

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November 18, 2016

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OFBJP celebrates Deendayal Upadhyay anniversary India Post News Service

SUNNYVALE, CA: Overseas Friends of BJP (Northern California) organized a community event on 5th November to celebrate the Birth Centenary of Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay (9/25/1916 - 9/25/2016).

Prominent members and leaders of Indian American community, representing various organizations attended the event with great excitement and enthusiasm.

Chandru Bhambhra, in his welcome remarks, highlighted the contribution of Pt. Deendayal Ji as one of the founding member of Bharatiya Jan Sangh. He was a revered icon of Integral Humanism, which became the main philosophy of Bharatiya Janata Party later.

Bhambhra requested the Keynote Speaker Vijay Ruikar (VHP-West Coast) to light the Lamp with community leaders and volunteers, followed by the rendition of Vande Mataram led by Vijay Ruikarji. Just after Vande Mataram, the program started with a patriotic song written by Pt. Deendayalji, "Shapath lena to Saral hai", which mesmerized the audience.

Bhambhra introduced the Keynote Speaker Vijay Ruikarji as a Swayamsevak since childhood and current member of the

Board of Directors of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and invited him to address the audience. Lalji Goswami welcomed Vijay Ruikarji with a bouquet of flowers.

Vijay Ruikarji said Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was a profound philosopher, organizer par excellence and a leader who

maintained the highest standards of personal integrity. His treatise Integral Humanism, which is a critique of both communism and capitalism, provides a holistic alternative for political action and statecraft consistent with the laws of Creation and the

universal needs of the human race.

Vijay Ji explained the genealogy of great leaders like Pt. Deendayalji and the second Sarsanghachalak of RSS, Guru Golwalkarji.

In his eloquent speech of over 60 minutes, he highlighted the various aspects of life and growth of Pt. Deendayal Ji, like his contact and growth in RSS; Joining RSS in 1937Makara Sankranti Utsav.

With encouragement from his close friends like Balwant Rao Mahashabde and Sundar Singh Bhandari, under the mentorship of Bhaurao Deoras, he became RSS Pracharak in 1942. As Pracharak of Lakhimpur district, UP, he became a very close associate of Guruji.

Meeting with Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee in 1951, he became one of the founder member of Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

Deendayalji worked full-time for the RSS and moved to Lakhimpur District in UP as an organizer and in 1955 became the Provincial Organizer of the RSS in UP. He was sent to guide Indian politics through RSS and became the General Secretary of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and later it's President. His life was thus an embodiment of thorough political thought process.

His Ideology of "Ekatma Manav Vad"

and "Antyodaya" became the source of ideological guidance and moral inspiration for Bharatiya Jana Sangh. Some of the very famous lines from Deendayal Ji are: "Economic Policy must be evaluated by how it benefits the poorest", "Bharat's calamities are due to its people ignoring their real nationality" etc.

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Hindi language classes get a head start HARISH RAO

Students at newly launched Hindi classes

CHICAGO: Hindi Lovers Club set up six years ago has been rejuvenated now with a re-launch of Hindi classes at its new location on Devon Avenue. The classes have become instantly popular with a nice following among students, adults and instructors alike.

Gurbachan Kaur Shewakramani, the founding president, has been pushing vigorously for popularizing Hindi in this part of the world and her single minded efforts have been meeting with a degree of success. Close on heels of its grand annual meet in Downers Grove, she announced the hosting of Hindi Kavi Darbar here, and by all accounts it is getting a good review.

But the culmination is the holding of Hindi classes for second generation Indian Americans and there is a good response with the number of students slowly increasing. In a talk to this paper, Gurbachan Kaur said that even adults are inclined to come and attend the classes and this is very heartening. She plans adding more facilities at the class to attract more students. She has wonderful instructors too, she said.

The classes started on Aug. 13

Sikhs honor Major Powers of Salvation Army

and already the room is filled with schools where a good percentage kids and adults alike. The young- of kids of Indian descent study." est student is 6 years old and the The Club is always looking for oldest 87. Seeing this interest, the Hindi enthusiasts to give their Club is planning to have separate valuable suggestions to promote classes for adults and kids and Hindi. have three different levels of teachThe website of the club is ing.

Gurbachan added that the club is planning to open similar classes in downtown Chicago and Naperville soon. It is looking for volunteer teachers and space at other suburbs.

Hindi Lovers Club of Illinois has been celebrating Hindi Divas in September every year.

Besides Hindi Divas, it has invited Hindi poets from India for Hasya Kavi Sammelan, Rekha Surya for Gurbachan Kaur Shewakramani semi classical Hindi songs and many more monthly events. www.hindiloversclub.com which It has also formed a Hindi po- will be up and running soon. ets group called Kavi Darbar. This For any information, suggesgroup will meet every month. tion membership or volunteering Gurbachan Kaur said that "Our please email other goal is to bring Hindi as an info@hindiloversclub.com or call elective subject in grade and High Gurbachan 847 962 8595.

SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Sikh Religious Society of Palatine, Illinois, established in 1972 honored Major Nancy B. Powers for her contribution and services to Salvation Army. Salvation Army provides free food, clothing, health care, anti-drug addiction cure etc to needy people throughout the world.

Sikhs from Chicago area be-

us, so we need to work together to serve humanity.

It was started with once a month lunch at Salvation Army and a vegetarian meal used to be cooked at the Palatine Gurdwara and served at Tom Seay Center.

Sangat increased and it became difficult to cook and deliver it on time to the shelter.

It was then decided to just to

After she came in contact with Sikhs and had chance to learn about Sikh religion, she was very impressed with the passion of Sikhs to do Sewa (Service). She does and will do her best to tell others about "Who Sikhs are." came involved with Tom Seay Salvation Army center in 1992 when it used to be located at 1025 W Sunnyside Ave in Chicago near Wilson Ave and Broadway under Captain Wilkerson.

What Salvation Army does for humanity is no different than what Guru Granth Sahib teaches

sponsor the meal. It got so appealing that there was no need to buy the grocery, cook and clean.

A few more individuals, families joined including "Punjabi Heritage Organization" which became part of the project. It sponsored entire Thanksgiving

and Christmas lunches till 2008.

Tom Seay Salvation Army center was closed in 2008.

In addition to these services, a donation box is being placed at Sikh Religious Society for sangat contribution.

Half the money from that box will go to Salvation Army and the other half to Pinglewarha in Amritsar; another Charity that takes care of less fortunate people in Amritsar, India.

Major Nancy B. Power said in her speech that she was aware of the issue of Sikh identity. After she came in contact with Sikhs and had chance to learn about Sikh religion, she was very impressed with the passion of Sikhs to do Sewa (Service). She does and will do her best to tell others about "Who Sikhs are."

She was presented with a plaque on behalf of the Society.

This year Thanksgiving Day falls on November 24th and Sikhs will gather at 9:30am at Harbor Light Center 1515 West Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois 60607, if anyone wants to join.

Tamil Sangam honors Maloney for Diwali stamp Cont’d from page 19

I am thrilled that after many years of fighting for this stamp it has finally become a reality."

"The issuance of the Diwali stamp symbolizes several important things: it displays the strength of the Hindu American community when we unite behind a cause; it celebrates the contributions of our community to America; and most importantly, it acknowledges the strength that our country draws from its diversity. This year and for many more, diyas and spirits will shine brighter, as will greetings cards and gift packages sent donning the Diwali stamp," said Prakash M Swamy, president of America Tamil Sangam.

Congresswoman Maloney presented a House Resolution to honor the services of Swamy in fostering ties between the US and

India in the field of culture, music and media.

Sangita Singh, Regional Finance Manager of Air-India spoke on the occasion. A souvenir was also released.

The event also marked the presentation of Tamil Ratna Award by America Tamil Sangam to Upendra Chivukula for being the first ever Indian-American to enter politics.

Though born in Andhra Pradesh, he considers himself a Tamilan as he studied engineering in Chennai and speaks chaste Tamil.

The previous recipients of the highest award of the Sangam include composer AR Rahman, Dr. Subramaniam Swamy, MP, Connecticut Assemblyman Dr. Prasad Srinivasan, renowned cardio-thoracic surgeon Dr. Valavanur Subramanian and Dr. Ram Raju, President of New York Health and Hospitals.

November 18, 2016

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MAFS Fundraiser Dinner a grand success BEENA PATEL

CHICAGO: The 24th Annual Fundraiser of Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) held recently at Ashyana Banquet in Downers Grove was a grand success with around 1000 people attending the program.

The evening showcased multicultural Colombian & Polish dances by Tierra Colombiana, Polish Ensembles and Indian semiclassical by Nritya Natya Kala Academy. The live orchestra set the evening with old Mukesh melodies by Sanket Patel Group.

The event was well-attended by dignitaries from the state and community and headed by Mrs. Santosh Kumar, Executive Director Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS).

MAFS fundraiser was organized with the objective of raising funds to fill in the gaps from State funding. The keynote speaker, Jean Bohnhoff, Director-Illinois Department on Aging, shared the State's vision and goals for senior care for the next fiscal year. She also paid tribute to late Shri Pramod Kumar appreciating his professionalism and hard work that contributed to the expansion of Universal Industries, Universal Metro Asian Services and MAFS. A brief report was presented on MAFS programs by Connie Dogaru, Public Benefits SpecialistMAFS and Awilda Gonzalez, CCP Program Manager-UMAS. The evening commenced with traditional lamp lighting and prayers

by Swami Mukudananda Ji of Bharat Sevashram, along with the board of directors and community leaders. Dr. Jafri, President MAFS, welcomed everyone and gave a heartfelt tribute to Mr. Kumar.

Many other dignitaries and community leaders shared their sentiments

Lamp Lighting ceremony at the MAFS Fundraiser event

and paid tribute to Mr. Kumar.

The entire congregation was amiss without its co-founder Pramod Kumar who passed away

MAFS logo and slogan

last August. He was a source of great strength to the organization and was a big force in its substantial development in recent years.

Mrs. Santosh Kumar, Executive DirectorMAFS while remembering her late husband Pramod Kumar, said, "He was a kind man who touched many lives and his loss can never be filled." Her sons Prashant and Sagar Kumar have joined the family business. Prashant Kumar was already handling IT Department and Home Health side of the business. Sagar Kumar, who held the NPD Program Manager position at Honeywell Aerospace, decided to join the business after his father's demise.

Among the attending dignitaries were Mayor of Oak Brook, Gopal Lalmalani, State representative from Aurora, Stephanie Kifowit, Con-

gressman from 8th District, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Cook County Commissioner, Edward Moody (represented by his brother Fred Moody), Director-Department on Aging, Jean Bohnhoff, CLESE Executive Director, Marta Pereyra, Nimesh Jani, Krishna Bansal, Moon Khan, Ateeq Ahmed, Atia Ushman, Aasifa Kansari, Mafatlal Patel, and the MAFS Board of Directors.

Air India sponsored two economy class tickets to be auctioned at the event in support of MAFS fundraiser. MAFS also received support from its other major sponsors - Wintrust Bank, Medstar Laboratory, Mode Architects, Steeplechase, Healthcare Solutions.

MAFS is a multicultural com-

munity based, not-for-profit Tax Exempt 501 (C) (3) organization, serving the population of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and East European countries facing multiple linguistic and cultural barriers. Services include, but not limited to, senior lunch program, citizenship and immigration assistance, public benefits assistance, job training, computer training and ESL class, interpretation and translation services, support services for caregivers and medical clinic. MAFS has eight offices serving 11 counties in the Greater Chicago area.

Board of Directors include: President Firdaus Jafri, Beena Patel, Nikunj Baxi, Sumitra Patel, Rakesh Asthana, Harish Kolasani and Shweta Singh.

OFBJP celebrates Deendayal Upadhyay anniversary Cont’d from page 21

Vijay Ji emphasized the need of time and people of India to instill the belief and ideology of Pt. Deendayal Ji for inclusive development of Bharat.

Even though the advertised end time had passed, many people from the audience wouldn't leave and insisted for a question answer session. Many questions were asked by volunteers to know more about journey of Deendayal Ji as President of Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

Vote of thanks was given by Lalji Goswami. He first thanked the very knowledgeable Speaker of

the day, Vijay Ruikarji, who provided great insight about Pt. Deendayal Ji. He also thanked community leaders like Hitesh Joshi, Raj Bhanot, OFBJP volunteers (Shivu Vibhuti, Bhriguraj Singh, Sunil Ganu, Thipps, Sid Shettar, Gaurav Patwardhan, Amruth Murthy, Prabhu Patll, Raghu Reddy, Dinesh Neelavar, Raghavendran N.) and the audience who participated and made this event very successful.

Finally he thanked Acharya Krishna Pandeyji for providing the facility. The program ended with delicious snacks and tea, sponsored by Shiv Durga Temple, Sunnyvale.

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Bal Vihar celebrates Diwali with Puja & crackers NANDITA SATHEESKUMAR & SRINI PANDIRI

ST LOUIS: Diwali, the Festival of Lights, a much beloved and cherished celebration at Bal Vihar of St. Louis, was celebrated on Sunday November 6 at the Hindu Temple of St. Louis and at the neighboring Mahatma Gandhi Center with a lot of fanfare and enthusiasm.

The 24th Bal Vihar Diwali cel-

hymns by the temple priests, in the mandir, where a large number of children sat in rows. Students and faculty alike were led through the hour-long puja and everyone participated with great enthusiasm.

The priests explained a few facets and the significance and spirit of the puja.

While the puja was in full swing, a group of Bal Vihar parent volunteers packed boxed dinners for all attendees, while another group prepared for the firecracker distribution to students. To ensure safety of all present, the area between the Gandhi Center and the Hindu Temple was cordoned off. Upon completion of Diwali puja the children were led to the Mahatma Gandhi Center. Food and Bal Vihar Chief Sudhir Parikh addressing firecrackers were Diwali gathering distributed in an efebrations began amidst the chant- ficient and flawless manner. With ing of Vedic invocations and dusk falling and with the backdrop

Bal Vihar children attending Diwali celebrations

of the temple -all decorated with a thousand colorful string lights the area was soon lit with sparkles, different fireworks and joy was in the air.

The finale fireworks display was nothing short of spectacular and indeed, it was a glimpse of India, right here in St. Louis, for all, especially the children!

Founded in 1992, the Center for Indian Cultural Education - Bal Vihar of St. Louis (a non-profit or-

ganization) promotes, instills and fosters Indian culture in children of Indian origin, ages 5 and above.

Its curriculum presents a broad spectrum: from Indian cultural values, to geography and history, to festivals, to religion. The Youth Group is also involved in many community projects that consolidate their sense of community responsibility and of integrating multi-cultures. Bal Vihar volunteer staff consists of professional in-

dividuals and dedicated parents, who have a keen interest in sustaining cultural values in their children.

With a current enrollment of about 450 students, and having served more than 2000 children, Bal Vihar continues to help the future citizens discover their cultural identity, and to appreciate its application in their life and in the multicultural and multifaceted society that they live in.

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November 18, 2016

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Hari Om Mandir celebrates Children's Day SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: For the very first time there was a celebration of Children's Day at Hari Om Mandir, Schaumburg, in collaboration with Radio Spice Box on November 13.

The Temple hosted this with Free entry and Free food for almost 250 people with huge success. Children of all ages participated and took part in a lot of cultural activities showcasing their talent.

Keeping and continuing with the theme, this past weekend, the temple witnessed a lot of talented kids in a variety of programs.

Sushreeya Mishra, who is only 6 years old, recited Bhagavad-Gita slokas from Chapter 15. Moulik Chatterjee gave an excellent rendition of wonderful songs and enthralled the audience. It was a treat to see so much of cultural activity, including the students of Nrithya Sangeeth Academy who presented excellent dance performances!

The highlight of the event was a "Drawing Contest" conducted in two different categories, ages 6-10 and 11-15. With an overflowing response to this and close ties, Sarayu Kristam and Madhumita Vemula were declared the 1st and 2nd place winners respectively in age group 6-10 years. Gauri Nair and Moulik Chatterjee received 1st and 2nd place in category 1-5 years. As a token of thanks, Radio

A group of children at Hari Om Manidr during Children's Day celebrations

Spice Box along with HOM, awarded "Appreciation Certificates" to all the participants.

The entire Team Spice Box thanked the HOM team for the support and welcomed the idea of together making this event a grand success.

"Let's make celebrating 'Children's Day', an annual tradition going forward. Happy Children's Day!!" said Alka Sharma, Global Head, Radio Spice Box.

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Trump election scary for people of color

Community reacts...

Trump will be run-of-the-mill President INESH VIRANI, a community activist associated with a number of social organizations, observed that the beauty of our system of government is such that even if the most radical or reactionary individual takes the center seat in the oval office, policy and practice will not shift to his or her view.

Donald Trump is neither radical nor reactionary; he is a populist, an individual who was elected due to the unorthodox support of countless Americans who are displeased with the status quo. Many politicians from the right may well say that this status quo is our government's uncontrollable spending and scathing focus on welfare programs that drain the budget so more focus cannot be placed on schools and workforce training. The left will say that it is an absurd influence of third-parties in government through campaign contributions or the right's gridlockcausing agenda.

But both are wrong. In fact, the right contributes to the very problem of uncontrollable spending that nearly every Republican Member of Congress vowed to fight this election cycle through the constant pork that so many legislators compete for on Capitol Hill.

(Just take a look at an appropriations measure or the annual budget, and you'll share more than a few chuckles).

Similarly, the 2010 Citizens United measure that allowed third-party entities like corporations to donate money to political campaigns helped Democrats more than Republicans because labor unions now rally the support (in spirit and in cash) to bankroll countless candidates. Americans never approved of the above practices. And America may not know it yet, but Donald Trump will not magically ease the burdens of such actions.

Almost every candidate who has run for President in contemporary times has promised to work against these practices, including Donald Trump, and failed. My observation is that Donald Trump will not be some horribly autocratic or hugely idyllic President (pun not-intended). He will be a run-of-themill executive who will propose some popular and some not-so-popular measures. The President cannot, as I stated above, move and shake American policy in a radical or reactionary measure without the support of the other moving parts of our government.

And so to answer your question more directly, Donald Trump will be fine for the economy. He, like President Obama, will try to push through a massive infrastructure stimulus package early on in his term which will have bipartisan support. This, and similar measures, will assist the economy in the short term, but long-term economic trends occur naturally, and noting the trend that at least one recession hits every decade, we may see one occur at the tail end of Trump's

V

term that may once again completely alter the political landscape of America.

In terms of Indo-American relations, I believe that the current trend of growth and warmth will continue at an even faster rate. If President-elect Trump ensures a discriminatory foreign policy against China, he will be forced to ally strongly with the other developing power in Asia with the potential to become a regional hegemon and willingness to support American economic dominance in the region: India. However, I cannot underscore enough how important it is that the United States send a competent and able ambassador to India to ease this process.

Great job & bold policy Turning to India, Virani said that he truly believes that Prime Minister Modi did a great job by demonetizing the 500 and 1000 rupee bills this past week. It proved that he was willing to enact bold policy to combat one of his biggest issues: corruption and laundering. If the Prime Minister continues to remain bold by pursuing similar policies in other realms, his popularity and support will remain doubtlessly strong.

I was quite skeptical initially when the Prime Minister announced the recall of 500 and 1000 rupee notes, as I was unsure of how Indians would sustain themselves in an economic environment where cash is still largely the dominant medium of exchange.

