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VOL 21, No. 1106

December 4, 2015

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Narendra Modi with Barack Obama

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Bobby Jindal for reclaiming US power in world Details on page 10

With 7.4% growth, India outpaces China Details on page 11

Hindu prayer flags in Queens burnt

NJ Indian killed in road accident

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Thousands attend Manmeet Bhullar funeral

China for talks to admit India in NSG

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CASUAL MEETING: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif talk in Paris on the sidelines of

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CoP 21 summit on climate change on November 30

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PARIS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif had a "casual meeting" on the sidelines of the Climate Summit here, warmly shaking hands before sitting down for a brief chat, amidst a chill in bilateral ties.

Downplaying the chance encounter, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "This was a brief exchange of courtesies in the Leaders Lounge. Prime Minister meets many Heads of State/Government."

Swarup was responding to a query on the Modi-Sharif

meet.

Earlier, the Spokesperson had tweeted, "PM @narendramodi meets PM Nawaz Sharif at COP 21 in Paris," along with a picture of the two leaders shaking hands.

The meeting is first between the two leaders after July when they met in the Russian city of Ufa and agreed that their National Security Advisors would meet. However, the meeting did not take place amidst a blame game between the two countries.

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f you are stuck knee-deep in flood water due to an unseasonal downpour, take heart, our leaders are doing something about it.

And you may well jump on to the climate change bandwagon, because, it seems now, this wagon is really going somewhere.

In what has been literally a shouting match between economists and environmentalists over the decades, the environmentalists are finally being heard above the din by the world's political leadership that has realized the economic consequences of having to live with and die in a bad environment.

And so, taking from PM Modi's book of slogans, it's going to be 'Paris to protect planet' - where more than 150 leaders from 195 countries are coming up with some real initiatives, binding regulations and hopefully lasting solutions to save our planet from man-induced natural disasters.

The significance of India in these initiatives is not lost on the world leaders, as an aggressively developing country which needs to yet bring the basic need of electricity to at least 300 million of its population. It is no consolation that India's carbon footprint is just a fraction of the damage that the United States and then China and Europe are already wreaking on the planet, because left to continue on the path of fulfilling the aspirations of its billion-plus people, India can potentially be a bigger villain in ravaging the earth. So there would not be much sense in wanting to revert the damage only after reaching where the big guys have reached in emission levels. It's already too late where we began.

On another note, while I am all for technological innovations, I do not care much for that next iphone which at best enables better selfies than the previous one; nor do I care for those bigger and flatter TVs or other vanity-driven lifestyle products. It would be nice if cash-rich companies like Apple and the ilk would use their billions to now come up with technology to decongest our cities, better manage the waste, stop our rivers from drying up, reforest our mountain sides, stop the glaciers from melting and well, keep our oceans cool.

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: New King Salman Khan’s films have done almost the unthinkable: earning more than Rs 500 crore in one calendar year

Cover Story: Brief thaw PM Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif had a "casual meeting" at Climate Summit in Paris

Community: Prayer flags burnt Hindu prayer flags outside a Woodhaven home in Queens, a New York borough, were burnt on Thanksgiving Day.

Caught crossing Nearly 5,000 unaccompanied immigrant children were caught crossing the U.S. border with Mexico in October

Life style: 7 angry women Angry Indian Goddesses is India's first female buddy movie with a fresh, realistic portrait of women in India today

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A brief thaw at climate talks PARIS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif had a "casual meeting" on the sidelines of the Climate Summit here, warmly shaking hands before sitting down for a brief chat, amidst a chill in bilateral ties.

Downplaying the chance encounter, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "This was a brief exchange of courtesies in the Leaders Lounge.

Prime Minister meets many Heads of State/Government."

Swarup was responding to a query on the Modi-Sharif meet.

Earlier, the Spokesperson had tweeted, "PM @narendramodi meets PM Nawaz Sharif at COP 21 in Paris," along with a picture of the two leaders shaking hands.

The meeting is first between

the two leaders after July when they met in the Russian city of Ufa and agreed that their National Security Advisors would meet. However, the meeting did not take place amidst a blame game between the two countries.

Sources sought to differentiate

"Whether Kuala Lumpur or Paris, Tokyo or New York always time for good friend PM @AbeShinzo," Swarup tweeted after a meeting between Modi and Abe. Ahead of the bilaterals, Modi along with other world leaders

The meeting is first between the two leaders after July when they met in the Russian city of Ufa and agreed that their National Security Advisors would meet. However, the meeting did not take place amidst a blame game between the two countries the bilateral meeting Modi had with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe from the brief chat the Prime Minister had with Sharif.

gathered here for the climate summit attended a special lunch hosted by French President Francois Hollande. -PTI

India will fulfill responsibilities: Modi to Obama PARIS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India will fulfill all its responsibilities with regard to climate change as he met US President Barack Obama here and discussed the climate agenda along with ways to deepen bilateral strategic ties.

Modi, in his meeting with Obama on the sidelines of the climate summit here, also appreciated the openness with which the US President addresses issues with him and said it will help in developing a better understanding.

"India will fulfill expectations from it and its responsibilities...the country is working to take forward

development and (protecting) environment together," Modi said at a joint press event with Obama.

The Prime Minister also mentioned India's ambitious target of producing 175 GW of renewable energy.

Prime Minister's comments came in the backdrop of India's strong resentment to US Secretary of State John Kerry's statement that India would be a "challenge" at the climate conference.

Environment Minister Prakash

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama in a meeting during CoP 21, UN Climate Change Conference in Paris on November 30

Javadekar described the comments as "unwarranted".

Javadekar and Kerry accompanied Modi and Obama respectively along with other senior ministers and officials.

Modi also talked about solar alliance initiative saying it will help in fulfilling the dreams which have brought the countries together here.

Ahead of his talks with Obama, Modi had said that there was an urgent need to craft a comprehensive, equitable and durable agreement to limit global warming.

President Obama said India must curb its carbon dioxide pollution even while it works to eradicate poverty, prioritize growth and promote economic development.

He also said climate change was one of the major areas for deeper cooperation between the US and India.

President Obama emphasized that it was a pleasure to meet with his "friend and partner". "We agree that (climate change) is an urgent threat. We welcome India's leadership on this issue," Obama said in his remarks ahead of the meeting.

Cont’d on page 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Paris on the sidelines of CoP 21 summit on climate change on November 30

Pak media calls it an 'ice-breaker' ISLAMABAD: Pakistani media time. reacted positively to the brief The News International said meeting between Prime Minister that the two leaders "warmly" Nawaz Sharif and his Indian coun- shook hands as "Narendra Modi terpart Narendra Modi in Paris, pleasantly approached Nawaz describing it as "ice-breaker" Sharif and had a brief meeting with which will lead towards easing of him." tension.

"Both the leaders appeared to The two leaders had an un- be in a friendly mood and there scheduled meeting and brief chat seemed great warmth during their after they found each other under interaction while sitting on the the same roof in Paris and free of same sofa," it added. cumbersome rites of protocol.

The Express Tribune carried Sharif later told media that the the headline as 'Ice melts as interaction was "good".

Nawaz Modi shake hands' on the Dawn reported that Modi took front page and reported that when the initiative as finding Sharif the world leaders were struggling alone he walked up to him and to hammer a deal on climate they had a warm handshake as change, the ice melted on they sat for an engaging short chat.

Quoting a Pakistani "Both the leaders appeared official present at the meeting, the paper said, to be in a friendly mood and "For optics, it looked like PM Modi was more there seemed great warmth keen on talking and during their interaction while since he was the one who approached our sitting on the same sofa," PM, then may be the India-Pak dialogue might just get back on track, given Pakistan's ties with India due to the recent halt in talks." meeting between the two leaders.

The Nation in its front page The TV news channels also headline 'Pak-India climate change positively commented on the in Paris?' wrote: "The prime min- meeting and repeatedly ran it on isters of Pakistan and India met the top of hourly news. and shook hands at the climate The Urdu newspapers also ran change summit on Monday, ignit- the news on the front page with ing hopes for melting of ice be- encouraging comments. tween the two nuclear neighThe meeting was first between bors." the two leaders after July when The paper said that in the ab- they met in the Russian city of Ufa sence of details of talks and no and agreed that their National Sechance of any meeting sooner, it curity Advisors would meet. Howwas difficult to know the exact ever, the NSA-level meeting did impact of the meeting but it was not take place amidst a blame game good to see them met after a long between the two countries. -PTI

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PM for urgency in managing climate change PARIS: Asserting that climate change is a major global challenge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the world must act with urgency to craft a comprehensive, equitable and durable agreement to limit global warming.

In a forthright address on the margins of the UN climate change

gurated a unique India Pavilion at the summit venue, showcasing the country's commitment to combat green-house gas emission.

Noting that the outcome of the summit is very important, the Prime Minister said, "We want the world to work with urgency. We want a comprehensive, equitable

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses world leaders at the COP21, United Nations Climate Change Conference, in Le Bourget, outside Paris, November 30

summit that got underway, Modi also wanted developed countries to make adjustments to sharply reduce their carbon emissions, as he called for a change in lifestyles so that the burden on the planet is reduced, observing the lifestyles of a few must not crowd out opportunities for developing countries.

"Climate change is a major global challenge. But it is not of our making," Modi said, as he inau-

and durable agreement which must lead us to restore the balance between humanity and Nature and between what we have inherited and what we will leave behind."

The Prime Minister referred to the need for change in lifestyles both in his address and in an article in the Opinion section of 'Financial Times'.

"And, I will also call for a change in lifestyles, so that we

reduce the burden on our planet.

For, the enduring success of our efforts will depend on the way we live and think," he told his audience at the pavilion.

In his article, Modi said, "the lifestyles of a few must not crowd out opportunities for the many still on the first steps of the development ladder."

He also warned developed nations that it would be "morally wrong" if they shift the burden of reducing emissions on developing countries like India, observing that poor nations had a right to burn carbon to grow their economies.

He said India's progress is "our destiny and right of our people.

But we must also lead in combating climate change."

Modi, accompanied by Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, went to various stalls at the Pavilion and later released a book on environment protection.

"Our Pavilion reflected our commitment towards combating climate change," said Javadekar.

The pavilion will also showcase films on adaptation measures taken up by India.

Officials said that around 40 films which will have around 21GB of information on adaptations will continuously run on the screen.

There are touch screens to provide information to visitors on how India has taken adaptation measures in four regions, including conservation of coral reefs in Gulf of Mannar, glacier protection in Ladakh, heat action plans in Ahmedabad and Gujarat amongst others. -PTI

Climate talks in defiance of terror: Obama LE BOURGET, France: Pushing for a powerful climate deal, President Barack Obama called the global talks outside Paris an "act of defiance" against terrorism that proves the world stands undeterred by Islamic State-linked attacks in Europe and beyond.

Obama used his speech to more than 150 world leaders to salute Paris and its people for "insisting this crucial conference go on" just two weeks after attacks that killed 130 in the French capital.

He said leaders had converged to show resolve to fight terrorism and uphold their values at the same time.

"What greater rejection of those who would tear down our world than marshaling our best efforts to save it," Obama said.

Obama's remarks came at the start of two weeks of make-orbreak negotiations to finalize a sweeping global agreement to cut carbon emissions and hopefully stave off the worst effects of cli-

mate change.

Obama exhorted leaders here to fight the enemy of cynicism, "the notion we can't do anything" about the warming of the planet.

Barack Obama

Cont’d on page 7

India will fulfill responsibilities: Modi to Obama Cont’d from page 5

While he said the Paris meeting should protect the possibility of countries like India to pursue their fight against poverty, the US President also clearly stated that serious climate commitments from all parties were absolutely necessary.

The agreement "has to reflect serious and ambitious actions by all countries", he insisted.

"In addition to the climate agenda, the two leaders (Obama and Modi) discussed additional steps to deepen their countries' strategic partnership on bilateral, regional, and global issues," a statement released by the White House on the bilateral meeting said.

Obama said: "During my visit to India earlier this year, we committed ourselves to a new, deeper partnership between our nations.

And our work here in Paris together represents one of the greatest areas for deeper cooperation -

pollution," he said.

Both Modi and Obama met as part of "Mission Innovation" which was announced by the US earlier.

"And I am proud that after our meeting here we're going to be attending what we're calling Mission Innovation, which is a groundbreaking new public-private initiative that will accelerate the pace at which we can develop and deploy clean energy that's affordable to populations around the world," he said.

Obama also lauded the new Solar Alliance launched jointly by Modi and French President Francois Hollande, saying the initiative is going to "advance the cause not only in India but around the world of accelerating the adaptation of solar energy, which is going to be so important to our clean energy future."

After his meeting with Obama, Modi said: "India is the first coun-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama in a bilateral meeting during CoP 21, UN Climate Change Conference in Paris

- and that's on the issue of climate change."

"We agree that it's an urgent threat. The Prime Minister has shown in the work even before he was Prime Minister, at the state level, his interest in new technologies and clean energy. We welcome India's leadership and Prime Minister Modi's leadership on this issue," he said.

Obama said Paris is a chance to put in place a lasting framework to address climate at an international level.

"I want to emphasize that we agree that Paris must recognize and protect the ability of countries like India to pursue the priorities of development, growth, and poverty eradication... At the same time, it also has to reflect serious and ambitious action by all nations to curb their carbon

try in the world, protecting the earth and protecting the environment, Mahatma Gandhi was its champion.

So for India it's a very important thing. We have kept very big targets."

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted, "An opportunity for engagement. The leaders of the 2 largest democracies exchange views on sidelines of #COP21", along with a picture of the bilateral meeting.

It is an initiative to dramatically accelerate public and private global clean energy innovation to address global climate change, provide affordable clean energy to consumers, including in the developing world, and create additional commercial opportunities in clean energy.-PTI

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Negotiators from 150 nations begin talks PARIS: Bitterly divided negotiators from nearly 150 countries began talks on a landmark deal to cut Earth-warming greenhouse gas, amid rising emissions and 2015 threatening to be the hottest

two weeks ago.

About 2,800 police and soldiers have been deployed around the conference site and over 6,000 have been deployed in the city.

The 12-day conference will, for

els by the end of this century, the effects of climate change will become catastrophic and irreversible.

A 2 C limit has long been the goal of UN climate summits, and

The most difficult issues include working out how to share the burden of taking action between rich and poor nations, how to finance the cost of adapting to global warming and the legal for-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Heads of State and Government at COP21 Summit, in Paris, France on November 30

year ever recorded in history.

The talks started a day after the heads of over 150 nations, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gathered here in a bid to provide a political push for a powerful climate deal.

The summit is being held under the shadow of the deadly Paris terror attacks that killed 130 people

the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, aim to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2 C over pre-industrial temperatures.

Scientists estimate that if the world warms by more than 2 C on average above pre-industrial lev-

current pledges from all countries are estimated to lead to warming of 2.7 C to 3 C, although the proposed deal has a provision for increased emissions cuts in future.

Countries like China and India have laid out plans for cuts or curbs to their emissions. These will form the centerpiece of any historic climate deal.

Modi pulls up rich nations on climate change PARIS: In a blunt warning to rich nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told devel-

oped countries which powered their way to prosperity on fossil fuels that it would be "morally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, on the sidelines of COP21 Summit, in Paris, France on November 30

wrong" if they shift the burden of reducing emissions on developing countries like India.

"The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities should be the bedrock of our collective enterprise. Anything else would be morally wrong," he wrote in the Opinion section of 'Financial Times'.

He asked the developed nations to fulfill their duty to shoulder the greater burden of the fight against climate change.

In the article in the UK's leading financial daily, timed to coincide with the launch of COP 21 conference on climate change here, Modi said, "Some say advanced countries powered their way to prosperity on fossil fuel when humanity was unaware of its impact."

Cont’d on page 9

mat of any final text.

More than 180 countries have submitted their plans to reduce the harmful emissions that cause climate change.

The UN climate process concerns the use of fossil fuels, the

backbone of the world's energy supply - and that puts the interests of developing nations at stake.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cautioned against any unilateral steps that will lead to an economic barrier in the battle against climate change and hoped that the developed countries would mobilize USD 100 billion annually by 2020 for mitigation and adaptation.

"The principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities must remain the bedrock of our collective enterprise," Modi told the world leaders addressing the UN Climate Change Conference, also known as the COP21, which stands for the 21st annual "Conference of Parties".

Cont’d on page 9

Climate talks in defiance of terror: Obama Cont’d from page 6

After sketching dire threats of submerged nations, abandoned cities and ever-worsening flooding and natural disasters, Obama insisted that grim future "is one that we have the power to change."

He urged leaders to "rise to this moment," invoking the late Martin Luther King Jr's observation that there's such a thing as being too late to a cause.

"That hour is almost upon us," Obama said.

Efforts to secure a climate deal have been hampered by a longrunning dispute about whether developing nations share the same burden as industrialized nations that have historically polluted much more. The US and other nations have insisted that all countries chip in under the new agreement.

"No nation, either wealthy or poor, is immune to what this

means," Obama said as he described spiraling effects of climate change if left unchecked.

Aiming to put a finer point on that argument, Obama met with President Xi Jinping of China, which has started taking aggressive action to curb emissions, and had a similar meeting later in the day with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his sit-down with Xi, Obama touted close cooperation on climate change as vital to world efforts on global warming, and said nowhere had coordination with Beijing been more critical or fruitful than on climate change.

He credited US and Chinese leadership with leading 180 nations to make their own pledges to curb emissions in the run-up to the Paris talks.

"Our leadership on this issue has been absolutely vital," Obama said. China emits about 30 per cent of the world's greenhouse gases and the US about 16 per cent. -AP

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PM, Hollande jointly launch solar alliance PARIS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with French President Francois Hollande launched the International Solar Alliance and pledged India's assistance of USD 30 million for the initiative that brings together developed and developing countries.

Modi also announced that India will host the initiative in the premises of the National Institute of Solar Energy in Gurgaon, Haryana.

He said that India will provide land and contribute about USD 30 million to build the Secretariat infrastructure.

"We will support operations for five years, and together we will raise long terms funds to achieve our goals," Modi said.

"This is an alliance that brings together developed and developing countries, governments and industries, laboratories and institutions in a common enterprise," he said at the launch of the Inter-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing at the Innovation Summit in COP 21, in Paris, France on November 30. President of United States of America (USA), Barack Obama, President of France, Francois Hollande and Bill Gates are also seen

Modi said, "To my long cherished dream of International Solar Alliance, President Hollande responded with immediate support."

UN Secretary General also hailed Prime Minister Modi's ini-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of France, Francois Hollande at launch of the International Solar Alliance

national Solar Alliance.

"This day is the sunrise of new hope - not just for clean energy, but for villages and homes still in darkness; and for our mornings and evenings filled with a clear view of the glory of the sun," the Prime Minister said of the launch of the initiative supported by over 100 countries.

Modi said that as the developing world lifts billions of people into prosperity, the hope for a sustainable planet rests on a bold global initiative.

He stated that advanced countries need to leave enough carbon space for developing countries to grow. "That is natural climate justice," Modi asserted.

Hollande lauded Prime Minister Modi's initiative as a paradigm shift.

tiative saying, "I welcome the initiative of PM @narendramodi. The @UN will work to make it a success."

To highlight the importance of solar energy, Modi said that in Indian tradition, Sun is the source of all forms of energy.

"As Rig Veda says, Sun God is the Soul of all beings, moving and non-moving. Many in India begin their day with a prayer to the Sun," he said.

"Today, when the energy sources and excesses of our industrial age have put our planet in peril, the world must turn to Sun to power our future," he added.

Modi highlighted that India has a capacity of 4GW and has set a target of adding 100 GW of solar power by 2022. "By the end of next year, we would have added

12 GW." The idea of solar alliance was mooted by Modi during the India-Africa Forum Summit last month.

Noting that energy sources and "excesses" of industrial age have put the planet in peril, Modi said the world must turn to sun to power the future.

Modi, who was here on a twoday visit to attend the Paris conference, began his address by expressing solidarity with the French people and India's deepest admiration for France for being an outstanding host to the world in a "difficult moment".

A book on quotations about nature whose preface is written jointly by Modi and Hollande was also released. The Prime Minister dedicated the new edition of his book Convenient Action to the French President.

"I am honored to co-author the preface with him," Modi said, adding that, "since ancient times, different civilizations have given a special place to Sun." Modi called on advanced countries to leave enough carbon space for developing countries to grow as he said this would mean a growth path with lighter carbon footprint.

"So, convergence between economy, ecology and energy should define our future. The vast majority of humanity is blessed with generous sunlight round the year. Yet, many are also without any source of power. This is why this alliance is so important," he said.

"We want to bring solar energy into our lives and homes, by making it cheaper, more reliable and easier to connect to grid. We will collaborate on research and innovation. We will share knowledge and exchange best practices," he added.

Modi said as part of the initiative, countries will cooperate on training, building institutions, dis-

cussing regulatory issues and promote common standards.

"We will attract investments in the solar sector, encourage joint ventures and develop innovative financing mechanisms. We will partner with other international

tween the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

These countries, all potential members of the ISA are united by a shared vision to bring clean, affordable and renewable solar energy within the reach of all, they

‘Technology is evolving, costs are coming down and grid connectivity is improving. It is making the dream of universal access to clean energy has become more real’ initiatives on renewable energy," Modi said of the alliance.

"There is already a revolution in solar energy.

Technology is evolving, costs are coming down and grid connectivity is improving. It is making the dream of universal access to clean energy has become more real," Modi said.

"I am delighted with the industry response. As you put clean energy within the reach of all, it will create unlimited economic opportunities that will be the foundation of the new economy of this century," he said.

said.

Solar energy also is a practical and efficient way to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions.

With this in mind, countries have been invited by the objective of significantly augmenting solar power generation in their respective countries with a view to contributing to global, sustainable development.

Earlier, Power Minister Piyush Goyal had said at this conceptual phase, around 50 countries will attend the launch.

He had said that there will be an international steering commit-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar going around after the inauguration of the India Pavilion at the COP21, United Nations Climate Change Conference, in Le Bourget, outside Paris on November 30

Officials said that there are over 100 countries which are solar-rich, lying fully or partially be-

tee which will deliberate on the contours and framework of this alliance. -PTI

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Paris human chain presses leaders for deal PARIS: Protesters linked hands near the heart of the Paris terror attacks but others clashed with police, giving an emotional jolt to world leaders flying into the French capital to try to save Earth from climate catastrophe.

As hundreds of thousands of people joined protests worldwide, the human chain aimed to send a

Though the Paris protests were overwhelmingly peaceful, a small band of anti-capitalist militants clashed with riot police in the late afternoon leading to the arrests of about 100 people.

Instead of marching, many activists left thousands of pairs of shoes -weighing more than four tonnes according to organizers -

Protesters left a 100-metre gap in the human chain outside the Bataclan concert hall, the site where gunmen killed 90 people, as a mark of respect to the victims highly symbolic message to leaders on the eve of the official opening of a 195-nation UN climate summit in Paris.

French authorities cancelled two climate demonstrations in the City of Light after gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people on November 13 for security reasons.

on Place de la Republique Square.

A pair of running shoes was left

by UN Secretary General Ban KiMoon, and Pope Francis sent shoes to be placed on his behalf.

In the first organized demonstration in the French capital since the attacks, climate protesters of all ages lined the wind-blown

streets to link up in a two-kilometer human chain.

"Hear our voices! We are here!" they chanted. "There was a lot of solemnity, dignity on the pavements.

There was a powerful current that passed between people's hands," said Genevieve Azam, spokeswoman for organizing group Attac.

"It was a pleasure to be able to lift the lid that has weighed on French people since the attacks."

Protesters left a 100-metre gap in the human chain outside the Bataclan concert hall, the site where gunmen killed 90 people, as a mark of respect to the victims.

Hours later, though, riot police fired teargas at protesters who pelted them with bottles and candles in Place de la Republique and chanted "State of emergency, police state", referring to the postattack protest restrictions.

Around 100 people were arrested after the clashes, according to police.-AFP

TN Congress leaders fete INOC Chair

Tamil Nadu Pradesh Congress Committee President EVKS Elangovan (right) honors George Abraham while Rama Suganthan, center, looks on

PM SWAMY India Post News Service

CHENNAI: Senior Congress leaders of Tamil Nadu including Pradesh Congress Committee President and former Union Minister EVKS Elangovan felicitated George Abraham, chairman of Indian National Overseas Congress (INOC) in New York at a function held in Satyamurti Bhavan, the

headquarters of the party, in Chennai recently.

Elangovan placed a shawl on Abraham as mark of respect before the invited Congress leaders and workers praised the efforts of Abraham in propagating the ideals of the grand old party in the US. Elangovan said the INOC not only invites Congress leaders visiting the US to attend events in New York but also actively involves it-

self in various national and state elections in India. He complimented the team headed by Abraham for their active involvement.

Others who attended include Youth Congress leader Vazhapadi Rama Suganthan, State Congress spokespersons Iruchi Veluswamy, Ms. Jothimani, America Narayanan and SM Hidayathulah and Chairman of State SC and ST Wing Selva Perunthagai.

Rama Suganthan recalled the receptions and hospitality arranged by the INOC to visiting senior Congress leaders such as Kumari Anandan, S Thirunavukkarasu and Mani Shankar Aiyar.

Earlier, Abraham addressed a special meeting of the party's social media team headed by EVKS Ram Elangovan and KT Lakshmikanth and shared some inputs on the role of social media in the American elections.

He advised the members, especially youth who are handling the wing, to take social media campaign seriously as it could decide the fate of future elections in India with exponential growth of internet connections and use of Facebook and Whats App even in rural areas of India.

Modi pulls up rich nations on climate change Cont’d from page 7

"Since science has moved on and alternative energy sources are available, they argue that those just beginning their development journey bear no less responsibility than those who have reached the zenith of their progress. New awareness, however, should lead advanced countries to assume more responsibility. Just because technology exists does not mean it is affordable and accessible."

"Justice demands that, with what little carbon we can still safely burn, developing countries are allowed to grow. ensure that we bequeath to future The lifestyles of a few must not generations a healthy planet. Incrowd out opportunities for the dia will do its part for success in many still on the first steps of the Paris." development ladder," he added.

His assertion came days after Modi reiterated his plans to US Secretary of State John Kerry launch an alliance of 121 solar-rich nations in the tropics aimed at Modi reiterated his plans to bringing affordable solar power to villages launch an alliance of 121 that are off the grid. solar-rich nations in the "We expect the same from the world with re- tropics aimed at bringing spect to responding to climate change," he affordable solar power to said. villages that are off the grid Modi, with a reference to Mahatma Gandhi, said, "We look forward to said India could be a "challenge" Paris with the sense of duty that at upcoming climate change talks Mahatma Gandhi called us to as- in Paris as it "has been more causume: We should act as trustees' tious, a little more restrained in its and use natural resources wisely embrace of this new paradigm". as it is our moral responsibility to PTI

Negotiators from 150 nations begin talks Cont’d from page 7

Asserting that there should be aggressive mitigative action by developed countries by 2020, Modi hoped that they will fulfill their commitments in a transparent manner.

He also underlined the need for a national will and genuine global partnership while taking steps to hammer out a landmark climate change deal.

Noting that conventional energy was still needed, Modi said it should be made clean and an end to its use should not be imposed. "And, there should be no place for unilateral steps that become economic barriers for others."

Besides Modi, other leaders including US President Barack Obama, China's Xi Jinping and

Russia's Vladimir Putin attended the opening ceremony of the COP21 tasked with reaching the first truly universal climate pact.

"The future is one that we have the power to change, right here, right now," Obama said.

In an opening speech, French President Francois Hollande said, "Never have the stakes of an international meeting been so high, because it concerns the future of the planet, the future of life."

"The hope of all of humanity rests on all of your shoulders," he added.

Twenty countries, including India, the US and China, have already decided to launch an initiative to double their clean energy research and development budget over the next five years as part of global efforts to tackle climate change. -PTI

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Jindal for reclaiming US power in world NEW DELHI: Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who has backed out of the White House

race, says people of the US need a president who does not apologies for American power and is not afraid to call radical Islam by its name.

He also says that next year's presidential elections will present Americans with the "most conse-

quential electoral choice since the presidential ballot bore the names of Lincoln and Douglas."

In his new book "American Will: The Forgotten Choices that Changed Our Republic - And Offer Lessons For Its Future," Jindal offers 14 lessons from US' past and discusses how they can be used to restore American courage, faith, and wisdom.

