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Telengana ignites political crisis in Andhra Details on page 7

Oppn attacks Govt for stand on climate

VOL 15, No. 797

December 18, 2009

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Periodical Postage

ZARDARI ASKS U.S. TO MEDIATE ON KASHMIR

WASHINGTON: Linking the Kashmir problem with the Middle East conflict, President Asif Ali Zardari has asked the US to demonstrate "neutrality" and step up efforts to "mediate" on the issue between India and Pakistan. In an op-ed published in The New York Times, he also accused India of playing destabilizing role in the region

and said that the perceived "rhetorical" one-sided American policy often fuels conspiracy theories in Pakistan. "Public mistrust of the United States also stems from regional issues, specifically policies concerning India. I know it is the conventional wisdom in Washington that my nation is obsessed with India," he wrote. Details on page 6

Headley pleads not guilty to plotting 26/11 Details on page 8

Singh, Obama to visit Toronto next year for G20 Details on page 6

Pak arrests five American Muslims in raid

Details on page 42 Details on page 6

Pak Major key link between Headley, others

Al-Qaeda is being weakened: US General

Details on page 11

Details on page 9

Indian student attacked in Australia Details on page 11

Hillary Clinton

‘Training for terrorists comes from Pakistan’ Congress panel to subpoena Salahis Details on page 11

INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Pak move on Kashmir attempt at distraction? Last week’s result

Obama’s new Af-Pak strategy will succeed? YES 37%

NO 63%

ANOTHER NUCLEAR DEAL: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh shakes hands with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev during a press conference at the Kremlin in Moscow on December 7. India and Russia signed a raft of agreements, including one on cooperation in civilian atomic energy and another on the arms trade, after the two leaders held talks at the Kremlin. (Details on page 9)

Details on page 9

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25

US n-firms lag behind in competition India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: With delays in implementation of the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal, U.S. firms have lagged in a competitive scramble with Russian and French firms whose governments guarantee their liability in case of an industrial accident. Leaders of a US nuclear trade mission of around 50 companies doing the rounds in the capital were non-committal on lifetime fuel supply to Indian atomic plants they plan to set up here but said they would not

Classifieds --------------------- 44-47 Community Post -------------- 12-18 Date Book -------------------------- 23

stand in the way of New Delhi making its own arrangements in the event of a change in US policy. "The US-India 123 agreement does say that if there are changes in the US policy on supplying nuclear fuel to India, the US administration will not stand in the way of Indian nuclear plants from getting fuel from other places," Meena Mutyala, vice president of Westinghouse Electric Company said here.

Edit Page --------------------------- 49

Details on page 20

TechBiz Post ------------------- 20-22

HealthScience Post --------- 40-41 Horoscope ------------------------- 34 Immigration Post ------------- 36-39 Life Style ----------------------- 26-27 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate ------------------------ 19 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 28-31

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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really do not know what to make of this whole climate change summit in Copenhagen. Intellectually it seems to make sense, but common sense tells me otherwise. I do not understand the urgency with which the political leaders of the world seem to be tackling the issue when all they are committing to do about it is set to happen 15 to 40 years from now. I am guessing the world will manage to survive the melting polar caps and rising sea levels until then. So okay, at least the politicians are talking about it seriously. And so are the counter-lobbyists who, albeit in minority numbers, are claiming the whole climate change crisis is nothing but overrated hype. Who does not know that man-made technological advancements have drastically changed everything on earth over the last century. You don't need a Rajendra Pachauri to tell you that. It is humanly impossible in today's world to go back to the primitive ages where life was without cars or electrical appliances. So by merely committing to scale back on pollution, these politicians are buying the people a few (hundred?) more years of life on earth and nothing more. I might be a cynic there, but I am heartened by what people at large are doing about climate change. At least they are sincere. In Copenhagen itself, where the Summit is being held, we can see individuals driving home the message louder and clearer than what the "experts" are doing through their rhetoric-ridden speeches. Like this guy who rode his bicycle all the way from Brisbane, Australia traveling 15,000 km in 16 months - to reach Copenhagen in time for the Summit. And well there are the local prostitutes who are doing their bit for the planet by offering their "services" free to all of the summit delegates. I believe the 11-day summit, including the 140 aircraft carrying the delegates that landed in Copenhagen, created a total of 41,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent….hmmm… I wonder if the changes in climate can be put on hold.

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Zardari asks US to mediate on Kashmir WASHINGTON: Linking the Kashmir problem with the Middle East conflict, President Asif Ali Zardari has asked the US to demonstrate "neutrality" and step up efforts to "mediate" on the issue between India and Pakistan. In an op-ed published in The New York Times, he also accused India of playing destabilizing role in the region and said that the perceived "rhetorical" one-sided American policy often fuels conspiracy theories in Pakistan. "Public mistrust of the United States also stems from regional issues, specifically policies concerning India. I know it is the conventional wisdom in Washington that my nation is obsessed with India," he wrote. "But even to those of us who are striving toward accommodation and peace, the long history and the unresolved situation in Kashmir give Pakistanis reason to be concerned about our neighbor to the east." Just as the Israeli-Palestinian dispute cannot be resolved without accommodating the Palestinian people, "there cannot be permanent regional peace in South

Asia without addressing Kashmir," Zardari said. While welcoming the KerryLugar bill under which his country gets USD 7.5 billion from

American neutrality and willingness to help India and Pakistan overcome their mutual distrust. It could start by stepping up its efforts to mediate the Kashmir dis-

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;But even to those of us who are striving toward accommodation and peace, the long history and the unresolved situation in Kashmir give Pakistanis reason to be concerned about our neighbor to the eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; America in the next five years, he said this is not enough. "This long-term commitment must be complemented by shortterm policies that demonstrate

Asif Ali Zardari

pute," he said. Zardari said the "recent upset" in Pakistan over the Kerry-Lugar legislation, which US President Barack Obama signed into law and

Pak arrests five American Muslims in raid tied to JeM LAHORE/WASHINGTON: Six persons, including five young American Muslims, were arrested in Pakistan's Punjab province over possible links to the banned terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed and Pakistani intelligence and FBI are probing the case. The six, who included a highways department employee, were arrested in a raid in a posh residential area of Sargodha in Punjab, from the home of a JeM leader. Laptop computers, some CDs, jehadi literature and maps of sensitive locations were seized from their possession during the raid, Pakistani police sources said. "The three foreigners, the two Pakistanis with US nationality, identified as Omer Farooq and Waqar Hasan Khan, and a highways department employee named Fahim were arrested from Farooq's house," a senior police officer of Sargodha division said. The officer said the arrested men had links to the Jaish-eMohammed and were planning terror attacks. They were taken to an undisclosed location for interrogation. The five Americans between 19-25 years of age suddenly disappeared from their homes in Northern Virginia last month after

leaving a farewell video in the Jihadist style showing conflicts between Western and Muslim nations and war footage. While law enforcement officials said they had no evidence that the men had been trained in terror camps or were planning an attack; but their arrest from a house linked to a radical jihadist

The Justice Department said the FBI is working with families and local law enforcement to investigate the missing students and was aware of the individuals arrested in Pakistan group and the video with jihadist overtones leads the investigating agencies in that direction. Both the US State Department and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton refused to answer questions related to the issue. "We've contacted our Embassy in Islamabad, and they are seeking further information. I think that we need to get those kinds of

which requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on military and civil progress in Pakistan, shows how sensitive many in his country are to what they

details about the identity of these five individuals," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said. In Washington, the FBI said it was probing the case. The Justice Department said the FBI is working with families and local law enforcement to investigate the missing students and was aware of the individuals arrested in Pakistan. "The elder (Khalid) Farooq (father of Umer), is believed to have ties with Jaish-e-Muhammad, a banned Pakistani militant group," a government official was quoted as saying by the New York Times. One of the five American Muslims identified as Ramy Zamzam, 22, is a dental student at Howard University, where he received an undergraduate degree this year with a major in biology and chemistry, according to his Facebook page, the daily said. Quoting American and Pakistani officials The NYT said the five men flew from Dulles International Airport outside Washington and landed in Karachi, Pakistan, on December 1, the day their families approached the FBI. They traveled to Hyderabad, Pakistan, and then to Lahore, where they spent five days before moving on to Sargodha. -PTI

see as unfair treatment by the US. "It would be helpful if the United States, at some point, would scrutinize India in a similar fashion and acknowledge that it

has from time to time played a destabilizing role in the region," he wrote. In his article titled 'How to Mend Fences with Pakistan,' Zardari said he along with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is working closely with national assembly and military and intelligence agencies to defeat the Taliban insurgency and the alQaeda-backed campaign of terrorism. "Simultaneously, we are pursuing policies that will re-establish Pakistan as a vibrant economic market and finally address the long-neglected weaknesses in our education, health, agriculture and energy sectors. This isn't just rhetoric. It is an active policy with new budget priorities and a reoriented national mindset," he said. "Over the last weeks I have moved forcefully to re-establish the traditional powers of the presidency as defined in the parliamentary model on which our Constitution is based. Our Constitution was distorted and perverted by military dictators who usurped the legal powers of Parliament," he said. -PTI

Singh, Obama to visit Toronto next year for G20 TORONTO: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US President Barack Obama will visit Toronto in June next year to attend the two-day G-20 summit. The two leaders will be here for the June 26-27 meet of the G-20 developed and developing nations, official sources said. It will be the first visit of Prime Minister Singh to Canada.

"Toronto is one of the few places in Canada that could host something of this magnitude," said Mayor David Miller. The downtown Metro Toronto Convention Centre will be the venue for the G-20 summit, Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone said. Canada will also chair the smaller Group of Eight summit

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has already announced that he is moving next June's meeting of world leaders to Toronto from Huntsville. Ottawa, which was recognized as the original destination, lacked sufficient resources to host an estimated 10,000 participants, a spokeswoman said.

next year. The G8 summit will be held immediately before the G20 meetings, on June 25 and 26 in the resort town of Huntsville, Ontario, about 200 kms north of Toronto. The last G-8 summit, which Obama hosted in Pittsburgh in September, decided to shift the main focus for economic decisionmaking from the G-8 to G-20. -PTI

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Telengana ignites political crisis in Andhra HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh plunged into a fresh political crisis with 60 MLAs and a MP belonging to Congress, TDP and PRP from coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions resigning in protest against the Centre's decision to carve out a separate Telangana state. The legislators submitted their resignation to Assembly Speaker Kiran Kumar Reddy, a day after the Centre announced that steps will be initiated for the formation of Telangana state. However, there was no word from the Speaker's office about acceptance of their resignations. Thirty-two of the MLAs who have resigned are from Congress, 17 from the Telugu Desam Party and nine from the Praja Rajyam Party. In New Delhi, Congress MP from Vijayawada Lagadapati Rajagopal submitted his resignation to Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar. As reports emerged that more MPs from the Andhra region are planning to resign to register their protest, Congress President Sonia Gandhi

convened a meeting of party MPs from the state to discuss the issue in New Delhi. The MLAs have strongly decried the Congress high command's "unilateral decision" to initiate the process for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. "This decision is very painful

for us. Lakhs of poeple from other regions of the state have come to Hyderabad in search of livelihood. What would be their fate if the state is split," P Venkatramaya, a Congress legislator from Krishna district, said in the Assembly. . Strongly criticising the Centre and Sonia Gandhi for the decision

Process for formation of Telangana to be fully followed: Govt NEW DELHI: All processes regarding formation of a separate Telangana state will be "fully followed", Government told the Lok Sabha. "You are fully aware of the process of formation of separate states. All processes (in that regard) will be fully followed," Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee

told the Leader of the Opposition L K Advani. Mukherjee's statement was in response to queries from Advani, a former Home Minister, as to how the Government would go about carving a separate Telangana from Andhra Pradesh. Government, he said, was "appreciative" of the TRS leader's

decision of ending his fast-untodeath. "As it is a decision taken very late in the night and we are yet to get a response from the state, we cannot make a statement (in the House) at this stage," Mukherjee said, adding the House would be informed as soon as the state government response came.-PTI

Telangana to become the 29th state HYDERABAD: The decision to carve out a separate state of Telangana, which will take the total number of states in the Union to 29, comes at the end of a 40year- old struggle for a distinct identity. This comes after a gap of nine years when three new states were carved out. Jharkhand split from Bihar on November 15, 2000 to become the 28th state while Uttarakhand split from UP on November 9 and Chattisgarh was created on November one the same year. Andhra Pradesh has 23 districts, including the state capital Hyderabad, in three regions coastal Andhra (nine), Rayalaseema (four) and Telangana (ten).