However, with the swift announcement of new notes and measures such as temporarily toll-free highways, PM Modi and his government is working hard to ensure that this process is not difficult for hard-working Indians. I look forward to seeing and understanding what changes and progress this measure leads to in the ever-important battle against corruption in India. I want to share one poem in Hindi by Art of Living preacher Montoo Bassi from Delhi: Qataar se kahan darte hain hum 70 Saal se ladh rahehain hum Qataar se kahan darte hain hum Barson baad aaj ghar ki hui safaai hai Sachaai se kahan apni ladai hai Bakson aur almariyon mein band Karke rakhi thi desh ki unnaati Aaj use thodi dhoop dekhai hai Sachai se kahan apni ladai hai Pension ki kataron mein Raashan ki linoo mein Railway ki booking mein Pyaaz tarkaari ke daamo mein Sab sarkari kaaamo mein 70 Saal intezaarkarte rahe hai hum Qataar se kahan darte hai hum Dawai thodi kadvi hai Par ilaaj yeh sahi hai, Aaj yeh qataar hai toh Kal kitni qataaren nahin hai -MontooBassi

HAKKAR BASATI, a community activist and Sikh leader, thinks that Donald Trump emerging victorious in the US Presidential elections is the verdict of the people. American voters elected him and let us hope he lives up what advocated so far.

Yes there is some concern as his rhetoric about immigrants could make some a bit scary. This is specially for people of color and the people who for religious reasons dress differently like Sikhs with turbans or Muslims with Hijab. Also his issue with Muslims. I hope people don't differentiate with names for jobs/promotions, foreign names stand out. According to news reports people who didn't go to college and who are young white men have voted for him. Let us hope this group does not start

T

harassing non-whites.

Trump is a capitalist and it is difficult to understand how good he will be for middle income and poor people. He doesn't know what poverty is. People expected a lot from millionaire Rauner, Governor of Illinois.

He still couldn't have a State budget after year and a half.

Being rich doesn't necessarily mean success in public office.

Step in right direction Welcoming the Indian government move to demonetize high currency notes to combat black money circulation and thwart terrorists inspired elements getting in fake notes in India, Basati said that "it is a good step and in the right direction. It was long overdue. I sincerely hope they are successful. Criminal minds figure out how to manipulate systems.So good luck with implementation"

Misgivings about Obama's policies ADHU PATEL, founding President of NRI Press Club, feels that the American voters have done the right thing in shunting out Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and electing Donald Trump as President. Many would disagree with some of his radical views like erecting a wall on Mexican borders or taking a fresh look at rehabilitating Syrian refugees but one must take into consideration that the illegal influx from borders is jeopardizing our immigration system and rules while non-filtering of refuges might create future problems as is being faced by many European countries.

I have strong misgivings about Barack Obama's policies on many a burning national issues and feel that he was most of the time opting for populist measures without reckoning their long term impact or implications. We have to take care of our broader national interests pertaining to economy and safety.

M

Kudos for bold step On the Indian government's recent action in withdrawing high currency notes 500 and 1000 - from circulation, he said it is the step in right direction and we need to compliment him and stand by him. India faces colossal cross border terrorism and this nefarious activity was fueled and funded by anti-national elements within and outside Indian borders with fake notes and Hawala money. The insurgency in Kashmir is quite an example and an eye opener. I would want the Modi government to go further and identify the culprits and publicly flog them Common man has run into huge problem standing in queues for getting their money changed and all of us sympathies with their hardship but the real culprit is not the Modi Government but the black marketers and hoarders of unaccounted money which could easily include real estate people, smugglers and film personalities as well.

Kudos to PM Modi for this bold step.

Americans have become alienated TULSI GABBARD, Congresswoman, said that the recently closed US Presidential election was a bitter, divisive campaign experience that has left deep, open wounds for millions of Americans.

"There's much that remains unknown about what we can expect in the months to come, but what I do know is that now more than ever our progressive movement requires focus and an "all hands on deck" approach."

"Beyond the results of one election, however, the deeper tragedy is that as Americans we have become alienated from each other. Beneath the anger, distrust and divisiveness is a pervasive anxiety that we are becoming unglued instead of coming together as a nation."As always, let us continue to fight for equality and respect for all people, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or any other external difference, she added.

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November 18, 2016

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China sells two submarines to Bangladesh DHAKA: Bangladesh Navy has acquired its first submarines from China, as Dhaka sought to boost its naval power in the resource-rich Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh Navy chief Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed received

rines will become part of the country's naval fleet at the beginning of next year, she said.

The submarines will be named 'BNS Nabajatra' and 'BNS Joyjatra' respectively, Dhaka Tribune reported.

the two submarines during a ceremony at Liao Nan Shipyard in northeast China's Liaoning province's Dalian city, the Inter Services Public Relation Directorate spokeswoman Syed Taposhi Rabeya said.

The type 035G class subma-

Bangladesh is said to have paid nearly USD 203 million for the two submarines, the report said.

Type 035G-class submarines area, also known as Ming- class, is a class of diesel-electric submarines of China's People's Liberation Army Navy.

The primary weaponry for Type 035G is Yu-3 torpedo, and French sonar DUUX-5 and its Chinese-built version were used on later units, 12 of which were completed between 1990 and 1999.

Bangladesh has been expanding its defense capabilities in recent years, building a new airbase close to neighboring Myanmar, opening several new military cantonments across the country and adding new frigates to its naval fleet.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the plan to purchase two submarines in 2013 as part of her government's move to build a modern navy to defend the resource-rich Bay of Bengal.

An international tribunal has settled Bangladesh s long- standing maritime border disputes with neighbors Myanmar and India, paving the way for Dhaka to invite bids from multinational firms to explore for oil in the Bay. Bangladeshi officials say that has ensured the country's sovereignty over 111,631sq-km of sea, an area nearly equal to its landmass. -PTI

‘India's income can zoom with women participation' WASHINGTON: India's na- world, she added. tional income would increase by 27 "To put it differently: if you disper cent if the participation of courage half the population from women in the workforce matches fully participating in the labor the level of men, IMF Managing market, you are essentially behavDirector Christine Lagarde has said. ing like an airline pilot who shuts Delivering a speech on down half his engines in mid"Women's Empowerment: An Eco- flight. Sure, your plane will likely nomic Game Changer" in Los An- continue to fly, but it would be geles, 60-year-old Lagarde said such a crazy thing to do," Lagarde equal pay and better economic opportunities for women boost economic growth and create a bigger pie for everyone to share.

"Empowering women can be an economic game changer for any country. For instance, if women IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde were to participate in the labor force to the same extent as men, national said. income could increase by five per Noting that across the globe cent in the US, nine per cent in women were still facing a tripleJapan, and 27 per cent in India," disadvantage and are less likely she said. than men to have a paid job, Better opportunities for women Lagarde said only half of the also promote diversity and reduce world's working-age women were economic inequality around the employed.

"If they do find paid employment, it is more likely to be in the informal sector. And if they eventually get a job in the formal sector, they earn, on average, threecontinue to respond effectively" quarters as much as men even and it ordered that it should with the same level of education, "leave no stone unturned to de- and in the same occupation," she fend motherland". said.

Pakistan's Advisor to the Prime Lagarde said governments Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj have a key role to play when it Aziz also condemned the "unpro- comes to economic incentives that voked Indian firing" on the LoC, provide women a fair shot in the Foreign Office (FO) said labor market. "We need to promote "He (Aziz) expressed heartfelt affordable childcare, parental condolences to the families of leave, and workplace flexibility. those killed," it said, adding that We need to increase women's acAziz expressed grave concern over cess to finance and remove legal the recently increased frequency barriers that still exist in most and duration of indiscriminate fir- countries," she said. ing/shelling "from the Indian side, "We also need to push for deliberately targeting villages and smarter tax policies, including here civilian populated areas". in the US. Think of tax reforms to FO said that Pakistan is urging help low-income families, which are the United Nations Military Ob- disproportionately headed by server Group in India and Pakistan women. And think of the benefits (UNMOGIP) to send an urgent re- of reducing taxation on secondary port to the UN Security Council to earners in households, who are inform them about the serious again mostly women," she added. ceasefire violations on the LoC "So if you add up all things that and the unwarranted escalation of can be done in each country, you tension between the two countries. get a powerful global impact. A Defense Minister Khawaja global economic game changer," Asif, responding to the latest de- Lagarde said, adding that most velopment along the shared Pak- important countries have underIndia border, claimed that India was stood the need for gender equalheating up the situation along the ity, including the G20 grouping LoC and Working Boundary due that account for 85 per cent of the to internal compulsions, Radio Pa- world GDP and two-thirds of its kistan reported.-PTI population.-PTI

Pak warns of 'strategic miscalculation' as 7 troops killed ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has said seven of its soldiers were killed in "unprovoked" firing by Indian troops across the LoC, prompting it to summon the Indian envoy here to warn that India's "belligerent" attitude may lead to a "strategic miscalculation".

Seven Pakistani soldiers were killed at the LoC in the Bhimber sector in an alleged ceasefire violation by Indian troops, according to a statement by the army.

Pakistani troops responded to "unprovoked" Indian firing and targeted Indian posts "effectively", it said. Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry summoned Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale and condemned the "unprovoked ceasefire" violation by the Indian forces on the Line of Control (LoC).

The Foreign Secretary deplored the increasing Indian ceasefire violations at the LoC and the Working Boundary, especially in the last two months, a statement said.

He emphasized that this "belligerent attitude" of Indian forces was a "serious threat to the regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalcu-

lation", the statement added.

The Foreign Secretary asked the Indian High Commissioner to convey to his government that it must stop the provocative firing and observe the ceasefire.

Pakistan is pursuing a policy of restraint, which should not be construed as a sign of weakness, the statement quoted him as saying. He underlined that the Armed Forces of Pakistan do not initiate fire, but will always respond in a

Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives in the "latest violation of Line of Control (LoC) by the Indian forces" and said "it is extremely unfortunate that Indian forces have continuously violated ceasefire agreement at the LoC in the recent days", Press Information Department Pakistan said.

"We are fully capable of defending our soil against any aggression," it quoted Sharif as saying.

The Prime Minister also

Pakistan is urging the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to send an urgent report to the UN Security Council to inform them about the serious ceasefire violations on the LoC and the unwarranted escalation of tension between the two countries befitting manner, if fired upon, the statement said.

It is for the second time in a week that Pakistan has summoned Indian High Commissioner.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif asserted that his country is "fully capable" of defending its territory against "any aggression".

claimed that the Indian forces have resorted to escalating tension on the LoC only to "uselessly divert" the world's attention from the "grave human rights situation" in Kashmir.

Army chief General Raheel Sharif ordered troops to "effectively" respond to firing by India.

Raheel said that army "will

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Ae Dil Hai Mushkil: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil 2 Besabriyaan: M.S. Dhoni 3 Channa Mereya: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil 28 India Post

F

www.indiapost.com

November 18, 2016

arhan Akhtar has successfully made a transition from behind the camera to a bankable Bollywood actor but he feels his acting career has a shelf life as he can't go on playing such characters for too long.

The story of his new film 'Rock On' has shifted out of Mumbai to Shillong, Meghalaya and Farhan says the change in setting reflects the new storyline of his character. "My character has relocated out of Mumbai. He has adopted a village and is working "My character has relocated out of Mumbai. closely with villagers, setting up He has adopted a village and is working closely s c h o o l s , with villagers, setting up schools, women women empowerment empowerment centers centers.

Besides 'Rock On 2', there are two other films of Farhan - 'Don 2' and 'Dil Chahta Hai', which are speculated to get new installments.

On Dil Chahta Hai recently, Alia said she would like to see an all-female version of the film. I think that is an interesting idea and if I do consider making a sequel, then it would be a nice avenue to go down to."

S

onam Kapoor in an interview to a daily admitted that it has been a satisfying nine years for her in the industry. Ask her if she is looking forward to getting an award for Neerja and she says, "The appreciation is as rewarding as the process." She also adds that she is not judgmental about anything. "People recently commented that I was dressed like Kate Middleton at a charity gala but how I dress has got nothing to do with what I do for people."

The actress also commented on how she was misquoted when she was asked if she would like to work with SRK. She said, "My statement was misquoted and even King Khan called me to ask if it was true. So I had to explain to him that I would like to work when director, actor and the rest of the cast is in consensus about working with me. Till now I have not had that chance. That's all I said."

4 Tere Sang Yaara: Rustom 5 Bulleya: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil 6 Kaun Tujhe : M.S. Dhoni 7 Toota Jo Kabhi Tara: A Flying Jatt 8 Bolo Har Har : Shivaay 9 Jab Tak : M.S. Dhoni 10 Jaago : Rock On 2

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ilmmaker Anand Gandhi says he cannot wait for his play's big screen adaptation, starring Kajol, to go on floors.

The 'Ship of Thesus' maker, who has directed many popular plays, has also co-written the screenplay for the film, which will be produced by Ajay Devgn.

"It has been great collaborating with Ajay on the movie. I am glad that a play I did many years ago has now been chosen to be made into a movie. I am excited about the fact that it will feature Kajol," Gandhi said.

The producer is, meanwhile, looking forward to the r e lease of his documentary 'An Insignificant Man', which chronicles the birth of Aam Aadmi Party and the rise of its leader Arvind Kejriwal.

The film has earned acclaim at various festivals across the globe including Toronto International Film Festival and Mumbai International Film Fest.

November 18, 2016

Bollywood

India Post 29

www.indiapost.com

"It's incredible to sing in front of a live audience...the energy is simply amazing. The aura and enthusiasm is just so vibrant and alive. I love it and just don't seem to get enough of it,"

A

S

alman Khan starrer super-hit comedy 'Judwaa' is still fresh in the memories of audiences even after almost two decades.

The cult film that released in 1997 will now have a sequel with Varun Dhawan in the lead. And the good news is, Salman himself will be making an appearance in 'Judwaa 2'.He has agreed to step in as a 'godfather-gunda' to Varun's twins.

The superstar is equally excited about Varun Dhawan stepping into his shoes and is interested to be a part of the sequel.

Varun himself is eagerly looking forward to the film which is expected to go on floors by mid2017.

Directed by David Dhawan, the script for the sequel is generously peppered with 'tapori' slang and it will also have a remix of the chartbuster 'Tan Tana Tan Tan Tan Tara' from the original.

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hraddha Kapoor, who is thoroughly enjoying her sing ing career, says performing live is the most exciting thing ever and not as tough as she thought it would be.

"It's incredible to sing in front of a live audience...the energy is simply amazing. The aura and enthusiasm is just so vibrant and alive. I love it and just don't seem to get enough of it," says Kapoor, who made her playback singing debut with the track Galliyan in Ek Villian (2014).

Shraddha is a trained classical singer and she recently did some live performances in different cities. "Shraddha usually puts in her all for preparing for her roles as an actor. But with singing, she is very comfortable. She finds singing in front of people a very easy task and has been enjoying it thoroughly," says a source.

yushmann Khurrana is one of those few B-Town celebrities who are known for both their acting and singing abilities. Now he wants to experiment in his singing. The artiste, who recently toured the US and performed in Dubai, UAE, also recreated some popular '90s tracks at his concerts. "The magic really happens when you do something different and challenging. I'd like to try different genres. I would like to challenge myself, not just as an actor but also as a singer.

I should try out rock and hip-hop as well. That will be interesting," he says.

"An idea can strike you anywhere, anytime. You will be surprised, most of the times I've composed songs, I've been on a plane. I think about a melody and just save it on my recorder," says Ayushmann.

"There is no disturbance [on a flight] - no cell phones ringing. Recently, I bought a travel guitar from the US. I carry it most of the time with me. So, I can compose a song anytime," he says, adding, "But yes, it's got to do with solitude. When there is no distraction, you can get more creative ideas."

www.indiapost.com

30 India Post CAPT KRISHAN SHARMA India Post News Service

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wo types of people make the city: the migratory population of the dispossessed, and the greedy self-perpetuating landed. Their common goal is a commitment to nothing, nothing but their own survival". So says architect Gautam Bhatia, whose exhibition City Fragments recently opened in Delhi.

The exhibition hit Delhiites at the time when Delhi is faced with the worst air pollution where all schools closed down for more than a week.

The exhibition is done in a quirky style, serious, but decidedly tongue in cheek. Though its message is loud and clear: the modern Indian city demonstrates nothing of planning and design ideals, but is a daily outburst of temporary encounters, migration and commercial enterprises, what Bhatia calls the unfortunate byproducts of urbanization.

"Everyday", laments Bhatia, "I encounter people whose daily war with urban water supply, roads, electricity, markets, banks, government departments, bureaucracy leaves them defeated and lost. Just look at people in any other city in the world, the Indian city is by for the unhappiest and least cordial. People's movements are sluggish and shambling, expressions sour or depraved. There is an implicit mistrust of everyone".

Cont'd on Page 33

November 18, 2016

November 18, 2016

India Post 31

2 in 3 Asian millennials still living with parents Two in three young adults in Asia Pacific aged between 22 and 29 are happy to live in the family home until they have the financial capacity to live independently, revealed a CBRE survey.

CBRE attributed this mindset to "cultural practices in Asia, where parents usually house their sons and daughters until they get mar-

Asia Pacific millennials to accumulate the necessary capital to buy their own home. Most respondents said they are forced into renting homes due to being unable to buy them," said CBRE. But while two in three Asia Pacific millennials living on their own are renting a property, many aspire to own their own home, with

ried". The results showed that India and Hong Kong have the highest proportion of millennials still living at home, while Australia has the lowest.

High property prices are also a major factor preventing the region's millennials from leaving home. "Surging property prices are outstripping wage growth and making it extremely difficult for

65 percent of respondents looking to buy a property in future.

Millennials from India and China have the strongest intentions to acquire their own property in future, although their motivations differ. Those from China cited stability as the key driver for purchasing a home, while those from India indicated investment as their main reason.

Millennials from Japan displayed the lowest buying intentions, primarily due to low earnings as well as a preference for the convenience of renting. In fact, Japan was the only country in the survey where no respondents had bought a property for investment.

Of those intending to buy a home, 40 percent indicated that they would need financial assistance from their parents or relatives, a practice most common in China and Hong Kong, where buying a home is considered a prerequisite for marriage.

When purchasing a property, the survey found that most Asia Pacific millennials will not buy a home until they find one that meets their standards in terms of location, quality and size.

"Developers and city administrators should take heed of these trends by constructing more affordable housing for rent and sale," said Dr Henry Chin, Head of Research, CBRE Asia Pacific.

"In response to the challenges for millennials to accumulate capital for down payments, there needs to be innovation in structuring mortgages for young firsttime home buyers."

CBRE surveyed 5,000 respondents in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India and Japan for the report.

Courtesy Asian Post

RGV's racist rant against Obamas R

am Gopal Varma is often in the news for his controversial remarks on Twitter. The filmmaker has done it again and this time, he has reached a new low. Hours after Donald Trump was elected as the 45th President of United States of America, RGV took to Twitter to state how he had predicted Trump's victory 4 months ago. He also lauded American citizens for electing a President who is in his sixties and is "honest". Not just that, he went a step further and predicted that Trump will be the greatest President ever - in his words, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy will be "forgotten".

If that was shocking for you, there was more to follow. The tweets quickly took a racist turn when Ramu began attacking the incumbent President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama. One of his tweets read, "Obama's and Michelle Obama's

faces must have turned blacker than this with today's trumping result". Not one to stop at that, Ramu further posted a picture each of Michelle Obama and Melania Trump and wrote, "For some reason I like the present First Lady

Ram Gopal Varma

much more than the previous...can anyone tell me why?" He even passed a sexist comment on Melania Trump as he tweeted, "US gets its hottest 1st Lady since all wives of presidents starting from George Washington...1002 kisses to

Trump for making America greater."

Am congratulating myself for predicting a Trump victory more than 4 months ago...I am throwing a Trumping party- Ram Gopal Varma Advancement in human thinking is to elect a man who in his 60's can talk about grabbing a woman's Pussy..Honesty wins...Unka America Mahaan.

I predicted Trump's win and now my prediction is he will be greatest president ever .Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy etc will be forgotten Obama's and Michelle Obama's faces must have turned blacker than this with today's trumping result. For some reason I like the present First Lady much more than the previous...can anyone tell me why?

US got its hottest 1st Lady since all wives of presidents starting from George Washington...1002 kisses to Trump.

Getting into acting not easy: Reecha Sinha

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t's not usual for an engineer ing student to get into films...

So many actors have pursued different careers before finding their bearings in films. The same happened with me too. I've had this Filmi Keeda since childhood," says Reecha Sinha who makes her debut with Dongri Ka Raja.