Critical of former presidents, he says, "...Coming off two decades of intermittent drift under both Bushes and Bill Clinton, followed by eight years of the worst president in American history, I am not sure that we can survive another mistake of Obamaesque proportions."

According to Jindal, the role of the government in 2016 will be on the ballot; the role of the US in the world will also be on the ballot; and the role of religious faith in American society will be on the ballot.

"The product of (Thomas) Jefferson's vision for America was

the peaceful purchase of half a continent. But what has been the product, in recent years, of the alternative vision of American leadership in the world," he asks.

Commenting on the global situation, he writes, "We've seen that product in Iraq, where towns and territories liberated with the blood of our troops have been ceded to ISIS by an administration overly eager to withdraw from the world.

We've seen that product in Syria, where a dictator who sponsors terrorism and butchers his people was emboldened by a red line drawn but not enforced.

"We have seen that product in Iran, where our secretary of state promised to lift sanctions without requiring Iran's America-hating theocracy to abandon its nuclear program. And we've seen that product in Russia, where a 21stcentury czar is gobbling up the territory of his neighbors because he neither fears nor respects American power."

According to 44-year-old Jindal, who decided not to bid for US presidency as "this is not my

time," the US and its allies need a president "who does not apolo-

Bobby Jindal

gies for American power."

"We need a leader who is not afraid to call radical Islam by its name. And we need a commanderin-chief who keeps his word, who

sion," he writes in the book, published by Simon & Schuster.

The Indian-American was once seen as a rising star in the Republican Party and a strong contender for the White House.

He rose to prominence at the start of President Barack Obama's first term and was given a major spot delivering the Republican Party's rebuttal to the State of the Union address in 2009, but delivered a widely-panned performance.

Jindal's exit leaves 14 Republicans in the nomination hunt, including real estate tycoon Donald Trump, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, Senator Marco Rubio and former Florida governor Jeb Bush.

"Americans will elect a new president in 2016. We will choose from candidates with different backgrounds, records, and ideologies. But there's one thing you can bet they'll all have in common:

"We need a leader who is not afraid to call radical Islam by its name. And we need a commander-in-chief who keeps his word, who negotiates from a position of strength� negotiates from a position of strength, and who knows that we have never won a war against a murderous enemy by conces-

Every single one of them will praise, with great feeling and fervor, American freedom," says Jindal. -PTI

Thousands attend Indian-origin MLA's funeral TORONTO: Thousands of mourners attended the funeral of a 35-year-old Indian-origin MLA in Canada who was killed in an accident while trying to help a stranded driver on a snowy highway.

Manmeet Bhullar, also known as "peaceful warrior", died on the Queen Elizabeth

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, who attended along with over 40 MLAs, tweeted: "Tonight, downtown Calgary landmarks will be lit in navy blue (his favorite color) in honor of our friend Manmeet Bhullar."

Former premier of Alberta Jim Prentice, who was master of ceremonies, read a statement from

Bhullar's sister, Tarjinder, said: "Never, when my parents (Baljinder Singh and Sukhvir Kaur Bhullar) immigrated to this country over 40 years ago, could they have imagined that one day their son would be this loved II highway near Edmonton when an out-of-control semitrailer hit him after he stopped to help a fellow motorist who had lost control of his vehicle.

Bhullar was a Progressive Conservative Party MLA from Calgary-Greenway.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that said: "Today we remember an exemplary man who devoted his life, publicly and privately, to helping others."

After members of the Sikh community performed a hymn, Prentice said Bhullar would have

had a chuckle and a smile over the outpouring of support and the turnout for his memorial, CBC reported.

He praised Bhullar's generosity and optimism and his "shining belief in the ability of young people to change the world."

Prentice added: "In a world where there is much darkness, he showed us all, seemingly effortlessly and always with that broad smile, that it is always the best in humanity that wins out."

Bhullar's sister, Tarjinder, said: "Never, when my parents (Baljinder Singh and Sukhvir Kaur Bhullar) immigrated to this country over 40 years ago, could they have imagined that one day their son would be this loved by Calgarians, Albertans and Canadians as one of their own."

Harjit Sajjan in a message said that Bhullar was the pillar on which he and so many others stood.

He added: "Now we are duty bound by his example. It is up to

us to do right by his tremendous life."

Bhullar's wife Namrita thanked everyone and said: "Not everyone dies a hero, Meetha not only

longed to a family from Raiya village in Amritsar. He was chosen the youngest MLA from Alberta in 2008. He also served as Service Alberta Minister in

Manmeet Bhullar

died as one, he lived as one."

Born in Calgary, Bhullar be-

2011 and Human Services Minister in 2013. -PTI

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Priya Parmar's novel in NYT's 100 NEW YORK: Indian-origin author Priya Parmar's novel about acclaimed painter Vanessa Bell and her more famous sister English writer Virginia Woolf has been named by New York Times in its annual prestigious list of 100 most notable books of 2015.

'Vanessa and Her Sister', a novel on Woolf and Bell, constructed around an invented diary and letters, has made it to the New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2015, with the influential publication calling Parmar's "fabricated journal" of the sisters an "uncanny success".

NYT said, "Parmar's fabricated journal is an uncanny success. Its entries, plausible and graceful, are imbued with the same voice that can be found in letters by or about Vanessa."

Parmar's portrait brings noted modernist English writer Woolf's sister "Vanessa out of the shadows, into fully realized, shining visibility," the influential daily said in its book review.

In the novel, "Parmar gives

truth and definition to the character of a woman whose nature was as elusive as her influence was profound. She has caught the phantom," the NYT review of the novel said.

Woolf was the more famous sibling even though Bell was accomplished in her own right.

"The world remembers Virginia

Priya Parmar

better than her enigmatic older sister: Parmar restores the symmetry of their relationship in the familial landscape, showing how essen-

tial Vanessa's steadying force was to Virginia's precarious balance," the review said.

Bell was only two-and-a-half years older than Woolf but took on a maternal role for her and their two brothers in 1895, after their mother's death, when she was not yet 16.

NYT said since Woolf expressed herself through literature, and not painting, her history and internal life have been easier to access than Bell's.

"After immersing herself in the thousands of letters exchanged

by Vanessa's social circle, Parmar proceeded to invent a diary for Vanessa, along with a series of letters, postcards and telegrams that bring dimension and vitality to her headstrong entourage," the review said.

"And Parmar's decision to interleave the invented diary with invented correspondence heightens the authentic feel of the portrait," the review added. -PTI

Media Summit for coordination to tackle terrorism BEIJING: Leaders of 25 media organizations from BRICS countries here made a strong pitch for reaching consensus to help deal with issues like terrorism and climate change as well as rapid technological changes.

Addressing the first BRICS Media Summit, they also stressed that innovation is the only way for traditional media to survive in this digital age with the dissemination of information becoming mobile, intelligent, personal, complemented with the popularity of Internet and APPs. The summit, with the theme "Innovation, Development, Cooperation and Trust", was proposed

by Xinhua and jointly organized

by Brazil Communication Company, Russia Today International Information Agency, The Hindu

Group and South Africa's Independent Media.

Liu Qibao, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in his address stressed that there was an urgent need for closer cooperation among BRICS media organizations to help deal with combating terrorism, climate change and other challenges.

They also stressed that innovation is the only way for traditional media to survive in this digital age

Better coordination is needed in eliminating poverty and hunger, he told media representatives from India, Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa.

Mutual trust and cooperation is required in the media sector while keeping the bigger picture of state to state relations, he said.

Liu said traditional media, which is confronting numerous challenges, can open to new models to face the growing competition from the new media.

The Chinese government is willing to strengthen coordination and collaboration with the four countries and inject new life into the BRICS mechanism, he said.

The media of BRICS countries should promote peaceful development, cooperation and win-win, he said.-PTI

With 7.4% growth, India outpaces China NEW DELHI: Helped by pick against 89.6 per cent a year ago. up in manufacturing, India's As regards the GDP data, Ecoeconomy grew by 7.4 per cent in nomic Affairs Secretary July-September, outpacing China Shaktikanta Das tweeted the secto become the fastest growing ond quarter growth at 7.4 per major economy, supporting the cent strengthens positive outcase for RBI to keep interest rates look for current year. "7.5 per cent steady. for the year looks achievable".

While the gross domestic prodManufacturing growth at 9.3 uct or GDP of Asia's third-largest per cent is an important growth economy expanded 7.4 per cent driver, he said adding "will conin Q2 from 7 per cent in the previ- tinue to work for bigger success ous quarter, growth rate of eight of Make in India". core infrastructure industries According to CII Director slowed to 3.2 per cent in October. General Chandrajit Banerjee, the GDP growth rate, however, was GDP growth at "7.4 per cent in lower than 8.4 per cent recorded the second quarter of FY16 indiin the July-September quarter of cates that the recovery has the previous fiscal. gained strength, as we had anAmid global headwinds, Chi- ticipated." nese economy has slowed down He further said, "...construcwhile other emerging economies tion is one sector where the of Brazil to Russia are contract- growth rate has fallen signifiing. China expanded by 6.9 per cantly. Policy measures therefore cent growth in July-September need to focus on a revival in while Russia contracted by 4.1 per project execution in manufacturcent and Brazil is forecast to shrink ing, real estate and infrastrucby 4.2 per cent. ture."

The world-beating pace, most According to Deloitte the analyst said, supported case for numbers "portrayed an economy the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan to hold The data also revealed rates at tomorrow's bimonthly monetary Gross Value Added (GVA), policy review.

Manufacturing out- a new concept introduced put rose 9.3 per cent in by CSO to measure the Q2 and financial services 9.7 per cent. Elec- economic activity, also tricity and gas production rose 6.7 per cent accelerated during the while the construction sector expanded 2.6 per second quarter to cent.

7.4 per cent Buoyed by Q2 numbers, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the GDP in cur- which was gradually recovering. rent fiscal will be better than the "On the flipside agriculture 7.3 per cent growth rate recorded growth remained muted while in last financial year and improve growth in services was mixed. Fifurther in the subsequent years. nancial services showed a slight The "significant" 9.3 per cent improvement while the category growth in manufacturing sector of trade, hotels and communicawas despite adverse global situa- tion moderated from the previous tion. "I think the Q2 figures give quarter." us a sense of satisfaction... We The data also revealed Gross expect growth this year to be bet- Value Added (GVA), a new conter than last year and even better cept introduced by CSO to meathe next year," he said. sure the economic activity, also Growth is mostly driven by accelerated during the second public spending than private con- quarter to 7.4 per cent, from 7.1 sumption. Investments grew 6.8 per cent in the April-June period. per cent in Q2 compared with 4.9 It said the economic activities per cent in April-June. which registered growth of over 7 Fiscal deficit in the first seven per cent in the second quarter are months of the fiscal too showed trade, hotels and transport & coman improved. At the end of Octo- munication and services related to ber, it was at Rs 4.11 lakh crore, broadcasting, financial, insurance, or 74 per cent, of the Budget es- real estate and professional sertimate for the whole year as vices and manufacturing. -PTI

More Top stories on page 36-39

Tech News Airtel to invest Rs 60K cr on network expansion NEW DELHI: Bharti Airtel has said it will invest Rs 60,000 crore over three years on expanding networks that will help improve the quality of services.

It said that as part of 'Project leap', it will deploy over 70,000 base stations in the current fiscal, while over three years, more than 1,60,000 base stations will be put up across the country.

This proposed investment of Rs 60,000 crore is over and above Rs

1,60,000 crore the company has already invested in its active and passive network, spectrum, fiber, submarine cables and systems till date.

Bharti Airtel (India & South Asia) MD & CEO Gopal Vittal said: "Today we are excited to launch 'Project Leap' which will catapult the Airtel network to be a world class network in the coming three years. -PTI

Bigger smartphone screens influence buying WASHINGTON: Simply tweaking the screen size of a smartphone can change how much users trust advertisements, as well as their buying behavior, researchers including one of Indian-origin have found.

"While people are using smartphones - and these days, smartphone screen sizes are be-

TechBiz 12 India Post

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NEW DELHI: Nestle India, which took a hit of Rs. 450 crore had stated that it would continue with the existing formula of the product.

Nestle India has said it has resumed production of Maggi noodles at all five facilities in India. Nestle, which relaunched Maggi noodles on November 9 after a five-months ban, has started production of Maggi noodles from its Tahliwal plant in Himachal Pradesh.-PTI

Impact of China's slowdown on India depends on policy reforms BEIJING: The impact of China's economic slowdown on India will be largely dependent on how the country proceeds on policy reforms, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya has said amid the perception that Indian economy can gain from the deceleration of the Chinese economy.

Panagariya said that China's slowdown is not a big surprise but quite contrary if it continued at 10 per cent for the fifth decade that would be a surprise.

"I will not put it that way. I do not see it as China's pain because China also knew that once they get to this kind of income level, growth will slowdown," Panagariya told PTI. "First of all the Chinese slowdown is not unexpected. It is too much to think that China will continue to grow. No body has done that. It depends on what counterfactual you are choosing," he said.

China's economy has dipped below seven per cent to 6.9 per cent in the third quarter. "....there are no examples of an economy that has grown about 10 per cent for more than three decades. The slowdown of China is

certainly consistent with the experience of South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore which have grown at those kind of rates," he said.

On RBI Governor Raghuram

how it proceeds on policy reforms.

"In my own thinking, how India will be impacted will be largely depended on how India proceeds on policy reforms. As long as we

NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya

Rajan's recent remarks that China's pain of economic slowdown is India's pain too, he said on "some of the specifics he may have a point", but how India will be impacted will be largely depended on

continue to do our reforms, I think we can actually benefit," said Panagariya, who attended roundtable on India-China economic cooperation between NITI Aayog and China's Development Re-

search Centre (DRC) early this week.

"If China is going to reorient its domestic demand, it would also mean that it would be exporting less and certainly its export growth will be slowed down. That gives us the opportunity to take part in the market space China currently occupies," he said.

He said that Chinese wages have risen quite a bit and that means some of the industries which China was competitive will become less competitive.

"Chinese firms will themselves be looking for places with lower wages to which they could move," he said, adding that it clearly positions India well to benefit from any movement of Chinese firms to other countries.

"The speed at which we go ahead with the reform is very important. It is not a matter of global economy slowing down, but how India speeds up its reforms. Global economy is extremely large pie.

Even if that large pie is not growing, you do the right things you can get a very large share of the large pie," he said.

India can begin uranium import: Aus Minister MELBOURNE: India can begin import of uranium from Australia immediately, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has said, days after prime ministers of the two

coming bigger and bigger - they may think that the larger screen sizes are actually enhancing their experience and increasing the amount of information they can take in, but this subtle difference in screen size can also affect them in ways that they may not realize," said Professor S Shyam Sundar, co-director of the Media Effects Research Laboratory at Pennsylvania State University.

"Our study sheds light on how they may be processing information on these new larger screens," said Sundar. -PTI

December 4, 2015

Nestle resumes Maggi noodles production

Julie Bishop

nations announced the completion of procedures necessary for a landmark bilateral nuclear deal.

The Australia-India nuclear cooperation agreement permits Australian companies to commence commercial uranium exports to India and provides the framework for "substantial new trade in energy" between the two countries, Bishop's office said.

"The supply of Australian uranium will help India meet its rapidly growing electricity demand and improve the welfare of its people. The administrative arrangements have been signed and uranium exports can

begin immediately," it said in a India and Australia began statement. talks on the Civil Nuclear CoopThe statement came two weeks eration Agreement in 2012 after after Prime Minister Narendra Australia lifted a long-standing Modi and his Australian counter- ban on selling uranium to enpart Malcolm Turnbul announced the completion of proce- The announcement came dures necessary for a following a meeting bebilateral nuclear safe- tween the two leaders on guards agreement to the sidelines of the G20 enter into force.

The announcement summit in Antalya, Turkey came following a meeton November 15. ing between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Antalya, ergy-starved India.

Turkey on November 15.

The agreement was signed Australia has about 40 per cent during a state visit to India by of the world's uranium reserves Australia's then Prime Minister and exports nearly 7,000 tonnes of Tony Abbott in September 2014. yellow cake annually.

Cont’d on page 14

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'China's infra loans more expensive than Japan' BEIJING: Pitching for large scale Chinese investments into India's massive infrastructure expansion plans, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya has said China should make its loans attractive compared to Japan's "incredibly attractive" finance.

Panagariya, who attended

round-table on India-China economic cooperation between NITI Aayog and China's Development Research Centre (DRC) here, said China which is pushing for its investment in big ticket infrastructure projects in India like the high speed train should make its loans more attractive.

"High speed rail is an expensive proposition. What kind of finance Chinese are willing to bring to the table is important. Japanese are bringing incredibly attractive finance to the table.

"They are offering 40-year loan where there is no payments for 10 years and after that only 0.3 per

Dubai exchange to launch Chinese yuan futures DUBAI: The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) is set to launch Yuan Futures this month to make the Chinese currency accessible to regional and global participants.

The launch on December 18, subject to regulatory approvals, is part of DGCX's efforts to make the

Yuan accessible to regional and global participants as China prioritizes its internationalization.

The Yuan is currently the fourth most traded currency in the world.

"We are committed to providing the products that our participants want and are continuing

with our 'outside-in and inside-out' approach, meaning we market regional products to global investors and global products to regional investors," said Gaurang Desai, CEO of DGCX. "We are providing a unique trading opportunity in the region to get involved in the Chinese cur-

rency market. Our participants are also able to trade DGCX commodities with Chinese Yuan exposure, and we believe this is a true advantage for our participants," Desai said.

The contract will be financially settled on the same day as off-

shore equity index futures, and will hold a value of USD 50,000.

It will also give an outright quote on USD/CNY offshore FX rate, and will enable traders to settle in US Dollars.

Intermarket trading will be available with other global exchanges that offer the contract, and will be tax free (no transaction tax and no capital gains tax).

China observers believe that the Renminbi will surpass the US Dollar as the world's most commonly traded currency within the next decade, which puts DGCX in a favorable position as markets develop and mature.

The USD/CNH futures contract will serve to address the growing needs for offshore currency risk management tools, such as hedging for trade financing flows and CNH deposits, risk overlay and hedging for foreign fund managers.

"We are pleased with this upcoming launch, and continue to strategically work towards global expansion and outreach with every new product that we add to our portfolio," he added. -PTI

Emami mills to hike paperboard investment BALASORE: Emami Paper Mills Ltd, the country's largest newsprint manufacturer, has decided to increase investment in paperboards to Rs 2,000 crore in the next three years to strengthen its diversification to the high-margin segment.

"We want to double the capacity of paperboard from 1.3 lakh tonne per annum over the next three years," Emami Paper ED P S Patwari said.

Buoyant growth of consumerism has recently led to diversification into multi-layered coated paperboard production in Balasore and the company would continue to focus on value added paperboard segment worth Rs 4,000 crore,

Emami group director Aditya Agarwal said.

The segment is expanding at the rate of 15 per cent per annum and higher capacity addition is no threat to the industry given the growth trend.

Agarwal said 2016-17 onwards, at least 60 per cent revenue of Emami paper will come from specialty paperboard.

Emami is running trial production of the 1.3 lakh tonne annual capacity paperboard unit and said will start commercial production from December with 20 per cent market share in the country.

ITC, JK Paper and Century are also present in this segment of paper business.

Though the company is the largest domestic newsprint producer in the country, it has no plan to expand due to unfavorable government outlook on Indian newsprint makers, the company officials said. PTI

cent a year.

So it is a highly concessional loan. Chinese are not offering anything close to that. So there is big difference what Chinese offer and that of Japanese," he told PTI. China is vying with Japan to build bullet trains in India.

While Japan is currently conducting feasibility study for MumbaiAhmedabad bullet train, China has undertaken a similar exercise for Chennai-New Delhi corridor.

"Eventually we need high speed rail. Fiscal constraints we face. Land is a problem, which we must solve and is solvable. That does not worry me so much. Finance is important. If we are getting limited amount of finance, then we have to make a decision

to use of high speed rail or expand the electrification of existing railway," he said.

India has sought China's assistance to increase the speed of the existing network as well as modernization of some the railway stations.

China's out bound investment in different parts of the world rose to USD 95.21 billion in the first ten months of this year, registering an increase of 16.3 per cent.

Last year, China's ODI amounted to USD 102 billion making it third biggest investor after the US and EU. Chinese officials say Chinese investments in India so far amounted to about USD three billion. -PTI

Impact of China's slowdown on India depends on policy reforms Cont’d from page 12

Rajan had recently contradicted the government's assertions that India will not be affected by deceleration of Chinese economy, and said that China's pain of economic slowdown is India's pain too.

He had said that China's slowdown has impacted global growth and India is very well integrated into the global economy.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had told a gathering at Columbia University last month that India is "not impacted" by the slowdown as it is not part of Chinese supply chain and India could become the "additional shoulder" the global economy needs to stand on as China slows.

Some comments from India that China's pain is India's gain has drawn strong reactions from the Chinese media. -PTI

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Microsoft Lumia 950 Dual SIM launched in India MUMBAI: Microsoft, as promised, launched its first Windows 10 Mobile handsets - the Lumia 950 Dual SIM and Lumia 950 XL Dual SIM in India. The new Lumia flagships will be available from December 11 with 'best buy' prices of Rs. 43,699 and Rs. 49,399 respectively. The smartphones will be available to buy both online and via physical retail stores.

The Microsoft Display Dock, which has been launched at Rs. 5,999, will be bundled free with both phones while stocks last.

To recall, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella at recently concluded Future Unveiled conference in Mumbai had announced plans to launch both its newly launched

India pledge to help combat climate change VALLETTA, Malta: Joining a of around 30 countries. select group of countries, India A number of countries includhas said it will provide USD 2.5 ing Canada, Britain and Australia million for the vulnerable nations have pledged nearly USD 2.5 bilin the Commonwealth to help them lion to help the poor countries introduce clean energy and reduce fight global warming. green-house gas emissions.

Maltese Prime Minister Joseph The announcement was made Muscat unveiled a USD 1 billion on the second day of the biennial Commonwealth Green Finance summit of the Commonwealth Facility to support environmental whose membership includes pow- projects in the poor countries of erful countries like Britain, Austra- the bloc. lia, Canada, Singapore and small Separately, the UK has commitisland nations such the Maldives, ted 21 million pounds for disaster Tonga and Nauru. management and 5.5 million pound "India has announced USD 2.5 for the ocean-based economy. million for the Commonwealth Australia has committed USD 1 small states trade finance facility. As you are aware, Common- Canada has pledged USD wealth has 31 small states as its members 2 billion assistance to out of the 53 countries and trade finance is help poor countries limitvery important to them," ing green-house gas External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas emission.

Swarup said.

The 24th Commonwealth Heads of Government million for a new Commonwealth Meeting here deliberated exten- idea - a Climate Finance Access sively on combating climate Hub. change and a number of nations Canada has pledged USD 2 bilpledged their financial assistance lion assistance to help poor counto vulnerable countries ahead of tries limiting green-house gas emisthe UN Climate Change confer- sion. ence in Paris beginning tomorrow.

Earlier, the Commonwealth and India has been pushing for the the Governments of India, Malta, rich nations to deliver "climate jus- Mauritius and Sri Lanka antice" for developing countries nounced the new trade financing while insisting that commitment of fund to help boost trade and inthe rich nations towards small is- vestment flows in small countries. lands and poor countries must go The voluntary fund is aimed at beyond the current level. attracting start-up capital of USD External Affairs Minister 20 million. It will provide member Sushma Swaraj represented India countries facing trade challenges at the summit which was attended with the finance they need to inby heads of state and government crease their trade capacity.-PTI

Indian banker appointed retail head in UAE DUBAI: A 55-year-old Indian banker has been appointed head of Dubai-based Mashreq's retail banking group, third-biggest bank by assets.

Som Subroto, alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad has taken over from Farhad Irani, who is leaving after almost five years, Mashreq said in a statement.

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO of Mashreq said Som has three decades of retail banking experience with organizations like Citi Bank and Standard Chartered where he has held several senior business, risk and operations assignments.

"He brings a very similar world view and experience to Farhad's and he will bring his own ideas on innovation to the retail bank.

Although the transition is seamless, I think his approach to innovation at RBG will shift us up a gear," Al Ghurair said.

Som's assignments include Global Head SME Banking, Head of Consumer Banking, Seoul First Bank South Korea and Regional Head Consumer Banking Middle East & South Asia based in Dubai.

His last assignment with Standard Chartered was Regional Head of Consumer Banking, ASEAN based in Singapore where he was responsible for a retail business that generated revenue in excess of USD 2 billion.

"I am truly impressed with Mashreq's prowess in the digital banking and payments space. I am excited about the enormous possibilities for building on these achievements to break new ground in the market," Som said. PTI

Windows 10 Mobile-powered handsets in India by December.

The company also showcased Windows 10 Continuum feature which makes smartphones essentially computers with a different operating system and interface.

The two new Lumia handsets can be called mini-computers - in the traditional PC sense. With the Windows 10 Continuum feature, they can be hooked up to a monitor along with a mouse and keyboard, using the Microsoft Display Dock.

Once connected, the phone's user interface switches to an interface that looks like a Windows 10 desktop with Start menu and other elements.

The Microsoft Lumia 950 Dual SIM features a 5.2-inch QHD (1440x2560 pixels) ClearBlack Amoled display, offering a pixel density of 564ppi and also featuring Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Under the hood, the handset is powered by a hexa-core Snapdragon 808

aperture, and a triple-LED RGB flash module. There is a 5megapixel front-facing camera as well. It measures 145x73.2x8.2mm and weighs 150 grams.

The Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Dual SIM, on the other hand, features a 5.7-inch QHD (1440x2560 pixels) ClearBlack Amoled display with a pixel density of 518ppi. It is powered by a 2GHz octa-core Snapdragon 810 processor coupled with 3GB of RAM. It packs 32GB storage and is expandable via microSD card (up to 200GB). The Lumia 950 XL Dual SIM features the same camera and flash module from the Lumia 950 and both the devices also sport a dedicated camera button as well.

The Lumia 950 XL Dual SIM packs a large 3340mAh battery. It packs 151.9x78.4x8.1mm and weighs 165 grams. Both the Lumia 950 Dual SIM and Lumia 950 XL Dual SIM also support dual standby with Nano-SIM card support. The

The dual-SIM dual standby 4G-enabled smartphones support dual Nano-SIM cards and come with USB Type-C ports (USB 3.1).

Both smartphones also support fast charging processor clocked at 1.8GHz coupled with 3GB of RAM. There is 32GB of inbuilt storage and is expandable up to 200GB via microSD card. Backed by a 3000mAh removable battery, the handset sports a 20-megapixel rear camera with autofocus, OIS (optical image stabilization), an f/1.9

Lumia 950 XL also comes with liquid cooling.

The dual-SIM dual standby 4Genabled smartphones support dual Nano-SIM cards and come with USB Type-C ports (USB 3.1). Both smartphones also support fast charging, capable of achieving 50 percent charge in 30 minutes.-PTI

India can begin uranium import: Aus Minister Cont’d from page 12

It provides the framework for substantial new trade in energy between Australia and India. The supply of Australian uranium will help India meet its rapidly growing electricity demand and improve the welfare of its people, the statement from the Australian foreign minister's office said.

The deal, which follows similar agreements with the US and France, is a step toward India achieving international acceptability for its nuclear program despite not ratifying the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

India, which has nuclear energy contributing just 3 per cent of its electricity generation, will be the first country to buy Australian uranium without being a signatory to

the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

India faced Western sanctions after conducting a nuclear test in 1998 but the restrictions eroded after a deal with the US in 2008 that recognized its growing economic weight.

India has less than two dozen small reactors at six sites with a capacity of 4,780 MW, or 2 per cent of its total power capacity.

It plans to increase its nuclear capacity to 63,000 MW by 2032 by adding nearly 30 reactors at an estimated cost of USD 85 billion.

It currently has nuclear energy agreements with 11 countries and imports uranium from France, Russia and Kazakhstan.

Australia now has 24 nuclear cooperation agreements in force, allowing exports to 42 countries plus Taiwan. -PTI

TechBiz Post

December 4, 2015

India Post

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Indian-origin family buys Lord Paul's firm LONDON: Hundreds of jobs have been saved at steel firm Caparo Industries owned by noted NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul after a UK-based Indian-origin family acquired one of its units.

The Gupta family, which owns metals company Liberty House Group, acquired Caparo Tubular Solutions, a core division of Caparo Industries plc.