Since its inception in 2001, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) has been fighting for creation of a separate Telangana state.

Andhra Pradesh has 23 districts, including the state capital Hyderabad, in three regions - coastal Andhra (nine), Rayalaseema (four) and Telangana (ten) Telangana region now accounts for 119 of the 294 seats in the Assembly and 17 of the 42 Lok Sabha members.

Telangana region comprises Hyderabad, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Medak, Warangal, Rangareddy, Nalgonda, Khammam and Mahbubnagar. The demand for a separate state began in 1969 but the Congress then had stoutly opposed any move for additional linguistic states. Disillusioned by it, firebrand Congress leader M Channa Reddy broke away and formed the Telangana Praja Samithi (Telangana Popular Association) in 1969. The first movement of a separate Telangana state started met with a gory end in 1971.As a counter, the "Jai Andhra" agitation was taken up in 1972-73. PTI

on Telangana, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu accused them of taking such a step without taking into confidence the Opposition parties and other stakeholders. While Telangana accounts for 119 seats out of the 294 assembly seats and 17 Lok Sabha segments, the rest of Andhra Pradesh has 175 assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha constituencies. Of the 158 Congress MLAs, 51 are from the Telangana region and 107 are from the coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. Telugu Desam MLA P Raghunatha Reddy said that they resigned from their posts as the Congress took a unilateral decision to move a motion in the state assembly for the formation of Telangana State. In New Delhi, another Congress MP Anantha Venkatarami Reddy threatened to resign in protest against the decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh. In Parliament, Home Minister P Chidambaram said he had spoken to TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao, who had last night ended his 11day-old fast-unto-death after the

Centre's decision, and that he has invited him for talks. Leader of Lok Sabha and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said all processes regarding the formation of Telangana will be "fully followed". . Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha L K Advani congratulated the Speaker and the House for intervening on the issue and said "government has acted on the basis of voice of the House". Amidst the political turmoil, a wave of joy and cheer swept the Osmania University, the nerve centre of the Telangana movement, as hundreds of students and proTelangana supporters assembled in the campus this morning and burst into celebrations. They hailed the Center's decision and organized a 'Vijayotsav', a victory celebration. Slogans of 'Jai Jai Telangana' filled the air as students burst crackers, distributed sweets, sang traditional Telangana folk songs and danced to the drum beats echoing in the varsity campus, amidst huge presence of security personnel.

TRS chief called to Delhi for next step NEW DELHI: A day after announcing decision to form separate Telangana state, Government told Parliament that TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao has been invited here for talks to discuss the next step in the process. Home Minister P Chidambaram said in the Rajya Sabha that the Government had to take an urgent decision in view of the situation in Andhra Pradesh, which witnessed widespread violent protests over the demand for Telangana state. "I am happy to inform the House that by and large normalcy has been restored in Hyderabad," Chidambaram said. He said he had spoken this morning to Rao, who was on fastunto-death for 11 days over the Telangana demand, and invited him to Delhi to discuss the next step. Rao, who ended his fast late last night after the Center's announcement, thanked all sections of the House for resolving the is-

sue. Earlier, senior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu took exception to Chidambaram announcing the Telangana decision outside Parliament though his party wel-

K Chandrasekhar Rao

comed carving out Telangana from Andhra Pradesh. Responding to it, Chidambaram said he could not have waited to make the announcement as the government could "brook no delay" against the backdrop of the situation in the state. In any case, he said, last night's announcement was a "re-statement" of the earlier decision of the government. -PTI

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Headley pleads not guilty to plotting 26/11 attacks CHICAGO: Pakistani-American David Coleman Headley, a LeT operative arrested by FBI has pleaded not guilty before a US court to all the charges filed against him including that he conspired in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. 49-year-old Headley, arrested in October this year, also pleaded not guilty to the charge of plotting terror attacks in Denmark against a newspaper that published cartoons of Prophet Mohammed. The next hearing of the case will be held on January 12. He was charged by the FBI in a 12-count criminal information with six counts of conspiracy to bomb places in India and Denmark and for providing material support to terrorist plots. Talking to reporters after the arraignment, Headley's attorney John Theis said, "David Headley is charged with certain acts arising out of things that happened in Denmark and India. These are very serious charges and we are taking them very seriously. I want to remind everyone that he is pre-

sumed innocent of these charges against him," he said. On whether Indian authorities could get a chance to interrogate Headley, Theis said, "That is something we will have to look at. I have no idea of assessing the chances. If they make any such requests, we will look at it when it comes," he said adding that as of

He was charged by the FBI in a 12-count criminal information with six counts of conspiracy to bomb places in India and Denmark now no requests have been made to him regarding interrogation or extradition. He was also charged for providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba, and six counts of

aiding and abetting the murder of US citizens in India. If convicted, Headley could face the "maximum statutory penalty" of life imprisonment or death. Appearing before US District Judge Harry Leinenweber for his arraignment at the court here, a clean-shaven and tall Headley wore an orange jumpsuit with white long-sleeved undershirt and blue sneakers. He was shackled at the ankles. The arraignment hearing lasted for about five minutes during which Headley responded in a quiet voice to the questions posed by the Judge. Headley had made five trips to Mumbai from 2006 to 2008, taking pictures and making videotapes of targets, including those attacked. After every trip that Headley took to India between September 2006 and July 2008, he allegedly returned to Pakistan, met with other co-conspirators and provided them with photographs, videos and oral descriptions of various locations. The charges also allege that in

Headley-Rana case shows LeT's global ambitions: US WASHINGTON: The unearthing of the Headley -Rana terror plot by the FBI shows the global ambition of LeT, a top Obama Administration official has said, pointing out that the radicals continue to galvanize enough people to launch "mass casualty" terrorist attacks. Pakistani-American citizen David Coleman Headley and Pakistani-Canadian Tahawwur Rana were arrested by the FBI last month on charges of planning terror attacks in India and Denmark. "The example of David Headley indicates, al-Qaeda is not the only group with global ambitions that we have to worry about," said Daniel Benjamin, Coordinator, Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism, at the State Department. Lashkar-e-Taiba has made it

clear that it is willing to undertake bold, "mass-casualty operations with a target set that would please al-Qaeda planners", Benjamin said in his speech at the Jamestown on 'International Counterterrorism Policy in the Obama Administra-

‘Let me say as an aside, very few things worry me as much as the strength and ambition of LeT, a truly malign presence in South Asia’ tion'. The group's more recent thwarted conspiracy to attack the

US embassy in Bangladesh should only deepen concern that it could evolve into a genuinely global terrorist threat. "Let me say as an aside, very few things worry me as much as the strength and ambition of LeT, a truly malign presence in South Asia. We are working closely with allies in the region and elsewhere to reduce the threat from this very dangerous group," Benjamin said. The State Department official said Sunni radicals continue to succeed is in persuading religious extremists to adopt their cause, even in the United States. "A bus driver, Najibullah Zazi, was trained in Pakistan and now faces charges in federal court for planning to set off a series of bombs in the United States, he said. -PTI

‘Chargesheet against Headley an important step’ NEW DELHI: India has termed the filing of chargesheet against David Headley as an important step in exposing the wider conspiracy behind Mumbai attacks and said the onus is on Pakistan to follow the leads and act with "unalloyed" determination against terrorism. The External Affairs Ministry said charges against Headley

points out that terror outfits like LeT, HUJI and Al-Qaeda continue to remain active in plotting new acts of terrorism, targeting India as well as other countries. "Investigation and filing of chargesheet in a US court against Headley are important steps in exposing the wider conspiracy behind the Mumbai terrorist attack, and other acts of terrorism,

for bringing to justice those responsible for mindless violence against innocent people," MEA spokesperson Vishnu Prakash said. India expects Pakistan to follow the leads provided, and unravel the full conspiracy behind the Mumbai attacks and other terrorist plots which continue to emanate from its soil, he said.-PTI

March 2008, Headley and his coconspirators discussed potential landing sites for a team of attackers who would arrive by sea in Mumbai, and he was instructed to take boat trips in and around the Mumbai harbor and take surveillance video, which he did during his visit to India starting in April 2008, the charges allege.