What's Dongri Ka Raja all about?

It is a love story revolving around the underworld with interesting twists and turns. I play Shruti who has a mature outlook to life. The character put my acting skills to test. Unlike her, I am bubbly and expressive so the director would often have to remind me that it was Shruti I was portraying and so I should not be myself. I had to underplay and that was really difficult.

What have you learnt during the process of shooting?

That char line confidently bolne se koi actor nahi ban jaata,

there is a lot that goes into making an actor. You have to pay attention to every detail, from the way you smile to the way you walk and deliver your dialogue.

Any actors that have been an inspiration for you?

Oh there are so many. I'm inspired by Madhuri Dixit. Whether it was comedy or a serious scene or even the way she dances on screen, there is no way you can take your eyes off her. I loved Urmila Matondkar in those psycho roles and for her dancing skills. Priyanka Chopra has also been a huge inspiration. In fact I saw Bajirao Mastani many times to copy her Marathi diction as I am playing a Maharashtrian girl in Dongri Ka Raja.

There is high degree of competition here...

Which profession today isn't competitive? The competition in the corporate world is far more fierce and ruthless than in films.

The character put my acting skills to test.

Unlike her, I am bubbly and expressive so the director would often have to remind me that it was Shruti I was portraying and so I should not be myself

32 India Post

November 18, 2016 www.indiapost.com

Anushka ambitious but with principles

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or Anushka, the length of the role doesn't matter, how long it will be cherished does. Anushka Sharma comes with a rare nonchalance that most acquire only towards the latter part of their career. The biggest launch, the biggest banners and the megastars, and yet, she didn't jump at all the 'cheese'. This cat has the patience and determination to wait for the cream. As Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' ('ADHM') proves all over again. More power to her.

Karan Johar revealed that you were the script police on the sets. True?

Yes, I would ask him a lot of questions, though I don't think it annoyed him. He would ask me to give my shot and not torture him (laughs). But we both knew that there was a reason for it. My character and the kind of relationship she shares with Ranbir (Kapoor)'s character needed a certain understanding, so we had to keep in mind that it doesn't get lost in the midst of everything else.

I heard that after pack-up, you would disappear and return to the set only the next day.

Honestly, I cannot handle too many things at one time.

When I'm shooting, I can do just that. Now I'm beginning to accept that I can't multitask, some people can. I know Karan can do it. After shoot, I need to catch up on sleep. Everyone who works with me knows that the one thing I can't do without is my quota of sleep.

Yes, Ranbir and Karan said that they shopped more than Aishwarya (Rai Bachchan) and you...

Totally! Every day after pack-up, Karan and Ranbir would go shopping. On my way back from the gym, I would see them entering the hotel with lots of bags. Karan had a separate room for his wardrobe. Yes, he had a room just for his clothes to be laid out; it was like a walk-in closet.

In your movies, is there any character that you have connected with instantly?

I don't think I can become her (a character) completely.

I can physically change my appearance, I can modulate my voice, work on my accent and appearance. I can think about what she is going through, and empathize with her. Like in 'ADHM', Alizeh is an extremely emotional person, who is very impractical about love and relationships, but I'm the opposite of that. I'm not a very emotional person, and by that, I mean I am not completely led by my emotions. Alizeh is somebody who will leave everything for love.

She goes to London and lives there because of a heartbreak. I don't think I'm like that. I feel emotions, but I deal with it in a practical way. I wouldn't do something that would completely displace

my life. always shared equal ground with the hero. Has that been Was being directed by Karan Johar on your bucket list? a conscious decision?

He didn't quite approve of you when he saw you for the I realized that's my USP. 'Band Baaja Baaraat' did what it first time on the set of 'Rab De Bana Di Jodi' ('RNBDJ')... did to me because of my performance in the film. For me, It was definitely on my bucket list; in fact, I agreed to do what I'm doing in a film is really important; I won't do a film the film instantly. I take at least one night to think over because I want to be part of a big banner. I'm not saying it's scripts. But with 'ADHM', I loved it instantly. When Karan wrong, whoever wants to do it should do it. It just doesn't called me to discuss the film, I wasn't really sure if he was satisfy me as a person. I feel fortunate that I'm working in calling me for his own film. This man didn't even want me in this industry, so I want to make the most of it by cautiously the industry in the first place (laughs), but it's really big of him to accept it on national televiI'm very shy and awkward with new people. sion.

Ranbir said that the first time he met you, he I take a while to start chatting with somestayed away because you were a Yash Chopra heroine. You scared him away, huh? one. I think the first time Ranbir and I really Ranbir has a habit of adding so much mirchspoke was after 'Band Baaja Baaraat', masala to stories. The real story is this. He was working out at the gym and I had come to work when he started telling me what he thought out, too. He was with his trainer and we both exchanged pleasantries. I finished my workout of the film. Of course, today we are very and he continued.

It was as simple as that. We didn't speak at all, good friends also because I'm very shy and awkward with new people. I take a while to start chatting with someone. I think the first time Ranbir and I really spoke was after choosing films that I want to be a part of. I've never been 'Band Baaja Baaraat', when he started telling me what he lured by what is working and what's the trend. thought of the film. Of course, today we are very good friends.

I've never paid attention to what everybody is thinking There's a natural ease between us, as there is no sense or expecting of me. In a way, I've always been anti-estabof judgment. Sometimes, you just click with some people. I lishment. If someone is doing something a certain way, I think the two of us have a natural chemistry, just like the want to do just the opposite. I think taking risks pays off in film needed. Anurag (Kashyap) would always tell us that if the long run.

I start rolling a camera behind-the-scenes between Ranbir Are you fiercely ambitious? and you, I can make another film.

I'm ambitious, but I have principles when it comes to my Did the failure of 'Bombay Velvet' af- ambition. I don't believe that dhande me sab kuch chalta fect you deeply? hai. I'm not that type. I'm not someone who thinks that you I think failure makes you can be anything, do anything and say anything because more appreciative of you need to get your work done. your success and I have certain principles and a value system which I whatever you have cannot compromise on. I don't think that to look better achieved. Failure myself, I can run down others. I cannot be so competitive does not let you that I harm someone else in the process.

I often appear to be really chilled out, but inside me, take things for granted. For me, it something is constantly working. It's harder to work the happened right af- way I do. I believe that I need to do good work and keep ter my first film. With getting better at it.

The trappings of being a star are very scary, and you are the scale of a film like 'RNBDJ', I could have expected to do certain things to be a star. You are also been at a different level expected to behave like a star, and for me, these things are right after its release. really difficult and exhausting.

It didn't happen that Has stardom changed you? I mean, you come from a way. It wasn't over- simple, non-filmi family. The transition must have been night stardom. After dramatic.

I don't think it has changed me, I feel that I've improved 'RNBDJ', I wasn't seen on magazine cov- as a person. For a creative person, it's most important to have a perspective, and the only way to have perspective ers right away.

So it was disappointing is by keeping things in check.

I always spend time introspecting and making sure that and I faced it very early in my career. In fact, for six I'm doing something with myself, rather than just doing months, I didn't even things. I have a life beyond movies, and once I'm done shooting, I don't just hang out. I go back and watch TV have a film.

I knew I was doing a shows and enjoy my down-time. I'm mostly by myself. I'm film with the banner that not someone who likes to go out too much launched me, but because When you started out, there was this perception of you of some confusion, people being snobbish, even aloof to an extent. Now, that perthought I was only supposed to ception has changed.

I was never snooty; in fact, I'm very respectful of people. do projects with that banner. And then, Again, people expect you to be a certain way. But like I said 'Band Baaja Baaraat' happened and it was appreciated.

The film taught me that if the script is good and I am earlier, I'm never going to do something which doesn't come naturally to me. For instance, I won't put on an act of raising good in the film, it can do so much more for me.

Those phases in my life prepped me for the rest of my my pitch or tone to look excited on meeting someone.

I have never felt the need to prove my respect for anycareer. Yes, I was disappointed that 'Bombay Velvet' didn't work, and I felt bad for the producers who lost money, as it one just because I want them to like me. I knew it would take affects the industry at large. But carrying the baggage of a longer for people to understand me, which is what has happened. Now, they've understood that this is who I am. failed film is a mistake and I don't do that.

Courtesy Times of India In all the commercial films that you have done, you've

November 18, 2016

India Post 33 www.indiapost.com

John upset with Salman again?

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ohn Abraham seems to be avoiding Salman Khan yet again. The 'Rocky Hand some' actor and Sonakshi Sinha are currently promoting their film 'Force 2'. The co-stars have appeared on television shows like 'The Kapil Sharma Show' and 'Comedy Nights Bachao Taaza'.

However, John has refused to appear on reality show 'Bigg Boss 10' hosted by Salman. As such, Sonakshi will be making a solo appearance on her 'Dabangg' costar's show, as per reports.

A decade ago, Salman and John had a fall-out after differences cropped up over payment issues during a concert in 2006. During that time, they were working together for Ravi Chopra's film 'Babul', and their animosity somewhat reflected on screen too.

But the two later patched up on the sets of 2011 film 'Desi Boyz',

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University Extension. ``You won't achieve (indoors) what you would in sunlight.''

Lettuces, leafy greens, sprouted seeds, radishes, carrots and herbs are among the easiest plants to grow indoors in winter.

They tolerate cooler temperatures and limited light. They also mature quickly, and many, like

Failing cities of India Quirky exhibits of architect Gautam Bhatia Cont'd from Page 30

Unlike its medieval conception as a place bounded by walls and gates, the new city is without physical boundaries; it stretches beyond visibility, beyond physical comprehension, housing people, places, incidents and ideas that often never intersect with each other.

Is the Indian city then the most visible failure of planning and architecture? If so, he asks, how do

when Salman came to visit his friend Sanjay Dutt, who had a cameo in the film. John had then promoted the film on 'Bigg Boss 5', co-hosted by Salman and Sanjay Dutt.

However, things again turned sour between John and Salman last

Vegetable gardening can be moved indoors here's no reason to stop grow ing vegetables just because cold weather has arrived. Sun-loving edibles can be cultivated indoors in containers enriched by supplemental LED lights.

But choose the right plant combinations for this four-season gardening. Some plants are more demanding than others. ``The amount of money and work it takes depends upon your expectations,'' said Tuan Bettes, a horticulture agent with Utah State

year, when their respective films 'Welcome Back' and Salman's production 'Hero', were set for a clash.

John had announced that his film would release on September 4, a couple of days later, Salman tweeted announcing, "Back off.

Hero coming on September 4."

chives and parsley, don't grow tall.

Small fruited or dwarf varieties of tomatoes and peppers also will produce in basement gardens when exposed to the proper lighting. Be prepared to help pollinate your tomato plants, though.

Shake them occasionally to release the pollen.

Help avoid plant pests by segregating vegetable containers from houseplants. ``Never put patio plants next

to vegetables,'' Bettes said. ``That's a good way to introduce aphids and scale insects.''

Many people take the hydroponic approach to indoor gardening by designing their own systems or by buying any number of high-tech soil-free containers with full-spectrum grow lights attached.-AP

the making and unmaking of the city are also present in bronze and fibreglass: unskilled labour, unwanted migrants, petty politicians and others.

"By all counts", says Bhatia, "the degraded life of the Indian town is beyond redemption. Its downhill direction is visible in all aspect of lifestyle: shrinking homes, deteriorating air and water, poor sanitation, overstretched transpor-

Eventually, 'Welcome Back' release was pushed to September 11. Wonder if this is the reason for John refusing appear on Salman's show.

Interestingly, Viacom, which has produced 'Force 2', also owns Colors TV on which 'Bigg Boss' is aired.

Wall Street Journal cuts print edition size NEW YORK: The Wall Street Journal plans to combine several sections and reduce some coverage areas in its print edition as it faces a decline in print advertising. “All newspapers face structural challenges and we must move to create a print edition that can stand on a sound financial footing for the foreseeable future while our digital horizons continue to expand,'' Editor-in-chief Gerard Baker said in a memo announcing the changes.

The new version, which debuted on Nov. 14, has fewer pages with less space for arts, culture and New York news.

The paper has combined its Business & Tech and Money & Investing sections into one section to reduce costs.

Lifestyle, arts, sports and cultural coverage will be incorporated into a section called Life & Arts. The Greater New York section will be reduced in size. ``I want to stress that these changes and their ramifications for the newsroom are necessary not just because we must adjust to changing conditions in the print advertising business, but because we know from audience research that readers want a more digestible newspaper,'' Baker wrote.-AP

The architect's surprising answer is portrayed in multiple artworks that test the incredulity of the viewer, and pose further riddles in the hope that somehow things would change you begin to ascribe physical order to such a place?

The architect's surprising answer is portrayed in multiple artworks that test the incredulity of the viewer, and pose further riddles in the hope that somehow things would change.

Sculpture and drawings are used to convey ironic messages.

City-Country-Suburb is a filing cabinet of Indian urban life - private footholds that appear as distinct and separate entities. Personal and sectorial divisions persist in the drawers of the cabinet; the private house is bounded by walls, as is visible in the divisions in Punjabi Baroque, as indeed in Country Estates.

The people who participate in

tation, even the expectations are low and getting lower".

The accompanying drawings are also a testament to the decline.

A city composed entirely as an excavation of earth courtyards, homes built in concrete pipes, an encircling neighbourhood of buildings in the life rings of a tree, a gated community built in the bathtub, a town in the W C ‌ Yet there are glimmers of hope on the horizon, and the architect leaves you with images of cities built like a chessboard, bungalows that rise into the sky, and a hotel made from suitcases. If not for the damning urban messages, the exhibit is at least an unabashed flight of the imagination.

„ Health

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Head of NYC public hospitals to step down NEW YORK: The president of New York City's Health and Hospitals Corporation is planning on stepping down at the end of the month.

Mayor Bill de Blasio released a statement thanking Dr. Ramanathan Raju's service. Raju was appointed to the post by the mayor in 2014.

City officials say Raju had wanted to resign and that the move was expected.

Stanley Brezenoff, who is currently the Chair of the Board of Correction, has been chosen to serve as interim president of the public hospital system which is facing a budget shortfall.

The mayor has announced plans to overhaul the faltering system with new subsidies that would expand health care in ``high-needs communities.'' -AP

Cheese may protect from high blood pressure NEW YORK: Consuming cheese may prevent high blood pressure, say scientists who have found that eating sodium in the form of a dairy product may protect against its harmful effects on the cardiovascular system.

This protection comes from antioxidant properties of dairy proteins in cheese, researchers said.

"This is a novel finding that may have implications for dietary recommendations. Newer dietary recommendations suggest limiting sodium, but our data suggests that eating sodium in the form of a dairy product, such as cheese, may be protective," said Lacy Alexander, associate professor at Pennsylvania State University in the US. "We are already aware that at the population level, people who eat more dairy typically have lower blood pressure," Alexander said.

The data suggests that when sodium is consumed in cheese it does not have the negative vascular effects that researchers observed with sodium from nondairy sources.

The researchers interpret this to mean that the proteins and nutrients in cheese may be protecting the blood vessels from the short-term negative effects of sodium.

However, it is not known if this protection extends over the long term.

For the study, researchers fed participants dairy cheese, pretzels or soy cheese on five separate occasions, three days apart.-PTI

Health Science

Preventing noncommunicable diseases at workplaces

34 India Post

www.indiapost.com

November 18, 2016

Details on Page 36

1 in 6 breast cancer patients has symptoms other than lump LONDON: Nearly one in six women diagnosed with breast cancer go to their doctor with a symptom other than a lump - the most commonly reported symptom, new research has found.

Symptoms, other than a lump, that may be a sign of breast cancer include nipple abnormalities, breast pain, skin abnormalities, ulceration, shape abnormalities and an infected or inflamed breast.

Researchers from University College London (UCL) in the UK, examined the data of more than 2,300 women diagnosed with breast cancer in England in 2009/ 10.

They found that, although most women with breast cancer sought help quickly, those with 'non-lump' symptoms were more likely to delay going to their doctor compared with women with a breast lump alone.

Women with both a breast lump and 'non-lump' symptoms were also more likely to delay seeking

help.

Women presenting with breast ulceration, nipple abnormalities, breast infection or inflammation, swollen arm or armpit and pain in the armpit were more likely to wait longer than three months to seek

other than a breast lump. These women are more likely to delay going to the doctor compared to women with breast lump alone," said Monica Koo from UCL. "It is crucial that women are aware that a lump is not the only

help.

"Our research shows around one in six women diagnosed with breast cancer have symptoms

symptom of breast cancer. If they are worried about any breast symptoms, the best thing to do is to get it checked by a doctor as

soon as possible," said Koo. "Diagnosing cancer earlier really is key in order to increase the chances of survival," she said.

"This research shows that, all too often, women are delaying going to their doctor with symptoms of breast cancer," said Karen Kennedy, Director of the The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI).

"This could be because people are simply unaware that breast cancer can present in many different ways, not just through the presence of a lump," said Kennedy.

"With a disease like breast cancer, it's essential to be diagnosed as early as possible so that a treatment plan can be developed and started. Awareness campaigns need to raise awareness of all of the potential symptoms of breast cancer so that people know how to spot the signs and when to go to a doctor," she said.

-PTI

Skipping dinner may help lose weight WASHINGTON: Eating a very early dinner, or even skipping it, may help you lose weight, a new study has found.

The first human test of early time-restricted (eTRF) feeding found that meal-timing strategy reduced swings in hunger and altered fat and carbohydrate burning patterns, which may help with losing weight.

In eTRF, people eat their last meal by the mid-afternoon and do not eat again until breakfast the next morning.

"Eating only during a much smaller window of time than people are typically used to may help with weight loss," said Courtney Peterson, researcher at Pennington Biomedical Research Centre in the US. "We found that eating between 8 am and 2 pm followed by an 18hour daily fast kept appetite levels more even throughout the day, in comparison to eating between 8 am and 8 pm, which is what the

median American does," said Peterson.

This new research suggests that eating a very early dinner, or even skipping dinner, may have some benefits for losing weight.

The body has an internal clock, and many aspects of metabolism

eating earlier in the day can positively influence health, and this new study of eTRF shows that this also applies to metabolism.

This first test of eTRF in humans follows rodent studies of this approach to weight loss, which previously found that eTRF re-

are at their optimal functioning in the morning.

Therefore, eating in alignment with the body's circadian clock by

duced fat mass and decreased the risk of chronic diseases in rodents.

To conduct their study, researchers followed eleven men

and women with excess weight over four days of eating between 8am and 2pm (eTRF), and four days of eating between 8am and 8pm (average feeding for Americans).

The researchers then tested the impact of eTRF on calories burned, fat burned and appetite.

To eliminate subjectivity, the researchers had all participants try both eating schedules, eat the same number of calories both times, and complete rigorous testing under supervision.

They found that although eTRF did not affect how many calories participants burned, it reduced daily hunger swings and increased fat burning during several hours at night.

It also improved metabolic flexibility, which is the body's ability to switch between burning carbs and fats. Whether eTRF helps with weight loss or improves other aspects of health is still unknown.

-PTI

November 18, 2016

Health Science Post

India Post 35

www.indiapost.com

Faking a smile won't make you happier Faking a smile may not make you happier after all, according to a large new study which contradicts the belief that our body's movements can affect our mood.

The idea that faking a smile may brighten our mood, which came out of a psychological experiment from the 1980s, may not be true, as scientists were not able to repeat the results in a lab setting.

In the facial-feedback hypothesis, dating back to 1988, participants rated the humor of cartoons while inadvertently mimicking either a smile or a pout.

The participants were simply asked to hold a pen in their mouths, either with their lips (which pushes the face into a frown-like expression) or their teeth (which mimics a smile).

The participants who used the pen to mimic a smile rated the cartoons as funnier.

Now, a new study on 1,894 participants has found no evidence that such an effect exists, 'Live Science' reported.

Eric-Jan Wagenmakers, the lead researcher of the replication attempt from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and colleagues in 17 labs around the world recruited participants and repeated the pen-

in-mouth experiment.