In October, Lord Paul's Caparo announced around 452 jobs may have to go across the country, including 300 in the West Midlands, after it entered into administration.

A total of 76 jobs in the West Midlands and south of England were saved last week when PwC confirmed Caparo Testing Technologies had been sold.

The announcement brings the total number of jobs saved at the company to 409.

Robert Moran, partner at PwC, said: "The sale of Caparo Tubular Solutions is a major boost for the Midlands economy, the employees of Caparo and more widely for the UK steel industry. This deal preserves all 333 jobs at Caparo Tubular Solutions, which manu-

factures, distributes and supplies advanced tube components and parts for the automotive and aerospace industries in the West Midlands and South Wales".

The Gupta family concluded talks with administrators PwC and said that Liberty sees the multiproduct Caparo tube businesses,

In October, Lord Paul's Caparo announced around 452 jobs may have to go across the country, including 300 in the West Midlands headquartered at Oldbury in the West Midlands region of England, as a complement to its own hot rolled coil production, centered in Newport, South Wales.

"There are many natural synergies between our hot rolled coil production business and Caparo's design, manufacture and distribution of steel tube and various specialist engineering products," said Sanjeev

Gupta, chief executive of Liberty.

"They are established customers for our product and we have, in fact, looked at them in the past about the possibility of integrating the two businesses in order to help create a comprehensive and robust new model for the steel sector in the UK. We now aim to achieve that objective.

"I believe that, despite the current difficulties being encountered by the UK steel industry there is a future for the sector in Britain, if we can develop more efficient business models based on streamlined integrated production, processing and distribution.

"This, together with the new initiatives now supported by the government to lower energy costs for energy intensive industries, provides an opportunity for UK steel once again to be competitive.

"Caparo Tubular Solutions was a fundamentally profitable business with substantial, sustainable value, and we were very attracted to its highly-skilled management and workforce, extensive distribution network and top-quality customer base," Gupta said.-PTI

Plea for ban on Volkswagen vehicles' sale NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has sought response from the central government and the German automobile firm Volkswagen on a plea seeking a ban on manufacture and sale of its vehicles in the country for allegedly flouting emission norms.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notice to the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Central Pollution Control Board and Volkswagen group, asking them to reply by December 23.

The directions came while hearing a plea by Saloni Ailawadi, a Delhi based school teacher, who had sought directions to disallow "manufacturing, assembly and sale" of vehicles manufactured by Volkswagen and its group companies until it is established that they are as per the prescribed norms in India.

Ailawadi had referred to Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)'s recent report and alleged that Volkswagen and its group companies in India were

"polluting the environment in blatant disregard to regulations" by selling vehicles which produce nitrogen oxide nine times higher than prescribed limit.

Ailawadi had stated that she was "deeply" concerned on account of Volkswagen's "admitted calculated and deliberate deceit of

environmental norms thereby endangering lives of Indian and global citizens".

"Vehicles manufactured and sold by Volkswagen have been polluting the environment in blatant and utter disregard to government regulations thereby endangering the lives of millions of people who are being forced to inhale poisonous fumes and suffer extreme misery on account of ill health," the plea alleged.-PTI

Desi News Vishwa Gujarati Samaj holds Gala Banquet Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Vishwa Gujarati Samaj (VGS), USA hosted its 6th Annual Gala Banquet in the memory of late Narendrabhai Patel, Founder, Medstar Laboratories at Meadows Club, in Rolling Meadows on Sunday November 22 with large presence of members and guests.

Rich tributes were paid to Narendrabhai Patel for his professional achievements in different fields of work and to his philanthropic contributions to numerous organizations, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion.

The function commenced by singing of the Indian and the US National Anthems and lighting of lamp by the Vishwa Gujarati Samaj USA Board of Directors Mafat Patel, Neal Patel, Raj Patel, Treasurer Kishore Chugh, Secretary Jayal Amin, Piyush Patel, Subodh Gabhawala, Dr Sonal Patel and President Beena Patel.

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Guru will impart mantra only if your heart is pure Details on page 22

December 4, 2015

Hindu prayer flags in Queens burnt on Thanksgiving Day India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Members of Indian community are concerned over reports that they have once again been victims of intolerance and misguided fanaticism on the

he knew what he was doing," said neighbor Boorandeo Sukhraj.

Sukhraj lives next door to where everything happened. The man took off southbound on 80th Street after starting the fire, police say. No one was hurt. The sus-

Meanwhile Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism in a statement said that it was shocking for the hard-working, harmonious and peaceful US Hindu community numbering about three million; who had made

their continuing with the traditional values of hard work, higher morals, stress on education, sanctity of marriage, etc., in USA amidst so many distractions.

Earlier a Hindu temple was vandalized in Kitchener (Ontario) on

Details on page 18

Chicago's Sindhi leader writes to PM Modi India Post News Service

T

he BJP lost in Bihar because the voters resented direct and forceful interventions into the political process

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. For the BJP it would have been wiser to allow local leadership to lead, with measured support from the top. This is what Dial V. Gidwani, Founding President, American Institute of Sindhulogy, has written in a letter to Prime Minister Modi.

Details on page 19

A unique movie with a powerful theme India Post News Service

SANTA CLARA, CA: Bay Area residents were treated to the first exclusive international screening of the recently-released Marathi movie "Katyar Kaljat Ghusali" (A Dagger through the Heart) on November 15 by the Indian Classical Music and Arts (ICMA) Foundation in AMC Mercado 20, Santa Clara.

Katyar Kaljat Ghusali represents a rich and treasured legacy in Sangeet Natak, the Marathi genre of musical theatre.

Details on page 20

The Woodhaven premise where the flags were burnt

part of some social elements. This is in the light of reports that their religious flags outside a Woodhaven home in Queens, a New York City borough, were burnt on Thanksgiving Day. The Woodhaven Police are searching for the man who set more than three dozen religious flags on fire in front of a Queens home.

The images showing the man who allegedly perpetrated this crime in the front yard of a Woodhaven home are being released by the police. They have also appealed to the public to contact them in case they have any information about this person. The number of flags thus consigned to fire is 40, according to the Police sources.

Just after 1:00 am, while everyone in the neighborhood was sleeping, police say the suspect set on fire 40 of the brightly colored Hindu prayer flags. The flags are sacred and are symbols of faith.

It happened early Thanksgiving morning near 89th Avenue and 80th Street.

"I don't think he was mental -

Remains of the burnt flags

pect is described as wearing a three quarter length jacket, baseball cap and apparently carried a medium size travel bag.

The incident coming close on the heels of defacing a Hindu temple in Ontario and two such incidents in Texas, has somewhat unnerved this peace loving community. It is believed that it is the outcome of huge prejudice against Hindus. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577TIPS (8477)

lot of contributions to the nation and society; to receive such signals of hatred and anger.

Zed called upon the administration to take swift action and urged New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to contact the Queens area Hindu community to reassure them.

Zed pointed out that reasons for the success of the US Hindu community in areas of education, wealth and long-lasting harmonious marriages were because of

November 15. Sign of planned "Winston Salem Hindu Temple" in Clemmons (North Carolina) was hit with over 60 shotgun blasts in July. A Hindu temple was vandalized in Dallas (Texas) in April. Two Hindu temples in Kent and Bothell (both in Seattle metropolitan area of Washington) were vandalized in February. A Hindu grandfather was roughed-up by police in Madison (Alabama) in February, resulting in partial paralysis. Last year, there was anti-Hindu vandalism in Loudoun County (Virginia).

Bhartiya Seniors celebrate Diwali JAYANTI OZA

CHICAGO: More then 600 members and guests of Bhartiya Seniors of Chicago celebrated Diwali in a spectacular way at Waterford Banquets in Elmhurst, a southwest suburb of Chicago, on Sunday November 22.

Cont’d on page 19 Lamp Lighting ceremony (L to R) Haribhai Patel (BSC President), Gordhanbhai Patel, Arjunbhai Malavia (Saurastra Samaj), Dr Dhaval Patel, Parshotam Pandya

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Swaminarayan Mandir celebrates Diwali ARVIND PATEL

Ilumínated BAPS Mandir

CHICAGO, IL: The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett celebrated Diwali and the Hindu New Year on a grand

Fireworks at BAPS Mandir

scale at its facility in Bartlett on November 11 and 12 with hundreds of devotees and guests attending the event.

The festival of Diwali is celebrated over five days, with each day carrying its own unique significance and form of celebration.

Celebrations began on Sunday, November 1, as children learned about cultural traditions at the Kids' Diwali Celebration. The program included skits and fun-filled games to engage a younger audience. Arts and crafts stations were set up to illustrate traditions and teachings of Diwali.

The five-day celebration is

A section of devotees

Lamplighting ceremony at BAPS Mandir

also an occasion for giving thanks, and is traditionally celebrated with the Annakut literally meaning, 'a mountain of food'. This is a grand offering of over a thousand different vegetarian food items, prepared lovingly by devotees, to thank God for His providence over the past year and to seek His blessings for the year ahead.

This year the theme on 'Mandir…Transcending Above,' drew inspiration from a book written by the late former President of India, Dr Abdul Kalam, about his encounters with His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of BAPS. Dressed up in traditional, colorful clothes, families and friends wished each other sentiments of prosperity.

Adults, community members, and young children eagerly visited the Mandir to view the colorful décor, various food dishes, creative fruit carvings, and imaginative artwork.

Kids lighting the lamp

Ashfaq Hussain Syed, senior banker, was among those in attendance. Visiting the Mandir for the very first time, he was awestruck with the magnificent carvings of the white marble Mandir, the Annakut displays, and the educational exhibition, saying, "It's one of the best I've ever seen."

The Mayor of the Village of Bartlett, Kevin Wallace, ex-

pressed his gratitude to BAPS and its volunteers saying, "I know as I look over the years passed, I am filled with appreciation for the many contributions that the BAPS community has made to Bartlett. We continue to be grateful for the opportunity you give us to learn from each other."

Similar celebrations took place at BAPS centers across the globe. On November 4, BAPS also co-hosted the Diwali in DC at

the Jefferson Hall in the Library of Congress. Over 1,200 prominent Indian Americans and their Congressional representatives from across the United States attended the event hosted by the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.

The Diwali celebration on Sunday, November 15, featured a special cultural program, followed by a grand fireworks show with music, videos, and traditional dances.

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Vishwa Gujarati Samaj holds Gala Banquet Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Vishwa Gujarati Samaj (VGS), USA hosted its 6th Annual Gala Banquet in the memory of late Narendrabhai Patel, Founder, Medstar Laboratories at Meadows Club, in Rolling Meadows on Sunday November 22 with large presence of members and guests.

Rich tributes were paid to Narendrabhai Patel for his professional achievements in different fields of work and to his philanthropic contributions to numerous organizations, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion.

The function commenced by singing of the Indian and the US National Anthems and lighting of lamp by the Vishwa Gujarati

Samaj USA Board of Directors Mafat Patel, Neal Patel, Raj Patel, Treasurer Kishore Chugh, Secretary Jayal Amin, Piyush Patel, Subodh Gabhawala, Dr Sonal Patel and President Beena Patel.

Mrs Sumitra Narendra Patel along with her two sons Neal and Raj and daughtersin-law Sonal and Nisha Patel were called on stage to present a bouquet to honor Mrs. Patel for her husband's contribution to the society.

Beena Patel, President VGSUSA, in her welcome address said that cherished national goals can be achieved in full measure, only when people come forward to take up community work and share their time and talent in helping each other. Beena gave the history of six years of VGS USA and

Lamp Lighting ceremony by Mafat Patel with Executive Board and Board of Directors

Speakers at Vishwa Gujarat Samaj event - Beena Patel, Sunil Shah and Mafat Patel

said, "We have provided top class programs to our members and we will continue to maintain the same standard. Our organization's goal is to engage and encourage younger generation to showcase and promote Gujarati culture and heritage.

Beena stated that community service does not mean merely organizing cultural events; it includes a wide spectrum of economic, education, health, social, and environmental issues concerning people. "A multifaceted community service will be greatly appreciated in making the lives of people worth-living", she added.

Beena thanked all the current office bearers of the VGS USA community leaders, media, Harish Kolasani for the Gujarat Promo Video, Sunil Shah, Babubhai Patel and many others for their support to the VGS in a variety of ways. Dr Subhash Patel conducted the proceedings of the event as the MC. Dr Yash Amin, Member, Board of Directors said that VGSUSA has been committed to network with numerous Gujarati organizations to ensure that all of them move in one direction and achieve the common goal of preserving the values and wisdom of Indian culture among the Indian Diaspora.

Amin called upon the professionals belonging to new generation to enrich their people-related skills and adopt transformational leadership style, rather than merely focusing on their technical skills, in order to realize their full potential.

The Live Music Concert, comprising eminent singers and fine musicians, was the highlight of the event. The melodious compositions of R D Burman, including "Chura liya hai hai tum ne jo dilko", "Bahon mein chale aao", "Karvaten badalte rahe saari raat hum", "Mehbooba mehbooba", etc., uplifted the mood of the audience.

Audio visual tributes were paid to R D Burman, the musical genius, by Asha Bhonsle, Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan, Rishi Kapoor, Vishal Bharadwaj, Shiv Kumar Sharma, Ameen Sayani and many more legends.

The event concluded with an authentic Gujarati family style dinner.

Executive Board: Beena Patel, President, Jayal Amin, Secretary, Kishore Chugh, Treasurer Board of Directors: Mafat Patel, Dr Yashwant Amin, Neal Patel, Raj Patel, Dr

Cultural presentations at the event

Sonal Patel, Subodh Gabhawala, Piyush Patel, and Varsha Patel Advisory Board: Dr Bharat Barai

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Chicago's Sindhi leader writes to PM Modi India Post News Service

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he BJP lost in Bihar because the voters resented direct and forceful interventions into the political process

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. For the BJP it would have been wiser to allow local leadership to lead, with measured support from the

top. This is what Dial V. Gidwani, Founding President, American Institute of Sindhulogy, has written in a letter to Prime Minister Modi.

Praising the initiatives of the Prime Minister, Gidwani says in his letter, "As a member of the Indian Diaspora I take deep pride in the list of accomplishments that have attached to your leadership in such a remarkably short time. Your

fresh approach to longstanding problems in the economy; new attention to the less privileged; attacks on endemic corruption and efforts to enhance India's international role have caught the attention of the electorate and also the watching world. What you have done deserves high praise."

Commenting on the situation in Gujarat after Modi's departure,

Bhartiya Seniors celebrate Diwali

BSC seniors enjoying dancing on Bollywood songs Cont’d from page 16

All those attending were treated to a wide range of cultural programs performed by local talents Music Masti, Nipa Shah & Group. Songs from yesteryears Bollywood films captivated the audience.

To begin with BSC Secretary Rakshika Anjaria briefed about BSC activity. Haribhai Patel President of BSC welcomed all sponsors and VIPs on the stage for the Lamp Lighting ceremony. It was done by Haribhai Patel, Gordhanbhai Patel, Arjunbhai

Malavia, Dr Dhaval Patel, Parshotam Pandya and Congressional candidate Raja Krishnamurti.

Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago announced Community Service Award to those supporting senior citizens. Awards were given to Arjunbhai Malavia who supports BSC Tour activity, Vandnaben Jhingan (TV Asia) Media and Leadership Award and Dr Ankur Chhadia (Orthopedic Surgeon.)

BSC conducted raffle for the prize offered by Apex Travel and BSC seniors. In the raffle draw Chandravadan Chudasma won

A - section of the audience

round trip to India, Nimeshbhai Jani won the package for Dubai and Hemaben Uresh 50" TV HD. Blind Association group performed dances which were liked and appreciated by all. Bhartiya Seniors donated $250, KPS donated $250, Gujarati Samaj and all participants gave a total of $5000 to Blind Association.

At the end of the program Vice President thanked all committee members, all sponsors and Malvika Dharia for the stage decoration, Vandnaben Jhinghan for TV Asia coverage and for video services Dr JT Malli.

Gidwani says, "I hope you will allow some words of caution from a Sindhu, now a citizen of the U.S. living in Chicago, who has observed with unease certain changes since your departure from Gujarat to take up your post as national leader. My fear, Sir, is that Gujarati pride is tending toward arrogance and that the potential political effects can only be harmful to the nation.

Giving examples, he says, "For my criticism to be truly constructive, I am bound to cite examples.

One relates to the recent electoral defeats in Delhi and Bihar. These were surprises. Why it happened, deserves thoughtful analysis. I offer my opinion that voters resented direct and forceful interventions into the political process by you and by Mr Amit Shah. For the BJP it would have been wiser to allow local leadership to lead, with measured support from the top. You simply overreached. In remarks about Bihar, you exalted the qualities of the Gujarati businessman. Not spoken, but implied was the superiority of the latter.

"My family left Sindh in 1947 to enter India at Partition under extremely trying conditions which have been historically well documented. My father Dr Vatanmal G. Gidwani was a freedom fighter

from 1917-48, loyal supporter of the Mahatma, and to this day, Gandhiji's letters to and photos with him occupy pride of place in our home.

Dial V. Gidwani

"As a Sindhi I carry my own burden of native pride, but we Sindhis were not welcomed either

by Late Mr Morarji Desai or the first Prime Minister. Nevertheless, over time, our community has made valuable contributions to the nation's progress and the majority of us (including many Sindhis living abroad) support the BJP. Our allegiance has been unobtrusive, but solid and sincere.

"Respected Prime Minister, your successful international engagements with the Indian Diaspora have inspired Indian pride all over the world.

Cont’d on page 21

20 India Post

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A unique movie with a powerful theme

India Post News Service

SANTA CLARA, CA: Bay Area residents were treated to the first exclusive international screening of the recently-released Marathi movie "Katyar Kaljat Ghusali" (A Dagger through the Heart) on November 15 by the Indian Classical Music and Arts (ICMA) Foundation in AMC Mercado 20, Santa Clara.

Katyar Kaljat Ghusali represents a rich and treasured legacy in Sangeet Natak, the Marathi genre of musical theatre. Con-

ceived as a play in 1967, its original music was composed by maestro late Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki and its cast included the accomplished classical singer late Vasantrao Deshpande. The show was sold out completely, running housefull with spellbound audiences.

This melodramatic movie produced from a famous Marathi drama has since acquired universal fame and is being screened all over India. It has been selected to be screened in Goa at 46th International Film Festival of India and is also in the race for United Na-

tions Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) Fellini medal, as a legend movie.

Bay Area's popular Hindustani Classical Vocalist Mahesh Kale, of

and classical Hindustani music.

The play "Katyar Kaljat Ghusali" though produced in 1967 earned great fame. The play's genius has since traversed generations and

a musician's wish to succeed and the struggle between two Hindustani music gharanas to gain supremacy. Delicately interwoven into this theme are multiple

a non-profit (ICMA) has been responsible for popularizing this movie for the benefit of music loving audience of San Francisco Bay Area. As is customary, warm hospitality, the arriving guests were greeted by a festive movie entrance, studded with traditional lamps, draped with garlands and flanked by graceful statues. ICMA volunteers handed out cheerful bags of red, green and blue filled

mediums to stand tall on the big screen.

Directed by Subodh Bhave, the movie marks the acting debut of the hugely popular singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan and also stars other well-known actors such as Sachin Pilgaonkar in lead roles. Given its historic musical heritage, it is not surprising to see the array of prolific singers that have lent their voices to

with Indian sweets and savory, with Diwali greetings etched in gold.

The routine movie venue seemed transformed and charged with merry anticipation. As one passed through the entrance into the quiet, darkened hall, it felt natural to wonder if this could perhaps be a magical portal into an era gone past. Then the screen flickered to life. The golden notes of the opening song 'Sur Niragas Ho" swelled through the hall and the audience was truly suspended in an oldworld charm of nobility, intrigue

this production, including Shankar Mahadevan, Arijit Singh, Rahul Deshpande and, a point of personal pride and affection for many in the Bay Area, Mahesh Kale.

While some of the play's original music has been retained in the movie, it is also thrilling to hear the newer additions by ShankarEhsaan-Loy which hold their own beautifully. Of particular note is the composition Aruni Kirani, powerfully rendered by Mahesh Kale marking the movie's climax.

Katyar Kaljat Ghusali's storyline is a dramatic portrayal of

subtexts that add to its texture; the reciprocity between a teacher and student, the heavy weight of gratitude, man's eternal quest to own and control, the power of unswerving goodness and the elevation of music from a performing art to a spiritual practice are all commentaries that enhance the movie's universal appeal.

The movie is elegantly produced and even for those unfamiliar with the Marathi language, its flawless cinematography and English subtitles provide adequate cues, while the soulful music of course easily transcends all language barriers.

Undeniably, the movie is emerging as a landmark achievement in the field of Indian cinema. The movie's overarching message of peace, humility and acceptance appear especially poignant against the current backdrop of global turmoil and terror.

As the song Mana Mandira expresses "With divine radiance, a Saadhaka illuminates the shrine of his mind, cultivating a sensitive and empathetic demeanor. Does one enjoy a life dictated by destiny alone? A self-luminous star, you are the sanctuary of divine consciousness, full with the dreams of tomorrow. Take a leap and fly to great heights."

Here's hoping the crew and cast of Katyar Kaljat Ghusali reach great heights and continue to inspire us with their music and art.

December 4, 2015

Community Across America

India Post 21

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Congressmen need to spend more time on Capitol Hill

W

hen Paul Ryan became House Speaker a few weeks ago, he made it clear that he has no intention of spending too much time in Washington. His wife and children are in Wisconsin, he pointed out, and he plans to commute. "I just work here," he told CNN, "I don't live here."

I have great sympathy for Ryan's urge to strike a balance between family and work. It is tough for every member to live and work far from home, and to weigh constantly whether to be in Washington or back in the district.

Yet while we should sympathize, there's no question where members must be to discharge their public responsibilities. If we want a well-functioning Congress, they need to be in Washington more.

This is politically tough. Members of Congress do not want to be associated with the city.

Yet as Washington Post writer Dana Milbank noted recently in an insightful column on the topic, "It's no mere coincidence that in the time this trend has taken hold, much of what had previously existed in Washington disappeared: civility, budget discipline, big bipartisan legislation and just general competence. In place of this have come bickering, showdowns, shutdowns and the endless targeting of each other for defeat in the next election."

Expanding the Capitol Hill workweek, in other words, isn't just a symbolic gesture. It's one of the keys to reversing congressional dysfunction.

Chicago's Sindhi leader writes to PM Modi Cont’d from page 19

You encourage the Indian Diaspora to visit India and learn about the world's most ancient civilization - the Harappan civilization of the River Valleys of Sindhu-Saraswati, and its values. You will be pleased to know that I along with several Indian Americans in Chicago have launched an intensive promotion of our ancient civilization in August 2000 - The American Institute of Sindhulogy.

AIS programs are primarily focused towards our future generations born in foreign lands, their parents, and teachers.

"This year, AIS educational programs have gained momentum. With the help of Dr Vasant Shinde, VC and Head of Archeology Department, Deccan College, who is conducting the excavation at Rakhigarhi, we launched tours to Harappan sites in India.

AIS will also offer these programs to American Universities. The response has been most encouraging. We hope be carry this vision forward with your blessings and support."

Gidwani ends the letter "with deep respect for your leadership of Bharat and continued successes."

LEE H. HAMILTON

For starters, you have to get to know your colleagues in order to do business with them. In any legislature, the very nature of the job involves disagreement. Yet everyone there is there to solve problems together; they have no choice but to work together.

Second, drafting legislation is highly de-

Lee H. Hamilton

manding, because the core of it involves building consensus. This takes time. It can't be forced. The array of tough issues that face Congress can't be dealt with by part-time legislators. Legislating, whether we like it or not, takes a five-day week, not the three that members of Congress put in at the moment.

What I'm arguing for here will not be popular with them, and it certainly won't get a warm reception from their families.

But they are elected to do the job of legislating. For the good of the institution they serve and the work product they owe the nation, members need to spend more time in Washington.

Lee Hamilton is a Distinguished Scholar, Indiana University School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

22 India Post

Community Across America

December 4, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Guru will impart mantra only if your heart is pure

D

id Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj ever initiate anyone using a mantra*?

As the Supreme Spiritual Master of the World, some may consider receiving a mantra from him as the greatest possible blessing.

Till today, innocent people ask the above question. Some even go so far as to suggest that if he didn't initiate by giving a mantra, then how can Jagadguru Shri Kripalu ji Maharaj be regarded as a Guru?

Asking such questions is natural. However, it simply shows that they, who ask such questions, have not heard or listened to any discourses of Shri Maharaj ji or read any of his publications. Hearing his discourses or reading his books irresistibly draws the mind to him and his teachings. When your mind is deeply attached to him - he becomes your Guru.

SWAMINI GOPESHWARI DEVI

Never once did he utter a mantra to anyone.

Below is an excerpt from 'Guru Mantra, The Initiation' where Shri Maharaj ji himself answers this question.

"A real Guru will only whisper a mantra into your ear when your heart is completely pure, which means free from the three qualities of maya, i.e. sattvik, rajasik and tamasik. When these three modes of maya no longer overpower you, anger, greed, infatuation and craving for sensual pleasures vanish…

Unselfish devotion to Shri Krishna is the only way to purify your heart. So continuously practice the devotion until your heart is completely purified. It may take one year, two years, one lifetime or even many lifetimes. Guru will not initiate anyone with the divine mantra until one's heart is com-

pletely purified. The moment He initiates one with the divine mantra, one will become free from the bondage of Maya, all the sufferings will come to an end and one

will immediately realize God. Initiation or Diksha means to grace the disciple with Divine love. Thus, until the receptacle is ready, where will the divine love be poured by the guru? You have a mayic heart, which is unable to sustain divine love. Therefore, first purify your heart by practicing devotion and then your Guru will initiate you with divine love…

All the divine powers of God are invested in His Names. Ram Ram, Shyam Shyam, Radhe Radhe or any other Name of God is equally powerful as God Himself!

It makes no difference to God if it is recited in Sanskrit, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, English, French or any other language. Mother Yashoda never recited Ram Ram or Shyam Shyam, she called Kanua to Shri Krishna and Balua to Balarama, names which are mentioned nowhere in the scriptures.

Each syllable, a, b, c and d, etc. relate to God and enshrines divinity…..The Vedas say, kam brahm, kham brahm, akaro Vasudeva. 'A' means Shri Krishna, 'U' means Lord Shankar - all are God's Names. If one realizes the presence of God in His name, one will definitely be benefited.

As soon as a mantra is given or initiation is performed to a disciple, one will immediately be liberated from maya**, and will attain eternal bliss. One will no longer remain under the bondage of the three modes of maya, **trikarma, tridosha, panchaklesha and panchakoshas.

When the Guru initiates someone it should have a great effect on him; even an ordinary electric current has a shocking effect. The Guru is imparting Divine power and if that disciple does not feel a divine effect, it proves that the guru is not genuine. The attainment of God, end to all our sufferings, attainment of supreme bliss and freedom from maya should all happen simultaneously.

If not, then the so called guru has deceived you….

Wearing colored robes, sporting a long swinging beard and long hair, a sandal mark over the forehead, murmuring abracadabra, reciting a mantra and asking people to become disciples, to wash his feet and drink his foot ambrosia are not the hallmarks of a Guru.

Where will those poor souls of such imposters rest after death; celestial abode or hell? Hell is the proper place for them and yet they are selling tickets to Goloka.

Such large-scale and organized religious fraud is going on all over the world. It is bound to get worse in this growing age of 'Kaliyug' and devour us all, if we

don't wake up to the right knowledge now. What is the right knowledge?

The Name of God is endowed with all His powers. If one develops a firm conviction that God and His Names are not two separate entities, but are one and the same, one will certainly attain God. Therefore, you need not fall prey to the tricks of such dodgy babas.

First, purify your heart and make it eligible to receive the grace from a true saint."

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu ji Maharaj never initiated anyone in the traditional sense, such as whispering a verse from the Vedas or some sacred text (mantra) for the disciple to recite repetitively as a means for realizing God. The only mantra imparted by Shri Maharaj ji was the Name of Shri Radha which can be recited by anyone, anywhere and at any time. There is no restriction of caste or creed. There are no rules of time or place. There is not distinction made between senior and junior; literate or illiterate. It makes no difference whether you recite Radhe Govinda or Sita Ram or Radhe Shyam.

