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Ambassador Rao at University of Kentucky
Rao visits KY to promote India-ties Details on page 5
Rep. Jackson Jr. resigns, citing mental health Details on page 6
Kejriwal forms Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Details on page 7
INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question
Ignoring pinpricks, India should improve ties with China? Last week’s result
Was it premature for Obama to have visited Myanmar? YES 47%
NO 53%
VOL 18, No. 951
December 7, 2012
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INDIA, CHINA BOOST ECONOMIC TIES 11 agreements for $ 5.2 billion signed
NEW DELHI: India and China have pledged to deepen economic and commercial ties and create environment for promoting investment to the mutual benefit of the two nations. As many 11 agreements, entailing investment of USD 5.2 billion, were inked here during a day-long 2nd IndiaChina Strategic Economic Dialogue. With a view to promote greater economic and commercial engagement, the two sides have agreed to improve trade and investment environment, remove market barriers and deepen business co-operation, said the minutes of the meeting between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and China's National Development and Reform Commission Zhang Ping. Details on page 36
Sheetal Tandel
Black Friday turns deadly for Bay Area family Details on page 21
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 52 Community Post -------------- 16-25 Date Book -------------------------- 49 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 12-15 Horoscope ------------------------- 50 Immigration Post ------------- 44-46 Life Style ----------------------- 30-32 Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 34-35 TechBiz Post ------------------- 36-39 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43
BENEFICIAL DIALOGUE: Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chairman of National Development & Reform Commission of China, Zhang Ping exchanging the signed documents of the MoU between India and China, at the Second India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue, in New Delhi on November 26
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Publisher’s Diary
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ne important result of President Obama's re-election has been that the entire discourse on immigration has changed. From demonizing the Latinos and other immigrants, even the chastised Republicans are realizing that they need to woo the minorities if they want to remain relevant in the politics of the nation. While illegal immigration needs to be curbed, in its overenthusiasm the US is in danger of losing its reputation of welcoming the talented. In his stirring address soon after election Obama said in the case of a PhD in physics, or computer science who wants to start a business, "we shouldn't make it harder for them to stay here." But the facts are quite contrary. Vivek Wadhwa, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur turned scholar in his new book 'The Immigrant Exodus' says that in spite of the critical role that immigrants played in the rise of Silicon Valley and the vibrant tech economy, the suicidal policy of quotas and other restrictions have made it increasingly difficult for talented immigrants to remain in the US. He writes that when he moved to the US in 1980, he immediately found work as an entry-level programmer at Xerox and had his green card in eighteen months, allowing him to pursue better jobs. Today, he says, if he had come on an H-1B visa, he would have been stuck in his entry-level job for a decade waiting for his green card, and his wife would have been unable to work. He cites the case of one young Indian computer engineer, who came to the US in 2001, launched a company in his junior year and was named by Business Week as one of the "top 5 young entrepreneurs" in the country. But in September 2010 - still without permanent status in the United States - he and his wife had to return to India to apply for EB-1 temporary visas, reserved for skilled workers. Despite having companies and employees back in the United States, they were denied. Today, they are trying to run their companies from Bangalore. If Obama in his second term keeps crying hoarse about outsourcing, he should know the reason.
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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Taken for a ride Vidya Balan took Emraan Hashmi for a ride in a Nano on the streets of Mumbai while shooting for "Ghanchakkar".
Cover Story: Boosting trade India and China have pledged to deepen economic and commercial ties and create environment for promoting investment.
Community: Thanksgiving Bhangra The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago kept up its tradition of participating in the McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Health: Healthcare Summit The AAPI Global Healthcare Summit in Kochi is aimed at advancing the accessibility of healthcare to Indians.
Life Style: Welcoming dinner Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra hosted a dinner for Shane Warne and his girlfriend, Elizabeth Hurley.
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After failing to find any lessor for its five Boeing 777s, Air India is planning an outright sale to raise up to $ 450 million.
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Rao visits Kentucky to promote India-ties
Ambassador Rao meeting Kentucky's Governor Steve Beshear in Frankfort, KY on Nov 19 India Post News Service
KENTUCKY: Ambassador Nirupama Rao traveled to Kentucky during November 18-20 on a visit to promote exchanges between India and this important state at the intersection of the U.S. mid-west and south, well-known for its industries, natural resources, and educational centers. Ambassador Rao's engagements were mainly in Lexington, which enjoys a prime location in the "Golden Triangle" formed with Louisville and Cincinnati, and is home to a large Indian American community. During the visit, Ambassador Rao met with the Governor of Kentucky Steve Beshear at the State capital, Frankfort. She addressed faculty and students at the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky at Lexington and visited the Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Kentucky's second larg-
est community college. The President of the University of Kentucky, Dr. Eli Capilouto hosted a dinner in Ambassador Rao's honor, where the Mayor of Lexington Jim Gray was also present. Ambassador Rao also visited the Kentucky Educational TV, one of the pio-
for his efforts in building closer economic relations between Kentucky and India, which have resulted in investments by a number of Indian owned companies in Kentucky generating local employment. Governor Beshear fondly recalled his three visits to India since taking office in 2007, most recently in September 2012, and described them as "extraordinary experiences both economically and culturally". The Governor highlighted two recent landmark business deals by Indian companies in Kentucky one, a $7 billion 25-year contract between India's Abhijeet Group and Kentucky's FJS Energy LLC for import of coal - an important natural resource of Kentucky; and the other, a $180 million investment by an Indian packaging company, Flex Films in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Ambassador Rao invited investments from Kentucky in India's infrastructure and educational sector, and emphasized the mutually beneficial nature of economic engagement between India and the United States. At the Gatton College of Busi-
During the visit, Ambassador Rao met with the Governor of Kentucky Steve Beshear at the State capital, Frankfort. She addressed faculty and students at the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky at Lexington and visited the Bluegrass Community and Technical College neers of distance education in the United States. The Indian American community hosted a felicitation ceremony for the Ambassador in Lexington. During the meeting with Governor Beshear, Ambassador Rao expressed her deep appreciation
ness and Economics at the University of Kentucky at Lexington, Ambassador Rao was welcomed by its Dean David Blackwell who hosted a round-table for Ambassador with the Kalam Endowment research grant recipients, and some select faculty members from
the University's Martin School of Public Policy and the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce. The Kalam Grant was instituted by the APJ Kalam India Studies Research Program named after the 11th President of India, who visited the Gatton College on a two-week teaching assignment in 2010. The program supports research in India's role in international commerce and facilitates intellectual interaction between scholars in India and in the Gatton College. During the interaction,
impact of social media. While introducing Ambassador Rao, Dean Blackwell noted that the Foreign Policy magazine had listed Ambassador Rao among the top 100 most influential women leaders on Twitter. During the visit to the Bluegrass Community College in Lexington, Ambassador Rao interacted with the senior faculty and management team of the institution and enquired about the various aspects of its functioning. Noting India's growing need for affordable higher education and
Ambassador Rao met with the senior faculty and management team of the Bluegrass Community College, Lexington KY on November 20
the grant recipients briefed Ambassador Rao on their researches. In an address later to the faculty and students of the Gatton College, Ambassador Rao spoke about the latest developments in India and in the India-U.S. strategic partnership. In an interactive session that followed the address, students asked questions about India's foreign policy, India's role in the contemporary world, tasks and challenges ahead for the India's diplomacy and its Foreign Service, the role of youth, and the
vocational skills development, Ambassador Rao highlighted India's interest in learning from the U.S. experience in setting up community colleges. She invited the Bluegrass Community College, which provides education to 12,000 students across six centers, to explore collaborative avenues with Indian educational institutions. Ambassador Rao also toured the Kentucky Educational TV station and discussed possible collaboration with Indian TV channels dedicated to distance education.
Nitish Kumar in Foreign Policy's top 100 thinkers WASHINGTON: Credited worldwide for turning around the north Indian state of Bihar, Nitish Kumar has been listed by the prestigious Foreign Policy magazine among its top 100 global thinkers, a list that is topped by Aung Saan Sui Kyi and Thein Sein, and also features Salman Rushdie and Malala Yousufzai. Kumar figures at the 77th spot and finds the place for his achievement of "turning around India's poorest state" through an array of innovative programs to address crime, cor-
ruption and lack of development. The list of 100 also features India's chief economic advisor Raghuram Rajan at 80 and writer Pankaj Mishra at 86. In an ironic but interesting feature, Myanmar's democracy icon Suu Kyi has been bracketed with her tormentor-turned-ally Thein Sein, the military ruler, as the two leaders together chart out a non-military future for their country. Citing Myanmar as "one of the most remarkable and unexpected political reversals of our time,"
Nitish Kumar
the magazine writes about how the country -- long counted among the world's most repressive dictatorships -- has begun to reform under the leadership of "two very unlikely allies". The 61-year-old Chief Minister of Bihar has been credited for reforming the state of government in what was long considered India's own Haiti or Somalia, "viewed as one of the most dysfunctional corners of a country world famous for government dysfunction". "Much of that began to
change, however, when a lowkey bureaucrat from a local center-left party, Nitish Kumar, won the 2005 election and set out to clean up a wasteland where 100 million people are squeezed into a territory smaller than Arkansas," the magazine wrote. "In his two terms in office, he has done just that, relying on an array of innovative programs to crack down on crime, shame corrupt public officials, and boost economic development," it said.-PTI
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Rep. Jackson Jr. resigns, citing mental health CHICAGO: Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. has resigned effectively ending a once-promising political career months after the civil rights
conference to discuss his decision to step down but did not believe he could do so without ``breaking down.''
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
icon's son went on a mysterious medical leave while facing separate federal investigations. Just two weeks after voters reelected him to a ninth full term, Jackson sent his resignation letter to House Speaker John Boehner, citing his ongoing treatment for bipolar disorder and admitting ``my share of mistakes.'' The House Ethics Committee is investigating his dealings with imprisoned ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, and for the first time Jackson publicly acknowledged reports of a new federal probe believed to be looking into his possible misuse of campaign money. ``I am aware of the ongoing federal investigation into my activities and I am doing my best to address the situation responsibly, cooperate with the investigators, and accept responsibility for my mistakes,'' he wrote, adding ``they are my mistakes and mine alone.'' Jackson, 47, disappeared in June, and it was later revealed that he was being treated at the Mayo Clinic for bipolar disorder and gastrointestinal issues. He returned to his Washington home in September but went back to the clinic the next month, with his father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, saying his son had not yet ``regained his balance.'' Jackson told reporters that his son resigned because he did not believe he could continue with his political career and try to regain his health at the same time. ``He made the decision to choose his health,'' said Jackson. The elder Jackson said that his son had wanted to hold a news
He also said there is no way of knowing how long it will take for his son to recover from what he characterized as an ``internal unresolved challenge.'' ``It's not the kind of illness you can put a timetable on,'' Jackson said, adding that he is confident that his son ``will get well in time.'' Jesse Jackson Jr. first took office in 1995 after winning a special election in a largely urban and Democratic district and began his career in Washington with a star power and pedigree that set him apart from his hundreds of other House colleagues. But despite high expectations, he largely went unnoticed as a policymaker. Instead, he gained a reputation for quixotic pursuits such as trying to impeach President George W. Bush and push through constitutional amendments that had no chance. He attended an elite private school in Washington and earned a law degree and a master's in theology. Over the years he bragged
about spending his 21st birthday in jail after being arrested in an anti-apartheid protest, coauthored books with his father and developed his own a charismatic speaking style, with near perfect diction and often punctuated by finger pointing. Shortly after taking office, he was deemed People magazine's sexiest politician in 1997 and became one of the most outspoken and quoted liberals in the House. There was a near-Hollywood buzz over his newly svelte figure in 2005 when he quietly dropped 50 pounds, disclosing months later that he had had weight-loss surgery. Perhaps his shining moment as a Democratic leader was in 2008, when Jackson served as the national co-chair of Barack Obama's presidential campaign. He had his sights set on U.S. senator or Chicago's mayor. Then came Blagojevich. Though never charged, Jackson had to repeatedly dodge allegations that he was involved in discussions about raising campaign funds for the now-impris-
Jesse Jackson Jr. first took office in 1995 after winning a special election in a largely urban and Democratic district and began his career in Washington with a star power and pedigree that set him apart from his hundreds of other House colleagues oned former governor in exchange for an appointment to Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat. Jackson - who testified at Blagojevich's second corruption trial - always maintained that he was innocent and that his name
would be cleared. Through the proceedings it was revealed that Jackson had an extramarital affair, something his wife detailed in a front-page newspaper interview. The congressman kept a low profile for years, avoiding interview requests and public appearances. It wasn't until this year that glimpses of Jackson's former self emerged. He was forced to campaign seriously for the first time in years when former Rep. Debbie Halvorson put up an intense primary challenge. He easily won and
swift. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that she'd spoken with both Jesse Jackson Jr. and his father and accepted the news with ``great sadness.'' Rep. Danny Davis, a fellow member of Congressional Black Caucus, said Jackson's senior position on the House Appropriations Committee and his leadership would be missed. But he also said the way in which Jackson was leaving tarnished his image. ``It certainly does not leave his legacy untouched in as positive
Rep. Danny Davis, a fellow member of Congressional Black Caucus, said Jackson's senior position on the House Appropriations Committee and his leadership would be missed. But he also said the way in which Jackson was leaving tarnished his image gave a triumphant victory speech with his wife and children by his side. Neither Jackson's family nor staff ever fully explained what was happening with the congressman's health or if he'd return at all. A few times, staff seemed optimistic and so did voters in his Chicago-area district where he easily won re-election to a ninth full term this month despite, despite his only communication with voters coming through a robocall in which he asked for patience. The timing of Jackson's leave and the way it was handled invited more scrutiny. Jackson's leave was announced just after a former fundraiser connected to the Blagojevich allegations was arrested on unrelated medical fraud charges. The resignation left the House committee's investigation in the air. Since Jackson is no longer a congressman, the panel no longer has the power to punish him but could release a final report detailing its findings. Reaction to his resignation was
light as one would have hoped and wanted,'' he said. He declined to comment on the federal investigation, saying he had no details, but the issue did appear to resonate with some voters. ``It was time,'' said retiree Gloria Pryor, who has voted for Jackson several times. ``If he's done the things he's accused of doing then he should leave and apologize to the people of this community.'' The vacancy left by Jackson's departure creates a rare opportunity for someone else to represent his district, which is made up of South Side Chicago neighborhoods, several southern suburbs and some rural areas. Even before the resignation the gambit of potential successors floated around Chicago. Prominent Chicago attorney Sam Adam Jr., a onetime attorney for Blagojevich and R&B singer R. Kelly, said he'd be interested. Other names circulating are Chicago Aldermen Sandi Jackson and Anthony Beale, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Halvorson.-AP
US to decide soon on India's request to extradite Headley NEW DELHI: US authorities are expected to give a ruling soon on India's request to extradite David Coleman Headley, the Lashkar-e-Taiba operative and a key conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. "That extradition request is before the US now. I expect that there will be a ruling on that soon. I can't speak about the department of justice," Wendy Sherman, US Undersecretary of State for Politi-
cal Affairs, told CNN-IBN on the fourth anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack. She said Indian investigators had been given "unprecedented access" to Headley and the US will continue to work with India to ensure New Delhi has whatever required in this process. Sherman pointed out that Headley has been convicted in the US and was about to face sentencing. "... He is going to pay for his
role in this heinous act. I hope Indians understand the rule of law," she said. On Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, Sherman said that the US authorities were in the process of bringing him and others to justice and noted the rewards for justice program of the US government has put a 10-million-dollar bounty on his head. "Reward for justice is just one tool. It's a tool to say if people can
come forward with information that can lead to conviction...we continue our work with Indian authorities, we raise this issue with Pakistan," Sherman said. On the execution of Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist of the Mumbai attack to have been caught alive, she said, "The US is very clear on that... We must do whatever we can to bring all of those responsible for such heinous act to justice." -PTI
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Kejriwal promises to send corrupt ministers to jail NEW DELHI: Arvind Kejriwal on November 26 launched his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and vowed to send "corrupt" ministers to jail within six months of his party being voted to power. Addressing an impressive gathering at Parliament Street in New Delhi, Kejriwal also asserted that Jan Lokpal will be passed in Parliament within 15 days of the AAP coming to power. "There is no end to the list of corrupt ministers and leaders in the country. All these people should be charged and sent to jail if charges against them are proved. "I assure you people that if the common man's party and common man comes to power, all these people will be tried and jailed within six months," he said in his valedictory address at the launch ceremony. Flanked by Shanti Bhushan and former Navy Chief Admiral Ramdass who drafted the party's Constitution, he took pains to explain to people assembled there how different his outfit was from the existing political parties whom he accused of having "looted the country since Independence." Kejriwal also announced that former Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court Justice Bhagwati Prasad Sharma and Admiral Ramdass will be members of the party's first "internal Lokpal" which would inquire into any allegations against members and functionaries of the AAP. He said the 2014 elections would witness a unique political battle which would not be between two political parties, but between politicians and the common man. "Now it will be neta (politician) versus aam admi (common man).
Arvind Kejriwal addresses Aam Admi Party rally at Rajghat
The common man, suffering for the last 65 years, is going to establish his own party and sit in Parliament," he said. The activist-turned-politician said November 26 will be remembered for launching a revolution to change the current political system. "We have to snatch the power from politicians which we gave to them 65 years back. We are first-class citizens but victims of a third-class government. We trusted that these politicians will fight for us. But they have been looting the country," Kejriwal said. He also administered four
oaths to his supporters - I will never give or take bribe; I will never sell my vote for a liquor bottle, money or saree; I will exercise my franchise in every election and I will not vote according to my caste or religion. At the function, Kejriwal and others also paid rich tributes to those NSG commandos who fought valiantly against terrorists in Mumbai on the same day four years ago. A former NSG commando Surinder Singh, who came out in open alleging that he was not given pension, was honored by Admiral (Retd) L Ramdas. Asserting that his party would
be transparent in its functioning and will put out details of all expenses and donations on its website, Kejriwal dared the Congress and BJP to make public the amount of money they have and they would be spending on advertisements for the Gujarat polls. "Do they have the guts to make them public?" he asked. Kejriwal said jawans and farmers should be given priority and said the family of a jawan should be given at least Rs 1 or 2 crore if he dies fighting for the nation. "If a person scores century in cricket, he is given Rs 1 crore or 2 crore. I am not saying they should
not be given, but Army jawans should also be given money," he said. Kejriwal also attacked the Government on inflation, saying it was rising only because of corruption and accused the UPA government of shifting Jaipal Reddy from Petroleum Ministry due to "pressure from Reliance". He also claimed that the Government waived taxes worth Rs 5 lakh crore every year due from various companies but does not reduce tax burden on common man. The activist-politician also said that everyone who wants to become the party's founder-member can do so.-Agencies
US prosecutors call Gupta 'flight risk' NEW YORK: Calling Rajat Gupta a "flight risk" due to his strong personal and financial ties to India, US prosecutors have asked a court here to reject the former Goldman Sachs Director's request to remain free on bail pending appeal of his conviction on insider trading charges. 63-year-old Gupta, who was sentenced last month to two years in prison, had appealed in the US Second Circuit Court of Appeals to grant him bail pending appeal and had asked for a stay on his surrender date. The former McKinsey head is set to begin his jail term on January 8 next year.
In a memorandum submitted by US Attorney in Manhattan Preet Bharara and federal prosecutors Reed Brodsky and Richard Tarlowe, the government said Gupta's request for a stay of his surrender date and release pending appeal should be denied. The prosecutors said Gupta "poses a risk of flight" due to his "strong ties overseas, including assets, family, and close friends in India and elsewhere, his incentive to flee after sentencing, his substantial means and his demonstrated disrespect for the law and capacity for deceit." They said due to these concerns, the government had sought and obtained a USD 10 million
bond from Gupta after he was arrested in October 2011. The bond has been secured by the equity in his Connecticut home and co-signed by two individuals. Gupta also had to surrender his
US District Judge Jed Rakoff had said at the time of Gupta's sentencing that he was not a flight risk but had denied Gupta's request for bail pending appeal
passport and restricted travel conditions were imposed on him. US District Judge Jed Rakoff had said at the time of Gupta's sentencing that he was not a flight risk but had denied Gupta's request for bail pending appeal. Gupta was found guilty by a jury after a three week trial in May of passing confidential information about Goldman Sachs to his friend and business associate hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam. Gupta has also been ordered to pay a USD five million fine even as the US Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking a USD 15 million penalty. In papers submitted with the
appeals court earlier this month, Gupta's lawyers argued that he should be granted bail pending appeal because the challenge to his conviction would likely raise several "substantial questions of law," including that the district court was wrong in allowing wiretaps of Rajaratnam to be played at his trial. The prosecutors have argued that Gupta has not identified a "substantial question of law or fact" that is likely to result in reversal or a new trial. "The evidentiary challenges advanced in his motion are plainly insufficient to warrant bail," they said. -PTI
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Indian-origin hedge fund manager freed on $5 million bond NEW YORK: An Indian-origin hedge fund portfolio manager, charged with participating in one
The US Securities and Exchange Commission have also filed a civil insider trading case
Mathew Martoma, center, former SAC Capital Advisors hedge fund portfolio manager, enters Manhattan federal court, November 26
of the "most lucrative" insider trading schemes ever, has been released on a five million dollar bail after he appeared in Manhattan federal court here. Mathew Martoma, 38, appeared in a brief court hearing before US Magistrate Judge James Cott and was informed of his rights as a criminal defendant. Martoma, who was arrested at his home in Boca Raton, Florida, did not enter any plea and the judge set a next court hearing of December 26. Martoma has been charged with using material, non-public information that he received from a doctor on the clinical trial of an Alzheimer's disease drug to make profits and avoid losses for his hedge fund in an amount totaling approximately 276 million dollars.
against him on similar charges. A Stanford University graduate, Martoma is the son of Indian immigrants and was born Ajai Mathew Mariamdani Thomas. He later changed his name in 2003. Under the new bail requirements, Martoma would have to post two million dollars in cash or
ecutor Preet Bharara had brought the charges against Martoma, who had worked with CR Intrinsic Investors, an affiliate of SAC Capital Advisors. SAC is owned by hedge fund titan Steven Cohen, who is among one of the richest men in the world. Martoma is the fifth person associated with SAC, which is considered one of the most influential hedge funds, to be charged with insider trading. Martoma was accompanied by his wife Rosemary at the hearing who agreed to serve as one of three co-signers for his bail. After the hearing, Martoma's lawyer Charles Stillman expressed confidence that his client would be acquitted of the charges. Martoma is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and two counts of securities fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 45 years in prison and a five million dollar fine. As portfolio manager at his hedge fund, Martoma was responsible for investment decisions in public companies in the health-care sector that were involved in the development of experimental drugs to combat Alzheimer's disease.