Headley had made five trips to Mumbai from 2006 to 2008, taking pictures and making videotapes of targets, including those attacked The terror case spanning three countries has caught the attention of the media and public alike. Apart from city-based TV channels and newspapers, reporters from across the US were present

to cover Headley's first appearance in court. . Headley was escorted into the courtroom by federal marshalls. He appeared calm but his face looked thinner as compared to his plump image, extracted from copies of his passport, the world has seen. Headley also waived his right to be indicted by a grand jury, which means he waived his right to have prosecutors present their evidence against him to a grand jury and obtain an indictment. Leinenweber scheduled Headley's next status hearing for January 12. Theis said over the next several weeks and months he and his co-counsel Robert Seeder would review evidence and allegations against Headley. "I expect that there will be a lot of material that we will be going through in preparing our defense in this case," he added. Theis further said he would not comment on the substance of any of the allegations or any particular defense strategy that they would employ in this case. -PTI

Probe into Headley links with 26/11 to end within 6 weeks NEW DELHI: The Government queries would be sought by the said here that in the next four to FBI from Pakistani authorities six weeks, investigations into also, he said. David Headley and Tahawwur "FBI team has gone to Pakistan Rana's links with 26/11 attacks will and they would be seeking some be completed by the National In- answers there since Headley had vestigation Agency (NIA). visited that country with some of "NIA has been entrusted with the LeT handlers," Pillai said. the investigation into both David Asked if India would seek acHeadley and Rana. They are con- cess from the United States to tinuing with it and we expect that David Headley, Pillai said, "Once investigations will take about four we file the chargesheet, we will to six weeks and as soon as investigations are completed, the NIA On cooperation with the FBI, will file the necessary chargesheet," Home Pillai said the American Secretary G K Pillai agency had shared with said. He was talking to re- India information given porters on the sidelines to it by Headley of a DRDO seminar on low-intensity conflict. Headley, a Pakistanborn US citizen and Rana, a Paki- definitely be seeking access both stani Canadian, were arrested by for interrogation and a subsethe FBI in Chicago in October on quent stage for his extradition." charges of plotting terror attacks In response to a query on inin India at the behest of Lashkar- volvement of more Pakistani serve-Taiba. ing and retired Army personnel in On cooperation with the FBI, the 26/11 attacks, the Home SecPillai said the American agency retary said, "there is some evihad shared with India information dence, which we hope that when given to it by Headley. the FBI team goes to Pakistan, "We have given them a supple- they would be able to corrobomentary list of questions," he said rate some of the information that while hoping they would respond they have shared with us and to them. subsequently they would share Answers to some of the Indian that also with us. -PTI

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India's ties with third countries not at cost of Russia: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev at the delegation level talks, in Moscow, Russia on December 7

MOSCOW: Seeking to take forward the strategic partnership to new heights, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made it clear here that India's relations with third countries will never be at the cost of "time-tested ties" with Russia. After a one-on-one meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at the Kremlin which he described as "very productive", Singh said, "A stronger Russia is important for world peace." Both India and Russia have a joint role to play to deal with regional and international issues, including steps for revival of global economy, terrorism and reforms of international institutions, Singh said in his opening remarks before the two sides got into delegation-level talks. Noting that he was visiting Russia for the second time this year, the Prime Minister said this showed the importance attached by India in taking forward the bilateral relations in various spheres. "Our relations with third coun-

tries will never be at the cost of our time-tested relationship with Russia," he said. He said Indo-Russia strategic partnership is a "unique" partnership, firmly rooted in mutual interest and confidence and a

Noting that he was visiting Russia for the second time this year, the Prime Minister said this showed the importance attached by India in taking forward the bilateral relations shared vision of a multi-polar world. In his remarks, the Russian President said the agreements finalized by the two countries reflected the strategic partnership of a "great variety". Medvedev said at his two meet-

ings he had discussed with Singh issues relating to enhancing the strategic partnership. The Russian President noted that Indo-Russian trade has increased by eight per cent despite a global slowdown and said this augmented well for the improvement of bilateral ties in this area. Singh shared the sentiments of Medvedev on this issue. At the private dinner, Singh assured his host that New Delhi still regards Moscow as its most important partner. Singh began his Moscow schedule with the laying of wreath at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier with eternal flame. During their informal talk, Singh said: "I want to assure you that relations with Russia are most important and we have no such relations with any other country of the world. On his part, Medvedev said: "Every visit of the Indian Prime Minister is always a big event. "It can only be like this because Russia and India are good friends," Medvedev said. -PTI

Al-Qaeda is being weakened: US General WASHINGTON: America's top General in Afghanistan has said that the al-Qaeda is being weakened and the US build up in the country includes more terroristhunting forces to chase down militants. Steanley McChrystal, the Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said, "al-Qaeda will continue to be made less and less relevant around the world. Their ideology is bankrupt. It takes a while for that to be proven, but I

think it is being proven." "Their organization is being weakened. I do think it's important that Osama bin Laden be brought to justice in some way, not as complete closure, but as a step toward closure," the General said. The General, who along with US army top brass is currently deposing before the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the new forces induction in Afghanistan, said the border region

between Afghanistan and Pakistan is the epicenter of terrorism. "Clearly there are locations elsewhere around the world, but I believe that from that (Af-Pak), emanates a tremendous amount of the danger," he said. "I believe over time, it's important that, around the world, but particularly inside Pakistan and inside Afghanistan, the counterinsurgent effort to go against extremism be maintained consistently," he said.-PTI

Training for terrorists comes from Pakistan: Clinton WASHINGTON: Expressing FBI in October on charges of planconcern over series of arrests of ning terrorist attacks in India and US nationals as terror suspects, Mumbai. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton The FBI in its charge-sheet has said much of the training and filed this week has accused direction for terrorists comes from Headley of being involved in the Pakistan and the border area with Mumbai terrorist attacks. Afghanistan. "One of the reasons why Presi"We know that much of the dent Obama made the decision training and the direction for ter- which he announced last week rorists comes from Pakistan and with respect to our strategy gothe border area with Afghani- ing forward is because we constan," Clinton told reporters at the tinue to see a syndicate of terrorFoggy Bottom headquarters of ism that al-Qaida is, in effect, the the State Department. It has always â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We know we've got to work been a concern, Clinton said when more closely with both asked about several cases of home Afghanistan and Pakistan to try grown terrorists in to root out the infrastructure of the country. "We know we've terrorism that continues to got to work more closely with both Af- recruit and train peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ghanistan and Pakistan to try to root out the infrastructure of terrorism that head of that is not only an continues to recruit and train aspirational or ideological head, people who are willing to do what but providing funding and trainis alleged with Zazi, David ing and equipping and operational Headley, and others in the recent direction to a number of terrorist cases that have come to light," groups," Clinton said. Clinton said. "And therefore, we will remain Headley, a US national of Paki- very vigilant at home," she said. stani origin was arrested by the PTI

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Danish draft generates heat; threatens climate talks COPENHAGEN: Climate talks went into disarray as details of the Danish draft treaty that appear to sideline the Kyoto Protocol and UN were leaked, prompting poor nations to react furiously and India insisting that the text was not a formal proposal of the host government. The G77 countries and China blasted the Danish draft on the third day of the talks claiming that its strategic intent was aimed at "superimposing a solution". The Danish draft is seen as a departure from Kyoto and gives the control of climate change finance to the World Bank. Sudan's envoy Lumumba Stanislas Di-Aping, who heads the G77, said that the Danish draft detracted from both the substance and procedure of previously agreed agreements under the United Nations Framework Convention and the Bali Action Plan. He dubbed the leakage of the draft as "serious and unfortunate development" which threatened the success of the Copenhagen process. India, which has been privy to the Danish draft, reacted cautiously saying that the text was not a "formal proposal" by the government. "The G77 members will not walk

UN climate chief Yvo de Boer arrives for a press conference on the eve of the opening of the UN Climate Conference 2009 in Copenhagen. One hundred heads of state or government are participating in the UN led Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen which runs from December 7 to 18

out of this negotiation at this late hour because we can't afford a failure in Copenhagen. "However, we will not sign an inequitable deal. We can't accept a deal that condemns 80 percent of the world population to further suffering and injustice," Di-Aping said. The talks were off to a rocky

start on the third day of the 12day conference with tiny Pacific island of Tuvalu walking out of the meeting after the chair refused to discuss its proposal. Tuvalu had proposed amending the UN climate treaty to require the world's nations to keep the rise in temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial

No 'pass' for emerging economies, says US COPENHAGEN: Making a strong pitch for domestic emission cut proposals to be included in an international agreement, US' top negotiator here said giving major developing economies "a pass" on carbon will not solve the problem. US Chief negotiator Todd Stern said the US is committed to getting the "strongest political agreement" at Copenhagen for which "a real commitment from China" was a major necessity. Stern noted that developing countries including China, India and South Africa had announced "significant" proposals to cut emissions domestically but said these would have to be "wrapped up" in an international agreement. "What is important if we have to get an international agreement is not that people announce things domestically but they put them in an international agreement," he said. "It becomes part of the international agreement and not just a press release domestically". While the US had the largest historic role in greenhouse gas emissions but most of the emissions now going forward would be from the developing countries, he said.

"There is no way to solve this problem by giving the major developing economies a pass," he said, making it clear that a transparent commitment would not be required from the vast number of developing countries but only the major ones. China is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases while In-

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;What is important if we have to get an international agreement is not that people announce things domestically but they put them in an international agreementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dia is the fifth largest. . "You can't even think about controlling this problem without a real commitment from China," Stern said. Developing countries, including India and China, have maintained that that given the fact that emissions from industrializing developed nations over the last century have been the primary cause

of global warming; they should shoulder greater responsibility for carbon cuts. Stern quoted the International Energy Agency estimates that 97 per cent of emissions between now and 2030 will come from developing countries and 50 per cent from China alone. He said putting mitigation commitments in a legally binding agreement was essential for "transparency" in the international community, which could then gauge how the crisis was being resolved. "We can't be in a world where transparency is just trust," he said. "There needs to be transparency so that everyone can have confidence that everybody else is undertaking what they said they would do". The US top negotiator also stated that while US wanted a legally binding treaty, it would back a "politically binding agreement" if states failed to commit to a legal document. "There is an advantage that an agreement (politically binding) can take effect right away," he said, adding that politically binding was no substitute to a legally binding agreement in the near future. .-PTI

levels. Besides, an analysis of the Danish text by G77 also indicated that it would force developing countries to agree to specific emission cuts and measures that were not part of the original UN agreement. However, Saran pointed out that the Danish government has

clarified is this is not the paper but only one of several drafts that have been looked at. Saran has left for India to hold discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the developments in Copenhagen and form the country's stand for final leg of the talks which will be attended by over 100 heads of state and government, including Singh. The UN climate change chief Yvo de Boer also clarified in the Danish test saying it was not an official document presented by the Denmark Prime Minister Lars Rasmussen. "This was an informal paper ahead of the conference given to a number of people for the purposes of consultations," de Boer said. . The text has been slammed for throwing away the balance of obligations between developed and developing countries on issues like mitigation, protection of intellectual property rights and financing. "It sets up a financing an technology mechanism that ensues the flow of finance form South to North through market mechanisms," Di-Aping explained, adding that the text divided developing countries into "vulnerable" and "culpable" as well as "poor" and "most vulnerable."-PTI

China slams developed nations on reduction targets COPENHAGEN: China has has long completed industrializaslammed the developed nations, tion," he said, pointing out that including the US and the EU, for US emissions grew by 16 per cent announcing inadequate carbon from 1990 to 2005. mitigation targets while coaxing The Chinese official also critideveloping countries to put more cized Japan as its reduction plan on the table at the crucial climate of 25 per cent was conditional on conference here. the United States joining the Chinese chief negotiator Su Kyoto Protocol. But since the US Wei said the 17 per cent reduc- did not intend to be party to the tion in carbon emission offered by the US by 2020 over 2005 levels â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The emissions of the US conwas neither "remark- tinue to grow long even though able" nor "notable". it has long completed industriUN scientists have underlined the need for alization," he said, pointing out aggregate emission re- that US emissions grew by 16 duction by industrialized countries of be- per cent from 1990 to 2005 tween minus 25 per cent and 40 per cent over 1990 levels Protocol, Japan's promise did not by 2020 with global emissions fall- amount to anything, Wei said. ing by at least 50 per cent by 2050. "The US position is very clear Emphasizing that 17 per cent that they will not join the Kyoto reduction amounted to one per Protocol and therefore we find that cent reduction on the 1990 level, Japan has committed nothing beWei said: "I doubt if just one per cause they have put something cent reduction can be regarded as impossible as a condition," he remarkable or notable". said, pointing out that Japan's "The emissions of the US con- emissions grew by eight per cent tinue to grow long even though it from 1990 to 2005.-PTI

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Congressional committee set to vote to subpoena Salahis

President Barack Obama greets Michaele Salahi (C) and her husband Tareq (R) during a state dinner for India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (L) at the White House in this official White House photo

WASHINGTON: A Congressional committee is set to vote to subpoena the Salahis who gatecrashed President Barack Obama's first State Dinner for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, amid reports that the Virginia couple could invoke their right to silence if forced to appear before the panel. The move comes after Tareq

and Michele Salahi refused to testify before the House Committee on Homeland Security last week on the gate-crashing incident and respond to the questions of the lawmakers. "The Salahis chose to forego participation in proceedings with the full knowledge that the committee could compel their testimony through subpoenas," Th-

ompson had said last week. "My door remains open and I'm hopeful that they will be as willing to talk to Congress as they have been to talk to the media," he had said at the end of the hearing convened to discuss the issue of the couple attending the November 24 event at White House, despite not having any invite.-PTI

Indian student attacked in Australia MELBOURNE: In yet another attack on Indian students in Australia, a 23-year-old youth from the community was stabbed in the chest by unidentified assailants her, police said. The student, who was also a cabbie, was attacked and left to bleed on a Brunswick West street, police said. The victim parked his taxi outside his girlfriend's home on

Paramedics were called to the scene just before 2 am and took the man to Royal Melbourne Hospital where he remains in a serious condition Collier Crescent in the wee hours and rang her to bring his dinner outside when someone approached his vehicle, The Age reported. His girlfriend heard the driver scream out over the phone as he was attacked, police officer Greg Johnson was quoted as saying by the paper.

