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CHIVUKULA WINS TH 6 TERM IN NJ
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VOL 17, No. 898
November 25, 2011
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SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY Details on page 36
Rajaratnam to pay record $92.8 m penalty Details on page 8
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HAF briefs on discrimination in Malaysia
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NEW JERSEY: Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula has been re-elected to the New Jersey State Legislature for a sixth term following a landslide victory in the Nov 8 elections. The only South Asian lawmaker in the 120-member NJ legislature, Chivukula, who is also Deputy Speaker of the Asembly, won by more than 60% margin in the 17th District. Chivukula's Democratic running mates Assemblyman Joseph V. Egan and state Senator Bob Smith were also returned with a margin of nearly 6,000 votes each against their Republican challengers. Details on page 5
Nobel laureate Har Gobind Khorana is dead
Details on page 36
Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula
PM to visit Russia on December 16
LA mayor offers clean tech to India Details on page 19
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Amb Nirupama Rao meets with Sen Lieberman
INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question
Is the US no longer attractive for higher education?
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Last week’s result
Should India depend on US for defense tech? YES 36%
CONTENTS
NO 64%
Bollywood ---------------------- 34-35 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 12-21 Date Book -------------------------- 46 Edit Page --------------------------- 50 HealthScience Post --------- 40-43 Horoscope ------------------------- 28
LOSS OF A LEADER: Family, friends and shipmates gathered together onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during a memorial service for Capt. Tushar "Haaji" Tembe. Tembe was the commanding officer of USS Harry S. Truman and died unexpectedly Nov. 8 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. -US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Rob Rupp. (Details on page 6)
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Immigration Post ------------- 36-39 Life Style ----------------------- 24-27 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 TechBiz Post ------------------- 44-45 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31
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ike President Obama has been maintaining, I thought I too would wait until a post-primary GOP nomination for the 2012 Presidential elections to start paying serious attention. So I didn't bother much to watch any of the umpteen debates the Republican contenders have already had. But, thanks to some of the comedy shows on TV, I really haven't missed anything, except for the hilarious gaffes the candidates have been making during the debates, almost as if to self-eliminate themselves from the fray. You'd have to be living under a rock not to know about the Rick Perry brain freeze and "Oops" moment and the Herman Cain "Libya" moment. And then again these guys want to build electrified walls along the border to keep "aliens" of the illegal variety out; to "ensure" Iran doesn't make the nuclear bomb; to stop "ALL" foreign aid, except of course for Israel; to continue with water boarding as an interrogation technique; and to "disagree" with Obama even if they don't know on what or why. Sadly, it's no laughing matter. If anything, it's scary, because these guys aspire to be Commander-in-Chief of a nation with the most powerful military and most nuclear warheads in the world. It's not just their lack of vision and a worldview, but it is their utter naiveté that's worrisome. With this pack challenging him, if Obama doesn't win four more years by default, I'll believe any conspiracy theory that might float by. Increasingly, the GOP debates are looking like reality TV competitions, where in the final line up, you only have the best of the lot that turned up for auditions, but not necessarily the best of the best. With all that's going on at home in America and around the world that concerns America, even the best of the best would have a tough time sitting in that Oval Office. And what we have seen of the Presidential challengers so far are only talents akin to the American Idol auditions. Now, if only it was as easy for us as texting in our "vote" in the finale, come Nov 2012.
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Bollywood: 'Chikni Chameli' Katrina Kaif is all set to give another jhatka with her sexy moves with Chikni Chameli in the movie Agneepath.
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Cover Story: Sixth term Upendra Chivukula has been re-elected to the New Jersey State Legislature for a sixth term following a landslide victory.
Community: IAC banquet Opening remarks by Illinois Gov Pat Quinn set the stage for a beautiful celebratory banquet for Indo American Center.
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Life Style: Rahman in new band Mick Jagger is part of a new band: Super Heavy featuring Dave Stewart, Joss Stone, Damian Marley and A.R. Rahman.
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A group of US airlines has sued a federal funding agency to block support package for Boeing aircraft ordered by Air India.
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Travel: Imphal The Imphal landscape of green-blue hills, lush fields and low clouds is like an exquisite painting.
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November 25, 2011
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Chivukula wins 6th term in NJ SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula has been reelected to the New Jersey State Legislature for a sixth term following a landslide victory in the Nov 8 elections. The only South Asian law-
In the run up to the elections, he had the overwhelming support of the local Home News Tribune and Korean News that endorsed his work record in terms of policy making and the ideas he brought to the state legislature. "And of course, I have been doing a lot of constituent service," he said. "We have been serving the people and
Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula
maker in the 120-member NJ legislature, Chivukula, who is also Deputy Speaker of the Asembly, won by more than 60% margin in the 17th District. Chivukula's Democratic running mates Assemblyman Joseph V. Egan and state Senator Bob Smith were also returned with a margin of nearly 6,000 votes each against their Republican challengers. The recent elections were a resounding victory for the Democrats who were returned with an extra seat raising their tally to 4832 in the 80-member New Jersey General Assembly and maintaining the status quo of 26-14 seats in the 40-member state Senate "It's wonderful that voters have shown confidence in me again," Chivukula told India Post. "Being the only South Asian elected to the State Legislature, I have a tremendous responsibility to continue to work hard so that we belong there." Despite this being an off-year election and the top of the ticket was the state senate, Chivukula said favorable weather on Election Day brought out more voters than expected. "We expected 25% or so and I think we exceeded." Chivukula, a hands-on representative, is much respected both by his constituents and the Tristate Indian American community. According to the 2010 US Census, 45.2% of the total 221,160 population in Chivukula's district are Caucasian Americans, 20% are African-American, 20.6% are Asian and 22.4% are Hispanic.
they appreciate that and it showed in this vote." For the New Jersey Democrats who won in a landslide, victory however, was no foregone conclusion with a Republican governor at the helm. "The Democrats had to work hard because the governor being Republican and with him trying to be national," Chivukula said. "He (Gov. Christie) pumped in a few million dollars into the election and (so) we had to raise money and spend a lot of money in places where we
‘It's wonderful that voters have shown confidence in me again," Chivukula told India Post. "Being the only South Asian elected to the State Legislature, I have a tremendous responsibility to continue to work hard so that we belong there’ normally don't spend anything." Chivukula lists his priorities as creating jobs (specifically using science and technology for creating more high paying jobs); the issue of property taxes; consolidating school districts. Going forward, Chivukula, who
has now been in public service for over a decade, is working towards a higher elected office as he waits for the pieces to fall in place with the Congressional redistricting. "By the middle of January (2012) the Congressional redistricting will be over and then I will see if there is an opportunity for me for Congress if not maybe even a higher office. There are some possibilities that exist so we are working towards that." Next to California, New Jersey has the largest concentration of Indian American population in the country. Still, even after 10 years since he was first elected to NJ Assembly, Chivukula continues to hold the distinction of being the only Indian American in the state legislature. The Congressional redistricting is not going to help find any more representation for the community either, says Chivukyla. "In this particular districting we don't see any other South Asian getting elected for another 10 years unless something drastically changes, which is not a very good thing and which is why I am holding onto this seat so hard because if I step out we may not have anybody in the state legislature," he said. There are some lobbying efforts on from South Asian American community organizations and advocacy groups to voice their opinions at various hearings of the redistricting commissions, but it remains to be seen how it works out. "Our South Asian community is scattered and not concentrated in one place," Chivukula explained. "Creating a minority-majority district for South Asians is going to be very, very difficult. The Federal Voting Rights Act requires at least 50% of the people living in an area to be minority like there are some such African American and Hispanic American districts. It would be very difficult for Asian Americans, but that will change over a period of time because South Asian and Asian Americans in general are the fastest growing community in the country. We grew about from 5.7% to 8.3% in the last 10 years. There is hope but it will take lot longer than I'd like to settle for." Legislative track record As legislator, Chivukula's most significant contribution has been in advancing a clean energy economy in New Jersey and fighting climate change. An electric engineer by profession, he chairs the Assembly Telecom and Utilities Committee which oversees the state's power
generation and utility companies including entities that supply electricity and natural gas state-wide. Chivukula sponsored the landmark Solar Energy Advancement and Fair Competition Act (A-3520) which increased the requirement of electricity that utilities need to generate from solar by 2020 to five percent, from the earlier Renewable Portfolio Standard of three percent.
ing pollution and allows entities like power plants to trade pollution quotas. Chivukula is currently working on legislation to establish energy portfolio standards and credits for alternative forms like geothermal, combined heat and power (CHP) and storage technologies. "Thermal power, including geo and solar thermal, needs to be an increasing part of our energy mix.
‘In this particular districting we don't see any other South Asian getting elected for another 10 years unless something drastically changes, which is not a very good thing and which is why I am holding onto this seat so hard because if I step out we may not have anybody in the state legislature,’ he said "In New Jersey, we have experienced a significant boom in solar, overtaking California to become first-in-the-nation in commercial installations after the market jumped by 170 percent in the second quarter of 2011 so that we now account for 24% of the total panels in the nation," Chivukula said. New Jersey crossed the threshold of 10,000 solar panels in August with the current total at 11,000. Chivukula also sponsored the Offshore Wind and Economic Development Act (A-2873) provides up to $100 million in tax credits to wind turbine manufacturers for infrastructure investment. This includes a 100 percent tax write off for capital investments of $50 million or more in offshore wind facilities. He sponsored the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state cap-and-trade compact which establishes a regional
Dr. Sudhanshu Prasad
cap on emissions of carbon dioxide, the main cause of global warm-
Combined heat and power (CHP) which can fuel efficiency up to 80 percent by capturing and recycling heat manufactured in the generation of electricity, must be incentivized," Chivukula said. "As we upscale to renewable, it is necessary to have regulation reserves to keep the PJM power grid balanced. The intermittent nature of wind and solar makes the developing of storage technologies a priority. We look forward to receiving input from stakeholders on how to continue to grow and diversify our renewable energy portfolio." Chivukula was first elected County Committeeman in 1992 and to the Franklin Township Council in 1997. He became Deputy Mayor in 1998 and was elected Mayor of Franklin in 2000. In 2001, he ran for and was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly. His present term ends in January 2012. The others who made it… Two other incumbent victories for the community include those of Dr. Sudhanshu Prasad to Edison Council and Rajiv Prasad to Franklin Township. In New York, Nanuet resident Aney Paul won for the first time to Rockland County legislature. She has been active in serving the community since she moved to Rockland almost 23 years ago. Cont’d on page 6
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November 25, 2011
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Indian American naval commanding officer dies mysteriously India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Captain Tushar Tembe, the commanding officer of the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), died suddenly Nov 8 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Harry S. Truman is undergoing repairs at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth. Capt. Tembe, 49, was departing the ship at approximately 10 a.m. when he collapsed, an offi-
A naval aviator, Capt. Tembe "Haaji" for friends and colleagues - assumed command of Truman last August. He was born in Bombay, India and came to the United States as a child. He grew up in New York City and later graduated from Texas Tech University. As a pilot, he'd been in the Navy for roughly three decades. After receiving his Wings of Gold, Tembe flew a variety of aircraft including the F/A-18 Hornet. His many assignments included a tour
An obituary on Facebook said ‘…our nation lost a great American, a loving, devoted husband, father, son and brother, and a superior naval officer. It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the loss of Captain Tushar ‘Haaji’ Tembe’ cial statement said. The ship's medical response team provided immediate medical assistance until Tembe could be transported to Bons Secours Maryview Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead. The cause of death has not been determined. He is survived by his wife and two sons. "We offer our sincere condolences to Capt. Tembe's wife and children, his family and the Truman crew. They are in our thoughts and our prayers as we deal with this tragic loss. Capt. Tembe served the Navy and our nation honorably and with great distinction. We honor his outstanding contributions to our nation," said Rear Adm. Ted Branch, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic.
as commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron 87, the "Golden Warriors" at NAS Oceana, VA. He also spent time as a flight instructor and test pilot. A memorial service was held last week onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower with Capt. Tembe's family, friends and shipmates in attendance. An obituary on Facebook said "…our nation lost a great American, a loving, devoted husband, father, son and brother, and a superior naval officer. It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the loss of Captain Tushar "Haaji" Tembe." Another Facebook posting said: "Wow! Living the American Dream, and fulfilling the Honorof-Honors! Hats off to you, Cap-
Captain Tushar Tembe
tain Tembe!" Two days after Capt. Tembe's passing, sailors assigned to the USS Harry S. Truman (which he commanded) won the Tembe Cup during the first Capt. Tushar Tember CVN Invitational golf tournament at Naval Air Station Oceana. Navaltoday.Com reported that the tournament and top prize were named for Capt. Tushar R. Tembe, who was originally instrumental in planning the tournament. Truman Sailors played against
teams from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), and USS Enterprise (CVN 65). The tournament was not originally planned for Tembe, said Avia-
Chivukula wins 6th term in NJ Cont’d from page 5
Amb Nirupama Rao meets with Sen Lieberman India Post News Service
WASHINGTON: Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao met with senior US Senator Joe Lieberman from Connecticut on Nov 8, at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. A member of the Senate India Caucus, Senator Lieberman is among the most influential voices in the US Congress on foreign policy and national security issues, and a strong supporter of India-US strategic partnership. Underlining his own commitment to India-US relations, Senator Lieberman mentioned that one of the most remarkable developments of his over two decade-long political career was
the total transformation of this relationship. Ambassador Rao conveyed India's appreciation for the critical role played by Senator Lieberman in bringing
situation, particularly in Afghanistan and the common interests of India and the US in ensuring peace, security and development in Afghanistan.
Paul received her nursing degree from Lady Hardinge College (India), a Bachelors in Health Administration from St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn, NY), a Masters in
A member of the Senate India Caucus, Senator Lieberman is among the most influential voices in the US Congress on foreign policy and national security issues, and a strong supporter of India-US strategic partnership about this transformation. Ambassador Rao and Senator Lieberman discussed recent developments in the India-US strategic partnership and exchanged views on the regional
Both agreed that the emergence of an open, balanced and inclusive architecture in the Asia-Pacific region was in the interest of both India and the US.
tion Ordnanceman 1st Class Jeffery Crawford, leading petty officer of Truman's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department. "Capt. Tembe came up with the idea for this tournament," said Crawford. "He was involved in every last detail of planning this event, and that's why we decided to name it for him," Navaltoday quoted. Before Sailors hit the green, they had a moment of silence for Tembe and his family. "Personally, this is a huge loss. He was my golf buddy … my Navy buddy," said Capt. William C. Hamilton Jr., commanding officer of Enterprise, and close friend of Tembe. "We played golf together all over the world for the past 16 years. I'll never swing another club now without thinking about him." Hamilton said his friendship with Tembe began in 1995 when they served as department heads with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83. "As time marched on, we stayed in touch with each other and were both eventually selected to command aircraft carriers," said Hamilton. "For the Navy, they lost an aircraft carrier commander. There are only 11 of us in the fleet, and that's what we have to recover from."
Rajiv Prasad
Public Health from New York Medical College (Valhalla, NY), and a Masters in Nursing/Nurse Practitioner from Lehman College
(Bronx, NY). She is a registered nurse since 1987 at Nyack Hospital. …And the ones who didn't Small business owner Vin Gopal lost his Democratic run for District 11 of the NJ General Assembly despite an endorsement from Asbury Park Press and also the fact that District 11 was reshaped to become a minority opportunity district. Dr. Wasim Khan lost his bid once again for District 26 of the NJ State Senate on a Democratic ticket. The only Muslim candidate then, he ran unsuccessfully for the same district in 2007. Also losing out is Abrar Sam Khan who ran on a Republican ticket for Edison Council in New Jersey. Shibu Abraham, who ran for the first time from West Nyack Council in New Jersey on a Republican ticket, also lost the election.
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Nobel laureate Har Gobind Khorana dies at 89 India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Nobel laureate Har Gobind Khorana, MIT's Alfred P. Sloan Professor of Biology and Chemistry emeritus, died of natural causes in Concord, Massachusetts, Nov 9. He was 89. A widower, Khorana is survived by his daughter, Julia, and son, Dave. A winner of the 1968 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine, Khorana devoted much of his scientific career to unraveling the genetic code and the mechanisms
dia (Department of Biotechnology), and the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum jointly created the Khorana Program in 2007. The mission of the Khorana Program is to build a seamless community of scientists, industrialists, and social entrepreneurs in the United States and India. The program is focused on providing graduate and undergraduate students with a transformative research experience, engaging partners in rural development and food security, and facilitating public-private partner-
Rajbhandary says he will remember Khorana for his drive and focus, but also his humility. ‘As good as he was, he was one of the most modest people I have known,’ he says. ‘What he accomplished in his life, coming from where he did, is truly incredible.’ In addition to the Nobel, Khorana won many other professional awards, including the Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize from Columbia University by which nucleic acids give rise to proteins. "Gobind was a brilliant, path-breaking scientist, a wise and considerate colleague, and a dear friend to many of us at MIT," said Chris Kaiser, MacVicar Professor of Biology and head of the Department of Biology, in an email announcing the news to the department's faculty according to MIT News. Khorana had shared the Nobel in '68 with Marshall Nirenberg and Robert Holley. The University of WisconsinMadison, the Government of In-
ships between the US and India. Khorana became a naturalized American citizen in 1966, and subsequently received the National Medal of Science. Besides serving MIT, Khorana was also member of the Board of Scientific Governors at The Scripps Research Institute. Born in India in 1922, in a small village called Raipur, in the region of Punjab that is now part of Pakistan, Khorana was the youngest in a Hindu family of one daughter and four sons; his father was a
patwari, an agricultural taxation clerk in the British Indian system of government. In an autobiographical note written upon winning the Nobel Prize, Khorana wrote: "Although poor, my father was dedicated to educating his children and we were practically the only literate family in the village inhabited by about 100 people." Khorana attended high school in the nearby city of Multan before enrolling in Punjab University, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1943 and Master's in 1945, both in chemistry and biochemistry. Upon graduating, he received a fellowship from the Indian government to study at the University of Liverpool in the UK, where he received his PhD in 1948. He did postdoctoral work at Switzerland's Federal Institute of Technology, where he met his wife, the late Esther Elizabeth Sibler. Feeling lost in a new country, Khorana later wrote: "Esther brought a consistent sense of purpose in my life at a time when, after six years' absence from the country of my birth, I felt out of place everywhere and at home nowhere." After returning to the UK for another post doctoral position in Cambridge, Khorana and his wife created a new home together in Vancouver, Canada, where he took a job at the British Columbia Research Council in 1952. "Gobind was so excited that he was going to start a lab of his own. He looked at the map of Canada, saw where Vancouver was for the
Har Gobind Khorana, molecular biologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1960 to 1970, is pictured in his lab during the late 1960s. Pic UW-Madison University Archives
Har Gobind Khorana
first time, and off he went," says colleague Uttam Rajbhandary, MIT's Lester Wolfe Professor of Molecular Biology, recalling Khorana's telling of how he accepted the position. Khorana stayed in Vancouver for eight years, continuing his pioneering work on proteins and nucleic acids while raising two daughters, Julia Elizabeth and Emily Anne, and a son, Dave Roy. In 1960, he went to the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he became co-director of the Institute for Enzyme Research. It was at Wisconsin that Khorana and colleagues worked out the mechanisms by which RNA codes for the synthesis of proteins, leading to the Nobel Prize in 1968, which Khorana shared with Robert Holley of Cornell University and Marshall Nirenberg of the National Institutes of Health. Khorana was among the pioneers of the now-familiar series of threenucleotide codons that signal to the cell which amino acids to use in building proteins - for example, uracil-cytosine-uracil, or UCU, codes for the amino acid serine, while CUC codes for leucine. After discovering this key biological code, Khorana became interested in replicating the process synthetically. In 1970 he joined MIT, where he continued at the forefront of the ballooning field of genetics. Shortly after arriving at the Institute, Khorana - along with colleagues - announced the synthesis of two different genes crucial to protein building. In a major breakthrough in 1976, they managed to complete the synthesis of the first fully functional manmade gene in a living cell. This method of chemically synthesizing genes made possible controlled, systematic studies of how genetic struc-
ture influences function. In the decades that followed, Khorana became interested in other cellular components, including biomembranes and, in the visual system, rhodopsin - the pigment on the eye's retina that is responsible for the first step in the biological perception of light. He retired from the MIT faculty in 2007. In addition to his strong research ethic, Khorana took pride in mentoring younger scientists. "Even while doing all this research, he was always really interested in education, in students and young people," says his daughter, Julia Khorana '75. "After he retired, students would come to visit and he loved to talk to them about the work they were doing. He was very loyal to them, and they were very loyal to him, too." Rajbhandary says he will remember Khorana for his drive and focus, but also his humility. "As good as he was, he was one of the most modest people I have known," he says. "What he accomplished in his life, coming from where he did, is truly incredible." In addition to the Nobel, Khorana won many other professional awards, including the Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize from Columbia University and the Lasker Foundation Award for Basic Medical Research, both in 1968; the Willard Gibbs Medal of the Chicago section of the American Chemical Society, in 1974; the Gairdner Foundation Annual Award, in 1980; and the Paul Kayser International Award of Merit in Retina Research, in 1987. He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, among other distinguished professional memberships.
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November 25, 2011
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'Gillard's U-turn on uranium exports to India under US prod'
US President Barack Obama, left, listens to Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard during a joint press conference in Canberra, Australia, Wednesday, Nov. 16
MELBOURNE: The United States seems to have influenced Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard's U-turn on uranium exports to India, as the Obama administration viewed the longstanding ban was a roadblock to greater engagement between Washington and New Delhi. "Gillard's decision to open the door to uranium exports to India came after talks with the Obama administration, which viewed the ban as a roadblock to greater engagement between Washington and New Delhi," The Australian newspaper claimed. The Prime Minister has signaled she would use the Labor party's national conference next month to reverse a ban on exporting uranium to India, a non-signatory of the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty.