drug trial, Martoma arranged for approximately 42 paid consultations between 2006 and July 2008 with a leading doctor who chaired the Safety Monitoring Committee for the trial. Martoma exploited his personal and financial relations with the doctor and obtained inside information about the drug trial that the doctor learned at the SMC meetings and through other communications with drug companies Elan and Wyeth. The doctor is now a cooperating witness for the government and has entered into
a non-prosecution agreement. The inside information Martoma initially received from the doctor consisted of safety data about which the doctor was aware through his chairmanship of the SMC. As a result, Martoma increased the holdings of Elan and Wyeth and further recommended that the owner of the hedge fund increase the hedge fund's position in Elan and Wyeth. The hedge fund held approximately USD 700 million worth of Elan and Wyeth equity securities by June 2008.-PTI
Inquiry into Savita's death to be finished by Xmas LONDON: The probe into Savita Halappanavar's death will be completed before Christmas, Ireland's Health Minister has said, even as her distraught husband was considering lodging a complaint with the Ombudsman to assert ownership of his wife's medical notes. "I've made it very clear this investigation must be completed as
in Limerick, having earlier met Halappanavar's husband Praveen in a Galway city centre hotel. Halappanavar said afterwards he was pleased to have finally met a Government representative four weeks after his wife died at University Hospital Galway. But he stressed to Reilly that he does not believe the Health Service Executive (HSE) or HIQA
Martoma is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and two counts of securities fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 45 years in prison and a five million dollar fine property by next week. While free on bail, his movements will be restricted within the US. Manhattan's top federal pros-
According to allegations in the three-count criminal complaint, in order to obtain inside information about the Alzheimer's disease People in Dublin protesting against the death in hospital of Savita Halappanavar, pictured, who was 17 weeks pregnant, after suffering a miscarriage and septicemia
expeditiously as possible and I now understand that will happen before Christmas and I may have an interim report in a matter of weeks," James Reilly, the Health Minister, was quoted by the Irish Times as saying. "I equally understand now that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) have become involved and they will do that as expeditiously as possible but until I get the report I can't say what the next step is. The report will certainly inform our next actions," he added. Savita, 31, died from blood poisoning at the Galway University Hospital on October 28 after doctors allegedly refused to perform an abortion stating "this is a Catholic country". Reilly made his comments at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital
are far-reaching enough. "I'm just glad that we met and he just passed on his condolences to the family," said Halappanavar, who was accompanied by his solicitor Gerard O'Donnell at the meeting. "It is (important) for the family because there is no comment or officials who called us or met us to pass on their condolences. So I will pass this on to Savita's family." "We also said why we need a public inquiry as well and he said he would look into it," Halappanavar said. Meanwhile, Halappanavar's solicitor O'Donnell said he had taken instructions from his client to seek direction from the Ombudsman on whether he or Galway University Hospital owns her medical records. -PTI
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I was made to sign on 2G audit report: ex-official NEW DELHI: Former CAG official R P Singh, who has created a storm with his statements on the 2G spectrum allocation audit, has claimed that his superiors gave him "written order" following which he signed on the final report giving a presumptive loss figure of Rs 1.76 lakh crore. Singh, who headed the CAG team that audited the 2G spectrum allocation, maintained that he had never put the figure of Rs 1.76 lakh crore in his draft report. "They (senior CAG officials) told me that this is the final report and asked me through a written order to sign on it. So I followed the instruction and I signed the report," Singh told PTI. He claimed "there was no opportunity to show one's difference of opinion." "I am their field office. I prepared the report. Why I removed those figures I explained. I gave them the reasons for the removal and thereafter submitted it to the higher authorities. This is their
report and their responsibility. They again put those loss figures. What can I do in this?" To a question whether he had differed on the figures quoted in
to my explanations and they incorporated those figures in the final report. "And they told me that this is the final report and asked me through a written order to sign on it. So I followed the instruction and I signed the report," Singh said. Singh had in his draft report given a figure of Rs 2,645 crore as loss on account of 2G spectrum sale in 2008. Former CAG official R P Singh Asked why he decided to the Comptroller and Auditor Gen- speak now on the issue, Singh eral (CAG)'s final report, he said it said "2G auction has just closed was not a question of difference. and price has been found through "I had removed these figures market discovery and the figure from my report. Why I removed that has been found is very less. these figures from my report I had The CAG report had cited much explained. But they did not agree higher loss. -PTI
Two senior cops suspended for Facebook arrest MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Rinu Shrinivasan, both 21, were government has suspended two arrested after Dhada had lamented police officers, including a Super- in a Facebook post the November intendent of Police, following the 18 shutdown due to Thackeray's row over the arrest of two girls funeral. Shrinivasan had 'liked' the from Palghar in neighboring post. Thane district for a Facebook post Though Dhada didn't name on the shutdown in Mumbai for Thackeray, the local Sena leader B a l Thackeray's funeral. S P (Thane rural) Ravindra Sengaonkar and senior police inspector Shrikant Pingle have been suspended in the case, Renu Srinivasan and Shaheen Dhada state's Home Minister R R Patil told reporters. complained against the girls and He said action has been taken police arrested the duo on Noafter obtaining legal advice. vember 19, sparking an outrage. "There was no need to charge On November 20, police arthe girls under wrong sections," rested the vandals who had damPatil said, adding that there was aged Shaheen's uncle's hospital no need to take hasty action on November 18, despite her re(against the girls). moving the post and apologizing The girls Shaheen Dhada and that day itself.-PTI
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Jethmalani launches fresh attack on BJP leadership NEW DELHI: Terming his suspension from the BJP as "ultravires, Ram Jethmalani has mounted a fresh attack on the party leadership accusing Nitin Gadkari of treading on the path of suicide and dragging the party with him. In a strongly worded letter to Gadkari, Jethmalani also alluded to the alleged role played by Arun Jaitley in the CBI director appointment row. "Your order of suspension is ultravires and usurpation of the power of the Parliamentary Board. Besides no situation had arisen in which you should have proceeded without speaking to me and complying with ordinary decencies of a quasi-judicial office which you hold," the suspended party MP said. He maintained that he is "totally indifferent" to the step taken by Gadkari as his standing in the legal profession and in politics as well as the affection and respect that he enjoys from sections of the people of India does not depend on his membership of Parliament. Making a scathing comment, Jethmalani said in his letter, "I am
Ram Jethmalani
ers," Jethmalani said. He claimed that the advocates appearing for the rival officer have been virtually Jaitley's "juniors." "It is very improbable that the litigation before CAT was not known to him and I presume that you (Gadkari) have also acted on advice of Mr Arun Jaitley," he charged. "I did not know until I learnt from the press that the appointment of the new incumbent (to the post of CBI Director) was opposed by our leaders on some different
Making a scathing comment, Jethmalani said in his letter, "I am convinced that you are firmly set on the path of suicide and you are determined to drag the whole party with you.'Vinash kal Vipreet Buddhi (when one is set to be doomed he loses his mind)' is an old maxim� convinced that you are firmly set on the path of suicide and you are determined to drag the whole party with you.'Vinash kal Vipreet Buddhi (when one is set to be doomed he loses his mind)' is an old maxim." He also said he suspects Gadkari is prejudiced against him and hence took this action of suspending him. Leveling charges against other senior party leaders, Jethmalani has said Gadkari has suspended him on the advice of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Jaitley. Jethmalani has also referred to the controversy over the appointment of Ranjit Sinha as the new CBI Director and alluded to the alleged role of Jaitley in the litigation filed by his rival and Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar. "The litigation instituted by Mr Sinha's rival is too notorious a fact not to be known to our party lead-
grounds," Jethmalani said. He also complained to Gadkari that though he is a senior Rajya Sabha member and a founder of the BJP, Jaitley and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj did not discuss the Lokpal Bill with him. Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Jethmalani maintained that he has not received any show cause letter from the party and only learnt it from the media. "I learnt from the press that they have issued a show cause notice. I have not received anything yet. So I have not read it. I will read it and if I find any substance in it I will reply to it otherwise I will throw it in the waste paper basket," he said. The BJP parliamentary board had issued a show cause notice to him. When pointed out that party MP Shatrughan Sinha had also supported appointment of
CBI Director Ranjit Sinha but no action has been taken against him, Jethmalani said, "I am not commenting on anybody. Shatrughan Sinha has not done all the things which I have done. He does not deserve to be thrown out of the party." Asked repeatedly why he has been selectively penalized by the party, the eminent lawyer said, "They have also raised the same question but they have raised it after me. I have raised it first so their guilt is less."-PTI
India outsourcing failure blamed for UBS loss LONDON/ZURICH: Key con- through "a specific report maintrols for "detection of suspicious tained by an outsourcing provider trading activity" failed at an India based in India (the 'T+14 report')". outsourcing unit, contributing to The probe found that the USD 2.3-billion loss caused by a bank's online trade supervision rogue trader of global banking gi- system SCP (Supervisory Control ant UBS, a joint probe by British Portal) and the 'T+14' report "were and Swiss regulators has found. key controls for the detection of This is the third instance when suspicious trading activity, but outsourcing of key oversight jobs both proved to be ineffective. by global banks (British giants "The failures of these controls HSBC and Standard Chartered serve to illustrate poor organizabeing the other two) to India has come under the regulatory This is the third instance when scanner abroad for in- outsourcing of key oversight effective controls jobs by global banks (British against suspicious financial transactions. giants HSBC and Standard UK's Financial Ser- Chartered being the other vices Authority (FSA) two) to India has come under fined UBS 29.7 million British pounds (about the regulatory scanner Rs 265 crore) for failing to prevent large-scale unau- tion and risk management within thorized trading in this case, while UBS," FINMA said. Swiss regulator FINMA (Financial FSA and FINMA jointly initiMarket Supervisory Authority) ated a probe in September 2011 also said it has found serious risk after it came to the light that a management deficiencies and ma- London-based trader of Swiss jor control failures at the bank. banking major had caused subIn its probe report, FINMA said stantial losses totaling USD 2.3 that UBS' back office operations billion (about Rs 13,000 crore) due team was responsible for ensur- to unauthorized trading on the ing timely confirmation of de- bank's Exchange Traded Fund ferred-settlement trades, identified (ETF) desk. -PTI
Govt probe into dumping of chemical by China NEW DELHI: India has initiated a probe into alleged dumping of a chemical, used in semiconductors and fertilizers, by China following complaints by domestic players. The Commerce Ministry's designated authority, the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD), has begun an investigation into alleged dumping of "Red Phosphorous". Tamil Nadu-based Metal Powder Company Ltd and Mumbaibased United Phosphorus Ltd had filed the application for investigation. In a notification, the DGAD has said the petitioners have provided sufficient evidence that the normal value of the chemical in China is significantly higher than the net export price. The evidences have prima-facie indicated that the product is being dumped from the neighboring country, it said. "The Authority (DGAD) considers that there is sufficient evidence of injury being suffered by the peti-
tioners caused by dumped imports from the subject country (China) to justify initiation of an anti-dumping investigation," it said. The period of investigation is from April 2011 to March 2012. However, for the purpose of analyzing injury, the data of previous
The duty is aimed at ensuring fair trading practices and creating a level-playing field for domestic producers vis-a-vis foreign producers and exporters three years of 2008-2009, 20092010 and 2010-2011 would also be considered, it added. After completion of the probe, the DGAD, if needed, would recommend the duty and the finance ministry would impose it.
Countries initiate an antidumping probe to determine whether their domestic industries have been hurt because of surge in cheap imports of any product. As a counter-measure, they impose duties under the multilateral regime of the WTO. The duty is aimed at ensuring fair trading practices and creating a level-playing field for domestic producers vis-a-vis foreign producers and exporters resorting to dumping. Unlike the safeguard duty, which is levied in a uniform way, anti-dumping duty varies from product to product and country to country. India has initiated 275 anti-dumping investigations between 1992 and March 2012, involving 42 countries. The countries prominently figuring in anti-dumping investigations are China, Korea and Singapore and the major product categories on which anti-dumping duty has been levied are chemicals and petrochemicals, pharmaceutical, steel and consumer goods. -PTI
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Osama given full Islamic burial: Alok Joshi appointed official documents next RAW head WASHINGTON: Heavily redacted official US military documents reveal that Osama bin Laden was given a complete Islamic burial after being killed by US forces in a daring raid at his Abbottabad hideout in Pakistan last year. These documents have been obtained by Washington-based Judicial Watch under the Freedom of Information Act (FIA) and were released to the press. The al Qaeda leader was reportedly transported by the USS Carl Vinson and buried at sea in accordance with Muslim law. "Traditional procedures for Islamic burial was (sic) followed. The deceased body was washed (ablution) then placed in a white sheet. The body was placed in a weighted bag. A military officer read prepared religious remarks,
which were translated into Arabic by a native speaker. "After words were complete, the body was placed on a prepared flatboard, tipped up, where-
‘Traditional procedures for Islamic burial was (sic) followed. The deceased body was washed (ablution) then placed in a white sheet. The body was placed in a weighted bag’ upon the deceased's body slid into the sea," said the relevant portion of the 31-page document.
London favorite tourist spot for Indians LONDON: London, described as world's most visited city has become a favorite tourist attraction for Indians as visitors from the country grew by nearly 28 per cent from last year, Mayor of London Boris Johnson has said. According to figures from the Mayor's official tourism and investment agency, London & Partners, the number of Indian tour-
ists is now at a five year high, with 145,000 visitors in the first half of 2012 - up 28 per cent from 113,000 in the same period last year. Over the last three years, visitor numbers from India and the wider Asia region have risen dramatically, with spend from Asia now accounting for almost 10 per cent of total tourism expenditure. The Mayor outlined what makes London the best big city in Europe both to invest in and visit, a statement from his office
here said. "London's boundless opportunities, both as a vibrant international destination and a phenomenally well-connected business and investment hub, are ripe and plentiful - especially for surging emerging economies like India's," Johnson said. "As well as wooing record numbers of tourists from India,
London is also attracting leading Indian firms in the leisure and hospitality sector, creating jobs and growth for the capital," he said. London, which is now a key location for India's expanding leisure businesses seeking an international platform, since the significant business and leisure travel into the capital has led to hotel occupancy levels consistently over 80 per cent for the last five years. -PTI
According to Judicial Watch, the documents did not include the "prepared religious remarks" read at bin Laden's burial as requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The US Navy told Judicial Watch, in a letter accompanying the documents, that a search did not produce any documents in response to the request for the "remarks". If US Navy regulations were followed, the remarks could have included the Muslim prayer, "O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, pardon him, grant him security, provide him a nice place and spacious lodging, wash him (off from his sins) with water, snow, and ice, purify him... make him enter paradise and save him from the trials of grave and the punishment of hell". -PTI
IOC plans 15 million tonne refinery in Gujarat NEW DELHI: Indian Oil Corporation, the nation's largest oil firm has said it is planning to build a new 15 million tonne refinery in Gujarat as part of its plans to almost double its refining capacity. IOC, at present, has seven refineries with a cumulative capacity of 54.2 million tonnes per annum capacity. "We have a prospective plan to raise this capacity to 100 million tonnes by 2021-22," IOC Director (Refineries) R K Ghosh said here. The company, which already has a 13.7 million tonnes refinery at Koyali in Gujarat, is planning another 15 million tonnes unit in the state due to easy availability of land. "We have commissioned Engineers India Ltd to do a configuration and location study," he said adding the study is likely to comein by year-end after which the company will commission a detailed feasibility report (DFR). The refinery on the west coast is to come up by the 13th Five Year Plan. He said IOC plans to expand its Koyali refinery to 18 million tonnes while also raising capacity of Mathura refinery to 11 million tonnes from current 8 million tonnes. Also, Panipat unit is being considered for expansion to 18 or 21 million tonnes from current 15 million tonnes. Its under construction 15 million tonne Paradip refinery in Orissa would be expanded to 20 million tonnes in future. -PTI
NEW DELHI: Senior IPS officer appointed as Secretary (Security). Alok Joshi has been appointed Azad will look after the adminchief of country's external intelli- istration of Special Protection gence gathering agency RAW. Group (SPG), responsible for According to an official order, closely monitoring the security Joshi (59), a 1976 batch officer of arrangements of the Prime MinisHaryana Cadre who is at present ter, former Prime Ministers and Special Secretary in Research and members of their immediate famiAnalysis Wing (RAW), will take lies in India and abroad. over the reins of the key agency The post was lying vacant folon December 30. lowing superannuation of A B The Appointments Committee Mathur, IPS. of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Azad, who has expertise in Minister Manmohan Singh approved Joshi's appointment as Secre- Following the 2008 Mumbai tary (RAW) for a period terror attack, greater coordiof two years or until further orders, whichever nation has been expected is earlier, the order said. between RAW and the IB Joshi will succeed Sanjeev Tripathi whose than ever before. tenure ends on Decem- Joshi has served in both ber 29. Joshi has served in the organizations Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Haryana Police with key op- handling security division at the erations in Nepal and Pakistan to IB, had also visited Pakistan a few his credit. years back to oversee the secuFollowing the 2008 Mumbai rity of Indian cricket team visiting terror attack, greater coordination that country. has been expected between RAW The Committee also cleared the and the IB than ever before. Joshi appointment of T Y Das, a 1982 has served in both the organiza- batch IAS officer from Assamtions. Meghalaya cadre, as Secretary in In another appointment cleared the Central Information Commisby the ACC, Yashovardhan Azad, sion. a 1976 batch IPS officer of Das is at present Joint SecreMadhya Pradesh cadre, presently tary in the Ministry of DevelopSpecial Director in IB, has been ment of North Eastern Region.-PTI
Tata Steel to cut 900 jobs in UK LONDON: Tata Steel has said it will cut 900 jobs in the UK and close 12 sites as part of major restructuring of European operations to make it an "all- weather" steel producer, capable of succeeding in difficult economic conditions. "The proposed changes are expected to lead to a net loss of 900 jobs in the UK, including 580 in South Wales, 155 in Yorkshire, 120 in the West Midlands and 30 in Teesside," the Indian steel giant said. The company is proposing to make changes at a number of steel finishing and processing sites in the UK, Tata Steel said in a statement. Sites to close include Tafarnaubach and Cross Keys in South Wales, while shift levels at the company's Rotherham and
Hartlepool plants will be reduced to match production to lower demand for bar products and pipelines. "The proposals are part of a strategy to transform ourselves into an 'all-weather' steel producer, capable of succeeding in difficult economic conditions," CEO of Tata Steel's European operations Karl Kohler said. "These restructuring proposals will help make our business more successful and sustainable, but the job losses are regrettable and I know this will be a difficult and unsettling time for the employees and their families affected," he said. A Welsh government spokesman said: "This is very disappointing news, and a massive blow to those who will be losing their jobs.-PTI
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Safety probed at Wash. nuke waste plant LOS ANGELES: A federal investigation has found that a California company might have committed a wide range of safety and health violations at a plant it is building in Washington State to treat high-level radioactive waste, a published report said. The Energy Department halted construction at the Hanford, Wash., plant earlier this year in light of allegations involving serious design and construction flaws, the Los Angeles Times reported. The plant being built by San Francisco-based Bechtel National Inc. will treat an estimated 56 million gallons of radioactive waste created from about half a century of nuclear weapons production. -AP
Most deaths in Hawaii due to injuries HONOLULU: A study by the state found the leading causes of death for young people in Hawaii are nonmedical conditions such as car accidents and drug poisonings. Crashes, suicides and homicides take the lives of more Hawaii residents 39 and under than all other causes of death combined, according to the Department of Health and Injury Prevention Advisory Committee study reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. The study also found that among residents of all ages, injuries are the third leading cause of death, with the most coming from suicides, falls, drug poisonings, motor vehicle crashes and ocean drownings. -AP
Tenn. health officials warn of local infection NASHVILLE, Tenn.: Tennessee health officials will start contacting hundreds of people who received steroid injections for back pain from a pharmacy linked to a fungal meningitis outbreak to warn them about another infection. Dr. David Reagan, chief medical officer for the Tennessee Department of Health, said the new round of calls will start soon to about 900 patients who have not developed fungal meningitis but who may be at risk for a localized infection or abscess near the injection site. In Tennessee, 84 patients have developed fungal meningitis and 13 people have died after receiving injections from Massachusetts-based compounding pharmacy New England Compounding Center. -AP
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WB $70-mn aid for Karnataka health project BANGALORE: The World Bank will provide USD 70 million assistance for the additional financing of Karnataka Health Systems Development and Reform Project. -PTI
AAPI's Kochi Summit to discuss healthcare solutions for India India Post News Service
CHICAGO, IL: Healthcare in India is one of the largest sectors, in terms of revenue and employment. India is making significant improvements in the healthcare infrastructure and is building modern medical facilities throughout India. Indian doctors have made tremendous progress in the medical field and India is now being touted as a medical tourism hub. With a rise in population, there is an urgent need to create additional health infrastructure, which entails a higher level of investment in the Indian healthcare market in the coming years. The government of India is committed to the ever increasing need to invest in the health care system in India It is in this context that the groundbreaking AAPI Global Healthcare Summit (GHS) 2013 organized by the Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin( GAPIO) and Indian Medical Association (IMA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs & Ministry of Health, with participation from some of the world's most well known physicians, and
industry leaders becomes very critical and significant. Described as the most innovative, efficient, cost effective healthcare solutions for India, the GHS 2013 is aimed at exploring
aimed at advancing the accessibility, affordability and the quality of world-class healthcare to the people of India. Among other areas, the Summit will focus on prevention, diagnosis, treatment
"Our ability to share knowledge and influence the medical world has never been greater. the quality of care we provide and the values that we support can reverberate around the world as it never been before possibilities for greater collaboration and cooperation between the physicians and health care providers in India with those of Indian origin and major healthcare providers abroad. This innovative Summit is
options and share ways to truly improve healthcare transcending global boundaries. "AAPI USA has been actively engaged in harnessing the power of Indian Medical Diaspora," Dr. Narendra Kumar, President of
AAPI, said. "In our efforts to realize these goals, we have successfully gained the support of several leading healthcare experts and professional physician associations, including GAPIO and IMA to collaborate on this ground breaking international healthcare summit, designed to bring the best, cost effective quality healthcare solutions to the people of India." According to Dr. Kumar, "Our ability to share knowledge and influence the medical world has never been greater. With the advancement of modern technology, the quality of care we provide and the values that we support can reverberate around the world as it never been before. Cont’d on page 14
Indian-origin doc indicted in healthcare fraud NEW YORK: An Indian-origin physician here has been indicted on charges of perpetrating a USD 12 million healthcare fraud scheme and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted. Utica-based physician Dilip Kachare, 58, has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on his own recognizance after being directed to surrender his passport to US authorities. US Attorney for the Northern District of New York Richard Hartunian said in a statement that a New York grand jury returned an indictment charging Kachare with three counts of healthcare fraud and 16 counts
of mail fraud. Kachare faces a maximum sentence of 10 years' in prison and a fine of up to USD 250,000 on the
patient practice in internal medicine. In addition to his office practice, he treated patients at a number of New York hospitals and
Utica-based physician Dilip Kachare, 58, has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on his own recognizance after being directed to surrender his passport to US authorities healthcare fraud counts and a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment and a similar fine on the mail fraud counts. According to the indictment, Kachare ran an outpatient and in-
nursing homes. Between 2002 and 2012, Kachare engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain payments from healthcare benefit programs, including Medicare, Medicaid