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj is the fifth original Jagadguru in the history of the world. Kashi Vidvat Parishat, a congregation of 500 topmost scholars of India, were left spellbound when they heard Shri Maharaj ji's Divine deliverance of the Vedic philosophy and honored Him with the unprecedented title of: Jagadguruttam on 14th January 1957 and conferred upon Him the most exalted title: Shrimatpadvakyapramanparavarin, Vedmargpratishthapanacharya, Nikhildarshansamanvayacharya, Sanatanvaidikdharmpratishthapansatsampradayaparmacharya, Bhakti-yog-rasavatar, Bhagavadanantshrivibhushit, Shri 1008 Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj. *mantra- a sacred verse usually bestowed by a Guru to a disciple for repetitive chanting as a means of focusing the mind on God **maya- sattvic, rajasa and tamasa **trikarma - three types of actions ** tridosha three bodily disorders ** panchaklesha - five kinds of afflictions, ** panchakosha five material sheaths Sushree Gopeshwari Devi ji is one of the foremost preachers of His Divinity Jagadguru Shri Kripalu ji Maharaj. She is a teacher for (JKP)Radha Madhav Dham, Austin, TX www.RadhaMadhavDham.org Email-- gdidi@usbm.org

December 4, 2015

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Realty Tidbits

Tatas to develop Rs 200 cr project in Mumbai NEW DELHI: Realty firm Tata Housing has tied up with another realtor Neptune group to develop a housing project in Mumbai at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore.

The company, which is the real estate arm of the Tata group, announced expansion in the premium real estate space with the launch of new project 'Eleve' in Mumbai, in collaboration with Neptune Group.

The starting price of the flat in this project, spread over 22 acres, is Rs 1.4 crore, Tata Housing said in a statement.

Land parcel belongs to Neptune Group and both the partners would develop 500 units in this project at an investment of Rs 200 crore, sources said.

Commenting on the occasion, Brotin Banerjee, MD & CEO, Tata Housing, said: "We are extremely glad to partner with Neptune to expand our presence in Mumbai."

Nayan Bheda, CMD, Neptune Group said this project is poised to benefit immensely from the vast experience of Tata Housing in creating landmark developments across the country and Neptune's strong brand presence locally in Bhandup.

Established in 1984, Tata Housing is a closely held public limited company and a subsidiary of Tata Sons. It is developing 70 million sq ft under various stages of planning and execution and an additional 19 million sq ft is in the pipeline. -PTI

Maharashtra, UP corner private investment in realty

LUCKNOW: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat together make up for over half of the total investments worth more than Rs 12 lakh crore in the realty sector from private players - including domestic and foreign.

"UP has managed to increase its share in private investments in real estate sector to 16 per cent in 2014-15, from 0.1 per cent in 200405," an Assocham report said.

The report titled 'Real estate investment: State-level analysis' by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) said the share of private investment in the realty sector in Gujarat went up by about 10 per cent last decade.

In the case of Maharashtra, it has slipped to 22 per cent in 201415, from 25.5 per cent in 2004-05.

Within states, private players accounted for over 98 per cent of total investments by the real estate sector in UP whereas it stood at 92 per cent for Gujarat and 89.5 per cent for Maharashtra.

Details on Page 25

Real Estate 24 India Post

www.indiapost.com

December 4, 2015

'Housing for All' may boost economy by 3.5% by '22 MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious project Housing For All has the potential to push up the country's economy by 3.5 per cent by 2022 with sectors supplying crucial inputs to the construction industry being the biggest beneficiaries, says India Ratings.

According to the report, sectors like cement, iron and steel, which supply crucial inputs to the construction industry, are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries of the Housing for All (HFA) program.

Details on Page 25

How to make sure your green home upgrades pay off

I

nvesting in making your home more energy efficient can help the environment, lower your utility bills and possibly help you fetch a higher sale price.

But homeowners considering a green remodel should also weigh how long it will take for the improvements to reap savings. Some pricey features, like replacing windows or buying a solar power system, could take many years to ultimately pay for themselves. ``You have to make a decision: `How environmentally friendly do I want to get if it takes me 16 years to break even on my investment?''' said Sid Davis, a home renovator and author of ``Your Eco-Friendly Home: Buying, Building or Remodeling Green.''

Here are some things to consider as you map out your home's conversion to a more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly pad: GET A HOME ENERGY AUDIT You want to lower your electric or gas bill. You may even be ready to buy or lease solar panels to generate electricity. But what if you can accomplish big savings by

simply re-sealing your windows and doors to prevent air inside your home from venting, driving up your heating and cooling costs? Where do you begin?

During an energy audit an expert sizes up the efficiency of your

cooling costs result from heat loss, as air moves in and out of a house through holes, improperly sealed windows and insufficient insulation.

Check with your electric or gas company to see whether they of-

Jacob Bruce, right, leads his brother Jon in installing solar paneling on the home of Tom Cunningham and Lorraine Venberg in Louisville, Ky. Investing in making your home more energy efficient can help make it more environmentally friendly, lower your utility bills and possibly help you fetch a higher sale price.

appliances, air and heating systems, and gauges how much air your home is leaking.

Up to 25 percent of heating and

fer to conduct home energy inspections. Often, such audits may be free.

MAKE EASY CHANGES FIRST Tackling less expensive changes first can add up to big savings.

Replacing incandescent lights with compact fluorescent light bulbs, using a programmable thermostat to control when air conditioning or heat turns on can whittle away at your utility bills. Then there's insulation, the decidedly low-tech but key feature of every energy efficient home.

The cost of home insulation can vary, depending on how much you need and which type you use.

Try this online tool from homeimprovement website Homewyse.com: http:// www.homewyse.com/services/ cost_to_insulate_your_home.html ``Adding attic insulation is a good energy saver that does not break the bank,'' notes John Ritterpusch, assistant vice president of sustainability and green building at the National Association of Home Builders. ``Air sealing older homes with a caulk gun and a steady hand can do much to keep the winter winds at bay.''

Cont’d on page 25

US new-home sales recovered in Oct WASHINGTON: Sales of new homes recovered in October after suffering a steep drop in September, returning to this year's trend of an improving market for real estate developers and builders.

The Commerce Department said that new-home sales climbed 10.7 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 495,000. This rebound followed a 12.9 percent plunge in the sales rate during September.

Americans recovered much of their appetite for owning new homes this year. Purchases have surged 15.7 percent year-to-date, benefiting from the solid hiring gains and low mortgage rates. ``We still see new homes sales consistent with a moderate and sustained recovery in the hous-

ing market,'' said Blerina Uruçi, an analyst at Barclays.

The new-home sales report tends to be volatile from month to month. Downward revisions lowered home sales reported in September, August and July by a combined 40,000.

The October figures reflected some geographical extremes. Home-buying surged 135.5 percent in the Northeast, while rising less aggressively in the Midwest and South. Sales dropped slightly in the West.

But prices dipped last month despite other industry reports indicating that real estate prices have eclipsed income growth. In October, the median new-home sales price fell 8.5 percent from a

year ago to $281,500.

The real estate sector is still healing from the bursting of the housing bubble and the 2008 financial crisis. Sales of new homes remain below the 52-year historic average of 655,200.

There are other signs that the sales gains of the past year are leveling off after improvements in prior months. Sales of existing homes began to slow last month, a sign that rising prices are creat-

ing affordability problems for many would-be buyers.

The National Association of Realtors said that sales of existing homes fell 3.4 percent in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.36 million.

Despite that monthly decline, existing- home purchases have increased 3.9 percent from a year ago. The sales improved even though potential buyers face slim picking as the number of listings on the market has dropped 4.5 percent.

Low mortgage rates have eased some home sales. But rates have started to rise ahead of a December Federal Reserve meeting, where Fed officials are expected to raise short-term rates for the first time in nearly a decade. -AP

Real Estate Post

December 4, 2015

India Post 25

www.indiapost.com

'Housing for All' may boost economy by 3.5% by '22 MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious project Housing For All has the potential to push up the country's economy by 3.5 per cent by 2022 with sectors supplying crucial inputs to the construction industry being the biggest beneficiaries, says India Ratings.

According to the report, sectors like cement, iron and steel, which supply crucial inputs to the construction industry, are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries of the Housing for All (HFA) program.

The agency estimates the cost of constructing 20 million houses during FY16-FY22 will be around Rs 2,14,286 crore per annum.

"This indicates an increase in the construction sector's gross value added (GVA) by Rs 2,14,286 crore which will increase the size of the Indian economy by 3.5 per cent in FY16. The direct impact is estimated to be 1.52 per cent and indirect impact 1.98 per cent," In-

dia Ratings's Chief Economist and Head Public Finance Devendra Pant said.

the highest employment multiplier, and HFA has the potential to increase employment by 1.6 lakh man

2022 if we assume that there are no other impediments.

Additional annual steel demand, mainly bars and rods, for HFA is estimated to be 24.6 per cent of FY14 production levels.

Similarly, additional cement demand is estimated to be 13.2 per cent of FY15 cement production.

Clearly, the incremental steel and cement demand is huge.

Pant, however, noted that there are other execution challenges.

"While the program has been announced, not much has happened on the ground. We expect time overruns in HFA program to lead to cost overruns," he said.

The central government will provide a grant for slum households to the states, central assistance directly to households and interest subvention. Therefore, the overall fiscal impact is estimated to be 0.16 per cent of GDP in FY16, the report added.

"The construction sector has

years annually. The impact will be felt across all states. However, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal are likely to be the major beneficiaries," he said.

While the cement and steel sectors will get a boost from the project, these sectors may also act as a constraint in realizing HFA by

How to make sure your green home upgrades pay off

Maharashtra, UP corner private investment in realty LUCKNOW: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat together make up for over half of the total investments worth more than Rs 12 lakh crore in the realty sector from private players - including domestic and foreign.

"UP has managed to increase

its share in private investments in real estate sector to 16 per cent in 2014-15, from 0.1 per cent in 200405," an Assocham report said.

The report titled 'Real estate investment: State-level analysis' by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) said the share of private investment in the realty sector in Gujarat went up by about 10

per cent last decade.

In the case of Maharashtra, it has slipped to 22 per cent in 201415, from 25.5 per cent in 2004-05.

Within states, private players accounted for over 98 per cent of total investments by the real estate sector in UP whereas it stood

at 92 per cent for Gujarat and 89.5 per cent for Maharashtra.

Of the total investments worth over Rs 14 lakh crore across India in 2014-15, private and public investors chipped in with about 85 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively, the report said.

"Improving macroeconomic conditions, enabling policy environment, recovering demand, at-

tractive valuations and increasing capital requirements of the real estate sector have lured private players over the years," Secretary General of Assocham D S Rawat said during the release of the report.

"With the Centre liberalizing FDI rules in the realty and construction sector, we are hopeful that it will lift the affordable housing space, revive steel, cement and other related sectors, revive employment scenario and boost GDP growth."

He said Karnataka alone received over 38 per cent of the total investments made by the public sector across India, followed by Maharashtra at 14.5 per cent and Gujarat at 7 per cent.

Intra-state, the public sector accounted for the highest share of 99 per cent of total investments in realty in Jammu and Kashmir.

Over 75 per cent of the total real estate projects in India remained non-starters as of 2014-15 while a whopping 99 per cent in Andhra Pradesh remained stuck due to various issues.

In its study, the industry chamber has suggested various measures to support the real estate sector in India passage of the Real Estate Bill on a priority basis and introduction of a single-window clearance for all real estate projects by central and state governments.

-PTI

Cont’d from page 24

Adding high-efficiency toilets can also translate into savings, especially when you factor in potential rebates from water utilities that range from $25 to $200, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That could shorten the time it takes to recover the cost of such toilets, which are typically more expensive than less-efficient ones, to a few years, the EPA says.

LOOK INTO REBATES From solar power systems and appliances to single-pane windows, certain energy and waterefficient improvements can qualify homeowners for rebates from utilities or government tax credits.

For example, the IRS offers a tax credit of 30 percent of the cost of solar hot water heaters, solar electric equipment and wind turbines.

If the credit exceeds how much you owe in taxes, the IRS allows you to carry over the unused portion into the next year's tax return.

To search which energy efficient appliances and other home features qualify homeowners for federal tax credits for the 2015 tax year, check this out: https:// www.energystar.gov/about/ federal_tax_credits Here's a search portal for rebates on Energy Star-rated appliances: https:// www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder CONSIDER RESALE IMPACT Certain green upgrades may add value to your home, depending on whether you live in a part of the country where those upgrades are seen as more of a selling point.

For example, in the Southwest, homebuyers may be more likely to view water-sparing landscaping,

Besides, the project would also increase the demand for municipal services such as sewage, drinking water, sanitation, solid waste and city transport, among others.

"As such, urban civic infrastructure services are under stress. The burden added by HFA will accentuate the stress as municipal authorities are mostly cash strapped. The way out is to allow municipal authorities to tap the bond market as support from upper tier government in the form of grants will not be enough to bridge their revenue expenditure gap," Pant added. -PTI

``smart'' sprinklers or a solar power system as valuable features of a home than in other parts of the country where water and energy costs are less expensive.

A recent study tracked singlefamily homes with solar power systems in six states that were sold mostly between 2010 and 2013. The study, conducted by real estate appraisers and the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,

Certain green upgrades may add value to your home, depending on whether you live in a part of the country where those upgrades are seen as more of a selling point. found that the homes sold, on average, for more than other homes without solar power systems. It also found that the sales price gain was higher the bigger the solar system in the home.

The appraisers, on average, found a premium of around $14,000 for solar homes with typical-sized systems of about 3.85 kilowatts.

The green premium isn't a given. Some home appraisers may not have the training to evaluate the value of green home features.

Or there may not be enough comparable homes in the area with such features, said Sandra Adomatis, a certified general appraiser and instructor with the Appraisal Institute. She also coled the solar power study. -AP

Horoscope

26 India Post

December 4, 2015

www.indiapost.com

trong Venus in your sign will provide with little divine protection and you will be successful in resolving few tricky issues this week. Mail or letter you sent will be acknowledged in positive response. It's the personal side you should watch out and try not to grab the bait thrown by someone from way past in your life by letting the offer pass.

S

trong Venus in tenth will be helpful. You will accomplish a lot and finish many things well before deadline in order to get ready for an upcoming and exciting trip. Children will be another source of happiness and if living away, will come home. You may also plan an evening with some colleagues from work this week.

Y

D

Dec 4th - Dec10th 2015

S

W

eather may have slight negative effect on health. Fresh hurdles will shake your confidence badly. Seek outside opinion if you can not decide what to do and how to deal with new situation. You will meet an interesting person probably during the course of a trip this week. Money wise you will continue to stay in safe zone throughout month.

P

lanets are on full swing to help you win big way. Favorable outcome in legal matter will change the whole scenario. Rewards could be better than earlier expected. Some one lot younger in age will be helpful. Travel plan will take final shape. Little extra time spent on phone will help you save money for long time to come.

ou will be very lucky in all financial deals. Loan application will go through without any difficulty. You will also plan a small trip with family and may also go to attend some celebration in close circle. Your plans will reflect determination and be aimed at long term benefits. Some of you may finally go out and buy another vehicle.

Y

ou will enjoy life with a new friend and take it to a different dimension. Trip will be entertaining. Meeting with boss will go well and necessary recommendation will be made. You may also dispose off some money making stocks and wait to buy them back. Just drive slow and park your vehicle at proper lite place this week.

o not allow outside forces come in between you and your partner.

The judgement in case can come anytime. Health issue can be controlled with over the counter medicine. You may cancel your plans to attend a religious event on some last minute developments. Property deal can also materialize this week.

A bald person will be helpful.

P

ew bold initiatives will take you closer to professional goals. Money wise you will stay in comfortable.

People in business will strike few good deals. There is no harm in buying few lottery tickets. Some of you may be getting ready to make a smooth switch to new career. You will make good use of extra time on hand and do some cleaning.

F

eople prone to injury and blood pressure should be extra extra careful for next few weeks. Presence of Venus in second will give you the Midas touch with money. All financial plans will hit the bulls eye and you will lay your hands on some real easy money.

You will also do some serious shopping for the home this week.

P

nd you will start preparing for an upcoming long distance trip. Do not ignore any legal query and reply on time. You will be calling overseas more frequently this week. Some of you may trade one of your old vehicle with a new one.

Your actions will reflect determination and purpose.

People close will admire change in your personality.

A

amily will be leaving for the trip soon. Money wise things wills start looking up once again. You may be talking of starting a business venture with some young people. You may chalk out some plans with colleagues for upcoming holidays. Idea of changing car will come to mind but family members may not agree.

roperty deal can finalize this week. Some of you may buy another vehicle during the week. You may recover some past dues also. Hurdles will come but will be followed by easy solutions. There will be slight change in your travel plan.

Try to relax as much possible. An old friend will call after long interval and make plan for get together.

F

December 4, 2015

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India Post 27

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Gulaabo : Shaandaar 2 Main Hoon Hero Tera: Hero 3 Shaam Shaandaar : Shaandaar 4 Prem Leela: Prem Ratan Dhan 28 India Post

www.indiapost.com

December 4, 2015

Payo 5 Matargashti : Tamasha 6 Tung Tung Baje : Singh Is Bliing 7 Bandeyaa : Jazbaa 8 Afghan Jalebi : Phantom 9 Singh & Kaur : Singh Is Bliing 10 Raitaa Phail Gaya : Shaandaar

Bipasha is highly upset with the stylist.

She stated," Started my day of shoot with multiple burns on my face and hands by a socalled senior hair stylist. She did not even flinch after dropping the tong. Inhuman.

T

he horror queen of Bollywood, Bipasha Basu suffered multiple burns on face and hands after her careless stylist dropped hair tong on her. The Bong damsel's delicate skin was burnt! Bips posted multiple pictures of her on Instagram account showing off the disaster to her fans. She is currently in immense pain.

Bipasha is highly upset with the stylist. She stated," Started my day of shoot with multiple burns on my face and hands by a so-called senior hair stylist. She did not even flinch after dropping the tong. Inhuman. Think she came drunk to work. Unbelievable!"

Currently, Bipasha Basu is shooting the horror show 'Darr Sabko Lagta Hai' on &TV. She wrote further, "Post this careless accident, see my way of protecting myself from the mighty Tong! Am well and working. Scars will take a while to go."

Hope, Bipasha gets well soon!

I

f Shah Rukh Khan is called Bollywood's King, should Salman Khan settle for the industry's 'bhai' tag? At least, going by the money his films have made on the box office this year, it's only fair that he's given a bigger title.

In 2015, Salman's films have done almost the unthinkable: earning more than Rs 500 crore in one calendar year. The super success of Khan's latest film Prem Ratan Dhan Payo has ensured his entry into this elite club.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted about the film's business so far and said that PRDP had gathered more than Rs 200 cr by November 23.

In 2015, Salman's films have done almost the unthinkable: earning more than Rs 500 crore in one calendar year.

S

aif Ali Khan will star in the Hindi remake of 2014 Hollywood film 'Chef'. This was announced by production companies Abundantia Entertainment, Eros International and Alumbra Entertainment, who have joined hands for the remake.

'Chef' is a comedy drama written and directed by 'Iron Man' and 'The Jungle Book' director Jon Favreau, who also featured in the titular role of chef Carl Casper in the movie.

"I'm delighted to see 'Chef' get an Indian remake. I'm excited to see how this personal film translates to the Indian culture. The themes of food, music and family should resonate well," Jon Favreau said in a statement.

'Chef' is based on a professional chef, who quits his job at a popular Los Angeles restaurant after refusing to compromise his creative integrity to its controlling owner, and launches a food truck with his friend and son.

Bollywood

December 4, 2015

India Post 29

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eerja, a biopic on the life of Neerja Bhanot, a 23 year old airhostess, who gave up her life trying to save the lives of 379 hijacked passengers on PanAm flight in Karachi in 1986, is set to release on February 19, 2016.

Neerja posthumously became the youngest recipient of India's highest civilian award for bravery, The Ashok Chakra. Pakistan also bestowed the prestigious Tamgha-e-Insaaniyat Award to Neerja for showing incredible human kindness during the hijack.

Neerja is being produced by Fox Star Studios and Bling Unplugged. It has been directed by the celebrated ad film director Ram Madhvani.

Sonam Kapoor is playing the role of Neerja and acclaimed actress Shabana Azmi plays the role of Neerja's mother.

"India tends to forget so many of its heroes. It's heroines even more so. Neerja's story is one that just had to be told," said Atul Kasbekar, Producer, Bling Unplugged.

Neerja posthumously became the youngest recipient of India's highest civilian award for bravery, The Ashok Chakra.

Pakistan also bestowed the prestigious Tamgha-eInsaaniyat Award

Being a hard core hip-hop number, became even more difficult for her because Varun Dhawan is extremely good at it and Remo D'souza, who choreographed it, is a master of this style

K

riti Sanon recently revealed that the song 'Manma Emotion Jaage Re' from her upcoming flick Dilwale is a hard core hip hop number.

The 25-year-old actress said she was a bit nervous and skeptical when she started filming the song.

She added that the song, being a hard core hip-hop number, became even more difficult for her because Varun Dhawan is extremely good at it and Remo D'souza, who choreographed it, is a master of this style.

Since the actress has always been inclined towards dance, she didn't take much time to learn and perform it.

H

er killer looks in Raaz 3 caught everyone's attention, and now Esha Gupta is all set to move on to the dark side.

She's always been keen to experiment with different roles and here's her chance with Neeraj Pandey's Rustom opposite Akshay Kumar in this two-heroine project. While she's still working on the look for her character, a source reveals that it is akin to Priyanka Chopra's look in Aitraaz.

Well Esha, we know you will up the hotness quotient here, but we're waiting to see you play the bad gal!

Second innings V

eteran actress Aruna Irani will be making a come back after five years. She will feature in an upcoming Parth Samthaan-Sanah Kapoor starrer film. The actress was last seen in Priyadarshan's Khatta Meeta, way back in 2010.

According to sources, Irani is set to play a royal dadi in the movie, that also stars actress Sanah Kapoor's dad Pankaj Kapoor, mom Supriya Pathak and aunt Ratna Pathak.

"It's a fabulous script, I really wanted to do a comedy and when Subhash came to me with this offer I readily accepted.

The film will be directed by Karan Kashyap, who has assisted Mani Ratnam and Shimit Amin earlier.

30

India Post

SATYAGRAH SOULS Indian Americans Making A Difference

December 4, 2015

www.indiapost.com

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ATYAGRAH SOULS is a monthly column highlighting the achievements of Indian Americans locally and beyond, raising political awareness for our readers by presenting such rolemodels of inspiration for each of us to strive for similar uplifting purposes, to reach a greater zenith of accomplishment and fulfillment. Indian Americans are going through a transitional evolution, as we get entrenched, establishing ourselves in this free world. We are exerting our zealous work ethics and citizenship values to do some good, as entre-

preneurs, high tech geeks, doctors, lawyers and more. We are imposing our good will upon this fantastic country. But in quiet moments we may concur that our involvement can run a bit deeper to make a better impact over issues near and dear to our hearts.

We have this gnawing feeling in our conscience of a task that just needed our say. Are we doing enough? Yes we can get involved! Our involvement can simply start with developing a healthy curiosity in our local community, instead of being 'busy' bystanders. Once we get

involved, we quickly discover, how easy it is for us to impact change and how freeing and energizing the experience is; personally rewarding and transformative at the same time.

There are some of us who are already beginning to or have made their mark in doing just that. With this monthly series, we want to highlight these SatyAgrah souls as inspiration for all of us. Here is a SatyaGrah Soul, who has embarked upon a path not trodden before and made a difference. Read on, and let us learn from this experience.

A MONTHLY SERIES - BY

RISHI KUMAR

Give back skills, S service to community: Satpal

S

atpal, congratulations on a well deserved win. Election night, it was too close to call. What was going through your mind?

I was nervous and anxious to know the final results. But I had lot of support. More than 40 people were in my campaign office with me all three days of vote counting, until it was clear that I won the race. Very comforting to have such dedicated supporters.

Tell us about your election run?

What prompted the run? What was the experience like? Is it easy for minorities to win their first run for office?

I have lived in this community for past 30 years. I have volunteered on over a dozen non-profit boards since I moved to Whatcom County. As I volunteered with local Democrat party, I was asked to run for the State Representative in 2014. I was the first ever minority candidate in the Washington state to win the primary Satpal vote. I did not win Sidhu the State Rep seat, but was nominated to the County Council vacant position in March 2015. So in November I ran

for this position and won.

I am the second person of Indian decent to be elected to any public office for a city or county or state wide office. We have one State Senator Pramila Jayapal, who was elected in 2014.

How did folks in your community react to a minority running? Did you get the support of everyone in your community you expected to?

I was supported very enthusiastically by Indian community in the County and the State with financial contributions, votes and volunteers. I raised more funds than my opponents in both races.

You are an entrepreneur, educator, community leader, small business owner - you have done a lot! Where do you find the time and energy to juggle so many different things?

I always believed that giving back your skills and services to your community makes the community better for everyone. It was easy for me to spare at least 100 hours every year for community work. So it just became a routine for me to find time from my busy schedule.

What are you doing to seed new leadership in your community? Getting Indian Americans to register to vote or exercise their right to vote?

I have been working with

atpal Sidhu was recently elected to serve as County Councilman from 2nd District of Whatcom County, Washington.

Satpal has lived in Lynden for 30 years and involved in his community ing businesses were about to retire over as an engineer, business executive, next decade. Those jobs were going to educator and a small business owner. be recruited from outside the state like Satpal and his wife Mundir have been California and Texas. Recognizing the married for 36 years and together have opportunity, he created an alliance of all raised three four refineries fabulous sons. and other stakeAs a young holders to start a man he found new degree proopportunity gram at BTC to through the train local stuRotary Interdents with proper national Fountechnical skills. dation to visit Today there are the United several hundred States and exhigh wage, plore its busiskilled jobs ness, public taken by local policy, social graduates from and cultural BTC. Currently, life. He recoghe also serves nized the on the board of American ethic Whatcom County Councilman Satpal Sidhu Whatcom Comof hard work munity College and seized the opportunity to build a Foundation to raise scholarship funds for better life here. increased access to education.

As Dean at Bellingham Technical He has a proven record of working with College, Satpal discovered that 1,500 integrity as an employee, employer and highly paid, skilled workers at all four entrepreneur, living the principles of fairlocal refineries and other manufactur- ness.

the second generation American born minority youth to open volunteer activities and their involvement at their school or community at large. We have over 1200 Indian voters in our county, most of them registered in past couple of years. Before my race in 2014, no more than 10% people voted, however in 2015 our voting rate is over 70%, while the overall voter turnout in this election was under 50%.

As you look back on your community volunteering leading into a leadership community role, what is something you did right, and something that you wish hadn't done? What advice would you give to someone who wants to give back, make a mark in the community.

All along past 30 years I was very instrumental to open communication oppor-

tunities between our communities, which is mostly first generation immigrants. This was by way of open house at our temple, reaching out to other communities and churches for common events.

This made a great impact on having good acceptance among predominantly white community in this County. In 1907 Bellingham Riots, there were more than 250 Indians living in Bellingham who were expelled under the threat to their life and property. No Indian people came to live in the county for next 75 years.

I made sure that this was not forgotten.

With the help of like-minded local residents, we brought this to the notice of local city and county administration that acknowledged the wrong doing and apologized for the events 100 years ago.

Cont’d on page 11

December 4, 2015

SATYAGRAH SOULS Indian Americans Making A Difference

India Post

31

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Give back skills, service to community: Satpal Cont’d from page 30

w w w . y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=mvn_LpXj694 (Refer to this documentary we produced to memorialize these events of 1907.)

What is the political future of Indian Americans in USA? What advice would you offer to steer Indian Americans to success in America?

My advice to all Indian Americans whether first generation immigrants or born in USA, is to get involved in your local community. Work with your neighbors, schools, nonprofits and raise profile of your community and yourself. Share your cultural values and history. All Americans have come here as immigrants and each has his own story. Share with people your own story.

You will find very sympathetic people.

Satpal thank you so much for sharing your perspective. We wish you the very best with his community leadership and efforts. ******* Dear Readers Do you have a story to share? We invite you to introduce us to folks in your community who are making a difference - we would love to profile them. Are there similar stories you are familiar with locally.