The woman ran outside and found her boyfriend lying outside the car, bleeding with a single stab wound to the chest. Police do not believe the attack was racially motivated or an attempted robbery as the man still had cash in his pocket and his mobile phone, the paper said. Investigators are examining whether another car was involved. The taxi has damage to the rear of the vehicle and bits of a broken front headlight were found near the scene. "That is certainly one of the lines of inquiry we'll be looking along, that it could be a road rage incident," Johnson said. . Paramedics were called to the scene just before 2 am and took the man to Royal Melbourne Hospital where he remains in a serious condition. Intensive care paramedic Sean Lowell said they arrived within eight minutes to find the man on the ground next to his car. "The man had been stabbed in the upper body and first aid was being applied by police officers," Lowell said adding "When we arrived police were helping stem the blood flow by applying pressure to his wound.

"Given the seriousness of his condition, it was important for him to get further treatment at hospital as soon as possible." Police said officers were doorknocking the area and checking CCTV footage from inside the taxi. Since June this year, over 30 Indian youths have been attacked in various cities of Australia. -PTI

Pak Major key link between Headley, terrorist leaders in Pak WASHINGTON: A Lahorebased retired Army major has emerged as a key link between Mumbai terror attack suspect David Coleman Headley and his Pakistani handlers who guided him in planning and plotting strikes in India. Retd Major Abdur Rehman Hashim Syed, also known as Pasha or Major, has been charged by the FBI in a Chicago court on two counts of conspiring terror attacks in association with Headley, the US national of Pakistani-origin, and two other Pakistan-based terrorists. Abdur Rehman coordinated with HuJI leader Ilyas Kashmiri and a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative to commit terrorist acts involving murder and maiming outside the US, and conspired within and outside the US to provide

material support to that conspiracy, the FBI said in its 42-page charge sheet. Headley, arrested on Oct 3, has been charged with criminal conspiracy in Mumbai terror attacks and having links with Rehman who liaised between him and terror groups including LeT and HuJI, according to an FBI charge sheet. Rehman has also been charged with participating in planning a terrorist attack in Denmark, and coordinating with Headley in his surveillance of the intended targets. Pasha, referred to as individual A in FBI documents, also facilitated communication on planning of an attack between Headley and another terrorist leader identified as LeT Member A and Ilyas Kashmiri, a leader of Harakat-ul Jihad-al Islami. -PTI

Republicans say no national consensus on climate change WASHINGTON: Amid accusations that scientists had exaggerated the climate change crisis, top Republican lawmakers have asked US President Barack Obama to refrain from engaging in any treaty negotiations at the Copenhagen meet, arguing that there is no national consensus on it. "In the worst recession in 26 years, in the midst of an academic scandal and questionable science revealed in 'climate gate' and in absence of a national consensus about policies that would bear upon the category known as climate change, we gather here to say, Mr President, don't make

promises in Copenhagen that we can't keep," Republican Congressman Mike Pence told a news conference along with six of his colleagues. The Republicans' call came against the backdrop of the climate gate scandal, wherein hackers gained access to documents of the climate research centre of the UK-based East Anglia University and leaked confidential data, including thousands of e-mails and documents between scientists in UK and US over the past 10 years which led to accusations that researchers had exaggerated the crisis.-PTI

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Desi News Goa Food Festival in New Jersey India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Punjim Cutlet, Goanchi Dal, Shrimp Xeque, Bebanca and a variety of Goan dishes were displayed at the inauguration of a month-long food festival at Raagini, an upscale Indian restaurant in Mountainside, New Jersey. The festival is being held to showcase food from the tropical beaches and green fields of the former Portuguese colony of Goa, a well known tourist destination in India.

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Prof Kapoor honored for humanitarian efforts

December 18, 2009

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Convenience store owners to oppose food and beverage tax India Post News Service

Details on page 13

Senator calls for chemical security on Bhopal day India Post News Service

Jan 15 deadline for Daniel Pearl Awards

NEW YORK: Hundreds and thousands of Asian American convenience store and gas stations across the country have decided to oppose the proposed food and beverage tax under the health care reform. A decision in this regard was taken at the fifth Annual Convention of the Asian American Convenience Store Owners Association (AACSA) in Tampa, Florida on November 21. Founded in 2005, AACSA is the apex body of the Asian American convenience stores in the US. "We have formed an alliance with Coca Cola and Pepsi to fight against the proposed soft drink taxes of extra 3c a can and 17c on a 2 liter bottle to raise $6 billion in additional revenues to pay for the healthcare," said Satya Shaw, AACSA President. The convention also decided to collect at least five million signatures from customers visiting convenience stores and gas stations in the next two month. "We would send these signatures opposing the proposed food and beverage

Neha Dhupia cuts the ribbon

tax to the US Congress," Shaw said. "Improving health care in America is an admirable goal we support. But food and beverage

India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: The 2010 Daniel Pearl Awards competition, which honors the world's best cross-border investigative journalism, is accepting entries until January 15, 2010. The awards are given by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), a project of the Center for Public Integrity in Washington, D.C. Formerly the ICIJ Awards, the prizes were renamed in 2008 in honor of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, who was slain by militants in Pakistan in 2002. Details on page 15

taxes have no place in health care reform, particularly taxes that single out one product like juice drinks and soda," Shaw said, adding that such a tax would have an adverse impact on the business of

are our main items of sale," Shaw said. The fifth AASCA convention also hosted the 28th Miss Indian American pageant. Priyanka Singha from California was

‘We have formed an alliance with Coca Cola and Pepsi to fight against the proposed soft drink taxes of extra 3c a can and 17c on a 2 liter bottle to raise $6 billion in additional revenues to pay for healthcare’

Priyanka Singha from California was crowned by Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia as winner of Miss Indian American title

convenience stores and gas stations; who are already hit by economic recession. "Our business has already dropped by at least 25 percent. Such a tax, would further hit our revenue, as food and beverages

crowned by Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia as winner. She will represent USA in the Miss India World contest on March 27, 2010 in South Africa. Cont’d on page 14

December 18, 2009

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Goa Food Festival in New Jersey India Post News Service

played a vital role in presenting the Indian culture in the US. "The community is extremely enterprising that takes pride in practicing its culture in the land of opportunities," he said. The function was attended by leading Indian American community members, including Dr. Sudhanshu Prasad, Edison Councilman, H. R. Shah, Chairman, TV Asia and Bipin Patel, Chairman, Indus American Bank as well as

Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, Consul-General of India in New York, who was the Guest of Honor, said that the Indian American community played a vital role in presenting the Indian culture in the US a well known tourist destination in India. "Celebrating food is a great way to bring the peoples of India and the USA closer. India's diverse food culture serves as a bridge of friendship between the two countries," commented Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, who inaugurated the event. Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, Consul-General of India in New York, who was the Guest of Honor at the kick-off event said that the Indian American community

patrons of Raagini. "Raagini is committed to introducing foods from different parts of India," said Dr. Harmesh Mittal, its owner-partner. "Because of its diverse culture and life-style, India boasts of a wide range of dishes that are cherished in America. We want to celebrate our culture and share our traditions with our friends who belong to different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. We plan to host similar festivals to celebrate the cuisine of various regions of India during

Texas eyebrow threaders sue State Board India Post News Service

AUSTIN, Texas: Should Texas entrepreneurs have to pay $20,000 to obtain up to 1,500 hours of instruction in a school that does not even teach their trade? That is the question the Institute for Justice seeks to answer in a lawsuit filed today on behalf of

new industry rather than trusting entrepreneurs and consumers." Threading is a booming industry in Texas because it is cheaper, faster and less painful than waxing. In addition to winning over consumers, the industry is creating good-paying jobs and exciting opportunities for Texas entrepreneurs.

‘Eyebrow threading is an ancient technique. No chemicals, dyes or sharp objects are used in eyebrow threading. And that's why I don't understand why the state of Texas wants to regulate us’ eight Texas eyebrow-threading entrepreneurs. The suit challenges Texas' threading-licensing scheme as a violation of the constitutional right to earn an honest living. "Texas has always been a beacon for entrepreneurship," said lead attorney Wesley Hottot of the Institute for Justice Texas Chapter (IJ-TX), a public interest law firm with a history of defending the rights of entrepreneurs. "That proud heritage is in danger when the state tries to regulate every

"We use tightly-wound cotton thread to remove unwanted eyebrow hair-and that's it," said IJ client and entrepreneur Ash Patel. "Eyebrow threading is an ancient technique. It's painless. It's even safer than using tweezers. No chemicals, dyes or sharp objects are used in eyebrow threading. And that's why I don't understand why the state of Texas wants to regulate us." Cont’d on page 15

Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula speaking

the year 2010." "Goan food is all about spicyred chilies, garlic, and local vinegar, which are the important ingredients of its dishes that are best enjoyed with plain boiled rice," said Kamal D'Costa, Raagini's Executive Chef. Some of the dishes that Kamal presented were, Shrimp Rissole, Panjim Cutlet, Shrimp, Xeque, Bebanca and Dodal. Ram Bisht, Manager-Partner of Raagini, organized a variety of drinks based on coconut water for all the guests on the occasion.