and numerous private insurers. He submitted claims for reimbursement saying he had provided a certain number of patients with the medical services daily as designated by medical codes when it would have been impossible for any physician to provide the medical treatment to that number of patients in a single day. The approximate amount of the fraud alleged in the indictment is USD 12 million. The indictment contains a forfeiture allegation which seeks a similar amount of monetary judgment against Kachare for proceeds derived by him through the fraud scheme. -PTI
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Hobby Lobby appeals morning-after pill decision OKLAHOMA CITY: Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. is asking a federal appeals court to block part of the federal health care law that requires the Christian family-owned arts and crafts company to provide insurance coverage for emergency contraception pills. The Oklahoma City-based company asked the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to block enforcement of the law, which will require Hobby Lobby and a sister company, Mardel, Inc., to cover the morning-after pill and week-after pill as part of employee health insurance plans beginning Jan. 1. The company filed its appeal a day after a federal judge denied the request. ``There is a sense of urgency here,'' said Kyle Duncan, general counsel for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which is representing Hobby Lobby. The company, which is self-insured, has said it will face a daily $1.3 million fine beginning Jan. 1 if it ignores the law. Hobby Lobby is the largest business to file a lawsuit against the mandate. Founded in 1972, it now operates more than 500 stores in 41 states and employs more than 13,000 full-time employees who are eligible for health insurance coverage. Hobby Lobby sued the government in September, claiming the mandate violates the religious beliefs of its Christian owners, the Green family. The owners maintain that the morning-after and week-after pills
are tantamount to abortion because they can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in a woman's womb. They also object to providing coverage for certain kinds of intrauterine devices. ``Appellants engage in an undisputed exercise of religion: they refrain from providing insurance coverage for abortion-in-
birth-control provisions, but ``Hobby Lobby and Mardel are not religious organizations.'' ``Plaintiffs have not cited, and the court has not found, any case concluding that secular, for-profit corporations such as Hobby Lobby and Mardel have a constitutional right to the free exercise of reli-
ducing drugs,'' Hobby Lobby's appeal states. ``Yet the government puts appellants to an impossible choice: either give up the religious exercise, or pay millions in fines.'' In ruling against the company, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton said churches and other religious organizations have been granted constitutional protection from the
gion,'' the ruling said. But the companies' appeal argues that members of the Green family run their businesses according to their religious faith, ``and regularly engage in what can only be called exercises of religion.'' Among other things, Hobby Lobby takes out hundreds of full-page ads every Christ-
mas and Easter celebrating the religious nature of the holidays, closes on Sundays to give employees a day of rest and excludes contraceptive devices and drugs that its owners maintain can cause abortion from its employee prescription drug coverage plan, according to the appeal. ``They exercise their personal religious faith in many ways in which that company is run,'' Duncan said. Heaton recognized that the Green family has sincere religious beliefs, but the judge ruled that complying with the new health care guidelines creates only an indirect burden on Hobby Lobby's owners and it is not personal to them, he said. In medical terms, pregnancy begins when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the wall of the uterus. If taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, the morning-after pill can reduce the chances of an egg implanting in a woman's womb by as much as 89 percent. Critics of the contraception say it is the equivalent of an abortion pill because it can prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. The lawsuit also alleges that certain kinds of intrauterine devices can destroy an embryo by preventing it from implanting in a woman's uterus. At a hearing earlier this month, a government lawyer said the drugs do not cause abortions and that the U.S. has a compelling interest in mandating insurance coverage for them. -AP
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AAPI's Kochi Summit to discuss healthcare solutions for India Cont’d from page 12
This international healthcare summit is a progressive transformation from the first Indo-US Healthcare Summit launched by AAPI USA in 2007 under the leadership of Dr. Hemant Patel and moderated by Anwar Feroz. "Providing a forum for innovative opportunities for learning, networking and giving back to our motherland that have now enabled us to plan ahead and prepare for an outstanding event that has already received confirmation and endorsement from over 300 very prominent and talented physicians and surgeons from abroad, who are very passionate about serving their homeland, mother India," Dr. Kumar added. During the past five Indo-US Summits since the first innovative summit in 2007, AAPI has been instrumental in developing strategic alliances with various organizations. "It is this experience and the resulting relationships that have enabled us to organize this outstanding event." Dr. Jayesh
Shah, President-Elect of AAPI, said. The Summit, which is a public-private initiative between the Government of India and AAPI, is all about dedication and commitment of Indian-American physicians to improving healthcare in India, he added. "This Convention will display how well the Indian doctors have shown themselves as an effective force in the medical world in USA," Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar, Vice President of AAPI, said. GHS 2013 will include a scientific program developed by leading experts with contributions by the Scientific Advisory Board and International Scientific Committee, which will include high priority areas like Cardiology, Diabetes, Oncology, Surgery, Mental Health, Maternal and Child Health, Allergy-Immunology and Lung Health, Health Information Technology (HIT), and the impact of co-morbidities, Dr. Jahagirdar elaborated. Featuring plenary sessions, interactive roundtables, clinical practice workshops, and meet-
the-expert sessions, the first ever scientific poster session will facilitate dissemination and exchange of best practices. More than 100 opinion leaders and expert speakers from across the globe will present cutting-edge scientific findings related to clinical
More than 100 opinion leaders and expert speakers from across the globe will present cutting-edge scientific findings related to clinical practice practice, and the dozens of Chairs and speakers will represent major centers of excellence, institutions and professional associations. For the first time at GHS, a Healthcare CEO Forum representing CEOs from around the world
and from major hospitals, teaching institutions and healthcare industry sectors, including pharmaceutical, medical devices and technology, will join together to explore potential opportunities for collaboration, Dr. Kumar said. Mr. Omar Ishrak, Worldwide CEO of Medtronic, the foremost device company in the world has agreed to be the keynote speaker for this Forum. Several other senior Vice Presidents of pharma companies have already accepted our invitation. Among those representing the Government of India and addressing the Summit include: India's Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi, India's Minister of Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chief Minister of Kerala Oommen Chandy, Kerala Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar, Kerala Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar, Ramesh Chennithala, Pinaray Vijayan, Smt. Sreemathy Teacher, and Advisor to the Prime Minister of India T.K.A Nair. Expected to have over 1,000 participants from across the globe, GHS 2013 keynote speakers and expert panel will include Jeremy Lazarus, MD (President, American Medical Association, Chicago), Emmanuel G. Cassimatis, MD (President and CEO, ECFMG USA), P.K. Pradhan, IAS (Principal Health Secretary), Dr. Jagdish Prasad (Director General of Health
Services), Rajeev Sadanandan, IAS (Kerala Health Secretary), Dr. Prathap C. Reddy (Chairman, Apollo Group of Hospitals), Devi Prasad Shetty, MD (Medical Director, Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital, Bangalore), Dr. Dilip Jeste (President of American Psychiatric Association), Dr. Kalpalatha Guntupalli (Past President of ACCP), Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori (Professor of Oncology, The New York Presbyterian Hospital), Dr. Mani Menon (Professor of Urology & Robotic Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit), Dr. P. Mahalingam (Chairman, Santosh University, Delhi-NCR), Dr. K.K. Talwar (Chairman, Medical Council of India), Dr. Shiv Kumr Sarin (Former Chairman, Medical Council of India), Dr. Ranjan Pai (CEO, Manipal University), Dr. G.N. Singh (Drug Controller General of India), Dr. Eshwar Reddy (Device Controller of India), Dr. M.S. Valiathan (Advisor, Manipal University), Dr. K.M. Cherian (Frontier Lifecare Hospital, Chennai), Dr. N.K. Ganguly (Former Director General, ICMR), Dr. Girdhar Gyani (Secretary General, Quality Council of India), Dr. Rajan Badwe (Director, Tata Memorial Hospital), Dr. K. Vijay Kumar (President, Indian Medical Association), M. Ayyappan, CMD, Lifecare HLL, Dr. Prem Nair, Medical Director, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. Azad Moopen, Chairman, Aster Medicity & DM Healthcare etc.
Losing job could increase risk of heart attack
AIIMS IN HARYANA: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad with Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda after inaugurating the outreach OPD of All India Institute of Medical Sciences at Badhasa in Jhajjar on November 24, 2012
Walking 6000 steps can improve women's health WASHINGTON: Walking 6,000 or more steps a day can decrease the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease for women in their midlife, a new study has claimed. The study published in the journal Menopause, found that habitual physical activity - whether it comes from exercising or just activities of daily living - has the power to improve women's health. Walking for 6,000 or more steps daily decreases the risk of diabe-
tes and metabolic syndrome (a diabetes precursor and a risk for cardiovascular disease), the journal reported. In Passo Fundo, Brazil, 292 women who were 45 to 72 years old wore pedometers and recorded their daily steps. They also had health checks such as cholesterol and blood sugar and waist and hip measurement (to gauge abdominal obesity, which is a risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease).
Women who took 6,000 or more steps per day were considered active and those who took fewer inactive. The active women were much less likely than the inactive ones to be obese and have metabolic syndrome or frank diabetes, whether or not they had gone through menopause when these risks usually go up and whether or not they were using hormone therapy, the study found. -PTI
LONDON: Losing your job can be as bad for your health as for your wallet, according to a new study. Researchers found that being out of work was associated with an increased risk of heart attack, and this risk rose each extra time someone was fired or made redundant. Dr Matthew Dupre and colleagues from Duke University in the US examined the associations between different lengths of unemployment and the risks for acute myocardial infarction or AMI in more than 13,000 Americans aged 51 to 75, the Daily Mail reported. "Although the risks for AMI were most significant in the first year after job loss, unemployment status, cumulative number of job losses and cumulative time unemployed were each independently associated with increased risk for AMI," Dupre said. In the study group, 14 per cent were unemployed at the start, 69.7 per cent had one or more cumulative job losses, and 35.1 per cent had spent time unemployed.
Statistical analysis indicated that AMI risks were significantly higher among the unemployed and that risks increased incrementally from one job loss to four or more cumulative job losses compared with no job loss.
The risks of a heart attack were 'particularly elevated' within the first year of unemployment but not thereafter, according to the study. "We found that the elevated risks associated with multiple job losses were of the magnitude of other traditional risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes mellitus and hypertension," Dupre said. The findings were published in the journal Online First by Archives of Internal Medicine. -PTI
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Study finds mammograms lead ADHD medicines help curb criminal behavior to unneeded treatment
M
ammograms have done surprisingly little to catch deadly breast cancers before they spread, a big U.S. study finds. At the same time, more than a million women have been treated for cancers that never would have threatened their lives, researchers estimate. Up to one-third of breast cancers, or 50,000 to 70,000 cases a year, don't need treatment, the study suggests. It's the most detailed look yet at over treatment of breast cancer, and it adds fresh evidence that screening is not as helpful as many women believe. Mammograms are still worthwhile, because they do catch some deadly cancers and save lives, doctors stress. And some of them disagree with conclusions the new study reached. But it spotlights a reality that is tough for many Americans to accept: Some abnormalities that doctors call ``cancer'' are not a health threat or truly malignant. There is no good way to tell which ones are, so many women wind up getting treatments like surgery and chemotherapy that they don't really need. Men have heard a similar message about PSA tests to screen for slow-growing prostate cancer, but it's relatively new to the debate over breast cancer screening. ``We're coming to learn that some cancers many cancers, depending on the organ weren't destined to cause death,'' said Dr. Barnett Kramer, a National Cancer Institute screening expert. However, ``once a woman is diagnosed, it's hard to say treatment is not necessary.'' He had no role in the study, which was led by Dr. H. Gilbert Welch of Dartmouth Medical School and Dr. Archie Bleyer of St. Charles Health System and Oregon Health & Science University. Results are published in New England Journal of Medicine. Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer and cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. Nearly 1.4 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Other countries screen less aggressively than the U.S. does. In Britain, for example, mammograms are usually offered only every three years and a recent review there found similar signs of over treatment.
The dogma has been that screening finds cancer early, when it's most curable. But screening is only worthwhile if it finds cancers destined to cause death, and if treating them early improves survival versus treating when or if
cancers detected - from 112 to 234 cases per 100,000 women. But latestage cancers dropped just 8 percent, from 102 to 94 cases per 100,000 women. The imbalance suggests a lot of over diagnosis from mammograms,
A doctor studies the results of breast mammogram
they cause symptoms. Mammograms also are an imperfect screening tool they often give false alarms, spurring biopsies and other tests that ultimately show no cancer was present. The new study looks at a different risk: Over diagnosis, or finding cancer that is present but does not need treatment. Researchers used federal surveys on mammography and cancer registry statistics from 1976 through 2008 to track how many cancers were found early, while
Researchers also looked at death rates for breast cancer, which declined 28 percent during that time in women 40 and older - the group targeted for screening still confined to the breast, versus later, when they had spread to lymph nodes or more widely. The scientists assumed that the actual amount of disease how many true cases exist did not change or grew only a little during those three decades. Yet they found a big difference in the number and stage of cases discovered over time, as mammograms came into wide use. Mammograms more than doubled the number of early-stage
which now account for 60 percent of cases that are found, Bleyer said. If screening were working, there should be one less patient diagnosed with late-stage cancer for every additional patient whose cancer was found at an earlier stage, he explained. ``Instead, we're diagnosing a lot of something else - not cancer'' in that early stage, Bleyer said. ``And the worst cancer is still going on, just like it always was.'' Researchers also looked at death rates for breast cancer, which declined 28 percent during that time in women 40 and older the group targeted for screening. Mortality dropped even more 41 percent in women under 40, who presumably were not getting mammograms. ``We are left to conclude, as others have, that the good news in breast cancer decreasing mortality must largely be the result of improved treatment, not screening,'' the authors write. The study was paid for by the study authors' universities. ``This study is important because what it really highlights is that the biology of the cancer is what we need to understand'' in order to know which ones to treat and how, said Dr. Julia A. Smith, director of breast cancer screening at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York. Doctors already are debating whether DCIS, a type of early tumor confined to a milk duct, should even be called cancer, she said. -AP
Older teens and adults with attention deficit disorder are much less likely to commit a crime while on ADHD medication, a provocative study from Sweden found. It also showed in dramatic fashion how much more prone people with ADHD are to break the law four to seven times more likely than others. The findings suggest that Ritalin, Adderall and other drugs that curb hyperactivity and boost attention remain important beyond the school-age years and that wider use of these medications in older patients might help curb crime. ``There definitely is a perception that it's a disease of childhood and you outgrow your need for medicines,'' said Dr. William Cooper, a pediatrics and preventive medicine professor at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. ``We're beginning to understand that ADHD is a condition for many people that really lasts throughout their life.'' He has researched ADHD but had no role in the new study, which was led by Paul Lichtenstein of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. The findings were published in New England Journal of Medicine. About 5 percent of children in the U.S. and other Western countries have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which can cause impulsive behavior and difficulty paying attention. Many youngsters are given medication to help them sit still and focus in school. Some people have symptoms into adulthood. ``It's well known that individuals with ADHD have much higher rates of criminality and drug abuse than people without ADHD,'' but the effect of treatment on this is not well known, Lichtenstein said. Using Swedish national registers, researchers studied about 16,000 men and 10,000 women ages 15 and older who had been diagnosed with ADHD. The country has national health care, so information was available on all drugs prescribed. Court and prison records were used to track convictions from 2006 through 2009 and see whether patients were taking ADHD drugs when their crimes were committed. A patient was
considered to have gone off medication after six months or more with no new prescription. For comparison purposes, researchers matched each ADHD patient with 10 similar people without the disorder from the general population. They found: About 37 percent of men with ADHD were convicted of at least one crime during that four-year period, compared with just 9 percent of men without ADHD. For women, the crime rates were 15 percent with ADHD and 2 percent without it. Use of ADHD medicines reduced the likelihood of committing a crime by 32 percent in men and 41 percent in women. The crimes were mostly burglaries or thefts. About 4,000 of more than 23,000 crimes committed were violent. ADHD medication use reduced all types of crime, Lichtenstein said.
About 37 percent of men with ADHD were convicted of at least one crime during that four-year period, compared with just 9 percent of men without ADHD Cooper called the results striking. ``I was surprised by the magnitude of the effect of the medications and the fact that it was so consistent across all the analyses they did,'' such as the type of drug being used and the types of crimes committed, he said. The Swedish Research Council, the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the Wellcome Trust and other agencies paid for the research. ADHD medicines may help people organize their lives better and reduce impulsive behavior. They also bring a patient into counseling and health care, said Philip Asherson, a professor at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London. -AP
Desi News Black Friday turns deadly for Bay Area family RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service
FREMONT: Black Friday is traditionally known as the day when consumerism wins over everyone. People scramble to get the deals and line up in front of stores to grab the cheap goodies that stores sell to attract crowds. Traditionally this is the day when stores get back into profit and hence the name 'Black Friday'. People stand in line for hours and sometime days to land deals. However, this Black Friday November 23 came with sad and bad omen for Bay Area's Tandel family. Arvind Tandel and his family went for shopping for Black Friday to Gilroy shopping center as the eldest daughter of the family was planning to get married next month. Little did they know that this was the last family trip they had together with all the four daughters and their mom and dad. Details on page 21
Diwali celebrated with sweets, dances & sparklers ASHWIN PATEL
ST LOUIS: India Association of St. Louis celebrated Diwali Festival on November 3 at Mahatma Gandhi Center. The event started at 3 pm with a social hour with number of food, jewelry and clothing stalls around. The cultural program started at 4 pm and was attended by more than 300 St. Louis residents representing different regions of India. Details on page 18
Shiva Rudra Abhishekam at Fremont Temple RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service
FREMONT: On November 19, the Fremont Hindu Temple celebrated Koti Somvar memorably in a one of a kind event in the San Francisco Bay Area, building a Shiva Lingam with one hundred thousand rudraksha garlands. Mondays in the month of Karthik are the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. It is customary to pray to Lord Shiva on every Monday this month. This occasion was marked by hundreds of devotees offering archana from 12pm until 10 pm. The air of the temple was alive with pious Vedic mantras and chants of shlokas praying to Lord Shiva. Details on page 22
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
Get treated like royalty on Maharajas' Express Details on page 24
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December 7, 2012
Bhangra was a big attraction at McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade RAJINDER SINGH MAGO
CHICAGO: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) kept up its long tradition of participating in the McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade held on Thursday November 22 on State Street downtown Chicago. This was PCS's 5th time participation in the parade highlighting Indian culture. The parade was televised live on WGN TV Channel 9, WGN America, and also streamed live on Internet for worldwide viewing from 8 am to 11:00 am. It was rebroadcast at 1 pm to 4 pm on CLTV on the same day where millions watched from home. Celebrating its 79th year, the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade is Chicago's premier holiday event. PCS was a part of more than 100 spectacular contingents proudly marching the parade route North on State Street from Congress to Randolph Street inspired by a cheering crowd of thousands. "To be invited to participate in the significant and exciting happenings at the local and national level is an acknowledgement of the presence of diverse cultures, faiths, and ethnic
Bhangra at Thanksgiving Parade at Chicago downtown. Pics Sikh TV
communities that make up the vibrant and colorful fabric of America," said K.P. Singh a Sikh American author, artist, engineer, town planner and community development activist of
Indianapolis, Indiana. University of Illinois Chicago Bhangra, DePaul University, and Harripa Chicago Bhangra troupes showcased the energetic and
happy Punjabi folk dance in colorful costumes to thousands of cheering spectators lined up along the State Street parade route.
Diwali celebrated at BAPS with devotion & gaiety SANDIP PATEL
CHICAGO: Bright lights, fireworks, colors, and delicacies these words conjure up in our mind nothing but a huge celebration of Diwali - the festival of lights that means ending of darkness and lighting up of a new era. This year's Diwali festival was celebrated with great devotion at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, a northwest suburb of Chicago. On November 13 devotees gathered at the Mandir with family and friends to participate in the Chopda Pujan, a special ceremony for business owners to receive Cont’d on page 20
BAPS Mandir decorated with lights
Cont’d on page 19
December 7, 2012
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Jains celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm Suresh Shah & Asian Media USA
CHICAGO: Members of Jain community gathered in huge numbers at Bartlett Jain temple to celebrate one of the most popular Indian festivals - Diwali: the Festival of Lights - on Friday November 10. Besides the traditional celebration of the festival, the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago, the host, also decided to have it synchronized with the Appreciation Dinner for its members. The Bartlett auditorium was packed with about 600 people participating. JSMC had scheduled a weeklong celebration of Diwali covering spiritual, ritual and entertainment spectrum. The events were celebrated in the company of spiritual leaders like Swami Shrutpragyaji and Hitesh Bhai Vidhikar with religious discourses. Various Diwali rituals were scheduled from November 5 to November 14. On November 9, a Dinner and Entertainment program was scheduled. This was followed with Laxmi Poojan on Nov 10, a Havan of Ghantakaran Vir on Nov 11 and Bhakti Sangeet (Bhavna) program on the evening of New Year Day of Nov 14. Cont’d on page 25
Ms Patricia Kelly lighting Diwali lamp along with JSCS officials and other guests. From L-R: Vipul Shah Secretary of JSMC, Atul Shah Board of Trustees, Rob Carny Member to the planning commission Bartlett Village, Mrs Patricia Kalley Board of Trustee Bartlett Village, Mrs Ramilaben Shah, Sanjay Shah and Mrs. Anita Shah JSMC Member. Pics Asian Media USA
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Diwali celebrated with sweets, dances & sparklers ASHWIN PATEL
ST LOUIS: India Association of St. Louis celebrated Diwali Festival on November 3 at Mahatma Gandhi Center. The event started at 3 pm with a social hour with number of food, jewelry and clothing stalls around. The cultural program started at 4 pm and was attended by more than 300 St. Louis residents representing different regions of India. A colorful entertainment program was organized in which over 90 participants from different age groups took part. There were 23 items with a huge diversity of themes from classical, devotional to fast beat Bollywood music. The program included
St Louis Diwali celebration at Mahatma Gandhi Center
Child artists participating in cultural program
There was a little change in the mood with little kids dancing to songs like Salaam-e-Ishq, Bollywood remix and hip hops followed by teens and adults dancing Annamacharya keertanas, Bharatnatyam Pushpanjali and Thillana, Koli and Lavani folk dances. Then there was a little change in the mood with little kids dancing to songs like Salaam-e-Ishq, Bollywood remix and hip hops followed by teens and adults dancing to assortment of Bollywood medleys and remix. All these items kept the audience spellbound for over two hours and the event was a great success. The program culminated with distribution of sweets and lighting of sparklers on the common grounds outside the center.
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Dr Sheth is President of New England IMA India Post News Service
WALTHAM, Mass.: The Indian Medical Association of New England (IMANE) held its 34th Annual Meeting on November 17
tion for medical professionals of Indian origin in New England, also elected its 2014 President-elect Dr. Sajani Shah. Also confirmed at the meeting was the group's 2013 Executive Committee, including Dr.
Dr Manju Sheth
at the Taj Boston hotel in Boston, electing a new slate of officers including the election of Dr. Manju Sheth as the group's 2013 president. IMANE, a dynamic organiza-
Seema Arora as secretary and Dr. Sapna Aggarwal as treasurer. Dr. Sheth, Dr. Arora and Dr. Aggarwal, along with 2012 President Dr. Sucheta Doshi and five members at large will form IMANE's Execu-
tive Committee in the coming year. The members at large include Dr. Srilatha Kodali, Dr. Anita Vanka,
Mass., and specializes in internal medicine. "I am looking forward to a great year of service."