The ones who helped address a simple issue in the community to make life a bit better. Perhaps someone you know decided to make a run for school board, was appointed to the planning commission. Provide us your insights on Indian Americans locally and nationally who are making things happen. These perspectives will help construct roadmaps for our community to empower ourselves, to hopefully ignite a desire in all of us to represent our local communities as doers, leaders, establish and entrench ourselves in this glorious country of America and help make it a better place ******* ABOUT RISHI: Rishi is Silicon Valley's energizer bunny deeply engaged in his local community. He is an elected city councilmember in Saratoga, CA who continues to follow his passion for community organizing and service. As city councilmember Rishi seeks to provide services to the citizens of Saratoga cheaper, faster and better; community outreach and engagement is a focus for him on the council.

Rishi's day job is as a Silicon Valley hi-

tech executive but his zeal for community service effervescent. As Saratoga's community organizer, Rishi is host of many community events in Saratoga, many of which are free and always inclusive usually addressing a need or a cause.

Community events such as Bike Safety workshop to help with safety of kids biking to school, Drought tolerant vegetation seminar, Documentary screenings, Saratoga has Talent annual competition that raises money for Saratoga's Seniors every year, Diwali, Dandia along with free weekly Sunday classes, such as Lego Robotics Club, Young Coders club, Meditation, Yoga.

Rishi is involved politically at the state level as an Executive Board Member - CA Democratic Party, Officer of the California

Satpal Sidhu, dean of Bellingham Technical College and spokesman for the Guru Nanak Guru Sikh Temple south of Lynden, sits in a prayer room at the temple

Democratic Party API Caucus and Director of California League of Cities API Caucus. He is the President of the Bay Area

My advice to all Indian Americans whether first generation immigrants or born in USA, is to get involved in your local community. Work with your neighbors, schools, nonprofits and raise profile of your community and yourself. Share your cultural values and history.

Indian American Democratic Club (www.baiadc.org) whose charter is to further the interests and values of Indian Americans, work towards political empowerment and advance ethical standards in the political system. Rishi would love to get your recommendations for coverage of engaged Indian American leaders who are trailblazers in your community. You can reach him via his website www.RishiKumar.com.

Whatcom County Council District 2 candidate Satpal Sidhu reacts to early election results on November 3, at Chuckanut Brewery in Bellingham, Washington

„ Health

Line

'There's nothing safe about indoor tanning' ALBANY, N.Y.: A national chain of gym and fitness centers has agreed as part of an agreement struck with New York's attorney general not to offer unlimited indoor tanning to members.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says Planet Fitness will also provide training for employees who operate tanning equipment and pay $50,000 in penalties and legal costs.

Schneiderman says there's nothing safe about indoor tanning. He says investigators found several Planet Fitness locations in violation of regulations requiring warnings, consent forms and free protective eyewear.

A company spokesman says y that Planet Fitness does not advertise or promote any benefits of tanning. The company says its franchise owners were reminded that they must comply with the regulations as soon as Schneiderman raised his concerns.

The Newington, New Hampshire-based chain has 100 locations in New York. -AP

„ Kentucky wins $2.65 mn in Medicaid settlement FRANKFORT, Ky.: Kentucky has recovered $2.65 million from a San Diego-based urine drug testing company for fraudulently billing the state's Medicaid program.

Attorney General Jack Conway announced the settlement with Millennium Health. Conway said the company would cause doctors to order an excessive number of unnecessary urine tests, which

Health Science

app can help control blood pressure

32 India Post

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December 4, 2015

Details on Page 34

Skin creams containing steroids widely misused in India LONDON: Doctors in India are witnessing a pandemic of adverse effects induced by the widespread misuse of skin creams and lotions containing steroids, an Indian dermatologist has warned.

Corticosteroids, also known as steroids, are anti-inflammatory medicines used for a range of conditions.

However, these can lead to substantial and permanent damage, especially on thin skin, such as on the face and groin, researchers said.

Side effects include pigmentation and breakdown of the skin, small and widened blood vessels on the skin, as well as bacterial and fungal infections.

Misuse can lead to resistance of infections that can make these difficult to diagnose and treat.

"Indian doctors are witnessing a pandemic of adverse effects induced by topical corticosteroids," Shyam B Verma, a consultant dermatologist based in Gujarat wrote in a study published in The BMJ. The study of 2,926 dermatology patients in 2013 showed that

433 (14.8 per cent) were using topical steroids and 392 (90.5 per cent) had harmful effects.

As required by law in India, strong steroids can be sold only

steroids is that too few specialist dermatologists are available, Verma said.

The majority of India's some 8,500 dermatologists are based in

with a registered medical practitioner's prescription.

However, topical steroids are exempt and can be purchased over the counter.

Another problem that leads to the inappropriate use of topical

cities, while most of India's population is dispersed in villages, he said.

"So many patients seek treatment for skin disease from primary care providers, including thousands of ayurvedic and homeo-

FDA approves booster-enhanced flu vaccine WASHINGTON: Federal health officials have approved a first-of-a-kind flu vaccine

the virus.

The Food and Drug Administration says Fluad is the first

Jack Conway

were then charged to Medicaid.

The company also gave free urine testing cups to doctors but only if the doctors returned the specimens to the company for hundreds of dollars' worth of testing. Conway said that violated Kentucky's anti-kickback laws, which bans companies from giving anything of value to a doctor in exchange for referrals. -AP

Smartphone

Julianne Crain gets her flu shot at the Boynton Beach Senior Center in Boynton Beach, Fla.

that contains a booster to help protect seniors vulnerable to

seasonal vaccine that contains an adjuvant, a substance that

boosts the body's immune response. The agency approved the vaccine to prevent seasonal flu in people 65 and older.

Several vaccines already include boosters, including aluminum, which has been shown to help build immunity.

Fluad contains an oil-inwater mixture that includes squalene, a substance found in humans, animals and plants.

The vaccine was first approved in Italy in 1997 and is available in 38 countries, including 15 European countries and Canada.

Between 80 percent and 90 percent of flu-related deaths occur in seniors, according to federal authorities. -AP

pathic practitioners and unqualified charlatans," he said.

Although it is illegal, they may prescribe topical corticosteroids with little or no knowledge of dermatology, and many pharmacists sell steroid creams without a prescription, ignoring the box warnings, Verma said.

Due to costs and the inconvenience of specialist dermatological consultations, patients with prescriptions often re-purchase and share drugs with friends and relatives with similar symptoms.

"Sales of such products would be unthinkable in developed nations but even qualified medical practitioners in India are ignorant about rational prescribing," he said, calling for these "irrational combinations" to be banned.

"Most developed countries restrict sales of topical corticosteroids strictly by prescription, because they should be used judiciously, for appropriate indications and duration," Verma said.

"This problem highlights the low priority that dermatology receives in India," he said. -PTI

Tap water, salt makes cooked food toxic

C

ooking with chloraminated tap water and iodized table salt could put potentially harmful toxins in your food, a study has warned.

Researchers have found several molecules that are almost completely new to scientists, created by cooking with chloraminated tap water and iodized table salt. They said that limiting cooking time and temperature, and cooking with table salt fortified with iodate instead of iodide, could be safest.

Our tap water is disinfected before we drink it or use it in cooking. This is done in several ways, including by adding chlorine or molecules called chloramines that are made using ammonia.

These two processes - chlorination and chloramination - have an effect on the chemical makeup of the water. -PTI

December 4, 2015

Health Science Post

India Post 33

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Ultrasound can identify people at stroke risk LONDON: Ultrasound examination can prove to be a non-invasive and inexpensive way to identify patients at increased risk of future stroke who could benefit from surgery, new research has found.

Since surgical treatment to prevent stroke is only considered beneficial to some, ultrasound, a non-invasive technique commonly used to study the presence of atherosclerosis disease in blood vessels, can prove useful in preventing unnecessary surgical intervention, researchers said.

Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is an inflammatory disease affecting the arteries supplying the brain, heart, other organs and extremities with oxygen-rich blood, according to the research at Umea University in Sweden.

A well-established atherosclerosis disease, with accumulation of plaque narrowing the arteries, can obstruct the blood supply to the brain and other vital organs. Ath-

erosclerosis in the neck arteries can cause stroke.

The serious condition, known as carotid stenosis, is quite common in the elderly as well as in people with risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and obesity.

Atherosclerosis disease progression can be controlled by medical treatment including cholesterol-lowering drugs, and significant narrowing in symptomatic patients can be treated surgically.

"We know that preventive surgical treatment of carotid stenosis is only beneficial for a small subgroup, and that most asymptomatic patients will do better with only medical therapy," said Fisnik Jashari, doctoral student at the Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.

"By using ultrasound, we can identify the patients who are at a higher risk of stroke and thus would benefit from surgery. But preventing unnecessary surgical intervention in most cases is equally important," said Jashari.

To assess the nature of atherosclerosis disease and the extent of plaque build-up, the non-invasive ultrasound method remains favored over most others because it is radiation free, cheap and patient-friendly.

-PTI

Stress may cause skin problems NEW YORK: Higher psychological stress may be associated with skin complaints such as itchy skin and flaky patches on the scalp among college students, researchers, including one of Indian-origin, have found.

The study by researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM) and Temple University in US aimed to assess the relationship between perceived psychological stress and the prevalence of various skin symptoms in a large, randomly selected sample of undergraduate students. 422 students participated in the study.

"Previous studies have demonstrated an association between stress and skin symptoms, but those studies relied on small patient samples, did not use standardized tools, are anecdotal in nature, or focused their analyses on a single skin disease," Gil Yosopovitch of the Department of Dermatology and an author of the study said.

Researchers, including Mansha Sethi from the Department of Dermatology and Temple Itch Centre at LKSOM, divided the respondents into groupings labeled as low

stress, moderate stress and high stress.

The high stress group suffered significantly more often from itchy skin, hair loss, oily, waxy or flaky patches on the scalp, troublesome sweating, scaly skin, nail biting, itchy rash on hands, and hair pulling as compared to low stress subjects.

"Our findings highlight the need for health care/dermatology providers to ask these patients about their perceived levels of psycho-

logical stress," Yosopovitch added.

"These findings further suggest that non-pharmacologic therapeutic interventions should be considered for patients presenting with both skin conditions and heightened levels of psychological stress," he said. -PTI

'New dads may face mental health risk' MELBOURNE: Anxiety around the arrival of a new baby is just as common as postnatal depression, and the risks for men are nearly as high as for women, new research has found.

Researchers at the Australian National University (ANU) reviewed 43 separate studies and found anxiety before and after a child arrives is just as prevalent as depression, affecting around one in ten men, around half the rate for women.

"Men can feel left out of the process, because pregnancy and childbirth are so integrally linked to the mother. It can compound the problem. They don't seek help, because they think 'it's not so much about me'," said Liana Leach from the ANU Centre for Ageing, Health and Wellbeing.

Studies suggest over 20 per cent of parents suffer from anxiety or depression.

"Having a new baby is a time of great adjustment for many parents, and it is normal to be nervous, but anxiety can become a problem when it persists for extended periods and interferes with every day functioning," Leach added.

Symptoms of anxiety can include worrying or feeling keyed up much of the time,

feeling irritable, and fears for the baby's safety.

Physical symptoms can include a racing heart, feeling sweaty, poor sleep and poor appetite, researchers said.

Risk factors include lack of social support, especially from a partner, financial difficulties and a history of mental health problems.

"Couples should be aware of their mental health right from when they realize they are pregnant. Early intervention reduces the severity and duration of symptoms. Health care during the perinatal period should be about the whole family," Leach said.

The study was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. -PTI

34 India Post

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December 4, 2015

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New drug gives hope to skin cancer patients WASHINGTON: Scientists have developed a drug that shows promise for treating deadly forms of skin cancer, such as melanoma, which are resistant to existing therapies.

The new compound, SBI-756, targets a specific molecular machine known as the translation initiation complex.

These structures are in every cell and play the critical role of translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins. In cancer cells, the complex is impaired, producing extra protein and providing a growth advantage to tumors.

SBI-756 causes the translation complex to dissociate and inhibit melanoma cell growth.

"A major issue limiting the effectiveness of current melanoma therapies is that tumors become resistant to treatment," said Ze'ev

Ronai from Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in the U.S. "Combining drugs that come at a melanoma from dif-

specific gene called BRAF. Patients with these tumors are commonly prescribed vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor that shrinks tu-

drug.

A similar phenomenon is seen in mice, where treatment of BRAF melanomas results in an initial response, but the tumors return in three or four weeks.

The team found that if SBI-756 is co-administered with vemurafenib, the tumors disappeared and did not reoccur. Even in mice with advanced or latestage BRAF-driven cancer, the reappearance of resistant tumors was slowed by including SBI756.

These data suggest that SBI756 provides a significant advantage in overcoming tumor resistance.

ferent angles may help overcome the problem of drug resistance."

About 50 per cent of melanomas are caused by mutations in a

mors. However, many patients experience a relapse within weeks, months or years because tumors evolve and become resistant to the

Reduce tumor load In other forms of melanoma,

caused by mutations in the genes NRAS and NF1, which are known as unresponsive to BRAF drugs, administering SBI-756 alone significantly lessened the tumor load, the scientists found.

The team is now testing whether combining SBI-756 with existing drugs used for treating these types of melanomas can make the tumors disappear.

"The finding of SBI-756 is also exciting for the possible treatment of diseases other than cancer, such as neurodegenerative diseases, where the activity of the translation initiation complex is reported to be higher," said Nahum Sonenberg of McGill University.

The study was published in the journal Cancer Research. - PTI

Official enters plea in Smartphone app can help Medicaid fraud case control blood pressure

LONDON: Researchers have developed an interactive web tool that, along with a smartphone, can be used to self-manage high blood pressure effectively.

Blood pressure medication combined with changes in lifestyle gives good results, but despite awareness of this, few people are able to reach a well controlled blood pressure.

"The result showed statistical and clinical significance in lowering blood pressure between the first and last weeks of the study," said Ulrika Bengtsson, PhD student at the Sahlgrenska Academy of the Gothenburg University in Sweden.

The patients reported their blood pressure, pulse, medication intake, lifestyle, symptoms and

state of well being in their mobile phones.

The web system sent questions, individual lifestyle related and encouraging messages and reminders to the patient's mobile.

Graphic feedback was available on the Internet allowing the patients and their healthcare professionals to check blood pressure values in relation to other

estimates, either on a specific day or over time.

Systolic blood pressure, on average, was lowered by 7 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 4.9 mmHg. The reduction generally occurred during the first weeks and then stabilized.

The results showed that the use of the interactive system gave patients a better understanding of

the connection between their lifestyle and their blood pressure.

"The blood pressure reduction trend was fairly similar, regardless of the initial blood pressure level, blood pressure dropped," said Bengtsson.

The research shows how the use of an interactive system with questions and messages designed to act as a support in the treatment of high blood pressure can result in a reduction in blood pressure and function as a good basis for discussions and understanding of how the individual's lifestyle affects their blood pressure.

The development was carried out with a person centered approach in cooperation with the patients and healthcare professionals.

The patients' shared their experiences, expectations and preferences in the development and evaluation of the system. Fifty patients with high blood pressure participated in the study.

The system was first evaluated after 8 weeks for its effect on blood pressure. In the next step, audio and video recordings of the follow-up discussions were analyzed to examine how the patients' experiences of self-managing their condition impacted communication between patient and caregiver.

The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension. -PTI

MASON, Mich.: The former head of a Calhoun County mental health organization faces up to 17 months in prison and will pay more than $1 million as part of a plea deal in a fraud case.

The Battle Creek Enquirer reports that Ervin Brinker pleaded guilty in Ingham County Circuit Court in Mason and will pay $510,000 in restitution and another $510,000 in civil penalties.

He was fired in February from his job as chief executive for Battle Creek-based Summit Pointe.

Brinker was accused of giving $510,000 in public funds to a psychic palm reader in Florida under the guise of health care consulting.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette charged him with Medicaid fraud conspiracy and embezzlement by a public official

Ervin Brinker pleaded guilty in Ingham County Circuit Court in Mason and will pay $510,000 in restitution Brinker is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 13. -AP

December 4, 2015

Health Science Post

India Post 35

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Text messages can cut binge drinking WASHINGTON: Sending young adults text messages might be an effective way to reduce binge drinking and alcohol-related injuries, a new study suggests.

A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine-led trial to test a text messagebased program aimed at reducing binge drinking is the first to show that such an intervention can successfully produce sustained reductions in alcohol consumption in young adults.

The findings showed that the program, designed by lead author Brian Suffoletto, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Pitt, reduced binge drinking and alcohol-related injuries when compared to a

control group and a self-monitoring group.

The positive effect continued six months after the program ended.

"Given the low cost to send text messages and the capacity to deliver them to almost every at-risk young adult, a text message-based intervention targeting binge drinking could have a public health impact on reducing both immediate and long-term health problems," said Suffoletto.

The 12-week trial randomized into three groups 765 18- to 25-year-olds who were discharged from four urban emergency departments in western Pennsylvania. The control group received standard care and

Major fall in diabetesrelated amputations LONDON: A significant reduction in diabetes-related amputations has been seen since the mid-1990s, thanks to improvements in diabetes care over this period, researchers have found.

Amputations of the lower limbs are one of the most serious and disabling complications of diabetes, and become necessary when the nerve and blood vessel damage caused by the condition affects the blood supply to the lower limbs.

Serious problems with the feet (including ulceration) are a frequent reason for hospitalization among patients who have diabetes.

Researchers at the Odense University Hospital in Denmark analyzed amputation rates in the Funen region of Denmark (with 0.5 million residents and regarded as representative of both the population of Denmark as a whole and other high-income countries of Europe and the world) during the period 19962011.

Amputations were identified from the administrative system, diabetes status by linkage with the Danish National Diabetes Register, and mortality and population data were extracted from Statistics Denmark and the Civil Registration System.

The analysis showed major reductions in diabetes-related amputations of various types.

The researchers found an annual reduction in below-ankle amputation (BAA) rates among diabetes patients of 10 per cent and the annual reduction in below-knee amputation (BKA) rates for patients with diabetes was 15 per cent; for above-knee amputations (AKA), the annual rate of reduction for those with diabetes was around 3 per cent but not statistically significant.

Amputation rates unrelated to diabetes (for example, those caused by vascular diseases and ischaemia) remained unchanged over this period.

During the period 1996-2011, a total of 2,832 amputations were performed of which 1,285 were among patients with diabetes and 1,547 among individuals without diabetes.

Diabetes patients had an 11-times increased rate of BAA relative to persons without diabetes.

For BKA, there was an approximately seven times increased rate, and for AKA there was a four-times increased rate.

The researchers believe that better

The researchers found an annual reduction in below-ankle amputation (BAA) rates among diabetes patients of 10 per cent and the annual reduction in below-knee amputation (BKA) rates for patients with diabetes was 15 per cent care related to diabetes and its complications, such as improved drugs and inspection and self-care of foot ulcers (that can get worse until they require amputation), are the central cause of the reduced amputation rates.

"Our study suggests that the reduction in amputation rates among diabetes patients most likely is due to improvement in the care of individuals with diabetes," the researchers said.

"The introduction of vascular surgery and improved surgical techniques cannot explain our findings, since these procedures are applied equally in individuals with and without diabetes," they said. -PTI

no text messages.

The self-monitoring group received text messages on Sundays asking about drinking quantity but received no feedback.

The final group received the full pro-

gram, which consisted of text messages on Thursdays enquiring about weekend drinking plans and promoting a goal commitment to limit drinking, followed by another text on Sunday to enquire about actual drinking and give tailored feedback aimed at reducing alcohol consumption.

If someone receiving the full intervention program reported anticipating a heavy drinking day (more than five drinks during any 24-hour period for men and

more than four for women), he or she received a text message expressing concern about those levels and asking if they would be willing to set a goal to limit their drinking below binge thresholds for the weekend.

Those who responded to the affirmative then received messages expressing positive reinforcement and strategies for cutting down.

Those who refused to set goals received a text message encouraging them to reflect on the decision.

Six months after the end of the trial, participants who were exposed to the full text-message intervention reported an average of one less binge drinking day per month.

There also was a 12 per cent reduced incidence of binge drinking. The control group and the self-monitoring group both had no reduction in alcohol consumption.

"Our text message-based intervention is scalable, provides uniform behavioral materials, and seems to produce meaningful, potentially life-saving results," said Suffoletto. -PTI

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China for talks to admit India in NSG BEIJING: China has called for discussions on whether "India and other countries" who have not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) can join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), amid new diplomatic push by influential members of the 48-member grouping to admit India.

Replying to a question about a media report in Pakistan stating that China has assured that it will

NSG is an important part of the non-proliferation regime. This regime is built upon the NPT" following a long time consensus by the international community, she said. China is part of 48-member NSG group.

NSG chairman Rafael Grossi had visited India this month and held talks with top leaders there about India's admission as part of efforts to build consensus to ad-

It earlier assisted Pakistan building 4 nuclear power plants. "We have noted that apart from India, there (are) other countries (who have) expressed the willingness to join the NSG," Hua said, without directly mentioning Pakistan push for Islamabad's membership into the group if India is admitted, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that whether or not Non-NPT countries be admitted should be subjected to "through discussion" among the NSG members.

"We quite understand the aspiration of the Indian side of taking part in the NSG," she said.

"China's principle is that the

mit New Delhi.

India's case is being pressed by the US and other influential countries based on its record in non-proliferation and the India-US civil nuclear accord.

China's call for talks among NSG members about "India and other Non-NPT" members indicate that Beijing may push for the case of Pakistan, which in the past has been accused of passing of

nuclear technology to Iran and other countries.

China has been carrying on with its own civil nuclear technology collaboration with Pakistan, building many nuclear plants including a new 1100 mw plant with USD 6.5 billion assistance in Karachi which drew criticism from NSG members.

It earlier assisted Pakistan building 4 nuclear power plants, two with 300 mw capacity and two other with 320 mw capacity.

Besides seeking US and others countries' support, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged China to back India's case for admission in the NSG during his visit here in May. Justifying China's stand, Hua said, "the NPT review conference this year reaffirmed this consensus" about its importance to global non-proliferation of nuclear technology.

"That is the reason why whether a country is a state party to the NPT is prerequisite of joining the NSG." "We have noted that apart from India, there (are) other countries (who have) expressed the willingness to join the NSG," Hua said, without directly mentioning Pakistan. -PTI

China welcomes Yuan inclusion as reserve currency BEIJING: China has welcomed the IMF's decision to include yuan as its fifth reserve currency but dismissed concerns over depreciation amid economic slowdown in the world's second largest economy.

Including yuan in the Special Drawing Right (SDR) basket as the fifth international legal tender after the US dollar, the euro, the British pound and the Japanese yen, shows the IMF's recognition of China's economic development and r e f o r m achievem e n t s , China's central bank the People's Bank - said.

"The joining of RMB (the Chinese renminbi) in the SDR basket means the international community has greater expectations on China to play an active role in the world economic and financial arena," it said in a statement.

Giving a stamp of approval of its being a global economic power, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recognized Chinese Yuan as a reserve currency -

RBI keeps policy rate unchanged MUMBAI: Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan has left the key interest rate unchanged as widely expected in view of rise in retail inflation to 4month high and likelihood of capital outflows on a possible US Fed rate hike later this month.

The Reserve Bank, which has lowered interest rate by 125 basis points or 1.25 per cent this year, including a larger- than-expected 50 bps cut at the last monetary policy review in late September, left the benchmark lending rate (repo) at 6.75 per cent.

The cash reserve ratio or the amount of deposits banks park with RBI has also been left unchanged at 4 per cent.

"Uptick of CPI inflation excluding food and fuel for two months in succession warrants vigilance," Rajan said, promising to ease rates as and when room is available.

"We are in accommodative stance," he said.

The Consumer Price Index or retail inflation accelerated to 5 per

Raghuram Rajan

cent in October led by a surge in food items such as pulses, match-

ing RBI's target for March 2017.

Stating that inflation is ex-

The RBI Governor said second-quarter GDP growth indicates early signs of recovery but the RBI will stick to its earlier projection of 7.4 per cent economic growth

pected to accelerate till December before plateauing, Rajan said it may follow RBI's projected path "with risks slightly to the downside".

The Reserve Bank, he said, "will use the space for further accommodation, when available, while keeping the economy anchored to the projected disinflation path that should take inflation down to 5 per cent by March 2017."

The RBI Governor said second-quarter GDP growth indicates early signs of recovery but the RBI will stick to its earlier projection of 7.4 per cent economic growth for the current fiscal with a marginal downward bias.

Rajan also expressed anguish at the banks' reluctance to pass on the benefits of the earlier rate cut actions to the borrowers, saying the median decrease in the base rates over the course of the year has only been 0.60 per cent as against the RBI s 1.25 per cent cut in the repo rate since January. -PTI

a long cherished dream for the leadership in Beijing.

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said that this "is an important milestone in the integration of the Chinese economy into the global financial system".

Such a move from the IMF at a time when the Chinese economy is slowed down and has been overtaken by India in terms of

growth rate, is seen by many experts a move by the international body to encourage China for a new set of economic reforms.

"Expectations have already been riding high that the board would formally announce the RMB's inclusion, which implies that a lot of near-term expectations should already be factored into the RMB movement," HSBC said.

The PBOC also played down reports that it may lead to further depreciation in future.

"There is no basis for continued yuan depreciation, and China is capable of keeping the currency basically stable at a reasonable level," China's central bank vice governor Yi Gang told a press conference, citing high-medium growth and foreign exchange reserves as major factors underpinning the currency.

"In case of drastic fluctuation or abnormality in international balance of payments and cross-border capital flow, the central bank will not hesitate to intervene," Yi added.

The IMF will include the Chinese currency to its SDR basket from October 1, 2016 with a weighting of 10.92 per cent, as the currency has "met all existing criteria".

The weighting of the other currencies in the basket is 41.73 per cent for the US dollar, 30.93 per cent for the euro, 8.33 per cent for the Japanese yen and 8.09 per cent for the British pound.

Created by the IMF in 1969, the SDR is an international reserve asset created to supplement its members' official reserves. It can be exchanged among governments for freely usable currencies in times of need. -PTI

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Rahul: Don't learn wrong lessons from Pakistan NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Government on the issue of intolerance telling it not to learn the "wrong lessons" from Pakistan and pleaded that it should listen to the people who have been "disturbed" over recent incidents.

"People like Narayana Murthy, Raghuram Rajan and P M Bhargava are among the many protesting... They are disturbed like millions of other people. Respect them and try to understand what is disturbing them. Go and

Rahul Gandhi

listen to them," he said speaking on the debate of intolerance in the Lok Sabha.

The Congress Vice President's speech was repeatedly interrupted

by BJP members, especially when he targeted Union Minister V K Singh who, he alleged, had likened two Dalit children in Haryana who were burnt to dogs to dogs. This was strongly contested by the BJP members. The Minister was not present in the House.

"Our Prime Minister allowed this man to continue as Minister.

Ambedkar spent his entire life

....and wrote the Constitution so that the two children are not burnt.

The Prime Minister is unable to see this contradiction," he said amid cries of 'shame-shame' from the Opposition benches.

"I request Government; please do not learn the wrong lessons from Pakistan. Be tolerant. Listen to your people, embrace your own people. Mahatma Gandhi gave voice to the people.

"Pakistan became a failure because their leaders crushed voices of their people...were intolerant.

Let us not learn the wrong lessons," he said.

Gandhi regretted that the Prime Minister remained silent after the Dadri lynching incident despite the fact that the son of the person killed is an air force personnel. "The ultimate responsibility for his protection is with the Prime Minister who remained silent", he remarked.

Rahul said a protest against the government attracts the charge of sedition. "In today's India, staging a protest means attracting the charge of sedition."

The opposition led by the Congress targeted the government over 'intolerance', saying instead of "developed India", a "divided India" was coming to the fore and it is a matter of serious concern.PTI

Any incident of atrocity is a blot: PM NEW DELHI: Amid the 'intolerance' debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here any incident of "atrocity" is a "blot" on the society as well as the nation whose "pain" should be felt by all and asserted that unity and harmony is the only way to take the country forward.

He said no questions can be raised over patriotism of any of the 125 crore Indians and nobody needs to produce a "certificate of patriotism", a statement that assumes significance as some people have make controversial remarks like asking dissenting people to 'go to Pakistan'.

Replying to a debate in Rajya Sabha on the Constitution, Modi underlined the 'mantra of ekta', saying there can be "many excuses for disintegration" in a diverse country like India but ways should be explored to keep the country united.