"There's nothing to be read into it, coming as it does the day before President (Barack) Obama's visit, other than it suited
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has been in India for a meeting on Indian Ocean co-operation and Defense Minister Stephen Smith is expected to visit India early next month to boost bilateral defense co-operation me as the day to make the announcement," she said, adding "So it's my decision, my announcement and it was made because of my logistics as today is
the appropriate day." The paper said it was understood that Australian and US officials have been involved in intense strategic discussions about India and the Indian Ocean for several months. Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has been in India for a meeting on Indian Ocean co-operation and Defense Minister Stephen Smith is expected to visit India early next month to boost bilateral defense co-operation. The Obama administration has been pursuing a closer partnership with India and considers Australia an integral part of its strategy, the paper said. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said early this month that the US-Australian alliance had been transformed from "an AsiaPacific alliance to an Indo-Pacific alliance". -PTI
PM to visit Russia on December 16 MOSCOW: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will arrive here on December 16 to attend the annual Indo-Russian summit. The announcement was made by External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, who is on a three-day visit to finalize political and economic agenda of the summit. Krishna met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and is un-
Manmohan Singh
derstood to have discussed key regional and global issues including the situation in Afghanistan, West Asia and Syria. Krishna and Lavrov are also expected to finalize the draft of joint political document to be issued after Singh's last Kremlin summit talks with his Russian host Dmitry Medvedev, who will be demitting his office in early May 2012 after next March's presidential polls.-PTI
Rajaratnam to pay record $92.8 m penalty in SEC civil case India Post News Service
NEW YORK: If the criminal case against Raj Rajaratnam brought down a 11-year prison sentence with nearly $64 million in fines, a civil case against the billionaire hedge fund manager now handed him a staggering $92.8 million in penalty. The Securities and Exchange Commission obtained a record financial penalty of $92.8 million against billionaire hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam for widespread insider trading. The final judgment entered Nov 8 by Jed S. Rakoff of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York finds Rajaratnam liable for a civil monetary penalty of $92,805,705, which marks the largest penalty ever assessed against an individual in an SEC insider trading case. The SEC brought civil charges against Rajaratnam on Oct. 16, 2009, alleging that he and several others including his New York-based hedge fund advisory firm Galleon Management LP engaged in a massive insider trading scheme. The SEC subsequently amended its complaint in Nov 2009 and Jan 2010 adding several more defendants and alleging additional insider trading schemes that cumulatively generated more than $52 million in illicit gains. "The penalty imposed (today) reflects the historic proportions of Raj Rajaratnam's illegal conduct and its impact on the integrity of our markets," said Robert Khuzami, Director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement. The SEC's enforcement action against Rajaratnam and Galleon was part of a larger insider trading probe that has resulted in civil charges against a total of 29 individuals and entities including hedge fund advisers, Wall Street professionals, and corporate insiders. The SEC alleged insider trading in the securities of more than 15 publicly traded companies for more than $90 million in illicit profits or losses avoided. In the parallel criminal case, the SEC provided significant assistance to the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York in its successful criminal prosecution of Rajaratnam, who was found guilty on May 11, 2011, of all 14 counts charged, including five counts of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and nine counts of securities fraud. Following the jury verdict,
Rajaratnam was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 11 years, and was ordered to pay more than $53.8 million in forfeiture of illicit gains and $10 million in criminal fines. The total amount of monetary sanctions imposed on Rajaratnam in the civil and criminal cases is more than $156.6 million. In addition to imposing a record penalty, the final judgment in the SEC's civil action permanently enjoins Rajaratnam from future violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Exchange Act Rule 10b5. The order further finds that Rajaratnam is liable for an unspecified amount of disgorgement and prejudgment interest, which are deemed satisfied by the forfeiture ordered against Rajaratnam in the criminal case. Separately, on Oct 27, the SEC obtained a final judgment by con-
Raj Rajaratnam
sent against Rajaratnam's firm Galleon Management, permanently enjoining it from violating the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws and holding it jointly and severally liable for the monetary relief ordered against Rajaratnam. On Oct 26, the SEC charged former McKinsey & Co. worldwide head Rajat K. Gupta with insider trading for illegally tipping Rajaratnam while serving on the boards of Goldman Sachs and Procter & Gamble. The SEC also filed new insider trading charges against Rajaratnam alleging that he caused various Galleon funds to trade based on Gupta's inside information, generating illicit profits or loss avoidance of more than $23 million. This insider trading enforcement action against Rajaratnam remains pending before Judge Rakoff.
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US aid to Pak: Top Senators introduce amendments WASHINGTON: Angry over Pakistan's lackluster cooperation in the war on terror, top US Senators have introduced amendments that would make it tough for government here to give military and civilian aid to Islamabad unless it takes concrete steps against militant groups like Haqqani network and LeT. The amendments were introduced by several top Senators, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Under the Reid Amendment (SA 957) to the HR 2354, the Secretary of State needs to certify that Pakistan is cooperating with the US in efforts against Haqqani network, the Quetta Shura Taliban, Lashkar e-Tayyiba, al-Qaeda and other domestic and foreign terrorist groups, including taking steps to end support for such groups and prevent them from operating in Pakistan and carrying out crossborder attacks into neighboring countries. However, the Secretary of State could waive this condition in the national security interest of the US. The Reid Amendment also requires the Secretary of State to certify that the Government of Pakistan is not impeding the issu-
ance of visas for US visitors engaged in counter-terrorism efforts and assistance programs in Pakistan; and is providing humanitarian bodies access to detainees, internally displaced persons, and other Pakistani civilians affected
2012, that are available for assistance for Pakistan, may be made available only to support counterterrorism and counter-insurgency operations in Pakistan. Of late, several US lawmakers have claimed that money given to
The Secretary of State could suspend any direct governmentto-government assistance to an implementing agency if the Secretary has credible information of misuse of such funds by any such agency, it said by the conflict. The Reid Amendment also notes that US funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "Foreign Military Financing Program" and "Pakistan Counter-insurgency Capability Fund" for fiscal year ending September 30,
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
Pakistan for counter-terrorism is diverted for other purposes. Not only this, the Reid Amendment imposes tough conditions for civilian aid to Pakistan too. It says the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for direct government-to-
Don't think about migrating to India: Sharif to Hindus KARACHI: Pakistan's opposition leader Nawaz Sharif has told the Hindus not to think of migrating, saying they were safe in the country, days after three Hindu doctors were killed on broad daylight in Sindh province. "Hindus are as much part of Pakistan as Muslims. It is duty of the government to provide protection to the minorities in the country. I tell them don't worry about your future. Don't think about migrating to India," Sharif told the community leaders during his visit to the area to assuage the feelings of the grieved families. "You are very much Pakistanis and should remain here," Sharif said. Hindus reside in large numbers in the interior and rural reasons of the southern Sindh province. Former prime minister Sharif who heads the main opposition party, Nawaz Muslim League was addressing a gathering of the Hindu community in Chak town where the tragic incident took place over an apparent dispute over a girl. Police so far have failed to
make inroads into the case with the main culprits at large. The incident has caused widespread outrage in Pakistan with the Hindus questioning their status as
government assistance only if the Secretary of State certifies to the Committees on Appropriations that the US and Pakistan have agreed, in writing, to achievable and sustainable goals, benchmarks for measuring progress,
it cannot provide justice to minorities in the country. The government machinery should have been based in Chak until the killers were arrested."
and expected results for the use of such funds; and have established mechanisms within each implementing agency to ensure that such funds are used for the purposes for which they were intended. The Secretary of State could suspend any direct governmentto-government assistance to an implementing agency if the Secretary has credible information of misuse of such funds by any such agency, it said. Of the funds appropriated un-
Obama conveys wishes on Guru Nanak anniversary India Post News Service
Nawaz Sharif
Pakistani citizens after failing to get justice. "I tell the Hindu community today we are with you. We will ensure you get justice and the killers are arrested," Sharif said. "It is the failure of any government if
Although President Asif Zardari has ordered an inquiry into the incident and pressed for the arrest of the killers, the Hindu community leaders allege that the police and influential people of the area are protecting the killers.-PTI
der "Economic Support Fund" in this Act for assistance for Pakistan, USD five million should be made available for human rights and democracy programs, including training of government officials and security forces, and aid for human rights organizations and the development of democratic political parties, according to the Reid Amendment. It has also kept a provision of USD 10 million for emergency humanitarian needs. A similar amendment (SA 952) has been moved by four American Senators - Bob Casey, John Barrasso, Richard Blumenthal and Sheldon Whitehouse. Under the amendment introduced by the four Senators, funds appropriated under "Foreign Military Financing Program" and "Pakistan Counter-Insurgency Capability Fund" should not be obligated until the Secretary of State certifies to various committees that Pakistan is demonstrating a continuing commitment to and is making significant efforts towards the implementation of a strategy to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs). "Significant implementation efforts include attacking IED networks, monitoring of known precursors used in IEDs, and the development of a strict protocol for the manufacture of explosive materials, including calcium ammonium nitrate, and accessories and their supply to legitimate end users," it said.-PTI
NEW YORK: President Barack Obama conveyed his wishes to Sikhs across America on the occasion of the anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji, Nov 10. "I send my best wishes to all those observing the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru," the Presidential statement said. "On this occasion, we are reminded of the fundamental principles of Sikhism, including the equality of all people, the sanctity of living an honest life, and the importance of service to our neighbors. I'm proud that during my presidency the White House hosted the first celebration of the birth of Guru Nanak, and our country is grateful for the extraordinary contributions that Sikh Americans have made to our na-
tion. As Sikhs across America and around the world celebrate the life of Guru Nanak, all of us
President Barack Obama
can draw inspiration from his message of equality, honesty, and helping those who are in need."
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November 25, 2011
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Afghans identify US, Germany, Japan, India as major donors WASHINGTON: India, which has made a financial aid contribution of USD 2 billion to Afghanistan, has been identified by people of the war-torn country as their fourth major donor after the US, Germany and Japan, according to a new survey. The poll entitled "Afghanistan in 2011: A Survey of the Afghan People, was conducted by the Washington-based think-tank Asia Foundation. All respondents were asked which country they think has provided the most aid for the projects they are aware of in their area or district. India is most often identified in the South West (10 per cent) and East (eight per cent). While nearly half (46 per cent) of Afghans say their country is moving in the right direction, more respondents than at any time since the Asia Foundation
began polling there in 2004 say Afghanistan is headed in the wrong direction. According to the poll of 6,348 Afghan citizens, more than a
46 % of Afghans say their country is moving in the right direction, more respondents than at any time since the Asia Foundation began polling there in 2004 say Afghanistan is headed in the wrong direction third (35 per cent) of those polled say things are moving in the wrong direction citing insecurity, including attacks, violence and
terrorism, as the main reason for pessimism. More than a quarter of respondents (27 per cent) say the US has provided the most aid for projects implemented in their local area. This is a significant drop from previous years (48 per cent in 2006, 44 per cent in 2007, 46 per cent in 2008, 41 per cent in 2009). (More) PTI LKJRespondents also identified Germany (seven per cent), Japan (six per cent), India (four per cent) and Britain (two per cent) as supporting projects locally, followed by China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Canada, France, Sweden, Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs), Pakistan, Italy, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the National Solidarity Programme, UN agencies and Poland. One fifth of respondents (20 per cent) say they are not aware
Chinese 'incursions' routine, says Dalai Lama JAMMU: Tibetan spiritual He said, "Basically India is the the Dalai Lama administration, leader, the Dalai Lama has said that biggest democratic country and which dealt with both spiritual "incursions" by Chinese troops it is gradually improving economi- and political set up of Tibet, has along the Sino-Indian border were cally but the Peoples Republic of also now ended...I voluntarily, a "routine" as Beijing does not China is not a democratic country happily and proudly brought to accept the existing border in at all". an end this tradition. Now you Ladakh sector of Jammu and The Dalai Lama parried a ques- better ask this question to the Kashmir. "The Chinese government, you see, never wants to accept that this is the existing sort of borderline (between India and China in Ladakh sector) and also in Arunachal Pradesh", he told reporters on the sidelines of a photo exhibition about a Buddhist site in JK's Akhnoor belt. He was replying to volley of questions about reported incursions by the Chinese Army in the Ladakh sector and China's view point on the border in that region. On reports of reTibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama during his visit to the ancient Buddhist site Ambaran at Akhnoor near Jammu cent incursions, he said, "That are always a routine". tion on whether India has soft- political leadership," he said. The Dalai Lama also referred to ened its stand on Tibet, saying, Replying to questions, he said "resentment" of farmer and work- "In March this year, I handed India's message of non-violence ers in China where they resort to over all sorts of political respon- was "very relevant" in this world protest and strikes and said, sibility to the elected leadership. for promotion of unity and har"Overall it (China) needs a demo"Not only am I retired, the al- mony among different cultures cratic society with rule of law..." most four-century-old tradition of and communities. -PTI
of any development projects in their area. "Security is the biggest problem for Afghans," said Asia Foundation President David D Arnold.
‘We are encouraged by higher levels of satisfaction in access to education, drinking water, health services and growing confidence in the role of public institutions,’ Arnold said Afghans told the Asia Foundation that issues of security and conflict influence their perceptions about the future. "We are
encouraged by higher levels of satisfaction in access to education, drinking water, health services and growing confidence in the role of public institutions," Arnold said. "The priority now is to integrate these findings into useful guideposts for future development efforts by the Afghanistan government and the international community," Arnold said. Overall, 35 per cent of Afghan citizens in 2011 say the country is moving in the wrong direction ? an increase of eight per cent from 2010. The main reason cited for pessimism is insecurity, reported by 45 per cent of the respondents who say that the country is moving in the wrong direction. This is followed by corruption (16 per cent), bad government (15 per cent) and unemployment (13 per cent).-PTI
British Columbia, Haryana agree to form a Working Group CHANDIGARH: The Province He said the proposed market of British Columbia in Canada and would have excellent logistics and Haryana have agreed to form a is ideally located near the Delhi Working Group for mutual coop- border in Haryana. eration and assistance. Hooda also sought Canadian They have also agreed to mu- expertise in mining. The offer was tual cooperation in the field of accepted by Clark. Both leaders food processing and mining. agreed that there was lot of scope This decision was taken in a for mutual cooperation and assismeeting between Haryana Chief tance, which would be beneficial Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda to both Haryana and British Coand the Premier of British Colum- lumbia. bia, Christy Clark, here today. "I know that this is the bread Clark is on a visit to India at the head of a high-level delHooda also sought Canadian egation, a Haryana government release expertise in mining. The offer said here. During the meet- was accepted by Clark. Both ing, Hooda offered to form a working leaders agreed that there was group, which was accepted by Clark. lot of scope for mutual coopShe also invited eration and assistance, which Hooda and agro-industry leaders to would be beneficial to both Vancouver for a proposed agricul- Haryana and British Columbia ture forum meeting in 2012, where world leaders in the industry have basket of India and British Columbeen invited. bia can offer a lot of expertise in She said that Haryana and Brit- helping reduce crop losses. So ish Columbia can share technical agriculture will be one of the arexpertise in the field of IT, food eas we are going to cooperate processing and mining. on," Clark said. India and Canada complement "In the agriculture forum, busieach other and therefore it was of nessmen from India and British mutual interest, she added. Columbia would discuss issues of Hooda invited the international mutual interest. Life Science is firms from British Columbia to in- another big area of collaboration. vest in the International Horticul- I am very excited about the poture Market at Ganaur. tential," he said.-PTI
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IOR-ARC pledges to jointly combat piracy menace
WELCOME IN BALI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is welcomed on his arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Indonesia
After China, India ranks no. 2 in foreign students in US WASHINGTON: China and India occupy the top two spots in contributing foreign students to the United States, with the international education sector bringing in USD 21.3 billion into the domestic economy, a new report said. Together, the top three sending countries - China, India and South Korea comprise nearly half (46 per cent) of the total international enrollments in US higher education, said the report by the Institute of International Education. Led by a surge of students from China, international student enrollment increased by five per cent in 2010-2011, the report said. "Chinese student enrollment in the United States rose to a total of nearly 158,000 students, or nearly 22 per cent of the total international student population, making China the leading sending country for the second year in a row," it said. "Students from India, the second largest international cohort in the United States, decreased by one per cent to a total of nearly 104,000. Yet, India, as a destination for US students study abroad, increased 44.4 per cent," it said. "While slightly declining in numbers, students from India still
represent 14 per cent of all international students in US higher education, with tens of thousands more students from India in US higher education than in any other host country," the report said. South Korea is the third leading place of origin, with more than 73,000 students, increasing by
These strong increases have significant economic impact on the US, as international students contribute more than USD 21 billion to the US economy, through their expenditures on tuition and living expenses two per cent and making up 10 per cent of the total. According to the report, increased numbers of students from China, particularly at the undergraduate level, largely accounts for the growth this past year. "Chinese students increased by 23 per cent in total and by 43
per cent at the undergraduate level," it said. These increases have been felt across the United States, with the top 20 host universities and top 10 host states each hosting more international students than in the prior year. Women represent approximately 45 per cent of the total number of international students, it said. These strong increases have significant economic impact on the US, as international students contribute more than USD 21 billion to the US economy, through their expenditures on tuition and living expenses, according to the US Department of Commerce, it said. "Because of the excellence and diversity of our colleges and universities, more students worldwide are choosing to study in the US," said Assistant Secretary of State Ann Stock. "It is positive news that our higher education institutions continue to excel in attracting students from all over the world, and in preparing American students to succeed in an increasingly global environment," said Allan Goodman, president and CEO of the Institute of International Education. -PTI
BANGALORE: Concerned at this menace," the declaration growing sea piracy in the Indian adopted at the Council of MinisOcean, particularly off the Horn ters' Meeting of the 11th IORof Africa, the Indian Ocean RIM - ARC here said. Association for Regional Coop"We noted that stabilization of eration (IOR-ARC) has pledged to Somalia will contribute to dealing jointly combat the menace with piracy in the region. As memthrough sharing of information bers take practical steps consisand technical assistance. In the Bengaluru The India chaired grouping Declaration of the 19-member regional fully supported the international grouping, it said it shared concern efforts at the UN and the sevover the prevailing eral initiatives at the regional situation regarding maritime security in level as well as the Contact the Indian Ocean, particularly at the Group on piracy of the growing level of pi- coast off Somalia racy off the Horn of Africa which posed a threat to international and re- tent with international law to comgional navigation, maritime com- bat piracy, we agreed that IORmerce and the safety of sea farer's. RIM could serve as an effective The India chaired grouping of vehicle for sharing information, which Seychelles became the 19th experience and best practices," it member fully supported the in- said. ternational efforts at the UN and At the Bangalore meet, India the several initiatives at the re- took over as the Chair of the gional level as well as the Contact grouping which also comprises Group on piracy of the coast off Yemen, Australia, Bangladesh, Somalia, which is coordinating Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagasanti-piracy efforts. car, Malaysia, Mauritius, "We committed ourselves to Mozambique, Oman, Singapore, cooperate fully through sharing South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, of information and through tech- Thailand, the UAE and nical assistance to jointly combat Seychelles. -PTI
Lanka keen to cooperate with India to combat piracy COLOMBO: With piracy emerging as a major security threat, Sri Lanka has said it is keen to cooperate with India, the largest naval power in South Asia, to combat the menace. As the largest naval power in South Asia, India plays a major role in upholding maritime security in the region, Sri Lankan powerful defense secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said. Addressing an international maritime conference in the southern port town of Galle, Rajapaksa stressed the need for Sri Lanka and India to work together. He said with sufficient cooperation from the major naval powers, Sri Lanka can play an active role in ensuring maritime security. Rajapaksa said most of the maritime security threats which exist today were caused due to lack of cooperation between the naval powers. "The piracy originating from Somalia had the space to grow
from a small localized problem into a major maritime threat largely as a result of international inaction," he said. Rajapaksa stressed that it was important for the international community to acts with sufficient speed to address future threats. He said the existing international maritime laws and practices have proven ineffective in combating the Somali pirates. In September, India and Sri Lanka held 'SLINEX II', their largest ever joint naval exercise off the coast off Trincomalee to enhance interoperability between the two navies. Piracy has become rampant over the last few years due lawlessness in Somalia, encouraging the formation of mini-fiefdoms ruled by gunmen and militia. According to Ecoterra International, which monitors maritime activities, at least 47 foreign vessels and more than 500 sailors are being held by pirates. -PTI
Desi News New Air India schedule gladdens travelers KRISHNA RAJDA
CHICAGO: Air India travelers from the Midwest region have accorded a full throated welcome to the recent announcement from the Indian national carrier of the winter schedule from Chicago with various enhancements. Effective November 14, the daily Non Stop India departs at the convenient time of 1:30 pm. Flight AI 126 arrives into New Delhi at 3:20 pm the following day and continues onward to Hyderabad. Immediate connections from New Delhi are available to a host of cities in India. Details on page 14
OpASHA serving TB patients in Cambodia RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: Operation ASHA, a non-government organization based in Delhi, India and Chicago, USA aiming to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) worldwide, has spread its wings. After touching the lives of hundreds of patients in Delhi slums and surrounding states with 35 treatment centers, it has now opened a new frontier - seeking to serve disadvantaged people in Cambodia. In a talk to this paper, Dr Shelly Batra MD and president of OpASHA said that tuberculosis is a terrifying disease that spreads like wildfire, and MDR-TB and XDR-TB have the potential to wipe out huge number of humans.
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
Details on page 20
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November 25, 2011
SHER RAJPUT
CHICAGO: Opening remarks by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn set the stage for a beautiful celebratory banquet for a front ranking community organization, Indo American Center (IAC) at the grand ballroom of the Marriott Oak Brook Hotel on Sunday, November 13 from 5 pm to 9:30 pm. At a large gathering of the elite from the Indian American community, the Governor lauded the outstanding achievements of the Center, thanks to the able leadership provided by President Prem Balani with the support from IAC Board and the supporters at large. The Governor recognized the Board of
AC president Prem Balani addressing IAC Meet. Pics Dr Bapu Arekapudi
IAC for their dedication serving citizens of Illinois.
Indian community leaders Raja Krishnamurthy, Mafat Patel, Vinod Parikh, Dr Ram Gajela and S Digvenkar
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn
The main thrust of President Prem Balani's speech was "What Can We Give. He talked about activities that IAC undertook in the past years serving community members and families at large, and pointed out that the Center has embarked upon an expansion project to serve the community better in coming years. Jay Luthra, the executive director, in his brief address touched upon various programs being conducted at IAC for the community benefits. The annual event was also a fundraiser for the $4 million expansion project of IAC. Sources say
that IAC had earlier considered expanding its present facility but now is planning to get a bigger place somewhere near its present facility, and this needs sizeable funds. The annual banquet cum fundraiser helped raise $200,000, according to these sources. Ravi Baichwal, the eloquent and charming anchor of ABC7 News, was the keynote speaker. He highlighted the history, achievements, and services of the Center. In addition, he used the occasion to announce the launch of IAC's Capital Campaign Committee for the acquisition of their new, larger building. Cont’d on page 13
Diwali celebration dispels seniors' isolation Asian Media USA
LOS ANGELES: The South Asian Helpline Referral Agency (Sahara) hosted its annual fundraiser and 20th anniversary celebration at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles on November 12. Sahara is an organization committed to serving survivors of domestic violence in the South Asian community by providing information, referrals, skills development, and other culturally sensitive support services.
CHICAGO: Seniors resident of the Grove North nursing home of Skokie (GNH), along with their friends and family celebrated Diwali on November 6 with gusto and fanfare. More than 72 participated in song, dance, and joined for a special meal. The premise was decorated with diwas (lamps), electric bulbs and other decorative electric lighting fixtures, around the portraits of Laxmi, Ganesh, Sarswati and Shrinathji to make their surroundings filled with colorful light and to make it bright and beautiful.
Details on page 18
Cont’d on page 13
SVAPNA PATEL
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Indo-American Center set for expansion
Details on page 15
Sahara's gala raises $150K for victims of domestic violence
An evening of fun and fundraising
A section of seniors attending Diwali celebration. Pic Asian Media USA
November 25, 2011
Community Across America
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Groundbreaking for E-W University expansion
Diwali celebration dispels seniors' isolation
MUJEEB OSMAN
CHICAGO: East West University located in the South Loop has started construction for an expansion of the campus. It held a groundbreaking ceremony at its newly acquired site on Wabash Ave and 8th Street in Chicago Downtown last week here. The University was established 31 years ago and is continuously growing as a sequel to more and more students coming to it for
Marsalis Ross who focused on the cultural development that EWU has given to the community. A vote of thanks goes to Zafar Malik Dean of students for his dedication to improving the lives of the students. Dr. Larry Gorman, Head of English Dept., was honored for being a key part in allowing the school to expand. Dr. Badrinath Mirmera, Head of Applied Sciences, was honored for his efforts
Ground breaking ceremony for E-W University in Chicago Downtown
higher education. The University has planned to create a 17 floor Student Life Center with a multi-purpose facility with students on 10 floors of oncampus living, athletic center, food court, extensive library and auditorium. The event was hosted by Chancellor Wasiullah Khan, faculty, staff, and Alderman Bob Fioretti. The guest speaker was Congressman Danny Davis. The speaker program had Mettha
to improve the level of education that students were receiving. "Currently, all East West students commute daily from across the Chicago area to get to class, losing out on valuable study time and extracurricular activities. The new Student Life Center will free many East-West students of this burden and offer them a complete campus atmosphere as they work to earn their college degrees and prepare for professional life," said Dr. Mohammad Wasiullah Khan, Chan-
cellor of East-West University. "The new Student Life Center is a celebration of the vibrant, diverse community that we are so proud to call home, and we look forward to sharing our new campus addition with our neighbors and friends in the South Loop," Chancellor Khan said. The new building will generate $15.3 million per year in economic output for the surrounding area and create more than 100 full/ part time jobs upon completion. "By further establishing this institution, by attracting new students and visitors, and by boosting business in South Loop stores and restaurants, this new facility will enhance the value of the South Loop neighborhood for years to come. We appreciate East-West University as a good neighbor and partner in the growth of the City," said Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd District). Congressman Danny Davis has a seat on the Board of Trustees and has been a part of the School since its establishment. The Board of Trustees have made huge efforts for the success of the school. Board of Trustees includes Sher M. Rajput and Arshad Mirza M.D. The host committee included Dr. Madhu Jain, Dean of East West University, John Thomas, Judy Bacon, Kenneth Gaines, Dr. Wilke, Board of Trustee Sher Rajput, and Arshad Mirza M.D.