They used the same cartoon series, "The Far Side," that was used in the 1988 experiments, but they selected different cartoon panels, which they tested among outside raters to ensure that the raters reached consensus that each cartoon used in the study was "moderately funny."

"None of the experiments yielded a sta-

tistically reliable effect individually," Wagenmakers said.

"Overall, these are the kind of data you would expect to see if you tried to replicate an effect that doesn't exist or is so small you can't find it with the paradigm you were using," he said.

The research was published in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science.

-PTI

300 Amrit pharmacy outlets soon VARANASI: The Union government would soon open 300 pharmacy AMRIT outlets in different parts of the country to provide affordable medicines to the people at a discount rate of 60-70 per cent, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Anupriya Patel said here.

She said this while inaugurating Uttar Pradesh's first AMRIT pharmacy outlet at Sir Sunder Lal Hospital of Banaras Hindu University here.

Patel said the pharmacy outlet - 'Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment' (AMRIT) - is an effort of the Narendra Modiled NDA government to reduce the expenditure incurred by patients on treatment of cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases.

On these AMRIT outlets, medicines will be available for the common people at a discount rate of 60-70 per cent, she said.

Nearly 164 cancer drugs, 124 cardio drugs and 24 cardiac implants and 2,146 other

medicines and surgical disposables would be available at the AMRIT outlet in BHU, Patel said.

She said the medical burden is one of the cause of rising poverty in the country and this initiative of the Union government's

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare would help the underprivileged get lifesaving drugs at affordable prices. -PTI

Calls for monitoring water pipe tobacco use NEW DELHI: A draft decision of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has urged nations to monitor waterpipe tobacco through their respective national surveillance systems and also ban the use of flavorings in such products.

"Concerned about the growing use of flavored waterpipe tobacco among youth and the increasing influence of the tobacco industry over waterpipe regulation and production, we invite parties (nations) to continue to monitor waterpipe tobacco use through national surveillance systems to cover all age groups and all policy aspects in an integrated approach, and submit the findings to the COP through the reporting instrument of WHO FCTC," the draft said.

It also stressed on the need for inter country and regional coordination in sharing of experiences and knowledge to prevent and control waterpipe tobacco use.

The draft decision also asked the nations to include perils of waterpipe use under the 'ban of tobacco use in public places'

as per Article 8 of the convention and its guidelines.

A study conducted earlier in the year had warned that even light-use hookah or waterpipe smokers may develop lung func-

tion abnormalities, including marked changes in cells lining the airways.

A senior WHO FCTC official said that the draft decision was being discussed and the final decision may come out soon.

The seventh session of Conference of Parties (CoP7) of the World Health Organization's Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) is being hosted by India for the first time. -PTI

36 India Post

Health Science Post

November 18, 2016

www.indiapost.com

Health app to measure stress levels NEW DELHI: Measure your stress levIt also suggests ways to get rid of stress els, understand its reasons and adopt ways through yoga, meditation and walking. to fight it- all at the swipe of your finger There are 11 different yoga mudras one can with the new No More Tension mobile ap- learn through this application. plication launched by Union Health MinisThe application is available for download ter J P Nadda here. on Google Play store and will be available Users will also have access to a onestop-for-all health portal, which will host all the mobile applications launched by the Health Ministry.

"I have asked the e-governance division of the government that people should be able to access all our health applications on the National Health Portal webpage," Nadda said.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda The "No More Tension" app educates users about stress, tells you what are on Windows shortly. the different reasons and indicators for The Health Minister also emphasized on stress and also lets you measure your stress the need to "Catch them Young" and target levels on its "Stress Meter". the youth in order to effect behavior change

among them and keep them away from habits that cause non-communicable diseases.

A magazine titled "Healthy India Initiative/Swastha Bharat-ek pehal" was also launched and is available in the form of an e-book as well. Initially, the magazine will be in two languages - Hindi and English.

Later, it will be made available in 13 languages.

These magazines will be available at all government agencies for free.

The Minister also shared the governments plan to design a booklet for school students which will create awareness among them about health issues. These booklets will use pictorial representations.

However, he clarified that this will not be part of the formal school syllabus. -PTI

Preventing non-communicable diseases at workplaces NEW DELHI: Health and industry experts tion in the workplace are smart solutions to have called for meaningful collaborations the NCD crisis our country faces. This kind among stakeholders for building an ecosys- of multi-sector action with many companies tem for prevention of non-communicable and organizations collaborating to improve the diseases (NCDs), including diabetes and health of employees and their communities is cancer, at workplaces. what is needed to make a real difference to the Amid growing challenges posed by health of future generations in India."

NCDs, Arogya World, a non-profit organi"The misery of non communicable diszation brought together top industry speak- ease as we see today, you are not curing ers to deliberate on improving Expenditure in healthcare for the employees the health of employees at leads to reduction in sick absenteeism and workplaces dur- also their morale remains high which in turn ing a conference organized leads to high productivity. So it should be here. seen as an investment, and not as an expenDr Sadhana B h a g w a t diture," she said at the Arogya World Healthy (WHO India) Workplace Conference and Award Event said it was imperative that every workplace, big or small, anybody. You are just trying to keep their provides health promotion and preventive issues under control, therefore, the contiinitiative. nuity of care management of risk factors "Because it is the workplace where a per- become very important. son spends a good part of their time when "So at the workplace, where you are not they are active and this can provide a good only looking at the promotive and prevenplatform to inculcate healthy habits among tive therapy aspects, that continuity has not them. "Also, expenditure in healthcare for only to be established, more importantly it the employees leads to reduction in sick ab- has to be done in a fashion which is acceptsenteeism and also their morale remains high able, culturally and contextually appropriwhich in turn leads to high productivity. So ate and sustainable," he said. -PTI it should be seen as an investment, and not as an expenditure," she said at the Arogya World Healthy Workplace Conference and Award Event.

Vivek Jha, Director of George Institute of Public Health said the senior management of companies should realize the value of having health employees and priorities preventive healthcare.

"Most of the organizations provide inSACRAMENTO, Calif.: California surance to their employees and spends lot health insurance company Anthem Blue of money on curing diseases after they have Cross is misleading several hundred developed. Rather, a preventive ecosystem thousand customers about changes in needs to be created by which they should their policies that will leave them paying encourage employees to undergo prevenmore for inferior coverage, a consumer tive assessments so that the amount of advocacy group said in a lawsuit. money spent on serious diseases can be Santa Monica-based Consumer saved," Dr Jha said.

Watchdog says many customers who 32 companies from various sectors across chose health plans that provide coverthe country, including the Railways, were age for out-of-network doctors will be named 'Healthy Workplaces' 2016 by surprised to learn that their bills are no Arogya World, working to prevent NCDs longer covered. The organization is askthrough education and lifestyle change. ing a Los Angeles County Superior Dr Nikhil Tandon, Professor and Head, Court judge to require that the company Department of Endocrinology and Metabomaintain its existing policies for another lism, AIIMS, while giving away the awards, year.-AP said, "Efforts like this that promote preven-

Insurer Anthem misleading Cal customers

„

Realty Tidbits

Maharashtra wants e-mutation done

by Dec 31 MUMBAI: Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil has asked all talathis (village-level revenue officers) in the state to complete e-mutation work of revenue documents by December 31.

Patil also directed the district collectors to provide modern laptops and printers for the purpose through District Planning and Development Council's budget.

The minister held a video conference with all the divisional commissioners in the state regarding a review of the e-mutation work in which the revenue documents are updated digitally. Earlier, the entire procedure was done manually, leaving a huge scope for corruption.

Revenue Department Principal Secretary Manukumar Shrivastava and his counterpart in IT Department Vijay Gautam were also present.

The documents include ownership of land, property like flats, lease agreements and securitization with some financial institutions.

All the revenue records from 1995 have been digitized and any change in its ownership and holdings is now done digitally. The talathis who have been using laptops for the last one decade have been complaining about heavy size of the documents and slow Internet speeds in rural and remote areas.

Patil stated that the district collectors should set up work stations equipped with high-speed Internet in tehsildars' offices across the state where talathis from a particular tehsil will be given specific dates to visit the office and use the workstations for their work.-PTI

„ Agent denies charge of housing discrimination KEENE, N.H.: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has charged a New Hampshire real estate agent with discrimination, alleging he refused to rent an apartment to families with children in Keene.

The agent, Allan Saari, of Harrisville, denied the charge and said he's hired a lawyer.

The charge alleges a married couple with children first learned about the apartment through an ad. The wife contacted Saari about it. The complaint alleges he told her that he wasn't interested in renting to anyone with children and that he had just evicted a family with children because they were too loud.-AP

Real Estate 37 India Post

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November 18, 2016

5 firms told to refund investors' money NEW DELHI: Markets regulator Sebi has ordered five companies and their directors to refund in three months the money raised from investors without complying with the public issue norms.

The companies are AVM Real Estate & Allied, Goldmine Industries, Cemendia Infrastructures, Aryan Agro Projects and Omisha Agri Industries (India). The regulator has barred the entities from the securities market for four years and also directed them to refund the money along with an interest of 15 per cent per annum. -PTI

Who will be the housing winners and losers under Trump?

HOLDEN LEWIS

D

onald Trump seldom talked about housing during the campaign. It takes guesswork to sort out the winners and losers from his electoral victory. So I asked some people to guess.

"It's too early to tell," says Laurie Goodman of the Urban Institute. "You don't know what his views are. You don't know what he believes in because he hasn't made it clear."

Rick Sharga, executive vice president of Ten-X, which operates Auction.com, says, "I think in the long run, financial institutions will be winners because we're likely to see less of a restrictive regulatory environment than we saw in recent times."

Here some more guesses.

Winners: Construction workers Trump's first promise of his victory speech was: "We are going to fix our inner cities and rebuild our highways, bridges, tunnels, airports, schools, hospitals. We're going to rebuild our infrastructure, which will become, by the way, second to none. And we will put millions of our people to work as we rebuild it."

As part of the 2009 economic stimulus bill, about $73 billion was spent on physical infrastructure, with little Republican support in Congress. Maybe congressional Republicans will favor infrastructure spending under a Republican president.

If Trump gets his way, "that will require untold thousands of construction workers and steelworkers to rebuild roads and tunnels and bridges and schools and so on," Sharga says. The construction industry will have to solve the issue of a lack of skilled labor. We've been promoting college, and now we can push to train young people for the building trades.

Many construction workers are in the country without documentation. Sharga says he doesn't foresee a huge number of them leaving the country.

Winner: Mortgage lenders "From a longer-term perspec-

tive, is it good for the mortgage business? Well, sure, we've got someone who had a mortgage company at one point," says Brian Koss, executive vice president of Mortgage Network. "So we know he'll be pro mortgage and pro real estate. Selfishly, that's good for the business."

It takes a direct question - "Is

under a President Trump and a Republican Congress.

The administration will have to face the issue of home affordability, Sharga says. He points out that millennials are forming households and renting a lot of dwellings. That results in a low rental vacancy rate, driving rents higher.

So it's hard to save up for a down

Oh. I see. Environmental regulations are making homes unaffordable.

Umm, OK. Winner: Mortgage tax deduction "Mortgage interest deduction would stay, absolutely," Trump told OnTheIssues.org.

Loser: Richard Cordray Cordray is director of the Con-

Trump's victory favorable for the mortgage business?" - to get this reply out of Koss, who seems reluctant to sound like he's taking sides politically. It's true that Trump founded a company called Trump Mortgage, which lasted about 18 months. He started it in 2006, which was terrible timing,

payment on a house.

The Republican Party's platform identifies home affordability as an issue. It says: "The national homeownership rate has sharply fallen and the rate for minority households and young adults has plummeted. So many remain unemployed or underemployed, and

sumer Financial Protection Bureau. Republicans have complained for years that the bureau is unaccountable because of the way it is structured. To protect the bureau from political pressure, it was set up in a way that makes it difficult to fire the director. The bureau's budget comes from the Federal Reserve, so Congress can't use its appropriations power to punish the bureau.

That setup is likely to change, says Joseph Lynyak III, a partner at the international law firm Dorsey & Whitney.

"As part of the appropriations process, needed reforms to the operation of the CFPB might be adopted, including the creation of a commission structure, placing funding for the CFPB under the control of Congress, and amending the penalty provisions currently authorized for use by the CFPB," Lynyak says.

Sharga adds that changes to the bureau would benefit borrowers because they "will be more

As part of the 2009 economic stimulus bill, about $73 billion was spent on physical infrastructure, with little Republican support in Congress. Maybe congressional Republicans will favor infrastructure spending under a Republican president and he didn't run it.

Unknown: Would-be homeowners Hillary Clinton had called for an expansion of housing vouchers for low-income families, and for grants to help low-income homebuyers make their down payments. That's not gonna happen

for the lucky ones with jobs, rising rents make it harder to save for a mortgage."

The party's solution is for a review of federal regulations, "especially those dealing with the environment, that make it harder and more costly for Americans to rent, buy, or sell homes."

Cont’d on page 39

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Taj hotel moves SC against auctioning NEW DELHI: Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), which runs the Taj Mansingh Hotel in the national capital, has approached Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court order that cleared the decks for auctioning of the iconic property.

The firm has challenged the

filed a petition in the Supreme Court in the matter but it is under defect.

"We have filed it (petition in Supreme Court). It is not registered fully. It is in defect but it has been numbered," Agrawala said.

The high court, in its verdict, had dismissed IHCL's plea saying

October 27 verdict delivered by a division bench of high court which had dismissed IHCL's petition challenging the move by New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to auction the property.

When contacted, advocate Rishi Agrawala, appearing for IHCL in the matter, said they have

the company has "no right" for renewal of the license period and the NDMC was "within its power" to secure maximum consideration for grant of license for the property situated at the prime location of 1, Man Singh Road in Lutyen's Delhi.

"To put it pithily, IHCL has no

right under the license for a renewal thereof and therefore no further issue needs to be considered and decided," the high court had said while dismissing IHCL's appeal in which it had challenged a single judge order dismissing their suit seeking to restrain NDMC from auctioning the property.

IHCL had moved the division bench of high court against the September 5 judgment of a single judge who had not acceded to the firm's request for renewal of license for a further period, saying it was not entitled for the extension.

The property, owned by NDMC, was given to IHCL on a lease of 33 years. The lease had ended in 2011 and the company was given nine temporary extensions since then on various grounds, with three of them granted last year itself.

NDMC had in January this year said it was in the process of assessing the assets of the hotel in preparation for the muchdelayed auction.

IHCL had earlier approached the single judge bench seeking a decree of permanent injunction restraining the NDMC from interfering in any manner with the possession, right to operate, run and maintain the hotel premises.PTI

Credai Realty Expo launched in Kolkata KOLKATA: Credai Bengal, the state chapter of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India (CREDAI) and the apex body for private real estate developers in India, has launched its 9th Edition of the Realty Expo 2016.

Inaugurating the property show, Mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Sovan Chatterjee expressed hope that it would help both the investors and buyers in real estate sector.

The annual property fair offers the best deals to book one's Dream property in commercial and resi-

dential genre, organizers said.

The expo, which brings 40 eminent builders under one roof, would continue till November 13 offering display of products and best service deal to customers.

The organizers also aim to pro-

mote the efforts it took towards the new regulation of price based on built-up area for the benefits of

the buyers along with the implementation of RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency).

Besides working for the development of infrastructure, the builders would focus on affordable housing and provide new facility to transfer plots in Salt Lake, organizers said.

Credai Bengal's objective is to enhance real estate market scenario in areas like Rajarhat and New Town.

It aims to work on the real estates in unused Industrial and Government properties, which could enhance a new dimension in PPP model.

Further, Credai Bengal also aimed to promote development and growth of South East Kolkata and South West Kolkata along with fast track completion of flyovers etc.-PTI

Demonetization will make housing affordable NEW DELHI: I&B minister M parties are making political comVenkaiah Naidu has asked oppo- ments," he said adding that the sition parties to not try scoring criticism lacked substance and "political points" on the Centre's support of the mass opinion. move to demonetize Rs 500, Rs At the interaction Naidu's re1000 notes as it will help in con- action was sought on criticism by taining inflation, making housing opposition parties including Conaffordable but will hit people like gress Vice President Rahul Gandhi unscrupulous arms dealers. that farmers, small shopkeepers "Apart from curbing corruption and housewives "thrown into utand black money, this will bring ter chaos" through the move. down inflation, land prices will also get reduced and home buyers Apart from curbing corrupwill have happy news," tion and black money, this Naidu who is also the will bring down inflation, minister for Urban Development as well Hous- land prices will also get ing and Urban Poverty reduced and home buyers Alleviation said at a press conference here. will have happy news," He also accused the Congress of speaking in many difNaidu responded saying that ferent voices on the issue and said farmers don't have black money criticism for the sake of it would as there is no tax on their income. not yield results as people had fa- He also questioned if the housevored the decision. wives were separate from their Naidu said the "biggest setback husbands. will be for arms dealers and smugThe senior minister said that glers" and also emphasized that issue should not be trivialized as the electoral process will also be- there would be good long term efcome more transparent. fects and there is no reason to "Unfortunately a few political panic at all.-PTI

Chicago sued over homesharing ordinance CHICAGO: Chicago crossed department said Mayor Rahm the line into the privacy of people's Emanuel's administration intends homes by imposing sweeping to ``vigorously defend'' the ordiregulations governing Airbnb and nance. The ordinance was negotiother home-sharing services, a ated by Emanuel aides and aplawsuit from a group of current proved by the City Council. and Airbnb hosts argues.

Keep Chicago Livable ultiKeep Chicago Livable says the ordinance set to take effect in De- ``The law requires Airbnb to cember tramples constishare with the government tutional rights to freely and anonymously com- all information about its municate on the users in Chicago without a internet, use one's own property, be guaranteed warrant, consent, or proof due process, and be of any crime,'' protected against illegal search and seizure. ``The law requires Airbnb to mately seeks to overturn the ordishare with the government all in- nance. While awaiting the ruling, formation about its users in Chi- the lawsuit seeks an injunction cago without a warrant, consent, preventing the city from impleor proof of any crime,'' said Shorge menting the ordinance Dec. 17.

Kenneth Sato, an attorney for the Sato said the case has to do group. ``Information about who with the sanctity of the home and they have as guests, where they said the government's ability to live, how much they paid, how regulate should stop at the front long they stayed.'' door. ``All that information is private. ``Chicagoans should not have Government has no business to ask the government for permisknowing that,'' he said. sion to have sleepovers in their A spokesman for the city's law own homes,'' said Sato.-AP

Real Estate Post

November 18, 2016

India Post 39

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Lodhas working on Trump Tower in Mumbai MUMBAI: As his real estate partner Donald Trump won US presidential election, the Lodha Group which is building the posh Trump Tower in the heart of central Mumbai, is confident of working together with the presidentelect.

Congratulating Trump on his surprise victory in the just concluded US national hustings, Abhishek Lodha, managing director of Lodha Group, said "the Trump Organization is our valued partner and we look forward to continue working together to create the Trump Tower Mumbai as planned."

He also congratulated him.

"Heartiest congratulations to Trump from Lodha Group! Trump has been successful in everything that he was worked on and we wish him all success as he takes over the most important role in the world."

Announced early August 2014, the 75-story, 800-feet Trump Tower, sprawling on a 17.5-acre plot, is coming up at The Park in Worli, which features a gleaming golden edifice and curtain-wall golden facade.

"It has been my desire for many years to be involved in a great project in Mumbai, and it is my honor to bring the Trump lifestyles to the citizens of this truly global metropolis with the launch of Trump Tower Mumbai.

We are thrilled to be working with the Lodha Group, a truly fantastic team of professionals," Trump, chairman and president of The Trump Organization had said on August 12, 2014.

That time the now-presidentelect had told PTI that the realty prices in Mumbai are abysmally

Artist’s impression of Trump Tower

low yet he was very bullish on the country and was keen to pump in more money into the luxury residential and hospitality spaces.