Sheth said that her goals for the group in the coming year include strengthening ties with the research and academic medical community, deepening IMANE's many charitable, social and professional activities and organizing a collaborative health expo Dr. Suresh Reddy, Dr. Subha Thiagarajan and Dr. Sameer Kapasi. Sheth said that her goals for the group in the coming year include strengthening ties with the research and academic medical community, deepening IMANE's many charitable, social and professional activities and organizing a collaborative health expo that will bring various hospital and health care providers together with the Indian community. Sheth said that the group will also seek to increase membership through greater outreach to Indian-American physicians in New England. "Community service is a very important mission of IMANE and I am hoping that we can serve our wonderful community in multiple ways, including educating them about health issues that are especially prevalent in the Indian population," said Sheth, who works at Beverly Hospital in Danvers,
All of IMANE's 2013 officers will begin their terms of service on Jan. 1. Founded in 1978, the Indian Medical Association of New England (IMANE) is a dynamic organization for medical professionals of Indian origin in the New England area. Based in Waltham, Mass., IMANE organizes and supports numerous professional and social activities for the benefit of its members and the communities they serve.
MKCA fundraiser for Don Bosco Club AUSTIN D SOUZA
CHICAGO: Manglorean Konkani Christian Associaiton (MKCA) has announced organizing a fundraiser Don Bosco Club Puttu signifying this year's Christmas celebration. This is in a way a recent tradition where the association conducts a charity fund drive with all proceeds going to a charity in India. Last year's proceeds were donated to Shubadha Society - a shelter for distressed women, run by Bethany Sisters in Mangalore, India. This year, the MKCA Executive Committee has decided to support the "Educare" - a student
scholarship fund run by Don Bosco Club (DBC), Puttur, Mangalore, India. The DBC was founded in 1967 and for the last 45 years has been actively involved in community development efforts such as housing for the poor and youth development. In the field of youth development, the DBC has been awarding educational scholarships to needy students and encouraging students from lower socio-economic background to take up higher studies around the Puttur area.
Bhangra big attraction at McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade Cont’d from page 16
Mona Kaur and Manjeet Singh Bhalla were the bride and groom, dressed up PCS members the wedding party, Ryan Singh and Harman Singh Nagra played Punjabi Dhol (drum) along with Rishpal Singh's Twin Beats DJ Punjabi music to keep the spectators involved and the Bhangra performers warmed up in the morning lake Michigan weather. From the Asian American community, Chinese Americans and Filipino Americans also participated with their colorful floats. Over 350,000 on-street spectators cheered along the parade route on the State Street PCS is a non-profit organization promoting mainstream participation, good citizenship, community development, civic commitment and involvement, education, and preserving Punjabi culture, language, sports and performing arts among its community members.
The fun of Bhangra
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Diwali celebrated at BAPS with devotion & gaiety Cont’d from page 16
Goddess Laxmi blessings for the upcoming New Year. Through chanting Vedic hymns and prayers, hundreds of ledgers were blessed during the ceremony. On November 14, hundreds of devotees gathered early in the morning to offer prayers on the first day of the New Year. All, or rather most of them, dressed in traditional attire, greeted each other and wished for a happy and prosperous New Year. The Mandir was packed for the first arti, a Hindu ritual of waving lighted wicks before the murti of Bhagwan as an act of spiritual enlightenment, which took place at 7 am. Throughout the day, visitors poured in to the hourly services to see the beautifully arranged lights as well as rangolis, unique floor designs made with colored sand. One of the unique aspects of celebrating the New Year is offering a feast of food items called Annakut, literally meaning "a
Annakut celebration
mountain of food". The devotees of the Mandir worked tirelessly for many weeks to prepare this color-
ful array of vegetarian food items to be offered to Bhagwan. This created a sense of togetherness
amongst all who were involved. Despite residing in India, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Devotees praying at BAPS Mandir
continually inspires devotees all over the world to celebrate their Hindu heritage and customs. These festivals allow for families to meet and celebrate the Hindu festivals and pass on traditions to future generations. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide socio-spiritual organization in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony. Through a number of social and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow. Its 3,300 international centers under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and spiritually pure, and free of addictions. His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj is the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
Mandala Season at St Louis temple ASHWIN PATEL
ST LOUIS: The Mandala Season for 2012 started on November 16. The Hindu Temple of St Louis conducted Mala Dharana pooja on this day with many Swamis taking Deeksha on that day. The temple had four home bhajans. Over 500 devotees including 50 kids took part in the Sri
St Louis Hindu Temple and Lord Ayyappa
Ayyappa pooja and sang bhajans in various languages. The bhajans were very vibrant and took all the
attendees thru a great spiritual journey. The Hindu Temple of St Louis is constructing Ayyappa
Maha Sannidhanam on the south side of the temple. The temple construction is tak-
ing place at great pace. The external part is completed and internal construction is being done.
December 7, 2012
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Black Friday turns deadly for Bay Area family RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service
FREMONT: Black Friday is traditionally known as the day when consumerism wins over everyone. People scramble to get the deals and line up in front of stores to grab the cheap goodies that stores sell to attract crowds. Traditionally this is the day when stores get back into profit and hence the name 'Black Friday'. People stand in line for hours and sometime days to land deals. However, this Black Friday November 23 came with sad and bad omen for Bay Area's Tandel family. Arvind Tandel and his family went for shopping for Black Friday to Gilroy shopping center as the eldest daughter of the family was planning to get married next month. Little did they know that this was the last family trip they had together with all the four daughters and their mom and dad. After shopping they were heading back to their home in San Bruno and about 10 minutes away from their home they got into an accident after which things will no longer be the same for this Indian family. They were traveling in SUV and hit a CHP car on right hand shoulder. As a result the SUV rolled over multiple times and two of the daughters were thrown out on the road. The eldest daughter Nisha Tandel (24) and Sheetal Tandel (20) died as a result of the
Arvind Tandel and his family went for shopping for Black Friday to Gilroy shopping center as the eldest daughter of the family was planning to get married next month. Little did they know that this was the last family trip they had together with all the four daughters and their mom and dad accident. Mother Yogita Tandel, father Arvind Tandel, daughter Payal Tandel (20) and another daughter 12 year were critically injured. Friends and family members gathered at their place. Contacted on phone, the family shared they were saddened and shocked by this incident and still waiting for more information. Tandels were very active in community and Tandel sisters performed dance at the local Diwali function just last week. Little did anyone know that their lives will come to such an abrupt end. While cause of the accident is still not known, one of the contributing factors could be lack of sleep due to shopping all night. The fact that some passengers were not wearing seatbelts worsened the impact of accident. It goes to confirm the fragile and uncertain nature of life.
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Shiva Rudra Abhishekam at Fremont Hindu Temple RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service
FREMONT: On November 19, the Fremont Hindu Temple celebrated Koti Somvar memorably in a one of a kind event in the San Francisco Bay Area, building a Shiva Lingam with one hundred
thousand rudraksha garlands. Mondays in the month of Karthik are the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. It is customary to pray to Lord Shiva on every Monday this month. This occasion was marked by hundreds of devotees offering archana from 12pm until 10 pm. The air of the
Grand Shiva Lingam constructed of 100,000 Rudraksha garlands
Manorama Joshi, an organizer of the event, said that participating in this abhishekam is similar to performing the one hundred thousand archanas. With its weekly and daily puja schedules, Fremont Hindu Temple strives to offer a wide range of prayers temple was alive with pious Vedic mantras and chants of shlokas praying to Lord Shiva. Manorama Joshi, an organizer of the event, said that participating in this abhishekam is similar to performing the one hundred thousand archanas. With its weekly and daily puja schedules, Fremont Hindu Temple strives to offer a wide range of prayers and abhishekam that allow devotees to celebrate all auspicious occasions with complete rites and rituals. The Shiva Rudra Abhishekam event concluded with Priti Bhoj for all the devotees.
Pandit Govindji giving a sermon to mark the event
Devotees praying and listening to Vedic mantras
Manormaji passes Rudraksha garlands to wrap around the Shiva Lingam
Sri Satya Sai Baba birthday celebrated RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service
Sri Satya Sai Baba birthday celebrations. Pics Neeloo Kapoor
FREMONT: Fremont Hindu temple celebrated Sri Satya Sai Baba's birthday on November 23 with respect and prayers. Devotees gathered in the temple to offer prayers and archana to commemorate the birthday. On this occasion, Sri Viswayogi Viswamjee Maharaj led the prayers and encouraged devotees to follow the teachings of Sri Satya Sai Baba. Devotional bhajans and Kirtan filled the atmosphere and made the event memorable.
Manorama Ji leading devotional bhajans and archana
Priti Bhoj
Sri Viswayogi Viswamjee Maharaj performing Arti
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Seva beauty salon wins Walmart partnership India Post News Service
HIGHLAND PARK, IL: How did an entrepreneur convince Walmart, the world's largest retailer, to partner with a new and relatively unknown beauty salon franchise concept that specializes in the art of brow shaping, facial hair removing and waxing? With hard work, creativity, and attracting more than 1,000 customers a week, Seva founders, Vas and Sonal Maniatis, overcame incredible odds to form an exclusive in store partnership and expand their franchise concept nationwide. In addition to brow shaping and facial hair removal, Seva offers a full range of nail and spa services including body waxing, facials, and eyelash extensions. After years of success in the real estate industry, serial entrepreneur Vas Maniatis and his partner Sonal opened their first eyebrow threading business in 2008 only after a Walmart regional manager needed to fill a vacant retail stall in his new Indianapolis location, days before its grand opening. Vas and Sonal agreed to open their eyebrow threading concept in Walmart, only to grow the business to two additional locations before catching the full attention of Walmart executives and forming an exclusive in-store retail partnership. "Seva offers an opportunity for potential franchisees with and
without experience in the beauty industry to fulfill their "American Dream" and get involved in a franchise that offers full support and demonstrates success," said Vas Maniatis. "Seva is a company that began in the shadows of a retail giant and has continued to thrive and generate profits in a down economy." Seva currently operates 50 franchise and corporate locations throughout sixteen states, with huge expansion plans in 2013.
The company's exclusive partnership with Walmart and its ability to use the Walmart infrastructure allows Seva to provide its franchisees the opportunity to open multiple locations
The company's exclusive partnership with Walmart and its ability to use the Walmart infrastructure allows Seva to provide its franchisees the opportunity to open multiple locations locally, regionally, or nationally with guaranteed foot-traffic in the thousands per week. Walmart currently operates over 8,500 locations worldwide. Seva has designed a complete turnkey Salon-in-a-Box delivery system which handles all aspects of the design, construction, de-
livery, and coordination of build out of every new Seva salon. The company requires startup capital of $100,000, in which $15,000 is allotted for the franchise fee. Seva's proprietary iPadbased POS technology is installed in every location to enables its franchisees to easily run and monitor their stores in real time from anywhere in the world via any computer, web-enabled phone, or iPad. Offering world class training and support, Seva has established the Seva Academy to assure franchisees continued support of trained and certified threading masters. The academy offers a series of hands-on threading instructional classes limited to eight students per class. Classes provide highly personalized one-on-one instruction by Seva's Master Threader in state-of-the-art training facilities located within the company's corporate headquarters in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park, IL. "We are proud of what the Seva brand represents and are fully committed to continued research and development of customized services and new beauty products," Sonal Maniatis said. "Our Seva brand line of beauty products compliments our current line of spa services and offers the franchisees an additional profit center."
Unique rickshaw run by Team Splurge RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service
FREMONT: Team Splurge, a group of volunteers based out of Oakland, is planning to raise funds for three chosen charities
in a unique way. Twenty teams consisting of 3 members each is heading south through India in an auto-rickshaw to raise money and awareness for charities while having an adventure of a lifetime. Starting on December 28, Team
Splurge, consisting of Alvin, David and The Egg Man, will participate in The Rickshaw Run 2013. The "race" will start in Northern Indian town of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan and after roughly three
weeks, Team Splurge will cross the finish line in Kochi, in Southern India. Their mission is to raise money and awareness for 3 select charities, with the goal of making a difference in the lives of family,
friends and the greater global community. Their chosen charities are The Frank Water Projects, The Lymphoma Research Foundation and The Autism Speaks Foundation.
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December 7, 2012
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Get treated like royalty on Maharajas' Express India Post News Service
LOS ANGELES, CA: Awarded "Best Luxury Train" by CNBC Travel in 2010 and named 1st runner up in the Readers Choice Award for Conde Nast Traveler in 2011, India's newest luxury train, Maharajas' Express, takes travelers on a journey to explore the splendor of the rich Indian landscape, from majestic forts and palaces to natural bounty and untamed wildlife. Owned and operated by the Indian Railways
Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), this luxury train offers a range of five incredible itineraries between the months of September and April, which include exotic experiences such as meeting the royal family at Balasinor while visiting the largest dinosaur fossil park, exploring the erotic temples of Khajuraho, lunching at an elephant polo match in Jaipur, enjoying a cocktail sundowner on the sand dunes of Bikaner, indulging in a champagne breakfast overlooking the immortal beauty of the Taj Mahal, and riding a boat on the Ganges in the holy city of Varanasi to witness the ancient ritual ceremony of offering prayers by lighting lamps. "The train is designed to transport guests into a more gracious age of train traveling," says Rakesh Kumar Tandon, Managing Director, IRCTC. "Interiors suffused with nostalgia, state-of-the-art amenities, a tastefully-crafted itinerary, and impeccable hospitality enable Maharajas' Express to present India in a way never seen before." Each train carries fourteen guest carriages, including one truly classic Presidential Suite that stretches the length of an entire carriage. Every cabin has large windows, designed so that guests can savor every bit of
magnificent India. All passenger cars come with independent, cabin-controlled air conditioning, online water filtration systems, environmentally-friendly toilets, pneumatic
gether. For added zest, there is an exotic Safari bar and Rajah Club, with the choicest collection of complimentary, house brand spirits. Each train comfortably fits a total of
Each train carries fourteen guest carriages, including one truly classic Presidential Suite that stretches the length of an entire carriage. Every cabin has large windows, designed so that guests can savor every bit of magnificent India suspension, live television, Wi-Fi Internet, CCTV cameras, hair dryers, electronic safe deposit boxes, bath tubs (in suites and the presidential suite) - almost everything one could imagine to travel in luxury. The Maharajas' Express features two fine-dining restaurants that each seat 42 people, and everyone on board dines to-
88 passengers. The Maharajas' Express is making select stops on the West Coast to showcase its luxurious amenities to North American travelers who want to experience Incredible India by stepping back into time. This month, the IRCTC is hosting VIP receptions in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.
December 7, 2012
Community Across America
India Post 25
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Jains celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm Cont’d from page 17
There was sumptuous Indian Jain lunch and dinner for the entire weekend program. There were Diwali snacks and sweets served to the participants on most of the Diwali celebration days. Prominent dignitaries from the Board of Village of Bartlett and the local business community were invited for the event. Board Member Patricia Kelly (Trustee Village of Bartlett), Rob Carney (Plan Commission Member), Scott Skrycki (staff member Village Board), Sanjay Shah of Axiom Constructions among others attended the program. Sunil Jain did an excellent job as Master of Ceremony. JSMC Executive Board Members welcomed the dignitaries upon arrival and gave them a tour of the facility. This was followed by a traditional Indian dinner for the dignitaries along with JSMC Board and Executive Committee members. Trustee Patricia Kelly is a licensed Illinois attorney in private practice since 1989. She was awarded her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Northern Illinois College of Law. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Bartlett
A section of the audience enjoying the entertainment program
Veterans Memorial Foundation and is a Department of Veterans Affairs Accredited Attorney. Patricia Kelly, Village of Bartlett Trustee, said on the occasion, "We wish ever one happy Diwali. Tonight's celebration is a wonderful opportunity to gather with friends and family and look back at the year behind us and forward to
the months ahead. As you prepare for new beginnings, it is my wish that you see less hardship and more happiness in the year ahead. I wish you fewer challenges and better shape of things. As I look back over the years, I see what an important part of our community the Jain Center has become. You provide Bartlett with a beautiful gateway
into another culture. When I look forward, I see good neighbors, valued neighbors with whom we hope to share many more celebrations in the years to come." The program ended with a fun musical night. Entertainment program was really praiseworthy. There was Live Entertainment Program provided by musical orches-
tra "Mumbai Masti", with wellknown artists from India. The event was sponsored by Axiom Construction and Manpasand. JSMC thanked all sponsors and donors for making this event a big success. They also thanked the Board of Village of Bartlett for accepting their invitation and gracing the event with their presence.
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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Apnaa Mujhe Tu Lagaa: 1920 - Evil Returns 2 Jiya Re: Jab Tak Hai Jaan 3 Jee Le Zaraa: Talaash 4 Challa: ab Tak Hai Jaan 5 Laakh Duniya Kahe: Talaash 28
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December 7, 2012 6 Saans: Jab Tak Hai Jaan 7 Muskaanein Jhooti Hai: Talaash 8 KikliKalerdi: Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana 9 Badla Nazara: English Vinglish 10 LSTCK Theme: Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana
At girls'
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idya Balan took her co-star Emraan Hashmi for a ride in a Nano on the streets of Mumbai while shooting for "Ghanchakkar". The two actors explored the streets of Mumbai in a yellow Nano as they set out to search something in the middle of the night. "The scene required Vidya driving Emraan across Mumbai. This is one of the crucial scenes in the film as Emraan and Vidya search for something that they desperately need," Manish Hariprasad, Creative Director, Studios, Disney UTV said in a statement. Directed by Rajkumar Gupta of "No One Killed Jessica" fame, "Ghanchakkar" tells the story of Sanju (Emraan), an ex-conman, who is laidback and has a taste for finer things in life. The problem is his ambitious wife, played by Vidya.
college
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hah Rukh Khan, who wanted to be a sportsperson and whose plan was spoilt by a back injury, started his tryst with theatre with a play at a women's college. Shah Rukh, who was a student at Delhi University's prestigious Hans Raj College, first performed at the Lady Shriram College. Narrating his journey to becoming an actor, the 47-year-old said: "I thought I would be a sportsman but I injured myself. I was under observation for seven to eight days and bed-
fter winning praise for her debut single "In my city", Priyanka Chopra has now sung in electronic dance music (EDM) track "Erase". "Erase" is composed by a band named The Chainsmokers, which comprises producer Andrew Winter and disc jockey (DJ) Alex Pall. The duo heard Priyanka's work and offered her to team up with them. Priyanka thanks her "In my city" team, who gave her time to work with the duo. "Music for me has been a very organic process. I have been fortunate to work with the best and the most passionate people in the business. I have my team to thank for 'Erase' even though I was hard at work on my debut music album, they allowed me the opportunity to break away and work with and feature on this single by The Chainsmokers," the 30-yearold said in a statement. She says it was fun working with the New York-based band. "These guys are super talented and also completely crazy, which made the whole process so much fun," Priyanka said.
ELECTRONIC
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ridden for a month and a half. I had hurt my lower back and I felt very bad. For six to eight months, I was extremely depressed." "My mom said 'Try and do something in the evening to fill your space'. I started doing this play called 'Annie Get Your Gun' at Lady Shriram College - one of the attractions being that it was a girl's college and I was one of the few guys who was chosen to act there - eight boys and 80 girls." Shah Rukh narrated the story on BIG CBS Prime's "India's Prime Icon".
Bollywood
December 7, 2012
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Combative
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ctress Sonam Kapoor admits that her films have not "done well" but critics always supported her work and that is why she is still part of the Hindi film industry. The 27-year-old started her career with 2007 film "Saawariya" and went on to do movies like "Aisha","Mausam" and "Players", which failed to set the cash registers ringing at the box office. However, the actress feels her work was always appreciated by critics. "Honestly, my films have not done very well but I am in the industry because of the critics. They have always liked me...," Sonam said at the launch of film critic Anna MM Vetticad's book "The Adventures of An Intrepid Film Critic." Sonam feels filmmakers need critics and vice-versa. "I honestly feel that we need each other. We need somebody there. You need a referee at the end of the day. We need somebody's perspective who has an intelligent view about things. You need critics because you need a review of what has been done and how do you better your product," Sonam said. The actress is currently shooting for Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" and Anand L. Rai's "Raanjhana".
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acqueline Fernandez showed her daring side when she performed a combat sequence in her upcoming slick thriller "Race 2". In the film, Jacqueline will be seen performing a fencing sequence using swords and knives, with Saif Ali Khan in tow. Fencing is a sport of armed combat using three weapons foil, epee and saber. Jacqueline learned and performed the epee and sabre centred-fencing sequence, which combines the use of swords, knives and cavalry weapons. "We got two experts from Vietnam to teach her. A sequence like this needs style and grace and you can't hurry it up or it will not be justified. Jacqueline, on her part, worked hard for two months to learn the moves," said Abbas of the director duo Abbas-Mustan. "She wore a fitted costume showing off her curves, with her hair flowing loose. Head gear is worn during fencing, but if we did that people would have assumed a stunt double was doing the scene. So we took cinematic liberty and left her hair loose which looks good with the moves and proves that she's doing the stunt," he added.
THE BUSIEST
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eepika Padukone seems to have become the busiest actress of Bollywood these days. She is cur rently working on three movies simultaneously, one of which is 'Ram Leela' directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Known to be a perfectionist, Bhansali has set up a workshop to train the lead pair on various techniques that reportedly takes up 15 to 18 hours a day. "Under such rigorous training regiment, it would be very difficult for the actors to have any personal time, let alone spend time dating," said an official spokesperson. Deepika could not even take a day off to visit her family for Diwali. The busy actress will be seen next in Race 2 and is also shooting for Rohit Shetty's Chennai Express co-starring Shah Rukh Khan, Ayan Mukherjee's Yeh Jawaani Hai Dewaani with Ranbir Kapoor and Kochadaiyaan with Rajnikanth.
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Shilpa had organized the dinner to welcome the couple to Mumbai. She posted pictures with the couple and wrote, "Gr8 to c @warne888 nd @ElizabethHurley at r home, fun evenin at home
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December 7, 2012
Liz Hurley, Shane Warne, Shilpa Shetty-Kundra and her industrialist husband Raj Kundra
MUMBAI: Actor Shilpa Shetty-Kundra and her industrialist husband Raj Kundra hosted a dinner for ex-cricketer Shane Warne and his girlfriend, actor Elizabeth Hurley at their Mumbai home on Saturday November 24 evening. Warne was the captain of Rajasthan Royals, the IPL team that the Kundras own, and is currently in India to do cricket
commentary for the ongoing England-India test series. Shilpa had organized the dinner to welcome the couple to Mumbai. She posted pictures with the couple and wrote, "Gr8 to c @warne888 nd @ElizabethHurley at r home, fun evenin at home with a few friends:) (sic)." Warne and Liz too, enjoyed every bit of the star stud-
”
ded party. "Thank you to @TheShilpaShetty and @TheRajKundra for the most delicious dinner and enchanting cuddle with the Mini Kundra," Hurley wrote on Twitter, referring to Shilpa's 6-month old baby boy, Viaan. Warne, who sported a new hair style, tweeted, "Thanks for having me last night @TheRajKundra & @TheShilpaShetty Was great to
catch up, see you soon... Ps Bubs liked uncle Shane too (sic)." To this Shilpa wrote, Was great to catch up, see you soon... Ps Bubs liked uncle Shane too (sic)." And added, "preferred aunt Elizabeth though ;) ha ha ha (sic)." Actor Suniel Shetty and wife Mana, industrialist Gautam Singhania with wife Nawaz and actor Chunkey Pandey with wife Bhavna were some of the invitees. "It was a very intimate get together. The couple had invited some close friends. They are very close to Shane even after he left IPL. Shilpa had personally overseen the arrangements. Shane and Liz were very happy to meet the couple's little baby," says a source.