Adopting a conciliatory approach towards the opposition at a time when some crucial bills are stuck in the House, he pitched for bipartisan approach to all issues and decried attempts to introduce partisanship or politics in any issue concerning the nation.

In his 40-minute reply to the debate during which the government came under attack over 'intolerance', Modi said, "if there is any incident of atrocity against anybody, it is a blot on all of us, for the society as well as the nation. We should feel the pain and take this to ensure such things do not happen."

Though he did not specify any such incident, the statement may

NJ Indian killed in road accident NEW YORK: A 23-year-old Indian man was killed when a van struck his car on the side of a highway in New Jersey, an accident that also claimed the lives of two more persons.

Ravi Naik, a New Jersey resident, was pronounced dead after being brought to a local hospital following the accident, a report in the New York Times said. Twelve people also injured in the accident.

The accident occurred when a passenger van packed with restaurant workers returning home from work hit a car, a truck and a trailer hauling cattle that were parked on the side of the high-

way.

Offering a timeline of the accident, the New Jersey State Police said Troy Chase, 43, a trucker pulled his truck over on the right shoulder of the highway to repair the cattle trailer he was towing.

After some time, a car driven

by Naik struck the trailer but Naik pulled over and got out of his car.

As the two men stood beside their vehicles, a van carrying 12 passengers drifted onto the right shoulder of the highway, into the guardrail, the police said.

It then hit the truck, the cattle trailer and Naik s car before fatally striking him, the police said.

Naik was pronounced dead at

Morristown Medical Center in Morristown an hour later.

Two of the van's passengers were pronounced dead at the scene.

They have not been identified, pending notification of their families, the police said.

Naik worked in data analytics for a media marketing firm in Manhattan, his cousin Neel Naik said.

He had studied statistics and economics at Rutgers University and was known for putting others before himself, his cousin said.

After graduation, he turned down a job offer and stayed home to care for a sick grandparent. PTI

be seen a reference to the Dadri case where a Muslim man was lynched over beef-eating rumors.

"Unity and harmony is the tradition of India. We have to continue to explore reasons for strengthening the unity of the country. There will be many excuses for disintegration in a diverse country like India. It is our

Underlining that the country cannot move forward by 'tu tu, mai mai' (bickerings), Modi advocated the need for consensus while decrying the tendency to link everything to politics.

With several bills stuck in Rajya Sabha where the ruling NDA does not have adequate numbers, the Prime Minister

Narendra Modi

responsibility to unite people," the Prime Minister said.

"Nobody can raise questions over patriotism of the 125 crore citizens of the country. Nobody needs to give certificate of patriotism every now and then," he said.

This comes in the context of recent cases where some people, including from the ruling BJP, said those feeling unsafe like Aamir Khan should leave the country.

Asserting that the nation can be taken forward only through unity and harmony, Modi pitched for "equality and affection", saying, "There is a lot of strength in equality and affection... We have to recognize that the amount of power we have, others also have the same."

Contending that "enough fighting" has already taken place even between regions, he said he has a proposal to put in place a scheme 'Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat' to strengthen the unity of the country.

Giving a glimpse of his idea which is still taking shape, he said the proposal could involve one state celebrating some other by holding annual festivals and learning languages.

reached out to its members saying the Upper House should work by rising above the question of partiality.

"I give more importance to Rajya Sabha, the House of Elders. There cannot be any discussion where there are no Elders and Rajya Sabha has its own unique role," he said.

He called for cooperation between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha and invoked Gopalaswami Ayyangar, a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee and Leader of Rajya Sabha, to underline that in case of a dispute, the view of the Lower House will prevail.

Quoting Ayyangar, Modi said "the other House (Rajya Sabha) should not be an obstruction in the way of framing laws. There cannot be any bigger guide for this House (Rajya Sabha)." This assumes significance as a number of bills passed by the Lok Sabha have got stuck in Rajya Sabha.

He said even Nehru had advocated harmony between the two Houses. "It is important on how we should run this House...

It is very important. The nation is looking at us."-PTI

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'Swachh Bharat means clean Pak crackdown on mind & environment' Indian DTH services AHMEDABAD: Invoking Mahatma Gandhi, President Pranab Mukherjee said here Swachh Bharat implies a clean mind along with a clean environment and asserted that educating in peace and harmony is the key to contain and reorient disruptive forces in society.

Addressing 62nd convocation

reorient the disruptive forces in society," the President said as he again conveyed his sentiments on the issue amid the ongoing debate on alleged intolerance.

Referring to the motto of Gujarat Vidyapith 'Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye' (education that liberates), he said the institute should continue to demonstrate that it is

President Pranab Mukherjee addressing at the presentation of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards function, at Institute of Management – Ahmadabad (IIMA), in Gujarat on November 30

of Gujarat Vidyapith, he also cited numerous challenges faced by country's higher education sector and emphasized on increasing access and making education affordable.

"Gandhiji in life and in death struggled for communal harmony.

"Educating in peace and harmony is the key to contain and

by educating the heart and mind of the youth that social rejuvenation on the path of non-violence is possible.

"Swachh Bharat, according to Bapu, implied a clean mind, clean body and clean environment.

"Every citizen has a duty to rededicate themselves to create a clean external and internal envi-

Bid to track espionage 'money trail' NEW DELHI: With the arrest of an alleged ISI operative and a serving BSF personnel, Delhi Police is now trying to track a money trail from Pakistan to India - routed through the Middle East - to pay off spies operating in a suspected pan-India network.

Kafaitullah Khan alias Master Raja, an alleged handler of the Pakistan Intelligence Operative (PIO), running an espionage racket here backed by the spy outfit, had met another ISIbacked handler at Gujrawala in Pakistan in 2013, his last visit to the country, said an official privy to the probe.

During investigation, Khan told the police that his counterpart in Pakistan had promised him huge money for passing on

secret and confidential information.

When Khan started doing so, he was put on a permanent pay roll and promised performancebased appraisals, said the official.

"Records obtained so far from bank accounts in Jammu and Rajouri district have revealed that Khan used to get a fixed pay of around Rs 20,000 per month through money transfers," the official said.

Almost all the money transfers received by Khan were routed either through UAE or through Saudi Arabia. Further investigation revealed that the money actually came from Pakistan, said the official.

However, these were transfers received only through the official banking channels. -PTI

ronment of self and society to make 'Swachh Bharat' possible. I am certain you will make ideal citizens who will endeavor to keep our country Swachh and make it Samarth," Mukherjee said.

The President's reference to Swachh Bharat came as the Centre has launched Swachh Bharat campaign for promoting cleanliness inspired by the Mahatma.

Recitation of prayers from various religions marked the beginning of the ceremony in which the President gave away degrees and awards to meritorious events.

Speaking about the higher education sector in India, he noted that there is need for increasing access and making education affordable besides ensuring quality and pursue excellence.

"These are not contradictory objectives but complementary goals. Quality consciousness must be at the back of every initiative in our higher academic institutions.

"Many meritorious students leave the shores of our country and study abroad due to lack of institutes in India conforming to high standards of education. Not many international students come to India for higher studies either," Mukherjee said.

Student arrivals from US, Germany, France, South Korea, Australia, China and Singapore have dipped seriously - 73 per cent in 2014, he said citing a report.

"We must do all at our end to reverse this trend and make India emerge as a quality and affordable education destination for students outside," the President said and referred to ancient universities like Takshila and Nalanda while calling for renewed efforts to gain India's leadership role in higher education sector.

The developmental challenges faced by our country call for an inspired response from the higher education system.

Quality and relevant research can help tide over our socio-economic problems, he said.

"To build a research eco-system, we need to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach, promote research at under-graduate level and develop scientific temper in the students," Mukherjee said.

"India is home to a large population of the young. Demographic dividend can occur only if greater number of competent and skilled professionals is produced by our higher educational and technical institutions.

"This calls for skill development initiatives on a massive scale," the President said. -PTI

KARACHI: Pakistan's elec- volves a one-time cost of around tronic media watchdog has started Rs 10,000 to 15,000 which the cusa crackdown against the illegal tomer pays. provision of about 2.5 million InMonthly subscription fees for dian Direct-to-Home (DTH) ser- the DTH services range from Rs vices in the country's major cities 1200 to Rs 1800 per month. The ahead of its plans to award offi- illegal Direct-to-Home service has cial DTH licenses to investors. become popular in Pakistan ac"Already around 3,000 DTH cording to analysts since they equipments have been seized in show high quality digital content Lahore and Islamabad but the and normally have a range of 300 major illegal connections are in to 400 channels to choose most Karachi," Fakharuddin Mughal, a of them in Hindi-language conspokesperson of Pakistan Elec- tent. tronic Media Regulation AuthorWakeel said that PEMRA had ity (PEMRA) said. also requested the help of CusThe crackdown comes as toms Intelligence, Federal InvesPEMRA is preparing to award of- tigation Agency (FIA) and other ficial DTH licenses to Pakistani agencies to curb this illegal busiinvestors next month. ness as it was difficult to trace "This illegal business is worth down the equipment to private around USD 150 million annually. homes.

Approximately this amount is earned by Indian DTH services and their agents in Pakistan annually from our market," Mughal told PTI. " T h e money was moved illegally from Pakistan to Dubai as liThe penetration of Indian DTH cense and subscription services is said to be more since fees by the a g e n t s / o p - cable operators also rely on DTH's erators in the to show channels like Star Sports, country who illegally mar- Star Movies and National ket and sell Indian DTH Geographic, which have not yet services like received the nod from PEMRA Tata Sky, Sun Direct, Reliance, Videocon, Dish TV etc," "We can target cable operators PEMRA's Director General Li- and the agents but it is difficult to censing Wakeel Khan said. go to every home. That's where "According to a rough estimate (Pakistan) Customs intelligence, there are around one million to 2.5 FIA and other agencies have a million users of illegal Indian DTH role to play," Mughal said. services in Pakistan most of them He said none of the dealers concentrated in the big cities like smuggling in DTH dishes and set Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad," boxes and offering services had Wakeel said. registered offices and they used The penetration of Indian DTH websites to market their products services is said to be more since or welcomed walk in customers. cable operators also rely on DTH's PEMRA is scheduled to aucto show channels like Star Sports, tion three DTH licenses on DeStar Movies and National Geo- cember 7 for which 10 investors graphic, which have not yet re- have submitted their documents. ceived the nod from PEMRA. It presently has given landing Wakeel said Pakistani dealers, rights to only 19 foreign channels working on behalf of Indian DTH while they are around 86 Pakistani companies smuggle DTH dish and satellite channels operating in the set-top box from Dubai, which in- country. -PTI

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India, Israeli air force officials meet forces called on his Indian counterpart Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha at the Air Headquarters here.

Delegation-level talks were also held, defense sources said, adding that bilateral relations have grown steadily between the two countries.

Israel views India as a strategic ally and has displayed willingness to co-operate on all fronts.

Indo-Israel defense relations comprise mainly of purchase of Commander of Israeli Air & Space Forces, Major General Amir Eshel calling on the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, in New Delhi on November 30

NEW DELHI: Top officials of the Indian and Israeli air force met here for to review the ongoing procurement process while also

exploring new opportunities for cooperation.

Major General Amir Eshel, Commander of Israeli Air & Space

Swede collaborates on kids' crime fiction NEW DELHI: For Swedish gether, because that is what we children's author Martin Widmark, have to do in the future. We have creative collaboration between to interact with each other and I countries, particularly in the field think showing a collaboration of literature is like a "peace with a great result is a good mesproject" that brings people closer. sage for the children," he says.

Taking cue from the Sherlock "The Sherlock Holmes Holmes legacy, Widmark along Connection"(Duckbill Books) is a with Swedish writer Katarina collection of four separate short Genar and Indian authors stories set between 1919(Sweden) Anushka Ravishankar and Bikram and 2015(India), written individuGhosh came together about two ally by each writer, but strung toyears ago to bring out the recently gether with Sherlock's iconic magreleased crime fiction for children nifying glass. titled, "The Sherlock Holmes ConIn an unexpected storyline, the nection." magnifying glass here is passed "These collaborations and these stories floating between cul- For the Swedish author who tures is an actually a has collaborated with differpeace project. It is about learning how to ent artistes from across the respect other people in globe prior to this book, the world and if you don't know about other such alliances increase people, you don't know one's sensitivity how to respect them or why you should respect them," Widmark says. on through the succeeding genFor the Swedish author who erations of John Watson who was has collaborated with different not only Sherlock's assistant but artistes from across the globe prior also his closest friend. to this book, such alliances in"With what's happening with crease one's sensitivity towards Sherlock Holmes in films and TV other cultures besides setting ex- right now, this in a way is also an amples for children and encour- alternative interpretation of the aging them to work together.

Sherlock Holmes myth. What this "If we learn more about people book basically suggests is that from China, India, Italy or Poland, the detective work was done by you probably have more attentive John Watson. ears when you next hear news of "It's always Sherlock Holmes what has happened in India or who gets the credit because China. So, for me, it is more than a Watson is the narrator, but this sugbook. It is kind of a process get- gests that it is in fact Watson who ting people closer together. does all the job and that is why the "It sets a very good example magnifying glass is inherited by his for children to see that adults can family, instead of the Holmes famdo stories and solve problems to- ily," publishers say.-PTI

military equipment, MoD level dialogue, technology collaboration and service-to-service defense co-operation through service-level staff talks.

India-Israel defense co-operation has improved rapidly in the last few years with the latter providing state-of-the-art military hardware to India at reasonable cost.

Israelis have been at the cutting-edge of R&D in advanced

technologies in a wide range of fields such as telecom, software, biotechnology, medical, electronics, agriculture and defense.

Indian Air Force is in the midst of procuring the Spyder missile system from Israel besides medium-range surface-to-air missile.

The government has this year accepted IAF's proposal for procuring two advanced Israeli AWACS (airborne warning and control systems). -PTI

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December 4, 2015

O

ne of the holiest pilgrim centers in northern India, which is situated at an altitude of 3584 meters in the lap of the majestic mountain peaks, Kedarnath in the state of Uttarakhand boast of unparallel credentials in the religious arena. This scenic locale in the Garhwal proffers an un ruffled ambiance with its snowy peaks, alpine forests and colorful rhodendrons.

Renowned for the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath pilgrimage offers the joy of a devout centre and sizzles as an idyllic tourist spot. A serene place that is closely associated with the mighty Pandavas upholds a beautiful legend of its own. It says that in order to evade the Pandavas, Lord Shiva turned himself into the form of a bull here at Kedarnath. When noticed by the Pandavas, Shiva burrowed himself into the earth leaving the hump on the surface.

It is not just temples and shrines that Kedarnath is famed for. This lovely land on the majestic backdrop of the lower Himalayas is bestowed with some of the wonderful vistas of nature. These yet to be exploited beauty spots are adorned with an aesthetic charm that provides the onlookers a mesmerizing and captivating feeling.

Nestled in the midst of the imposing peaks of the Himalayas, this holy city with its breezy gentle wind offers an unflustered ambiance. Not only the pious but also those who love to conquer the rough terrain of Garhwal also visit this hilly terrain. The undulating landscapes of this snowy region offer delightful time of escapades. With attractive locations placed at a higher altitude, Kedarnath and its nearby fascinations offer excellent opportunities to the brave and the courageous.

Kedarnath pilgrimage offers the joy of a devout centre and sizzles as an idyllic tourist spot. A serene place that is closely associated with the mighty Pandavas upholds a beautiful legend of its own.

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December 4, 2015

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Axis Bank, Vistara to launch travel credit card NEW DELHI: Private lender Axis Bank has joined hands with Tata-SIA joint venture airline Vistara to launch a travel credit card next year under a strategic partnership.

The co-branded travel credit card, to be unveiled early next year, will offer a host of privileges and benefits to the business and leisure travelers of Vistara, Axis Bank said in a release.

"The card will be unveiled early next year. The Axis Bank Vistara co-branded credit card will provide preferred privileges and benefits for business and leisure travelers under the carrier's Club Vistara frequent flyer program," it said.

The country's third full service

airline after national carrier Air India and Naresh Goyal-promoted Jet Airways, Vistara last month for the first time breached the one lakh passengers mark since its launch in January this year.

Vistara, is a joint venture be-

tween Tata Sons Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA) with Tata Sons holding the majority stake of 51 per cent in the company and SIA holding the remaining 49 per cent.

"It is our constant endeavor to

offer financial solutions that excel in customer delivery. Travel is a key spend category for customers and is growing at a rapid pace. We are delighted to announce our partnership with Vistara which will help us further strengthen our travel product suite with a compelling proposition," Axis Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Shikha Sharma said in the release.

The personalized benefits from the co-branded credit card offering will be tiered depending on the frequency of one's travel, starting with the base card for occasional traveler to a the superpremium credit card for frequent flyers, the release said.

The partnership will help customers avail an array of lifestyle privileges, earn Club Vistara points and avail complimentary award flight tickets faster, it said.

"We have long recognized that our frequent travelers need a credit card that offers them attractive opportunities to earn points and is widely accepted during their travel across the country. The Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card is yet another step

by Vistara towards creating a world class travel experience. We are proud to partner with Axis Bank (for launch of the cobranded card)," Vistara Chief Executive Officer Phee Teik Yeoh said. -PTI

'Big Cat Week' includes live African safaris LOS ANGELES: As a chaser to the Thanksgiving feast and football, consider heading out on an African safari.

There's strictly armchair travel involved for Nat Geo Wild's live telecasts from Sabi Sands, a private game reserve in South Africa's Kruger National Park that's likely to dazzle even from a distance.

The no-sweat safaris will offer ``a real-time experience transporting viewers to a place they all want to go but may not have the opportunity,'' said Geoff Daniels, head of Nat Geo Wild. ``That we can beam audiences

half a world away into the African bush is magical and stunning,'' said Daniels.

It's hard to fault his enthusiasm.

Painstaking planning, skillful use of technology and helpful time zones will combine to bring one of Africa's largest game reserves, home to lions, leopards, elephants and more, to U.S. viewers.

Safaris typically are conducted at dawn, when the sun is coming up and animals are most active, and at dusk, Daniels said, making the telecasts relatively easy to schedule.

The excursions will air 11 p.m.

to midnight EST Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with two-hour daytime specials at 9 a.m. EST daily from Saturday to Friday, Dec. 4. ``It's 100 percent live,'' Daniels said. ``We've got two safari vehicles going into the bush with microwave transmitters and cameras placed on the back of the jeeps.''

The camera deployment will allow viewers to see everything they would if physically in the reserve, and in ``full-blown HD'' to boot, Daniels said. Drones will add overhead camera angles to add ``a sense of the scale, scope and of

action ... from a different perspective.''

There's an online component as well, including the opportunity to ask questions via Twitter of the safari guides, who will respond during the telecasts, and an online bingo game with an actual safari as the prize.

Nat Geo, with producing partner Wild Earth, has been showing live safaris online for the past year and fine-tuning the process, Daniels said. They've attracted an

there are other notable programs.

The annual event kicks off with ``Cougars Undercover which showcases the Teton Cougar Project in Wyoming, a study by the wild cats conservation group Panthera.

As with the safaris, technology is key to ``Cougars Undercover.''

Sophisticated cameras provide access to the cats in a ``non-invasive way,'' Daniels said, following two mountain lion moms and their cubs and documenting the

enthusiastic following that includes shutterbugs taking photos of animals and sharing on social media.

Pieter Pretorius, a veteran guide who's handled the online safaris, says he's delighted with the expansion to TV. ``It's hugely exciting,'' he said by phone from Namibia, which borders South Africa. ``We're opening up beautiful areas to potentially millions of people, and those people will form bonds with the environment because they're experiencing it in such a real way.''

While Daniels calls the safaris the cherry on top of Big Cat Week,

cougar population's challenges.

Other Big Cat Week programs include ``The Lakeshore Killers, about a trio of male African lions coming of age, and ``The Ultimate Predator,'' a look at who rules among the dozens of cat species.

Nat Geo Wild's goal is to entertain and enlighten, Daniels said. ``It's our mission to deliver things like this (safari) experience ... and transport people into areas we really want them to care about,'' he said. ``We're trying to get people to fall in love with animals and do a better job of taking care of them around the world.'' -AP

West Bengal to unveil new tourism policy INDORE: West Bengal government will unveil a new tourism policy in early January, a senior official here said.

The policy will be announced during the `Bengal Global Business Summit 2016' to be held in Kolkata from January 7 to 9, Amitava Ghosh, Deputy General Manager (Reservation & IT),

West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation (WBTDC), told reporters during a road show organized by WBTDC here.

To attract more travelers and position West Bengal as a top destination for holiday-makers, the government has increased budget allocation for tourism to Rs 257 crore in the current finan-

cial year, Ghosh said.

This budget was just Rs 11.57 crore in 2010-11, he said.

To get more sightseers from Madhya Pradesh, WBTDC is holding discussions with tour operators of Madhya Pradesh and informing them about different travel packages, Ghosh said. PTI

42 India Post

Travel & Hospitality Post

December 4, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Cont’d from page 40

Kedarnath is a picturesque location where one can feel the serenity and tranquility of nature in its full bloom amidst the sacred environs of holy shrines.

Tourist Attractions Kedarnath Temple: This temple

is believed to have been constructed by Adi Sankaracharya, giving it great religious significance. This might be one among the unique temples that demands a tiring trek to have a darshan of the deity. Winter in this region is so severe that the temple remains closed during those months.

Shankaracharya Samadhi: The famous Hindu philosopher Sri Shankaracharya is considered to be have set up the Kedarnath shrine. History says that, in order to propagate his Adwaita philosophy, he made relentless journeys.

It is believed that this great scholar

came to Kedarnath and established this holy shrine and one of his four Mathas in the 8th century. It also believed that he attained Nirvana here at the tender age of 32.

Chandrashila: A pictorial location in the Rudraprayag District, Chandrashila is placed at an elevation of 3679 meters. Its easy accessibility makes it a much desired

trekking spot in the locality. Except from December to January, this peak is suitable for trekking and allied activities. Chandrashila trek is categorized as a moderate level trek, which would take a complete week.

Chopta: Chopta offers yet another fascinating trek through the snowy environs. A remote locale on the high ranges of the Himalayas, it is bestowed with eye catching spectacles of the majestic mountains and lush meadows.

This picture book location at an altitude of 2900 meters provides unblemished surroundings to visi-

tors. Chopta comes under the protected area of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and so it is a natural habitat for many of the rare species in the animal kingdom.

Sonprayag: Lying at an altitude of 1829 meters, Son Prayag holds captivating appeal that grabs large number of tourists each year. This tiny hamlet is situated at the convergence of two majestic rivers, Mandakini and Basuki. Bounded by lofty snow clad peaks, this place offers an unruffled calmness.

Vasuki Tal: 8km from Kedarnath temple, in Rudraprayag district is the enchanting lake Vasuki Tal where Lord Vishnu is believed to have bathed in ancient times. Crystal clear water penetrating to the bottom of the lake reveals rectangular rock stacks in an amazing view.

Visitors get astonished wondering whether those rocks were arranged by someone sometimes - may be in ancient times for Lord Vishnu to take bath comfortably? Songanga, the tributary of Mandakini, originating from Vasuki Tal, presents a catchy view.

Agastyamuni: Agastyamuni is famed for the temple in the name of sage Agastya. The popular belief is that the sage had meditated here for almost one year. This holy shrine in the Rudraprayag district is thronged by thousands of devotees during Baisakhi celebrations.

Best time to visit Kedarnath has a cold climate for most part of the year and the best month for travel is

May and June and from September to October.

How to reach

By Train: Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 189 km away from Kedarnath.

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 239 km from Kedarnath. The airport is located 20 km away from city center of

Dehradun.

By Bus: Kedarnath is well connected through road. The National Highway from Delhi to Mana (538 km) is accessible throughout the year. Kedarnath can be accessed by foot from Gaurikund. Gaurikund

is connected by state buses to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwara, Haridwar and other hill stations of Kumaon and Garhwal Hills.

December 4, 2015

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

43

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J&K urged to introduce tribal tourism JAMMU: The nomad Gujjar and Bakerwal community of Jammu and Kashmir appealed to the state government to introduce Tribal tourism by creating tribal tourist destinations in the state, to attract domestic and foreign tourists to trek mountains and learn

dation (TRCF) a frontal organization of Gujjars, Javaid Rahi said.

He urged the government to introduce the concept of tribal tourism in the state which would help generate more revenue by showcasing the vivid art and culture of nomadic tribes and it will

about their primitive lifestyle.

"The state government should create Tribal tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir to attract tourists to trek mountains and learn the lifestyle of GujjarBakerwal primitive tribes living in the hilly terrain", secretary of Tribal Research and Cultural Foun-

also help improve the tribal economy.

Rahi said that there was great potential for new sector of tribal Tourism in the state.

"The government should redesign the tribal villages for tourists as it will help increase the domestic and foreign tourist inflow to the

state. The creation of new trekking routes in tribal areas of Pir Panchal and Trikuta Hills of North-Western Himalaya can help in making new tourist circuits in lush green forest areas", Rahi said.

He said that nomadic lifestyle of Gujjars, Bakerwals and other tribes was a treasure of a rich and diverse cultural heritage which has a potential to fascinate many tourists and can prove a strong motivation for them to peep into the colorful traditions of nomadic tribes and their exotic rituals, customs, rhythmical music, dances and sports which exists since centuries.

"The Home Stay in the nomadic huts (Dhoks and Bhaks) with tribal vegetarian cuisine of Gujjars like Kadhan, leeti with wild vegetables and dairy products can prove a great potential to catch the attention of domestic and foreign tourists for a new experience", Rahi said.

Rahi also offered free assistance of Tribal Foundation for designing the tribal destination and introducing the tribal tourism in the state and hoped that Tourism ministry with the help of Tribal ministry will take an initiative in this potential sector. -PTI

India receives just 0.68% of world tourists NEW DELHI: India receives less than one per cent international tourists annually and their average stay in the country has come down by two days, Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma said here.

Replying to a question in Lok Sabha, Sharma said India received just 0.68 per cent of the world tourists every year and efforts have been made to attract more and more international tourists to the country.

"Various initiatives have been taken by the government to attract more foreign tourists that include e-tourist visa, providing financial assistance to state governments launching 12 theme based tourist circuits," he said during question hour.

The Minister said in 2011-12, on an average foreign tourists in India used to stay 20-22 days at a stretch which has come down to 18-20 days now.

Sharma said Tourism Ministry has launched a new scheme 'Swadesh Darshan' for develop-

ment of theme-based tourist circuits in a way that caters to both mass and niche tourism in a holistic manner.

The 12 circuits are North-East India circuit, Buddhist circuit, Himalayan circuit, Coastal circuit, Krishna circuit, Desert circuit, Tribal circuit, Eco circuit, Wildlife circuit, Rural circuit, Spiritual circuit and Ramayana circuit.

"A series of promotional activities are being undertaken in tourist generating markets overseas through the India Tourism Offices abroad with the objective of showcasing India's tourism potential and promoting tourism to the country," he said.

These promotional activities include participation in travel fairs

and exhibitions, organizing road shows, Know India seminars and workshops, organizing and supporting Indian food and cultural festivals, publication of brochures, offering joint advertising and brochure support and invit-

Mahesh Sharma

ing media personalities, tour operators and opinion makers to visit the country under the hospitality program of the Ministry, he said. PTI

Kerala Tourism roadshows in Oman, Bahrain THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As part of a high-pitched promotional campaign in the MiddleEast, Kerala Tourism has conducted roadshows in Oman and Bahrain to boost foreign tourist arrivals in the state during the 'Visit Kerala' year.

The roadshow in Oman was held at the Grand Hyatt in the capital city of Muscat on November 23. In Bahrain, it took place at Intercontinental Regency in Manama on November 25, an official release said here. " T h e Middle-East is of special significance to us.

We have ties with the Gulf region dating back to centuries," Kerala Tourism Minister A P Anilkumar said.

"This is a region close to us also because of the large number of our people working in these countries," he said.

Kerala Tourism Director P I Sheik Pareeth, who led the state delegation to Oman and Bahrain, said the two roadshows evoked a tremendous response in the two countries. "... It is after a gap of five years that Kerala Tourism has conducted roadshows in the MiddleEast region," he said.

"The tourists from the MiddleEast are mainly focused on our products such as Ayurveda. There is also high demand for luxury accommodation and facilities," he added.

Representatives from over 30 leading tour operating firms took part in the roadshow at Muscat while those from over 40 leading

tour operating companies participated at Manama.