"The Mumbai luxury realty market is the cheapest in the world". For ages Mumbai has been the hottest reality market in the country as well as one the costliest across the world.

"I will invest a substantial amount in the Trump Tower Mumbai, in my individual capacity," Trump had told PTI without quantifying the amount to be invested.

He already has a partnership in Pune and had said his "next destination could be Delhi for a high-end luxury residential property."-PTI

Who will be the housing winners and losers under Trump?

Cont’d from 37in a less restriclikely to getpage a loan

tive environment."

That viewpoint is echoed by Rick Roque, president of Menlo, a consultancy for builders and mortgage companies. "Trump has a thorough understanding of how Dodd-Frank and the CFPB undermines the growth in real estate and mortgage," says Roque, who interviewed Trump for The NicheReport six years ago.

Unknown: Fannie and Freddie Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the government-sponsored enterprises that bind together the housing finance system. They were placed under government conservatorship during the financial crisis. They remain under the supervision of a federal regulator.

I'm fine with the continued centrality of Fannie and Freddie. But Whatever is done must be many observers want to shrink their importance done carefully and thoughtor even eliminate the en- fully, because 96 percent of terprises. They argue that Fannie and Freddie the market is guaranteed by take unnecessary risks the government" because they are backstopped by taxpayers. So taxpayers are on the hook story. In Bankrate's weekly survey, when Fannie and Freddie lose the 30-year mortgage rose 4 basis money, as they did during the fi- points, to 3.73 percent from the nancial crisis. The Republican plat- previous week's 3.69 percent. form says the "utility of both agen- Rates have risen more than that, cies should be reconsidered." though.

Sharga says, "The concern evBankrate's research department erybody in the industry must have conducts its survey on Wednesis this: Whatever is done must be days. A lot of the data is gathered done carefully and thoughtfully, in the morning. Bond yields were because 96 percent of the market up in the morning, and they kept is guaranteed by the govern- rising all day, and they've continment." ued to rise through Thursday That 96 percent figure includes morning. If we had conducted the not only Fannie and Freddie, but survey a day later - on Thursday also Ginnie Mae. Ginnie buys instead of Wednesday - we probloans insured by the Federal ably would have ended up with Housing Administration and mort- an average mortgage rate around gages guaranteed by the Depart- 3.9 percent instead of 3.73 percent.

A big difference.

According to the Wall Street Journal, investors expect government spending (and borrowing) to go up with the Republicans in charge of the White House and the customer", he told reporters.

Restello, built by Bengal Congress. More borrowing means Shrachi Housing Development, is higher bond yields.

"In the short term, rates are rethe first all-steel building in India.

Ravi Todi, MD of Shrachi Group acting the same way the stock said that the building had required market is reacting," says Nancy an investment of Rs 40 crore for Dennis, vice president for Ameri12 flats, comprising six 3BHK du- can Financing Corp., in Aurora, plex and another six 4BHK duplex Colorado. "Everyone is uncertain flats. about how this election will affect Todi said that the demand for all markets. But it is believed that swanky housing is on the rise this is short-term and will eventuacross India and Kolkata is no ex- ally correct itself." ception.

I agree that rates will fall in the The architecture of the build- short term. I'm the lonely voter in ing has been designed by Piercy this week's Rate Trend Index who Conner Architects of UK.-PTI believes so. In the medium to long

Bengal to use steel in affordable housing KOLKATA: The West Bengal government is keen to use steel in future affordable housing projects and is open to talk to steel companies about it.

"The state government is keen to use steel in building affordable housing projects. We are ready to hold a workshop with the steel companies to look for an opportunity", Urban Development Secretary and CMD of HIDCO, Debasish Sen said here.

"The state has to make housing for the poor through affordable projects. Steel is a useful material since construction time is

much lower as compared to brick and mortar", Sen said at the launch of India's first all-steel residential housing block `Restello' at New

pleted faster, then costs would be lower due to less use of labor and savings on interest costs.

"Now with the steel prices be-

He said that if a building is completed faster, then costs would be lower due to less use of labor and savings on interest costs.

"Now with the steel prices being low, this is possible if the companies are willing to pass it on to the customer", he told reporters Town near the metropolis.

He said that if a building is com-

ing low, this is possible if the companies are willing to pass it on to

ment of Veterans Affairs. The Republican platform questions the wisdom of giving FHA loans to high-income borrowers. Will there be income limits for FHA-insured loans? Too soon to know.

Roque says he expects no impact or change to Fannie and Freddie, but he believes there will be an aggressive expansion of mortgages that fall outside of the scope of an ability-to-repay regulation called the qualified mortgage rule. That means more interestonly loans, stated-income loans, 40-year mortgages and maybe even payment option ARMs, which are adjustable-rate mortgages that let the borrower pick the monthly payment.

What's up with mortgage rates Mortgage rates went up this week, but that's only part of the

November 18, 2016

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40 India Post

KRISHAN SHARMA India Post News Service

I

ndians have been travelling for the last two centuries at different intervals for many reasons. It started with exploitation for labor by the British and later travel to the West for higher education.

Now, a new breed of Indians are major travelers to any given destination. They are trying out new experiences like cruising, biking, skuba diving and so on. Every other family I meet they are travelling like never before. Some are going for an Alaska cruise and others are heading for a European adventure.

Recently I came across a couple from Delhi, both retired and around 60 years of age, on their return from South America backpacking trip.

Sanjeev Nagpal, a retired executive and his wife Dr Anita Nagpal a medico, exuded high excitement remembering their trip to Rio Olympics and several countries in South America.

After a gap of 40 years, said Nagpal, "We have resumed backpacking after our retirement from the corporate world. We enjoyed the adventure, meeting new people and networking with young people from all over the world. Travelling and experiencing various cultures in itself gave us tremendous appreciation for mankind."

With Peruvian lady in traditional dress in Cusco

Cont’d on page 42

With Leander Paes, RIO Olympics

Machapichu, Peru

November 18, 2016

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post 41

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Special colors of autumn at Valley State Park FAIRMONT, W.Va.: The colors of fall are always so prominent in the state of West Virginia, but some places just take your breath away. Valley Falls State Park, located in Fairmont, is a large tourist attraction for those wanting to see the special colors autumn has to offer.

In 1964, the state acquired the falls and surrounding land, creating what is the state park today. Brett Harshbarger, Valley Falls State Park superintendent, said peak visitor season happens to be a close tie between the beginning of spring and the middle of fall. The leaves begin changing colors in late September and early October with peak colors during mid-October. ``We have all kinds of trees here. A lot of oaks, red and white, along with different kinds of maples. There are a good bit of sycamores along the water,'' Harshbarger said.

Different trees produce different-colored leaves in the fall, so at Valley Falls you can find a variety of red, orange, and yellow leaves falling from different maple and oak trees throughout the park. Sycamores and hickory produce yellow and brown leaves.

The 1,145-acre park opens 7 a.m. every day and offers 18 miles of hiking trails as well as marked bicycle trails. This means that the colors of fall can be seen in more ways than just on foot, offering the opportunity to bike and even kayak through the waters to experience the changing scenery from various areas. ``The colors are absolutely beautiful.

Driving into the park, the road is lined with trees, so you experience the immerse of colors along the way,'' said Sarah Boggess, a Morgantown-based photographer.

Boggess said she continuously returns to Valley Falls for not only family photo shoots but also to take pictures of the scenery. She said even on the drive to and into the falls she will stop to take pictures because the colors are just breathtaking.

``Once you get into the falls area there are so many possibilities for different backdrops. I can spend two hours with a family and not even realize that it's been two hours,'' she said.

Although there are trees that lose their color in the fall, the park still has a large amount of pines and other evergreens that continue to hold their color through the colder months. This makes for an interesting backdrop for the bursting autumn colors.

She described that going into the state park during the fall is almost as if entering into a completely different world. She said

it could be compared to walking straight into a postcard. ``When things are growing and things

said Valley Falls is never overly crowded.

She said she really enjoys being able to get away at the falls, and autumn is her favorite

are dying, people are coming around to visit.

Fall is one of the biggest times for photography,'' Harshbarger said.

The leaves falling from the trees are more than just beauty, they signify the changing of the seasons. Autumn is marked by the sun moving south, causing the hours of daylight to decrease and the falling of temperatures. With this, the production of chlorophyll begins to slow and eventually halt causing the leaves to change from green to oranges, yellows, and reds.

The falls are a popular place in the park for people to do photo shoots for weddings, engagements, and even senior pictures.

Joey Herron, a local photographer, said photographing the falls during autumn can produce beautiful pictures. ``The combination of the falls with the water, especially with the leaves changing colors, it really makes for some dramatic pictures,'' he said.

With the leaves falling on the water and the reflections they create, Herron said it is a nice area to visit in addition to photograph. He mentioned that one of the nice things about going to Valley Falls is that it is ``kind of tucked away from everything else.'' ``It's extremely quiet. That's another reason I enjoy Valley Falls. It's a nice place to get away from everyday life,'' Boggess said.

The falls offer an escape not just from the scenes of being in town but also from the fast pace that seems to just swallow time. Boggess said being at the park can make time go fast, but she enjoys her time spent there. ``There is a playground across the tracks from the falls, so I can bring my two boys if I have to while I have a photo shoot and I am able to keep an eye on them,'' she said.

Unlike some other state parks and national forests in the surrounding areas, she

time to be there. ``When you hit the colors just right, almost anywhere in West Virginia, the colors

are just spectacular, but the falls are a beautiful place,'' Herron said.

He mentioned that on a good day the possibility of taking 1,000 good pictures could come from anywhere in North Central West Virginia.

The falls are a part of the Tygart Valley River, which runs through the state park.

There are still some ruins left from the gristmill and sawmill that were placed where the river runs off and circles a little island. ``There used to be a community on the falls back in the days before it was park. It was flooded out a couple of times and now there are old foundations that people like to come see,'' Harshbarger said.

The ruins and the falls are large attractions throughout the year, but visitors seem to really enjoy them even more during the fall, he said. Harshbarger mentioned that he believes Valley Falls State Park is one of the most beautiful places in the entire state. ``Visitors come from all over to enjoy the park's scenic beauty, hiking trails, kayaking, mountain biking, picnicking, and family gatherings. We, of course, are a very popular spot for weddings and hold about 60 weddings a year,'' he said.-AP

Balloon fiesta records 840,000 visits ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.: This year's Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta marked nearly 840,000 visits and attracted 550 registered balloon teams from more than a dozen countries around the world.

Fiesta officials, recapping the 45th annual event, said the balloons that lifted off including more than 100 special-shaped balloons - represented 19 countries and 43 states.

As for the number of visits, this year's total of 839,309 was down from 2015's estimated 955,700. Officials say that's still more than the five-year average of 817,899.

The nine-day fiesta started Oct. 1. Balloons launched successfully most mornings, except for Oct. 3 when winds were too strong. Evening events were canceled just twice due to the weather. Next year's fiesta has been scheduled for Oct. 7-15. -AP

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Raise a toast to San Francisco's military past SAN FRANCISCO: Looking for a taste of this city's rich military history? You'll find it, along with some rather good wine, at one of several wineries set up in former military installations.

The Armed Forces may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you picture San Francisco, but before it was a tech capital, before it was a hippie heaven, this was a military town surrounded by several bases set in the region.

Downsizing and consolidation led to a wave of base closures in the 1990s, which, after some tidying up, created a number of interesting spaces that have been turned into parks, sound stages, offices and other commercial applications, and, in what may be the tastiest development, settings for urban tasting rooms.

Here are a few places that have made the transition from battleready to bottle-ready.

FAT GRAPE Housed in an old Navy brig, this winery is one of several set on Treasure Island, an artificial island in the San Francisco Bay built for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition World's Fair.

Taken over by the Navy in 1941, the island hosted strategic com-

mand and communications center headquarters and remained a military installation until 1997. It was sold to the city of San Francisco in 2007 and is now home to about 2,000 people.

Fat Grape, which makes only red wines and does not add sulfites, a preservative, offers free tastings and is open Thursday-

TripAdvisor can book travel to Cuba NEEDHAM, Mass.: Travel website TripAdvisor has received permission from federal authorities to sell travel-related services to people visiting Cuba.

The Needham, Massachusetts-based firm is among just a few companies to receive licenses from the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of For-

eign Assets Control to provide such services.

Democratic President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced on Dec. 17, 2014, they were restoring diplomatic ties, which were broken in 1961 after Fidel Castro took power in Cuba and installed a communist government. The easing of diplomatic relations led to easier travel between the nations, just 90 miles apart.

Under federal rules TripAdvisor can book only travel-related services to Cuba for a dozen reasons including cultural, educational, business and family visits. Vacations aren't among them.-AP

Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (It's a small operation, so you may want to call ahead to check that it's open before you go: 415-613-8925.) Also on the island: Treasure Island Wines, a collective, and The Winery SF. Go here for more details on island wineries, http:// sftreasureisland.org/Island-wineries You can get to Treasure Island by car via the Bay Bridge, or take the MUNI 25-Treasure Island bus from San Francisco.

RIGGERS LOFT WINERY COMPANY This is one of the newest urban wineries and is set in the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Park in Richmond on the east side of the bay. The building was an actual boat-riggers loft in the former Kaiser Shipyard where real Rosies put together Liberty ships and Victory ships during World War II. In fact, the SS Red Oak Victory, last surviving World War II-era vessel of those built at the Kaiser Shipyard, is moored nearby. Riggers Loft has a collective tasting room that is home to R&B Cellars, Carica Wines, Irish Monkey Cellars and Far West Cider Company.

Set on the waterfront, this is a great place to visit around sunset.

Hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon-9 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

Food available and live music most Fridays and Saturdays.

Joy of Backpacking

Back Packing Youth Hostel Argentina Cont’d from page 42

Their trip consisted of mostly travelling by local buses through Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile and Bolivia.

Besides having a son and a daughter, they have adopted two girls. One of these girls represented India in the Special Olympics in Idaho, US in 2011. They are

also running an NGO for slum children in Gurgaon.

They have already visited 60 countries and wish to do 40 to 50 more within the next 10 years. All backpacking. They want to encourage specially the middle age group of people to experience backpacking and remove the myth that it is only meant for young people.

Lake Puno In Peru (raft boating hertitage site)

Backpacking South America trip

VINO GODFATHER About 25 miles northeast of San Francisco, in Vallejo, is the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard, which has a military history going back to 1852. During World War II it became a submarine port and later built and repaired nuclear subs. It was closed in 1996. You can get there by car or, more scenically, by ferry from the San Francisco Ferry Building. The Vino Godfather Tasting Room, housed in a former officer's mansion on the base opened about a year ago. The tasting room is open noon-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and weekends and noon-8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. Live music Saturday afternoons. -AP

Lake Puno Peru (village on Reeds)

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After 5 years, Cruise ship returns to Mobile MOBILE, Ala.: When Doris Robinson, her daughter and niece boarded the Carnival Fantasy, they grabbed a bottle of champagne and started walking toward the ship's bow.

There, they raised a toast to Robinson's late sister, Shirley Porter. It was a poignant moment for the three women, made possible only because cruising returned to Mobile. ``It's a special and emotional trip,'' said Robinson, who sailed on the five-night vacation with her adult daughter, Lia Robinson and niece, Denise Logan. The trip is in honor of Porter, who died five years ago from cancer and who had once been Robinson's faithful traveling companion.

Not lost on Robinson is the underlining meaning of the trip for Alabama's largest coastal city. For the first time in more than five years, a cruise ship departed the Alabama Cruise Terminal for a vacation excursion. ``It's like winning the World Series,'' said Robinson, who is traveling to Mobile from her home in Huntsville. ``Being on the first trip out the second time around is exciting.''

The 2,056-passenger ship is fully booked. The newly renovated Fantasy, which sailed to Mobile from Miami, is part of Carnival Cruise Lines' Fun Ship 2.0 fleet featuring top chefs, glittering pools, casino gambling and spas.

And while initial cruisers may look forward to their stops in

Cozumel and Progreso, it's the symbolism of the trip that has stirred the most emotion in a city that tags itself ``Born to Celebrate.'' ``It's about the excitement of

ago, wasn't expected. Analysts and some city officials doubted that they'd ever see Carnival return for regular sailings out of the Alabama Cruise Terminal after the Carnival Elation's final trip in 2011.

terminal's outstanding bond, but with little revenue to pay for it other than tax dollars. The bond won't be paid off until 2030.

In the meantime, however, Mobile found itself tossing lifelines

Carnival coming back to Mobile,'' said Angela Williams, who oversees a Carnival cruisers Facebook page. ``I do think this is a major step forward for Mobile to have Carnival coming back.''

Said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson: ``It is truly a great moment for all of south Alabama to see the Carnival Fantasy enter the Mobile River.''

It's a return that, just a few years

While full details about why Carnival left Mobile have always been somewhat murky, analysts pointed to the company's inability to raise prices for its Mobile cruises, hindering its cash flow from the region.

The city was left with an empty cruise terminal, and big bills still due for its construction in 2004.

The city has been making $1.86 million annual payments on the

to Miami-based Carnival during the company's times of need. Notably, in February 2013, the cruise terminal welcomed the disabled Carnival Triumph, which had been left floating in the Gulf of Mexico following an engine fire with 4,229 passengers on board amid filthy “It's like winning the World conditions. Frazzled yet Series,” said Robinson, who is joyous passengers arrived to the song traveling to Mobile from her ``Sweet Home Alabama'' home in Huntsville. “Being on blaring on the terminal's the first trip out the second sound speakers as the time around is exciting.” nation looked on.

Five months later, the Carnival Conquest was di- sible to our shareholders'' is ``front verted into Mobile after its trip to and center'' in decisions where to New Orleans was canceled by a place ships. tugboat sinking in the Mississippi In Mobile's case, she acknowlRiver. edged that the city's embrace of the Despite Mobile's kindnesses, company, along with additional atthere was never an indication on tractions in downtown geared towhether Carnival - the world's larg- ward vacationers, played a role. -AP

Alaska tourism up but drop in state support KENAI, Alaska: The number of tourists visiting Alaska continued climbing in 2016, according to preliminary numbers. But industry leaders say a drop in state support for marketing could hurt visitor businesses.

More than 1 million cruise ship

neau-based research firm.

On Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, a popular destination for both residents and out-of-state visitors, Kenai Fjords National Park saw 14 percent more visitors, said Shannon Davis, executive director of the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Mar-

On Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, a popular destination for both residents and out-of-state visitors, Kenai Fjords National Park saw 14 percent more visitors, said Shannon Davis, executive director of the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council passengers visited Alaska for the first time since 2009, according to the Alaska chapter of the Cruise Lines International Association, the Peninsula Clarion reported (http://bit.ly/2e6wzav).

Border crossings from Canada increased 13 percent. Outbound air traffic passengers between May and August rose 6 percent, according to the McDowell Group, a Ju-

keting Council. Sales tax figures on the peninsula could break records, she said. ``It's always fun to report good news,'' she told the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly last week.

The optimism was tempered by the effect of the state's ongoing financial woes, which are tied to the oil industry.

As part of larger budget cuts,

Gov. Bill Walker reduced the state support for tourism marketing from a budgeted $4.5 million to about $1.5 million. That's a fraction of the $9.6 million appropriated in fiscal year 2016 and about $17.9 million in fiscal year 2015. ``Industry leaders have decided that this number is just completely unacceptable for the tourism industry to be able to remain competitive with our competitors,'' Davis said. ``They are looking at different ways that they can turn things around for the industry.''

Alaska lawmakers indicated the industry must find ways to sustain itself and rely less on state dollars.

The Alaska Travel Industry Association is exploring marketing options. One suggestion is a Tourism Improvement District in which tourism-related businesses would be assessed a fee dedicated to statewide marketing, said Sarah Leonard, president of the Alaska Travel Industry Association.-AP

est cruise company - might someday come back. ``I never lost hope,'' said Shelia Gurganus, the terminal's general manager, who booked weddings and group events inside the building in an effort to generate revenue. ``I felt like it would happen and that we needed to be patient.''