My Pageant experience: I did win Miss Photogenic! VEERA MAHAJAN
I
participated in Mrs. Asia, USA pag eant in Los Angeles on November 17. This was my first experience at being part of any pageant. I am glad that I was asked to participate because I probably would never have volunteered on my own. Thanks to JS Bedi, reporter at India Post, for nominating me and Virgelia Villegas, producer of the pageant for accepting me in the pageant. Their faith and support kept me going till the end. I won Miss Photogenic and was 3rd runner up! I feel blessed to have had this experience. I am still learning how to let go of my inner fears and tell my stories freely. On the pageant night I had the opportunity to share with the judges my stories and dreams, my struggles and accomplishments with pride but I did not share them. I hesitated. That probably played a role in how they saw me. But this is my journey and I am learning my lessons as I go. I am sometimes surprised at my
own strengths and also when I find and face my own weaknesses. Some make me shine and some do make me cry. I am learning that it is okay to grieve. This is part of being human! I am learning not to judge myself for my shortcomings or discomforts but use them for lessons to keep improving and making my life better from here on. Cont’d on page 31
December 7, 2012
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Jalpari - The Desert Mermaid goes to Oscars without getting preachy about the whole thing. On the whole, Jalpari is a motivating and thought-provoking
India Post News Service
C
ritically acclaimed film Jalpari - The Desert Mermaid has been submitted as a direct entry for Academy Awards. Producer Sushilkumar Agrawal, CMD Ultra Distributors said, "Total 17 films were competing in India to be sent as India's official entry for the foreign film category. Every film had a potential in some or the other way to compete for the Oscars but unfortunately only one film can go as an official entry from India. The original story and concept is the USP of our film. The blazing subject, the treatment of the film and the powerful performances has the potential to compete to the Oscars. So we decided to submit our film as a direct entry for the Academy Awards." Ultra has submitted the film to the Academy of Motion Pictures and their team will visit US for exhibition and the promotion of the film. Recently the film received the
seamless cinematography and Apurva Asrani's impeccable editing are amongst the other strengths of this motion picture.
The film deals with the predicaments that a girl child encounters in rural India and also addresses the divide between rural and urban India. movie that relies on the muscle of its powerful storytelling and performances to communicate a blazing subject matter. Savita Singh's
A scene from Jalpari - The Desert Mermaid
prestigious Audience Choice Award in Minsk International Film Festival in Belarus and was selected as an official entry for International Film Festival in Montreal which will take place in March 2013. It is expected to participate in many other international film festivals. The film also won MIP Junior Kids Jury Award
at Cannes in Oct 2012. Jalpari is directed by Nila Madhab Panda, director of award winning 'I Am Kalam'. The film deals with the predicaments that a girl child encounters in rural India and also addresses the divide between rural and urban India. The film depicts India's national shame 'female feticide' in a lighter way,
UN PERFORMANCE: Lakshmi Puri, Deputy Executive Director, UN Women, felicitates qawwals of Ajmer after they performed during a qawwali programme at a symposium at the United Nations headquarters in New York on November 27
Jalpari was very well appreciated and acclaimed by the critics when it was released in India in September 2012.
My Pageant experience: I did win Miss Photogenic! Cont’d from page 30
I did not win the pageant. I am so busy in building my new life and I also have just started school again. I really did not have time to fulfill the demanding schedule for the crown holder. But, I won't say I was not disappointed. It took me a day to make my peace and accept my placement; especially because almost everyone on the pageant staff and even most the fellow delegates said they expected me to win. I did win the Miss photogenic, it is great! The best part of the pageant for me was that I was able to wear my son Rahul's design as my evening gown in the competition. I am also very excited that my mom, both my sons (Kunal and Rahul) and young Nancy (the daughter I never had) I am mentoring were there to support me along with all my friends from LA and some friends who
traveled from Michigan. I am truly blessed that they think I am a winner in their eyes. My dear friend Gordon Bahn who helped me look beautiful (hair and makeup artist) also helped me stay focused and calm through the two day competition process. I learned a lot from our coaching team Joey, Alfredo and Tommy. I had a great time with my fellow delegates and made some new friends. I enjoyed our every Sunday rehearsals but I am glad they are over so I can get back to work and homework from school now. I have just started my MA in Spiritual Psychology at University of Santa Monica and I have a lot of homework piled up because I was so busy with the pageant. I know my Malibu Chronicle team is waiting to have me back full time again. I am committed to bringing out our Holiday season glossy print magazine.
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'Project 11' releases online on Dec 1 Speaking on the occasion, Indian Director Vikas Chandra said, "I am quite happy that Project 11, a film that was made possible because of a lot of collaborative ef-
FRANK FERNANDES India Post News Service
MUMBAI: Project 11, India's first short collaborative film is all set to release online on Dec 1. The film was shot in 11 cities of the world at 27 different locations, with the combined crew strength of over a 100 people belonging to 13 different ethnicities. In its long journey of film festivals, it won the Best Sound Award at Imphal International Short Film Festival 2012, premiered at Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival 2012, showcased in the Panorama section of Budapest Shorts Film Festival (Busho 2012), Hungary, and Gandhara Film Festival in Pakistan. The film generated a lot of buzz last year, when true to its numbers theme, the 11 min 11 sec long film had premiered at 11:11 am on 11.11.11 on www.glamsham.com. However, post that the makers had taken it off the net, for its journey to various film festivals. The makers are also releasing a detailed
The film generated a lot of buzz last year, when true to its numbers theme, the 11 min 11 sec long film had premiered at 11:11 am on 11.11.11 on www.glamsham.com
A scene from Project 11
making of the film, with regards to how a collaborative film can be made, with different talents across
the world. The approx 15 minute long short about the making will clear a lot of myths surrounding
the shooting of the film and will be of a great help to film buffs and aspiring film-makers.
forts from across the world, is releasing online. I wish that more and more people watch the film and hope that they will like the same." The film premiered on glamsham.com last year and now will be available on youtube from December 1.
'Meri behna hai' stars for Artesia festival India Post News Service
ARTESIA: Viren and Jeevika Vadhera, the lead pair of the very popular prime-time show on Star 'ek hazaaron mein meri behna hai' are confirmed to attend and shop at the Artesia Shopping Festival, this December. The festival will be held on the famous Pioneer Blvd in Artesia on December 8 and 9, where participating merchants will offer deep discounts on their wares during the two-day extravaganza. More than 50 merchants on the street have signed up for the discount program that promises to attract shoppers from across the Southern California region and beyond. Star Plus, the leading South Asian Television Channel, is helping to create the awareness and publicity for the festival with hundreds of commercials and video vignettes on their network of channels. They will also be flying down popular Soap Stars - Viren and Jeevika Vadhera for the festival providing festival-goers an opportunity to meet and greet with their favorite personalities. "This event reiterates Star Network's commitment to the local community, i.e. our viewers; it is also our way of expressing gratitude to the small business advertisers who have brought tremendous value to the general entertainment space with their support.
Viren
We have been an integral part of such an event in New Jersey and are pleased to nurture the growth of this new initiative in the Los Angeles area" said M K Srinivasan, SVP-North America, Star Network. Powered by entertainment platform Dish Network, the festival promises to be a grand success and a worthwhile venture for all involved. "I believe this is a great opportunity for Artesia because it will attract more people to our business community", Artesia Mayor John P. Lyon said. He also added "I strongly urge smart shoppers to keep the dates of Saturday, December 8 and Sunday December 9 in mind. It might not be until another year before an opportunity like this arises again on Pioneer Blvd." The festival is being organized by Touchdown Media, after the grand success of the Oak Tree Shopping Festival in New Jersey. "The idea is to bring in all shoppers and help boost the sales and economy while providing them with star attractions and deep discounts," said Rahul Walia, Founder of the festival franchise. This event will be free to attend and open to the public December 8 and December 9, 1pm - 7pm. The city of Artesia and the council have helped arrange the logistics, security and permits for the festival and are participating sponsors helping the bustling shopping district on Pioneer Blvd. The festival offers 30% to 50% discount on merchandise in various trades like jewelry, fashion, appliances and more.
Jeevika Vadhera
SPORTS 33
India Post
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December 7, 2012
Second Corporate Games a big success Corporate giants test their mettle
Corporate Games CEO OP Bhatia addressing the participants
Chess tournament saw gold medal being won by Virender Singh of IRCTC; Silver by Vodafone's Prem Jain and bronze by Sanjay Kr. Biswas of GRSE. Cycling races Men & Women all categories were organized flawlessly by Corporate Games in collaboration with Cycling partner Firefox. The cycling road races began at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 9 am. Among Women, Capt Nivedita Bhasin who flies one of the biggest aircrafts Dreamliner of Air India, won gold after completing
India Post News Service
NEW DELHI: With over 550 participants from 41 Corporates, 45 volunteers and 20 persons from Special Olympics (intellectually challenged ) Corporate Games Second Edition saw corporate giants fighting it out on the field for winning medals for their respective organizations. The Games were challenging, exhilarating, enjoyable and exhausting for organizers but very enjoyable for players. In fact Delhi games have already become Pan India Games with participants coming from seven States and from East, West and Northern India. Some of the very interesting results for the day were: Hindustan Times won a fiercely fought competition out of 19 teams by beating Shangri-La Hotel Group virtually on the last few balls. They had to make 4 runs in the last three balls, which they did and won the Cricket Tournament of Corporate Games.
Chief Guest Mr. KP Singh Deo, Former Union Minister, giving Medalist Award to Shangri-la Hotel for winning maximum number of medals
winners were from IRCTC. Badri P Uniyal won Gold, Vijay Kumar got Silver and Sanjay Harbola got Bronze. In 800 meters 50+ age category Gold was won by Mr. Rohinton Mehta from ITC and Capt Krishan Sharma from Sirifort Sports Complex won Silver. In 800 meters Women Open saw Preeti Singh from Reckitt Benckiser winning gold; Sonal Singh from SAIL won Silver.
given to the Corporate fielding maximum number of participants was awarded to Nokia. For Corporates winning maximum medals, division wise, the awards were given to Hindustan Times and Garden Reach Shipbuilders (GRSE) from Kolkata. For the first time, Special Olympics students were integrated in the same competition with the Corporates. The Awards function and closing cer-
Major General Narinder Singh, Chief Guest, declaring the Games open
Neelam Pratap Rudy teeing off
seven laps in 17 mins. Surbhi Mahajan from Reckitt Benckiser won Silver with 26 minutes. For Men Nitish Bajaj from Reckitt won Gold in 18mins 44 sec (10 laps); Kapil from Nokia won silver with 23 min 25 sec and Balraj of IRCTC won bronze with a timing of 24 minutes and 7 seconds. Athletics Athletic races 400 meters, 800 meters and 1500 meters started at JNS at 10 am. In the 400m Open group category, Rohinton Mehta won Gold; Pushpinder from Railtel won Silver & Capt Krishan Sharma from Sirifort Sports Complex won bronze. In 1500 meters gold winner was Samarjit Singh; Rajeev Bahl from SPML got silver; Hemant Yadav from Railtel got bronze. In 800 meters Pawan Dhankar of LG won Gold; Pushpinder Kumar from Railtel won silver 7 and Vinod Singh of LG won bronze. In 1500 meters 30-39 age category all
Samarjit Singh (right) who won two Gold, seen with India Post MD Capt Krishan Sharma, who won one Silver and one Bronze representing Sirifort Sports Complex
In 800 meters 40-49 years Women category Alda Dhingra from Prudent won Gold and Bharti Sharma from Prudent again won Silver. In 800 meters 40-49 years Samarjit won Gold and Neeraj Painuly won Silver. The Sports For Life trophy, which is
emony grand finale also took place in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium where all the 600 athletes and sponsors were honored by Shri KP Singh Deo, who closed the Games. The Third Edition of Corporate Games will take place from 21st November-24th November, 2013.
Realty Tidbits
Ulwe emerges top destination for realty NEW DELHI: Ulwe in Mumbai has emerged as the country's top destination for investment in the residential real estate where housing prices are expected to jump by 145 per cent over the next five years, according to a report by global property consultant Knight Frank. Wadala and Chembur in Mumbai are at second and third positions in the list of 13-top residential destinations from an investment point of view, with price appreciation of 133 per cent and 125 per cent, respectively, during 2012-2017. In Delhi-NCR region, the consultant said Noida Extension and Dwarka Expressway are the best locations to invest where housing prices are expected to rise by 111 per cent and 108 per cent, respectively, by 2017. Noida Extension and Dwarka Expressway are ranked 4th and 5th in the list. Medavakkam (Chennai) ranks 6th with price appreciation of 103 per cent, followed by Hinjewadi (Pune) 100 per cent, Tathawade (Pune) 98 per cent, Ravet (Pune) 97 percent, Hebbal (Bangalore) 94 percent, Pallikarnai (Chennai) 93 percent, Wakad (Pune) 91 per cent and KR Puram (Bangalore) 91 percent. Out of these 13 destinations, housing prices will double fastest at Ulwe (Mumbai) in 3.4 years ad slowest at KR Puram (Bangalore) in 5.5 years. In its report 'India's Top Residential Destinations to Invest In', Knight Frank has identified 13 destinations in the country spread across Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune. -PTI
Man held for cheating realtor of Rs 3 cr NEW DELHI: He posed as a former Member of Parliament and drove a BMW, claiming to advocate rights of farmers. He was also the person who allegedly tricked a property developer and fled with Rs 3 crore. Dhananajayan KG, who had been on the run for three years, has been arrested here. Police said Dhananajayan, from Thrissur in Kerala, claimed he was a former MP and farmer leader when he met realtor Sameer Kohli. He also claimed to have a realty business, but police have not found any office registered in his name in Delhi or NCR. Police are now checking on how Dhananajayan could afford to stay in an upmarket apartment in Dwarka and maintain a lavish lifestyle. His daughter, police said, is pursuing an MBA from a top university in the US.
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National online urban database in offing NEW DELHI: The government is set to sanction funds for a national online database that will make it easier for town planners and researchers to access authentic urban development-related data, including municipal finances. The plan to develop the online database was initiated by the urban development ministry in February and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) has submitted a proposal on it to the ministry.
US' Portman Holdings invests Rs 65 cr in Tata Housing NEW DELHI: Tata Group's realty firm Tata Housing Development Company has said US-based Portman Holdings has invested about Rs 65 crore in its luxury housing project in Bengaluru for a minority stake. The company said this is the first private equity funding in its housing projects. "Tata Housing has raised equity in Promont (project name), which is valued at Rs 240 crore, from Portman Holdings…for a minority stake in the project," Tata Housing, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, said in a statement. Atlanta-based Portman Holdings is a real estate development, investment and management company. Yes Bank was the financial advisor on this transaction. When contacted, Tata Housing spokesperson said: "We have raised about Rs 60-65 crore as private equity in our Bangalore project for a minority stake of about 25 per cent. The project has been valued at Rs 240 crore." The company would develop 400 units in the first phase and about 150 villas in the second phase. The price range of units is Rs 1.5-3 crore, while villas at over Rs 5 crore. The total project cost is Rs 650 crore to be invested over the next five years, he added. Commenting on the deal, Tata Housing Managing Director and CEO Brotin Banerjee said: "Portman Holdings clearly recog-
Atlanta-based Portman Holdings is a real estate development, investment and management company. It is the first private equity funding in its housing projects nizes the opportunity for longterm and sustained growth in the Indian housing market. Their investment represents a huge endorsement for The Promont as an outstanding project." Tata Housing has 60 million sq
ft under various stages of planning and execution and an additional 19 million sq ft in the pipeline. It is offering products ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 14 crore. The company has presence in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Gurgaon,
Chandigarh, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Bhubaneswar. It plans to expand presence across tier I and II cities. Tata Housing has also ventured into foreign markets such as Maldives and is actively exploring other markets including Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries. Portman Holdings has raised and deployed over USD 6 billion and developed over 50 million sq ft of premium real estate globally. In India, the group has invested in about 3 million sq ft of property so far.
Realty regulator will breed corruption: Credai MUMBAI: Real estate developers body Credai has criticized the proposed Real Estate Regulatory Bill, which is being tabled in the Winter Session of Parliament, saying it is 'antipeople'. The Bill aims to establish a regulatory authority for the realty sector. The Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India (Credai) has termed the Bill as anti-people
and said the sweeping powers sought to be vested with the
the government's intention to assist consumers in realty space, but
"We whole-heartedly welcome the government's intention to assist consumers in realty space, but the Realty Regulatory Bill in its present form does not solve the problem and rather will prove to be inflationary” regulator will lead to corruption instead of checking it. "We whole-heartedly welcome
the Realty Regulatory Bill in its present form does not solve the problem and rather will prove to
be inflationary and breeding ground for corruption," Credai National President Lalit Kumar Jain said in a statement. The Bill, he said, seeks to allow manual property registrations and even empowers the regulator to reject them. The Bill also provides for depositing 70 per cent of the sale price in a bank account, he said, adding, "blocking such a large amount will also kill liquidity and business expansion." -PTI
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Circle rates for Delhi properties hiked Royal Palms to sell 4 hotels for 2,500 crore
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roperty prices in Delhi are likely to zoom further with Delhi government hiking the circle rates - the minimum valuation of land and immovable property - by up to 200 per cent to check black money in transactions. The rates in Category A colonies like Greater Kailash, Defense Colony, Gulmohar Park, Panchsheel Enclave, Anandlok, Green Park, Golf Links and Hauz Khas have been hiked by 200 per cent. As per the rates approved by Delhi Cabinet, Rs 6.45 lakh per square meter has been fixed as new circle rate for category A colonies as against existing rate of Rs 2.15 lakh. This means nobody would be allowed to buy land and immovable properties in these colonies for less than Rs 6.45 lakh per square meter. The rates in Category B neighborhoods like Andrews Ganj, Kalkaji, Munirka Vihar and Nehru Enclave have been increased by 50 per cent while for rest of the areas, the hike has been fixed at 22 per cent. As per the cabinet decision, Rs 2,04,600 per square meter has been fixed for B category colonies as against current rate of Rs 1,36,400 per square meter. Delhi Revenue Secretary Dharampal said the government decided to hike the circle to cut the black money component in property transactions. He said government expects to generate an additional revenue of Rs 200 crore from hike in circle rates. In 2011-12, the Delhi Government had collected Rs 2,000 crore in revenues from registration of properties and Rs 1,300 crore has been collected so far in current fiscal. Dikshit said circle rates were increased as last hike was effected in November, 2011. "The current rates are quite less than the prevailing market rates at which transactions are
taking place. That is why we decided to hike it," Dikshit said adding, "In order to curb the flow of black money, it has become important to rationalize the minimum circle rates."
nies the rate will be Rs 47,140 as against current rate of Rs 38,640. In respect of category G colonies, the new rate will be Rs 38,442 per square meter as against existing Rs 31,510 while for H category
She said the Cabinet took a sympathetic view in effecting hike of the rates in colonies under categories C, D, E, F, G and H. For C category colonies, the circle rate has been hiked to Rs 1,33,224 per square meter from cur-
colonies it has been hiked to Rs 19,361 from Rs 15,870. The circle rates were first introduced in Delhi in 2007, dividing the capital into eight categories, and were notified under the provisions of the Delhi Stamp (Prevention of Undervaluation of Instruments) Rules, 2007 on July 18, 2007. 'No immediate impact of hike in circle rate on realty prices' Developers and realty consultants said there will be no immediate impact on property prices due to Delhi government's move to hike circle rates and felt the move will help to reduce black money transactions. "The current circle rates are far lesser than the market prices‌ I do not think there will be any immediate impact due to this increase of circle rates. Property prices are always determined by the market forces. It is dependent on demand supply scenario," Jones Lang LaSalle (India) Chief Executive Officer (Operations) Santosh Kumar said. He, however, said there may be some price hike in the long run due to this step.
Developers and realty consultants said there will be no immediate impact on property prices and felt the move will help to reduce black money transactions rent Rs 1,09,200 while in neighborhoods under Category D the new rates will be Rs 1,06,384 as against existing rate of Rs 87,200. The rate for colonies under category E has been hiked from Rs 47,840 to Rs 58,365 per square meter while for F category colo-
Indiabulls opens first overseas office in UAE DUBAI: Indian real estate developer Indiabulls Real Estate has announced the launch of its first overseas office in the UAE. Located in Dubai, the local representative office will cater to the rising interest and demands of the UAE-based NRIs in company's projects across India and expand its regional reach, the company said in a statement. "NRIs make up for 25-30 per cent of our overall business and especially Gulf NRIs have always been more inclined towards investing in realty market back home.
"With an approximate 45 per cent of the UAE's population comprising Indians, the need to have a local office catering to this segment was vital," Santosh Tandel, Regional Head - Middle East and North Africa region, Indiabulls, said. "Dubai offices marks company's foray into the International market. However, future plans include opening of offices in other GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain. To facilitate NRI home loan requirements, we will also be looking at avenues for partnerships through our housing finance di-
vision which already provides mortgages across India," he said. Indiabulls Group has recently also entered into an agreement with Qatar's Doha Bank for offering mortgage loans to Doha Banks NRI customers for acquiring properties in India. Indiabulls focuses on super metros with 90 per cent of the projects in NCR, Mumbai and Chennai and has delivered a record 3.3 million sq ft developed space valued at USD 1.75 billion within four years of inception, the statement said. -PTI
MUMBAI: Real estate developer Royal Palms India plans to sell four of its hotels in the city and hopes to raise up to Rs 2,500 crore for further expansion and diversification into the agriculture sector, a top company official said. "We will be cultivating highpaying crops, from grains to fruits organically. We are seriously looking at diversifying into the agriculture sector and have already bought around 300 acres in Pune. "Nearly 30 per cent of the funds raised from the sale will be employed for expanding this business," Joint Managing Director Dilawar Nensey told PTI here, adding that cultivation on 100 acres has already commenced. The city-based company, a part of the Amir Group, is also looking at acquiring around 1,500 acres in Kolhapur.
On its 240-acre project Royal Palms Estate in Goregaon, the company has three hotels in the five-star category, including Hotel Imperial Palace, Palms Hotel Tower & Convention Centre, as well as Palms Villas Hotel, besides another hotel under construction, with over 400 rooms. "We have been running these hotels for quite some time and now we are looking at liquidating these assets mainly for growing our business," he said. The company hopes to raise over Rs 2,500 crore and has appointed consultancy firm Knight Frank for executing the deal. "We will wait for the best valuation, as we are in no hurry to sell it off. We are getting inquiries from both domestic as well as international buyers, after the government relaxed FDI norms," he said.