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Senator calls for chemical security on Bhopal anniversary India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Marking the 25th anniversary of the Bhopal gas leak disaster, Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) called for stronger security measures at chemical plants across the country. More than 3,500 people died in the immediate aftermath of the gas leak in the Indian city of Bhopal and more than 15,000 people have perished from the aftereffects of the tragedy. "The Bhopal tragedy serves as a warning that a chemical disaster or attack could kill thousands of Americans. We must take steps to protect chemical facilities now," Sen. Lautenberg said. "We have a responsibility to reduce the use of dangerous chemicals and keep our families and communities safe from potential attacks against these facilities." Lautenberg wrote Congress' first chemical security bill in 1999

and again offered legislation with then-Senator Barack Obama in 2006. He is currently working on a bill to ensure strong protections are in place to secure chemical facilities in our neighborhoods and to prevent chemical disasters or attacks within the United States. In 2006, Congress gave the

chemical security rules and ensure they could remain stronger than federal regulations. The two miles between Port Newark and the Newark Liberty International Airport, a stretch filled with chemical facilities, is considered "the most dangerous two miles in America for terrorism," according to the

‘The Bhopal tragedy serves as a warning that a chemical disaster or attack could kill thousands of Americans. We must take steps to protect chemical facilities now,’ Sen. Lautenberg said Department of Homeland Security temporary authority to oversee chemical facility security. After the Bush Administration tried to use that authority to preempt and nullify strong state chemical security laws, Lautenberg successfully wrote a law in December 2007 to preserve New Jersey's strong

to expire next year. Senator Lautenberg's new legislation would create a permanent comprehensive plan to deal with chemical security nationwide. The House passed chemical security legislation last month. The Bhopal disaster is consid-

ered one of the world's worst industrial accidents. Shortly after midnight on December 3, 1984, deadly methyl isocyanate gas leaked out of Union Carbide, an American pesticide plant in Bhopal, immediately killing 3,500 people.

Convenience store owners to oppose food and beverage tax

FBI. The Lautenberg law preserved states' rights to craft laws necessary to protect their residents. Lautenberg's legislation was included in the FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The temporary authority granted to DHS in 2006 was recently extended, but is scheduled

Vedic Astrology on iPhone India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Merging today's most popular technology and the ancient, scientific knowledge of Vedic Astrology, an Indian astrology portal, Simplyastro.com has launched "Astroswami Pro" on the iPhone. First iPhone App in its most user-friendly avatar, Astroswami Pro will provide personalized predictions and remedies. The App works equally well for iPod Touch too. Astroswami Pro iPhone App brings the key suite of personalized prediction and remedy services existing on the website Simplyastro.com to the iPhone for a fee. "The launch of AstroSwami

iPhone App is a strategic step forward in targeting the iPhone savvy market segment which includes not only Indian, American, British,

‘We took birth details of various celebrities and followed their day to day lives and key events to determine the accuracy of the personalized predictions’ Australian, Canadian population but communities and cultures worldwide who believe in astrology as a guiding force in life,"

says Shiv Verma, CEO, Simplyastro.com. It has over 200,000 birth place cities information across the world and adding several more every day. This App has been designed with written rules that also applied well in terms of predictions in the past for various top celebrities. "We took birth details of various celebrities and followed their day to day lives and key events to determine the accuracy of the personalized predictions our software generated. The results were astounding! The computerized calculations reduces the possibilities of human error, which may otherwise affect the predictions made by astrologers," says Verma.

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Cont’d from page 12

The first runner-up was Shivali Vyas, a Tampa resident and student at the University of South Florida. Second runner-up is Disha Patel from Illinois. "Tonight, as we celebrate the 5th Annual AACSA Convention, we hope to renew the spirit of our friendship and form an even stronger bond with our members. It is our privilege to host this national pageant, bringing the beauty enthusiasts, convenience store owners and political dignitaries together on a single platform," Shaw said. AACSA chairman Chandrakant Patel coordinated the educational symposium featuring information on store licenses, crime prevention, financing, credit card processing and high margin new products. The well-attended event attracted a large number of vendors targeting convenience store owners, AACSA administrator Paul Rock said. "We all excited and looking forward to working together on several town hall meetings, three regional mini-conventions and, of course, the highly anticipated

Sixth Annual AACSA Convention on November 20, 2010," Patel said. AACSA is an industry trade association representing thousands of stores nationwide. It has been an advocate for the convenience retailing industry providing industry information, knowledge and connections to ensure

AACSA chairman Chandrakant Patel coordinated the educational symposium featuring information on store licenses, crime prevention, financing the competitive viability of our members' businesses. The diversity of AACSA membership reflects the diversity of the convenience store and petroleum marketing industry and our commitment to developing a robust competitive environment for our members.

December 18, 2009

Community Across America

India Post 15

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Jan 15 deadline for Daniel Pearl Awards India Post News Service

Held biennially, the competition is open to any professional jour-

Two $5,000 first-place prizes will be awarded, one to a U.S.-based reporter or news outlet, and another to a non-U.S.based journalist or news outlet nalist or team of journalists of any nationality working in any me-

Texas eyebrow threaders sue State Board Cont’d from page 13

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is now demanding that eyebrow threaders obtain expensive and irrelevant licenses in Western-style cosmetology. Threading is not mentioned anywhere in state law, yet TDLR expects threaders, some with over 20 years of experience, to immediately stop working and spend $20,000 obtaining up to 1,500 hours of instruction in government-approved beauty schools that do not even teach threading. Further, threaders must pass government-approved cosmetology exams that do not test threading. Inspectors have already begun imposing $2,000 fines to threaders who cannot immediately comply. The licensing scheme protects the cosmetology industry from honest competition, but does nothing to help consumers. "I grew up in India and I found it difficult to land on a good opportunity to start my own business," said Ash Patel. "That's why I came to Texas. I am only asking for a fair chance to pursue my American Dream." In conjunction with the lawsuit, the Institute for Justice is releasing a report on the state of entrepreneurship in Texas: Bureaucratic Barbed Wire: How Occupational Licensing Fences Out Texas Entrepreneurs. The report shows that entrepreneurs all across Texas are being denied their constitutional right to economic liberty-the freedom to earn an honest living in the occupation of one's choice free from arbitrary or excessive government regulation. "The only legitimate reason for imposing limits on our economic

liberty through occupational licensing is to protect the public from a real threat to health or safety," said Wesley Hottot, author of the study. "Too often, however, the real reason occupational licensing is imposed is to protect an existing industry from honest competition. That is not a constitutional function of government." IJ-TX Executive Director Matt Miller said, "It is time for Texas to recommit itself to the cause of economic liberty and do away with

‘I grew up in India and I found it difficult to land on a good opportunity to start my own business," said Ash Patel. "That's why I came to Texas. I am only asking for a fair chance to pursue my American Dream’ its unreasonable licensing regimes. Today's lawsuit will help restore our state's proud heritage of entrepreneurship and begin securing the right to earn an honest living for all Texans." Founded in 1991, the Virginiabased Institute for Justice is a national public interest law firm that has represented individuals across the country who have successfully defended their right to economic liberty in courts of law and the court of public opinion.

dium. To be eligible, the investigation - either a single work or a single-subject series - must involve reporting in at least two countries on a topic of world significance. A five-member jury of international journalists will select the winners. Two $5,000 first-place prizes will be awarded, one to a U.S.based reporter or news outlet, and another to a non-U.S.-based journalist or news outlet. Five additional finalists will each receive $1,000 prizes. The awards are unique among journalism prizes in that they specifically honor cross-border investigative reporting. Past winners have included a TV4 Sweden investigation of Russian overfishing in the Barents Sea, a South African Broadcasting expose of an Anglican bishop accused of conspiring with the Rwandan government to kill Tutsis, and a New York Times series on deadly Chinese counterfeit drugs. Last year's awards attracted 86 entries from 24 countries, involving reporting in more than 60 countries. The awards will be presented at the 6th Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, in April 2010.

Judicial inquiry into Ludhiana killings demanded India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Attorney Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Legal Advisor Sikhs For Justice has demanded that high level judicial inquiry by a sitting High Court Judge should be conducted into the December 5 Ludhiana incident in which one Darshan Singh was killed and many Sikhs were injured by the firing of the Punjab Police. Attorney Pannun further demanded that Punjab Government should be immediately dismissed and fresh elections should be held as present government has lost the confidence of the people of the state of Punjab. Sikhs For Justice and Karnail Singh PeerMohammed, President, All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) decided to launch "Sikh Insaaf Lehar" to highlight the injustice done to Sikhs and the failure of the successive governments to protect the interests of Sikhs and Sikhism from Anti-Sikh elements. Sikhs For Justice, Coordination Committee Members Avtar Singh Pannu, Barjinder Singh Brar, Charanjit Singh Harnampuria, Dr. Bakhshish Singh Sandhu, Master Mohinder Singh, Sukhwinder Singh Sidhu and AISSF President, Karnail Singh PeerMohammed

stated that this started April 13, 1978 when 13 Sikhs were massacred by the Nirankaris with the support of the Government headed by Parkash S Badal. They said this support to anti-Sikh elements continued to Gurmeet Ram Rahim and now to Ashutosh. "The support and protection to these anti-Sikh

Sikhs For Justice and Karnail Singh PeerMohammed, President, All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) decided to launch ‘Sikh Insaaf Lehar’ to highlight the injustice elements is a result of dirty politics of garnering votes from these Deras while thousands of Sikhs were massacred under the cover of wiping out the militancy. Actually this is a nefarious design of the Government to wipe out Sikh religion and make the community weak and dependent, so that Sikhs do not raise voice for their fundamental rights," they said.

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Community/California

December 18, 2009

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Prof Kapoor honored for humanitarian efforts India Post News Service

FRESNO, CA: Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor, professor emeritus of social work education at California State University, Fresno and community advocate of peace and justice, has been awarded the Humanitarian Award by Soka Gakkai International of the USA. The Buddhist organization promotes peace, culture and education. Kapoor received the award for his efforts over 40 years in promoting a harmonious bridge among all faiths in the central San

Kapoor's Fresno State legacy includes the Peace Garden, which he helped found and in which he still is involved. Statues in the recently re-landscaped garden pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor

Joaquin Valley and among the region's many racial and ethnic groups. Kapoor's Fresno State legacy includes the Peace Garden, which he helped found and in which he still is involved. Statues in the recently re-landscaped garden pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Jane Addams and César Chávez. The memory of Dr. Richard Ford, a former dean of the College of Social Work, is honored with a grove of trees. Kapoor retired in 2008 from 39 years of teaching at the university.

Buddhist Center's first Annual Health Fair

India Post News Service

ARTESIA, CA: The Sarathchandra Buddhist Center's First Annual Health Fair was held on Sunday, December 6. The event was greeted with slight clouds that cleared into hopeful sunshine, as visitors to the temple were given registration materials prior to visiting the various booths providing health screening as well as information for social care needs. Vital signs were taken and also finger stick blood testing for fasting glucose level for diabetes screening, as well as lipid profile that tests triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), & LDL (bad cholesterol) information in the span of 5 minutes. While waiting for blood tests, visitors could sign up for the bone marrow drive, a true gift for the innocent children and adults afflicted with cancer.

There was a small line at all times for massage therapists, who provided a little peek into Nirvana during the wait. For the more pragmatic, those who needed to complete medical insurance forms and receive immigration information had the aid of South

and oral cancer screenings were conducted by UCLA Dentistry under the guidance of Dr. Nancy Reifel. This care was provided to the elderly and young alike, who received free fluoride treatment and left with dental care goodies in their hands.