A senior like many others seen being taken care of by GNH staff
Cont’d from page 12
Explaining principal reason behind the 'in home' celebration, Program Coordinator Minaben Kansara observed that "almost all our South Asian GNH residents with different lifestyle and attitude, have one thing in common - a sort of loneliness. Thousands of miles away from home, Indian senior citizens here in USA find the life much different after their retirement. As parents, they have given their children their life, educated them and enabled them to earn a decent living. In return, few fortunate parents get their dues. But one thing they neither expect nor get from their busy children is "enough time to spend with." And this depression really goes on a higher scale especially during festivals as they terribly miss 'home' and their extended family in India, especially during the
holiday seasons". GNH in its modest way tries to drive away this depression thru celebrating festivals like Diwali. "My sole objective is to make every senior dance," said DJ Arunkumar Modi who did a great job keeping everyone entertained with recital of prayers, Garba/ Raas and Bhajans during the entire event. The event concluded with traditional Arati and dinner of authentic Gujarati dishes prepared by friends and relatives of the residents and GNH kitchen staff. The Grove North offers short and long term rehabilitation, IV therapy, wound care, hospice and respite care. Private pay, medicare and medicaid residents are welcome. The facility has Indian and Pakistani physician on staff. Elegant Indian and Pakistani meals are prepared fresh daily by Indian Chef.
Indo-American Center set for expansion Cont’d from page 12
Besides Governor Pat Quinn, the banquet was attended by U.S. Congressman Danny Davis, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, Illinois State Senator Ira Silverstein, 50th Ward Alderman Deborah Silverstein, 59th Ward Alderman Joe Moore, and candidate for U.S. Congress Raja Krishnamurthy. Community leaders attending the banquet included Dr Dayal Meshri (who had earlier donated $50,000 after his late wife Dr Indu Meshri), Dr Ram Gajela, and Mafat Patel (described as uncrowned king of Devon Ave.) Sunny Gabhawala, Sohan Joshi, Dr. Azher Quadar, Dr. Mohammed Hamid and Tahir Hussain.
Indian scientist Dr Dayal Meshri with Congressional candidate Bill Foser
IAC Executive Director Jay Luthra
Chief Guest Ravi Baichwal addressing IAC Meet
14 India Post
Community Across America
November 25, 2011
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New Air India schedule gladdens travelers KRISHNA RAJDA
CHICAGO: Air India travelers from the Midwest region have accorded a full throated welcome to the recent announcement from the Indian national carrier of the wint e r schedule from Chicago
with various enhancements. Effective November 14, the daily Non Stop India departs at the convenient time of 1:30 pm. Flight AI 126 arrives into New Delhi at
3:20 pm the following day and continues onward to Hyderabad. Immediate connections from New Delhi are available to a host of cities in India. A new international connection to Chennai has been added besides the earlier ones to Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Amritsar, Kolkata. Passengers traveling to and from these cities have the facility of clearing Immigration and Customs formalities at the final destination. In addition to the above, seamless connections are available to/ from Bangalore, Kochi and many
cities all over India. Vinesh Virani, a frequent Air India flyer, said that the new schedule should make all passengers patronizing Air India happy now that they will be assured of not only excellent onward connections from New Delhi but also timely arrival to their ultimate destinations The schedule offers the fastest service from Chicago to many Indian destinations. All international connections arrive by late evening, allowing passengers adequate time for business and/or leisure the same day or the next. In the return direction, flight AI 127 departs New Delhi at 2:00 am daily and arrives into Chicago at 6:30 am. This flight originates in Hyderabad and offers international connections from Ahmedabad,
Mumbai, Chennai, Amritsar and Kolkata. Here again, passengers have the entire day for business, leisure or to obtain connecting
awaits passengers with a wide range of meals and beverages. Passengers can choose from a variety of dietary, religious and
The schedule offers the fastest service from Chicago to many Indian destinations. All international connections arrive by late evening, allowing passengers adequate time for business and/or leisure the same day or the next flights to all US interior cities. All flights are operated with the latest Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and offer the latest in in-flight entertainment. On board, a multi cuisine treat
special meals as per individual tastes and requirements. The daily Non Stop flights operate between the spanking new Terminal 3 at New Delhi and Terminal 5 at O'Hare airports.
IACFNJ raises funds for Education Foundation India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central Jersey (IACFNJ) and Tina's Magic of South Brunswick held dinner, talent show and musical evening at South Brunswick High School Auditorium in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey on November 12. Attended by more than 700 people in a state-of-the art auditorium, the
fundraiser was to benefit the Education Foundation of South Brunswick to help school programs hit by recent fiscal challenges. South Brunswick Mayor Frank
Gambatese, School Board Members Harry Delgado, Barry Nathanson and Deven Patel along with local business entrepreneurs and community leaders like Sunil Nayak, Sanjay Naik, Anil Patel of ICS and other guests attended this event. The program started with delicious dinner from Rajbhog Foods followed by welcome speech by IACFNJ Secretary Dr. Tushar Patel who welcomed ev-
eryone and provided brief history of IACFNJ and its accomplishments. Diya lighting ceremony was performed by the dignitaries followed by the American and In-
dian Anthems which were sung by two young girls. The School Board officials Harry Delagdo, Barry Nathnson, Deven Patel and Mayor Frank Gambatese received a check of $10,001.00 from the IACFNJ Executive Committee. The talent show comprised traditional Indian dances with a theme of Bollywood classical, semi-classical and fast pop songs. Approximately seven local dance group kids from five to 15 years of age with colorful traditional Indian costumes performed on the stage for more than two hours with lots of applaud from the audience. The highlight of the evening was two
superb performances from Satrangi School of Dance and Mahin Master, New Jersey Boogie Woogie winner. The South Brunswick High School youngsters gave a colorful performance of fashion show with nice music. The evening was filled with entertainment which lasted for more than three hours and ended with live singing by Hidden Gems, a local non-profit organization. Several vendors from the insurance company to beauty salon sponsored the tables to support this fundraising event. Mayor Frank Gambatese addressed the audience by thanking Indian com-
munity for their support for this fundraising and congratulated everyone for their continued support. Mac Shah, Founder and current Treasurer thanked everyone for their support and extended his appreciation to the volunteers and sponsors. The IACFNJ dedicated and enthusiastic committee members and volunteers under the leadership of President Mahesh Patel, VicePresident Hitesh Patel, Secretary Tushar Patel, Deven Patel and Treasurer Mac Shah and Surabhi Agarwal of Tina's Magic worked very hard to organize this event to make it a grand success.
Community Across America
November 25, 2011
India Post 15
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Indian scientist bags high honor from SME India Post News Service
CHICAGO: The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) has elected Professor Pradeep Rohatgi to the SME Class of Fellows formally bestowing this honor to him with nine other fellows on November 12 here. The citation for this award is for his "world leadership in research, education, institution building, and development of manufacturing technology of cast metal matrix composites which are widely manufactured and used by industry." This award is given to those who have made outstanding contributions to the manufacturing profession. Dr. Rohatgi received his bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering in 1961 from Banaras Hindu University and received the degree of Doctor of Science in Metallurgy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1964. He worked as a research scientist at the Merica Research Lab of the International Nickel Com-
pany (1964-68) where he first synthesized metal matrix composites, and then at the Bethlehem Steel Research Laboratory (1969-72). He was a full professor for a period of
Dr Rohatgi has 290 research papers published in materials and mechanical engineering in refereed research publications, an additional 170 research papers in Materials Engineering in Proceedings, many of which were refereed five years at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and visiting faculty at the Indian Institute of Technology. He has served as the Chief Ex-
ecutive Officer and Founder Director of two research laboratories of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. In India, Dr. Rohatgi served as a Founder Director of two large CSIR national laboratories, the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (Trivandrum) and the Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (Bhopal) for the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Dr. Rohatgi has 290 research papers published in materials and mechanical engineering in refereed research publications, an additional 170 research papers in Materials Engineering in Proceedings, many of which were refereed, and an additional 70 papers have been written in technology forecasting, materials manufacturing policy and educational policy in journals and proceedings Dr. Rohatgi is a pioneer and world leader in research on the manufacturing of new metal matrix composites. He has character-
ized their physical, mechanical and tribological properties, and conducted technology and product development that resulted in the widespread use and manufacture of these composites in the trans-
Prof Pradeep Rohatgi
portation sector, electromechanical machinery, and thermal management applications. He developed the structure-processingproperty-performance relation-
ships of these composites and demonstrated their unique physical, mechanical and tribophysical properties, setting the framework for research and development of the foundry manufacture of metal matrix composites. He has been a consultant to the World Bank and United Nations, including UNESCO, UNU, UNIDO and UNEP, and has prepared materials policy reports for different world regions. Dr. Rohatgi is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India), the Institute of Ceramics (India), American Society of Metals (ASM International), Institute of Metals and Materials (London), American Association for Advancement of Arts and Sciences (AAAS), Third World Academy of Science (Italy), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). He has been recognized with the Engineer of the Year Award from Engineers and Scientists of Milwaukee (ESM).
OpASHA serving TB patients in Cambodia RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: Operation ASHA, a non-government organization based in Delhi, India and Chicago, USA aiming to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) worldwide, has spread its wings. After touching the lives of hundreds of patients in Delhi slums and surrounding states with 35 treatment centers, it has now opened a new frontier - seeking to serve disadvantaged people in Cambodia. In a talk to this paper, Dr Shelly Batra MD and president of OpASHA said that tuberculosis is a terrifying disease that spreads like wildfire, and MDR-TB and
"We treat TB amongst more than two million individuals, most of who live in the slum areas of India, and have now started in a small way our work in Cambodia, another of the high burden countries. There is tremendous need for work in the country and there are not enough NGOs working at grassroots level. In our own modest way, we will try to help the best way we can," she said. OpASHA currently serves more than 450,000 disadvantaged people in Western Pnom Penh, providing TB education, active case finding, counseling, default tracking, ensuring full and final treatment to prevent the dreaded MDR-TB and XDR-TB. "Our ex-
TB affected patients in Cambodia
XDR-TB have the potential to wipe out huge number of humans.
cellent connections with the local government and other TB officials
have helped us greatly in establishing our work" said Dr. Batra. Its program is accelerating rapidly. The first free tuberculosis treatment center, known as DOTS center was opened in Dec 2010. In less than one year, it has established 8 DOTS centers, and plans to open 15 centers by the end of 2011, with an estimate of 200 patients enrolled. By the end of Dec 2011, Southern Pnom Penh, which has a population of 320,000 people will be added to the program. KC Ortiz, a renowned photographer from Chicago, specially traveled to Cambodia to capture Operation ASHA's work and dedication to tuberculosis affected communities. During his interaction with ASHA team, field staff, government counterparts and patients, he was moved to see the toll this disease has taken on the lives of these people. "Some of this has been captured on camera to witness. It is disheartening to see the condition of the people in the communities we work in. A good collection of such untold stories were also recently captured by Prateek Ahuja, a Program Director. In his photo-reportage, he has captured many emotions of these patients but the most important one is the visible Hope (Asha) in the eyes of these unfortunate souls. The photos not only depict the misery and suffocation that these
patients undergo but also portray how helpless they are," added Dr Batra. The demographics of Cambodia are similar to the rural areas in India, where OpASHA has now been working for a year. Each disadvantaged area/ village has a
drugs and other needed supplies. The counselor gives the medicine to each patient at his or her house/ place of work. He also carries out intensive counseling of patients and families, the aim of counseling is to ensure adherence in order to prevent MDR TB, to dispel
The counselor gives the medicine to each patient at his or her house/ place of work. He also carries out intensive counseling of patients and families small population varying from 500 to 1,000. In such areas, OpASHA has been using mobile DOTS centers. In this system, a counselor goes from village to village, carrying with him strips of anti-TB
myths of TB, prevent infection to others, and to de-stigmatize TB so that patients get love and care from the families. Cont’d on page 16
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November 25, 2011
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Health Camp at Shree Swaminarayan Temple India Post News Service
SECAUCUS, New Jersey: On Sunday, November 13, a health screening and disease awareness and prevention camp was held at Shree Swaminarayan Temple,
Secaucus, New Jersey. Indian Health Camp of New Jersey, a nonprofit organization under tax exempt code 501© (3) and Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Secaucus, NJ jointly collaborated this health camp for the seventh consecutive
year. The health camp was open to all pre-registered participants between the ages of 45 and 64, without medical insurance. Attended by more than 200 participants, the health camp consisted of various types of services
Ancient Hindu mantras on Baha'u'llah birthday India Post News Service
Mantra, the most sacred mantra of Hinduism, in Sanskrit and attendees repeated after him. He later translated Gayatri Mantra and other Sanskrit prayers into English. He also read from Rig-Veda, old-
to Light, Lead us from death to immortality. Bradley S. Corbin, Nevada NEVADA: In a remarkable inMetherd, Nicole Pavlatos, Katie terfaith gesture, Hindu community Lighthart, and other Baha'is activist Rajan Zed recited prayers thanked Zed for participating in from ancient Hindu scriptures at Baha'u'llah's birth anniversary Baha'i Faith founder Baha'u'llah's celebrations; which also included dinner, Baha'i readings and chants, lecture and presentation. Baha'u'llah (means "Glory of God") was born in Tehran (Iran) as Mirza Husayn Ali, and his birthday is one of the nine annual holy days when work is suspended. Baha'i Faith, headquartered in Haifa (Israel), newest of the world's independent religions founded in mid1800s, teaches that "there is one God, that all humanity is one famth ily and that there is a Rajan Zed (middle) with some of the participants at†Bahaíuíllahís 194 †birth anniversary celebrations. Pic Aram Rowhani fundamental unity underlying religion". With 194th birth anniversary celebra- est existing scripture of mankind, over five million followers tions in Reno (Nevada, USA) on and Upanishads. Reciting from throughout the world, it is claimed Brahadaranyakopanishad, Zed to be among the fastest-growing November 11. Zed, President of Universal said: Lead us from the unreal to of the world's religions and one Society of Hinduism, read Gayatri the Real, Lead us from darkness of the most widespread.
Timber plantation certificate for Patneshwari Co-operative India Post News Service
EMERYVILLE, CA: Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) has certified the Patneshwari Agricultural Co-Operative Limited (PACL) under the internationally recognized Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) program. PACL is the first timber-producing forest in India to earn this distinction. The cooperative, representing 1,304 forest owners, is located in the Koraput district of Orissa state and entails approximately 2,300 acres of forestland. "FSC-endorsed certification of PACL's operations sets an example for forest managers seeking to ad-
dress the problem of deforestation that India has experienced due to its rapid economic growth," said Robert J. Hrubes, Senior Vice President of SCS. "PACL's certification is a testament to responsible practices (environmental, social and economic), and it establishes a roadmap for continuing improvement." The co-operative is cultivating Eucalyptus varieties on degraded farmland to meet demand from local paper mills. Members hope that certification will help them gain access to international markets that increasingly demand FSC certified wood products. Crops like pulses, maize, ginger,
turmeric and oilseeds are also cultivated on the land during rotations. The Patneshwari cooperative is the first FSC-certified forest in India to focus primarily on wood products. It joins a rubber plantation in Tamil Nadu State as the only FSCcertified forests in India, to date. SCS has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing and standards development for more than 25 years. SCS programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, retailing and more.
to include blood test, EKG, physi- curate Diagnostic Labs, Edison cal examination, cancer screening sponsored the blood test service and prevention and early detec- on this day. The blood test retion education and guidelines for ports will be reviewed by the phybreast, cervical and prostate can- sicians and mailed to all particicer, dental screening, eye screen- pants with a counseling note if any ing, physical therapy counseling, abnormalities detected in the test. pharmacy counseling and influDr. Tushar Patel, Dr. Ashok enza vaccination. Patel, Dr. Prema Prasad, Dr. Ten physicians and dentists in Ravindra Patel, Dr. Aarti Patel, Dr. various specialty areas of internal Sunil Parikh, Dr. Joy Chawla, Dr. medicine, cardiology, ophthalmol- Jayesh Bulsara, Jigisha Kothari, ogy provided their service on this Navin Merai, Mahendra Patel and day to screen and educate patients on diabetes, hypertension, cardiac dis- Ten physicians and denease, high cholesterol, breast, cervical and pros- tists in various specialty tate cancer, oral diseases areas of internal medicine, and other chronic debilicardiology, ophthalmoltating diseases. The Staff from New Jersey Commis- ogy provided their sion for the Blind provided service on this day eye screening for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataract to qualified registered other dedicated committee memparticipants on this day. bers of Indian Health Camp of New The EKG technicians, phle- Jersey along with the local physibotomists, nurses, medical stu- cians and other volunteers prodents, pharmacists and social vided their selfless and dedicated workers provided their services to service on this day. support physicians for the health The temple management proscreening and disease prevention vided excellent service during the and awareness effort during this health camp by providing breakmedical camp. Rupen Patel of Ac- fast and lunch for everyone.
OpASHA serving TB patients in Cambodia Cont’d from page 15
The eDOTS intervention "Technology has the power to solve public health problems of the world," observed Dr Batra. "Once we have biometric identification in place, full adherence will be ensured, and this will effectively stem the rising tide on MDR and XDR TB in the world." OpASHA is now planning to deploy eDOTS (Biometric intervention, devised jointly by Microsoft research, IIH and
OpASHA) in all the centers in Cambodia. These are meant to identify each patient and to track each dose taken, with a view to prevent default and drug resistance, and have been used in India with excellent results. Operation ASHA's technology intervention for tuberculosis treatment has been short listed by the mHealth Alliance and Rockefeller Foundation for the Top 11 in 2011 Innovators Challenge.
Community Across America
November 25, 2011
India Post 17
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MKCA to celebrate Nathal Fest & Christmas KRISHNA RAJDA
Christmas Around The World event pic from year 2010
CHICAGO: Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association (MKCA) is participating at the Annual Museum of Science and Industry's Christmas Around The World event on Sunday, December 11, from 3:15 to 4pm. Christmas is the time for sharing joy and happiness with one another. A festival has that great feeling in the air, the smell of freshly baked cookies and cake,
the sweet sound of the carol songs playing on the radio, the awesome time we spend in front of the fire place while it snows outside. There will also be a 10th annual Nathal Fest-2011 (Christmas Party) celebration at Courtland Square Club House, in Des Plaines, a North West suburb of Chicago, on Saturday, 17th December, 2011.
The celebration will begin with a traditional Konkani mass at 6 pm followed by a fun filled evening which will be graced with awesome entertainment, Santa's arrival, mind tickling games, mouth watering decedent dishes and tip taping music to dance to. And as a bonus all those who come to the event will get a box filled with homemade 'Kuswar'.
Middletown physician charged with sex abuse India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Police have arrested and charged an Indian American physician in Middletown, upstate New York with sexual abuse. According to the City of Middletown police department, two reports filed by patients of Dr. Valapet Sridaran, have led to Sridaran being charged with two
Dr. Valapet Sridaran
counts of sexual abuse in the Third Degree, a Class "B" Misdemeanor. Sridaran, a self employed physician in Pain Management, with offices at 225 Dolson Avenue, was arrested on November 14, and arraigned in City Court. It is alleged that Sridaran had inappropriate contact with two female patients in his office during August and September 2011.
Organized crime fastestgrowing illicit industry India Post News Service
cious terrorists and criminal gangs that the profits support. For readers interested in terrorism, crime or international commerce, this book is an enlightening read that illustrates how these crime rings can impact the security in every country in which they operate. Hitha Prabhakar is a New Yorkbased reporter for Bloomberg Television, covering business news
NEW YORK: From small-town factories in Asia and South America to the streets of New York, organized retail crime has become an increasingly pervasive profit-generating machine. But what most people don't know is that the proceeds from a $38 billion - and still growing - industry are now fuelling some of the world's most vicious terrorists and criminal Top Bloomberg Television gangs. An eye-opening piece reporter Hitha Prabhakar of investigative journal- shows how a new ism, Black Market Billions: How Organized Retail generation of criminals Crime Funds Global Terror- has harnessed the power ists (FT Press, $29.99, 336 pgs) follows the money of the Internet and social deep into the world's fast- media and how est-growing illicit industry. Top Bloomberg Televi- dangerous their reach sion reporter Hitha and scope actually is Prabhakar shows how a new generation of criminals has harnessed the power of and financial markets with a focus Before joining the Internet and social media and on retail. how dangerous their reach and Bloomberg Television in 2011, Prabhakar was founder and prinscope actually is. A former contributor at CNBC cipal of The Stylefile Group, a reand writer for Forbes and Time, tail consulting firm based in New Prabhakar has spent years cover- York City, where she served as an ing the retail industry. In her de- advisor to hedge funds and other but book, she explores how buy- clients with long-term holdings in ing something as innocent as a retail companies. Prior to that, Prabhakar served counterfeit handbag or discounted cigarettes actually funds as a retail reporter for Forbes Meterrorist groups from Al-Qaeda to dia, covering the luxury industry as well as men's fashion. She has Central America's drug lords. "It's now relatively common for also written for Time, People, people to own counterfeit hand- MSNBC.com, ELLE India, and bags, movies, electronics, and Metro newspapers, among other media. Some might even own sto- publications. She was formerly a len retail products and not know contributor on CNBC and has had it." Prabhakar says. "But what has numerous television appearances been kept secret and hidden is the chain of events that flows the money from Prabhakar says. ‘But what Main Street to major crime has been kept secret and rings around the world. This fast-growing industry hidden is the chain of needs to be exposed." Drawing upon exten- events that flows the sive first-person interviews money from Main Street to with law enforcement, industry and the criminals major crime rings around themselves, Prabhakar the world. This fast-growgoes inside to reveal the ing industry needs rationale behind: • The explosion of the to be exposed’ piracy industry • The failure of prevenas a retail analyst on networks intative measures • Expectations of what's to cluding CBS, CNN, Fox News, Sky come, as organized retail crime News, and Bravo. Prabhakar holds degrees in reaches a terrifying critical mass Unlike any other exposé, Black philosophy and economics from Market Billions reveals the con- Smith College and a master's from nection between synchronized Columbia University Graduate global teams of thieves pilfering School of Journalism. She has also immense volumes of high-value studied at the London School of products and the world's most vi- Economics.