The plans of Oman and Bahrain governments to expand air connectivity to Kerala are expected to provide a huge boost to tourist arrivals from the Middle-East, it said.

International airports at Muscat and Salalah are currently undergoing development and will soon serve as the gateway to international travel.

Visa on Arrival facility is currently available to visitors from Oman at all airports in Kerala.

Oman also plans to start new flight to Kerala.

"This will serve Muscat as another hub in the MiddleEast and will, in turn, help Kerala to gain better connectivity for visitors to our state," Pareeth said.

Mohammed Al Riyami from the Ministry of Tourism of Oman attended the roadshow in Muscat.

Last year, 17,239 Omani tourists arrived in Kerala while the Bahraini tourists arrivals was 3,674. Oman is one of the top three outbound tourism markets for Kerala in Middle-East.

As many as 14 trade partners from Kerala attended the roadshows in both countries.

Indra Mani Pandey, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, was the chief guest at the roadshow in Muscat while in Manama, Alok Kumar Sinha, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, was the chief guest.

IRV Rao, Assistant Director, India Tourism in UAE also participated, the release added. -PTI

EasyJet, BA cancel Sharm el-Sheikh flights LONDON: British Airways and easyJet have canceled flights to Sharm el-Sheikh until at least January, as Britain advises its citizens to avoid travel there after last month's downing of a Russian passenger jet.

Britain and several other countries canceled all flights to the Egyptian resort after an Airbus 321 operated by Russian airline Metrojet crashed Oct. 31, killing 224 people. The Islamic State militant group says it downed the plane with a bomb.

Almost 20,000 British vacationers were repatriated, and the For-

eign Office advises against all but essential travel to the Red Sea resort's airport.

EasyJet said that after discussions with the government, it had decided not to resume flights ``until the government's advice changes.'' It scrapped flights until at least Jan. 6, offering passengers a refund or a flight to another destination. British Airways said it was suspending flights to Sharm elSheikh until Jan. 14.

British holiday carriers Monarch, Thomson and Thomas Cook have stopped flying to the airport until dates in December. -AP

In Brief Sanders outlines plan to overhaul immigration WASHINGTON: Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has vowed to create a ``humane'' immigration system and said if elected he would expand upon President Barack Obama's executive actions within the first 100 days of assuming the presidency.

The Vermont senator said he would allow all undocumented immigrants who have been in the United States for at least five years to stay in the country without fear of being deported. He said nearly 9 million people would be covered by his actions. ``We have an obligation to enact policies that unite families, not tear them apart,'' Sanders said in a statement announcing the plan.

Immigration has taken a leading role in the Democratic presidential campaign as Hillary Rodham Clinton, Martin O'Malley and Sanders have appealed to the party's growing segment of Latino voters. The candidates have suggested the Obama administration has been too aggressive in deporting people living in the U.S. illegally.

Details on page 45

„

Senator seeks probe on immigrant release

NORWICH, Conn.: A U.S. senator says he wants an investigation into a federal agency after a Haitian national was accused of killing a Connecticut woman shortly after his release from prison.

The Bulletin reports Connecticut's Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal says he'll ask

Richard Blumenthal

the Office of the Inspector General to open an investigation into how the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement has handled the case of Jean Jacques.

The newspaper reported in July that federal authorities failed to deport Jacques at least three times since 2002. Jacques spent 17 years behind bars on a 1997 attempted murder conviction. He was released in January and is now awaiting trial stemming from a fatal June stabbing that killed 25-year-old Casey Chadwick of Norwich. -AP

Immigration

Indiana Gov sued for blocking Syrian refugees

44 India Post

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December 4, 2015

Details on page 46

Thousands of children crossed U.S.-Mexico border in October SAN ANTONIO: Nearly 5,000 unaccompanied immigrant children were caught illegally crossing the U.S. border with Mexico in October, almost double the number from October 2014, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.

Also, in the figures released, the number of family members crossing together nearly tripled from October 2014 - from 2,162 to 6,029.

The numbers spiked despite expectations of lower numbers due to the colder winter months coming, better enforcement along the border and efforts by Mexican authorities to stem the stream of Central American migrants to the U.S. Though tens of thousands of women and children from Central America were caught at the border in summer 2014, it had dropped by nearly half during the 2015 federal fiscal that ended Sept. 30.

The 4,973 unaccompanied children caught at the border last month is the highest number that

Washington, D.C.-based think tank Washington Office on Latin America has recorded for October since their records began in 2009, said Adam Isacson, a border expert and senior analyst.

through summer and fall, Isacson said. But there was an uptick in families and children crossing in July, and the numbers have stayed over 4,000 each month since. ``Rather than a big jump, it's

The high numbers buck the typical trends of crossings peaking in spring then declining

been a steady burn,'' he said. ``I think we are almost in crisis mode with this many months of sus-

tained arrivals.''

Most children and families trying to cross the border in October were from El Salvador. Increased violence in the tiny country, which averaged 30 murders a day in August, is likely partly to blame, Isacson said. Previously, Guatemala had the most families and children apprehended at the border.

While the Rio Grande Valley remains the center of migration flows in Texas, immigrants are starting to venture farther west.

The number of unaccompanied children caught in Del Rio sector jumped from 120 to 237, while 187 children were apprehended in the remote Big Bend area, up from just 13 a year ago.

According to internal intelligence files from the Homeland Security Department, most families interviewed told Customs and Border Protection officials that smugglers decided where they would try to cross.

Cont'd on Page 46

Arts exhibition on H1B visa anniversary WASHINGTON: A digital arts exhibition on H1B visa has opened at the world's largest museum in the US to mark the 25th anniversary of the popular work visa which has been given to a large number of IT professionals from India over the years.

In this exhibition launched at the Smithsonian museum, 17 South Asian and Asian American artists explore America's immigration story through the H1B visa which marked its 25th anniversary on November 29.

The artists use the H-1B visa as visual inspiration to comment on their immigration journeys.

Works by the 17 featured artists depict the range of emotions anxiety, dignity, isolation and opportunity associated with living in America.

"Our H1-B Visa exhibition explores a historic part of the American story from the perspective of South Asian Indi-

ans," said Konrad NG, director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center.

The artwork captures the experiences of people who come to America for the American dream, he said.

In a statement, Smithsonian museum said for the past 25 years, several generations of young scientists and engineers from all over Asia have come to be part of a "New America" and shape United States' culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

For many, the H-1B visa is more than a piece of paper affixed in a passport; it determines so much of life in America and the opportunity to become American.

"The problem of an indentured service is not new. However, the H-1B visa put a new twist on the matter," said Lilaben Leher, an artist who has one of her art exhibition "Drawing heavily upon my experience as a spouse living on an

H-4 visa."

"My work traces everyday manifestations of the duality of belonging and alienation for families living here in the United States on this visa category," said artist

Aishwariya.

"The exhibition illuminates an immigration status that often gets stereotyped or left out of dialogue around immigration in the United States," curator of the exhibition

Masum Momaya was quoted as saying by the NBC news.

"Each year, people from all over the world come to the United States for a better life; some find opportunity, and others endure great hardship. The artists in this show take us through the emotions and nuances of their journeys, illustrating new and complex layers of what has been a defining characteristic of America and American history: immigration," Momaya said.

The US H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields. -PTI

Immigration Post

December 4, 2015

India Post 45

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Obama message on refugees: world full of pilgrims WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama delivered a Thanksgiving message in which he compared modern refugees to the pilgrims whom the holiday celebrates, urging Americans to open their arms to the potential immigrants.

"Nearly four centuries after the Mayflower set sail, the world is still full of pilgrims - men and women who want nothing more than the chance for a safer, better future for themselves and their families," Obama said in his weekly address, referring to the boat on which the pilgrims arrived in the New World.

Thanksgiving was first celebrated by the group after fleeing religious persecution in En-

gland. For many Americans, it has become a family-oriented day marked with an enormous meal of roast turkey, an assortment of side dishes and a slice or two of pie.

"I've been touched by the generosity of the Americans who've written me letters and emails in recent weeks, offering to open their homes to refugees fleeing the brutality of ISIL," Obama said, referring to the Islamic State group.

Immigration has taken center stage as an important issue ahead of the 2016 presidential race but reached fever pitch following the deadly Paris attacks earlier this month.

The shootings and suicide

bombings have stirred fears in North America and Europe that

jihadists could seek to blend in with refugees in order to strike later.

US President Barack Obama serves Thanksgiving dinner to homeless military veterans at Friendship Place in Washington, DC

Obama himself faces a barrage of opposition to his own plan to resettle 10,000 refugees in the coming year.

"People should remember that no refugee can enter our borders until they undergo the highest security checks of anyone traveling to the United States," Obama said.

"That was the case before Paris, and it's the case now."

Obama also reminded listeners that Thanksgiving was not just an opportunity for people to give thanks for their personal blessings.

"On this uniquely American holiday, we also remember that so much of our greatness comes from our generosity," he said. -AFP

Indian woman wins right to return to son in UK LONDON: In a blow to the British government, a court here has upheld the rights appeal of an Indian woman who was deported for fixing sham marriages and allowed her to return to the UK to re-unite with her 9-year-old son.

The 46-year-old mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been jailed for two years after she entered the UK on a fake passport in 2005 and then deported.

Last year, an immigration judge upheld her appeal to return to be

with her son, who lives with his British father, but that order was challenged by UK Home Secretary

Theresa May. The appeal judges dismissed May's contention in a written rul-

According to reports, the woman first arrived in the UK in 2002 on a "visitor visa" and became involved in a conspiracy to "facilitate bogus marriages". It is also believed that she entered into a bogus marriage

Sanders outlines plan to overhaul immigration tions were aimed at protecting and giving work permits to as many as Sanders' proposal came days 5 million immigrants but federal after the Obama administration courts have blocked the executive filed an appeal to the Supreme actions following a lawsuit by a Court to review its plan to shield group of mostly Republican-led from deportation millions of immi- states.

The senator's proposal is rooted in pursuing executive actions without waiting for Congress to overhaul the nation's immigration system, steps his campaign said would provide relief to nearly 9 million immigrants living in Democratic presidential candidate Sen. the U.S. illegally.

Bernie Sanders Sanders grants who are in the country ille- would press Congress, his camgally. The Obama executive ac- paign said, to change immigration Cont'd from Page 44

laws if he was elected president and would seek a 5-year pathway to citizenship for people living in the U.S. illegally.

He would attempt to decouple the enforcement of federal immigration laws by local police ``to stop cops being viewed by the community as deportation agents.''

And he would seek to push back against the ``militarization'' of the U.S. Southern border and devote resources toward reducing border deaths and making U.S. Customs and Border protection more accountable, his campaign said.

Clinton said earlier on Facebook that her recent use of the term ``illegal immigrants'' at a New Hampshire town hall was a ``poor choice of words.'' In his immigration platform, Sanders refers to people living in the U.S. illegally as ``aspiring Americans.'' -AP

ing on the case.

Lord Justice Underhill, who headed the appeal panel, said May should not fear that the decision would open the floodgates to similar appeals, saying each case would "turn on its own facts".

According to reports, the woman first arrived in the UK in 2002 on a "visitor visa" and became involved in a conspiracy to "facilitate bogus marriages".

It is also believed that she entered into a bogus marriage and was given an extension of her leave to remain in the UK as a result. She was arrested and charged in 2003 but had then fled to India, Asian Image reported.

She was convicted in her absence and in 2005 she lawfully married a Briton in India. She was then allowed back into Britain after making an application using a false passport.

In 2006, she gave birth to her son and in 2007 was given indefinite leave to remain - under her

false identity.

Shortly after the birth, her true identity was discovered and in 2008 she was given a 12-month jail term after being convicted of obtaining leave to enter the UK by deception, plus an additional 12month jail term for the 2003 bogus marriage offences.

In 2009 she was deported while her husband stayed in Britain. Initially, her son spent some time in India with her and some time in Britain with his father.

But judges said after about two years the arrangement has proved too unsettling for the youngster and he started to live permanently in the UK with his father.

Her lawyers had suggested that rights to family life enshrined in Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights were being undermined.

Appeal judges analyzed all arguments at a hearing in London in July and announced their decision to allow her re-entry. -PTI

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Immigration Post

46 India Post

December 4, 2015

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Indiana Gov sued for blocking Syrian refugees INDIANAPOLIS: A lawsuit challenging the Indiana governor's decision to stop state agencies from helping resettle Syrian refugees alleges that the action wrongly targets the refugees based on their nationality and violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed the federal lawsuit on behalf of Indianapolisbased nonprofit Exodus Refugee Immigration. It accuses Gov. Mike Pence of violating the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by accepting refugees to Indiana from other countries but not from Syria.

The first-term Republican governor objected to plans for refugees to arrive in Indiana following the deadly attacks in Paris. Five days after the Nov. 13 attacks, a family that had fled war-torn Syria was diverted from Indianapolis to Connecticut when Pence ordered state agencies to halt resettlement activities.

The ACLU of Indiana filed a motion asking a federal judge to put a temporary hold on Pence's directive that state agencies stop helping with the resettlement of Syrian refugees by using federal

ment.'' ``Our lawsuit is quite simple. It argues that the governor has no right to bar refugees because doing so clearly violates equal protection,'' he said during a news

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence

money to provide services such as housing and medical care.

Legal director Ken Falk said those refugees ``have been vetted extensively by the federal govern-

conference.

Falk also said he expects similar lawsuits to be filed against some of more than two-dozen states - most with Republican gov-

Meeting on Cuban migrants ends in squabbling SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador: A meeting between Central American officials and their counterparts from Ecuador, Colombia and Cuba broke down in squabbling over how to deal with the problem of thousands of Cuban migrants stranded in Costa Rica.

The migrants have started using an overland route to reach the

Nicaraguan government said in a statement, suggesting that the wave could facilitate terrorism or migrants from other countries.

The statement also criticized the Cold-War era U.S. policies that allow the Cubans special status as migrants. Nicaragua's leftist government has warm ties with Cuba.

Costa Rica, meanwhile, ac-

Cuban migrants rest at a shelter in La Cruz, Costa Rica, near the border with Nicaragua. Central America governments have called an emergency meeting on the Cuban migrant crisis in El Salvador

United States by traveling to Ecuador, then through Central America and Mexico.

That has sparked tensions in Central America, with Nicaragua accusing its southern neighbor Costa Rica of ``unleashing an invasion of illegal Cuban migrants'' on it. ``Our governments do not have the resources to deal with this new threat to our national security,'' the

cused Nicaragua of scuttling a chance for a ``regional and humanitarian solution'' to the problem. It has proposed creating a humanitarian corridor through the region for the migrants. ``Nicaragua repeatedly blocked any proposal to solve the problem, without presenting any solution other than blockade and intransigence,'' Costa Rica's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Costa Rican Foreign Minister Manuel Gonzalez said ``I regret the lack of results from this long day of work,'' adding that it was ``a little discouraging for the thousands of people who have been waiting for an answer.''

On Nov. 13, Costa Rica allowed Cubans to transit the country to Nicaragua. Nicaragua dispatched soldiers to the border to block the Cubans' passage, setting off minor clashes at the Penas Blancas crossing on Nov. 15. The dispute has left some 3,000 Cubans stranded in shelters in Guanacaste province on the Nicaraguan border.

Once Cubans reach the U.S. border, they can just show up at an established U.S. port of entry and declare their nationality, avoiding the dangerous desert crossings that confront many migrants who try to avoid U.S. Border Patrol.

According to El Salvadoran Foreign Minister Hugo Martinez, the majority of those attending said each country should be able to decide how and whether to receive the stream of migrants. ``The self-determination of each of the countries in the region should be respected ... each country has the right to allow these people in, or not allow them in,'' Martinez said. -AP

ernors, like Pence - that have taken actions similar to Indiana's in suspending programs to resettle Syrian refugees.

Pence's office said in a statement that despite the lawsuit, he's standing by his decision.

The governor is ``confident he has the authority to suspend the state's participation in the resettlement of Syrian refugees in Indiana,'' the statement said, and took the action to protect ``the safety and security of the people of Indiana.'' ``The governor believes that public safety is not a partisan issue,'' his office said.

Pence said earlier he was ``deeply moved'' by the refugees' plight but was concerned about militants possibly infiltrating the United States through the refugee program.

Individual states do not have the legal authority to block refugee placement. The Refugee Act of 1980 dictates that refugee resettlement is managed by the federal government, which consults with state refugee coordinators and the nine refugee resettlement agencies that have contracts with the government, but that consultation is largely to ensure the refugees are settled in cities with adequate jobs, housing and social services.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration sent letters to Exodus Refugee Immigration and Catholic Charities Indianapolis saying plans to accept two Syrian families should be halted.

Carleen Miller, Exodus Refugee's executive director, said the group is projected to settle about 19 Syrians vetted by the federal government within the coming months.

Miller said she wishes Pence could meet with a Syrian refugee family because he would then ``understand why these people are coming and who they are ... these are people who are fleeing persecution, they've suffered great traumas. They are families, they are children, they are parents and grandparents.''

Exodus has settled 892 refugees, including some from Syria, in the past fiscal year in Indiana, Miller said. The group is projected to settle about the same number during 2016.

Exodus receives federal money through Indiana's Office of Refugee Programs to assist in resettlement of federally approved and screened refugees. The money is used to assist with employment training, English language education and other services, Falk said.

-AP

Thousands of children crossed U.S.-Mexico border in October Cont'd from Page 44

They reported that the cost ranged from about $5,000 to cross the border near Matamoros or Reynosa, Mexico, across the border from the Rio Grande Valley, but was about $1,500 to $2,000 to cross near Ciudad Acuna, across

The administration was caught off guard by the sudden surge of children and families in 2014 and made several efforts to curb the flow of people crossing the border the river from Del Rio. Carlos Bartolo Solis, director of a shelter in Arriaga, Chiapas, said migrants are eschewing the dangerous train that begins its journey near his shelter after raids by Mexican immigration authorities.

The flow of migrants, however, has not diminished, he said, adding that they are moving along other routes, often walking. ``They are moving in hiding,'' he said in Spanish.

The administration was caught off guard by the sudden surge of children and families in 2014 and made several efforts to curb the flow of people crossing the border illegally, including media campaigns in Central America to scare people out of attempting the dangerous journey.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement that the campaigns are still in place and highlight that ``those attempting to come here illegally are a top priority for removal.''

Immigrant families caught illegally crossing the border between July and September told U.S. immigration agents they made the dangerous trip in part because they felt they were likely to succeed, according to the intelligence files. Immigrants spoke of ``permisos,'' or passes, that they believed would allow them to remain in the United States. -AP

Datebook

December 4, 2014

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

NEW YORK Upcoming

Sat, Dec 12

Thu, Dec 31

• EduCare - 2015 Annual Gala Dinner/Fundraiser

• New Year Eve 2016 Extravaganza

Venue: Royal Albert’s Palace, 1050 King Georges Post Road, Edison, NJ 08837 Time : 06:00 pm Contact: 201-933-8963

Venue: Antun's by Minar, 244 W Old Country Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801 Time : 08:00 pm

Sat, Dec 19 • IFMP - Annual Cultural Show 2015 Venue: West Windsor Plainsboro High School North, 90 Grovers Mill Road, Plainsboro, NJ 08536 Time: 2:00 pm

Thu, Dec 31 • Chand Palace - New Years Eve 2016 Venue: Chand Palace, 269 Littleton Road, Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ 07054 Time: 8:00 pm

Thu, Dec 31 • New Years Eve Bash 2016!

Venue: The Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776 Time : 08:30 pm Contact: 631-928-3800

The, Dec 31 • Midnight Masquerade Ball Venue: BOWLMOR - CHELSEA PIERS, 59 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011 Time : 10:00 pm Contact: 631-928-3800

India Post 47

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Upcoming

Sat, Dec 5 • Rain, An Indian Classical

Thu, Dec 31 • Nye 2016 Bollywood Cruise Carnival

Dance Performance Venue: The Performing Arts Education Center, 28545 West Driver Avenue, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Time: 6:00 pm

Venue: Pier 40, 89 King Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 Time: 08:30 pm Contact 315-746-0250

Fri, Dec 11 • Naeem Abbas Rufi And Tarannum Naz Venue: Chandni Restaurtant, 5748 Mowry School Rd, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 7:00 pm

Thu, Dec 11 • Oasis Palace - Desi New Year’s Eve Party 2016 Venue: Ballroom at Oasis Palace, 35145 Newark Boulevard, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 06:00 pm Contact 650-670-6665

Fri, Dec 11 • Bollywood Singers 6th Show Club Party Venue: TANDOOR RESTAURANT, 1132 E Katella Ave, Orange, CA 92867 Time: 7:00 pm

Thu, Dec 31 •Desi Dhamaal 5 - New Year 2016 Venue: Wyndham Anaheim Garden Grove, 12021 Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove, CA 92840 Time: 6:00 pm

Thu, Dec 31 •Desi Dhamaal 5 - New Year 2016 Venue: Wyndham Anaheim Garden Grove, 12021 Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove, CA 92840 Time: 6:00 pm

Thu, Dec 31 • QP-Asian Association presents 2016 New Year Venue: Anaheim Plaza at Celebrity Ballroom, 1700 South Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92802 Time: 7:00 pm

ATLANTA Upcoming Sun, Dec 12 • Shaam E Sangeet Venue: The Impact Center at Global Mall, 5675 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Norcross, GA 30071 Time: 06:30 pm

ILLINOIS Upcoming 1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Thu, Dec 31 • Beautiful Grand New Years Eve 2016 Atlanta

Swami Ishatmananda

Venue: Forsyth Conference Center (Lanier Tech), 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Cumming, GA 30041 Time: 8:00 pm

Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662

Thu, Dec 31 • Grand Premier New Year Eve 2016 Venue: Taste of India Banquet Hall, 3070 Windward Plaza, Alpharetta, GA 30005 Time: 8:00 pm

• Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life

• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822

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Philosophy

December 4, 2015

India Post 49

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis SRI ATMANANDA KRISHNA MENON

L

ower logic is divided into inductive and deductive.

Both of them concern themselves only with objects assumed to be existing, and deal with evidence and facts distinct and separate one from the other.

But when the very existence of the world - gross as well as subtle - is disputed and has to be proved, neither of these approaches helps us. Because here, the 'I'-principle or subjective Awareness is the only thing admitted to be existing.

Here, it is the higher logic alone that can help us in the proper manner. Lower logic can never do it.

To the ordinary man, the only evidence available regarding the existence of the world is the evidence offered by the five sense organs. It is 'evidence' that is taken up here, and examined to show that it does not prove the world at all.

But it proves only sense perceptions, or the senses themselves.

In other words, the evidence proves nothing but the evidence.

Therefore, it is no evidence at all, as far as the fact to be proved is concerned.

If you assert that the world exists, it is your burden to prove that it does. The opponent has only to deny it, until the existence is proved beyond doubt. Ultimately, even if you give up all argument

CHUCK HILLIG

T

he only Truth (capital 'T') that's really real is Absolute truth, and it'll never change into anything else simply because it can't change. It just 'is-what-is.'

Absolute truth manifests as relative truth within the Great Illusion, however, whenever we start telling a story about 'what is.'

Relative truth depends on remembering a past or imagining a future. It only shows up within the dualistic world of opposites, stratifications, values (e.g. ethics) and, of course the five senses. Specifically, relative truth arises when there's a point of view (i.e. an 'Observer' observing an 'Observed').

Absolute truth, on the other hand, doesn't have a polar opposite simply because it's incapable of adopting a single point of view about anything. Or, more accurately, you might say that Absolute truth holds all possible points of view because, at the bottom line, Absolute truth is just 'what's so.'

When we speak truthfully from the Heart in this present micromoment of Now, then we're speaking directly from (and about) 'what is.' On the other hand, whenever we move away from this present moment of Now and into the past or future, we begin speaking relatively because the truth is now

and say 'I know the world and so it must exist', that also cannot hold good, because you cannot know any object except through one of the sense organs. When this is so, it proves again that it is that sense perception or sense alone that is known, and not the object nor the world.

Making wrong appear right There was a palace cook who usually diluted the milk for the king, keeping a portion of the milk for

view of the Reality. We are so accustomed to its perverted form that we take the form alone as real and take no note of the substance. At last, when the Truth is revealed to us by the Guru, we look back and recognize our longstanding mistake.

Concepts of time and space, 'then' and 'there', added to a thing = 'that.' Concepts of time and space, 'now' and 'here', added to a thing = 'this.' Take away space and time

self. Thoughts have to be indented upon to lead you on to it; and they themselves suddenly expire, plunging you into the experience called feeling, which is beyond all thought.

It is in the same manner that you think of deep sleep. You think of all things connected with deep sleep, other than deep sleep itself.

Similarly, in the thought about yourself, you think about your body, senses and mind - all distinct and separate from you - and

If you assert world exists, you have to prove it Hate cannot stand divorced from the objects with which it is connected. You cannot conceive of hatred. It can never appear by itself. Thoughts have to be indented upon to Sri Atmananda Krishna Menon

lead you on to it

himself. The king got accustomed to it and believed it was pure milk.

Subsequently, a new cook came and gave the king pure milk instead. This upset the king's stomach. At first, the king thought that the new cook was in the wrong and scolded him for negligence.

But eventually the king understood that the old cook had regularly cheated him.

This is exactly the nature of our

from both, and what remains over is neither 'that' nor 'this'. It is Atma which transcends time and space.

Hate never an object Can I think of any feeling, for example hate? No. Hate as such can never be an object of thought.

Hate cannot stand divorced from the objects with which it is connected. You cannot conceive of hatred. It can never appear by it-

dismiss them. When all those thoughts expire, you are left alone in yourself. You are that principle which remains over, even after everything perceivable has been eliminated from you.

Extracted from the 'Notes on Spiritual Discourses of Shri Atmananda', taken by Nitya Tripta. The 132nd birth anniversary of Shri Atmananda' will be observed on December 8

being described from an egoic point of view.

What often stops us from speaking our truth, however, is our belief that we 'should' be feeling, thinking, saying or doing something other than what we are feeling, thinking, saying or doing.

However, true power only comes in being who we really are...deep down...and not in pretending to be something else. By always aligning ourselves completely with the

ready-are-who-you-are-lookingfor, that misidentification then sets into (e)motion all of the various dramas of your life. The cosmic momentum of 'The Search' that's propelling you forward into seeking out the Truth, however, also serves to fill another more subtle purpose.

By inference, it reinforces the notion that, even though they're arising simultaneously, the 'seeker' and the 'goal-being-sought' must

that you, yourself, superimpose upon it.

Life seems to mysteriously show up for you in ways that fully support your own heart's definition of how-life-actually-is...no matter how self-limiting or distorted that definition might be. For example, believing that 'Life is an incredible drag' will manifest a very different reality for you than if you believe that 'Life is an incredible dance.' So, does life have any

Relative truth depends on remembering past What often stops us from speaking our truth, however, is our belief that we 'should' be feeling, thinking, saying or doing something other than what we are feeling, thinking, saying or doing.

Truth of 'what is,' we're making the unqualified (and enthusiastic) 'YES' to be the default position of the Heart.

The single concept that creates the most mischief is this persistent belief that we are, essentially, separate from the Truth that we are seeking.

When you're not fully awakened to the reality that you-al-

be fundamentally different from each other.

Everything begins and ends in silence...in the nothingness beneath the nothingness. However, when most people discuss the 'meaning of life,' they're usually talking about its 'significance' or its 'importance.' But maybe life really doesn't have any so-called 'meaning' at all other than the one

Chuck Hillig

meaning? Well, what's the 'meaning' of a rose or of a mountain?

They simply are what they are. A much deeper question to ponder is: 'who is this one who wants to know life's meaning?

Excerpted from an interview by Dick de Boom in online Amigo magazine. Chuck Hillig is practicing Marriage and Family Therapist in Ojai, California

O Almighty! You are the infinite; the universe is also infinite! From infinite the infinite has come out!

Having taken infinite out of the infinite, the infinite remains!

-Ishawashya Upanishad Here is the greatest of altars, the living, conscious human body, and to worship at this altar is far higher than the worship of any dead symbols.

-Swami Vivekananda The three letters of Aum [if employed separately] are mortal; but when joined together in meditation on the total Reality and used properly on the activities of the external, internal, and intermediate states, the knower trembles not.

-Prasna Upanishad Enlightenment is not a goal to achieve or an idea to grasp. It is the timeless presence that you already are.

-Scott Kiloby Awakening to enlightenment is a journey from here to here, not from here to there. There is nowhere to go and nothing to be attained‌There is only the seeing through of our own ignorance.