For those who needed additional counseling, a psychiatrist remained secluded in the privacy of the temple library, awaiting all with tender ear and prescription pad ready Asian Network. Women who had not received their yearly mammogram or papanicolaou (pap) screening obtained services in covered tents with complete privacy. Extraoral and intraoral exams, including full head and neck exams

An ENT surgeon Dr. Pradip Mistry was available during this cold winter season of ear, nose and throat woes. Visitors forwarded by a physician for cardiac testing exercised their way upstairs for electrocardiogram (EKG) analysis and medical advice

by an internist. For those who needed additional counseling, a psychiatrist remained secluded in the privacy of the temple library, awaiting all with tender ear and prescription pad ready. At the end of the series of booths, a total of 4 family practitioners, 2 internists and 1 emergency medicine physician were available for perusal of the completed day of testing, and provided sound medical advice regarding any medical findings, prescriptions for any new-found disease, as well as referral information to low cost or no cost health clinics available in the greater area of Los Angeles County. One of the physicians, Dr. Sarathchandra himself, the son of the founder of the Buddhist center, was among those providing medical advice. Cont’d on page 18

December 18, 2009

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Community/California

India Post

December 18, 2009

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Sahara Open House in Artesia

Images from the Sahara Open House held on December 3 at their new and expanded office in Artesia. (Details and more pics next week.)

Buddhist Center's first Annual Health Fair

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

There was delicious food generously available through the temple kitchen, donated by anonymous parishioners of the temple. Aromatic rice, spicy len-

tils, a curried assortment of beans, coconut sambol, mango chutney and fresh salad provided a healthy meal for both patrons and volunteers at the fair. At the end of the productive

day, a total of approximately 100 visitors had received a little health care and a lot of health promotion via all the physicians, dentists and other health care supporters and promoters at the venue.

Mrs. Gurmej Kaur Dhillon passes away India Post News Service

YUBA CITY: Mrs. Gurmej Kaur Dhillon passed away on September 12 at the age of 74. She was a highly revered figure in Yuba City for her support for community causes. She was wife of late Gurdawer Singh Dhillon. Her husband came to Yuba City in 1950s and was a founding Director of reputed Yuba City Sikh Temple Gurdawara founded in 1969. She had also served as director of Sikh Temple Gurdwara. She is survived by son Iqbal Singh Dhillon, brother Tirath Singh Gill, sister Gian Kaur Khera, two grandsons and two granddaughters and two great grand children. She has been dedicated supporter of many community events including Annual Sikh Parade and Punjabi American Festival. She had continued to support many charitable activities adopted by Mr. Dhillon. The funeral will be held on De-

Gurmej Kaur Dhillon

cember 13, Sunday at Ullrey Memorial chapel 817 Almond St, Yuba City, at 11 am. Following cremation, the religious ceremony and Antim Ardass will be performed at Dashmesh Hall, Sikh Temple Gurdwara on Tierra Buena Road, Yuba City.

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Realty Tidbits

SKS Microfinance to offer home loans

Real Estate

ven as realty markets are trying to shake off the downturn impact, SKS Microfinance, the largest microfinance company in terms of assets, is set to offer its customers loans for their housing needs. The company said it has joined hands with the Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) in its attempt to bridge the critical gap in the housing finance needs of the poor. The pilot project will be conducted in Andhra Pradesh among credit members who have been with SKS for at least three years. These loans will be towards extension and improvement of dwelling units which double as incomegenerating units like eateries, kirana shops, papad and agarbathi-making units, among others. Most microfinance clients belong to the low-income category and do not have any documented source of income.

Â&#x201E; 367K housing units in seven metros: Knight Frank MUMBAI: Property consultancy firm Knight Frank has said that 367,000 housing units will be available by 2011, across seven Indian cities of which 25 per cent will come up in the National Capital Region alone. Examining potential residential supply, the report said that with 92,202 units, NCR would be the highest contributor to the supply followed by Mumbai with 20 per cent or 72,906 units, during the period. "Our extensive research reveals that as the real estate sector's growth continues to improve, the country will witness a supply of 138,000 residential units in 2010, 57 per cent more than the supply seen in 2009," Gulam Zia, National Director (Research and Advisory Services), Knight Frank India said in a release.

19 India Post

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Significant drop in home loan rates

ome loan interest rates have come down quite sig nificantly over the last one year as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut the key policy rates (repo and reverse repo rates) and the cash reserve ratio (CRR). The RBI adopted a soft monetary policy by reducing its policy interest rates. The RBI adopted the soft interest rate regime to promote spending and stimulate economic activities, and prevent the economy from getting into a recession in line with the global economic conditions.

December 18, 2009

Real Estate activity picking up in Mumbai after long lull MUMBAI: Real estate activity has picked up pace after a long lull in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) as valuations in commercial property across the city recover from the economic slowdown. An unlisted pharmaceutical chemical company has bought 15,000 sq ft of space at Rs 31,000 per sq ft in the 16-storeyed Crescenzo, a standalone corporate building at BKC. Although the valuation of the deal is only around Rs 45 crore, analysts say this is an important deal as it marks the return of commercial realty. Dhaval Shah, director, Parinee Developer, which owns Crescenzo, confirmed the deal, but refused to disclose the buyer's name. "With the prices in BKC bottoming out and now looking up, this is the perfect time for investors and corporates to take a fresh look at buying space in

BKC," he said. BKC had seen a decline of up to 45% in capital and rental values, but finalized a deal last week that is around 30% higher than values prevalent in the area and almost on par with 2007 valuations. The slowdown between 2008 and May 2009 hit the Indian

While the residential market gradually stabilized, the commercial market continued to suffer and prices in Mumbai and New Delhi-NCR saw a 45% drop. This was fuelled by a lot of supply hitting the market, with several corporates putting their property up for sale. However, the situation seems to have improved this month real estate market hard. While the residential market gradually stabilized, the commercial market continued to suffer and prices in Mumbai and New DelhiNCR saw a 45% drop. This was fuelled by a lot of supply hitting the

North East property fair a big hit GUWAHATI: A large number of home-seekers thronged Mannat, the property fair organized by The Telegraph and North East Entertainment and Media Agency with several top builders displaying a range of residential projects to suit the taste and wallet of different categories of customers. The twoday exhibition had a lot to offer to prospective house-owners rang-

market, with several corporates putting their property up for sale. However, the situation seems to have improved this month. Ravi Ahuja, executive director, development services, Cushman & Wakefield, said: "After witnessing a significant correction during the first two quarters of 2009,

ing from a secure and spacious location in the city to all allied information from the players in the market. The fair comes at an opportune and important moment as the demand for residential and commercial property is at its all-time high in the city and the real estate market is at its booming best. The fair, being held at Hotel Grand Starline on GS Road has, played the role of a facilitator for both the users in search of houses and the builders. "Our main objective behind organizing the fair is to provide a platform to the builders, promoters and developers from the region to showcase their property and share details of their upcoming projects with prospective house-owners," the managing partner of the agency, Utpal Das, said. The agency is a Guwahatibased event management group that is also into organizing events on sports and celebrity management.

rental and capital values in BKC bottomed out and are gradually stabilizing. They could even see a moderate rise. This can prove to be the right time for both investors and end-users to enter the market at an advantageous level,

especially since there has been an increase in leasing demand by 35% in the third quarter of 2009 over the previous quarter in BKC. This is likely to push rental and capital values northwards." BKC, which was planned to be developed as an alternate corporate location to Nariman Point, has been seen as a corporate hub. Buildings with modern amenities, large floor plates and more contemporary designs have added to the attraction of this location. BKC is also expected to gain in terms of connectivity through the planned Metro and Mono Rail, Sion-Kurla flyover, Santacruz-Chembur Link Road and Bandra-Worli Sea Link. All this is in addition to the existing and proposed social infrastructure in the location such as schools, consulates, hospitality, health care and multi-storied car parking facilities.

Hotel industry unites for delicensing

he hospitality industry in project by 10-15%. Most hoteliers, India has been one of the however, are optimistic of the busifirst sectors to recover from ness picking up with the number the global economic slowdown. of foreign tourists and corporate Hotels, in metros across the coun- travelers likely to increase. Some try, have witnessed an increase in hoteliers are so confident of the occupancy since September, with occupancy increasing that they Mumbai hotels recording occu- have even set up business venpancy as high as 65%. With a complete recovery expected According to hoteliers, the in 2010, hoteliers now want the hotel industry to be deli whole process of acquiring licenses increases the cost censed for further growth. "There are about 104 li- of a project by 10-15%. censes required to set up a Most hoteliers, however, hotel in Maharashtra and it are optimistic of the busitakes up to 2 years to obtain ness picking up the licenses. This increases the cost of the project," Suresh Talera, president, Hotel tures in unexplored tourist destiand Restaurant Association of nations. "In order to increase the Western India (HRWAI), said. stock of hotel rooms, the govern"We plan to request the government has to increase Floor Space ment to reduce unnecessary li- Index (FSI) to 5 in all existing hocenses and to implement a single tels across Maharashtra," Talera window system." said. The hospitality industry was According to hoteliers, the one of the worst hit sectors due to whole process of acquiring li- the slowdown, the H1N1 epidemic censes increases the cost of a and the 26/11 terror attacks.

Tech News France welcomes India's move on carbon intensity NEW DELHI: France has welcomed India's voluntary declaration of reducing the carbon intensity of its growth by 20 to 25 per cent by 2020. "France welcomes India's announcement to reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by 20 to 25 per cent by 2020, as compared to 2005," a spokesperson of the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs said. He said climate change was a global challenge necessitating an immediate worldwide response, guided by the principles of justice and equity. -PTI

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December 18, 2009

Big FM in partnership with BBC

ig FM, the biggest radio station, an enterprise from Reliance Media World Ltd, has announced its new alliance the BBC World Service for providing the entertainment updates services on 92.7 FM on 33 stations. Big FM partnership deal with BBC will allow the entertainment updates across the country with programs like Big BBC Minute, BIG BBC Mulaqat and a weekly entertainment film preview show. Tarun Katial, CEO, Big FM, said, "Bollywood and BBC are bedrocks for entertainment content in India and this partnership will help us ahead in our offerings to listeners ensuring deeper connect and strengthening our reach. It will help us making a preferred brand among our customers and in building related commercial opportunities."