In 2013, Stimpson - who was running for mayor against incumbent Sam Jones - held a news conference near the terminal to offer his thoughts on regaining a cruise ship. Once elected, he declared, it would be among his top priorities, although industry insiders said that cruise lines didn't base their home-porting decisions on local politics -such as who is seated in the mayor's chair.

Two years later, in 2015, Stimpson and a contingent from Mobile returned from Miami following a meeting with Carnival officials with good news: A cruise ship was returning to Mobile starting Nov. 9, under a 13-month agreement that included 84 sailings.

Carnival is expected to annually carry 170,000 passengers out of the Port of Mobile.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Lines, told AL.com last week that the company's ability to ``deliver results we're respon-

United Airlines to continue serving Dickinson DICKINSON, N.D.: United Airlines will continue to serve the Dickinson airport in the western North Dakota oil patch for another two years.

United announced earlier this year that it planned to discontinue twice-daily nonstop service between Dickinson and Denver, effective Sept. 27.

The federal Transportation Department in July ordered

United not to stop service until a new contract could be awarded under the Essential Air Service program, which subsidizes flights to rural cities.

The state's congressional delegation says the department has selected United for a $4.1 million contract to provide subsidized service through September 2018. -AP

Tech News Trump will take $1 salary with no vacations WASHINGTON: US Presidentelect Donald Trump has said he would take USD 1 as his salary a year and not the USD 400,000 that comes with the US president's job and will refrain from going on any vacation.

Asked whether he was going to take the president's salary, 70year-old Trump said, "No, I'm not gonna take the salary.

I'm not taking it," confirming a

promise he made in a campaign video in September.

"I think I have to by law take USD 1, so I'll take USD 1 a year.

But I don't even know what it is," Trump told CBS's "60 Minute" in an interview. Trump said he did not know what the salary of a US President is and also said he would not take any vacation.

"We have so much work.

There's so much work to be done.

And I want to get it done for the people," he said.

"I want to get it done. We're lowering taxes, we're taking care of health care. I mean, there's just so much to be done. So I don't think we'll be very big on vacations, no," Trump said, ruling out a vacation for himself.-PTI

GM laying off over 2,000 at 2 car plants DETROIT: Shifting demand from cars to trucks and SUVS is forcing General Motors to lay off more than 2,000 workers indefinitely at two assembly plants in Ohio and Michigan starting in January.

The company said it will suspend the third shifts at factories in Lordstown, Ohio, and in Lansing, Michigan, because of the market change, which is growing and shows no sign of abating.

About 1,250 workers will be furloughed at the Lordstown plant, which makes the Chevrolet Cruze compact car, starting Jan. 23. Another 840 will be idled at the Lansing Grand River factory, which makes the Chevrolet Camaro muscle car and the Cadillac ATS and CTS luxury cars, when their shifts end Jan. 16.-AP

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November 18, 2016

Itron closing Kentucky 400worker factory OWENTON, Ky.: Itron Inc. plans to close its Owenton plant within the next two years, leaving more than 400 employees out of work.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that Owen County officials had little warning about the decision to shutter the plant and move production to South Carolina.

Judge-Executive Casey Ellis said the news ``caught us by surprise to say the very least.'' Ellis said despite entreaties to Itron, there doesn't appear to be anything the county or state can ``say, do or offer'' to keep the company in Owenton.-AP

Chinese ships set sail as Gwadar port becomes operational GWADAR: The revamped Gwadar port, a strategic deep seaport in the USD 46 billion ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor, has become operational in Pakistan's restive Balochistan after two cargo ships laden with containers set off for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE and EU. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the start of operational activities in this coastal town of Balochistan province, which saw an ISIS suicide bombing claim as many as 52 lives.

Army chief General Raheel Sharif and a host of other dignitaries were present at the opening ceremony, with the Premier calling it a dream project come true.

"The operationalisation and opening of trade activities of the Gwadar port marks the first launch of a key component of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)," Sharif said.

He said the port will not only serve as a major trading point for China, South Asia and Central Asia and offer opportunities to investors in these regions but also integrate them.

"Today ushers in a new era of economic progress and peace in

Pakistan and in the region," he said.

The USD 46 billion CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), sparking concerns from India.

In his address, Sharif called the development as a "watershed" mo-

tive, of which the CPEC is a key port.

"We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the CPEC and all the projects under its umbrella are materialized within the given time," he said.

He made it clear that the CPEC

ment in the history of Pakistan and the entire region. He called it a symbol of Pakistan's commitment to China's One Belt-One Road initia-

was meant to bring prosperity and peace to Pakistan and no region or province would be left out.

Sharif also commented on the

One Belt-One Road initiative by China and said that it integrates with Pakistan's Vision 2025 which seeks to transform the country into a hub of trade and commerce.

Two convoys carrying cargo of rice, machinery, cotton reached Gwadar from China via the land route being established under the CPEC. The trade convoys departed from Kashgar, China, on October 29, entered Pakistan on October 30 and reached Gwadar on November 12.

Two ships Al Hussain Zanzibar and Cosco Wellington have been berthed at Gwadar.

They set off for ports in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE and the EU, according to the Frontier Works Organization which is playing a key role in development of roads and land routes from China to Pakistan.

"This is the first time that a trade convoy successfully passed through the western part of Pakistan from the north to the south.

It proves the connectivity of the local roads and the realization of the concept of one corridor with multiple passages," Chinese ambassador Sun Weidong said at the inauguration ceremony. -PTI

Japan firms seek easing of curbs on funding TOKYO: Amid India's efforts to woo investors, Japanese industry has sought early passage of the amended Land Acquisition Bill and further relaxation of "restrictions" on foreign financing in certain sectors to ensure "free and smooth" corporate business activity by its companies in India.

The recommendations have been made in a joint report of 'India-Japan Business Leaders Forum' 2016 which was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe here.

The Japanese Inc has also suggested reforms in the tender-

ing processes in the infrastructure sector in India by introducing and expanding use of a comprehensive evaluation system, allowing

ness environment, and infrastructure development, and on issues of a global scale.

"In so doing, they will cooper-

The Japanese Inc has also suggested reforms in the tendering processes in the infrastructure sector in India by introducing and expanding use of a comprehensive evaluation system, allowing one company bids one company bids and some other measures.

"The business communities of India and Japan will continue to cooperate in strategic areas such as the promotion of economic partnerships, improvement of the busi-

ate with the governments of both nations from a business standpoint to ensure that the Indian and Japanese economies will grow together and continue to act as growth engines in the global economy," the report said.

In its recommendations, the report said, "In India, free and smooth corporate business activity, including by Japanese companies, requires the development of systems for the prompt and smooth introduction of a GST and the steady implementation of the Agreement between Japan and the Republic of India on Social Security.

"In addition, the following are also essential: the early passage of a bill for amendment of land acquisition laws; the organization, streamlining and international conformity of permanent establishment (PE) taxation, Cont’d on page 46

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Ethanol can reduce fuel imports: PM PUNE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the use of ethanol can reduce India's fuel imports and cited Brazil's example in successfully replacing gasoline to a large

rating the 'Sugarcane Value ChainVision 2025 Sugar' International Conference and Exhibition.

"Ethanol production and sale has tripled in the last two years,"

extent.

"India's biggest import is petrol, diesel and oil. We can reduce this through use of ethanol.

Brazil has made good use of ethanol," Modi said here.

He was speaking after inaugu-

Modi said, adding that "ethanol can be a balancing power in the economy."

Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from corn and other plant materials.

"India has over the years

lagged the world in agricultural research and technology. We can bring good results through micro irrigation in sugarcane," Modi said, adding that farmers in states like Maharashtra have turned to micro irrigation.

The Prime Minister also spoke of genetic intervention to boost sugar content in sugarcane crop.

"There is a guarantee of assured market if we encourage pulses cultivation," Modi said.

He added: "There is a global market for bamboo farming. It needs less water and there is possibility of more production."

He highlighted genetic research that can help bring in bamboo quality that is globally competitive.

At a time when land holding is declining, farmers will benefit when the per hectare yield improves, Modi said.

"We have a lot to do in the field of innovation," he said, pointing to a lot of innovation in the agri sector.

Modi also spoke of start-ups in the agri sector which, he said, will bring in value addition. -PTI

Air passengers assn oppose levy NEW DELHI: Apprehending a "spiraling" effect on airfares in view of the government's decision to charge a levy up to Rs 8,500 per flight on major routes to fund the ambitious regional air connectivity, Air Passenger Association of India (APAI) has termed the move as "regressive and unwarranted".

The Regional Connectivity Plan (RCP) packaged as a scheme "to make flying a reality for the small town common man" is more a welfare and inclusive measure,

With the levy, that would be collected from the airlines for each domestic departure to major routes, the government estimates to have Rs 400 crore for Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF), Choubey said.

"Another 20 per cent (funding) will come from state governments.

We are roughly looking at around Rs 500 crore per year available in the kitty," he had said.

"The reported statement of the Civil Aviation secretary that the

A "first of its kind" in the world, UDAN will be based on market mechanism as well as bidding for a minimum of 50 per cent seats in the participating airline's flight and the rest would be market-based pricing which, based on its objective, should be spearheaded by the Central and state governments, APAI said.

Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey had announced government's decision to levy up to Rs 8,500 per flight on major routes to fund the regional air connectivity scheme from December 1.

government would collect Rs 400 crore from air carriers annually by charging additional levy on scheduled flights between major cities starting from December 1, 2016, to fund RCF is most unfortunate since APAI had vehemently opposed the imposition of regressive levy at all times," APAI President D Sudhakara Reddy said.

It is incumbent on the Centre

and state governments to find resources for implementing the policy rather than further burdening the air passengers, he said adding, "It is unfair, inequitable and against natural justice."

The proceeds from the levy would be used to build RCF in order to provide viability gap funding for the flights operated under the scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka AamNagrik).

A "first of its kind" in the world, UDAN will be based on market mechanism as well as bidding for a minimum of 50 per cent seats in the participating airline's flight and the rest would be market-based pricing. Helicopter services too can be part of the scheme.

Under the scheme, mainly aimed at connecting unserved and under-served airports, airfares would be capped at Rs 2,500 for half of the seats in flights travelling a distance of 476 -500 kilometer. This translates to around a one-hour journey.

The limit of RCS airfare would vary from Rs 1,420 to Rs 3,500 for fixed-wing aircraft. For helicopters, half-an-hour ride under the scheme would cost Rs 2,500 and for over one- hour duration, the cap would be Rs 5,000. -PTI

Aditya Aluminium helping women empowerment BHUBANESWAR: Aditya Aluminium Company is promoting at least 49 self help groups (SHG) in a host of income generating activities in Odisha's Sambalpur district.

The Aitya Birla group company is taking innovative CSR initiatives to enhance the leadership qualities and intervention capacities of women and integrate community development in its plant areas, company officials said.

of Aditya Aluminium.

Today, nearly fifty per cent of these 49 SHGs have the opportunity to earn a livelihood. Most of them have got bank linkages and government benefits, he said.

The pisciculture project by Nikhil SHG at Bhuliadihi village has made profit of Rs 1,26,000 per annum. Members Laxmi Naik and Susama Meher said they have invested their share of profits in giving better education to their chil-

These center round promoting SHGs and helping rural women start ventures like pisciculture, poultry farming, horticulture, phenyl production and tailoring.

"We are working for furthering empowerment of women in villages at our plant periphery by facilitating the formation of 49 women SHGs. In last the three years we have encouraged women to explore income generating activities," says Bibhu Mishra, the COO

dren.

Likewise phenyl production by Maa Laxmi SHG of Pondaloi is fetching their members Rs 6,000 per month. This SHG has worked to improve employment opportunities and an increase in their participation in economic activities.

Besides, Aditya Aluminium is also supporting rural SHGs in creating area-specific and needbased livelihood programs. -PTI

46

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November 18, 2016

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EU welcomes India's crackdown Japan firms seek easing of curbs on funding on black money NEW DELHI: Welcoming India's decision to withdraw highvalue banknotes as part of its fight to root out black money, the European Union has said ridding the financial system of "black component" and bringing transparency will strengthen Indian economy and spur growth.

Calling India one of the most attractive investment destinations globally, Vice-President of European Commission Jyrki Katainen also complimented the government for its resolve to roll out the Goods and Services Tax (GST) soon, besides many other reform measures.

On a visit here to push for re-

"very ambitious" and "very necessary" move to reform the tax structure in India that will further boost confidence of investors in India.

The top EU official said investors from European countries are bringing "white clean money" to India and there was a need to resume the talks on BTIA, popularly known as free trade agreement.

EU is one of India's leading trade partner and the two-way commerce in goods between India and the EU was USD 98.5 billion in 2014-15.

Katainen said flow of European investments into India is set to

As per European Union law, no member country now can go for bilateral trade and investment pact with India as the grouping is in negotiations for a EU-India Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) sumption of stalled negotiations on EU-India Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA), he said fight against tax dodgers and those having ill-gotten wealth will pay dividends and strengthen the financial system.

"All the measures which will reduce black economy are always good for people and the financial system," he told PTI on government's decision to withdraw Rs 500 and 1,000 notes.

Referring to GST, he said it is a

increase manifold if both sides were able to finalize the BTIA as it will protect the investments.

"EU investors are bringing white clean money into India and that is why the trade deal is very important as it will protect their investments," he said.

Katainen said India's existing trade and investment agreement with The Netherlands will come to an end in two weeks while similar pacts with several other EU countries will expire in coming months

which will make it difficult for the European corporates to go for fresh investment in India.

He said without such pacts, the cost of capital for India will go up significantly.

As per European Union law, no member country now can go for bilateral trade and investment pact with India as the grouping is in negotiations for a EU-India Broadbased Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA). By end of 2017, India's trade and investment pact with 23 countries is likely to expire.

Exuding confidence that both sides will be able to finalize the BTIA, he said India was a very attractive destination for European Union and that this year can be seen as a year of "restart and deepening" of bilateral ties.

The BTIA talks have been stalled since May, 2013, when both sides failed to bridge substantial gaps on crucial issues, including data security status for IT sector.

Launched in June 2007, negotiations for the proposed agreement have witnessed many hurdles as both the sides have major differences on crucial issues.

In the EU-India Summit in Brussels, the two sides had failed to make any announcement on resumption of the negotiations as many bottlenecks still remain.

The two sides are yet to iron out issues related to tariff and movement of professionals but the EU has shown an inclination to restart talks.-PTI

China auto sales rise 20.3 percent BEIJING: China's auto sales rose 20.3 percent in October from a year earlier, propelled by surging demand for sport utility vehicles, an industry group reported.

Dealers sold 2.3 million cars, minivans and SUVs in the world's biggest auto market, according to

climbed 18.6 percent to 2.6 million units.

Sales growth plunged last year, slamming global brands that look to China to drive revenue. They rebounded after Beijing suspended a sales tax, though growth is expected to drop back to single

the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Total vehicle sales including trucks and buses

digits after the tax cut expires at the end of the year.

Strong demand in lower-priced

market segments has helped Chinese automakers recover market share from bigger, richer global rivals.

October's SUV sales rose 43.3 percent over a year earlier to 896,000 units. Sales of Chinesebrand SUVs increased 60.4 percent to 557,000, expanding the Chinese share of that market by 6.6 percentage points to 62.2 percent.

Sales of sedans rose 10.1 percent to 1.2 million, while those of Chinese-branded sedans expanded 8.3 percent to 243,000.

Total auto sales for the first 10 months of the year rose 15.4 percent over the same time last year to 19.1 million.

General Motors Co. said sales of GM-brand cars by the company and its Chinese manufacturing partners rose 5.7 percent in October to 345,733. This year's sales to date rose to just over 3 million units. -AP

Cont’d from page 44

(PPPs) projects including provision of government guarantees; allowing of one company bids when deemed necessary; and implementation of tenders in a whole and thorough way per each project."

Welcoming the civil nuclear cooperation agreement, the joint business forum said stronger en-

transfer pricing taxation, standards and certification systems, and intellectual property systems; further relaxation of restrictions on foreign investment and financing in the distribution sector and other sectors; and appropriate levels of service taxes in industrial complexes, etc."

The report added The Act would provide for that the business leadcommon rules concerning ers of the two countries "strongly urge the In- procedures for penalties, dian government to step etc by administrative bodies up its approaches on these issues and the and the procedure for esJapanese government tablishing Administrative to cooperate in their im- Orders provement."

To ensure "fairness, transpar- gagement is needed between Jaency, and predictability" in admin- pan and India in high-technology istrative procedures in India, they areas, based on an agreement becalled for the establishment of an tween the two countries in the area Administrative Procedure Act and of defense and security.

"Strengthening of India-Japan the simplification and expedition economic cooperation through of the various procedures.

The Act would provide for Japan-India Special Strategic and common rules concerning proce- Global Partnership must be impledures for penalties, etc by admin- mented based on free and open istrative bodies and the procedure trade and investment framework. for establishing Administrative The result would enhance the Orders, said the Forum in its re- economy of Asia and Pacific region, which would in turn contribport.

Regarding national taxes, an ute toward sustainable growth of Act on General Rules for National the world economy," the report Taxes should be established, and said.

"Business leaders of India and similar state legislation should be enacted in each state for regional Japan recognize that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Parttaxation, it further recommended.

The joint forum report referred nership (RCEP) would contribute to projects like the Delhi-Mumbai toward expansion of regional proIndustrial Corridor (DMIC) and the duction network and strengthen Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Cor- supply chains through not only ridor (CBIC) as symbols of the cooperation beThe joint forum report retween India and Japan and called for the con- ferred to projects like the tinued advancement of Delhi-Mumbai Industrial infrastructure development, including roads, Corridor (DMIC) and the railways, ports, air- Chennai-Bengaluru Indusports, electric power trial Corridor (CBIC) as symand smart grids, water treatment, and industrial bols of the cooperation complexes. between India and Japan At the same time, it said, "Business leaders of Japan liberalization of trade and investand India, from the stand point of ment but also through integration promotion of development of high of rules of origin and introduction quality infrastructure through of regional cumulative rules," it public private partnership, asks added.

The forum said these measures Indian government to implement would contribute toward fulfillthe following: "Introduction and expanded ment of Modi's "Make in India" use of a comprehensive evalua- policy. "For this purpose, RCEP tion system in tendering process should be concluded swiftly, in a to reduce life cycle cost and to comprehensive manner with setcorrectly evaluate technological ting high standards. Business value; rationalization and optimi- leaders of the two countries agreed zation of risk and role sharing be- to continue in taking joint initiatween public and private sectors tives toward this end," it said. in public private partnership PTI

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No-holds-barred fight in Tata-Mistry row MUMBAI: The Tata-Mistry feud has flared up with the ousted chairman rebutting allegations of "drifting away" Tata companies during his tenure and hitting back at attempts to question integrity of independent directors who backed him, prompting the USD 102-billion group's holding firm Tata Sons to assert it will do "what-

and in discharging the duties mandated by statute as independent directors is absolutely astonishing and really speaks of how low Tata Sons has unfortunately stooped in their public statements," a statement from his office said, in a rebuttal to the recent actions of Tata Sons.

Stating that the independent

File photo of Cyrus Mistry and Ratan Tata

ever is required" to deal with the situation.

Terming the Tata Sons' contention that group companies were "drifting away" under him as "furthest from truth", Mistry hit out first at Tata Sons calling its criticism of independent directors, revered names in India Inc, as "truly unfortunate".

This led the salt-to-software conglomerate to assert that it will do "whatever is required to deal with the situation", hinting at a no-holdsbarred battle in the days ahead.

A day ahead of the crucial board meet of Tata Motors, the group also said it is "crucially important" for the boards, including the independent directors, to "consider their views and positions ensure that the future of Tata companies is protected, taking into consideration the interest of all stakeholders".

It can be noted that the independent directors of at least two big companies from the Group, including Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) and Tata Chemicals, have backed the ousted chairman leading the holding company to question their objectives in a 9-page letter sent last week. Mistry's first statement was a part-rebuttal of the allegations leveled against him in the statement and in defense of the independent directors.