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November 25, 2011
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Sahara's gala raises $150K for victims of domestic violence SVAPNA PATEL
LOS ANGELES: The South Asian Helpline Referral Agency (Sahara) hosted its annual fundraiser and 20th anniversary celebration at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles on November 12. Sahara is an organization committed to serving survivors of domestic violence in the South Asian community by providing information, referrals, skills development, and other culturally sensitive support services. The evening commenced with a cocktail and appetizer hour wherein guests were able to mingle while bidding in a silent auction on over 20 different items, such as gift baskets, saris, paintings, statutes, and hotel stays. The 500 benefactors and supporters in attendance were entertained by a Bollywood dance, a live vocal performance from Jayshree Gohil, and feasted on a sit down dinner from Delhi Palace sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Deepak Chopra. In addition, Sheela Mehta, LCSW and Chandrabala Alamshaw, LCSW, two of the organization's founding members, were honored for their years of tireless hard work. Sahara, established in 1991, has raised nearly $2,500,000 in private donations and has received almost $1,000,000 in government and corporate grants. These funds have allowed the organization to greatly expand its services to the community. Sahara operates a toll free 24 hour helpline, 1-888-724-2722, where victims suffering from domestic violence are able to seek
Committee memebers
assistance. In addition, Sahara operates a transitional living home in Los Angeles County where victims of Domestic Violence are given shelter, counseling, and education. In the last six years Sahara's helpline alone has assisted over 73,000 individuals. In 2011 Sahara opened Sahara Vintage Boutique, a resale store located on Pioneer Boulevard in Cerritos. Proceeds from the sale of new and gently used party-wear
for women, men, and children and gift items donated by members of the community directly benefit the organization. The boutique also offers jewelry, accessories, linens, home dĂŠcor, and beautiful artwork. Guests were also able to hear directly from victims of domestic violence regarding the services and help SAHARA has provided to them and the impact such support has made on their lives today. One such survivor states, "My children and I no longer live in fear. The opportunities I had for a future were so limited before I came to know about the work that
Sahara is doing. Now I am living with dignity, and there are so many opportunities ahead of me. I'm so thankful to be a part of the Sahara family." Later in the evening guests enjoyed a Vegas Casino night along with a poker tournament. "The event was a tremendous success," said current SAHARA President, Rekha Bajaria, "We are grateful and fortunate to have such a supportive community behind us, and we look forward to putting all the monies raised toward helping women and children in crisis."
It is the goal of Sahara to turn victims of domestic violence, into survivors of domestic violence. Women in crisis should call their toll-free helpline at 1-888- Sahara 2. This helpline assists Sahara in providing information, referrals, skills development and other culturally sensitive support services needed to meet the unique challenges of the South Asian community and survivors of domestic violence. Anyone wishing to learn more about the organization or donate to the cause can visit www.saharaorg.org.
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November 25, 2011
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LA mayor offers clean tech opportunities to India India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The future of Los Angeles was connected to the East and to the Asia-Pacific, including India, the Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa told Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao at a recent meeting. Ambassador Rao met the Mayor Villaraigosa on Nov 14, during her visit to Los Angeles where the two discussed areas of opportunities and shared interests. The Mayor spoke of the important role played by Los Angeles in driving the economy of California and the US, and highlighted the city's interest in closely working with India. He also referred to the sister-city relationship between Los Angeles and Mumbai. Mayor Villaraigosa also talked about the emergence of Los Angeles as the center for clean technology and offered sig-
nificant opportunities for cooperation with India.
Ambassador Nirupama Rao
On her part, Ambassador Rao noted the growing momentum of India-US relations built upon
shared values and interests. She said that there was tremendous
Mayor Villaraigosa welcomed Ambassador Rao to Los Angeles and appreciated that she chose to visit the city within a few months of arriving in the US. Ambassador Rao invited Mayor Villaraigosa to visit India. He accepted the invitation and expressed interest in visiting India sometime in 2012 scope for strengthening ties between India and Los Angeles in diverse areas including high and
clean technology, health, entertainment and education. She fur-
text of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation. M a y o r Villaraigosa has been leading Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States, since 2005. He is also the current President of the United States Conference of Mayors. M a y o r Villaraigosa welcomed Ambassador Rao to Los Angeles and appreciated that she chose to visit the city within a few months of arriving in the US. Ambassador Rao invited Mayor Villaraigosa to visit India. He accepted the invitation and expressed interest in visiting India sometime in 2012. Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa Consul General of India in San Franther noted India's interest in learn- cisco, N. Parthasarathi accompaing from Los Angeles' experience nied Ambassador Rao to her meetin mega city policing in the con- ing with the Mayor.
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November 25, 2011
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An evening of fun and fundraising RAS SIDDIQUI
SACRAMENTO: The date was auspicious as 11-11-11 will not be revisited again in our lifetimes. It was also the evening of Veterans Day here in the United States, a holiday for many and an opportunity for some to gather at the Citrus Heights Community Center in the Sacramento, California region for a fine musical evening where a majority of Pakistani-Americans plus other South-Asians along with a sizeable representation of locals gathered for both an Eid Milan and a good cause. Bakra Eid fell on Sunday, November 6 this year and Pakistan has been hit badly by floods again, especially in Sindh province. In Sacramento, a handful of organizers decided to take the high road and combine an evening of fun and low key fundraising ($10.00 for every ticket sold went to the Edhi Foundation) to the delight of the more than 200 people present. The evening started with a social mixer during which many took the opportunity to purchase dinner from Shaz Restaurant. Dr. Aslam Godil welcomed everyone and pointed out to the obser-
Aslam Godil
vance of Veterans Day and added that the evening was planned for a dual purpose of community entertainment and flood relief. Emcee Abbasi described the scene of floods in Pakistan as misery beyond what we can imagine. Local Rapper Zaki Syed started the entertainment segment on a pensive note. He spoke-sang about the suffering common people of Pakistan in his "Pakistan Zindabad" deliv-
Zaki Syed
Local Rapper Zaki Syed started the entertainment segment on a pensive note. He spokesang about the suffering common people of Pakistan in his "Pakistan Zindabad" delivery which included lines like "Take me back to the Motherland" and "Flood victims ko Bachao"
Zaheer Abbas
ery which included lines like "Take me back to the Motherland" and "Flood victims ko Bachao". Zaki has been involved in Rap for quite some time now and his performances are getting better and better. His proud parents Naeem and Durriya Syed were on hand to offer their support here. Cont’d on page 21
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November 25, 2011
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An evening of fun and fundraising
Seema Minhaj
Jeffrey Iqbal
Tariq Abbasi
The first singing act brought to the Sacramento area once again Zaheer Abbas from Pakistan who reached the highest level of the "SaReGaMaPa Challenge" in India during 2009. Zaheer has a powerful voice which he very ably used during his opening song "Wohi Khuda Hai". The follow up Punjabi ballad made famous by the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan "Sajna
sented by Dr. Seema Minhaj who slowed down the tempo with a couple of popular Bollywood hits. Her singing of "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" was plain excellent. The main act and final performance was by the very versatile Jefferey Iqbal who already has an established fan and relative base in the Sacramento area. His starting number "Allah Hu" the signature song of the late NFAK was superb and set the tone for many
stood out. The Punjabi song "Sohni Lagdi" really got people motivated and his rich duet with Dr. Seema Minhaj set the stage for his final "Shahbaz Qalandar" number which remains one of the most widely performed songs originating from Pakistan yet. This ode to the Qalandar minstrel incorporates both the mystical and rhythmic realms. And Jefferey Iqbal certainly did a fine rendition of it.
Terey Bina" was also performed very well by him. Zaheer followed with "Dholna" and Shafqat Amanat Ali's "Bin Terey" and a number of other terrific Urdu and Punjabi language hits. Zaheer ended his segment with the Dhamal number "Dama Dum Mast Qalandar" which gave many in the audience an opportunity to dance. Local talent was well repre-
more fine songs to come. His tribute to many India-Pakistan singing legends including Mohd. Rafi, Ustad Mehdi Hassan along with a bouquet of Bollywood hits including "Pretty Woman" really won the hearts (and feet) of people in the audience here. Besides his opening song, this scribe thinks that Jefferey's rendition of "Zohra Jabeen" with its catchy Pashtun/Pathan beat really
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Realty Tidbits Real estate broker held for extortion bid MUMBAI: A real estate broker was arrested for allegedly trying to extort Rs one lakh from a builder-cum-hotelier in the suburban Juhu by posing himself as a henchman of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, police said here. The accused, who hails from Gujarat, has been identified as Saurav Shaha (29) and was nabbed from outside a coffee shop located on Gulmohar Road where he had come to collect Rs one lakh from the victim Kamlesh Desai (53), they said. Shaha claimed that he got the idea of extortion by watching English movies and a television serial based on crime and investigations, police said. According to police, Desai had received an extortion call on November 7 from an unidentified person, who after wishing him for Eid festival, demanded Rs 50 lakh by introducing himself as the member of the Dawood gang.
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November 25, 2011
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MUMBAI: Omkar Realtors and Developers have announced the closure of Rs 250 crore funding by private equity real estate firm Red Fort Capital for its premium residential project in the suburban Malad. The current transaction is Omkar's second deal within a span of three months. Earlier this year, Omkar raised Rs 200 crore from India Reit, making the firm one of the few developers to successfully raise multiple tranches of the private equity capital in 2011, a company statement said here. -PTI
Home Rescue Fair to help homeowners facing foreclosure India Post News Service
LOS ANGELES: Local homeowners worried about foreclosure will receive valuable assistance from industry experts during a Home Rescue Fair hosted by Assemblymember Tony Mendoza on December 3. This free public event will feature face-to-face sessions with loan specialists, HUD-approved housing counselors and attorneys, informative workshops, and bi-lingual services.
The Home Rescue Fair is cohosted by Assembly member Tony Mendoza, Pico Rivera City
David Vela. The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate professionals of Los Angeles and the
‘We organized this event to provide struggling homeowners with assistance and disseminate this valuable information to the community’ Councilmember Gustavo Camacho, and Montebello Unified School District Board member
NCC Urban plans projects in South India CC Urban Infrastructure Lim ited, a subsidiary of Hyderabad-based construction major NCC Ltd, is lining up over 10 residential and commercial projects, together with a built-up area of 2.5 million square feet, in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi. "While we recently launched six projects in Bangalore, both apartments and villas, which are expected to generate a turnover of Rs 250 crore per year, ventures in Hyderabad, Kochi and Chennai are to be launched in the next two to three months," said Narayana Raju Alluri, managing director of NCC Urban. The company had received Rs 150 crore as equity and the remaining as loan from the parent, NCC Limited, to fund acquisition
Omkar raises Rs 250 cr for Mumbai project
of land for these projects, he added. NCC Urban, which has so far developed over 2 million sq ft of residential and commercial
acre integrated township, enveloped with commercial space, in Visakhapatnam, besides a 150-unit apartment venture in Guntur city
space, currently has a land bank of over 400 acre. The company is in the process of launching a 100-
shortly. On the company's maiden overseas project, NCC Harmony, a twintower project of 2.3-million sq ft coming up at the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park, Alluri said the project was going slow because of the Dubai financial crisis. The company had invested around Rs 150 crore in the project and raised the rest through sales. "With the Dubai market collapsing, the high-rise (35-floor) apartment project has not sold much. Construction work is still going on and it will take another two years to be completed," Alluri said, adding the company garnered revenues of Rs 175 crore last year and was expecting it to touch Rs 200 crore this year.
Montebello Housing Development Corporation organized the event to provide residents with
the tools and resources needed to make informed housing decisions. "Too many people are losing their homes because they don't know how to utilize the tools available to save them," Assembly member Mendoza said. "We organized this event to provide struggling homeowners with assistance and disseminate this valuable information to the community." The Home Rescue Fair will be held on Saturday, December 3 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Pico Park, Pico Rivera, CA.
Real estate big problem for retailers NEW DELHI: Aditya Birla Re- big problem and it will always be tail Ltd (ABRL) will invest about for retailers but we are finding our Rs 1,500 crore in the next five years own unique ways to deal with it." as it looks to expand its For instance, at locations hypermarket and supermarket where the company finds it diffistores. cult to get into malls, it is either The company that runs building its own sites or is tying hypermarkets under the 'More up with developers, he added. Megastore' brand is looking to Asked if the high inflation has open 12 stores each year, while had any impact on sales, Varghese adding around 150 outlets every said: "There has been no decline year to its 'More' chain of super- in demand for basic necessity markets. "We will open 12-13 hypermarkets and around ‘Commenting on 150 supermarkets every year for the next five years. challenges faced by the For the current fiscal, we organized retail sector, he have earmarked an investment Rs 300 crore. said: "Real estate is a very There will be similar kind of investment each big problem and it will year for the next five always be for retailers but years," Aditya Birla Retail Ltd Chief Executive Of- we are finding our own ficer Thomas Varghese unique ways to deal said. Speaking to reporters with it’ on the sidelines of an event organized by the Nielsen Company here, he said the items such as food and grocery. average store size of the 'More Discretionary categories such as Megastore' hypermarket will be apparels and consumer durables around 60,000-70,000 sq ft. are getting impacted. " Varghese said currently the He, however, said on the precompany has 12 hypermarkets and mium product site there is an in590 supermarkets. crease in demand due to rising Commenting on challenges aspirations of consumers and infaced by the organized retail sec- crease in their disposable income. tor, he said: "Real estate is a very -PTI
November 25, 2011
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India Post News Service
LOS ANGELES: For the first time since the Rolling Stones formed nearly 50 years ago, Mick Jagger is part of a new band: Super Heavy - featuring Dave Stewart, Joss Stone, Damian Marley and Indian film composer A.R. Rahman. The band has quietly been recording together over the past 18 months, with their debut LP planned for sometime around September. "It's different from anything else I've ever been involved in," Jagger tells Rolling Stone. "The music is very wide-ranging - from reggae to ballads to Indian songs in Urdu." The group got its start two years ago when Dave Stewart called Jagger from his home in Jamaica. "I live in Lime Hall right above St. Ann's Bay," says Stewart. "It's kind of the jungle, and sometimes I'd hear three sound systems all playing different things. I always love that, along with Indian orchestras. I said to Mick, 'How could we make a fusion?' We were talking about an experiment, and then we started talking about voices. It was all born from that conversation." Jagger loved the idea, and after lots of brainstorming and phone calls around the world, they settled on Stone, A.R. Rahman and Marley - whose rhythm section helped flesh out the band. "We wanted a convergence of different musical styles," says Jagger. "We were always overlapping styles, but they were nevertheless separate." About 18 months ago, the band gathered in a Los Angeles studio. None of them had prepared any music. "We didn't know what the hell we were doing," says Stewart. "We were just jamming and making a noise. It was like when a band first
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(From left) Joss Stone, Mick Jagger, Dave Stewart, A R Rahman and Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley
starts up in your garage. Sometimes Damien would kick it off and then Joss would sing something on top of it. We might have a 22 minute jam, and it would become a six minute song." The loose method was inspiring for Jagger. "One of the beauties is that, just speaking as a vocalist, I did other things," Jagger says. "I played guitar and harmonica, but there's four vocalist on the album. Not everything was reliant on me." The band's name came from some improvised vocals by Marley. "He was just singing 'Heavy, heavy, heavy, heavy, super heavy,'" says Stewart. "We thought that sounded good and it sort of stuck with us." Jagger is confident that Stones fans will embrace the group. "It is a different kind of record that what people would expect," he says. "It's not all
The band's name came from some improvised vocals by Marley. "He was just singing 'Heavy, heavy, heavy, heavy, super heavy,'" says Stewart. ‘We thought that sounded good and it sort of stuck with us” weird and strange though. I think Stones fans will think it's a bit odd, but they'll find most of it accessible. They've heard me play harmonica before and a lot of it is pretty high energy." Cont’d on page 27
November 25, 2011
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Bachchans welcome 'cutest baby girl' Abhishek, tweeted even though he isn't a regular: 'Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes. Both Aishwarya and the baby are doing great and taking some much needed rest. And I'm trying my level best to get rid of this caffeine high and get some sleep too. Don't
sages. Big B's tweet arrived around the same time. The baby's arrival ends days of speculation and bookies had even placed bets. The birth also defined new grounds in broadcast journalism-there were no breaking news or constant flashing of snippets
One of the first film personalities to wish the Bachchans was filmmaker Karan Johar. 'Congratulations!! Baby B had a baby girl,' he tweeted. Actor Shah Rukh Khan wrote that he wanted to dance after hearing the news
MUMBAI: Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan gave birth to a girl at Seven Hills Hospital, Andheri (E), on November 16 morning. There was no official announcement of the news of the latest arrival in Bollywood's first family, but
it was confirmed only on cyberspace . Big B, Amitabh Bachchan, tweeted a confirmation around 10 am, a little after his granddaughter's birth: 'I am Dada to the cutest baby girl!' The new father,
think it'll work. TOO EXCITED!!!!' Sources close to the family said Aishwarya went into labor at about 5.30 am and the baby was born at 9.50 am. The first indication of the muchawaited arrival came through Blackberry messages of Bollywood personalities. Around 10 am, many got busy changing their BBM status mes-
across channels. The Big B, in fact, tweeted: 'As I travel back from the hospital, I need to thank the media for keeping their word of not intruding our privacy. Deeply obliged!' He said the family would give '' time to both electronic and print media." For the present, he added, the family needed rest after being
up for almost 24 hours. One of the first film personalities to wish the Bachchans was filmmaker Karan Johar. 'Congratulations!! Baby B had a baby girl,' he tweeted. Actor Shah Rukh Khan wrote that he wanted to dance after hearing the news. He tweeted to Amitabh Bachchan, 'Yippeeee!!! All love & health & happiness ... this is Masha Allah absolutely beautiful. Bless u Sir. This calls for a dance!!!' Actor Sonam Kapoor, too, left a cyber message for the Bachchans. 'I'm so so excited for you! Lots and lots of love and happiness!' she said. Bipasha Basu congratulated all the Bachchans: 'OMG! So excited Baby B is Daddy to a lil Angel! Congrats Ash n juniorbachchan n to d entire family! Welcome sweet baby girl'. Close friends of Abhishek, such as filmmakers Apoorva Lakhia and Bunty Walia and actor Sonali Bendre visited the hospital.
Tarsem Singh's Immortals beats out competition to top the charts India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Tarsem Singh became the first director of Indian origin in over six years to reach the number one spot at the US box office as his adventure epic Immortals scored an opening weekend of an estimated $32 million to top the charts. Produced and released by Relativity Media, Singh's stylish Greek mythology-inspired action epic in 3D beat out new films from Hollywood's A list including Adam Sandler's comedy Jack and Jill and Leonardo DiCaprio's biopic J. Edgar directed by Clint Eastwood. The last film by an Indian director to open at number one in the US was 2005's Dukes of Hazzard from Indian-American filmmaker Jay Chandrashekar. M. Night Shyamalan's last top spot debut came in 2004 with The Village. Singh's fantasy thriller The Cell had also opened at number one in August 2000. Immortals exceeded both internal and external industry estimates leading the company to its highest box office opener as an independent distributor, taking in an estimated $32.2m in 3,112 locations in
Tarsem Singh
Immortals exceeded both internal and external industry estimates leading the company to its highest box office opener as an independent distributor North America and $38m internationally from opening in 35 countries, it was announced Nov 14 by Kyle Davies, Relativity's President of Worldwide Distribution. Opening on 11-11-11, the film impressively took the # 1 spot in America and became the highest
R-Rated action film this year and the third highest-grossing R-rated film debut in 2011 behind The Hangover 2 ($85.9mm) and Paranormal Activity 3 ($52.6mm). Immortals stars Henry Cavill, Freida Pinto and Mickey Rourke. For Pinto, Immortals marks her second top spot debut of the year following her sci-fi picture Rise of the Planet of the Apes from August which has grossed more than $450 million worldwide to date. Singh's Immortals beat out the combined grosses for the two other new films including Adam Sandler's latest comedy Jack and Jill which opened to an estimated $10 million as well as director Clint Eastwood's new biopic J. Edgar starring Leonardo DiCaprio which debuted with an estimated $4.3 million. "We are thrilled that our homegrown epic Immortals performed well above internal and industry projections and are gratified that our core audience showed up to this wholly original film. We're also enthused by the broad and ethnically diverse audience, hoping the positive word-of-mouth will continue the movie's playability through the Thanksgiving holiday," Davies said.
SUPERSTARS: Bollywood actresses Bipasha Basu (L) and Chitrangda Singh pose as they attend the ĂŤAirtel Superstar Awards 2011Ă ceremony in Mumbai on November 15
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Jagger ropes in Rahman Cont’d from page 24
As of now, there are no plans to bring Super Heavy on the road. "We're experimenting at the moment and just taking it day by day," says Stewart. "I think if we're rehearsing and it sounds great and people love the idea then nobody would rule out the possibility of it."
Mick Jagger and Dave Stewart in Beverly Hills, January 16, 2005 -Vince Bucci/Getty Images
Might Jagger's other group be hitting the road at some point in the future? In an interview with USA Today, Keith Richards said he was optimistic. "Something's blowing in the wind," he said. "The idea's there. We kind of know we should do it, but nobody's put their finger on the moment yet. This is what we want to ask each other: Do we want
Might Jagger's other group be hitting the road at some point in the future? In an interview with USA Today, Keith Richards said he was optimistic. "Something's blowing in the wind," he said. "The idea's there. We kind of know we should do it, but nobody's put their finger on the moment yet. This is what we want to ask each other: Do we want to go out in a blaze of glory? to go out in a blaze of glory? We can, if Mick and Charlie feel like I do, that we can still turn people on. We don't have to prove nothing anymore. I just love playing, and I miss the crowd." When asked if the Stones are going to tour next year, Jagger just chuckles. "I don't have any announcement to make at the moment," he says. "I'm just, uh, ya know...just doing this right now."
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Horoscope
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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar
NOVEMBER 18TH - NOVEMBER 24TH (November 23 to December 22)
(March 21 to April 20)
I
t looks like a very favorable week for all financial matters. Business trips will be instant success. You will gain friendship of a very useful person. You will be spending lots of money on children. You will be tempted to take some decisions about career in a hurry but will change your mind on the last minute.
Y
ou will be helped by a powerful person. Changes will become imminent and you will feel happy about them. Relationship will keep turning positive and the final commitment is not too far. Just have confidence in yourself and have your eyes set on your immediate goals. You will do some charity work also.
(April 21 to May 20)
M
oney will be spent on good reasons and family. Saturn in sixth can give sudden boost in career, wiping out even the strongest competition. Property related issues can be settled too. It will be a favorable week for people working as brokers. Some of you will be offered a dream job with more money and benefits.
(December 22 to January 19)
T
here will be some changes in career soon. Money wise you will continue to do well and may dispose off a land or automobile and keep the money in bank. An old health issue could flare up and over the counter medication will help. A new friend will bring lots of excitement in your personal life.
(May 21 to June 20)
C
hildren will give some good news. Bachelors will be introduced to someone really nice by another friend. You will be to the point and little aggressive on the phone but will get several jobs done this week. Any change in career at this point will be beneficial. Starting a venture in partnership will be good too.
(January 20 to February 18)
S
pouse may not completely agree with you, have patience and give other side to express fully before you finalize the issue. Value of your assets and stocks will appreciate. You may also give final shape to a short trip with family. Some of you will be looking for ways to get out of a partnership venture.
(February 19 to March 20)
(June 21 to July 22)
Y
ou will keep reinvesting in your ideas or project. Benefits will be for long term this time. You may buy another economical car and may have your eyes set on a nice piece of property for investment purpose. Money wise you will stay comfortable and enjoy with family. Child will apply for admission at far off places.