US n-firms lag behind in competition with Russian & French firms conference after the seventh meeting of the USIBC-CII Joint Task Force on Commercial Nuclear Cooperation here. Mutyala said she expects actual construction of the nuclear plants built with US technology sometime in 2011 and would take another six years for starting power

Remittances from Indian workers on the rise: Ravi NEW DELHI: Despite recession, remittances from Indian workers had actually increased in the last fiscal which crossed USD 46 billion, up from USD 43.5 billion in the previous year. Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi informed the Lok Sabha that the remittances by expats have steadily increased in the past three years and the country received a total of USD 46.4 billion in 2008-09. "The remittances in the form of private transfers by NRIs during the last three years have been increasing," Ravi said. The remittances have gone up when the economy was passing through a difficult phase due to the economic downturn.The minister said expats remitted USD 30.8 billion in 2006-07. According to estimates, more than one-third of the remittances that the country receive come from Gulf region. -PTI

B'desh unhappy with draft climate treaty COPENHAGEN: Several developing countries, including Bangladesh and Nepal, are "disappointed" by a draft of potential treaty on climate framed by the BASIC (India, China, Brazil and South Africa) group as they believe it does not address their concerns on climate change. The BASIC draft also referred to as the "Four Countries" draft does not address the main concerns of the low lying countries and the least developed countries, according to negotiators of these countries who are attending the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. -PTI

Tim Richards, Managing Director, International Energy Policy, General Electric; Meena Mutyala, Vice-President for Global Growth, Westinghouse Electric Company; and Daniel Roderick, Senior Vice-President, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, during USIBC-CII joint task force press conference on Commercial NuclearCooperation, in New Delhi. India Post News Service

nuclear trade mission of around 50 companies doing the rounds in the capital were non-committal on lifetime fuel supply to Indian atomic plants they plan to set up here but said they would not stand in the way of New Delhi making its own arrangements in the event of a change in US policy. "The US-India 123 agreement

does say that if there are changes in the US policy on supplying nuclear fuel to India, the US administration will not stand in the way of Indian nuclear plants from getting fuel from other places," Meena Mutyala, vice president of Westinghouse Electric Company said here. She was speaking at a press

US companies in the nuclear power business are not unsettled by the Indo-Russian nuclear deal, which portends tough competition for them from Russian firms in the Indian market generation. US companies in the nuclear power business are not unsettled by the Indo-Russian nuclear deal, which portends tough competition for them from Russian firms in the Indian market. Cont’d on page 21

So Cal Edison offers holiday lighting safety India Post News Service

ROSEMEAD, CA: The holidays are here and with them come celebrations and festivities. Southern California Edison (SCE) is reminding its customers to safely decorate their homes, work places and Christmas trees with energy-efficient lighting. SCE also wants the public to keep the holidays merry by remembering the importance of electrical safety when stringing indoor and outdoor lighting, and using electrical fixtures and electrically powered animated or inflatable decorations. "The holiday season is an exciting time of year. But we want all of our customers to keep safety foremost in their minds as they enjoy their decorating experience. Some people may be inad-

vertently exposed to a greater safety risk and could become victims of fire or electrical accidents, such as shock or electrocution," said Rick Greenwood, SCE's director, Corporate Environment, Health and Safety. Holiday lighting safety tips

tic zip cords instead. • Never get closer than 10 feet to power lines. Remember, trees may have power lines running above, near or through them. Do not throw light strands or electrical cords into trees. • Do not use lighted candles on

SCE also wants the public to keep the holidays merry by remembering the importance of electrical safety when stringing indoor and outdoor lighting, and using electrical fixtures • Keep electrical connections off the ground and away from moisture. Water and electricity are a deadly combination. • When hanging lights, make sure staples, tacks and nails do not pierce or pinch wires. Use plas-

trees or decorations. During power outages use flashlights instead of candles. • Beware of counterfeit or poor quality electrical products. Use only lighting and cords approved by the Underwriters Laboratories

(UL), an independent, nonprofit organization that tests electrical components and equipment for potential hazards. • Check all indoor and outdoor decorative lighting for frayed cords, broken wires and loose connections. If you find a problem, throw the strand away. • Change bulbs only when the lights are unplugged. • Use lights and extension cords designed for outdoor use if placing them outside. • Unplug lights when you leave home or go to bed. Save energy by using a timer so the lights are on only during the hours you select. • Use only three strands of light per electrical cord or outlet. An overload could cause a short circuit and a fire. Cont’d on page 21

TechBiz Post

December 18, 2009

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US n-firms lag behind in competition with Russian & French firms Cont’d from page 20

Global majors GE and Westinghouse said they are confident India's ambitious capacity program in nuclear power generation will provide enough opportunities for all foreign players. India and the US are near to settling differences over certain contentious regulations of the US Energy Department, which sought 'nonproliferation assurance' from New Delhi to take forward the civil nuclear trade. 'We are quite hopeful of discussions being completed and that authorisation (for nuclear trade) will be obtained fairly soon,' said Timothy Richards, co-chair of the USIBC-CII Joint Task Force on Commercial Nuclear Cooperation and managing director, General Electric. On implementation of the USIndia civil nuclear deal, Richards said the US companies were yet to get authorisation from the US administration to export American nuclear technology to India. Besides, he said the US companies are yet to be allocated the two sites identified by India for setting up nuclear reactors using American technology. Also, Richards said India and the US still has not concluded the nuclear fuel reprocessing agreement and India was yet to enact the nuclear liability law. First reactors by 2018 GE-Hitachi's Senior Vice-President Daniel Roderick said American nuclear power plants in India would be set up by 2018. The two approved American nuclear power technology firms, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Inc and Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, said that they expect to set up their first reactors by 2018-19 if all the regulatory processes are completed by 2011. He said, "We expect to commission the first reactor by 2018 at the earliest. Further reactors will be commissioned after every two years. The first power plant will have a capacity of 1,520-1,550 MW." Roderick was speaking on

the sidelines of a CII-USIBC (US India Business Council) Task Force on Commercial Nuclear Cooperation conference. Roderick added that the company was also in talks with Larsen & Toubro and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd and Bharat Forge to source nuclear reactor components. He said that the company could source up to 70 per cent of the components from India, which would help reduce costs by 30-40 per cent. The two sites designated to the American firms would have nuclear power capacity of 10,000 MW each. Westinghouse Electric Company's Vice-President Meena Mutyala said the company would

US firms already worry over delays such as writing a new Indian law to limit US firms' liability in case of an industrial accident and differences over a fuel reprocessing pact. Recent protests over land acquisition for building reactors has added to their uncertainty. India and the United States signed a civilian nuclear deal last year, ending India's nuclear isolation since it tested a nuclear device in 1974 and opening up its atomic market for firms such as General Electric Co and Westinghouse Electric Co, a subsidiary of Japan's Toshiba Corp. With delays in implementation of the deal, U.S. firms have lagged in a competitive scramble with

India identified two sites in July for U.S. firms to build reactors but the news was greeted with noisy protests by farmers refusing to give up their land have around eight power plants at its site and the first one is expected to come up six-seven years after regulatory frameworks are completed. The first reactor would have a capacity of 1,100 MW. The two companies said that they would provide the technology for building the nuclear reactor but it would be Indian companies that would run the nuclear power plant. Talks are still on to decide who would be liable in case of a "disaster" in the power plant. Mutyala added, "We believe that by 2010 we will be able to start licensing reactors and start with site engineering work. But the other aspects will begin by 2011. We are not far behind the French, the Russians obviously have an advantage. But given India's large nuclear program, there is room for all the players." Land scarcity causes worry The US nuclear firms said they were worried land scarcity in India could further delay the joint atomic deal already hobbled by policy holdups over issues such as accident liability protection.

Russian and French firms whose governments guarantee their liability in case of an industrial accident. "Yes, we realise land acquisition is a problem here," Timothy Richards, head of international energy policy at General Electric (GE.N) told Reuters. In India, farmland acquisition has highlighted a broader standoff between industry and farmers in a country where two-thirds of the population lives on agriculture. India identified two sites in July for U.S. firms to build reactors but the news was greeted with noisy protests by farmers refusing to give up their land. Hundreds of poor farmers marched in New Delhi in October to protest against the acquisition of land for a proposed nuclear power plant in the western state of Maharashtra. U.S. firms say they are leaving the task of land acquisition to the Indian government. Craig Hansen, Vice President of Babcock and Wilcox, a leading U.S. nuclear

So Cal Edison offers holiday lighting safety Cont’d from page 20

• Keep indoor trees well watered so that they will not dry out and become fire hazards. • Keep lights away from carpeting, furniture, drapes and other combustible materials. Holiday lighting and SCE street lighting SCE reminds customers that holiday lighting, decorations and displays are not allowed to be attached or hung from SCE

streetlights or facilities. The holiday lights can create a safety or fire risk for residents and SCE employees. The utility's policy requires that permission must be given to hang any objects or materials from company facilities. SCE also encourages its customers to use light emitting diode (LED) lights to decorate their homes and trees. LEDS offer many benefits: • Energy Efficiency: LEDs use

up to 90 percent less of the electricity that is needed to power conventional incandescent, painted or ceramic-coated bulbs. • Environmentally friendly: the lower electricity usage of LEDs means less carbon emissions. • Safety: LEDs generate much less heat when they operate so they are cool to the touch and are less likely to overload a circuit. • Longevity: LEDS can last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent strands.

power generation company, said he hoped "the opportunity will outweigh the problems". Meena Mutyala, business leader of Westinghouse's India strategy, said issues which also required resolution included fuel reprocessing and export licencing. PMO's cold shoulder According to a report in Kolkata's Telegraph, New Delhi has decided to cold-shoulder the US nuclear trade mission. It quoted a highly placed source in the PMO, who was approached for a meeting by the delegation said the "message" from the top was the representatives were "too junior" to be met with. The American companies have come without the permission of their own government to study the potential of the Indian market. India and the US are still to

finalise an agreement on reprocessing under the civil nuclear deal. The sticking point was whether reprocessing could be suspended at any time and under what circumstances and conditions. The PMO source interpreted the message as a sign that India would want to leverage the "clout" it recently acquired after signing a "sweetheart" civilian nuclear agreement with Russia to try and persuade the US into accepting similar terms and conditions. According to the agreement, Russia will neither stop supplying fuel to the nuclear plants that it will build nor take back its equipment if the pact ever falls through. It also implied India will have nuclear fuel enrichment and reprocessing rights and will be allowed core technology transfer. (with agency inputs)

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December 18, 2009

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India protests Chinese using 'Made in India' tag for drugs NEW DELHI: India has lodged a strong protest with China over sale of anti-malarial generic drugs with a 'Made in India' label but produced in that country. The Government's attention was drawn to the matter through a press release issued by the Nigerian Government Drug Regulatory Authority (NAFDAC) about detention and seizure of a large consignment of fake anti-malarial generic pharmaceuticals labeled "Made in India" but produced in China.