"To suggest that 'ulterior objectives' and 'clever strategy' can sway these eminent names in undertaking their fiduciary duties

directors whose conduct has been questioned include names like Deepak Parekh, Nusli Wadia and Nadir Godrej, among others, Mistry added that it is "truly unfortunate" that independence of "stalwarts of India Inc" is being questioned.

The statement is a rebuttal to the 9-page open letter issued by

the Tata Sons in which it had accused Mistry of "trying to gain control of Indian Hotels Company, whose independent directors had sided with the former chairman of Tata Sons".

"He (Mistry) has cleverly ensured over these years that he would be the only Tata Sons representative on the board of IHCL in order to frustrate Tata Sons' ability to exercise influence and control on IHCL," the Tata Sons letter had said.

Independent directors at Tata Chemicals have also backed Mistry, which has led Tata Sons to initiate action to expel Wadia from its company boards.

In its letter, Tata Sons had alleged that Mistry was trying to gain control of the group's main companies and regretted its decision to appoint him as chairman four years ago.

It had said the structure of the group has been "consciously dismantled so that now the operating companies are drifting farther away from the promoter company and their major shareholder".

Mistry retorted back at this saying these suggestions are "furthest from the truth" and added that changing the board structure was part of a plan to alter the corporate governance practices with an aim to make the salt-to-software group's companies run independently. -PTI

Chinese money brings Tibet growth, apathy LHASA: Traditional teahouses and fashion boutiques have sprung up in Bayi, one of the liveliest districts of Lhasa, and are owned and patronized by both Tibetans and Han Chinese. But some say increasing prosperity is just Beijing buying peace.

Tibet was China's fastest-growing region last year with expansion of 11.0 per cent - albeit from a low base - boosted by government

"roof of the world" nearly seven decades ago, followed by waves of immigrants from China's Han majority.

More recently there have been financial inflows in the form of huge funding for roads, railways and hydropower.

"These investments are positive," another young Lhasa resident told AFP on condition of anonymity. "But it's also a way of

subsidies and investment.

"I don't care about politics," said Gesan, a Tibetan tucking into a bowl of chilli fries in a Bayi tavern.

The 22-year-old spent two years in the Chinese army and now works for an insurance company.

"My life's not so bad," he added, playing with his smartphone.

Chinese forces arrived on the

buying social harmony, so that people don't rebel."

Beijing says its troops "peacefully liberated" Tibet in 1951 and that it has dramatically raised living standards - life expectancy jumped from 35.5 years to 68.2 between 1951 and 2013, according to official figures, although the increase is smaller than the average for China as a whole.

But many of the profits from the region's natural resources go to companies from China's heartland, who bring in Han workers, and the Tibetan government-in-exile accuses Beijing of repressing Tibet's religion and eroding its culture.

"Lhasa jumped from the Middle Age into modernity" says JensUwe Hartmann, a Tibet expert at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.

"The point is the way to modernity was not decided by the Tibetans themselves."

In Bayi, several kilometers west of the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, a tearoom manager praised economic development, before declining to talk about politics to avoid "trouble".

Nearby, 18-year-old Niqu, who comes from Shigatse more than 200 kilometers away, shopped for dresses with her friends.

"I'm at university in Lhasa, it's cool," she said in perfect Chinese, learned at school along with her native Tibetan.

Linguistics is a crucial issue, say analysts.-AFP

Jet plans flights to Fiji & Shanghai NEW DELHI: Naresh Goyalpromoted Jet Airways plans to operate flight services to south pacific nation Fiji and Chinese city of Shanghai and is likely to tie up with Fiji Airways and China Eastern Airlines as it seeks to expand its global network further with direct flights and forging

to book on its passenger on its partner carriers and provide seamless transport to destination where it has no presence whereas an interline arrangement refers to a pact to issue and accept tickets for flights that are operated by the partner airline. When selling an interline ticket, the operating airline s own flight numbers are used.

"Jet Airways is in the process

partnership with overseas carriers.

At present Jet Airways, in which Gulf airline Etihad holds 24 per cent stake, has codeshare pacts with 19 international airlines besides having over 100 interline partners.

Code sharing allows an airline

of providing direct air connectivity to Fiji and Shanghai. It has filed code share schedule with Fiji Airway launching services on Hong Kong Nadi route. It has also filed code share schedule with China Eastern Airlines for operating flight services to Shanghai s Pu

Dong international airport from New Delhi," a source said.

When contacted Jet Airways said it was constantly evaluating opportunities to provide enhanced connectivity to its passengers.

"As a network carrier with international operations, Jet Airways is constantly evaluating opportunities to offer greater connectivity and benefits to its guests," a Jet Airways spokesperson said in a statement to PTI. Fiji airways, the flag carrier of Fiji is based in Nadi and operates international and domestic services to 10 countries including Oceania, the US, and Hong Kong and 17 cities.

China Eastern Airlines, which has three subsidiaries as well including a cargo carrier and is a member of the global airlines grouping SkyyTeam, operates to 217 destinations.-PTI

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Philosophy

November 18, 2016

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G

uru Nanak Dev Ji gave the message of "Hukam Rajayee Chalna Nanak Likheya Naal". Guru Nanak Dev Ji says that everything happens by God's grace, so rest assured that God knows better what is right or wrong for us. We should, therefore, accept His decisions without any grudge or question.

He said, "I am neither Hindu Nor Muslim, I am a follower of God", which actually spoke about his belief in one god. In Sikhism, the god is omnipresent, shapeless, timeless, and sightless. (Nirankar, akar, alakh). Sikhism stresses that before creation there was God, and because of His will (Hukam), the Illusion (maya of attachment and enticement) came into being.

The God is not male/female, and can only be seen through inward eye. Guru Nanak Dev Ji explained one thing clearly that there is only One who gives to everyone and we should not forget Him. The Guru stressed that full knowledge of god is impossible in human form.

Goodwill for all Guru Nanak Dev Ji passed the message of universal brotherhood.

He said that religion is not mere words but actually looks all men and women equally. Universal brotherhood is a strong theme in Gurbani written by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. In our prayer, we say this

T

he following verses constitute the teachings of Siva to Ribhu, who in turn transmits those teachings to his disciple Nidhaga Rishi.

The treatise goes by the name Ribhu Gita: The universe was neither born, nor maintained, nor dissolved; this is the plain truth. The basic screen of pure Being-Awareness-Stillness devoid of all the moving shadow pictures of name and form of the universe is the sole, eternal Existence.

Some may argue that this universe of duality (multiple existences) is a factual second reality, clearly seen by the senses operated by the mind. But then, are the senses anything apart from the mind? Can they function without the support of the mind in which they are imbedded? What is this mind except a bundle of thoughts?

What are thoughts except evanescent ripples in the still, limitless ocean of pure Being-AwarenessSelf, which is the sole Existence without a second?

The existence of the illusion of silver in mother of pearl is not a reality apart from the reality of mother of pearl, which is the basic reality. The illusion of the universe is based on the mind, which again is an illusion based on the still AwarenessBeing-Self.

In the unitary, undifferentiated

line towards the end of daily Ardaas - "Nanak Naam Chardi Kala Tere Bhane Sarbat da bhala", which can be translated as "Nanak asks for 'Naam' (name of God) with which comes well being, happiness and positive spirit and with your blessings, Lord may everyone in the world prosper and be in peace" or can be broken down as: We request Him for the welfare of the whole humanity and not just of our community or our family alone.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji told in front of King Babar "You are not Babar but Jabar". We should always speak the truth without any fear.

According to the Guru's doctrine,

Guru Nanak says that no one can save anybody else. It is only Guru who guides us to safety, and to be saved, one has to follow the right path of Sewa and Simran as told by him. Further the Guru is not to be found in big palaces, he lives with the poor.

Let us love the poor, God will bless us. If we recite Gurbani with love, we will find the Guru is speaking to us. We have been reminded of his observations many times in our life. When we barely make both ends meet, we are usually sincerely devoted to Gurbani and the Sikh way of life. But when we have excess money to spend on worldly

honor in the Court of the Lord) The three principles " Vand Chako: Sharing with others, helping those with less who are in need " Kirat Karo: Earning/making a living honestly, without exploitation or fraud " Naam Japna: Chanting the Holy Name and thus remembering God at all times (ceaseless devotion to God) Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked his followers to shun five evils which lead to illusion (maya) which eventually acts as roadblock towards attainment of salvation. The five evils are Ego, Anger, Greed, At-

Everything happens

by God's grace Guru Nanak Dev Ji

The victory of truth is not dependent on ending or suppressing falsehood but in standing firmly by truth. That is why Guru Nanak Dev Ji exhorts that to stick to truth and to remain on the side of truth when necessary is very essential

the victory of truth is not dependent on ending or suppressing falsehood but in standing firmly by truth. That is why Guru Nanak Dev Ji exhorts that to stick to truth and to remain on the side of truth when necessary is very essential.

pleasures we follow vices and ignore the real mission of human life.

Dharam is usually the first casualty when we become rich.

About Sewa Gurbani explains: (In the midst of this world, do SEWA and you shall be given a place of

tachment and Lust.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji laid great emphasis on the importance of having a Guru in one's life.

The 547th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji will be celebrated on November 14.

still ocean of ExistenceAwarenessSelf, body, senses, mind, intellect and jivas (embodied souls) are nothing but evanescent ripples not apart from that sole Self.

The universe of name and form, the embodied creatures and their creator, mind, desire, Karma (action), misery and everything other than the Self, are merely thought formations projected by the powers of the Self on its screen - Self.

The state of firm abidance in

preme Brahman Self. This is the Truth. The one who hears this great secret diligently and understands completely, abides as Brahman-Self.

With all objective knowledge banished, with no trace of thought or nescience, with all the three states of waking, dream and sleep wiped out, with all thought of death and birth abolished, and ever established in the spontaneous blissful state of Brahman-Self,

other than the Self. All other mantra-japas always entangle one in the bondage of worldly enjoyments.

On the eternal and infinite screen of Sat-Chit-AnandaSelf Siva, by His own power, Sakti is projected as the moving shadow picture of the universe in manifestation and into that again it is absorbed in dissolution. All luminaries like the sun, moon, fire, stars and lightning derive their luminos-

There never was a mind or any forms

the condition of the Videha Mukta cannot be conceived, and much less expressed in words.

The continued repetition of 'I am Self-Brahman' constitutes the sole mantra-japa leading to Mukti (Liberation). All other mantrajapas connected with diverse gods should be firmly eschewed, as they aim at mundane objectives

Nothing to do, nothing to force, nothing to want-and everything happens by itself.

-Ven. Lama Gendun Rinpoche Tao is the source of both fullness and emptiness.

But it is itself neither fullness nor emptiness.

-Chuang Tzu We do not 'come into' this world. We come out of it as leaves from a tree. As the ocean 'waves,' the universe 'peoples.'

-Alan Watts Behold the one in all things. It is seeing the second that leads you astray.

-Kabir Know yourself as me. Just as one sees himself as two when reflected in a mirror, so do you appear as "you" and "I." But, in reality, we are One. -Srimad Bhagavatam

In the unitary, undifferentiated still ocean of ExistenceAwareness-Self, body, senses, mind, intellect and jivas (embodied souls) are nothing but evanescent ripples not apart from that sole Self that thought-free alert AwarenessSelf, constitutes integral perfection, yoga, wisdom, Moksha, Sahaja Samadhi, the state of Siva and the state of AtmanSelf.

There never was a mind nor any of its countless forms like world, jivas, etc. There isn't the least doubt that all these are the form of the eternally undifferentiable Su-

The words of truth are always paradoxical. To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.

-Lao Tzu

ity as a gracious gift from the Sakti inherent in that screen of Self-Siva only. Though bright in themselves, they can only obscure and cannot reveal the Siva-Screen which they cover up.

Out of fear of that Siva, their creator, Devas and Asuras are ever alertly engaged in their ordained duties.

Form is emptiness; emptiness is form. Form is not other than emptiness.

Emptiness is not other than form.

-The Heart Sutra

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CHICAGO

Upcoming

Upcoming

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Sat, Nov 19 • Carry on Kesar Gujarati Film :

Sun, Nov 20 • The 6th Indian Wedding Expo & Shopping Event

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's

Sun, Nov 20 • Meditation Happy Hour Venue: Radisson Hotel Freehold NJ,50 Gibson Place, FREEHOLD, NJ Time: 11:00 am

Fri, Nov 25 • Bollywood and Latin Fridays Venue: Hotel Executive Suites,30 Minue St, CARTERET, NJ Time: 8:00 pm

Fri, Nov 25 • Qawwali Night with Fareed Ayaz & Abu Muhammad Venue: Edison Hotel, 3050 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ 08837 Time: 08:00 pm

Sun, Nov 20 • Malini Srinivasan and Dancers Presents Brooklyn Raga Massive Venue:Baruch Performing Arts Center,55 Lexington Avenue, NEW YORK, NY Time : 07:00 pm

Sat, Nov 26 • DesiParty" Featuring Bollywood Beats By Dj Harsh & Dj Amit

Featuring Supriya Pathak and Darshan Jariwala Venue: Serra Theatres, 200 Serra Way #37, Milpitas, Ca 95035 Time: 5:00 pm

Sun, Nov 20 • Ek Shaam - UP Ke Naam

Venue: LEXICON,226 E 54th St, NEW YORK, NY •Time : 10:00 pm

Venue: India Community Center,525 Los Coches Street, MILPITAS, CA Time: 5:30 pm

Sun, Nov 27 • Silsila Presents Remembering Nusrat

Mon, Nov 21 • Satsang with Bodhisattva

Venue: Golden Center,65-30 Kissena Boulevard, FLUSHING, NY Time : 06:00 pm

Shree Swami Premodaya at I-CODA Venue: International Centers of Divine Awakening,2744 Colby Avenue, LOS ANGELES, CA Time: 7:00 pm

Sun, Nov 27 • Bollywood Mela, Live Music Fashion Show

Sun, Nov 20 • Aaj Ki Umrao Jaan - A play

by Riaz Baber Venue: Chicago Cultural Center,78 E Washington Street, CHICAGO, IL Time: 2:30 pm Details: Performance Club of Chicago and Chicago Sister Cities International

ATLANTA Upcoming

Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Mondays and Fridays

Tue, Nov 22 • Thanksgiving tour to New York City, Penn, and Washinghton DC

• Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services

Venue: College Park, Norcross Global Mall, Atlanta, GA, 5288 Riverdale Road, Atlanta, GA 30349 Time: 1:00 pm

Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Swami Ishatmananda

Venue: Little India Village Building,18748 Pioneer Boulevard, ARTESIA, CA Time: 11:00 am

Wed, Nov 30 • Spiritual Discourse with Bodhisattva Premodaya

Venue: Waterford Banquet ,933 South Riverside Drive, ELMHURST, IL Time: 12:00 pm

Shree

Swami

Venue: International Centers of Divine Awakening, 2744 Colby Avenue, LOS ANGELES, CA Time: 7:00 pm

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In Brief Australia to resettle refugees elsewhere CANBERRA, Australia: Australia will find another country to resettle hundreds of asylum seekers now held on poor Pacific islands, a minister said here as his government planned to banish for life refugees who arrive by boat.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton declined to identify countries with which Australia is negotiating to accept almost 1,300 asylum seekers from Africa, the Middle East and Asia who are kept at Australia's expense in camps at Nauru and Papua New Guinea. ``We have been in negotiation with third countries for a long period of time and we are going to land a deal,'' Dutton told reporters, referring to countries that are neither the asylum seekers' homelands nor the country where they are currently kept.

The Australian newspaper reported that the United States and Canada could be among the countries that will accept Australia's asylum seekers.

Few refugees have accepted offers to resettle in Papua New Guinea and Cambodia because most hope that Australia will eventually take them in.

Australia refuses to resettle any refugee who has arrived by boat since the date the tough policy was announced, July 19, 2013.

The government also introduced to Parliament legislation that would ban such refugees from ever visiting Australia as a tourist, to do business or as an Australian's spouse.-AP

„ Canada Minister for immigration meets Haryana Gov CHANDIGARH: Canadian Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship minister John McCallum called on Haryana Governor, Kaptan Singh Solanki at the Raj Bhavan here.

They discussed issues of mutual interest in a very cordial atmosphere, an official release said here.

McCallum evinced keen interest in culture and customs of this region, it said.

During his visit to India from November 4-11, McCallum met senior government functionaries and discussed various issues at length, the release said.

"Cultural connections of Canada with India are growing as a number of Indians live there.

Moreover four cabinet ministers of Canada are of Indian-origin," the Governor said. -PTI

Immigration

1st SomaliAmerican lawmaker elected in US

51 India Post

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November 18, 2016

Details on page 53

Trump vows to immediately deport up to 3 million immigrants WASHINGTON: In line with his hardline immigration stance, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to immediately deport up to three million undocumented immigrants, saying "we are getting them out of our country or we are going to incarcerate".

"What we are going to do is

released ahead of broadcast of the interview.

During the election campaign, Trump had warned that those countries which do not accept these illegal immigrants, he would enforce the legal provision of stopping of issuing of visas to people of those countries.

tion on the people that they're talking about who are terrific people, they're terrific people but we are gonna make a determination at that," Trump said.

"But before we make that

There are an estimated 11 million documented immigrants in the country. Several hundred thousand are believed to be IndianAmericans. The President-elect said he would take a call on the fate of the rest of the illegal immigrants, after the border is secured get the people that are criminal and have criminal records, gang members, drug dealers, where a lot of these people, probably two million, it could be even three million, we are getting them out of our country or we are going to incarcerate," Trump told CBS News.

"But we're getting them out of our country, they're here illegally," the 70-year-old business tycoonturned politician said in an excerpt

There are an estimated 11 million documented immigrants in the country. Several hundred thousand are believed to be IndianAmericans.

The President-elect said he would take a call on the fate of the rest of the illegal immigrants, after the border is secured.

"After the border is secure and after everything gets normalized, we're going to make a determina-

Donald Trump

determination...it's very important, we are going to secure our border," he said in response to a question.

Trump insisted that he is determined to fulfill another campaign promise of building a wall along the Mexican border.

"For certain areas I would, but certain areas, a wall is more appropriate," he said.

"I'm very good at this, it's called construction," Trump said.

Since Trump's election, the realities of actually building that wall have begun to set in and the Mexican government has publicly reminded him that Mexico will not pay for the wall.

Asked about the wall, Trump transition cochair Newt Gingrich said the wall was "a great campaign device".

During his election campaign, Trump articulated a strong and tough immigration policy, which was quite opposite to that of his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, which was based on compassion and providing a pathway to nearly 11 million illegal immigrants. -PTI

Let's support our new President: Chatwal NEW YORK: Indian-American hotelier Sant Singh Chatwal has said President-elect Donald Trump should now bring the country to-

job creation and immigration.

Chatwal, who has been a staunch supporter of the Clintons, said while Trump's victory has

Sant Singh Chatwal

gether and work across party lines to find solutions to pressing issues of economic development,

come as a shock, it is now time for Americans to put their differences behind and support their new

"It is our duty to give our supPresident.

On his part, Trump should also port to our new leader. We have to "comfort" the country and assure forget what has been said and its citizens that he will find "proper done in the past and look forward solutions" to the issues of immi- to the future and work as a team. gration, infrastructure develop- We have to give our cooperation ment and job creation.

"He has to now bring the country together. He He said as president, Trumps has to come forward has to unite the country and very soon and build the confidence of the Ameri- move away from his rhetoric can people, assuring of building walls and them that he will offer proper solutions to the keeping people out issues of immigration and job creation," Chatwal told PTI. to him."

Chatwal said Trump should reHe said as president, Trumps has to unite the country and move member that his grandfather too away from his rhetoric of building was an immigrant and America is a land of immigrants, adding that walls and keeping people out.

Chatwal stressed that Ameri- Trump should set aside differences can citizens should "give full sup- and work to unite people in the country across the spectrum. -PTI port to their new President."