(July 23 to August 22)
D
ecisions you take even in a hurry will turn out favorable. You will be full of energy and will not sit idle even for a minute. Business will pick up suddenly and you will start to see some cash in the bank after making all payments. You will continue to receive good piece of advice from a learned and matured person. (August 23 to September 22)
I
t will another hectic week but you will get some positive results. Be careful with money and do not take any chance or speculate. Expenses will other wise too exceed your income. It will be better to get involved in projects that provide services rather than selling any expensive products. (September 23 to October 22)
Y
ou will become more sober and discreet and keep working on your big ideas without making any noise. Money will become available as and when needed. You will also gain friendship of some influential people. There are strong chances of money through stocks or even lottery. No harm in trying your hands. (October 23 to November 22)
S
tay within legal parameters for some time. A government agency will give some headache or run around. Think rationally before you make any commitment with other party or switch job in a hurry. Money will go on buying some expensive gifts for others. You will spend money towards an upcoming trip also.
D
o not stretch your limits when it comes to spending or making an investment. Things will get little easier at work and boss will take your advice seriously. People will definitely try to influence or change your decisions. Some visitors may also confirm their date of arrival towards mid of month.
Tiger Woods will be back G olf champion and Athlete of the Decade Tiger Woods' life took a turn for the sand trap after a late night vehicle accident in November 2009 which sparked a media frenzy leading to revelations about multiple marital affairs, a slew of revoked sponsorship deals and for a time withdrawal from competitive golfing. As transiting Mars was slowing down to enter its retrograde station in Leo on December 19 2009, Woods' clean-cut reputation was turned upside down. Woods was born on December 30, 1975 with natal Mars retrograde at 17 Gemini. Interestingly, the retrograde transit of Mars - which occurs once every twenty-six months, lasting over a period of two-tothree months - has often coincided with some of the most striking highs and lows
Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
of his personal and professional life. Woods became a household name at the age of 21 when he became the youngest player to ever win the 61st U.S. Masters Tournament on April 13, 1997. On this day transiting Mars was retrograde at 18 Virgo, square Woods' natal Mars retrograde in Gemini. Given that the Mars retrograde that follows this one will be the synodic return of the retrograde that coincided with his 1997 win at the 61st Masters, it seems likely that Woods' will return to glory, being taken to some interesting new heights during the course of January-April 2012, when transiting Mars goes retrograde conjunct Woods' natal Ascendant at 24 Virgo, heading back to 3 Virgo, crossing the same path it did when he first rose to golf superstardom.
925-833-7170
website: www.parashar.com
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mphal, the tiny capital city of the northeastern state of Manipur, is an ideal destination off the beaten track. The landscape of green-blue hills, lush fields and low clouds is like an exquisite painting. It is one of the few places in India where nothing seems to have changed. It is a tiny valley tucked away in the northeastern state of Manipur. Relics of an old, historical palace, well-planned temples and ceremonial houses in all their splendor amidst the tall pine and jackfruit trees, speak of Imphal's ancient past. At places, Imphal looks almost like a painting clouds hanging low over long stretches of lush green fields and numerous small hills of the greenblue Koubrou and Namaijing ranges forming a garland around the valley. Adding a riot of color are hundreds of orchids. The best way to visit the places in Imphal is to hire an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw on an hourly basis. It will take you to all the interesting sites and finally to the central market where you can spend as much time as you like. Lying at the center of Manipur valley, Imphal is one of the most ancient towns in the Indian subcontinent and has much to offer to a discerning tourist. Tourist attractions Eight kilometers from Imphal, at the foot of the pine-covered hillocks, you will find a wealth of rare birds, animals and reptiles at the Manipur Zoological Gardens. In the zoo's sylvan surroundings, you will even get a glimpse of one of the rarest species of deer in the world, the graceful brow-antlered thamin deer. Then there is the Khonghampat Orchidarium that has more than a hundred rare varieties of orchids. The best time to visit the orchidarium is in the months of April and May when the orchids
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November 25, 2011
The best way to visit the places in Imphal is to hire an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw on an hourly basis. It will take you to all the interesting sites and finally to the central market where you can spend as much time as you like are in full bloom. One of the main features of Imphal is the Khwairamband Bazaar. What makes this market different is that it is run by women. Split into two sections on either side of the road, it has tribal women clad in colorful, traditional attire, selling everything from hand-woven shawls, skirts, vessels, mugs and mats to fish, lotus, oranges and orange-flavored honey. And if you wander in the quaint bylanes around the market, you will get a glimpse of Manipur's customs and traditions. The core of Imphal's traditions, however, lies in its various temples. The most important of these is the Shri Govindajee Temple, a historic center for
Vaishnavites. A simple, twindomed structure, it adjoins the magnificent palace of the former rulers of Manipur. Constructed in the early 18th century under the Rajarishi Bhagyachandra regime, the temple comes alive during festivals when thousands of people come to offer prayers. The best time to visit it is during Holi, also known in Manipur as Dolijatra or Yaosong when boys and girls do the
Thaba Changba folk dance, all night. In the center of the temple stands the presiding deity, Lord Vishnu flanked by the shrines of Balarama and Krishna on one side and Jagannatha on the other. The temple also has a paved court and a large raised congregation hall. The Manipur State Museum is also worth a visit. The museum has a rich collection of Manipuri costumes, war implements, historical documents and relics, and gives you a sample of the state's complex history. Cont’d on page 31
Travel & Hospitality Post
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SITA announces new Africa itineraries India Post News Service
ENCINO, CA: With the introduction of its 2012/2013 brochure, SITA World Tours is announcing additions, enhancements, new routes and price reductions to some of their most-popular African travel packages. Max Ali, SITA's Director of Operations, revealed that SITA has been able to negotiate reduced rates that in some cases can amount to as much as 20% off previous prices. And according to Mr. Ali, stability in the political climate and improvements in infrastructure have made it possible to improve SITA's access to insure that guests get even closer to fascinating wildlife migrations.
"We have a great new 8-day program entitled 'Kenya in Luxury' which links three luxury wildlife camps by air allowing guests optimum time to enjoy the splendor of their
the gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda in two totally different ecological settings. Among other important new Africa products for SITA is an 11-day "Great Zimba-
Due to intense interest in gorilla spotting, SITA has added a "Uganda & Rwanda in Depth" program that offers the opportunity to view the gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda in two totally different ecological settings stay in Kenya." Mr. Ali also noted that due to intense interest in gorilla spotting, SITA has added a "Uganda & Rwanda in Depth" program that offers the opportunity to view
bwe" itinerary which includes Victoria Falls. This return to Zimbabwe opens the door to new African adventure for those who have already seen the highlights of Kenya and
South Africa and wish to expand their experiences on the African continent. Itineraries to Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia and Egypt are also included in the new 2012/2013 brochure providing a complete perspective on the spectacularly diverse and exciting worlds open to exploration in SITA's Africa. SITA World Tours has a reputation spanning more than 79 years for excellence in luxury travel. With popular itineraries to Africa, India, Asia and South America, SITA has thrived in the highly competitive travel industry by offering customized opportunities within their tour packages and by partnering with travel agents to deliver the comprehensive services and value luxury travelers appreciate.
China kicks off island Lanka slashes visa fee for Indian tourists selling for luxury tourism BEIJING: China has started selling small uninhabited islands to private developers to promote tourism in a big way, in a sharp turn around by the world's leading Communist nation. The first of the islands off the country's east coast was auctioned for USD 3.2 million to a developer eyeing yacht recreation. The auctioned island, Dayangyu, is located 300 meters off the coast of Ningbo city, Zhejiang province, with an area of 0.258 sq km and a sprawling coastline. The Communist government is proposing to sell many more such islands and has compiled a list of 176 uninhabited islands for development. Ningbo Gaobao Investment Co. Ltd. won the land use rights of Dayangyu for 50 years with an offer of 20 million yuan (USD 3.2 million). In China, land is owned by the
state and the buyers can get only the rights to use the land. "Our company plans to invest 500 million yuan to develop the island," said Yang Weihua, Ningbo Gaobao's manager. "We are going to turn the island into a high-end tourism and recreation destination with a focus on yachting," state-run news agency Xinhua quoted him as saying. Hu Zhaohui, an official of the islands management office, said the auction represented a good start for the development of uninhabited islands in China. These islands dot China's eastern and southern coasts. China only this year allowed individuals and companies, both domestic and international, to apply for using the country's uninhabited islands for the purposes of tourism, transportation, storage, fishing, and public services. -PTI
COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has slashed the visa fee it planned to charge from tourists from India and other SAARC countries to USD 10 from the originally planned USD 50, after New Delhi took up the issue with it. Non-Indian and non-SAARC nation visitors would, however, be charged USD 20, officials said. India raised concerns in late October over Sri Lankan immigration's decision to levy a USD 50 visa processing fee under the island nation's new electronic travel authorization system (ETA)
from January 1, 2012. "India, through its High Commission here, told us that the visa fee is high. They wanted it reduced for all visitors covering SAARC nations," Chulananda Perera, Immigration Controller, told PTI. India has now replaced Britain as the country with most tourist arrivals to the island nation. In September year-on-year, the Indian tourist arrivals had risen by 50 per cent contributing to a 27 per cent rise overall, tourism authorities said. Only the travelers from
Maldives and Singapore are exempted from ETA and the processing fee. Tourism industry is now looking to revive its fortunes after the end of the war with the LTTE and has also expressed concerns over the scrapping of visa-on-arrival facility for nationals from 78 countries, including India, and replacing it with ETA. The government, however, has assured that the ETA would not cause problems in terms of delays deterring the would-betravelers. -PTI
Kite flying festival draws crowds at India Gate NEW DELHI: Scores of people, including school children, flew colorful kites at the India Gate lawns as part of a kite flying festival inaugurated by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. The two-day festival was organized by the Delhi Tourism in association with
Shahjahanabandad Redevelopment Corporation and Department of Art and Culture of Delhi government as part of efforts to revive the age-old sport. Dikshit inaugurated the festival by flying a kite herself in presence of the crowd, including senior government officials.
Expert kite makers from all over India are participating in the festival. Cultural performances and magic shows are also being organized as part of the festival, besides a mini-food court serving various delicacies of Delhi. -PTI
Maharashtra plan to develop adventure sports MUMBAI: The draft Sports Policy of Maharashtra government has stressed upon the need to develop adventure sports in the state, by making optimum utilization of its geographical variety. "Geographical situation in Maharashtra is supportive of adventure sports. Development of leadership qualities, courage, persistence, imagination, adventure nature, developing positive team spirit, co-ordination is possible with help of adventure sports," the draft policy said. Maharashtra boasts of 720 km of seashore, Sahyadri and Satpuda Mountains, plains of Panchgani, Chikhaldara, Melghat, Tadoba, Nagzira forests, Lonar Lake and other important places, it says. According to the draft policy, the state's geographical variety is useful to develop facilities for adventure sports. Facilities for water sports can come up at dams, lakes, sea shore, rivers. In moun-
tains, facilities for mountaineering and aero sports can come up. It is possible to develop artificial facilities for adventure sports at sports complex, gardens and tourist centers. The policy has suggested a survey to be
local self governing bodies, sports complex committees and with the help of tourism department, facilities for adventure sports be developed. The draft policy has proposed the establishment of Maharashtra State Adven-
The Adventure Sports Centre will work as the controlling organization in the field of adventure sports and for management of this centre and facilities necessary for this centre conducted to fix places and accordingly develop the facilities. There is no scheme or government grant as such for such activities. It has also recommended that government gives grant to voluntary organizations,
ture Sports Centre. "Maharashtra players are deprived of facilities for adventure sport. The centre can help to develop facilities of adventure sports, arrange adventure sports and tourism festival and accelerate tourism," it said.
Promotion of adventure sports will help develop adventure nature among the youths and make adventure sports accessible to them. "This will help prepare youngsters to take up sports at international level," it says. The policy has also recommended holding competitions, training sessions and practicals of adventure sports, instituting an award for adventure sports, giving financial assistance to institutes working for the development of adventure sports. The Adventure Sports Centre will work as the controlling organization in the field of adventure sports and for management of this centre and facilities necessary for this centre, financial provision should be made, the policy has said. The policy has been pending in the Finance and Planning Department for over six months due to lack of clarity in the budgetary provision that needs to be made. -PTI
November 25, 2011
Travel & Hospitality Post
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Bandhavgarh Tiger Park faces fund crunch BANDHAVGARH, MP: Shortage of more than 100 trained foresters coupled with fund crunch to shift about a dozen villages from the core area of Bandhavgarh National Park, which has the highest density of tigers, are posing a grave problem for its authorities. "There is a need for minimum 240 staff including forest guards, range officers and foresters here to properly maintain the reserve park but we have only about 100 staff to do the job," CK Patil, Field Director of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, said. Situated in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, the core area of the park is spread over 716 sq km. According to the latest census, there are 59 tigers in the park, an increase of 12 from 2006. Known for its highest density of Royal Bengal tigers in the world, there are still 12 villages
inside the core area Bandhavgarh forest. "There were a total 14 villages inside the core area and till now we could shift only one village and the process for shifting another is in the process. We need to relocate all these villages otherwise it would be difficult to pre-
core forest area. We are not able to expedite it due to the severe fund crunch," the Field Director said. Besides tigers, Bandhavgarh forest is home for the sloth bear, wild boars and large number of deer. The buffer area of the forest is spread over 820 sq km. There
Last year about one lakh tourists including 35,000 foreigners visited the park. "This year we expect to exceed the one lakh mark vent man-animal conflict and protect wildlife," Patil said. According to the relocation scheme, every family gets Rs 10 lakh as compensation for shifting out from the core area. There are about 2,500 families residing in the area. "We need Rs 250 crore for shifting these villages out of the
are 98 villages in the buffer zone of the forest. Describing man-animal conflict in the core area as a serious issue, Patil said, "Four cattle are killed per day on an average in the forest. The problem will continue unless the area is free of villages." Authorities have taken help
from villagers to patrol the forest regularly. "We have trained about 300 villagers for patrolling duty in the forest," Patil said. The tiger reserve forest, 102 km from Katni railway station, however is attracting tourists in hordes. Last year about one lakh tourists including 35,000 foreigners visited the park. "This year we expect to exceed the one lakh mark," said a senior Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation official. Because of tigers, Bandhavgarh
has emerged as one of the top foreign tourist destinations in the state. "Foreigners come to Madhya Pradesh mainly for our rich heritage and wildlife destinations and Bandhavgarh attracts many foreigners for the wildlife," the official said. There are about 15 hotels and resorts in the Bandhavgarh for tourists. "All hotels remain idle during the rainy season as the park remains closed from July to September," said Abhinav Tiwari, Managing Director of Syna Tiger Resort. -PTI
Imphal: Green-blue hills, lush fields and low clouds Cont’d from page 29
Here, the visitors can also see sculptures of the local forest gods, and the motif of the Phakangba, the man who could turn himself into a dragon. Represented in his dragon form, Phakangba is considered as the ancestor of all Vaishnavites. All these things speak about the importance that the Manipuris attach to the organic relations of humanity with nature. Right in the heart of the city is the tall Shahid Minar at the Bir Tirkendrajit Park that was built in memory of Manipur's martyrs who sacrificed their lives for India's independence. From another era, there are the famous cemeteries of the British and the Indian armies that commemorate those who died in the Second World War. Well maintained by the Commonwealth Grave Commissions, it has stone markers and stone plaques, each of which has a record of the sacrifice made by the soldiers. Yet another special feature of Imphal is the Archery Stakes that are held everyday on various lowlying stretches of ground just below a stand of conifers. Evolved from an ancient tribal sport, it is
still very popular in Manipur and one can see archers shooting as many as 500 arrows within a span of a few minutes. For the history buffs, there is in the heart of the city the Old Palace with interesting ruins of an old fortress wall and a palace.
Yet another special feature of Imphal is the Archery Stakes that are held everyday on various lowlying stretches of ground just below a stand of conifers. Evolved from an ancient tribal sport, it is still very popular If you want to add a touch of glamour to your visit, plan a trip to the city during November when Imphal becomes the stage for a national festival of classical dance on the lines of the Khajuraho, Ellora and Badrinath festivals.
Imphal boasts of the biggest freshwater lake in the country, the Loktak. Places around There are a number of places an hour or two away from Imphal, each more beautiful than the other. Moirang is just 45 km away and it is here that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first hoisted the flag of the Indian National Army (INA) on Indian soil. There is an INA museum, which contains letters, photographs, badges of rank and other articles associated with this movement. There is also a statue of Netaji. The graceful KhambaThoibi dance originated here. Keibul Lamjao National Park, at a distance of 53 km, is supposed to be the last natural habitat of the thamin deer. Ukhrul (83 km) is the highest hill station of the state; Moreh (100 km) is close to the Burma border and is a commercial center. Tengnoupal is 69 km away and from here one can have a full view of the valley of Manipur. Best time to visit: October to March How to reach: Indian Airlines connects Imphal with Delhi via Guwahati on a daily basis. Dimapur, 215 km from Imphal, is the nearest railhead for Manipur.
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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Saada Haq: Rockstar 2 Tum Ho: Rockstar 3 Hawaa Hawaa: Rockstar 4 Bhare Naina: Ra.One 5 Raftaarein: Ra.One 34
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November 25, 2011
6 Criminal : Ra.One 7 Chammak Challo: Ra.One 8
Madhushala: Damadamm
9 Habibi Habibi: Azaan 10 Khuda Ke Liye: Azaan
S
heila Ki Jawani literally rocked the nation and now, the very hot and sensuous Katrina Kaif is all set to give another jhatka with her sexy moves with Chikni Chameli, in the movie Agneepath. The leading lady of the film, Priyanka Chopra is also super excited about the film's trailer. "Saw the new trailer of Agneepath that's gonna come out! Wow! Take a bow karan malhotra!l look forward to some sexy surprises u don't expect! fun!" she tweeted. Priyanka further added, "Music dance and other 'items' are on the cards‌can't say more‌except it's sooooper exciting!" The film also stars Hrithik Roshan and Sanjay Dutt in pivotal roles. Agneepath is set to hit the theaters on January 26.
5 BMW gifts
S
hahrukh Khan knows how to value friendship. Despite Ra.one not living up to his expectations, he is very grateful to people who have believed in him and make his dream project come true. The actor is in a very generous and give away mood. SRK has gifted his Ra.One friends a brand new BMW 7 series, each. Arjun Rampal and Anubhav Sinha are in the list and so is Rajnikanth.
M
allika Sherawat is tired of her sex symbol image and wants to shed it off now. The actress feels that she is missing out on a lot of serious roles in Bollywood because of the image she has come to be associated with. Our source says, "She has hired a new personal designer and has been carefully avoiding over-the-top revealing outfits. She wants to create a new image for herself." The news comes as a shock given the way the Jat actress took the industry by storm with her dare-tobare acts. She had even made the utmost use of her bold image to gatecrash Hollywood as well. But now Mallika is a changed person who is being spotted in Indian outfits, sans the plunging necklines. Apparently, Mallika wants to limit her sexy image to only item numbers. Looks like finally she has realized that skin show, without acting skills, will only take her this far in the industry.
A source informed, "Shahrukh has decided to gift one of the five BMWs to Anubhav Sinha. One car will go to Arjun Rampal. Since Rajinikanth flew down to Mumbai to shoot specially for his cameo in the film, he'll get one car." Earlier too, during the making of Main Hoon Na, SRK gifted Farah Khan a Hyundai Terracan and a Mercedes during Om Shanti Om.
November 25, 2011
Bollywood
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rateik is dating UK-based model and his Ek Deewana Tha co-star Amy Jackson. The young couple is nowadays mostly seen in each other's company, even after pack-up. From parties to functions, the pair makes appearances together. "Prateik, who is one of the most reclusive actors in Bollywood, is a die-hard romantic. What comes as a contradiction is that the very shy actor wears his heart on his sleeve," says a source. While Bollywood is known for linking co-stars, especially ahead of a film's release, the couple seems to be very serious about each other. Gautham Menon, who is directing Ek Deewana Tha, the Hindi remake of Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya also confirmed the news. "They are crazy in love," he says. Menon is also happy with the performance and the chemistry of the two actors. "Prateik and Amy fit well in the roles played by Simbu and Trisha respectively in the original."
February wedding H yatt Regency, Mumbai is booked for three days for the wedding. The Bachchans, Imran Khan, Rana Daggubatti, Sajid Khan, Boman Irani, Ram Gopal Varma and Abbas Tyrewala on the guest list. Nine years and millions of speculations later, the Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'souza love story is all set to find its 'happily ever after' ending. The actors who met during their debut film Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003 will tie the knot in February 2012. According to sources, the date has been set for February 4. Divulging the wedding plans, a friend of the actors told Mumbai Mirror, "We've been told to keep ourselves free from the third to the fifth of February. The wedding has been finalized for the fourth. They have decided the venue as well. Hyatt Regency has been booked." "The families have decided to keep it a very low-key affair. So only close family and friends will be invited," added the friend. According to the source, unlike the buzz in the industry, Genelia would continue with her Bollywood career even after the marriage.
No wedding yet K
areena Kapoor is super irritated with all the rumors surrounding her wedding with Saif Ali Khan. Dismissing all the rumors, the actress says, "It's great that people have set my wedding date, have designed my wedding dress and planned my honeymoon without me being aware of it! It's flattering, but no, I'm not getting married, yet!" Rubbishing all reports about her wedding date and Saif's wedding outfit, Bebo tells a daily, "Saif and I are happily in love and happy with each other; We are taking our time. And I assure you, nothing - absolutely nothing - is fixed as yet: no marriage date, no marriage dress, nothing!" Talking about her upcoming film Agent Vinod with her beau Saif Ali Khan, she adds: "It's a special film. The movie is made on a huge canvas. I am hoping it'll be my next hit. Our fingers are crossed. We have worked so hard on it. Let's hope the effort is worth it."