Akshaya plans 1 BHK aparts for weaker sections CHENNAI: With growing demand for residential properties, real estate developer Akshaya plans to construct 1 BHK (bedroom-hall-kitchen) apartments targeted at the economic weaker sections of the society, a top company official said. "We will look at the demand for these apartments and if required we may construct them in our future projects also," Akshaya Chief Executive Officer T Chitty Babu said. Citing government regulations that a certain section of apartments were needed to be allotted for the economic weaker section, he said in the company's latest 151st project - Today - 52 units would be constructed as "single BHK Studios" spread across 612 square foot each. Elaborating about the Rs 730 crore Today project, Babu said it was coming up on a 20.7 acres at
Thaiyur on the famous IT Corridor (Old Mahabalipuram Road). It would have a 2,134 residential units built in 12 to 17 storey towers. The apartments, spread across 612 sq ft to 1,335 sq ft, would be priced from Rs 17.44 lakh. "The cost per square foot will be Rs 2,850 for next three days, which is Rs 350 less compared to our another project which is just one km away." The city-based company is doing another project at Thaiyur with a square foot costing Rs 3,200, he said. Stating that much attention is not given to disabled people in real estate projects, he said beginning from this project, all the company's future projects will be "disabled friendly". Askshaya has inked a joint venture with Kotak Realty Fund which owns the land at Thaiyur for the project, Babu added. -PTI
Tech News US delegation to attend Vibrant Gujarat show WASHINGTON: Lauding Chief Minister Narendra Modi for making Gujarat an attractive investment destination, the US-India Business Council (USIBC) has said that an executive mission from America will participate in the January 11-13 'Vibrant Gujarat 2013' trade show in Gandhinagar. The USIBC is seeking participation from Corporate America for the event and promises a meeting with the Chief Minister for the delegation. USIBC's executive mission will comprise senior business executives representing a broad range of sectors. "Under Chief Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the state of Gujarat has emerged as one of the most attractive investment destinations for American businesses seeking a predictable regulatory environment, a highly skilled technical and multilingual workforce, and established basic, yet critical infrastructure," the USIBC said. -PTI
Google buys Wi-Fi provider ICOA for USD 400 million NEW YORK: Google has bought an operator of Wi-Fi hotspots in high-traffic locations such as airports, hotels and fastfood restaurants. Google Inc. is paying USD 400 million for ICOA Inc., a Warwick, Rhode Island, company, as part of the search company's efforts to diversify its portfolio. ICOA owns or operates Wi-Fi wireless access services in 40 states. It also sells technology for others to run similar Wi-Fi networks under their own brands. It's not Google's first venture into Internet access. The Mountain View, California, company is building an ultra-fast wired Internet service in Kansas City, primarily to showcase for what's technically possible and to test new ways to use the Internet.-AP
SpiceJet announces 3 more international flights NEW DELHI: Expanding its international network, no-frill carrier SpiceJet has announced launch of three direct daily flights to Dubai and Maldives on different sectors. The sectors are Kochi-Male, Kochi-Dubai and DubaiAhmedabad. Maldives capital Male is the new international destination that SpiceJet would connect.-PTI
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Gold demand keeps soaring in India MUMBAI: Despite jewellers' strike, soaring price and monsoon deficit, demand for gold has made a strong comeback in India and the net import of the 'yellow metal' is likely to be about 800 tonne this year. According to the World Gold Council (WGC), India's net gold imports for domestic consumption is expected to be about 800 tonne this year following a pick-up in momentum during the festival season. According to WGC sources, the net imports of domestic consumption was 969 tonnes in 2011. -PTI
India, China boost economic ties, sign 11 agreements NEW DELHI: India and China have pledged to deepen economic and commercial ties and create environment for promoting investment to the mutual benefit of the two nations. As many 11 agreements, entailing investment of USD 5.2 billion, were inked here during a day-long 2nd India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue. With a view to promote greater economic and commercial engagement, the two sides have agreed to improve trade and investment environment, remove market barriers and deepen business co-operation, said the minutes of the meeting between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and China's National Development and Reform Commission Zhang Ping. India and China also agreed to enhance transportation links, encourage greater bilateral investments and work towards achieving a more balanced and sustainable bilateral trade. Ahluwalia told reporters after the meeting, "The message that we are getting from them is that they would like to see deepening of cooperation." He also expressed the confidence that the dialogue will look at measures to increase investment interest and activity through mutual co-operation. Ahluwalia said that India and China would look at the possibility of initiating pilot projects in different sectors such as water treatment. Commenting on the success of the dialogue, he said, "I think from the size of Chinese business delegation, they brought around 180 people, it is clear that there is great deal of business interest in business collaboration from both sides". The bilateral trade between the two countries has shot up from USD three billion in 2000 to USD 74 billion currently. Ahluwalia told reporters that the Chinese delegation led by Zhang met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. "Both leaders want deepening of cooperation between China and India," he added.
Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia with Chairman of National Development & Reform Commission of China, Zhang Ping arriving for the Second India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue in New Delhi on November 26
When asked about security issues and widening India-China trade deficit, Ahluwalia said there was no discussion on these issues during the dialogue. On whether inking MoU with China for cooperation in railways will discourage other investors like Japan, he said, "This is not neces-
access, Ahluwalia said, "This was not trade negotiations. Both leaderships have signaled very strongly that they want trade to expand. We would like their help in making trade more balanced". About government being cautious about investment by Chinese telecom companies in India,
"I think from the size of Chinese business delegation, they brought around 180 people, it is clear that there is great deal of business interest in business collaboration from both sides" sarily crowding out co-operation with Japan. It is true that we have discussed with the Japanese for possibility of setting up high speed rail. India will not have just one high speed rail. It is good idea to explore all possibilities". On discussions about market
he said, "Security issues are relevant not just for Chinese investments. In certain areas, the country would want to have security in infrastructure and telecom is one of them. This is not the issue which came up for discussion. They did not raise this issue". Ahluwalia informed that India
raised the issue of after sale service of the Chinese equipment. However, he admitted that Chinese equipment are very competitive and their financing is also very good. During the dialogue, he highlighted the fact that with increase in private sector participation, overall investment in India's infrastructure has increased from 4.8 per cent of the GDP in 2002-03 to 7.3 per cent in 2011-12. According to the minutes of the meeting, both the sides have agreed to hold the 3rd India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue next year in Beijing. India, China ink 11 MoUs USD 5.2 bn investment 11 agreements The first MoU was signed between the Planning Commission and Chinese planning body National Development and Reforms Commission (NDRC) for undertaking joint studies in economic policy research and development planning. Cont’d on page 38
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Air India puts five B777s on block, eyes $450 m from sale MUMBAI: After failing to find any lessor for its five Boeing 777s, the debt-laden Air India is now planning an outright sale of these aircraft to raise up to USD 450 million (about Rs 2,500 crore), airline sources said. The state-run airline will soon appoint a consultant to help it find a suitable buyer besides taking the assistance from Boeing on the issue, they said. The move is to trim over Rs 68,000-crore debt, they added. "These are surplus aircraft after the induction of the latest Dreamliners in our fleet which we have decided to dispose of," Air India sources told PTI. Earlier, the carrier had sought to 'sale and lease back' the fuel-guzzling five Boeing 777-200 LR planes, which are of 2007 and 2009 make.
However, despite repeated attempts, Air India did not find any taker for them, eventually forcing to put them on the block. "Currently, the price for these aircraft hovers around USD 85-90 million per unit," they said, adding the proceeds from the outright sales would be utilized to phase
quested Boeing to remark these planes," sources added. In 2005, Air India had placed orders for 68 aircraft with the US aircraft-maker Boeing consisting of 18 B737-800s, 27 Dreamliners and another 23 B777s, apart from 43 from the European plane-maker Airbus.
The airline has also received three Dreamliners out of the 27 on order so far and four more are expected to join its fleet by the fiscal end. The five B777s, which the car-
out loan taken for these aircraft. These planes were part-funded by the US Exim Bank. The airline will soon appoint a consultant to facilitate the sales. In addition "we have also re-
Of the 23 777s, 15 are B777-300 ERs and eight are B777-200-LRs. Air India has already taken delivery of 18 737-800s and eight B777-200 LRs, besides 12 B-777300 ERs.
rier has now put up for sale, belong to the same order. The eight 777-200 LRs, of which Air India plans to sell five, are 235-seaters against the industry practice of 290-300 seats. The idea behind this configuration was to operate them on ultra long-haul routes like Chicago,
Cash transfer of subsidies in 51 districts from Jan 1 PUNE: Government payouts "Beginning January 1, 2013, (in) innovative ways to increase outtowards pensions, scholarships 51 districts of India, we wish to put of goods and services. and subsidies worth thousands of transfer all payments of GovernThe Minister said consolidacrores of rupees will be directly ment of India directly to benefi- tion in the banking system was transferred to bank accounts of ciary through Aadhaar enabled inevitable. beneficiaries in 51 districts spread bank accounts", the Minister said. "Finding new business models over 15 states from January 1, FiOn growth, he said India is fac- will inevitably lead to some connance Minister P Chidambaram ing a difficult situation because solidation... We must create at said here. the pace of economic expansion least 2 or 3 world size banks. China Aimed at checking pilferage, the has declined to about 5.5 per cent has done it. And if India wants to ambitious government scheme in the first quarter of 2012-13. The be and as it will be the third largbased on Aadhaar-enabled mechanism will cover the entire country by end of 2013. "We have only five weeks to roll out and once rollout begins, we want roll-out to be completed in 600 odd districts in India...Larger number of districts will be added every quarter", he said while speaking at the annual banking 'Bancon' conference here. Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram lights the lamp to inaugurate the Bancon 2012 in Pune on Addressing November 24. Narendra Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, Bank of Maharashtra and K.R. Kamath, Chairman, IBA and Chairman and Managing Director, chairman and Punjab National Bank are also seen managing directors of several leading banks, Chidambaram said growth in the second quarter is est economy in the world...we must also have one or two world the government's major subsidy likely to be 5.5 per cent, he said. The economy was growing by size banks and some consolidation bill, which includes payments towards food, fertilizer and petro- over 8 per cent in the two financial is inevitable," he said. Aadhaar, a 12-digit number, leum, in the current fiscal was years before slowing to nine-year serves as a proof of identity and pegged at Rs 1.8 lakh crore. The low of 6.5 per cent in 2011-12. The Finance Minister said that address anywhere in the country. outgo is expected to increase in view of the high prices of crude to overcome the difficult economic The UIDAI has already issued 21 situation, there is a need to find crore Aadhaar cards. -PTI oil in the international market.
New York, Toronto, etc, on premium fares, but that did not materialize. This forced the airline to deploy them on medium haul sectors such as Hong Kong, Shanghai and London, rendering the aircraft operations economically unviable. The aircraft, known as the Worldliner in the aviation parlance, or the one which can pair any two cities on the extremes, can fetch revenue only when operated on ultra-long routes. In January, Air India had decided to do away with these aircraft by leasing them as soon as it got a firm indication about the delivery of the Dreamliners. The first dry-lease tender was floated on January 2 this year but having failed to get a buyer it reissued bids several times before finally scrapping the plan and deciding to go for an upright sale. PTI
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Adobe enables citizen services in 18,000 Gujarat villages India Post News Service
Adobe Systems Incorporated have announced that over 18,000 Gram Panchayats across Gujarat have installed Adobe Acrobat for the electronic issue of vital citizen certificates and other official documents under the E-Gram project. This project is a collaboration between Adobe and the Panchayat Rural Housing and Rural Development Department, Government of Gujarat. It aims to deliver transformational solutions to its citizens through Common Service Centers (CSCs) offering a range of services to villages including the electronic issue of certificates of birth, death, income, caste, domicile, property, residence proof, agriculture, tax collection, marriage, family information and land ownership. The program empowers citizens through the ease, speed and security by which these documents are now electronically issued, managed and stored. After an extensive review process by the Gujarat Government, Adobe's Acrobat® software was selected for the E-Gram project, and deployed across more than 18,000 CSCs, making this the largest Acrobat implementation in India to date. Adobe also provided training (live sessions and videoon-demand) for most of the Village Computer Entrepreneurs to transition from the old, paper-based system to the digital era ushered
in by the project. The initiative of the Gujarat Government aims to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural Gujarat by providing citizens access to digital information for all government documentation. At the grassroots level, the process has removed the waiting period for
Adobe also provided training (live sessions and video-on-demand) for most of the Village Computer Entrepreneurs to transition from the old, paper-based system to the digital era ushered in by the project various certificates, documents and application forms to be issued from a few days or weeks to just a matter of few minutes. It has also proved to be effective in the quick redressal of grievances that previously took a long time to resolve, by providing immediate access to necessary documents and information. In the future, this initiative will be expanded to also provide commercial services to the state's rural communities. Commenting on the initiative Umang Bedi, managing director,
South Asia, Adobe said, "Adobe has worked with governments and communities around the world to address citizens' needs for more accessible, responsive communications. We believe the delivery of high-quality services to rural areas can help India produce more inclusive and balanced growth. This initiative is a strong statement of our vision towards achieving that reality. “ We are very proud of our association with the Government of Gujarat towards making common services available for citizens of the state and helping bridge the digital divide. This program has been an excellent example of what can be achieved in other states as well." A. K. Rakesh, development commissioner, Government of Gujarat said, "We wanted to take governance to every level across the state. It was our aim through the E-Gram initiative to provide all the basic amenities that are available in big cities to villages across the state so that citizens do not feel the need to migrate to urban centers. Earlier, citizens had to travel to the district Taluka for these requirements; today, citizens across these 18,000 villages can access these services at their gram panchayat. Life has become much simpler for them."
How the Project Works At E-Gram project, a digitalized databank operates to issue citizen certificates at the village level. To
GlaxoSmithKline to invest Rs 5,220 cr in India subsidiary NEW DELHI: UK-based healthcare major GlaxoSmithKline has announced plans to infuse about Rs 5,220 crore in its Indian subsidiary GSKCH by increasing stake to 75 per cent from 43.2 per cent at present. GlaxoSmithKline will come out with an open offer to buy additional 31.8 per cent stake at a price of Rs 3,900 a share. "GlaxoSmithKline has announced a voluntary open offer to increase its stake in its publicly-listed consumer healthcare subsidiary in India (GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare), from 43.2 per cent to up to 75 per cent at a price of Rs 3,900 per share," the company said in a statement. The potential total value of the transaction at the offer price is
approximately Rs 5,220 crore, it added. The offer made pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Ex-
change Board of India, is to acquire up to 13,389,410 shares, representing 31.8 per cent of the total outstanding shares of the Indian company, it added. GSK Chief Strategy Officer
David Redfern said: "This transaction represents a further step in GSK's strategy to invest in the world's fastest growing markets and, we believe, it offers a liquidity opportunity at an attractive premium for existing shareholders." The transaction, which will be funded through GSK's existing cash resources, will be earnings neutral for the first year and accretive thereafter and will not impact expectations for the group's long-term share buyback program, the company said. As on quarter ended September 2012, the foreign promoter holding of GSKCH is 43.2 per cent, while the public shareholding is at 56.84 per cent. -PTI
leverage IT resources at the village level, E-Grams are being operated through a Village Computer Entrepreneur (VCE) on a revenuesharing basis under a Public Private Partnership model. This innovative mechanism not only ensures prompt services to citizens, it also provides local employment
"Earlier, it would take three days to process a document but today, using Adobe Acrobat, we are able to immediately process the document. This saves both time and money for us as citizens” and income-generation opportunities to the village panchayats and rural youth. Satish Patel, a VCE from Sardhav village, spoke about the changes he has seen since this initiative was implemented. "Earlier, it would take three days to process a document but today, using Adobe Acrobat, we are able to immediately process the document. This saves both time and money for us as citizens. Additionally, working as a VCE has
helped increase my income as well as helped give me a whole new identity in the village."
How the E-Gram centers work:
• Citizens can visit the E-Gram centers with physical paper application forms for various development schemes, along with document proof • The VCE then scans, cleans, optimizes and creates an interoperable PDF ISO 32000 electronic document • This document can be searched, commented, and shared across any platform, hardware or software versions without any compatibility problems • This can then be forwarded to the next administrative level for approval, review and comments • For non IT-savvy users there is also support for one button action operation at the E-Gram level for conversion of paper to electronic means for ticketing of Railways, GSRTC, and Airlines. RTO Licenses, property cards, Utility Bill payments, Licenses, permits, NOC, Insurance selling all require proof of documents which are currently only in paper form and the VCE at the E-Gram can accept these applications with proof, convert to PDF along with attachments using Acrobat and Scanner functionality to forward it to the next administrative level.
India, China pledge to deepen economic co-operation Cont’d from page 36
The MoUs were also signed to encourage cooperation between India's Bureau of Energy Efficiency and NDRC. Another MoU was between Indian Railways and China's Ministry of Railways for enhancing technical cooperation in the railway sector. Another agreement was inked by India's IT industry body NASSCOM and China Software Industry Association (CSIA) for enhancing cooperation in IT and ITES sector. In private sector, MoUs were signed between Reliance Power and Guangdone Mingyang Wind Power Industry Group Co, Ltd for a 2,500 MW renewable energy project envisaging an investment of USD 3 billion with project financing from China Development Bank. Lanco Group has entered into an agreement with China Development bank for financing USD 600 billion Anpara Phase-II Power projects (4X660MW).
NIIT and Province of Hainan joined hand to set up an IT technology park in Hainan with an investment of USD 800 million. Ramkay Envrio Engineers Ltd and Sanfeng Environmental Industries Group Company Ltd would set up 'Waste to Energy' projects on 'build operate and transfer' (BOT) basis in New Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad and Chennai at an investment USD 384 million. Uttam Galva Steel Ltd has given an engineering, procurement and construction contract for Phase II of 500,000 tonnes per annum steel plant to China Metallurgical Group Corporation Overseas Ltd. Lanco Enterprises inked a deal worth USD 98 million with Zhejiang Feida Environmental S&T Company for Amarkantak Power project. In another such agreement, Zhongtian S&T Ltd Co. will manufacture electric conductors and transmission lines at Sri City in Andhra Pradesh for USD 20 million. -PTI
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Gulf Air plans to fly to three more cities in India NEW DELHI: Banking on the hope that their saturated air traffic rights would soon be expanded, Bahrain carrier Gulf Air plans to fly to three more cities in India, taking the total destinations here to seven, as it experienced high traffic growth on the India-Gulf sector. Gulf Air, which has been oper-
Karim Makhlouf
ating in India for over four decades and now flies to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kochi, is considering operating to Pune,
Ahmedabad and Amritsar subject to official approvals, its Chief Commercial Officer Karim Makhlouf said here. Till it gets to fly to the three more Indian cities, Gulf Air would continue to develop the four destinations it now flies to, including offering new products like a fullyflat bed in the business class of
Makhlouf was upbeat about the recent decision of Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh to hold fresh bilateral negotiations to enhance air traffic rights with countries like those in the Gulf and Southeast Asia the new Airbus A-321s, he said. Maintaining that the airline earns about eight per cent of its total revenue from the India sec-
tor, he said Gulf Air has almost exhausted its bilateral rights and was currently offering 16,600 seats a week between Bahrain and the four Indian cities. Makhlouf was upbeat about the recent decision of Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh to hold fresh bilateral negotiations to enhance air traffic rights with countries like those in the Gulf and Southeast Asia, with whom the existing rights have almost got exhausted. These include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Macao, Afghanistan, Singapore and Thailand. To questions on aviation regulations and high airport charges which are being opposed by Indian and some foreign carriers, he said, "We want to grow this market in harmony with the aviation authorities and the airports here." "Our approach, unlike our competition, is to develop our existing routes and products and not act as a vacuum cleaner to take away all Indian traffic," the Gulf Air official said, adding that its market
London Mayor seeks new partnership with India NEW DELHI: On a mission to tedious process in getting British tion in diversified fields, including promote investment opportunities visas, Johnson acknowledged that mass transit. in the UK, visiting London Mayor there were some issues. The Mayor also spoke of the Boris Johnson pitched for a "new "The politicians are trying to immense potential in the education and great partnership" with India sort out the immigration mess. The sector. Britain, he said, has four of to help double the bilateral trade sooner we fix it, the better it will the world's top universities and by 2015. be," he said. offers huge scope for Indian stu"Britain is open to investments from India in a big way," he said during an interaction with senior editors here while seeking to ally the perception that doing business with Britain is very difficult. Bilateral trade grew by 26 per cent touching 16.4 billion pounds in 2011, up from 13 Union Minister for Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs, Kamal Nath with billion pounds in London Mayor, Boris Johnson during a round table discussion on 2010. India is the ‘Master Plan Issues’ in New Delhi on November 26 fifth largest investor in the UK. Of the 1,200 Indian He was asked about the large dents wishing to pursue higher companies in the European Union, number of documents that are re- studies. about 700 are in Britain. quired to be filled with annexures London, he said, has become Last year, Britain's exports to for getting British visas. the most visited city in the world. India increased by 29 per cent, Johnson, who is on a six-day This year, London had 6.9 million making India its largest non-EU trip that will also take him to people coming from abroad. market. "There are so many areas Hyderabad and Mumbai, said he He said London has also bewhere we can move together," he was struck by the incredible speed come a favorite destination for said. of urbanization in India and saw shooting of Bollywood films. "We Asked about complaints of a immense potential for collabora- have a lot to offer," he added. -PTI
share vis-a-vis other Gulf airlines was about 60 per cent in the Delhi market and 55-58 in Mumbai. Makhlouf said Gulf Air was experiencing an average passenger load factor of about 80-85 per cent and, therefore, "focusing on the customer, the family and the children, which differentiates us from our competition." Asked whether the airline was interested in picking up stake in any Indian carrier, he said at the moment they were not thinking
USD 1.7 billion." The Gulf Air CCO said the new features being introduced in the swanky A-321s on the Indian route include full flat bed, in-seat massage mechanism, more leg room, the latest in- flight entertainment apart from the world-class cuisine. He said the airline was the first in the world to have introduced high-speed Internet, 3G-4G mobile connectivity, streaming and live TV and videos, which were
about it. Commemorating 31 years of its Indian operations, he said "We are proud that we are one of the first Gulf carriers to have landed in Mumbai in November 1971. Today Bahrain is the second home to nearly 400,000 Indians and bilateral trade has last year touched
launched last month. The Bahrain carrier has also introduced 'Family First', a series of competitively priced packages for customers traveling with spouses and kids, apart from 'Sky Nannies' who are attendants specially trained in handling small children to teenagers. -PTI
Banking services on your palm: Just dial *99# MUMBAI: Checking your some more time before it gains tracbank balances or placing a request tion. for a cheque book has been made Explaining the functioning, as simple and hassle-free as dial- Hota said the service gets funcing *99# from your mobile. tional by simply dialing *99#, the Just dial *99# from your mobile way people use emergency numof any make, every banking ser- bers such as 100 for police, and vice, be it fund transfer or check- 101 for Fire Service. "The NPCI ing balances, comes at platter. wants a similar number common Formally rolled out by Finance for banking too," he said, adding Minister P Chidambaram at the na- that *99# will be a universal code tional banking conference in Pune, to access account details across as part of the government's finan- all banks, he said. cial inclusion program, the service, "What sets apart the *99# inione of the unique empowerment initiatives, is being facilitated by "The new initiative is the National Payment Cor- NPCI's way of making moporation of India (NPCI). "The new initiative is bile banking more universal. the NPCI's way of makCurrently, we need a smart ing mobile banking more universal. Cur- phone to download such rently, we need a smart phone to download applications� such applications, which an average mobile user tiative from other mobile teledoes not have. So, we decided to phony services currently offered provide the application even on a is that the *99# connectivity is simple handset to reach out to a under the unstructured supplelarger section of the society," NPCI mentary service data (USSD) platManaging Director and Chief Ex- form where each dial-in results in ecutive A P Hota told PTI. a live connection with the banks Currently, the service is avail- server," Hota said, adding the exable on BSNL and MTNL network isting services are bipartisan deals across 23 banks. between a bank and a telco while Hota said that since there are the model eliminates this bilateral 14 mobile operators, it will take connectivity. -PTI
40
T
he quaint town of Kalpetta in Wayanad district of Kerala is surrounded by thick coffee plan tations and picturesque mountains, all adding up to its scenic beauty. Other than being a nature lovers' delight, it is also a place where pilgrims come to pay homage at its several temples. From the famous Sri Maha Vishnu temple, which is one of the few temples dedicated to Vishnu to the Grammam Devi temple; popular among the local women; to the temple dedicated to the most revered deity of the region Lord Ayappa, the Ayappa Swamy temple located on the outskirts of the city and adding to its diversity is the prevalence of several Jain temples too, making this place a pilgrimage of sorts. The surrounding natural beauty is yet another feature bringing people to Kalpetta. The cascading waterfalls of Soochipara, Meenmutty & Kanthapara are all located in close proximity - making it an
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ideal spiritual-natural beauty combo.