Immigration Post

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November 18, 2016

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Voters oust Sheriff Joe Arpaio PHOENIX: An Arizona sheriff who became a national political figure by cracking down on illegal immigration and jailing inmates in tents has lost after 24 years in office, eliminating the last vestige of the state's decadeold movement of local police confronting people in the country illegally.

Voters booted Sheriff Joe Arpaio in favor of Democrat Paul Penzone, a retired Phoenix police sergeant who criticized the 84-year-old lawman for focusing too much on promoting himself as ``America's Toughest Sheriff'' and too little on improving public safety.

His loss came as mounting legal problems in a years-old racial profiling case led to a criminal charge two weeks before Election Day. Arpaio was charged with contempt of court for ignoring a judge's order to stop traffic patrols that targeted immigrants. He could face jail time if convicted.

Critics have slammed Arpaio for

racking up $130 million in taxpayerfunded legal costs to defend him in lawsuits, including $48 million that has been spent so far on the profiling case.

Arpaio said he was disap-

Sheriff Joe Arpaio

pointed in the results but congratulated Penzone and thanked his employees for their dedication. ``My thanks and appreciation to the people of Maricopa County for the faith and trust they put in me over the years,'' he said in a statement.

The sheriff earned high marks from voters early in his tenure by

jailing prisoners in tents in the desert heat and dressing them in pink underwear. His popularity has waned over the past few elections, but a devoted base of supporters and impressive campaign fundraising have helped him pull out wins.

Arpaio raised $12.3 million, most of it from people living in other states who supported his past immigration crackdowns. The movement lost steam after immigrant-smuggling traffic into Arizona declined and several state immigration laws were thrown out by the courts.

But anti-immigration rhetoric from Donald Trump energized the state's conservative base and gave the Republican sheriff an ally.

Arpaio introduced the GOP nominee at rallies and gave a speech at the national convention.

Over the last four years, the courts stripped Arpaio of his power to conduct immigration crackdowns. His officers were found to have profiled Latinos in traffic patrols that targeted immigrants.

Arpaio, who acknowledged the contempt violations but insists they were unintentional, has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His plan of attack against Penzone, who lost to the sheriff

May criticized for her 'shambolic' India visit LONDON: Describing as "shambolic" British Prime Minister Theresa May's just-concluded visit to India, former Liberal Democrats leader Paddy Ashdown criticized her hardline stance on immigration as "damaging" to UK's economy.

Ashdown spoke as he accompanied the party's Richmond Park and North Kingston byelection candidate Sarah Olney to a curry restaurant in the constituency.

The pair spoke with the owner and head chef of the Roz Ana restaurant in Kingston about its problems recruiting chefs from abroad and the impact of Brexit on rising food prices.

"May's dogmatic approach on immigration is damaging Britain's economy and letting down businesses, including by undermining trade talks during her shambolic trip

to India this week," Ashdown said.

He said May's reluctance to liberalize the visa policy was "totally at odds" with the stand 'Leave' camp had taken during the referendum campaign to break out of the European Union.

Theresa May

"Leading Brexiteers like Priti Patel said a vote to 'Leave' would save British curry houses struggling with a shortage of skilled chefs; now as senior ministers at

the heart of this government these 'Brexiteers' are failing the very businesses they promised to help.

"The Liberal Democrats will hold this Conservative Brexit government to account for the cynical attempts made to mislead voters during the referendum campaign."

May, during her three-day visit to India from November 6, had said her government will consider further improvements to its visa offer to India if the South Asian country steps up efforts to take back Indians "with no right to remain" in UK. Britain's 4-bn pound curry industry, which campaigned for the UK to leave EU, feels it has been betrayed by politicians over immigration, in the wake of the Brexit vote.

Curry house owners are worried about the post-referendum clampdown on immigration, as they are already struggling to hire chefs from abroad and are facing mass closures.-PTI

in 2012, consisted mostly of TV ads that claimed Penzone assaulted his wife in a 2003 dispute.

The Democrat denies the claim and sued Arpaio, alleging defamation.

In his victory speech, Penzone declared that the people of Phoenix ``will no longer stand for the things we've seen.'' He compared his comeback to the ``Rocky''

that Arpaio symbolized,'' it said in statement.

Like Penzone, the group has attacked Arpaio for botching investigations into hundreds of sex-crime cases.

Karen Cooney, a retiree in Phoenix who described herself as a conservative-leaning Democrat, said she voted for Penzone. She said she disliked signs that Arpaio

Karen Cooney, a retiree in Phoenix who described herself as a conservative-leaning Democrat, said she voted for Penzone. She said she disliked signs that Arpaio posted on sheriff's vehicles asking people to report immigrants to the authorities movies, where Sylvester Stallone's character lost in the first film but won in the sequel.

Penzone raised $1 million and gotten a boost from $2.9 million in campaign mailers and commercials from an anti-Arpaio group funded largely by liberal hedgefund tycoon George Soros.

The group, Maricopa Strong, said metro Phoenix will be a safer and fairer jurisdiction with Penzone at the helm. ``Voters have rejected the poisonous anti-immigrant policies

posted on sheriff's vehicles asking people to report immigrants to the authorities. ``The sheriff's race was a nobrainer because I have only been here a few short years and I just do not agree with Arpaio's means and methods,'' Cooney said.

Crystal Burge, a homemaker from Phoenix, said she voted for Arpaio because of his tough jail policies, including his complex of jail tents. ``I really like his philosophy on the outdoor jails,'' Burge said. -AP

May did not address India's concerns over visas LONDON: India's concerns, balance the set back with EU. especially on student and profesFor this it is always good that sional visas have not been well wherever the countries want to enaddressed during British Prime hance relationship and strengthen Minister Theresa May's just con- relationships one should look at cluded visit to India, leading NRI their concerns to see what probentrepreneur GP Hinduja has said. lems are there and how they could In a statement, Hinduja, Co- be resolved.

Chairman of the Hinduja Group "Unfortunately, the concerns of said "It is apparent that the necessary groundwork by the Prime "Unfortunately, the concerns Minister's advisors, in of India, especially on stupreparing for the visit, dent visa, have not been was too hurried and the UK did not adequately well addressed which has address India's legiti- overshadowed Prime mate concerns over UK visas for both profes- Minister May's visit� sionals and students coming to study at UK universi- India, especially on student visa, ties. have not been well addressed "Sadly, the strong stance by the which has overshadowed Prime UK on visas and immigration risks Minister May's visit. But even now trade ties at the very time the UK one can look into this and see what wants to open trade negotiations best can be done." with India."

At the outset, he admitted that He noted that post-Brexit India May's visit to India, her first overseas is the best choice for Great Britain visit as Prime Minister outside Europe, to enhance relationship and in- was well received by India and Prime crease trade and investments to Minister Narendra Modi. -PTI

Immigration Post

November 18, 2016

India Post 53

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Canada immigration site crashes amid US poll results TORONTO: Canadian immigration website crashed repeatedly amid Donald Trump's rising prospects for winning the US presidency, prompting many on social media to relate the two developments.

As election night in the US wore on, with Trump posting big gains in key battleground states, Canada's immigration website crashed, media reports said.

"There's no guarantee the two things are related, but given the loud insistence of many Americans, every election cycle, to move

north in the event of an unfavorable election outcome, it's not a huge leap to assume that many despondent voters are exploring options," CNN said.

Data from Google Trends also suggested searches for 'move to Canada' spiked significantly during the night as Trump victories unfolded in key battle states such as Florida and Ohio.

The two developments widely trended on social media with people mocking the two developments. Countless jokes about people fleeing the country over

the election results circulated on social media.

Data from Google Trends also suggested searches for 'move to Canada' spiked significantly during the night as Trump victories unfolded in key battle states such as Florida and Ohio Actor and comedian Ben Schwartz could not believe he'd been beaten to the punch.

"I was gonna write this as a joke but found out it was real. The

Canada immigration levels stay the course CATHERINE SAS Q.C.

I

t has been a week full of announcements on the Immigra tion front for the Liberal government. On Monday, October 31, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Minister John McCallum, tabled his annual report to Parliament setting immigration levels for the year ahead.

The next day, Minister of Finance Bill Morneau introduced his Global Skills Strategy to make it easier and faster for companies to bring foreign workers to Canada.

Minister McCallum surprised many by holding fast the number of permanent residents to be welcomed to Canada next year.

Many had expected him to increase immigration levels to 400,000 or more. The Liberals have long held that Canada's immigration levels should be set at 1% of the population - 360,000 immigrants per year.

While 300,000 is about 40,000 more applicants per year than under the former Conservative government, it was widely expected that there would be a further increase from last year's threshold.

The Minister also emphasized economic and family immigration over refugees and humanitarian cases shifting his targets as follows: While the increases to the eco-

likely bring any improvement of processing times in reuniting families in Canada. Notwithstanding a slight reduction planned admissions for refugees, 2017's target of 40,000 is double that of 2015 and previous years signaling a continued strong support of Canada's

2016 Economic Family Refugees Humanitarian

2017

160,000 80,000 55,800 3,600

nomic program are always welcome in Canada's aging population, the increase in the family class category is not significant enough to

job creation; and • Companies that are making large investments, relocating to Canada, establishing new production or expanding production, and creating new Canadian jobs.

The announcement was short on details of exactly what Cana-

On Nov. 1, 2016, Finance Minister Bill Morneau showcased his Global Skills strategy to help Canadian businesses attract the talent that they need to succeed. The new strategy is aiming for an ambitious two-week standard for processing visas and work permits for low-risk, high skill talent for Canadian businesses refugee program.

On Nov. 1, 2016, Finance Minister Bill Morneau showcased his Global Skills strategy to help Canadian businesses attract the talent that they need to succeed. The new strategy is aiming for an ambitious two-week standard for processing visas and work permits for low-risk, high skill talent for Canadian businesses specifically targeting: • Growth Canadian companies that need to access global talent in order to facilitate and accelerate investments that create jobs

172,500 84,000 40,000 3,500

and growth including companies that can demonstrate labor market benefits such s increasing investments, knowledge, and Canadian

Canada Citizenship and Immigration site crashed around 8 PM"

dian businesses will benefit from their new strategy or when the program will be implemented.

In addition, Minister Morneau indicated that a new short-duration work permit exemption will be introduced to allow for companies to bring in workers or academics for up to 30 days without the need for a work permit. This will relieve companies of the effort, expense and in some cases, lengthy wait times, of making work permit applications on behalf of their personnel who will only be in Canada for a short period. The speedier process in of applications (or doing away with the need for them) is always welcome news for Canadian employers.

Courtesy South Asian Post

NEWS

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#electionnight," he wrote.

Others pointed to the website's crashing as part of a wider theme of signs that Trump's victory was inevitable.

"Where we stand right now: DOW futures are down 750. The dollar is plummeting. And Canada's immigration website just crashed," a netizen said.

On a serious note, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is one of several world leaders who have criticized Trump in the past.

One of the biggest differences between Trump and Trudeau are their views on the refugee crisis in Syria.

In a stunning result, Trump beat seasoned politician Hillary Clinton in the knife-edge polls, defying the odds to become the 45th US President after starting off as a rank political outsider.

It was a heart-break for Democratic nominee Clinton, who was hoping to become the first woman president of the US, as Trump edged past her in a see-saw battle which he clinched by winning 288 electoral college votes to Clinton's 215. -PTI

1st Somali-American lawmaker elected in US MINNEAPOLIS: Long home to three-way primary, Omar delivered the nation's largest Somali popu- her victory speech twice: once in lation, Minnesota has elected the English, and again in Somali. Soon first Somali-American lawmaker in after, her Republican rival dropped the U.S. out of the race.

Ilhan Omar won a state House Mohamud Noor, a local Somali seat to represent a Minneapolis nonprofit director, narrowly lost a neighborhood often called ``Little primary for the same seat in 2014.

Mogadishu.'' A steady rise in the More than 40,000 Somalis have Somali community's political power in the area led to Omar's election. A 33-year-old community The city elected a So- activist with deep ties in mali city councilor in Minneapolis' Somali 2013 and a Somali school community, Omar came to board member in 2010.

A 33-year-old com- the United States as an munity activist with 8-year-old deep ties in Minneapolis' Somali community, Omar came to the United States as settled in Minneapolis, St. Cloud an 8-year-old after spending four and elsewhere in Minnesota, acyears in a Kenyan refugee camp. cording to census estimates, Her victory was a near foregone drawn by the state's welcoming conclusion in the heavily Demo- social programs. But community cratic district. After defeating the advocates say that population is district's 44-year incumbent in a much higher. -AP

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Donald Trump's trade policy implications for India

India Post

AMITA BATRA

T

he economic policy stance of Presidentelect Donald Trump has been evident in his oft-repeated 'inward-looking'/isolationist pronouncements in the course of the election campaign.

These though, have not been substantiated with any policy detail for serious analysis. Much commentary therefore remains in the realm of speculation.

There is, however, no doubt that the globalization engendered inequities have been at the heart of Trump's economic policy declarations. Expectations of a reversal of some of the earlier trade agreements and policies may therefore not be entirely misplaced.

If the expression of an aversion to trade as reflected in the pre-election speeches was to turn into reality then it is possible that the largest trading economy becomes more protectionist. His trade policy as specified in the course of the election campaign includes imposition of higher tariffs on imports from China and Mexico specifically, and a general increase in

tariffs otherwise. Mega regional trade agreements such as the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) will in all likelihood not be taken forward.

Trade agreements in general seen as instruments of unfair concessions breeding inequities may also be subject to re-negotiation; the intention of building a wall between the US and Mexico being most symptomatic of this trend.

There have also been indications of a US pull-out from the multi-lateral rule making trade organization, the World Trade Organization (WTO), in case there is any resistance to its imposition of protectionist policies.

Other stated intentions have been with regard to changes in immigration policies with a more restrictive visa regime. The broad objective of the policy changes being bringing manufacturing back to the US, greater employment and hence greater prosperity, and in the process, recovery

Asia Pacific trade architecture.

It is likely that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, which is seen as an alternative trade configuration to the TPP for the Asian economies, including India, may now emerge as the main trade agreement for regional economies.

The higher trade standards (WTO plus) of the TPP, it is possible, will now be sought in the RCEP by those economies that are members of both the RCEP and TPP. India, with its persistent stance of differentiated tariff liberalization offers to the RCEP economies, may then find negotiations more difficult. In the absence of the USled agreement from the region, there may even be the possibility of China acquiring a pre-eminent position not just in the RCEP but also in the Asia Pacific region, to the extent of pushing forward its own proposal of a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP).

In fact, in the absence of the US counter, the China-led FTAAP - first proposed in the 2014 APEC meeting - may even become the lead trade configuration in the Asia Pacific reThe US being the world's gion. India may have to rethink its strategy for largest importer with a participation in the reshare of almost 14 per cent gional trade architecture if this APEC members' in world imports, the configuration gains tracimposition of higher tariffs tion in the near term. Inwill naturally be detrimental dia is not yet a member of the APEC. to world trade A possible alternative, though, to accepting Chinese leadership in such an adverse global trade environment. Higher tariff walls will global and/or regional trade deals, be detrimental to manufacturing would be a return to the multilateral system and the rise of the WTO, exports.

As the largest export market for where it may be difficult for China to India with a share of 15 per cent in emerge as the dominant player.

This may even be a favorable India's total exports in 2015-16, higher tariffs in the US may prove outcome for India, a longstanding to be a difficult hurdle for India to WTO loyalist. But for this, the surmount and to convert its po- WTO needs to reassert itself as tential comparative advantage the international body that deals through the 'Make in India' initia- with trade issues in a more inclusive manner. tive into higher exports.

Given the dragging of the Doha The US is also a major destination for India's IT, ITeS and BPO Development Agenda (DDA) now services exports. Together, these for a decade and a half, this seems accounted for US$ 82 billion-worth like a humongous task. But if deof exports in the financial year end- veloping country coalitions coming in March 2015, according to prising the more dynamic econothe Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mies could pave the way, this may data. If Trump decides to adopt a just be the time for a resurrection restrictive H-1B visa regime, of the WTO and the DDA. And, India's existing comparative ad- India could actually take the lead vantage in the services sector in this process.

The writer is Professor of Ecowould be diluted.

The pullout from the mega re- nomics, Centre for South Asian gional trade agreement, the TPP, Studies, School of International may have multiple effects on the Studies, JNU, & Columnist, IPCS of losses in global trade for the US economy, in particular vis-Ă vis the Chinese economy.

Any attempt by the US economy towards the use of protectionist instruments will be countered by retaliatory measures by other economies, including China, with the likely impact being serious in terms of not just the initiation of a trade war with China but that of applying brakes to international trade in general.

The US being the world's largest importer with a share of almost 14 per cent in world imports, the imposition of higher tariffs will naturally be detrimental to world trade. In addition, the US economy may not gain as the attempt to push domestic manufacturing may imply higher costs and inefficient production, as long established comparative advantages will be altered in the process.

While aimed at some, costs of the re-adjustment may be spread across to other economies as well.

India, for example, will find it difficult for its 'make in India' program to yield substantive benefits in

Take half W

e all know the story of the two cats fighting over a loaf of bread. The monkey came promising to equally divide it between the two and gobbles up the whole bread. The monkey in this case is China and the portion of the real estate that India and Pakistan are fighting over is Kashmir. An international news agency reporting on the clashes on the Line of Control in Kashmir described it as an area which both India and Pakistan claim in full. That indeed is the point of the dispute.

India also claims the whole of Kashmir but only rhetorically to counter Pakistan's ambitions. Pakistan has always believed that it was shortchanged at the time of Partition and an area with Muslim majority should have automatically fallen into its lap going by its religion based two-nation theory. India has refused to be classified as a religion based nation and it proudly declares itself to be a multireligious, multi-racial and multi-cultural society.

What Pakistan could not gain through this logic of division by religion it has been since long trying to grab through force and violence. Encouraged by the weak central government positions on Kashmir it infiltrated large number of terrorists and Muslim ideologues who have indoctrinated a liberal Sufi-oriented Muslim society into a hardline fundamentalist one.

They began by killing Kashmiri Pandits and forcing them to flee their homeland thus leaving this Indian area of Kashmir only inhabited by Muslims. The Kashmiri society did not object to this ethnic cleansing. Over the years then they forced by the point of gun closing of cinemas and all forms of entertainment as supposedly ordained by their religion.

Kashmiri women used to be free spirited without any need for covering their heads or faces. But now they are supposed to appear all covered up. Freedom of individuals has gone up in smoke and they are all supposed to toe the religious rituals that are taught at the mosques. They are deprived of and denied Bollywood entertainment while, funnily, in Pakistan itself Bollywood continues to be a rage and the media regularly disseminates news and gossip about it.

All the tough religion-related customs are forced on Kashmiris for fear of the gun of the terrorists. And on top of it Pakistan funded separatists groups continue to order closures of public spaces in protest against the killing of stone throwing boys by Indian security forces. In short, due to the weak-kneed policies of the previous Indian governments, Kashmir has been emotionally and psychologically conquered by Pakistan. Now it wants to make the conquest physical by terrorist violence.

In contrast to the Indian Kashmir where only Kashmiris can buy property and have all kinds of autonomy given to them, the Pakistani side of Kashmir has been flooded by non-Kashmirirs who have brought property there and where original Kashmiris are subordinated by outsider Pakistanis.

The POK Kashmiris have few rights and freedoms as compared to those on the Indian side. But the propaganda machine of Pakistan has been portraying the Indian Kashmiris as lacking freedom.

Kashmir is already divided between India and Pakistan. The best solution would be for both to accept the area in their occupation and try to improve the life and condition of the people there. Let there be a competition between the two Kashmirs as to who is better in development and freedom.

The status quo position suits India but it militates against the very purpose of the establishment of Pakistan which has never been a true democracy. It has always been military dominated and even when, like today, it has a civilian government, it runs at the mercy of the military. The ordinary Pakistanis may have no grudge against India but it is the Pak army which after multiple defeats at the hands of India, now wants to get even by forcibly grabbing Kashmir.

November 18, 2016

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