In Brief US pushes compliance plan for businesses ATLANTA: In the past few months, the roster of companies in a revamped, voluntary immigration enforcement program offered by the U.S. government has expanded by nearly one-fifth. The rise in participants in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's IMAGE program comes as the Obama administration steps up employer audits. The acronym stands for ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers. Officials say it can reduce the employment of illegal immigrants and the use of fake identification documents. To participate, employers must meet several requirements: enroll in the federal E-Verify program; submit to an ICE audit of their I-9 forms that new employees complete and related documents; establish a written hiring and employment verification policy that includes a yearly internal audit; and sign a partnership agreement with ICE. -AP
New Mexico governor clarifies immigrant past SANTA FE, N.M.: New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has dug into her family's ancestry and uncovered documents that she says suggest her paternal grandparents followed the law and common practices in coming to the United States from Mexico in the early 1900s, contradicting earlier indications they were illegal immigrants. The Republican governor made headlines earlier this year by acknowledging that her grandparents came to the US without immigration documents. -AP
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India Post
HUNTSVILLE, Ala.: About 200 people opposing Alabama's new law targeting illegal immigrants have marched through Huntsville. Police escorted the marchers from the city's post office, around the Madison County Courthouse and to Big Spring International Park. The Huntsville Times reports that representatives from the North Alabama Hispanic Coalition and Todo Razas Unidos joined the march. At the park, Joe Ferrazas of Todo Razas Unidos read a letter to Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley. He said the law has created ``more hate, racism, bullying in schools and a great divide in America.'' -AP
November 25, 2011
PHOENIX: Gov. Jan Brewer urged a federal judge to throw out one of the three remaining legal challenges to Arizona's immigration enforcement law, arguing the state's attempt to fix its border problems isn't trumped by federal law. Details on page 39
Marginal fall in number of Indian students on US campuses India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The number of Indian students enrolling in US colleges dropped marginally in 2010-2011, although the overall growth of international student enrollments on US campuses rebounded with a 5% increase to 723,277, according to data in a new Open Doors 2011 report released by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in partnership with the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Students from India, the second largest international cohort in the United States, decreased by one percent to a total of nearly 104,000. Yet, India, as a destination for US students study abroad, increased 44.4%, the report states. While slightly declining in numbers, students from India still represent 14% of all international students in US higher education, with tens of thousands more students from India in US higher education than in any other host country. Highlights of the report indicate China is the leading place of origin for international students in
the US with 157,558 in 2010-2011 (an increase of 23% from the previous year), followed at second position by India with 103,895 (down by 1%), South Korea in third position (73,351, up 2 percent), Canada at fourth with 27,546 students (down 2%), and Taiwan in fifth position with 24,818 students (down 7%).
students (7,991), with New York University a close third (7,988). This represents a record high number of international students in the United States. This is the fifth consecutive year that Open Doors figures show growth in the total number of international students, and there are now 32 percent more international students studying at
Higher education is among the United States' top service sector exports, as international students provide significant revenue The report finds that Business and Management, Mathematics and Computer Science and Physical and Life Sciences continue to be among the most popular fields of study for international students in the United States. For the tenth year in a row, the University of Southern California is the leading host institution, with 8,615 international students in 2010/11. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign hosts the second highest number of foreign
U.S. colleges and universities than there were a decade ago. The 2010/11 rate of growth is stronger than the three percent increase in total international enrollment reported the previous year, and the six percent increase in new international student enrollment this past year shows more robust new growth than the one percent increase the prior year. Increased numbers of students from China, particularly at the undergraduate level, largely ac-
counts for the growth this past year. Chinese students increased by 22 percent in total and by 43 percent at the undergraduate level. These increases have been felt across the United States, with the top 20 host universities and top 10 host states each hosting more international students than in the prior year. Women represent approximately 45 percent of the total number of international students. These strong increases have significant economic impact on the United States, as international students contribute more than $21 billion to the US economy, through their expenditures on tuition and living expenses, according to the US Department of Commerce. Higher education is among the United States' top service sector exports, as international students provide significant revenue not just to the host campuses but also to local economies of the host states for living expenses, including room and board, books and supplies, transportation, health insurance, and support for accompanying family members. Cont’d on page 37
HAF briefs lawmakers on discrimination in Malaysia India Post News Service
Opponents of immigration law march in Huntsville
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Brewer wants immigration law challenge dismissed
NEW YORK: Continuing to generate awareness of the human rights violations faced by Hindus, Christians, and other ethnic minority groups in Malaysia, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) on Nov. 9, sponsored a Congressional briefing, Institutionalized Racism and Religious Discrimination in Malaysia. Briefing the lawmakers was exiled Malaysian Hindu civil rights leader, Waytha Moorthy, and Dr. Ramesh Rao, HAF's Human Rights Coordinator. The briefing, held in the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing room in the Rayburn House Office Building, was attended by congressional staffers, think tank and human rights activists, and embassy officials. Moorthy began by describing Malaysia's Bumiputra (Sons of the Soil) policies, enshrined in Article
153 of the Federal Constitution, which provide economic and social benefits to ethnic Muslim Malay citizens, while explicitly discriminating against minorities. He continued by pointing out that despite a parallel secular judicial system, religious minorities are increasingly subjected to Islamic law through the Sharia (Islamic law)
quire property, attend school, and seek medical care, rendering them virtually stateless. "Article 153 is a deep-rooted racist provision in the Constitution which sanctions implementation of all racist policies in Malaysia to the disadvantage of the minority non-Malay population," said Moorthy. "The Government
The Malaysian security forces responded brutally, and Moorthy was jailed, along with hundreds of other protesters courts. Moorthy also touched on the countless ethnic Indian Malaysians that have been denied citizenship and legal documents by the government, in spite of having longstanding roots in Malaysia dating back several generations. As a consequence, they have been unable to obtain driver's licenses or passports, ac-
has on many occasions threatened the use of the draconian Internal Security Act to detain anyone who questions Article 153. The current Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers on previous occasions openly threatened nonMalays with violence should this provision be questioned." Moorthy is the founder of the
Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF), a human rights group that organized a peaceful rally of more than 50,000 in 2007, protesting the country's persecution of ethnic Indians and Hindus. The Malaysian security forces responded brutally, and Moorthy was jailed, along with hundreds of other protesters. His passport was subsequently revoked by the Malaysian government and he has since been living in exile in London, where he continues to build awareness about the dire situation in Malaysia. In addition to the briefing, Moorthy, accompanied by HAF's Associate Director, Jay Kansara, met with staffers from ten House and Senate offices, which included key subcommittees, the Tom Lantos Commission on Human Rights, as well as the State Department. Cont’d on page 37
Immigration Post
November 25, 2011
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Arizona recall vote energizes HAF briefs lawmakers on discrimination in Malaysia Democrats Cont’d from page 36
PHOENIX: The recent recall election defeat of the Republican legislator who wrote Arizona's tough anti-immigration law and the seating of Democratic mayors in Phoenix and Tucson have given Democrats renewed hope for picking up the state in next year's Senate and presidential elections. Combined, the outcomes underscored the diversity of voters in what many view as a conservative state even though voters here are split nearly in thirds among Republicans, independents and Democrats. The Democratic Party argued that the recall of state Senate President Russell Pearce was evidence of a broader shift to the left that will reverberate in 2012. ``For the first time in 20 years, we will have Democratic mayors of Tucson and Phoenix,'' state Democratic Party Chairman Andrei Cherny wrote in an email to supporters. ``And for the first time in American history, a state legislative leader - the most powerful politician in Arizona - was recalled from office. These are victories for all Arizonans - ones that six months ago would have seemed all but impossible.'' ``A year from now, when we are looking back on Election Day 2012, we will point to last night as where things turned around for our party and state,'' he added. Republicans dismissed the results as coming from an ``abnormal election'' funded by out-ofstate interests upset by Arizona's 2010 enactment of the groundbreaking immigration enforcement law known as SB1070. ``They thought this proved a
point. It didn't,'' said Arizona GOP chairman Tom Morrissey. ``It will all be undone in the next election. It was a power grab by the left. They won a battle, they have not won the war by any means.'' But the rhetoric, new polls and the emphasis being put on Arizona by the Democrats and President Barack Obama's campaign indicates that the state -which on the surface appears solidly red with its two longtime Republican U.S. Senators, a GOP near-sweep of statewide offices and one of the country's most conservative legislatures - is heading into the 2012 elections solidly purple.
A recent Rocky Mountain Poll from October showed Obama either about even or apparently ahead of three Republican presidential contenders In the 2008 presidential race, Arizona was a given for homestate candidate John McCain, the Republican nominee. And while Republican Gov. Jan Brewer was an easy winner in 2010, Democrat Janet Napolitano twice ran gubernatorial races in the last decade. ``I think that some on the East Coast don't put us there,'' said Cherny. ``But every indication is we are there. The Obama campaign has said Arizona is at the top of
the places they are looking at to compete very hard.'' In 2012, Obama spokeswoman Ofelia Casillas said, the state will play a ``critical role'' and has been among the battleground states where its grassroots movement, Organizing for America, has been active. The campaign has also recently hired a Mexican-American regional field director and a Mexican-American fellow who is focused on reaching out to the Latino community. Those efforts may find fertile ground in a state where Hispanics make up nearly 30 percent of the population. A recent Rocky Mountain Poll from October showed Obama either about even or apparently ahead of three Republican presidential contenders: Herman Cain, Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. The same survey also found that only 38 percent of the state's voters call themselves conservative. Thirty-four percent consider themselves moderate while 28 percent call themselves liberal. ``The impression of Arizona as a majority conservative state is more a reflection of gerrymandering and the historically superior strength of conservative forces in getting their voters to the polls,'' the Behavior Research Center said of the ideological splits. Indeed, neither party holds a majority of the state's voters. Republicans hold a slight lead with roughly 36 percent of registered voters while roughly 33 percent are independent and 31 percent are Democrats.
They also met with senior staffers at the American Jewish Committee. Following his meetings, Moorthy addressed a group of students, professors, and the general public in a presentation hosted by the Sanatana Satsang at the University of Maryland, College Park. "I thank HAF for organizing the Congressional briefing and arranging meetings with staff members of strategic offices. Malaysia has the hallmark of a racist state and this has been virtually ignored by the international community," said Moorthy. "The state control of government administration, educational institutions, and economic programs are designed to favor and enrich the majority Malay Muslim community. Indians and other minorities, who have been living in Malaysia for generations before independence, should be treated as equals and be enabled to participate in main-
stream Malaysian society." The Foundation's annual human rights report highlights the discrimination faced by Malaysian Hindus in a number of arenas, from the education system to limited economic and social advancement opportunities. The Malay government has also sanctioned the destruction of temples and monuments and tolerated acts of intimidation and violence towards minority communities. "If Malaysia wishes to be a part of today's global economy they must amend policies that leave their citizens economically disadvantaged due to race and religion," said Rao, "We urge the State Department and Congress to engage their Malaysian counterparts to uphold democratic values. This is imperative if the United States' stance on freedom of religion and human rights for all is not to be jeopardized in Southeast Asia, and to ensure that the seeds of religious extremism are not planted in Malaysia."
Cont’d on page 38
Marginal fall in number of Indian students on US campuses Cont’d from page 36
Open Doors 2011 reports that 63 percent of all international students receive the majority of their funds from personal and family sources. When other sources of foreign funding are included, such as assistance from their home country governments or universities, almost 70 percent of all international students' primary funding, including tuition, comes from sources outside of the United States. "Because of the excellence and diversity of our colleges and universities, more students worldwide are choosing to study in the
United States," said Ann Stock, Assistant Secretary of State (R). "Young people who study abroad gain the global skills necessary to create solutions to 21st Century challenges. In turn, international students globalize our campuses and communities." "It is positive news that our higher education institutions continue to excel in attracting students from all over the world, and in preparing American students to succeed in an increasingly global environment," said Allan Goodman, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education. "Educational exchange in both directions fur-
thers business and cultural ties between the United States and other countries." Together, the top three sending countries - China, India and South Korea - comprise nearly half (46 percent) of the total international enrollments in US higher education. Early indications of international enrollments for Fall 2011, based on a "snapshot" Fall 2011 Online Survey conducted by IIE in cooperation with seven other higher education associations, show that campuses are seeing continued increases in the number of international students they host.
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Visa options for foreign entrepreneurs in the US CYRUS D. MEHTA
O
n paper, there are many attractive options for foreign entrepreneurs to live and work in the US temporarily without investing large sums of money. This article takes the reader through these options, but will also make one aware about the many traps that may befall him or her on the way to achieving fame and fortune in the land of opportunity. This may sound a bit cliché as the US economy remains sluggish and the unemployment rate hovers over 9%, along with the fact that immigration bureaucrats have been tending to restrictively apply the rules. Yet the Administration, at the highest levels, has welcomed entrepreneurs and investors. On August 2, 2011, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano Secretary Napolitano and United States Citizenship and Immigrant Services Director Mayorkas made dramatic announcements advising that foreign entrepreneurs could take advantage of the existing non-immigrant and immigrant visa system to gain status and permanent residency. According to the DHS press release, these administrative tweaks within the existing legal framework would "fuel the nation's economy and stimulate investment by attracting foreign entrepreneurial talent of exceptional ability." Many were left wondering whether this was simply hot air or whether it represented an attitudinal shift to encourage a surge of entrepreneurs into the US. H-1B Visa The DHS announcement acknowledged that the H-1B visa, which is the workhorse nonimmigrant work visa, could be used by entrepreneurs who formed their own entities and were even the owners of these entities. The H-1B visa requires the employer to demonstrate that the position normally requires a bachelor's degree is a specialized field, regardless of the size of the company or the investment. Prior decisions have recognized the existence of the separate corporate entity as being able to petition for the beneficiary, even though it may be solely owned by him or her. However, in recent times, this concept got somewhat muddied by the insistence that the sponsoring entity also control the H-1B worker's employment, and such a sponsorship could not be possible when the H-1B worker owned the sponsoring entity. In the H-1B Question and Answers accompanying the August 2, 2011 announcement, the USCIS appears to still hold the line about the need to demonstrate an em-
ployer-employee relationship, but has conceded that this can nevertheless be demonstrated even when the owner of the company is being sponsored on an H-1B visa. This may be established by creating a separate board of directors, which has the ability to hire, fire, pay supervise and otherwise control. There is nothing preventing such a board constituting foreign nationals or family members of the beneficiary. Yet, despite this announcement, USCIS officers in the field still appear to display an anti-small business attitude. Take the example of Amit Aharoni, an Israeli citizen who graduated with an MBA from Stanford University. He founded a hot startup, cruisewise.com/, and received over $1.65 million in venture capital funding. The H-1B visa that was filed on his behalf by the company got
proprietorship can also qualify as a qualifying entity for L purposes. Johnson-Laid v INS, 537 F.Supp. 52 (D. Or. 1981). If the beneficiary is a major stockholder or owner, then "the petition must be accompanied by evidence that the beneficiary's services are to be used for a temporary period and evidence that the beneficiary will be transferred to an assignment abroad upon the completion of the temporary services in the United States." 8 CFR § 214.2(l) (3) (vii). The purpose of this regulation is to ensure that the beneficiary will maintain the qualifying foreign entity, which is a pre-requisite for the L visa. The entity in the US must generally be the subsidiary, parent or affiliate of the foreign entity. Yet, in recent years, the USCIS has come down on L-1A petitions by small businesses with a heavy hand. Denial decisions often ar-
There have also been credible reports that the US Consulates in India have been denying L visa applications in what is thought to be an unofficial trade war against India denied and he was forced to leave the US and run his company from Canada. It was only after ABC news reported the story that the USCIS changed its mind and reversed the denial. Since the H-1B visa requires a bachelor's degree in a specialized field, be aware that when one is managing a small company as its CEO, the USCIS may absurdly view the position based on old administrative decisions as too generalized and not requiring a specialized bachelor's degree. See Matter of Caron International Inc., 19 I&N Dec. 791 (Comm. 1988). While Mr. Aharoni was fortunate that the USCIS relented because the media shone a bright light on his case, one wonders how many similar deserving cases that have not received media attention have been denied, resulting in the loss of so many jobs here. The H1B visa is also subject to a 65,000 annual cap, which gets exhausted well within the fiscal year. L-1A Visa If the entrepreneur has been running a company in his or her home country as a manager or executive, the L-1A visa also readily lends itself to a foreign national who wishes to open a branch, subsidiary or affiliate in the US, but it is important that the beneficiary must still be able to establish that he or she will work in an executive or managerial capacity. The source of the salary can come from the foreign entity. Matter of Pozzoli, 14 I&N Dec. 569 (RC 1974). A sole
gue, albeit erroneously, that the manager in a small business would also be involved in day to day operations, which are considered disqualifying activities. Despite the salutary amendment to the L-1A definition by the Immigration Act of 1990 to also include one who manages an essential function, INA § 101(a)(44)(A)(2), as opposed to people, the USCIS appears to have read this provision out of the INA by insisting that such a manager still cannot perform the duties of the function. There have also been credible reports that the US Consulates in India have been denying L visa applications in what is thought to be an unofficial trade war against India, although these also include employees of established global companies who are applying for L-1B specialized knowledge visas. E-1 and E-2 Visas The E-1 and E-2 visa categories lend themselves readily to foreign entrepreneurs, but they are only limited to nationals of countries that have treaties with the US. This category thus disqualifies entrepreneurs from dynamic BRIC countries - Brazil, Russia, India and China. For the E-1 visa, the applicant must show substantial trade principally between the US and the foreign state. For the E-2 visa, the applicant must demonstrate that he or she has made a substantial investment in a US enterprise. While there is no bright line
amount as to what constitutes a substantial investment, it must be weighed against the total cost of purchasing the enterprise and whether the investment will lead to the successful operation of the enterprise. However, based upon the proportionality test in the Foreign Affairs Manual, the lower the cost of the enterprise, the investor under the E-2 will be expected to make a higher proportion of investment. 9 FAM 41.51 N.10. Note that the E-2 visa will be denied if the enterprise is marginal - if it does not have the present or future capacity to generate more than a minimal living for the investor and family. Conclusion: The Importance of Foreign Entrepreneurs These three options, if applied consistent with the true intent under their respective statutory statute provisions, provide wonderful opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs, including students graduating out of a US university, to implement their business ideas in the US. Unfortunately, in recent times, immigration adjudicators have become the self-appointed guardians of US economic well being by assuming that the entry of foreign nationals in the US would eliminate US jobs. In fact, it is quite the opposite as such individuals through their innovations will generate more jobs for Americans. New York City Mayor Bloomberg has categorically called the failure to bring in foreign entrepreneurs and skilled workers as being akin to committing "national suicide." There also
exists the Employment-based Fifth Preference (EB-5) pursuant to INA §203(b) (5) resulting in permanent residency, which is specifically designed for investors, but this involves an investment of $1 million (or $500,000 in targeted areas with high unemployment or that are rural) and the creation of 10 jobs. Investments in designated regional growth centers allow the showing of the indirect creation of 10 jobs and also allow passive investment. The H-1B, L and E categories can offer speed and flexibility to a foreign entrepreneur who may not be able to afford a $ 1 million or $500,000 investment, and the need to immediately create 10 jobs. Also, the EB-5 option is fraught with risks if the investor cannot show his or her own source of funds and if the 10 jobs are not created directly or indirectly at the end of the two year conditional residency period. Another important bill, the Startup Visa Act, remains stuck in Congress as a result of partisan stalemate, which would allow the investor to demonstrate that he or she has obtained funding or created jobs to a lesser degree than the EB-5. While we wait for the Startup Visa, an enlightened interpretation of the already existing H-1B, L and E visa categories for entrepreneurs will surely benefit the US at this point of time and be consistent with the Administration's August 2, 2011 announcement. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com
Arizona recall vote energizes Democrats Cont’d from page 37
The Behavior Research Center pollsters said the recall of Pearce, whom they called ``the most powerful conservative voice in state government,'' may be a ``harbinger of what can happen when voters in the center organize to get out their vote and make their election preferences felt.'' Organization and appealing to mainstream voters more interested in solving problems than championing extreme politics and hotbutton issues like immigration are the focus of the Arizona Democratic party, Cherny said. In that vein, their hopes in the state's 2012 race for U.S. Senate may have been bolstered when Richard Carmona officially entered the race for the seat now held by
retiring Republican Jon Kyl. The former surgeon general under President George W. Bush was aggressively recruited by Democratic leaders who hope he will appeal to the state's moderate and independent voters. Carmona describes himself as a fierce independent and notes that Republicans in the past had also recruited him to run for office. He'll face lesser-known Don Bivens, an attorney and former state party chairman, in the primary, while U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake and businessman Will Cardon will battle for the Republican nomination. Morrissey, the state Republican chairman, said the vote only provides his party's activists with an incentive to work harder. And there's reason for optimism, he said. -AP
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Govt asks justices to stay out of immigration case WASHINGTON: The Justice Department has urged the Supreme Court to stay out of a lawsuit involving Arizona's immigration law, saying lower courts properly blocked tough provisions targeting illegal immigrants. The state law is a challenge to federal policy and is designed to establish Arizona's own immigration policy, the department's solicitor general said in a filing with the justices. Arizona says the law is an effort to cooperate with the federal government. One provision requires that police, while enforcing other laws, question a person's immigration status if officers suspect they are in the country illegally. In April, a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco upheld a federal judge's ruling halting enforcement of that and other key provisions in the Arizona law. Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer is seeking to overturn the judge's
decision and wants Supreme Court review of the case, arguing that the issues are of compelling, nationwide importance. The Justice Department disagreed.
The federal government has sued South Carolina in an effort to stop the state's tough new immigration law ``That several states have recently adopted new laws in this important area is not a sufficient reason for this court to grant review'' of the first appeals court decision affirming a judge's preliminary ruling against part of one of those state laws, Justice told
the high court. The Arizona law has been followed by others, including Alabama, where lawmakers enacted a requirement that schools check students' immigration status. That provision has been blocked temporarily. The Justice Department, about 30 civil rights organizations and prominent church leaders are challenging Alabama's law. Still standing there are provisions that allow police to check a person's immigration status during traffic stops and make it a felony for illegal immigrants to conduct basic state business, like getting a driver's license. The federal government has sued South Carolina in an effort to stop the state's tough new immigration law. The South Carolina law requires that officers call federal immigration officials if they suspect someone is in the country illegally following a traffic stop for something else. -AP
Brewer wants immigration law challenge dismissed PHOENIX: Gov. Jan Brewer urged a federal judge to throw out one of the three remaining legal challenges to Arizona's immigration enforcement law, arguing the state's attempt to fix its border problems isn't trumped by federal law. The governor's lawyers said in a court filing that the group that filed the lawsuit in question was offering speculation about the law's effects and implications. The lawsuit by the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, alleges that Arizona's
law should be invalidated because it's superseded by federal immigration law and the state can't enact statutes to control the flow of immigrants. A federal judge has already put the law's most controversial elements on hold, but the 2010 lawsuit by LULAC seeks to invalidate other sections that took effect, such as a ban on blocking traffic when people seek or offer day-labor services on streets. The governor's response to the lawsuit came as the U.S. Supreme
Police arrest 13 protesting immigration law MONTGOMERY, Alabama: Police arrested 13 protesters in Alabama's capital as they demonstrated against the state's strict new law clamping down on illegal immigrants. About 100 people, most of them Hispanic and college-aged, chanted slogans as they marched in light rain around the state Capitol and to the adjacent Statehouse where the legislature works. ``Undocumented, unafraid,'' ``No papers, no fear, immigrants are marching here,'' and ``Ain't no power like the power of the
people,'' were among the slogans the protesters chanted as they marched. Later, some were hauled off to jail in a yellow bus normally used by the city parks and recreation department. Some sat down on Union Street between the Statehouse and the Capitol when police approached and warned them in English and Spanish that they would be arrested if they didn't move. None did and police arrested 11 demonstrators, tying their hand with yellow straps and loading them into the bus. -AP
Court is mulling whether to hear her appeal of a July 2010 decision by U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton that halted enforcement of elements of the law. The Supreme Court hasn't yet said whether it would accept Brewer's appeal. The blocked portions include a requirement that police, while enforcing other laws, question people's immigration status if officers suspect they are in the country illegally. The sections that were allowed to take effect and that are being challenged by LULAC include an addition to Arizona's 6-year-old ban on immigrant smuggling that allows drivers to be pulled over if officers have reasonable suspicion they have broken traffic laws. Four of the seven challenges to Arizona's immigration law have been dismissed. -AP
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Officials still trying to find source of illnesses HOUSTON: Houston school and health officials are still trying to determine why 22 members of the Austin High drill team and band became ill during a football game recently. The public school system issued a statement that said city health inspectors and a private firm have given Barnett Stadium a clean bill of health. As a precaution, games scheduled at the stadium this week had already been moved. On Nov. 4, hazmat crews were sent to the stadium in southeast Houston after several Austin High band members became ill during a game against Yates. Symptoms included severe nausea, dizziness and vomiting. -AP
Merck's drug against clotting flops ORLANDO, Florida: A blood thinner being developed by Merck has flopped in a major study aimed at preventing heart attacks, strokes and other problems in people who had suffered a heart attack or severe chest pain from clogged arteries. The drug, vorapaxar, gave no significant benefit when added to standard medicines in a study of 13,000 patients around the world. It also raised the risk of serious bleeding. Merck officials say results due out early next year from another large study testing the drug in different types of patients will tell more about its potential. Results were reported at an American Heart Association conference in Florida. -AP
Tenn. to close Knoxville mental health facility KNOXVILLE, Tenn.: The Tennessee Department of Mental Health has announced plans to close a Knoxville mental health facility next year and shift care to three private psychiatric providers in East Tennessee. Department Commissioner Doug Varney said in a news release that Lakeshore Mental Health Institute in Knoxville will close by June 30 and patients will be referred to other state hospitals or community providers. The department said since the 1970s, Lakeshore has gone from serving 2,300 patients daily to serving 90 patients today. -AP
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November 25, 2011
Pfizer's Prevnar vaccine works in adults WASHINGTON: Federal health scientists say Pfizer's best-selling vaccine Prevnar is at least as effective as rival Merck's at helping prevent sometimes deadly infections in adults. Details on page 42
Report calls for culturally competent healthcare for South Asians India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: Assembly Deputy Speaker Upendra J. Chivukula and co-founder and director of SATHI (South Asian Total Health Initiative) Dr. Sunanda Gaur called for the delivery of culturally competent care and healthcare solutions for South Asians and for increasing health literacy in New Jersey's fastestgrowing group. Gaur is a professor of pediatrics at the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where SATHI was founded. They made this announcement after a recent panel discussion of medical experts hosted by Chivukula which centered around a report on the current state of health disparities and health literacy challenges in the South Asian community. The event, held at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick included Stephen K. Jones, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson Health System and Dean of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Peter S. Amenta, MD, PhD. "The high incidence of chronic
and costly diseases reported among South Asians like cancer, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and infectious diseases may be a result of genetics, diet, exercise and cultural practices that affect risk factors. One size fits all health care solutions and delivery are not as effective," Chivukula (DSomerset\Middlesex) said. "We need to examine and prescribe culturally competent care and healthcare solutions that will also ultimately reduce costs."