-Gary Crowley Enlightenment is not something you achieve. It is the absence of something.

-Charlotte Joko Beck

Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

Freida D'Silva

50 India Post

Joanna Mendes

A

ngry Indian Goddesses is India's first female buddy movie with a fresh, realistic portrait of women in India today. Frieda, a fashion-commercial photographer trying to find her own art, gathers her closest girlfriends from all over India to travel to Goa for a surprise announcement: she's getting married!

Thus begins an impromptu bachelorette celebration that lasts for a full week. A riotous rollercoaster ride of girl bonding; friendships, break ups, make ups, passion, devastation, hesitation, terrorization and self realization. Amidst the fun and frenzy, heartbreak and heartache, passion and obsession, youth and innocence, secrets tumble out, tensions emerge, bonds are formed and emotions run high.

Nargis Nasreen

A

ngry Indian Goddesses (AIG) doesn't focus on making the girls look sexy or cute. The girls act how they normally do when there are no men around: goofy and gross. In one scene, actress Sandhya Mridul cracks up as she dabs at her inner thigh after trying to use a urinal - and missing. These women seem like real people, not fetishes inflated to life.

Director Pan Nalin's note on the film's website, too, is focused on what this film is

December 4, 2015

www.indiapost.com Soon events will take a more serious turn, but for the moment these women are determined to seize the day.

Director Pan Nalin is also screenwriter and documentary maker. Nalin is best known for directing award-winning films like Samsara, Valley of Flowers, and Ayurveda: Art of Being.

Actress-producer Lakshmi Manchu, who organized a special screening of the film, said it left her "speechless".

"It is such an important film in today's times. It is a must watch. All my friends loved the movie and thanked me for inviting them," Lakshmi said, adding it's a "fun-filled and hard-hitting movie".

The screening was followed by an elaborate conversation between Lakshmi and the "Angry Indian Goddesses" team, which included

its director and some members of the cast.

The film features an ensemble cast of Sarah-Jane Dias, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Anushka Manchanda, Sandhya Mridul, Rajshri Deshpande and Adil Hussain among others.

The film has won accolades at various international film festivals. Here's a look at its principal cast: Freida D'Silva (Sarah-Jane Dias) Successful fashion photographer who decides to shift to Goa to pursue her artistic side, she is the secret bride-to-be who gathers a crazy bunch of girls for her bachelorette.

Joanna Mendes a.k.a. Jo (Amrit Maghera) Freida's Anglo Indian cousin who dreams of becoming a Bollywood actress, she is too naive to realize that hard work won't get her anywhere.

Pamela Jaiswal a.k.a. Pammi (Pavleen Gujral) Trophy housewife from Delhi high society, and the butt of most jokes in the group, she struggles to find the girl in her who once led her own life.

Pamela Jaiswal

Suranjana Sharma a.k.a. Su (Sandhya Mridul) Successful CEO of a multinational cor-

poration, she isn't as successful as a mother to her six year old. She is a workaholic who desperately needs this break.

Madhurita Kumar a.k.a. Mad (Anushka Manchanda)

Madhurita Kumar

not, that is a testosterone explosion that panders to the male gaze. But then, strangely, he says: "I didn't want this to be a feminist film; it's not a male-bashing film. It's not part of any movement." Strange, because feminism does not mandate the bashing of males and is exactly about the things he says the film addresses.

Dedicated rock star and rebel without a cause, she lives up to her nickname.

Suranjana Sharma

Laxmi Gaude (Rajshri Deshpande) Freida's maid and childhood buddy, she is spunky and fearless and doesn't let anything get in her way of what she feels she deserves.

Nargis Nasreen (Tannishtha Chatterjee) A firebrand activist, she is the wild card entry to the group, with an air of mystery.

Laxmi Gaude

Authentic, lived experiences are important to Nalin, who is a self-taught filmmaker. He grew up in a village in Gujarat and graduated from the National Institute of Design (NID) before chasing his dream of making films. After the National Film Development Corporation of India (NDFC) rejected his script and lacking connections in the industry, he stayed afloat by making corporate films and documentaries.

Seeking failure Nalin didn't want to assist his way to the director's chair, as he believed working under another director would color his vision. Not surprisingly, his first fulllength feature film, Samsara (2001), was an uphill climb. "I wanted to make my first two films and miserably fail at them. I went to Ladakh to every location I wanted to shoot and made notes on logistics.

Pan Nalin

Cont'd on Page 52

December 4, 2015

India Post 51 www.indiapost.com

IFFK films handpicked by Shaji Karun THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 20th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala, to be held here from December 4-11, will feature 20 movies that have been handpicked by renowned filmmaker Shaji N Karun.

The films, selected by the "Piravi" director, have been compiled into three categories - "First Look" featuring debutant filmmakers from around the world, "Women Power" on stories told from the point of view of women and "Based on True Stories", which are movie adaptations of real-life people and events.

"We were looking for movies that followed their own unique aesthetics and ways to tell their stories," Karun, also the chairman of IFFK 2015 advisory committee, said here.

"The movies selected connect with the heart first, and then goes

in for cerebral processing," he said.

With "First Look", Karun envi-

sioned a category that conceptualized how "the idea of new generation movies is conceived

Renowned filmmaker Shaji N Karun.

Sonu Nigam sets records in South Africa JOHANNESBURG: Indian playback singer Sonu Nigam set several records with sold-out concerts in two South African cities at the weekend on the next leg of his world tour with his show "Klose to My Heart".

Nigam not only brought a 40piece concert orchestra to the African continent for the first time, but sold out four major venues in Durban and Sun City for an Indian concert in record time.

He performed to more than 6,000 fans at the Sun City Superbowl.

"Wherever I go, whether in America, Dubai or elsewhere; whenever they ask me, about my favorite audience; then I say to them all of you are great, but one of my most favorite audiences have been the audience of South Africa," Nigam said before he belted out scores of his own per-

Sonu Nigam

among global film fraternity."

"This category aims to create a reference point for our society to relate their idea of new generation films against how it's understood elsewhere," the national award-winning director said.

The "Women Power" section was created to juxtapose the traditional patriarchal structures and biases against life through a woman's eye. The seven films in this section - not all by women filmmakers - dwell on the female psyche.

"The films in this category address their universal pain, the importance of family and its bonds and also explore

the lives of women from different cultural milieus all over the world," he said.

In the "True Story" category are six movies that have followed the adage that "truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.' "Each has basis in real life events and experiences - which are narrated through visual expressions."

Noting that the section and genre "may get classified as docufiction," Karun said "more the drama of a real-life incident, the creative energy used to identify a movie from that real-life experience is what I considered important while selecting movies for this category."

The common thread to each sub-category is "identification of the humanness with its pleasure and pain by filmmakers around the world," the directed added.PTI

sonal favorites of songs by legendary singers from Indian cinema and those made famous by himself during his career.

Explaining the concept of his latest venture, Nigam said it was not easy to put together as he thanked the musicians and technicians.

Nigam promised them an experience of a lifetime as he introduced the sole female member of the 60-piece band, violinist Shruti Bhave, to play the opening strains of one of his most popular songs, "Suraj Hua Madham".

Introducing the orchestra, Nigam said,

"They will give you an experience of what it must have been like when greats like Mohammed Rafi sahab and other were playing together.

So enjoy the feeling of being in that zone."-PTI

Nigam not only brought a 40-piece concert orchestra to the African continent for the first time, but sold out four major venues in Durban and Sun City for an Indian concert in record time.

52 India Post

October 9, 2015 www.indiapost.com

It's not a feminist or a malebashing film: Nalin Cont'd from Page 50

At the end of it, I came to a figure of what my film would cost, and in the process, I became an independent filmmaker," he says.

The crew even built a hotel in Leh, so they would have a budget-friendly place to stay during the shoot. The point was to make this film, get it out of his system and move on with life. But Samsara, a film about a Buddhist monk's struggle with earthly pleasures, released to critical acclaim and was acquired by Miramax.

People began to refer to Nalin as an indie director, a term that meant nothing to him at the time. It means even less now.

Compared to film movements across the world, Nalin feels that indie cinema hasn't evolved in India. "With French New Wave films, for instance, the rise was so huge that their mainstream crashed.

Jean-Paul Belmondo, who was like their Amitabh Bachchan, migrated to Hollywood. We have a lot of talented filmmakers but don't have many independent producers. The distribution system is inaccessible to most people - till a film comes to a theatre, you're not going to watch it," he says.

But Nalin believes that indie cinema will manage to find takers amidst big-budget films: "Our bigbudget cinema, with the Khans

and Kapoors, will always be there.

But people want something else.

Once I watch Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, then what do I watch?"

Presumably, you watch something like Angry Indian Goddesses. It was a film Nalin was warned against making. "People said there will be catfights with so many women on the sets, but I didn't believe that. The film took

"Worldwide, nearly half a million film directors graduate every six months. It's scary. Film-making is not a career, it's going to destroy your life," he says. three months to make, during which the actresses became best friends."

All about the story AIG may have a female-majority cast, but Nalin isn't looking to cash in on the wave of 'womencentric cinema', that was sparked off by films like Queen. He thinks this sort of branding does a disservice to the audience and the

film: "People want to watch these films because they're about great heroes - who happen to be women.

The story has to come first, otherwise we're setting ourselves up for disaster."

Nalin sees labels like 'indie' as marketing terms. They are indicative of a formulaic approach to filmmaking that he finds alarming. And he believes film schools might be part of the problem. "Worldwide, nearly half a million film directors graduate every six months. It's scary. They are choosing it as a career, which is wrong. Film-making is not a career, it's going to destroy your life," he says.

Storytelling has to be a passion, Nalin believes, and he returns to reality every now and then to search for stories worth telling.

Making documentaries gives him the insights he needs to draw believable characters. For his most recent documentary, Faith Connections, he shot at the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2013. "Everything is a surprise. You control nothing.

Observations I make while shooting a documentary, about lighting, the way people react, nourishes my fictional world." From a religious gathering of nearly a 100 million people to a bachelorette party in Goa - to Nalin, the connection is clear. He goes where the stories are.

-Courtesy Hindustan Times

Film festival for kids, youth in Delhi NEW DELHI: Over 50 independent feature films, shorts and documentaries will be screened during a week-long festival here next month that aims to showcase diverse perspectives of world cinema to the country's children and youth.

Noted film personalities like Nagesh Kukunoor, Hansal Mehta, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Santosh Sivan, Jahnu Barua and Resul Pookutty have come on board as the advisory members of the Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY) which will cater to young people (6 to 25 years).

National award winning film critics Saibal Chatterjee and Utpal Borpujari are also part of the core team of the first edition of the festival to be held from December 2127 at the Siri Fort auditorium.

"We have already received more than 2000 film entries from over 100 countries for SIFFCY," says festival director Jitendra Mishra.

"During SIFFCY we will screen only inspirational films made for

children and youth, with a message which could be about education, environment, cleanliness, world peace, girl child or any other social issues," he says.

The movies will be programmed in four different categories - fea-

ture, short, documentary and students' films which will include both live action and animation films.

"We are trying to include maximum international films so that our kids will also have exposure to the art, culture and lifestyle of differ-

ent other countries through these films," says Jitendra.

According to Santanu Mishra, co-founder and executive trustee of Smile Foundation and chairman of the festival, the aim of SIFFCY is to sensitize children and youth through meaningful cinema and create a lasting impact in their minds.

The idea behind SIFFCY is to provide a special platform devoted to a greater appreciation of world cinema which can bring change in the society by showcasing films with substance, supporting emerging filmmakers, recognizing the pioneers and leaders of the film industry, and by promoting diverse perspectives of world cinema, the organizers say.

The Smile Foundation-produced feature film "I Am Kalam" won more than 30 international awards including a national award.

From Delhi, SIFCCY will travel across India. The films will be screened for children at around 3000 schools in more than 400 districts. -PTI

China performs its first womb transplant A 22-year-old woman successfully received a womb donated by her mother after doctors performed their first uterus transplant in China, giving hope to women struggling with infertility.

But the 14 hour-long procedure drew mixed reactions from public.

A robot assisted in removing the mother's uterus before doctors transplanted it into the daughter's body, said Chen Biliang, director with gynaecology and obstetrics department of Xijing Hospital in Xi'an, where the surgery was performed.

Thirty-eight surgeons took part in the operation for which doctors prepared for two years, practicing it on goats, which are believed to share similar wombs with humans, Chen said.

After the daughter recovers, doctors will transfer frozen fertilized embryos into the new womb, allowing her to carry her biological child. The embryos were created by the daughter and her husband using in-vitro fertilization prior to the transplant.

Uterus transplants are not new.

In the 1960s, Britain and the US began to experiment with uterus transplants on animals. In 2000, the world's first human womb transplant took place on a 26-year-

old woman in Saudi Arabia. The transplanted uterus failed after three months and had to be removed.

The 22-year-old Chinese woman, who underwent the surgery, was born without a uterus but has her own ovaries and can make eggs. Her mother is 43.

Public opinion on human womb transplants, however, is divided in

After the daughter recovers, doctors will transfer frozen fertilized embryos into the new womb, allowing her to carry her biological child.

China. Critics argued that it is a complicated and risky surgery.

"How do you connect complex blood vessels? Will the anti-rejection drugs harm a fetus?" a person asked. Others pointed out that womb transplants, which are not aimed at saving life but improving the quality of it, are not worth the risk.-PTI

'Wanted to have 12 children' LOS ANGELES: Hollywood star Brad Pitt says he and his wife Angelina Jolie were keen to have 12 children together but stopped at six because their family life is already chaotic.

The couple already have their hands tied up with their busy careers and caring for their kids Maddox, 14, Pax, 11, Zahara, 10, Shiloh, nine, and seven-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne, but the hunk has admitted they were initially planning to add another six

little ones to their brood, reported Female First.

"Listen, Angie and I were aiming for a dozen [children], but we crapped out after six."

It may be just as well as the 51-year-old actor has revealed their family life can be "total chaos" at times. He explained, "It's a lot of love, a lot of fighting, a lot of refereeing; a lot of teeth-brushing and spilling...

Chaos, total chaos. But so much fun." -PTI

Brad Pitt admits he is an atheist LONDON: Hollywood star Brad Pitt has admitted he is an atheist.

The 51-year-old actor was raised as a strict Baptist by his parents but has now turned his back on religion completely, reported Daily Telegraph.

"My upbringing had all the Christian guilt about what you can and cannot, should and shouldn't do," he said.

Meanwhile, Pitt insisted that his relationship with wife Angelina Jolie, 40 and their six children have

made him a better actor. "'I think you can see it in my work. I was a pretty good actor before, but definitely hit and miss.

I think I became a really good actor.

"I'm sure a lot of that has to do with age and wisdom too. But I see an absolute shift from the day I started my family. And I think it's because family - and certainly kids and a stable relationship - is something bigger than yourself. They need you to sit down with them, be there for them when they wake up in the middle of the night." -PTI

December 4, 2015

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Visual appeal or taste, what attracts you to food?

MUMBAI: Ever thought how we get attracted to the mere sight of freshly cooked green palak paneer, the sizzling hot chocolate brownie, the colorful exotic vegetable salad or a vanilla ice cream garnished with a generous spread of nuts and choco chips.

Is it just the bold and colorful presentation of food which attracts us to it, or is it the taste and health benefits of it? "We do eat with our eyes and first impressions (of a food) are everlasting", feels celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar.

With the technology making the world a global village, people are becoming more open to experimenting and accepting gourmets from all over the world. And visual appeal does play an important part in taking it ahead.

"Visual appeal and presentation is key to a cuisine and a concept's success. Often said, yet it is always true that we do eat with our eyes and first impressions are everlasting," Brar told PTI. When it comes to choosing between taste and the visual attractiveness of a cuisine, Chef Brar, who judged the "MasterChef Season 4", says, "Taste has always

been and will always be king."

"I strongly believe that presentation leaves an impression, but what gives the impact is taste.

Taste is the factor that gives us food memories," said the food expert who has launched over 10 restaurant brands across the world.

However, to a question on does he think that in a bid to make food

his culinary skills and plating techniques on TV shows like "Ranveer's Cafe" and "Health Bhi Taste Bhi", feels that an attractive plating makes a dish more appealing.

Elaborating more on his food plating 'mantra', he said, "The plate needs to show. For the food to show up at least a 35 per cent neu-

look more appealing, the eateries as well as chefs are straying towards 'food pornography' out of desperation to garner more footfalls, he said, "I think it's a very short phase that we shall soon overcome to realize that the foundation of cuisine is the taste and flavor."

Chef Brar, who has displayed

tral background is a must.

On tips for food enthusiasts, Brar said try choosing lighter color plates (whites and ivories work brilliantly), whereas black works well with white and red food.

Divulging further on his plating expertise, he said the "contrasts need to be subtle, whether

Christmas tree sets record with 518,838 lights CANBERRA, Australia: An Australian set his third Christmasthemed world record in as many years by illuminating a tree in downtown Canberra with 518,838 twinkling lights.

Guinness World Records confirmed that David Richards had broken the record for the most lights on an artificial Christmas tree that had been held for five years by Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. That 36-meter (118-foot) Japanese tree had set a new benchmark of 374,280 lights this month.

Richards, a Canberra lawyer and businessman, brought together a team of volunteers including an electrical engineer, structural engineer, welders, carpenters, masons and steel fixers to erect the dazzling display on a 22-meter (72foot) steel tree.

Richards creates such Christmas extravaganzas to raise money for Canberra's Sudden Infant Death Syndrome charity, SIDS and Kids, by drawing large crowds and inviting them to donate. ``Some people say I've got quite a knack for getting people to do things for nothing,'' Richards said. ``I get people to do things for

nothing because they know that I do things for nothing and I'm contributing my own money, resources, time and effort as well so maybe they feel sorry for me,'' he added.

He set his first Guinness World Record in 2013 for the most lights

on a residential property by covering his suburban home with 502,165 bulbs.

Traffic snarls in his neighborhood created by 75,000 sightseers who visited the display over four weeks made it difficult for his family to get to and from their home and irritated some neighbors. So Richards promised never

to try to better that record.

He set his second record a year ago by stringing up 1,194,380 LED lights in a public space. The 120 kilometers (75 miles) of multicolored wire woven in the shape of three interconnected giant, wrapped Christmas gifts in a Canberra mall was the largest ever image made of LED lights.

B u t r e c o r d s tumble fast in the competitive world of light disp l a y s .

Richards' 2014 record w a s smashed in June at a hotel in Myoko, Japan, by an image of a dragon comprising 1,529,103 lights.

His 2013 record for lights at home was beaten within days by a family in LaGrangeville, New York, that decorated their home with 601,736 Christmas lights, reclaiming their 2012 record. -AP

its color, height, form or visual texture, the jarring contrasts are put offs."

"The edge of the plate is an invisible line that needs to be considered while plating. Similar plating never works for square and round plate profiles," said the 37year-old chef who has opened restaurants, including the Morisco, II Camino and Fishtail in Goa. While making a colorful food item, care should be taken that "there cannot be more than three colors on a plate (maximum 4).

There can be multiple hues and tints of the same color, but as a combination it's too confusing to see a lot of colors together," he said.

Brar, who thoroughly enjoys the entire concept of an effective and attractively plated dish, further said, "Study the color wheel and the principles and elements of design...There's a method to the madness."

On how important is it for him to have an attractive plating of a recipe, he said, "It's very important to have an attractive plating of a recipe as being a chef, respecting food is sacrosanct whether in

preparation or presentation."

When asked if he has come across any instances where his customers have rejected a dish on account of it not visually appealing or attractive, he said, "Not as of yet."

"But I have had customers who have used social media to propagate images of both good looking and ugly looking food presentation," he added.

The Mumbai-based chef, who considers himself as a curious person with an entrepreneurial mindset, says the most important aspect to find the balance between visual appeal and taste of food, is to give equal respect to food right from the ingredient stage to preparation and then finally presentation.

To a query on how have the consumer preferences changed or evolved over the years, he said, "Consumers travel a lot these days. Food is a hot commodity on social media and hence the standards for cuisine, especially presentation are very high, creating a market that appreciates food a lot more in all aspects, including presentation.-PTI

Arian Foster's fashion takes a drastic turn HOUSTON: Arian Foster used to have suits in an array of colors and fabrics, and plenty of bow ties to pull those ensembles together.

But these days there's no chance you'll catch the Houston Texans running back in such fancy garb. ``I got tired of wearing suits,'' he said. ``So I threw all my suits away. I have no suits.''

Now the four-time Pro Bowler only dresses casually, preferring t-shirts and sweat pants no matter the occasion. ``They don't serve me,'' he said of suits. ``I know not everybody can do that. I understand that. But for me that's what makes me happy and I've lived my entire life trying to make other people happy and it's tiring. It gets old.''

At a recent event, every man in the room wore a sport coat or a button-up shirt and the women donned party dresses and stiletto heels. In the middle of it all was Foster, wearing a cream-colored long-sleeved thermal shirt and gray sweat pants with the bright orange cast covering his injured right leg peeking out of the bottom of the pants.

He knew that everyone was ``looking at me crazy,'' but the 29year-old simply didn't care.

``It's just being me,'' he said. ``Just being comfortable. I don't mean any disrespect by dressing any kind of way, but I'm just a happy human being and I love being comfortable.''

There was a time when Foster embraced dressing up and was one of the more uniquely dressed play-

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster talks about mental health issues in Houston.

ers in the NFL. ``I used to have bow ties, fedoras, all of that,'' he said. ``I was going (hard) on it.''

Along with the fedoras and bow ties, he would often pair luxe designer scarves with suits perfectly tailored to his 6-foot-1, 227-pound frame. -AP

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Myanmar: A long road after the grand triumph

India Post

BIBHU PRASAD ROUTRAY

R

ealism and pessimism have somewhat similar meanings in Myanmar.

An optimistic interpretation of the 8 November parliamentary elections in the country is that of a step forward towards a full-fledged democracy. To a realist, however, the election was a landmark event but one that does not essentially constitute a turning point in history. The election results, in fact, reinforced what was always known - the National League for Democracy's (NLD) popularity and the military's position as an illegitimate usurper of power.

While the NLD's popularity got translated into votes, the reality is that the unpopular military, which has appropriated a minority yet crucial position in the parliament, will remain the power centre, shaping the contents and pace of reforms.

However, even with these limi-

its choice, other than its leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is still barred from becoming president by a controversial article in the country's 2008 constitution. Somewhat reinforcing the reality, Suu Kyi declared that the massive victory would place her above the president.

The NLD-led government's positioning of self vis-a-vis the allpowerful military will have a lasting impact on the course of democracy in Myanmar.

The overarching dominance of the military includes not just 25 per cent of the total number of seats reserved for it in the parliament, but also the constitutional authority of the commander-in-chief who gets to appoint serving military officers as ministers of Defense, Home, and Border Affairs.

Although the prospect of the military not transferring power or overthrowing the NLD government in future is remote, the civil-

Supporters of Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi gather outside National League for Democracy headquarters (NLD) in Yangon, Myanmar, November 9

tations, the progress towards democracy would actually depend on whether the NLD views itself as an inconsequential majority or a crucial bloc that can indeed transform the popular support it enjoys into becoming an agent for change.

The NLD won 77 per cent of the seats, providing the party majority in both houses of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, the Myanmarese parliament. Victory for the party was secured in all the regions and five districts barring two states, Rakhine and Shan.

The military represented by the Union Solidarity and Development Party won only 117 or 10 per cent of the seats.

The victory allows the NLD to form a government in February 2016 and then pick a president of

ian government in Myanmar will be constrained by the reality of the military being the de facto sanctioning authority on key decisions.

With that sort of an authority reserved for the military, the civilian government is not only programmed to remain perpetually weak but also will be a natural absorber of criticisms for all the unpopular and controversial decisions made by the military.

Suu Kyi wishes to overcome this difficulty by forming a national reconciliation government that includes the military. Although the military has accepted the verdict and has promised a smooth transition of power, Gen Hlaing continues to maintain that the transfer of power would remain linked to "the stability of (our) country and people understanding the

practice of democracy." No regret has been expressed for the military annulling the 1990 elections which the NLD had won. The military continues to believe that the country is not yet ready for a civilian rule.

Given these limitations, the task for the NLD would be to demonstrate its capacities as a change agent, beginning with relatively less contended areas including economy.

The economic reforms process must become inclusive and beneficial for a vast majority of people who continue to remain untouched by the process so far.

The NLD also has to emerge as a representative of both the dominant Bamars as well as the ethnic minorities. The latter have consistently been denied their rightful place in politics. This also includes the Rohingyas, who were denied the rights either to contest the elections or even to cast their votes.

Similarly ending continuing clashes between the military and the ethnic armies representing the Shans, Kokangs and Kachins; and arriving at a nation-wide ceasefire agreement with a number of ethnic insurgent groups who are yet to sign the pact, remains a critical requirement.

Only eight groups, mostly the minor ones, had signed the agreement on 15 October and Suu Kyi chose to be absent from the signing ceremony despite an invitation from the government.

In the past years, Suu Kyi's political posture has oscillated between defying the government and wooing the military to effect the necessary constitutional reforms that would allow her to partake in the elections and become the president. While remaining a critic of the economic reforms process on occasions, she has praised the military as her "father's army."

She has remained mostly silent on the Rohingya issue and has maintained an ambiguous stance on the peace process with the ethnic groups even though the NLD periodically reiterates its in-principle support for national reconciliation.

Such a position has done little to bolster her standing as a national leader. If there was ever a suitable time to break free from this specter of ambiguity to a clearheaded statesman like approach, it is now.

The writer is Visiting Fellow, IPCS

Conciliatory Modi

T

he Bihar defeat has put Narendra Modi and the BJP on the defensive. It has been a good wake up call. The bravado that they could ride roughshod over others with a majority in Parliament has been rudely shattered. Modi has been in a Conciliatory mood and instead of boasting about his majority, has been talking about the need for consensus in a democracy. The rare sight of his breaking bread with Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh on the eve of the Parliament session is a good sign of the changed scenario in the country.

Lalu Yadav used to boast of having stopped the Ram Temple Rath of LK Advani moving towards Ayodhya. Today he can once again boast of having stopped Narendra Modi on his tracks thwarting his ambition of having his own way in governing India.

There was earlier an air of superiority, an aggressive and taunting tone and repeated reminders that the BJP had won an election and that the Congress had been reduced to its lowest numbers.

No longer can the BJP adopt that boastful tone because if it continues in this way, there are half a dozen more state elections in the offing which could turn the tide against it.

With the defeat in Bihar, gone are the hopes of gaining an upper hand in the Upper House, which scenario they had hoped would save them from Rajya Sabha blocking bills passed by Lok Sabha. Now the only hope is co-operation which Modi is now seeking from the 'Elders'. Earlier he used to be absent during important debates leaving it to junior leaders to reply. But this time he made it a point to plead with Rajya Sabha members for cooperation. He even went on to praise the role of 'Elders' in his reply to the 'Intolerance' debate in the Rajya Sabha.

"I give more importance to Rajya Sabha, the House of Elders.

There cannot be any discussion where there are no Elders and Rajya Sabha has its own unique role," he said.

It is clear that in a country like India you cannot impose one party's ideology over all others. India will have to be run by consensus. Even the BJP gaining a majority in Lok Sabha was a surprise. But this development went to the heads of the party leaders who went about imposing their will and views on others.

The Prime Minister has given several indications of climbing down and trying to make up with the Opposition. The first was a conciliatory speech on the Constitution debate in the Lok Sabha when he talked about 'consensus above majority' and also assured that there will be no tinkering of the Constitution. Secondly, Modi lavishly praised on India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his 70-minute speech on the Constitution debate in Lok Sabha and rejected the Congress charge that he was trying to deny credit to the Congress leaders like Nehru. The government even showed the draft resolution to the Congress leaders and accepted all the three changes suggested by them.

The conciliatory approach was also evident as he sat through the debate listening attentively unlike the previous sessions when he was rarely seen in the house.

By giving credit to all previous governments for having contributed to the growth and development of the country Modi wanted to reach out not only to the Congress but also to other Opposition parties which were part of the ruling coalition at the Centre at one time or the other in the past with a view to seeking their cooperation.

According to observers, the Prime Minister has realized that the time for speeches is over and the time for action has come as his image is getting dented both at home and abroad. And to show results he needs the cooperation of all in Parliament.

December 4, 2015

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