Attractions
Chembra Peak: Chembra Peak is the tallest peak in all of Wayanad district. It is at a staggering height of 2100 meters above sea level. This peak is especially popular with mountain climbers and trekkers alike.
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worth the sweat! The panoramic views of Wayanad are rather breathtaking, and the beautiful mountain lake at the top is impressive as well. Sleeping bags, canvas, log huts, guides and trekking equipments are provided by the District Tourism Promotion Council
Kanthapara Waterfalls: Kanthapara falls located towards the south east of Kalpetta, is at a distance of 22 km from Kalpetta. This is another magnificent & picturesque waterfall at about 30 mts height, comparatively smaller than Sentinel rock falls. It is not a frequently visited place and so its surrounding environment is peaceful and serene. A relaxed hike from the main road brings you to Kanthapara falls; a place apt for picnicking amid the luring beauty of the nature. It is extraordinarily silent and soothing with the sound of the bubbling waterfalls. Karapuzha Dam: One of the biggest earth dams in the country, the Karapuzha Dam's reservoir with partially submerged hills and lush green islands is an ideal breeding ground for aquatic birds. The backdrop of the gushing water from the dam against the verdant mountains makes for a picturesque spot.
The surrounding natural beauty is yet another feature bringing people to Kalpetta. The cascading waterfalls of Soochipara, Meenmutty & Kanthapara are all located in close proximity - making it an ideal spiritual-natural beauty combo. The panoramic views of Wayanad are rather breathtaking, and the beautiful mountain lake at the top is impressive as well There are temporary camps set up atop the peak so that anyone that has successfully climbed the peak can choose to easily stay there for a few days. The climb is rather intense, but the reward on the top is
(DTPC). Trekkers are sure to enjoy the entire view of the Wayanad district from the top of the peak, while prior permission is required from the Forest Range Officer at Meppadi for trekking at Chembra Peak.
Cont’d on page 42
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Picturesque mountains & pilgrimage centers
Puliyarmala Jain Temple
Cont’d from page 40
Koottamundu Glass Temple: Yet another Jain temple in the region of Kalpetta, the Koottamundu Glass Temple located on the hillside of Vellarimala is built in the honor of the Jain Saint, Parshawanatha Swami. The temple is adorned with thousands of glass mirrors, all of which reflect the idols placed in the temples sanctum sanctorum. Located 20 km from Kalpetta, this beautiful piece of architecture is a must see on your visit to Kalpetta. Varambetta Mosque: Located 15 km southwest of Kalpetta, is the Varambetta
its architecture and crafted pillars. The Jain temple is just 6 km from Kalpetta and is a popular pilgrim spot revered by Jains. With skillfully crafted entrance doors, carved granite pillars and Dravidian style Stupa with a Lord Mahavir carving at its top; it is indeed an art lover's delight. The main shrine has small steps with 20 different Jain idols carved on them. This is an ideal spot to appreciate Jain architecture of the old times. Soochipara Falls: The Soochippara Waterfalls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, situated near Meppadi is nature's trea-
The Soochippara Waterfalls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, situated near Meppadi is nature's treasured gift. The waterfall cascading from a height of 100 to 300 feet is a treat to the eyes. The pool sited below the falls offers great opportunities for swimming, bathing, water rafting, etc. Another attraction is the tree top huts presenting distinct views of the Western Ghats and of the shining shallow waters of the spring.Kalpetta is located amidst dense forest cover; hence the weather here is normally mild and pleasant Mosque which dates back to as early as 300 years ago and is one of the oldest mosques in the Wayanad district. Puliyarmala Jain Temple: Dedicated to Ananthanatha Swami, the Jain Temple is s remarkable piece of architecture famous for
sured gift. The waterfall cascading from a height of 100 to 300 feet is a treat to the eyes. The pool sited below the falls offers great opportunities for swimming, bathing, water rafting, etc. Another attraction is the tree top huts presenting distinct views of the
Western Ghats and of the shining shallow waters of the spring. Best time to visit Kalpetta is located amidst dense forest cover; hence the weather here is normally mild and pleasant. There are three main seasons in Kalpetta - summer, winter and monsoon. The monsoon in Kalpetta is extensive, as the region comes under the path of both the South West and the North East monsoon. Summers in Kalpetta are during the months of March to May. The maximum temperature that the region experiences during these months will be around thirty five degrees (35°C). The minimum temperature in the region will be around twenty seven degrees (27°C) during the summer. The South West monsoon then takes over, during the months of June to September. The North East monsoon follows suit, during the months of October and November. The place experiences torrential rainfall during this time and traveling to Kalpetta is not advisable due to this.
The Soochippara Waterfalls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls
Karapuzha Dam
Winters in Kalpetta are during the months of December to February. This is the best time to visit Kalpetta. The maximum temperature during the winter months will be around twenty four degrees (24°C) and the minimum temperature will be around fifteen degrees (15°C). Sometimes the temperature may even drop to ten degrees (10°C). The town of Kalpetta is one of the few places that experience low temperatures in the state of Kerala. By Train: Trains can be taken to Kozhikode, and then buses from Kozhikode to Kalpetta. There are regular trains from Kozhikode to Madgaon, Chennai, Pune and Goa. You will also get regular trains to New Delhi and Mumbai. By Bus: Buses to Kalpetta will be available from the nearby cities of Kozhikode and Vythiri, and even from other cities and towns like Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. By Air: The nearest airport is the one in Kozhikode, which has local flights to Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai.
December 7, 2012
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6.31 foreign tourists arrived in India in 2011 NEW DELHI: The number of foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in India in 2011 was 6.31 million which was up from the previous year's figure of 5.78 million and 5.17 million arrivals in 2009. In a written reply in Rajya Sabha, Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi also said that the working group on tourism for the 11th five-year plan had set a target of 10 million international visitors by 2011. To another question, he said that the foreign exchange earnings in India through tourism during 2010, 2011 and January to October 2012 were Rs 64,889
crore, Rs 77591 crore and Rs 74,215 crore respectively. Respond-
ing to another question, Chiranjeevi said that the Haryana government had informed that it had decided to upgrade the Surajkund Fair to Surajkund International Crafts Fair in 2013. -PTI
Omar for making J-K sustainable tourism destination SRINAGAR: Batting for sustainable tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has underlined the need for preserving the state's bio-diversity and natural beauty.
He said there is a need for harnessing multi-faceted tourism activities in the state to make it a round-the-year tourist destination for national and international visitors. Omar said quality infrastruc-
half years, the private sector has to contribute in a big way in this field" he said. He also asked the private sector to join hands with government departments in keeping tourist
Turkey aims at 30 pc growth in Indian arrivals in 2013 NEW DELHI: Turkey is hard which is above the general averselling itself as a business and lei- age of travelers who come to Tursure destination in India, target- key." ing a 30 per cent growth to more At present 80 per cent of the than a lakh Indian arrivals by the visitors from India come to Turend of next year. key for leisure and 20 per cent for "Turkey expects 25 to 30 per meetings, incentives, conferences, cent growth in the number of In- and exhibitions, he added. dian visitors which hopefully will In order to boost its tourism, be more than a lakh by end of Turkey has planned a number of 2013," Turkish Embassy Culture media and advertisement camand Tourism Counselor Ozgur Ayturk told At present 80 per cent of the PTI. This will be done visitors from India come to by focusing on the leisure and meetings, in- Turkey for leisure and 20 per centives, confer- cent for meetings, incentives, ences, and exhibitions conferences, and exhibi(MICE) segments, he tions, he said added. Ayturk was speaking on the sidelines of an event paigns apart from workshops and organized here by Turkish Tour- joint marketing events with leadism Board and Turkish Hoteliers ing Indian tour operators. Association to promote the coun"We will be spending nearly try as a tourist destination. USD 1 million for media and adThe Eurasian nation was vis- vertisement campaigns," Ayturk ited by more than 73,000 Indian said, adding focus would also be visitors last year. on projecting Turkey as a golf, On being asked about the aver- honeymoon and weddings destiage spend of Indian visitors, nation, apart from highlighting its Ayturk said: "On an average it is shopping, culture and heritage over USD 1,000 per person per visit segments. -PTI If You are looking For the BEST & the MOST AUTHENTIC VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT IN TOWNCome to One and Only One Place
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Tel:(773) 274-5800 "The maintenance and preservation of state's natural beauty and bio-diversity holds key for the sustainable tourism and this aspect should be a benchmark of the tourism development policy," Omar said, addressing the 6th CNBC Awaz Travel Awards function here.
ture and service delivery are imperative in the promotion and growth of sustainable tourism. He also called in the private players to support the government in promoting tourism. "While the government has created tourist infrastructure across the state during the last three-and-
places free from pollution, garbage and waste materials. He stressed on proper sanitation facilities and disposal of waste material. The Chief Minister said the economic betterment is directly related to the growth and development of tourism in the state. -PTI
Agra tourists in for a cultural treat Tourists to Agra will get a daily dose of cultural treat in an effort to showcase the "pristine art forms" of India to both Indians and foreigners. "India is the land of pristine art forms, but unfortunately the country does not have a platform
to showcase the cultural treasure to the keen tourists who flock here. But the gap will be bridged now, said Ashok Jain, Agra's tourism industry leader. "We are now going to bridge this gap. Every afternoon before lunch, a bouquet of Indian classi-
cal dances by best artistes from each region would be presented at the Kalakriti International Auditorium," Jain said. From Kathak to Manipuri dance forms, the event will showcase the dazzle and glitter of traditional costumery.
Fax: (773) 262-4465 E-mail: aryabhavan@aol.com www.aryabhavan.com
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In Brief Suit challenges prosecutions under smuggling law PHOENIX: Before leading the way for other states to pursue immigration laws, Arizona passed a ban on human smuggling in 2005 that has led to more than 2,100 arrests and drawn criticism for a tactic in which people who pay to be sneaked into the country are charged as conspirators to the crime. Seventy-five percent of the people charged under the smuggling law in the state's largest county since 2008 have been charged with conspiring to sneak themselves into the country, drawing complaints from immigrant rights advocates that the statute was intended for oftenviolent smugglers, not their customers. -AP
Immigrant families expand with Des Moines program DES MOINES, Iowa: Pol Ta spends most days practicing her English, studying for her driver's license test and attending to the needs of her four young children. But the Burmese refugee carved out a few moments for relaxation last Thursday with Jim and Michelle Pender - friends who have become more like family over the past 2 1/2 years. Their Thanksgiving feast combined the best of American and Burmese cuisine. Michelle Pender stuffed a turkey, while Pol Ta prepared a noodle dish that's popular in her Southeast Asian homeland. And although their relationship predates the creation of Neighbors Helping Neighbors - an immigrant assistance effort founded this fall - both Pol Ta and the Penders are proud to be associated with the program. -AP
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Chafee still mulls licenses for illegal immigrants PROVIDENCE, R.I.: Gov. Lincoln Chafee says he's still considering allowing Rhode Island to issue driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. The Providence Journal reports that the governor promised to about 50 immigrant rights advocates that he will continue to review the issue. -AP
House to consider limited GOP immigration bill WASHINGTON: House Republicans still smarting from their poor showing among Hispanics in the presidential election are planning a vote on immigration legislation that would both expand visas for foreign science and technology students and make it easier for those with green cards to bring their immediate families to the U.S. Republican leaders made it clear after the election that the party was ready to get serious about overhauling the nation's dysfunctional immigration system, a top priority for Hispanic communities. Taking up what is called the STEM Jobs Act during the lame-duck session could be seen as a first step in that direction. The House voted on a STEM bill - standing for science, technology, engineering and mathematics - in September, but under a procedure requiring a two-thirds majority. It was defeated, with more than 80 percent of Democrats voting against it, because it offset the increase in visas for high-tech graduates by eliminating another visa program that is available for less-educated for-
Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio
eigners, many from Africa. Republicans are changing the formula this time by adding a provision long sought by some immigration advocates - expanding a pro-
own green cards to be granted. There are some 80,000 of these family-based green cards allocated every year, but there are currently about 322,000 husbands, wives
The House proposal would allow family members to come to the U.S. one year after they apply for their green cards, but they wouldn't be able to work until they actually got the card gram that allows the spouses and minor children of people with permanent residence, or green card, to wait in the United States for their
and children waiting in this category and on average people must wait more than two years to be reunited with their families. That wait
could be as long as six years. The House proposal would allow family members to come to the U.S. one year after they apply for their green cards, but they wouldn't be able to work until they actually got the card. It applies to the families of green card holders who marry after getting their residency permits. Bruce Morrison, a former Democratic congressman from Connecticut who chaired the House immigration subcommittee and authored a 1990 immigration law, said the bill neither increases the number of green cards nor gives people green cards early. But people ``get the most important benefit of being able to live legally in the United States with their spouses.'' Morrison, an immigration policy lobbyist who advocates for groups such as American Families United, called the bill a stepping-stone to more comprehensive immigration reform, That Republicans initiated it ``to me is a positive gesture that they want to do business on this subject,'' he said Cont’d on page 46
New face of comprehensive immigration reform GARY ENDELMAN & CYRUS D. MEHTA
Federal labor officials rule in Palermo's dispute MILWAUKEE: Federal labor officials say Milwaukee basedPalermo's Pizza did not manipulate an immigration audit as retaliation for workers' efforts to form a union. Voces de la Frontera had filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. The immigrantrights group has been trying to organize workers there. Irv Gottschalk, head of the Milwaukee NLRB office, said he did find merit to the group's claim that when workers went on strike June 1 they were threatened with losing their jobs. He says Palermo's has expressed interest in working out a settlement for that. -AP
I
t may have taken the Bolsheviks 10 days to shake the world but the presidential election did it in one. The political calculus on comprehensive immigration reform changed utterly and likely forever. Hispanic voters accounted for 10% of voters on November 6th, reaching double-digits for the first time, and President Obama won them by a 71% margin. The number of registered Latinos soared by 26% in the past four years to an astonishing 12.2 million. The Hispanic rejection of Governor Romney contrasts sharply with the 44% of the Hispanic vote won by former President Bush in 2004. The latter pushed for CIR in 2007 and remains the only President
ever to make a televised speech on immigration from the Oval Office. Moreover, the last time that CIR passed the US Senate in 2006, 23 of the 62 Aye Votes, came from
done precious little until this summer, something he had to admit under tough questioning at a forum sponsored by the Spanishlanguage Univision network.
On the day after the election, an ABC News/ Washington Post poll revealed a majority of all Americans (57%) backed a pathway for citizenship to bring the undocumented in Republicans, including one from then Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee. Nor have Hispanics always been in love with President Obama under whose administration deportations reached record levels. Despite his 2008 promise to move on CIR, the President had
Then came the President's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative and the momentum for change took off. On the day after the election, an ABC News/Washington Post poll revealed a majority of all Americans (57%) backed a pathway for citizenship to bring the undocu-
mented in from the shadows; among Hispanics the notion was even more popular (82%). Fox News commentator Sean Hannity proclaimed that his position on CIR had "evolved"; Arizona Governor Jan Brewer who rode to re-election on her state's nativist immigration law now thought that CIR was "fine and dandy"; libertarian Senator Rand Paul announced an intent to make CIR a key plank in his run-up for 2016 and old-time immigration stalwarts like John McCain and Lindsey Graham who had seemingly found their old views radioactive in recent years now rediscovered them, eager to join in bipartisan CIR discussions with their Democratic colleagues. Cont’d on page 45
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New face of comprehensive immigration reform Cont’d from page 44
In his first news conference after his reelection on November 14, President Obama expressed confidence that he could pass an immigration reform bill early in his second term. He said that we should "seize the moment" buoyed by the strong endorsement he received from Latino voters favoring him over Mitt Romney. Here is a transcript of the section of the news conference dealing with immigration: Q: And also, what lessons, if any, did Democrats learn from this last election and the Latino vote? Obama: Well, I think what was incredibly encouraging was to see a significant increase in Latino turnout. This is the fastest-growing group in the country and, you know, historically what you've seen is Latino vote - vote at lower rates than the broader population. And that's beginning to change. You're starting to see a sense of empowerment and civic participation that I think is going to be powerful and good for the country. And it is why I'm very confident that we can get immigration reform done. Before the election, I had given a couple of interviews where I predicted that Latino vote was going to be strong and that that would cause some reflection on the part of Republicans about their position on immigration reform. I think we're starting to see that already. I think that's a positive sign. This has not historically been a partisan issue. We've had President Bush and John McCain and others who have supported comprehensive immigration reform in the past. So, we need to seize the moment. And my expectation is that we get a bill introduced and we begin the process in Congress very soon after my inauguration. And, in fact, some conversations I think are already beginning to take place among senators and congressmen and my staff about what would this look like. And when I say comprehensive immigration reform, it's very similar to the outlines of previous immigration reform. I think it should include a continuation of the strong border security measures that we've taken. Because we have to
secure our border, I think it should contain serious penalties for companies that are purposely hiring undocumented workers and taking advantage of them. And I do think that there should be a pathway for legal status for those who are living in this country, are not engaged in criminal activity, are here to - simply to work. It's important for them to pay back taxes. It's important for them to learn English. It's important for them to potentially pay a fine, but to give them the avenue whereby they can resolve their legal status here in this country, I think is very important. Obviously making sure that we put into law what - the first step that we've taken administratively dealing with the DREAM Act kids is very important as well.
“If you've got a Ph.D in physics, or computer science who wants to stay here, and start a business here, we shouldn't make it harder for them to stay here” The one thing that I'm very clear about is that young people who are brought here through no fault of their own, who have gone to school here, pledged allegiance to our flag, want to serve in our military, want to go to school and contribute to our society, that they shouldn't be under the cloud of deportation. That we should give them every opportunity to earn their citizenship. And so, you know there are other components to it, obviously. The business community continues to be concerned about getting enough high-skilled workers. And I am a believer that if you've got a Ph.D in physics, or computer science who wants to stay here, and start a business here, we shouldn't make it harder for them to stay here, we should try to encourage him to contribute to this society. I think that the agricultural sector, obviously has
very specific concerns about making sure that they've got a workforce that helps deliver food to our table. So there're gonna be a bunch of components to it, but I think whatever process we have needs to make sure border security's strong, needs to deal with employers effectively, needs to provide a pathway for the undocumented here, needs to deal with the DREAM Act kids." While it is remarkable that the strong Latino support has changed the dynamic on immigration reform, let us not forget that comprehensive immigration reform should also encompass all others who have been mired under a broken immigration system. President Obama did make reference to "[t]he business community continues to be concerned about getting enough high-skilled workers," but he said it more as an afterthought. We completely and wholeheartedly support a pathway to legalization and citizenship for the millions of undocumented immigrants who have otherwise led productive lives in the US and benefit the country in more ways than one. Immigration reform should not be viewed as only a Latino issue, it is an American issue. The view that reform is a Latino issue is not surprising due to two reasons. First, most Americans continue to think that immigration benefits the immigrants not themselves. Second, because of that, business immigration is not deemed to have the ethical legitimacy the same way that family migration has. For that to change, for sweeping CIR to become reality, all of us must realize that immigration is not a problem to be controlled but an asset to be maximized. Immigration reform will surely benefit immigrants, but in turn, will also benefit America. It will create a stimulus for the economy and make employers more competitive. We therefore hope that immigration reform will ameliorate the plight of beneficiaries of approved I-140 petitions who are stuck in the endless employment-based third (EB-3) backlogs. These are people whose employers have obtained labor certifications years ago, and who are
in the pipeline for a green card, but for the oversubscription in the preference category. Indeed, the wait for an India EB-3 whose labor certification is filed today is anticipated to be 70 years. This is dysfunction at its worst. The wish list for reform is endless and that is because the system is so broken. We clearly need to expand family-based visa numbers too, and it is clearly inhuman to tolerate spouses of permanent residents to be waiting for three years before they can get green cards. We should bring back more due process as well as give more discretion to the USCIS or the Immigration Judge to decide whether an immigrant convicted of a crime should stay or be deported. The 3 and 10 year bars have had the perverse effect of creating a larger undocumented population in the US. Because of these bars,
many are caught in a federal Catch22. They are unable to apply for green cards in the US, but if they return to their home country to process for a visa at a US consulate they will be barred for 10 years. Ironically, sluggish economic growth has done what ever-stricter border enforcement could not. Illegal immigration has consistently receded in recent years, spiking in 2000 under President Clinton but down by a third by the time that President Obama took office. Between 2005-2010, the Pew Hispanic Center estimates that as many Mexicans departed these shores as arrived. Today, net migration from Mexico is non-existent. (To be continued) * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com
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Ex-Nazi guard in Pa. to appeal 20 Indians arrested in UK for immigration-related offences deportation order PITTSBURGH: A former Nazi who has lived for decades in western Pennsylvania is still fighting the government's effort to deport him, saying that his service as a death-camp guard was not voluntary and that a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision should allow him to stay. The lawyer for retired steelworker Anton Geiser, 87, will argue their case before the Board of Immigration Appeals in Fairfax, Va., according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. It's the latest development in a long legal battle over Geiser, a naturalized American citizen who acknowledges serving as an armed guard at three Nazi death camps. He denies harming any prisoners. A federal judge moved in 2004 to revoke Geiser's citizenship based on his Nazi past, a ruling upheld by an appeals court. Two years ago, a federal immigration judge ordered that Geiser be deported to Austria, or any other country that will accept him. But Geiser's attorney, Adrian Roe, is now challenging that order based on a 2009 Supreme Court decision.