Johnson Medical School, and the Office of Minority and Multicultural Health of the Department of Health and Senior Services of New Jersey. (OMMH). "I applaud the members of the South Asian Total Health Initiative at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School for having recognized a need to gather data for research, educate and ultimately improve the health of our citizens," said Amenta. "Through engagement and empowerment, SATHI can
Chivukula said, 'We need to examine and prescribe culturally competent care and healthcare solutions that will also ultimately reduce costs' The goal of the report based on a one-day conference that focused on improving health care for South Asians was to provide recommendations to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NHDHSS) with the aim of addressing disparities and health literacy challenges in the fast-growing South Asian population. The conference was sponsored by SATHI, the Center for Healthy Families and Cultural Diversity both part of Robert Wood
help to prepare healthcare providers, organizations and institutions in delivering culturally-competent healthcare services to the South Asian community." "SATHI is one of the first-of-itskind university based program that has diagnosed some of the ills in our health care system when it comes to the lack of culturally competent care," Gaur said. "We commend Robert Wood Johnson Medical School for providing us this platform and would like to work in col-
laboration with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) on initiatives to address health disparities, health literacy and cross cultural service delivery challenges affecting the South Asian and other Newest New Jerseyian communities." "I would like to thank Dean Amenta and Dr. Gaur for their leadership in helping make SATHI a reality on our academic health campus and Assemblyman Chivukula for his support and commitment to the initiative," Jones said. "It's no secret that the patient population we treat grows more diverse every day. We remain committed to meeting the changing needs of the communities we serve as well as educating our entire team of caregivers so they possess the necessary cultural competencies to encourage wellness and deliver the best possible care to all of our patients." SATHI is a program of Robert Wood Medical School's Department of Pediatrics. Its goal is to improve the delivery of competent healthcare and information about total health for the South Asian community and the education, engagement and empowerment of the community to improve health outcomes. Cont’d on page 43
Toxic chemical found in canned foods India Post News Service
SAN FRANCISCO: A report released by the Breast Cancer Fund documents the presence of the toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in canned foods used to prepare a typical Thanksgiving meal. The report, "BPA in Thanksgiving Canned Food," tested Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup, Campbell's Turkey Gravy, Carnation Evaporated Milk (by Nestle), Del Monte Fresh Cut Sweet Corn (Cream Style), Green Giant Cut Green Beans (by General Mills), Libby's Pumpkin (by Nestle), and Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce. Single servings of almost half of the prod-
ucts tested had levels of BPA comparable to levels that laboratory studies have linked to adverse health effects. "Preparing your Thanksgiving dinner with these products can
take it out of cans?" BPA is used to make, among other things, the epoxy-resin linings of metal food cans. The lining forms a barrier between the metal and the food which helps to
For this report, the Breast Cancer Fund sent 28 canned food items - four cans of each product tested - to Anresco Laboratories, an independent testing laboratory in San Francisco deliver a concerning level of BPA," said Jeanne Rizzo, president and CEO of the Breast Cancer Fund. "How many more Thanksgivings will families have to worry about this uninvited guest before manufacturers finally decide to
prevent bacterial contamination. However, the toxic chemical can leach from the resin and make its way into food. BPA has been linked in laboratory studies to adverse health effects such as breast and prostate cancer, infertility,
early puberty in girls, type-2 diabetes, obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. For this report, the Breast Cancer Fund sent 28 canned food items - four cans of each product tested - to Anresco Laboratories, an independent testing laboratory in San Francisco. The testing revealed tremendous variability among cans of the same product made by the same company, which is consistent with other product testing data. For instance, BPA levels in Del Monte creamed corn ranged from non-detectable to 221 parts per billion, and levels in Campbell's Turkey Gravy ranged from 5 to 125 ppb. Cont’d on page 43
November 25, 2011
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Court will cause pre-election health care showdown WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court is ready to consider next year the legality of President Barack Obama's signature domestic legislation, an overhaul of the U.S. health care system. The law, passed by Congress last year on a largely party-line vote, was the most far-reaching domestic legislation in a generation but has proved a political lightning rod. It is vigorously opposed by all of Obama's prospective Republican opponents in next year's presidential election. The Supreme Court's schedule set aside more than five hours of argument for the law, unprecedented in modern times. The justices' decision could come before the July 4 Independence Day holiday and is certain to be a focus of campaigning in the run-up to the Nov. 6 elections. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act aims to provide health insurance to more than 30 million previously uninsured Americans. Republicans have branded the law unconstitutional since before Obama signed it in a ceremony in March 2010. The court's ruling could be its most significant and political decision since its decision that had
the effect of making George W. Bush president in a harrowingly close 2000 presidential election. The justices left themselves an opening to defer the outcome if they should choose, by requesting arguments on one lower court's ruling that a decision must wait until 2015, when one of the law's many provisions takes effect.
Republicans also said they were happy the high court would hear arguments on the constitutionality of the provision at the heart of the law and three other questions about the act Legal experts have offered a range of opinions about what the high court might do. Many prominent Supreme Court lawyers believe the law will be upheld by a lopsided vote, with Republican and Democratic appointees ruling in its favor. Others predict a close outcome, with Justice Anthony Kennedy, a Republican appointee
who sometimes joins his four colleagues appointed by Democratic presidents, holding the deciding vote on the nine-member court. The White House has pushed for the quickest possible decision, and Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer said the administration was pleased the justices agreed to take the case now, with arguments in March. ``It's important that we put to rest once and for all the issue of maybe the law will disappear,'' said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Republicans also said they were happy the high court would hear arguments on the constitutionality of the provision at the heart of the law and three other questions about the act. The central provision in question is the requirement that individuals buy health insurance starting in 2014 or pay a penalty. ``That the Supreme Court is taking this up, I think, is a positive signal that there are legitimate concerns surrounding the constitutional aspects of mandating that individuals purchase health care insurance and purchase it according to Washington's guidelines,'' said the majority leader in
the House of Representatives, Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia. The exceptional 51/2 hours allotted for argument demonstrates the significance the justices see in this case. Normally, they allow only one hour, split between two
sides. In the modern era, the last time the court increased that time anywhere near this much was in 2003 for consideration of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance overhaul. That case consumed four hours of argument. -AP
Report calls for culturally competent healthcare for South Asians Cont’d from page 40
People from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan come under the category of South Asians. The results of the report were presented to the panel by Dr. Aparna Kalbag, advisory committee member of SATHI and postdoctoral fellow in the medical school's Office of Global Health. It recommends that the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) should lead initiatives designed to address health disparities, health literacy and cross cultural service delivery challenges affecting the South Asian and other "Newest New Jerseyian" communities. Also on the panel was Dr. Naveen Mehrotra, co-founder of
SATHI and assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Dr. Gaur and Dr. Robert C. Like, professor and director of the Center for Healthy Families and Cultural Diversity in the department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the medical school. Dr. Like addressed the regional and national efforts to promote health equity, specifically about the recently unveiled National Partnership for Action (NPA) and Regional health equity council (RHEC). South Asians are the fastestgrowing group in New Jersey and the largest segment of the state's Asian-American population which accounts for 8.3% of the state's estimated 8.8 million population, which is up from 5.7% in 2000.
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Pfizer's Prevnar vaccine works in adults WASHINGTON: Federal health scientists say Pfizer's best-selling vaccine Prevnar is at least as effective as rival Merck's at helping prevent sometimes deadly infections in adults. Prevnar 13 is intended to reduce the risk of infection by 13 strains of pneumococcal disease, which causes ear infections, meningitis and pneumonia. Vaccination with Prevnar is recommended for all U.S. infants and young children, because of their vulnerability to infection. But the disease also affects 36,000 older adults per year, killing 5,000 of them, according to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pfizer, which is based in New York, has asked the FDA to expand Prevnar's approval for adults 50 and older.
In a review posted online, FDA scientists said Prevnar triggered an immune system response comparable to Merck's Pneumovax, the only vaccine currently approved for adults. Vaccines strengthen the body's immune system by spurring production of antibodies against bacteria or viruses. In six studies of more than 6,000 adult patients, Prevnar generated at least as many antibodies against pneumococcal disease as Pneumovax. Side effects were comparable for the two vaccines, including swelling and redness at the injection site as well as fever, chills and fatigue. The FDA will ask a panel of outside experts whether Prevnar appears safe and effective for adults. The group's recommenda-
tion is not binding, but the agency often follows its guidance. The CDC currently recom-
Pfizer is conducting an 85,000-patient study in the Netherlands to assess Prevnar's strength against pneumonia in adults mends vaccination for all adults 65 or older with Merck's Pneumovax, which protects against 23 strains of pneumococcal disease, including 12 that over-
lap with Prevnar. Only about twothirds of eligible seniors get the injection. But Merck's vaccine has not been shown to protect against pneumococcal pneumonia, one of the most dangerous infections associated with the disease. The FDA agreed to give Prevnar an accelerated six-month review, as opposed to the usual nine months, because of its potential to defend against pneumonia. Pfizer is conducting an 85,000patient study in the Netherlands to assess Prevnar's strength against pneumonia in adults. The company must submit the results to the FDA after the study concludes, which is expected in the next two years. Merck's Pneumovax is only approved for children older than 2
and adults over 65. Sales last year totaled $376 million. Prevnar, approved for babies as young as six weeks old, was the top-selling vaccine in the world last year, with sales of about $3.7 billion. Pneumovax sells for about $50 a shot on average, while Prevnar 13 costs $114 on average. Adults need one or two Pneumovax shots and then a booster after age 65. Pfizer hasn't determined how many Prevnar boosters will be needed after the initial dose. Because Merck's vaccine protects against strains not covered by Prevnar, it is likely seniors would receive both. Shares of Pfizer Inc. fell 21 cents to $19.77 in late morning trading. Shares of Whitehouse Station, N.J.-based Merck & Co. Inc. fell 31 cents to $35.66. -AP
New drug cuts deaths after More hospitals can safely unclog arteries heart attack ORLANDO, Florida: People recovering from a heart attack or severe chest pain are much less likely to suffer another heart-related problem or to die from one if they take a new blood-thinning drug along with standard anticlotting medicines, a large study finds. But this benefit had a cost: a greater risk of serious bleeding, usually in the digestive tract. Still, some doctors said the drug, Xarelto, could become a new standard of care for people hospitalized for these conditions. A low dose of the drug substantially cut the risk of dying of any cause during the study. ``Mortality trumps everything,'' so a drug that improves survival is a win, said Dr. Paul Armstrong of the University of Alberta in Edmonton. He had no role in the study, discussed at an American Heart Association conference in Florida and published online by the New England Journal of Medicine. The study was sponsored by the drug's makers Johnson & Johnson and Bayer Healthcare and some researchers work or consult for the companies. Xarelto is approved now at higher doses for preventing strokes in people with a common heart rhythm problem and for preventing blood clots after joint surgeries. It works in a different way than aspirin and older blood thinners do. Dr. C. Michael Gibson of Harvard Medical School led a
study testing it in 15,500 patients around the world who were leaving the hospital after a heart attack or severe chest pain from clogged arteries. All were prescribed aspirin and an older blood thinner. One-third also received a low dose of Xarelto, and one-third got a higher dose. After about a year on average, nearly 11 percent of those on
'There's a trade-off' between thinning the blood to prevent clots and raising the risk of bleeding, said Dr Roger Blumenthal, preventive cardiology chief at Johns Hopkins Medical Center just the usual medicines had suffered a heart attack, heart-related death or a stroke versus less than 9 percent of those on either dose of Xarelto. The lower dose proved better and safer. Fewer than 3 percent of those getting Xarelto died of any cause during the study, compared with 4.5 percent of those getting just the usual medicines. That translates to a 32 percent lower risk with Xarelto. ``Our study group has been going for 27 years and we've not seen that'' magnitude of benefit from a drug like this, said Dr. Eu-
gene Braunwald of Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, the study's chairman. To prevent a single heart-related death, heart attack or stroke, only 56 people would need to be treated for two years with a low dose of the drug, Gibson said. However, serious bleeding was nearly four times more common with Xarelto, including bleeding in the head, a potentially disabling side effect. Fatal bleeding was no greater with Xarelto, though. ``There's a trade-off'' between thinning the blood to prevent clots and raising the risk of bleeding, said Dr. Roger Blumenthal, preventive cardiology chief at Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Cost is another issue. Usual care for these patients is changing with newer drugs that have come on the market since this study started. One - ticagrelor, sold as Brilinta in the U.S. and other brands elsewhere - also proved beneficial for similar patients taking just aspirin instead of pricier additional medicines used in the Xarelto study. Xarelto's makers will seek approval to sell it for people like those in this study by the end of the year, a Johnson & Johnson spokesman said. A price has not been set, but the higher doses sold now for other purposes run more than $7 a day. The good results with Xarelto contrast with the disappointing ones from an experimental blood thinner by Merck & Co., vorapaxar. -AP
ORLANDO, Fla.: A large study finds that it is OK to have a nonemergency procedure to open clogged heart arteries in a hospital that doesn't have surgeons ready to operate if something goes wrong. The results could help make this much more available in rural areas and at smaller community hospitals. The procedure, called balloon angioplasty, has become so safe that surgical backup is no longer needed when treating low-risk, simple cases, doctors say. Only about 20 states allow this now, and hospitals in some areas have sued so they can offer it. ``The intent of this project was not to expand the number of centers doing angioplasty'' but to give policymakers an idea whether it is safe, said study leader Dr. Thomas Aversano of Johns Hopkins University. He presented results at an American Heart Association conference in Florida. Nearly a million angioplasties are done each year in the United States. Most are non-emergency cases for people having chest pain because clogged arteries are keeping enough blood from reaching the heart. The treatment involves pushing a tube into an artery and inflating a tiny balloon to flatten a clog. A mesh scaffold called a stent often is placed to keep the artery open. In rare cases, a tear in an artery or other complication will require emergency surgery, but these problems have become less frequent as the procedure has grown more common in recent years.
The study was the first large experiment to see if doing it without surgical backup was safe. About 4,500 were given angioplasty at hospitals that had heart surgeons available, and 14,000 others had it at facilities without one. Hospitals without heart surgeons on duty had to complete special training to make sure experienced doctors were doing the angioplasty procedures. And patients were carefully selected to avoid especially troublesome types of blockages.
Nearly a million angioplasties are done each year in the United States. Most are non-emergency cases Six weeks after angioplasties were done, success rates, complications and deaths did not differ between the two groups of patients. Emergency surgery was needed in only 30 cases _ patients were transferred to hospitals with that capacity if the one treating them lacked it. ``The risk was small and there was no signal of harm'' from having the procedure in a hospital without heart surgeons on duty, said Dr. Elliott Antman of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, leader of the heart association conference. -AP
November 25, 2011
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Toxic chemical found in Geron exit a symbolic ding for stem cell research canned foods Cont’d from page 40
According to scientists at the Breast Cancer Fund, these inconsistencies might be explained by variations in the canning processes across facilities and batches, as well as storage and transportation conditions. "Consumers have no way of assessing BPA levels just by looking at cans on supermarket shelves," said Gretchen Lee Salter, policy manager at the Breast Cancer Fund. "The findings of this report highlight the urgent need to remove BPA from food packaging so that shoppers can be confident that the food they are purchasing is safe for their families - not only on Thanksgiving, but every day." The tests detected no BPA in any of the four cans of Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce. The company has stated that while it does use BPA in its cans, independent tests also indicate no leaching of BPA into the food. "We know from recent research that a BPA meal creates a spike of this estrogenic chemical in the blood," said William Goodson, M.D., a breast cancer surgeon and senior clinical research scientist at California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, who in September published a study showing that BPA causes non-cancerous cells to grow and survive like cancer cells.
"Natural hormones work by spikes, so this is exactly what you don't want, especially in young kids, who shouldn't have any estrogenic spikes at all." As part of the Breast Cancer Fund's Cans Not Cancer campaign, consumers have sent more than 50,000 letters to canned food manufacturers urging them to get BPA out of canned foods and replaced with a safer alternative, and many are beginning to pay attention. A number of companies including some of the can manufacturers featured in this report, such as General Mills and Nestle, have announced that they are working toward alternatives to BPA in canned foods. However, not all of the manufacturers are disclosing the alternative they are exploring. It is imperative that manufacturers are transparent about these alternatives and ensure they are safe. At the public policy level, 11 states have banned BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups, and three of those states have also banned it from infant formula and baby food. The Breast Cancer Fund is also supporting pending federal legislation authored by Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., that would ban BPA from all food and beverage containers including canned foods. The immediate solution for those preparing Thanksgiving dinner is to seek alternatives to canned foods.
WASHINGTON: Geron Corp. is exiting Experts say Geron's departure is more a the field it pioneered in a calculated busi- symbolic setback than a real one, since the ness move that underscores the long, vast majority of work in the field will concostly path embryonic stem cells face to tinue to be funded by government and acabecome real-world products. The com- demic institutions. pany said it would halt its study of a stem Geron said it still believes in the pocell-based treatment for spinal cord in- tential of stem cells, and the company is jury, the first embryonic stem cell trial seeking a partner or buyer for its stem approved in the US. cells division. Geron's withdrawal leaves a handful of Despite the promise, the payoff from U.S. companies pursuing stem cell research was medicines using embrytoo far off. Geron has no Despite the promise, onic stem cells, which are products on the market capable of morphing into the payoff from stem and would have spent any of the more than 220 cell research was too $25 million per year to cell types in the human continue its stem cell body. Scientists hope far off. Geron has no program. that one day stem cells products on the marThe company acmight be used to replace knowledged it could make or repair damaged tissue ket and would have more money by completfrom ailments such as spent $25 million per ing two experimental canheart disease, cer drugs that are already year to continue its Parkinson's and stroke. in mid-stage testing. The Menlo Park, Cali- stem cell program Geron began testing its fornia, company had long stem cell treatment only been viewed as the undisputed leader in last year after a decade of research, and it stem cell therapies, thanks to patents on could have been a decade more before fedtechnology used to grow, manipulate and eral regulators approved it for general use. inject stem cells into the human body. The Experts say stem cell companies face company helped finance researchers at the particular challenges in the current ecoUniversity of Wisconsin who first isolated nomic climate, when investors want to see human embryonic stem cells in 1998, allow- experimental therapies turned quickly into ing the cells to be grown in the laboratory. marketable products. -AP
Tech News Maryland Gov. to visit India to promote FDI
TechBiz 44 India Post
Martin OíMalley
WASHINGTON: The Governor of Maryland will travel to India later this month with the goal of attracting foreign direct investment to his state. “We have strengths that I think are particularly well suited to India in healthcare, life science, biotech and IT,” Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley told reporters at the National Press Club here. O’Malley’s visit to India will kick off later this month. “I’ll be traveling there primarily to promote Maryland as a destination for foreign direct investment into Maryland. We have an outstanding workforce in our state. We have more PhDs per capita than any other state in the union,” he said. “We have strengths that I think are particularly well suited to India in health care, life science, biotech and IT, given the concentration of innovation assets we have in our state from NIH to Johns Hopkins to National Security Administration, Centre for Medicaid and Medicare Services,” he said.-PTI
Government allows 26% FDI in pension NEW DELHI: The government has approved amendments to the PFRDA Bill 2011 while agreeing to the proposed 26 per cent foreign investment in the pension sector but refrained from providing assured returns to subscribers in the proposed law. The government had decided not to mention FDI cap in the legislation itself for retaining the flexibility of changing it through an executive order. The 26 per cent FDI cap is to be mentioned in the regulations to the legislation. The changes to the PFRDA Bill were approved by the Union Cabinet at its meeting here. The Bill, which has already been scrutinized by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, is likely to be taken up for consideration and passage in the Winter Session beginning November 22.-PTI
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November 25, 2011
DGCA warning to airlines on mounting fares NEW DELHI: With airfares mounting in the last couple of weeks primarily due to cancellation of Kingfisher flights, aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has warned airlines not to raise air ticket prices beyond a given range. “There are price bands. Probably, the airlines are operating on the highest bands. ... Some upward movement due to large scale cancellations by a big airline (Kingfisher). We are closely monitoring the fares. We keep nudging them (airlines) if they go beyond the price band,” DGCA chief E K Bharat Bhushan told reporters here. Expressing hope that the fares would “level off soon,” he said the airlines should have “transparency” in fixing airfares and follow the rules made by the DGCA in this regard. Contíd on page 45
US airline group's attempt to block Air India funding WASHINGTON: A group of U.S. airlines has taken the unusual step of suing a federal funding agency in a bid to block a multibillion dollar support package for Boeing Co. aircraft ordered by Air India. The Air Transport Association of America escalated its contention that the Export-Import Bank of America had distorted global competition and alleged that the agency had failed to meet its statutory obligations. The move comes at a sensitive time for the industry, with export credit agencies expected to back as much as 30% of the $100 billion in aircraft deliveries due worldwide next year, helping fill a gap created by European banks withdrawing from the sector. The 38-page suit rekindles complaints voiced over the past two years by airlines and the U.S. that are excluded by international conventions seeking support for aircraft purchases from Eximbank or agencies in France, the U.K. and Germany that back sales by Boeing rival Airbus.