That ruling ordered the federal government to clarify asylum laws for people whose participation in persecution may have been involuntary. The case involved an Eritrean man who said he was forced dur-
Geiser has said his role was to watch over and escort Nazi prisoners, and he maintains his service was not voluntary. He was drafted into the German army at age 17 ing a war with Ethiopia to become a guard at a camp where prisoners were mistreated. His application for asylum in the U.S. was initially rejected, but the Supreme Court directed the Board of Immigration Appeals to reconsider it. ``Whatever (legal) standard applies to all other people should apply to Mr. Geiser,'' Roe said.
However, there has been no indication of a resolution in the African immigrant's claim. And Bryan Lonegan, an attorney who has studied the Eritrean case, told the Post-Gazette that it might not help Geiser anyway. ``The government's argument is going to be, Nazis are different,'' said Lonegan, also a former clinical professor of immigration and human rights at Seton Hall University. ``We still find the Holocaust to be the most abhorrent part of world history, and that's hard to overcome. But are child Nazis different?'' Geiser has said his role was to watch over and escort Nazi prisoners, and he maintains his service was not voluntary. He was drafted into the German army at age 17. Geiser came to the U.S. in 1956 and became a citizen six years later. A longtime resident of the Mercer County town of Sharon, he has five children and ``wants to stay where his family is,'' Roe said. Geiser is currently hospitalized to recover from multiple leg fractures sustained in a fall down stairs. -AP
Immigrants struggle to cope in Sandy's aftermath NEW YORK: Superstorm Sandy plunged some immigrants living illegally in the U.S. into darkness and even deeper into the shadows. Some of those who need help to get temporary housing and food are afraid to come forward because they risk deportation. And many have returned to damaged, powerless, moldy homes because they have no other place to stay. ``My son has asthma and now he is worse. The house has this smell of humidity and sea water,'' Mexican immigrant Miguel Alarcon Morales said while holding his 2year-old son, Josias. ``It is not safe to live there. I am starting to feel sick, too.'' Advocates are stepping up their efforts to get help to immigrants in hard-hit areas, in some cases going to door to door. ``If you are here illegally and you are at your home and see the National Guard and people in military uniform, going up and down, sure, you are going to be afraid,'' said Gonzalo Mercado, executive director of El Centro del Inmigrante, a nonprofit group that helps day laborers and their fami-
lies in the borough of Staten Island. ``To not be informed means to be afraid. That is why we are here, to inform immigrants of resources available to them,'' Mercado added. The New York City area is home to more than 2.3 million Hispanics, according to census numbers,
More than 735 people have signed up to receive economic help from the government of President Felipe Calderon, but there is only $180,000 so far to distribute, said the Mexican consul and some places hardest hit by the storm are known as landing spots for Mexican immigrants. Nonprofits that work in the area calculate at least 20,000 Mexicans live in hard-hit Staten Island. Officials from the Mexican gov-
ernment have visited shelters in New York and New Jersey looking for immigrants to help, informing them on how to obtain food stamps, financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the Mexican government. More than 735 people have signed up to receive economic help from the government of President Felipe Calderon, but there is only $180,000 so far to distribute, said the Mexican consul in New York, Carlos Sada. As of this week, 66 checks had been written to victims of the hurricane, totaling $110,000. More than three weeks after Superstorm Sandy, the five members of the Morales family still live at their rental home in Staten Island, where floodwaters reached the second floor. Although the home has power now, there is no heat. The family uses only an electric heater. Because Morales' children were born in the United States, which automatically makes them U.S. citizens, he can apply for FEMA help, but he has been hesitant to do so. -AP
LONDON: At least 20 Indians have been arrested in London and Leicester for immigration-related offences after UK Border agency's raids, official sources said. The arrests made were in addition to the 36 illegal immigrants arrested in Southall recently. According to the UK Border Agency, 15 illegal immigrants, including 12 from India, were arrested after a raid on a city textile business in Leicester. They were detained after officers from the Border Agency and the HM Revenue and Customs paid a surprise visit to Apex Designs in Linden Street, Leicester. As they entered the premises, six men tried to escape through a rear exit but were stopped by officers who had already secured it. The UK Border Agency checked the immigration status of 45 employees. They arrested 15 people who were found to have no right to be in the UK, being either visa overstayers or failed asylum seekers. A total of 12 were from India, one from Afghanistan, one from Iran and another one from Pakistan. Ten of the illegal workers have
been detained pending their removal from the UK and the remaining five have been released on immigration bail as the agency will take action to remove them. The firm faces a fine of up to 10,000 pounds per illegal worker which will have to be paid unless
They were detained after officers from the Border Agency and the HM Revenue and Customs paid a surprise visit to Apex Designs in Linden Street, Leicester it can prove it took steps to confirm the right to work of the foreign nationals. Five persons, including four Indians, were arrested in East London following raids in Romford and Canary wharf. Nine people were arrested following a series of raids in Crawley, including four Indian immigrants and a woman. -PTI
House to consider limited GOP immigration bill Cont’d from page 44
Megan Whittemore, spokeswoman for House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., a key proponent of the STEM Act, said the bill is ``family friendly, helping spouses and minor children who would otherwise be separated from their families for extended periods of time.'' The bill will be taken up this time under normal procedures requiring only a majority vote, and it is almost certain to pass the Republican-led House. It remains to be seen whether it will engender enough Democratic support to give it momentum as it heads to the Democratic-controlled Senate. It would give 55,000 green cards a year to doctoral and masters graduates in the STEM fields. The measure, strongly backed by U.S. high-tech companies, would make it easier for people trained in the United States to put their skills to work for American companies rather than non-American competitors. But the legislation would still eliminate the Diversity Visa Lottery Program which gives out a similar 55,000 green cards a year to those from countries, including many in Africa, with traditionally low rates of immigration to the U.S. That prompted the House's Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Black Cau-
cus and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to all come out against it in September. The three caucuses said Republicans were trying to increase legal immigration for people they want by ending immigration for people they don't want. Crystal Williams, executive director of the American Immigration
The three caucuses said Republicans were trying to increase legal immigration for people they want by ending immigration for people they don't want Lawyers Association, said the bill is a message from Republicans that ``we are here and we are ready to talk about immigration reform.'' But she said she doubted it will make much progress in the Senate during the short lame-duck session. People ``are now starting to think about broader reform,'' she said, adding that a limited bill that doesn't increase visas won't get a lot of support. -AP
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Horoscope
50 India Post
December 7, 2012
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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar
DECEMBER 7TH to DECEMBER 13TH (March 21 to April 20)
Y
ou may hear some disturbing news at work but it won't affect you right away. Some of you will be getting ready for a challanging asssignment starting next week. Money wise you will stay comfortable and see bank balance grow. You may plan a very short vacation with family to a closeby and real nice place.
(June 21 to July 22)
Y
ou have big chunk of money coming during next few weeks. Positive changes will continue to occur in career and there will be tremendous progress in ongoing projects. Right help will be within reach. A long distance journey is also in the air. Some one from past will reappear and try to come too close again.
(April 21 to May 20)
P
owerful planets will take your worries away finding excellent solution. You will write a check to a governmnet agency also in form of taxes or fine. Bachelors will be introduced to some one who is connected with health industry. You will get to see many relatives after long interval at the party this week.
(July 23 to August 22)
L
ife will continue to turn in the right direction. You will be motivated and feel fully charged. Business will improve a lot. You will be preparing to receive some guests at your place. Do not stay indoors too much and take advantage of Sunshine. Strong saturn in third will get you lots of money through legal means.
(May 21 to June 20)
E
ncouraging news will continue to pour in one after another. Every body will be excited about upcoming trip. A child may need your help with studies. You may receive some business proposals also through a friend. Strong Venus in seventh can take the relationship to a new level. Money will come but disappear fast.
Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
510-886-4370 website: www.parashar.com
(August 23 to September 22)
I
t will another hectic week but you will get some positive results. Be careful with money and do not take any chance or speculate. Expenses will other wise too exceed your income. It will be better to get involved in projects that provide services rather than sellling any expensive products. (September 23 to October 22)
Y
ou will take all important decesions with a calm and rational mind. There will be financial growth and business will improve a lot. New vendors will be prompt and less expensive. People in food business will see sales shooting up. There is a big chance of money coming through stocks or lottery this week. (October 23 to November 22)
Y
ou will be in touch with some experts to seek their opinion and the process. Children will be visiting home soon. Money wise things will start looking better once again but expenses will hardly leave you alone. You may take one of your vehicle to an auto shop for some minor repairs this weekend.
(November 23 to December 22)
P
ast efforts are about to bring the desired changes in life. You are very close to some major things in life. Some of you may start some legal process to claim what belonged to you in first place. You will be getting ready for an upcoming trip also. You may dispose off some stocks and pocket the profit. (December 22 to January 19)
Y
ou may accept the new offer and get ready for the break before starting new job. You are going to enjoy an evening with close relatives and some old friends. Some money would be spent on home also. Do not disclose your full strategy to anyone. You have some money coming through legal channel soon. (January 20 to February 18)
Y
ou may put your needs aside and help some one needy. You may also get rid of something piling up dust in the garage and pocket the money. It will be better to read the contract carefully and have second opinion before you sign it. Boss will pay attention to your suggestions. Bank balance will grow fast. (February 19 to March 20)
Y
ou will enjoy the company of new friend at work. Money wise you will continue to do fine. It will be better to dispose of money making stocks and wait for few weeks to buy them back. You may sign some important papers involving a claim. Slowly you will be preparing for an upcoming interesting trip.
December 7, 2012
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Philosophy
December 7, 2012
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Page Sponsored by Sahanis SRI ATMANANDA (KRISHNA MENON)
T
he ordinary man does not care to know the true significance of the word "I." Nor is it necessary for his temporal needs. It is only when one begins to lose interest in worldly life and develops a sincere longing to know the Truth that one turns attention to spiritual matters. Those who are purely worldly-minded and do not want to know anything else can never profit by hearing the Truth. There are some who have spiritual samskaras lying hidden in them, which are not allowed to manifest themselves by the opposite ones that have temporary sway. If such people hear the Truth, their dormant spiritual samskaras are awakened and they produce a sincere longing for the Truth. This leads them on to the desired goal. The goal is liberation from bondage, which is gained by establishing oneself in the true nature of the "I-Principle." The word "I" is often indiscriminately used to denote many things. I stand identified with the body when I say, "I am fat, I am lean, I sit, I walk, etc."; with the senses when I say, "I see, I hear, etc."; and with the mind when I say, "I think, I feel, I desire, etc." I know the activities of the body, senses, and mind and
OSHO
M
ind can only believe that there is enlightenment. At the most the belief is possible - but belief is of no use. The mind has to experience enlightenment in function, not as a belief but as activity. And the same is the case with witnessing: mind will always be against witnessing because it stops mind's long heritage of thinking. Mind is familiar with thinking; witnessing at the most can become a thought, but it cannot become an actuality. You have to put mind aside to become a witness, and obviously mind resists it. Who wants to be put aside? - And particularly from a place where the mind has been the master for centuries. And you want to put it aside for something that you don't know what it is? Mind will not allow you to remain a witness long. You can try a small experiment. Just put your wristwatch in front of you and start looking at the second hand and remain watching and witnessing. You will be surprised: not even fifteen seconds have passed and you have fallen and forgotten that you are witnessing. Some other thoughts
know also that they get themselves coordinated and subordinated through me. This fact is within the experience of all. It is clear from this that these activities come under the category of the known. The "I Principle" is their knower and therefore separate and distinct from body, senses, and mind. It simply stands as their witness when they are functioning. It can also be proved in a dif-
not exist in the waking state, nor does the waking body exist in the dream state. Neither of these bodies, nor the mind functioning in the dream and waking states, continues in the deep-sleep state. I know that I am present in all those states without a change. The "I" can never be the bodies or the mind, which appear in one state and disappear in another. Certainly it transcends all that. Since it knows the coming
wise confined to that state and does not affect me in the dream state. Therefore, it is clear that the experiences I am having in particular states do not go into my being. For this reason it stands proved that the "I-Principle," which is of the nature of consciousness, is also unattached. I love and seek objects because they give me pleasure. Therefore it is clear that objects are loved not for their own sake. The "I-Prin-
'I-Principle' is distinct from body, senses, mind
Sri Atmananda (Krishna Menon)
The pain I experience in the dream is confined to the dream state and does not affect me in the waking state. And the pain I experience in the waking state is likewise confined to that state
ferent manner that the "I-Principle" is distinct and separate from the body, senses, and the mind. The waking, dream, and deep sleep states are common to all living beings. In the dream state the "I" identifies itself not with the body existing in the waking state, but with an entirely different one. It is evident that the waking body and the dream-body are quite different. The dream-body does
and going of these three states, it is of the nature of consciousness. That consciousness never disappears. When there are objects, I know the objects. When there are no objects, I stand objectless in my own nature as pure consciousness. The pain I experience in the dream is confined to the dream state and does not affect me in the waking state. And the pain I experience in the waking state is like-
ciple" is loved more than the objects. But since it stands transcending even the mind, it does not come under the realm of objects. Therefore it cannot be an object which gives me happiness. It is pure happiness itself. Thus we have seen the real nature of the "I-Principle" is pure consciousness and happiness. The 129th birth anniversary of Sri Atmananda will be observed on December 8
have come. Suddenly you will awaken after a few seconds: "My God, it was only fifteen seconds!" Not even sixty seconds - one minute - can you persist in witnessing? The force and the flood of mind is too big. That's why an articulate master creates strange devices to put the mind aside without making it an enemy, because sooner or later,
but hidden underneath the mind. This witnessing will reach to your center, and once you have become enlightened, then there is no problem. Then bring the mind in tune with you. It is a great art. First you have to put the mind aside, then you have to bring the mind back again, but now it comes as a slave. It used to be the master before, so
try in every way to take you away for a worldwide tour. And it allures, persuades you, gives you great promises: "Where are you going? What is there inside? The boyfriend is waiting outside the gate and you are going inside. The party is arranged in the Blue Diamond - and who has ever heard of a party inside?" The mind will create many
Mind will not allow you to remain a witness
Osho
when you become enlightened, the same mind has to be used as a friend. It is a very useful mechanism. But in the beginning it is going to be against any effort to put it aside. Meditation is nothing but putting the mind aside, putting the mind out of the way, and bringing a witnessing which is always there
An articulate master creates strange devices to put the mind aside without making it an enemy, because sooner or later, when you become enlightened, the same mind has to be used as a friend if you try before enlightenment, it is going to throw all kinds of tantrums. There is no need, because those tantrums will hinder your progress into witnessing. Just don't create the enemy. Silently start witnessing, without making a direct attack on the mind. You have to be very careful to reach to the center. Mind will
kinds of things, but you have to very lovingly and carefully put it aside. Remember my words, lovingly and carefully. Don't hurt the mind, because the mind will be of much use after enlightenment. The 81st birth anniversary of Osho Rajneesh will be observed on December 11
To be constantly thinking about the objects of the senses is to eclipse the Self. That is the Illusion. That is mind. - Siddharameshwar Maharaj The uniqueness of the individual cannot express itself because of the stranglehold of the experiences of others. - U.G. In the manifested world everything has its beginning and its end. In the Real World everything is always present. -G. I. Gurdjieff Love has to spring spontaneously from within; it is in no way amenable to any form of inner or outer force. -Meher Baba The basic challenge of man is to discover that quality which is hidden within us and allow it to express itself. -Dada Gavand One doesn't have to begin to learn how to be silent, but one has to begin with learning to function in an orderly, clear, unconfused way. -Vimla Thakkar All the things you eagerly want are solvents, i.e. means to disappear in love, your true nature. -Alexander Smit
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Implications of Asia's rising powers for US PR CHARI
T
he two authors are MIT alumni, but their work experience differs. Gilboy comes from a background in business and is now with an energy firm in China, while Heginbotham is with Rand Corporation and has worked in military intelligence. They are concerned as the title informs with the strategic behavior of China and India - rising powers in the international system. What the title does not inform is that the alarm mentioned therein is being caused to the US. The glib assertion is often made in the US that China is "a potential competitor more than a potential partner, whereas the reverse is true of India. Washington 'hedges' against Beijing while it seeks to increase Indian power and enlist New Delhi as a partner in that hedging." The authors disagree with this simplistic and deterministic formulation, and then set about exploring the international strategic behavior of China and India in four critical areas viz. strategic culture, foreign policy and use of force, military modernization, and economic strategy. Their major finding is that the democratic-authoritarian divide between China and India does not conceal the essential similarity of their strategic behavior. Both are willing to use force to seek their national interests, consciously build up their military power, and aggressively seek trade advantages. Considerations of space only permit a review of the critical area of military doctrines, force modernization and budgets. US leaders are wary of China's rapidly growing defense budgets, and its offence-oriented military doctrine that is buttressed by weapons acquisitions to permit the pursuit of an 'anti-access' and 'area denial' strategy. India's defense budget is also increasing rapidly, and it is devoting a larger share of its GDP to military spending than China. India's military doctrine is viewed as more provocative since it envisages preemptive attack in various circumstances. Both countries do not include many items of military-related spending in their defense budgets. But their security concerns (threat assessments) remain traditional and restricted to Taiwan (China) or Kashmir/ Pakistan (India), which impinges directly on American interests. The US faces a complex, dual
challenge from Asia's two rising powers. It would be simplistic, therefore, to address China's rise by partnering with India, which fails to appreciate that China and India may have their own national self-interests that could clash with those of the US. Besides, the interaction between China and India against the backdrop of a declining US is another complicating factor. Chindia is displaying several elements of convergence, but also binary features that characterize a zero-sum game. This milieu might persuade the US to pursue a nuanced containment-cooperation policy towards China, but also play the arbiter between India and China. Sino-Indian relations could also resolve into a complex mix with tensions and instabilities co-existing alongside collaboration and cooperation. Coming to policy approaches that could be pursued by the US
Book Review Chinese and Indian Strategic Behavior: Growing Power and Alarm George J Gilboy and Eric Heginbotham New Delhi: Cambridge University Press, 2012 pp. xxx+ 346 Price: Rs 995/towards China and India the authors believe its foreign policy should be founded on 'nuanced, pragmatic realism'. Idealism is all very well, they say, but it cannot trump national interests in dealing with others states. Hence, the US should intensify its economic and diplomatic relations with India before providing more military and political support. Vis-Ă -vis China, the US should establish robust deterrent capabilities, but adopt military postures that minimize the risks of destabilizing reactions in response. Finally, since material power and capability will define long-term American relations with China and India, the US should recognize the technological and economic challenges from them. Innovative technology and economic strength have been the traditional American assets and
sources of its power; hence the authors advise Washington to pursue domestic policies for retaining and maximizing these advantages. In our view, all these solutions will also be influenced by the vagaries of domestic politics in all three countries. The leadership changes in China would usher a new generation into power that might, hopefully, be more internationalist and less nationalist in their strategic behavior. President Obama in his second term could proceed more confidently to pursue his liberal inclinations; but the Manmohan Singh government shows little signs at present of shaking off its despondency and policy paralysis, so nothing is clear about its future strategic behavior. Speaking generally, history is replete with instances of rising powers coming into conflict with the established reigning power. In his book on China, Henry Kissinger compares Anglo-German relations in the last century with Sino-American relations at the present juncture, while predicting the inevitability of their clashing. Germany consolidated itself in the late nineteenth century by unifying some thirty-eight small states and principalities: China emerged in the first half of the twentieth century as a Communist state after two centuries of foreign domination. But, the US has embedded itself in the Western Alliance, while China has embroiled itself in the turbulence of Asia's territorial disputes and unresolved sovereignty issues. India's rise, for instance, has stirred up latent tensions and instabilities with China revolving around their half-century long border dispute, which extends now into their internal security challenges, economic reform processes and relations with regional countries. The major concerns in this book are with the strategic behavior of China and India in the international system, and its implications for the US. What is in China's or India's interests are not the concern of the authors, which has sparked much criticism in New Delhi that is plainly excessive. In fact, we have a carefully reasoned argument in this book, and students of the triangular relationship between India, China and US relations will greatly profit from its study. The writer is Visiting Professor, IPCS
'Your' party
A
rvind Kejriwal's fledgling party has been named Aam Aadmi Party with an interesting acronym AAP. Aap in Hindi means 'you.' So the party might take the line that it represents "you" and that "you" must support it because it is your party. Kejriwal and his band of supporters must be admired for their daring in taking on the entire political establishment. First, in alliance with Anna Hazare, Kejriwal had tried to persuade the politicians to legislate a Jan Lokpal to investigate and punish corruption by the high and mighty in the government. But all their efforts failed as the government resorted to the well known delaying tactics of entrusting the issue to a committee. All the political parties combined in the Rajya Sabha to kill the measure. This defeat led Anna Hazare to disband his group and suspend his agitation and go back to the drawing board. Initially the Anna Hazare group had got support from the BJP and some other parties. But when Kejriwal and his men started targeting the BJP as well, he lost their support. The exercise against the BJP and its chief Nitin Gadkari was perhaps consciously done to remove the impression that his group was targeting only the Congress and had the RSS backing for its agitation. Now with guns trained on the entire establishment, he has been isolated from the entire political mainstream. As against Anna Hazare's withdrawal from the game, Kejriwal insisted on fighting the rot from within by forming a political party and thus they parted ways. Now that he has formed a political party it would be interesting to see how much support it elicits from the public. Corruption is everywhere, at all levels. Be it a gas connection, traffic fine, income tax refund or daily business with government officials. Many ordinary people think if by paying a little sum, they can get their work done instead of waiting for days together for a routine job, they would prefer the former. But indeed, Kejriwal has introduced a breath of fresh air in the political atmosphere with his party's promise of sending "corrupt" ministers to jail within six months of his party being voted to power. He also claimed that the 2014 elections would not be between two political parties, but between politicians and the common man. He has pronounced all political parties as corrupt. As we know there is a big gap between promise and performance. And the Kejriwal group is untested and it is not known how it is going to fare in actual elections where multifarious factors come into play, and not merely corruption. However, with the stalemate once again in parliament for all to witness the tired politics of the last few years, the people may not be faulted in rooting for Kejriwal and his party. The Congress has protested that the Kejriwal party has hijacked its 'aam aadmi" platform. In actual fact the Congress has never been a party of the common people. It has always aligned with the regional exploiters in order to come to power. A clear distinction is now being sought to be made that the politicians do not represent the ordinary people. They only work for interest groups. One analyst claims that by targeting the corrupt VIPs one by one and not taking his case against them to closure, Kejriwal is only strengthening the politicians' immunity system. He is advised to focus on fewer but provable cases of corruption - and use all means, including legal - to bring each one these to a conclusion. But after forming a political party, it is no longer his business to target the corrupt. That business has to be left to the institutions in existence for this purpose. He has now to spell out what his party is going to do to stem the rot and provide an alternative. The game of TV bashings is over.
December 7, 2012
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