The U.S. trade group has focused its fire on Air India after Eximbank in September approved
an injunction blocking the use of the guarantees. ATA claimed in its complaint
File photo: A woman waited at the ticket window of Indiaís flagship Air India at the domestic airport in Mumbai
loan guarantees of up to $3.4 billion for the loss-making stateowned carrier. The ATA is seeking
that Eximbank-backed airlines had been allowed to boost capacity by 12% more than they would have
done without guarantees. The complaint could also create a split among U.S. industry players. It said the withdrawal of Delta Air Lines Inc. from its New York to Mumbai service was a direct result of Eximbank-supported capacity introduced on the route by Air India. However, United Continental Holdings Inc. continues to fly the route. United did not sign a recent letter sent by the ATA to Eximbank. U.S. operating leasing companies such as International Lease Finance Corp., a unit of American International Group Inc., are also regular users of export credit financing. Nasim Zaidi, Secretary at India's Ministry of Civil Aviation, separately told reporters in New Delhi that the ministry hasn't received any formal communication on the lawsuit. Air India ordered 68 planes from Boeing in December 2005, and Indian Airlines ordered 43 planes from Airbus in February 2006. Air India and Indian Airlines were merged in 2007.-Courtesy Wall Street Journal
Belgium honors Jet chief Naresh Goyal NEW DELHI: Belgium has conferred the 'Commandeur of the Order of Leopold II', one of its highest civilian distinctions, on Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal for "meritorious service and efforts to foster business and cultural ties" with that country. Belgian Ambassador Pierre Vaesen presented the medallion to Goyal at a ceremony here in the presence of visiting Belgian Minister and President of Flanders, Kris Peeters, a press release said. Named in honor of King Leopold II of Belgium, the order, conferred on the Jet chief by The King of the Belgians, is awarded for meritorious service to the Sovereign of Belgium and as a token of his personal goodwill. The premier private carrier operates its international hub in the Belgian capital of Brussels, from
Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal being conferred a rare Belgian honour Commandeur of the Order of Leopold II by Belgian Ambassador Pierre Vaesen at a ceremony in New Delhi
where passengers traveling between North America-Europe and India are connected by it. Speaking on the occasion, Vaesen congratulated Goyal on
being conferred this "highest distinction, which is a recognition of your remarkable career in global aviation and of the lead taken by you in helping establish and nur-
ture Indo -Belgian cultural and economic ties." Accepting the award, Goyal said he was "deeply humbled to be considered worthy of the conferment of the Commandeur of the Order of Leopold II and offer my heartfelt thanks to His Majesty, the Government and citizens of Belgium." Maintaining that he accepted the honor on behalf of the Jet Airways family, he said he would continue "our combined endeavor to add further value towards nurturing and enhancing Indo-Belgian economic and cultural ties in the years ahead". Also present at the ceremony to celebrate the Kings Day were heads of missions and members of the diplomatic community, officials and captains of the Belgian and Indian industry. -PTI
TechBiz Post
November 25, 2011
India Post
45
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India invites US investment in aviation sector Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA), was signed by Director General of Civil Aviation E K Bharat Bhushan and Dorenda Baker, Director, Aircraft Certification Service of the FAA. Noting that huge investment opportunities also existed in the airport Director, US Trade and Development Agency, modernization exercise Leocadia I. Zak shakes hands with Chairman, underway in India, Zaidi Airports Authority of India, V.P. Agrawal after signing a bilateral Aviation Safety agreement said "after successful implementation of public private partnership (PPP) in the de- tified 30 more airports to be develvelopment of six major and 35 oped under the joint venture or non- metro airports, we have iden- PPP modes." -PTI
DGCA warning to airlines on mounting fares Director General, Directorate General of Civil Aviation E.K. Bharat Bhushan (L) and FAA Director of Aircraft Certification Dorenda Baker (R) signing an agreeement in the presence of US Charge d Affairs Peter Burleigh and Civil Aviation Secretary Nasim Zaidi during the plenary session of Indo- US Aviation Summit in New Delhi on November 17
Contíd from page 44
NEW DELHI: India has invited American business to invest in the burgeoning aviation sector, saying there is a huge potential for investment of up to USD 130 billion over the next 10 to 15 years. Maintaining that India's air passenger traffic would rise to 260 million by 2020, Civil Aviation Secretary Nasim Zaidi said private investment so far in the sector has been about USD six billion and the
Crisis-hit Kingfisher has cancelled over 200 flights. To questions on the showcause notices issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to Kingfisher, SpiceJet and IndiGo for non-utilization of slots allotted to them and not flying as per their approved schedules, Bhushan said he had received replies from these airlines on the issue. Indicating that unused flight slots could be transferred to other airlines, he said, “We have asked airport operators to give details of slots not
country would require USD 130 billion worth of further investment over the next 10-15 years. American companies should explore the wealth of opportunities in the areas ranging from airport modernization and aerospace to MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) and cargo, he said while inaugurating the third US-India Aviation Summit here. At the event, India and the US
signed the Implementation Procedures for Airworthiness (IPA) agreement that would open up the huge market for indigenously developed aeronautical products in the US and the world over. The pact provides for airworthiness technical cooperation between the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and aviation regulator DGCA. The pact, a part of Indo-US
Pak to open flood gates for Indian goods in Feb NEW DELHI: As a forward step for normalizing trade ties with India, Pakistan has agreed to open its market for a large number of Indian goods by February next year, but did not make any firm commitment on granting New Delhi the crucial MFN status.
fied by February, 2012. "Thereafter, all items other than those on the Negative List shall be freely exportable from India to Pakistan," a joint statement said, after end of the two-day talks between commerce secretaries of the two countries.
India's Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar said once Pakistan moves from PL to NL, the bilateral trade would improve considerably. At present, Pakistan allows import of only about Indian 1900 items, listed in the PL "The move to full normalization of trade relations shall be sequenced. In the first stage, Pakistan will transition from the current Positive List (PL) approach to a Negative List...A small Negative List (NL) shall be finalized and rati-
Agreeing that Islamabad has a WTO obligation to grant the Most Favored Nation (MFN) to India, Pakistan Commerce Secretary Zafar Mahmood said, "MFN is not an award or a degree which we can give to Khullar Saheb. This would
not need any notification or a document. Under WTO, members are to grant MFN to each other. That obligation stands and will be completed when there is no list (positive or negative)". India's Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar said once Pakistan moves from PL to NL, the bilateral trade would improve considerably. At present, Pakistan allows import of only about Indian 1900 items, listed in the PL. The two-way trade is a paltry USD 2.65 billion, but the third country is estimated at USD 10 billion.The two countries which have been improving their political and economic relations in the past few months, formally agreed to move towards enhancing the preferential trading arrangements (PTA) under the SAFTA process. Under PTA, both sides will slash duties on specified number of items in a phased manner. -PTI
being utilized by any airline. We will take decisions under the Route Dispersal Guidelines (RDG). “Airports will give me more information about unutilized slots. It’s important that we should not make any knee-jerk reaction on the slot policy”. Airlines are allotted slots as per their flight schedules approved by the DGCA. They have to inform the regulator in advance if they plan not to use these slots in accordance with the laid down rules. The three airlines were issued show-cause notices under these rules. -PTI
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Datebook
India Post
November 25, 2011
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NEW YORK
ILLINOIS
Upcoming
Upcoming
Tues Nov 29 • Amrita Sher-gil- A DVD screening, Illustrated lecture & book launch Venue: Asia Society 725 Park Avenue, NY Time: 6:30pm Contact: 212-517-2742
Thurs Dec 1 • DJ Rekha Presents Basement Bhangra Venue: SOB’s 200 Varick Stree, New York Time: 7pm Contact: 212-252-2392
Fri Dec 4 • Karishma TV & Pali Presents EID Festival 2011 Venue: Antuns 244, West Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY Time: 7pm Contact: 718-600-0954
Sat Nov 26 • Attaining a Mastery of Moods Venue: Inner Metamorphosis University 1418 W Howard St, Chicago, IL Time: 10am Contact: 773-262-1468
NEW JERSEY
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Upcoming
Upcoming
Sun Nov 27
Sun Nov 26
• Sukrana (Gratitude)
• KKNC Presents Prerna A Mega Fundraiser Event
Venue: Knights of Columbus Hall 116 Grand St, Iselin, NJ Time: 10am Contact: 732-207-7592
Sun Dec 04
Sun Dec 4
• Hiking Meditation
• Dulhan Expo- Somerset
Venue: Inner Metamorphosis University 1418 W Howard St, Chicago, IL Time: 6am Contact: 773-262-1468
Venue: Garden State Exhibit Center 50 Atrium Dr. Somerset, NJ Time: 12:00pm Contact: 732-469-4000
Mon Dec 19
Fri Dec 09
• Mind & Meditation
• AICC 2nd Annual Holiday Party On Cornucopia Cruise Line
Venue: Art of Living Center 1251 N Plum Grove Rd Suite#110, Schaumburg, IL Time: 7:15pm Contact: 630-930-9145
Venue: Cornucopia Cruise Line, New Jersey Time: 6:30pm Contact: 732-7774666
WASHINGTON DC
Upcoming Sat Nov 26 • 28th Annual Indian Music & Dance Competition Venue: University of Maryland Baltimore, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimroe, MD Time: 12am Contact: 410-747-3950
Sun Dec 04
Venue: Chabot College 25555, Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA Time: 4:30pm Time: 510-586-3378
Sat Dec 3 • Bollywood Nights Senorita in SFO Venue: Kaama Lounge (Santana Row) 385 S. Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA Time: 8:30pm Contact: 408-234-6709
Sun Dec 04 • Khushbu Se Bhare Khat, A concert in Tribute to Jagjit Singh Venue: Joan Pisani Community Center, 19655 Allendale Ave, Saratoga, CA Time: 4:00pm Contact: soortaalgroup@yahoo.com
Upcoming Sat Nov 26 • The Nutcracker Venue: James Armstrong Theatre 3330 Civic, Center Dr Torrance, CA Time: 6pm Contact: 310-428-5875
Fri Dec 2 • Diamonds Show Venue: Sheraton Cerritos 12725, Centercourt Drive, Cerritos, CA 90703 Time: 11am Contact: 415-424-8137
Sat Dec 3 & Sun Dec 4 • A Weekend of Light with HH Sant Rajinder Singh ji Maharaj Venue: 4000 Loews Coronado Bay Road Coronado, CA 92118 Time: 9am to 12noon (Morningh Meditation and workshops) 7pm (Public Talk) Time: 619-424-4000 Highlights: Morning Mediation and workshops and Public Talk “Spark of The Divine” and “Explore Spiritual Realms”.
Sat Dec 10
Sat Dec 3
• Christmas & New Year Celebrations
• Home Rescue Fair
Venue: EverGreen Hight School, 3300 Quimby Road, San Jose, CA Time: 12:00pm Contact: 408-836-5804
• Christmas, New Year Celebrations
Sat Dec 31
Venue: Kerala Association of Greater Washington McKnew Road, Burtonsville, WDC Time: 1pm Contact: 703-506-0807
• Yuva Bharti Membership 2011
Sat Dec 31
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Venue: Yuva Bharati 870, Ames Avenue, Palo Alto, CA Time: 12am Contact: 650-565-8859
• Kaveri Kannada Association 2011 Membership
Sat Dec 31
Venue: Kaveri Kannada Association 10070 Darnestown Road # 232, Rockville, MD 20850 Time: 10pm Contact: 301-633-5311
Venue: Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose, 52 Harold Avenue, San Jose Time: 12am
• Friend of Abhinaya Membership
Venue: Pico Park 9528 E. Beverly Blvd. Pico Rivera, CA 90660 Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm Contact: (323) 722-3955
Thurs Dec 15 • A Chanticleer Christmas Venue: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA Time: 8pm Contact: 323-850-2000
Sat Dec 17 • Holiday Concert with the Gerry Winn Singers Venue: The Fremont Main Library, Fukaya Room, CA Time: 2pm Contact: 510-745-1401
November 25, 2011
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Philosophy
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November 25, 2011
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Q: Is compassion something that exists only in human beings? A: Compassion applies only to human beings because only human beings can be cruel. The kind of violence that takes place in nature is meant for survival more than anything else. There is natural cruelty in animals that kill other animals. But it is not an unnecessary violence. There is a balance in nature that is maintained, such as ecological balance. So you find that there is no unnecessary violence in nature. Only man is capable of unnecessary violence and hence has a need to cultivate compassion. Animals are not cruel because they don't kill for the sake of killing, whereas, humans can kill for the sake of killing. Q: Righteousness seems relative. What was not accepted 50 or 100 years ago seems perfectly acceptable today. What is right in one country or one faith is not right in another country or another faith. Should what feels right to me be the only guideline to be followed for critical or difficult actions? A: Righteousness is a universal value. However, what righteousness means in a given context needs to be interpreted. Values are universal and objective, but their interpretation is subjecSADHGURU JAGGI VASUDEV
R
emember when you were six years old? You were simply happy. Happiness is the very nature of youth it was not taught to you. But somehow in the course of living, most people have lost this innate endowment. Modern man's greatest endeavor seems to be to reclaim the forgotten bliss of our childhood. Why does happiness seem so elusive in today's world? Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, mystic and spiritual head of Isha Yoga Center near Coimbatore, answers the questions relating to, happiness. Question: Why is there so much talk about happiness today, and what does it really mean to be happy? Answer: The first and most fundamental responsibility of every person is to become a joyous human being. Because no matter what you are pursuing in life, business, money, family or spirituality, it is just an attempt to be happy. Being happy and peaceful, considered the ultimate aspect of a successful life, is really its most fundamental aspect. Being well means to be peaceful and happy. The level of happiness, the level of peace may
tive and based on time, place, and condition. For example, we can talk of Arjuna's confusion regarding the battle. What may be right in the palace is not right in the battlefield. Arjuna asks, "How do you expect me to shower arrows at them when they should be worshipped with flowers?" In this situation, both actions are right; in the palace, they are worthy of being worshipped with
value in a given situation. Our practice, then, ultimately depends upon our interpretation alone. I may have the ability to interpret the truth, but how I interpret it decides what I do. That will depend upon my maturity in interpreting what truth means. Therefore, while in itself righteousness is not relative, its interpretation in a given situation is relative and depends upon factors such as the context, time,
large and powerful army. The Srimad Bhägavatam describes that ultimately, this also came to an end. The purpose of Lord Krishna's incarnation was to remove all the forces of adharma. The Yädavas had lost their sense of righteousness. They were corrupted by their power and became lawless. Power breeds corruption and that is how dharma is compromised and adharma becomes strong. Be-
Values are universal, their interpretation is subjective Swami Viditatmananda Saraswati
Lord Krishna did not step in to save the Yädava clan. To watch one's own family being destroyed in this way would have required tremendous detachment
flowers, but in the battlefield they are worthy of being worshipped with arrows! The determination of the right relationship is also subject to interpretation. Therefore, values are universal, but their practice is particular or individual. Righteousness also needs to be interpreted in today's context as opposed to that of 100 years ago. The interpretation of any value depending on the time, place, and condition calls for true maturity. Emotional maturity lies in being able to properly interpret a given
place, and condition. Q: Why did Lord Krishna not try to save the Yädavas? A: Some of you may not know the background to this question. The Yädavas were the descendants of Yadu, also called Yädava. Lord Krishna was born into this lineage of Yadu and was a Yädava. All his progeny were also called Yädavas. Lord Krishna had 16,108 wives and each had ten sons. And then there were his grandsons. So the Yädavas were a huge clan. They were also a
cause of this, many clans were destroyed. Entire clans were destroyed, including the Yädavas. In this way, earth was relieved of bearing the burden of forces that violated dharma. Therefore, Lord Krishna did not step in to save the Yädava clan. To watch one's own family being destroyed in this way would have required tremendous detachment, a compassionate detachment, knowing well that this was how it was meant to be and not interfere in the process.
vary from person to person, but everyone, consciously or unconsciously, is aiming for happiness. Q: Then why is happiness so elusive? A: People's happiness is often dependent on external situations over which they have no control. When you seek happiness through your actions, you are always enslaved by the external and thus will
inner basis. Today if you lose your mental peace, your doctor will give you a pill. These chemicals enter your system and make you peaceful, maybe for just a little while. In other words, what you call as peace is a certain kind of chemistry within you. Similarly what you call joy, love, suffering or fear - every human experience has a chemical basis.
mal after they get used to their new situation. So, is permanent fulfillment impossible? A: Your life will not attain fulfillment through actions. At every stage in life you thought, "If this happens, my life will be complete." You got that and three days later threw it into the dustbin. Life did not attain fulfillment. Fulfillment will not
Being well means to be peaceful and happy Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev
always face some level of suffering. It doesn't matter what a person has, he will still long to have something else all the time. Until a man finds the inner basis of happiness, he will always live like a beggar. Q: What is the formula for the natural cultivation of happiness? A: Whatever you understand or experience as happiness, love, or peace in your life has a certain
Your life will not attain fulfillment through actions. Only if your inner nature is complete will you attain it The spiritual process creates the right kind of chemistry where you are naturally peaceful and joyous. Then the very dimension of your life, the very way you perceive and express yourself in the world will change. Q: One popular author suggests that even if people have a windfall, winning the lottery for example, their happiness level returns to nor-
come through an action. Only if your inner nature is complete will you attain it. Q: How does the practice of yoga help us to reach this state? A: Yoga gives you absolute control over your interiority, elevating you from a state of external enslavement to inner completeness, the state of unboundedness.
Mind at rest is the Temple of Joy. So long as it is gurgling with its desires, passions and attachments in its stormy surface, the signature of joy gets ruffled out. -Swami Chinmayananda A man is truly free, even here in this embodied state, if he knows that God is the true agent and he by himself is powerless to do anything. -Ramakrishna Do not be misled by what you see around you, or be influenced by what you see. You live in a world which is a playground of illusion, full of false paths, false values and false ideals. But you are not part of that world. -Sai Baba The season of failure is the best time for sowing the seeds of success. -Paramahansa Yogananda Complete peace equally reigns between two mental waves. -Swami Sivananda By hating that person, you have lost something very sweet in yourself. -Sri Chinmoy
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November 25, 2011
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Chasm between rhetoric & action at SAARC Summits PR CHARI
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ith atypical attention-grabbing flourish the just-concluded 17th SAARC Summit in Maldives has been described by the media as indicating that SAARC has reached a tipping point. But this has repeatedly been stated over the past three decades since SAARC was established in December 1985 following an initiative taken by Zia-ur-Rahman of Bangladesh. There is absolutely no doubt that SAARC has moved some distance since its first summit in Dhaka, but the pace has been rather slow. The two most prominent reasons for SAARC remaining effete over the years are familiar to everyone. First, the implacable hostility of Pakistan towards India, which informed the former to use all available international gatherings, including SAARC, to raise controversial issues like Kashmir to disrupt and dampen the proceedings. Second, the smaller countries in SAARC were not remiss in using this forum to disparage India for its allegedly hegemonistic designs upon the South Asian region. In truth, India was a very reluctant entrant into SAARC. It had realistically assessed at that time (early eighties) that SAARC would be used for 'India-bashing', as it pro-
ground. Consequently, it is theoretically possible to argue that greater trade and commerce between adversarial nations can mitigate political tensions that divide them. But reality intrudes into this simple formulation and renders it untrue. India and Pakistan are the two largest countries in South Asia, and their embroils have excoriated SAARC over the years, while the smaller nations in South Asia have sought to exploit this situation to serve their own national interests. Therefore, the device of a retreat has been conceived whereby the leaders meet bilaterally on the margins of summit meetings and resolve their mutual differences and other issues. This might have proven useful on certain occasions provided the political will was present and adequate preparatory work had been done. Currently, there is much euphoria that a 'breakthrough' in IndoPak relations has been achieved and that bilateral trade will grow exponentially. But, these are preliminary endeavors and the two nations will need to take hard decisions when they return to their national capitals and face up to the harsh constraints of domestic politics.
related to "building bridges" between the South Asian countries. But there is much else that finds mention in the Addu declaration like negotiating framework agreements for energy cooperation and regional power exchange; establishing a SAARC market for electricity; addressing climate change; investing in renewable energy; starting a food bank; rooting out terrorism, illegal trafficking in narcotics and small arms; combating terrorism and maritime piracy. There is much else; in fact, the list is almost unending. It is wholly unsurprising therefore that a major reason for SAARC to have met with so little success is that it has attempted to do so many things with little effort to prioritize all these difficult problems into a work agenda. Inevitably, this inchoate agenda has resulted in a diffusion of the focus. But, the more pertinent reason underlying SAARC's exceedingly modest success over the last quarter century is the unfortunate reality that a vast chasm exists between rhetoric and action. SAARC leaders have no difficulty in making the most extravagant commitments in SAARC Summits, but forgetting about them almost immediately thereafter, until
Leaders of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, from left, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley, Maldivian President Mohammed Nasheed, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Nepalese Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa attend the closing session of the 17th summit of SAARC countries in Addu, Maldives
vided an opportunity for its neighbors to 'gang up' against India. At the same time, larger considerations informed India that it would be seen as a 'spoiler' by the international community; hence India agreed, reluctantly, to join SAARC. In terms of its charter, bilateral issues are not permitted to be raised in SAARC Summits. All decisions must also be reached by consensus, which has inhibited progress in SAARC forum. There is little doubt, moreover, that with the global financial crisis looming hugely over the international system, economics has been fore-grounded, while politics has receded somewhat into the back-
The overarching theme of the recently summit was "Building Bridges" and the Addu declaration, issued thereafter, called for energizing the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement, reducing items in the 'sensitive lists,' reviewing non-tariff barriers, and harmonizing standards and customs procedures; permitting greater flow of financial capital and intra-regional long-term investment, concluding the regional railways agreement and finalizing a Motor Vehicles Agreement; besides addressing the issues of an Indian Ocean Cargo and Passenger Ferry Service. These thrust areas are closely
the next meeting comes around. Hence, the need to bridge the gap between rhetoric and action cannot be over-emphasized. Why this chasm exists between rhetoric and action could be placed on the agenda of the next summit meeting, and the host of other meetings that are regularly occurring between SAARC officials, and also the plethora of Track-II efforts taking place between people of goodwill in South Asia. Any light emerging on this critical issue could ensure that SAARC becomes something more than a talk-shop, as at present. The writer is Visiting Professor, IPCS
India Post Ties with Australia
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ndia is a pillar of the Commonwealth. So when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did not attend the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth, Australia, some eyebrows were raised. The meeting was instead attended by Vice President Hamid Ansari. The snub, it seems, was intentional. India and Australia do not enjoy the best of relations. Two contentious issues particularly imperil the relationship. One is the violent incidents against Indian students in Australia and the second has been the consistent refusal of Australia to sell uranium to India of which commodity the former has an abundance. There has been improvement in the situation vis a vis Indian students with the Australian government making efforts to ensure their security. There have been fewer incidents of late. On the second issue too, the ice has been broken with the announcement by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard that her ruling Labor Party would reverse its ban on selling uranium to India. The announcement has been welcomed in India but it is perhaps too early to celebrate. Australia's uranium reserves are the world's largest, with 23% of the world total. Uranium is used for producing nuclear power and it can also be misused for producing nuclear weapons. There has been an international ban on selling uranium to countries which are not signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty (NPT). China has signed the NPT but still it has been the rogue proliferator of nuclear technology, particularly to Pakistan, North Korea and even Iran. Australia overlooks the actual proliferation and continues to sell uranium to China with which enjoys excellent relations. But going by the book it refuses to sell uranium to India in spite of India's impeccable record in non-proliferation. India may not be a signatory of NPT but it follows all the rules enjoined in the treaty. China is a signatory of NPT but it flouts the rules to prop its friends. This discriminatory practice had been pointed out to Australia with little impact. Economic reasons seem to have been the catalyst in Australia's intended reversal of policy. After the Fukushima nuclear reactor mishap in Japan, the spot price of uranium has fallen to below $50 a pound as compared to over $140 in 2007. India is looking to meet 40 percent of its ravenous hunger for energy with nuclear power. Recognizing this potential, Australian PM Julia Gillard declared at a recent press conference, "Selling uranium to India will be good for the Australian economy and good for Australian jobs." That is why a new phase of wooing India has started with the Australian PM herself taking the lead. But Gillard has denied that her decision to seek to overturn the ban is in order to fall in line with the US, particularly on the eve of US President Barack Obama's state visit to Australia. She however conceded that after the US-India civil nuclear agreement of 2008, which lifted the "de facto international ban" on the sale of uranium to India, Australia's refusal to budge "is all pain and no gain." India meanwhile faces its own moment of truth with increasing protests in the country against risks in going for nuclear energy. Evoking memories of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Chernobyl accident and the recent Fukushima tsunami, the protestors have blocked work at the Koodankulam nuclear plant in Tamil Nadu in spite of the assurances of safety given by the Central government. Even former President Abdul Kalam assured the protestors and the country that the technology used in the Koodankulam nuclear project was the best in the world and so were the safety arrangements. However the protests continue.
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