Taking serious note of the issue, a strong protest was lodged with concerned Chinese authorities with a request to take stringent action against such unscrupulous elements, the Rajya Sabha was informed. Consequent to India's protest, the Chinese government conducted an investigation and found a nexus between Chinese drug manufacturers and importers in Nigeria, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Trivedi said in reply to a written

Consequent to India's protest, the Chinese government conducted an investigation and found a nexus between Chinese drug manufacturers and importers question. "The principal suspects have

been caught and their factories sealed. The Chinese government is taking action against the accused as per their law," he said. -PTI Indian missions abroad have also been sensitized to be vigilant against such incidents, the minister added. Replying to another question,

Trivedi said, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has stated that under the provisions of the drugs order, 1995, the priced of 74 bulk drugs are controlled. The NPPA fixes or revises prices of scheduled drugs as per the provision of the drug order. -PTI

Fullerton on hiring spree; plans to target middle income group CHANDIGARH: Financial advisory company Fullerton Securities & Wealth Advisors Ltd has said it will hire 300 more people by the end of the current fiscal and will also provide advisory services to the middle income group. “We have plans to recruit 300 more relationship managers by March 2010 as part of our expansion plans ...which will take the total strength of our staff to 500,” Company’s Chief Executive and Managing Director Pallav Sinha told reporters here. Acknowledging North India as potential market for its core business, the company has decided to further expand its network in the northern region by opening two more offices in Jalandhar and

Amritsar in 2009-10. “North India is a critical market for us as it is still under served as majority of other companies keep their focus on big cities...it results in opportunity for us to cater to this region,” he said. Besides, the Gurgaon-based company also plans to have presence in Chennai and Surat. Currently the company has offices across nine cities including DelhiNCR, Jaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh and Ludhiana. “We have found that there is a tremendous need for catering to the middle income group in the market and our focus will also be on to serve them with our expertise,” he said.-PTI

Steps being taken to protect interests of investors: Govt NEW DELHI: Vigilant after Satyam scam, the government has said it will take steps to allow investors to seek compensation from companies in an event of negligence or fraud, a move that would protect investors' interests. "The government has taken several steps to protect interests of investors. The Companies Bill, 2009, which is before the Parliamentary Standing Committee, has allowed Class Action Suit for the first time in the country," Corporate Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said in the Lok Sabha. This and other initiatives like early warning are being introduced through the new Companies Bill to avoid another Satyam-like situation, he said during Question Hour. Supriya Sule (NCP) asked whether the government has decided to set up a specialized Research and Analysis wing to scrutinize media reports, corporate press releases and advertisements which can have a bearing on share prices of companies to avoid corporate frauds. To this, the Minister said, "The government has set up a Market Research and Analysis Unit (MRAU) in the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) with the objective of

improvements in the regulatory system in corporate sector." The new unit will collect information from various sources including media, investigating agencies, employees, investors, deposit holders, banks and financial institutions and analyze the trends. Khurshid said the government has taken comprehensive steps including strict penalty and

‘The Companies Bill, 2009, which is before the Parliamentary Standing Committee, has allowed Class Action Suit for the first time in the country’ greater participation of shareholders among others to "avoid another Satyam fraud." The new unit would analyze all the completed investigation cases to ensure that the process was followed in letter and spirit. "Any deviation and its resultant effect on the outcome of investigation would be brought out to form a base for further improvements in investigation skills," he said

Datebook

December 18, 2009

India Post

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NEW YORK Upcoming Sat Dec 19 • Indian Astrological Conference Venue: Reeves Great Hall, Fashion Institute of Technology, 7th Avenue at 28th Street, New York Contact: (212) 989-8383

ILLINOIS Upcoming

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming

Fri Dec 18

Sat Dec 19

Fri Dec 18

• Bhangra The Que

• Christmas Party

• The Life and Music of Nikhil Banerjee

Venue: Funky Buddha Lounge, 738 W Grand Ave, Chicago, Illinois Time: 9pm Contact: bhangra@bhangratheque.com

Venue: Griggstown Volunteer Fire, House, 1035 Canal Road, Princeton, New Jersey Contact: 732-456-6345

Venue: Sangati Center, 3049 22nd St, San Francisco, CA Time: 8pm

Fri Dec 25

Fri Dec 18 • Kirtilals-Diamonds and Jewelry Show

Sat Dec 21

Sun Dec 27

• M4U Events Presents Jingle Ball Xmas Day

• Indiandating.com Desi date and Dash

• Indian Table Tennis Super Star in Chicago

Venue: Bombay Bistro, 155 E 52nd Street, New York Time: 3pm to 7pm Contact: (303) 459-2308

Venue: Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois Time: 10am to 7pm Contact: 508-951-0314

Venue: Fire N Ice, 85 Lafayette Road, Fords, New Jersey Time: 8pm Contact: 917-440-5110

Venue: Crowne Plaza, 777 Bellew Drive, Milpitas, California, Bay Area Time: 7pm Contact: 408-321-9500

Fri Dec 25

Thurs Dec 24

Thurs Nov 26

Thurs Dec 31

• UK-USA-Canada Visa Seminar

• Nice 'n' Naughty

• Chand Raat & Eid Mela 2009

• New Year's Eve Party

Venue: Sheraton LaGuardia East, 135-20 39th Avenue, Flushing, New York Time: 7pm to 11:30pm Contact: (718) 600-0954 Highlights: Chand Raat, Eid Mela & Concert 2009 featuring jewelry, clothes, DJ, Food, Entertainment. A complete family fun. 5 hours of Desi Shopping, Desi music, Desi Jewelery, Desi clothing, Desi Food, Desi Crowd and every thing that you expect from a Chand Raat, Eid Mela & Concert.

Venue: Saffron Banquet Hall, 6022 S. Cass Avenue, Westmont, IL-60559 Time: 8pm Contact: 630-398-7412

Venue: Garden State Expo Center, 215 Davidson Ave, Somerset, New Jersey Time: 10am Contact: 609-308-6155

Venue: Siberia Night Club, 314 11th St, San Francisco, California Time: 9pm Contact: 650-669-2840

Wed Dec 30

Thurs Dec 31

Fri Dec 25

Thurs Dec 31

• Dhoom Machale 2010

• Cristmas Party

Kaleidoscope Mania presents Welcome10 Goodbye-09

Venue: Edison Jewish, Community Center, 91 Jefferson Blvd, Edison, New Jersey Time: 7:30pm Contact: 732-910-1962 Highlights: Live Countdown of Time Square Ball Drop, Family Party, DJ, Magician, Belly Dancer, Dance Lighting, Dress and Dance Competition, Open Bar Serving Premium Drinks.

Venue: Naz Beauty Salon 460 E Persian Dr#3, Sunnyvale, California Time: 7pm to 9pm Contact: 650-669-0281

Venue: National Conference Center, 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg, Virginia Time: 8pm Contact: 703-598-5588

• Hangama 2009 Venue: Pranna, 79 Medison Ave, Between 28th And 29th Street, New York Time: 10:30pm to 3:30am Contact: 212-696-5700

Thurs Dec 31 • New Years Eve 2010 Venue: Empire Hotel Rooftop, 44 W 63rd Street, NY City Time: 7pm Contact: 212-802-8268

WASHINGTON DC Upcoming Thurs Dec 17 • Art of Living Course Venue: 4904 Aspen Hill Road, Rockville, Maryland, Contact: 301-949-8992

Sat Dec 19 Fri Jan 22, 2010 • Yaatra Venue: Joyce SoHo, 155 Mercer Street, New York City Time: 8pm Contact: (301) 469-8529

Fri Jan 30, 2010 • Russell Peters: Green Card Tour Venue: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York Time: 8pm Contact: 212-930-5180

• Sarva Sadasya Sabhe Venue: Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, 6905 Cipriano Rd, Lanham, Maryland Time: 6pm to 9pm Contact: (301) 552-3335

Thurs Dec 31 • New Year's Eve + 12 Hour Kirtan Venue: Hare Krishna Temple, 10310 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac, Maryland, WDC Time: 4pm to 4:30am Contact: 301-545-0044

Thurs Dec 31

Sat Dec 26 • Aaja Nachiye Majajne Venue: Aahmes Event Center, 170 Lindbergh Avenue, Livemore, California Contact: 408-417-7190

• New Year's Eve 2010 Venue: Chutney Manor, 3793 Route 1 South, South Brunswick, New Jersey Time: 8pm Contact: 917-440-5110

Thurs Dec 31 • RASOI New Years Eve Venue: RASOI-3, 620 Georges Road, Monmouth Jct, NJ Time: 7:30pm to 1am Contact: 732-429-8150 Highlights: Enjoy Premium OPEN Bar, Indo-Chinese, Italian & North Indian Cuisines, DJ Raaz., Live Singer Ritesh Rathod, balloon Show, Belly Dancers, Live Photo Session. Ample Parking and Tight Security.

Fri Jan 23, 2010 • Dance Pe Chance Venue: Performing Arts Center, 108 Stirling Rd, Warren, New Jersey Time: 6pm Contact: 732-369-6626

Sun Dec 27 • Ian Pont Winter Camps 2009 Venue: MVP Arena, 696 E Trimble Road, Suite 30, San Jose, California Contact: 510-996-3204

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Every 4th Sat every Month • Durga Mata Ka Jagaran Venue: 2335 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard, DBC Center, Diamond Bar, CA Time: 6:30pm Contact: 909-519-1579, 626-810-2345

Every Sat (start from Sat Aug 8) • Gurukul Classes for Children Venue: Sindhu Center, South California Time: 2pm to 4pm Contact: 818-541-1754 & 909-576-1114 Highlights: Children between the ages of 5 and 18. Children will be taught the Fundamentals of Hinduism, Prayers, Shlokas, Bhajans and Values of our culture.

Sat Dec 19 • Yoga, Meditation & Indian Cultural Heritage Camp Venue: Gayatri Chetna Center, 2446 W. Orange Ave, Anaheim, California Time: 9am to 3pm Contact: 609-933-9637

Fri Dec 18 • Bollywood Raat Venue: Hakobe and Sushi lounge, 14N. La Cienega Blvd./ Cross Street, Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, California Time: 9:30pm to 2am Contact: 805-587-5194

Thurs Nov 26, 2009 to Sat Jan 3, 2010 • Celebrate the Holidays at LA Zooís Reindeer Romp Venue: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens 5333 Zoo Drive, LA Time: 10am to 4pm Contact: 323-644-4200 Highlights: The LA Zoo kicks off the Holiday season with the activities for the entire family at Reindeer Romp. Kids of all ages can get close to these beautiful creatures.

Thurs Dec 31 • Fantasy Ball - New Years Eve 2010 Venue: Olympic Center, 11301 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, California Time: 8pm Contact: 323-205-5594

Sat Jan 9, 2010 • Where's the Green? Cleantech and Money! Venue: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA Time: 8am Contact: 626-395-5759

1 Khanabadosh - London Dreams

6 Shukran Allah - Kurbaan

2 Mann Ka Radio - Radio

7 Andhera Hain - Fruit and Nut

3 You May Be - Aladin

8 Tu Hi Haqeeqat - Tum Mile

4 Tera Hone Laga Hoon

9 Tum Mere Ho - Aao Wish Karein

- Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani 5 Rehnuma - Blue

atrina Kaif seems to have taken her sizzling chemistry with co-star Ranbir Kapoor in Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani quite seriously. Ever since Ranbir's breakup with actress Deepika Padukone, Katrina seems hot on his trail, with some media reports even claiming she's desperately looking for a house near his residence Krishna Raj bungalow in Mumbai's Chembur. In the past six months, the diva has seen at least six seafacing houses in the range of over Rs 10 crore in the nearby areas, with speculated plans to move away from beau Salman Khan's Galaxy apartments in Bandra. The chase is not limited to the abode. Even on the professional front, Katrina has signed up to be a brand ambassador for an electronics giant, for which Ranbir is already the brand ambassador. She would be seen endorsing the `home appliances line' of the brand associated with Ranbir for quite some time now. The hot Kapoor doesn't seem to mind being his latest co-star's fancy. A source reveals, "Recently,

India Post

www.indiapost.com

December 18, 2009

10 Daata Sun Le - Jail

Ever since Ranbir's breakup with actress Deepika Padukone, Katrina seems hot on his trail, with some media reports even claiming she's desperately looking for a house near his residence Krishna Raj bungalow in Mumbai's Chembur

Katon histail director Anurag Basu approached the `cute couple' to be part of his UTV production, a romantic flick. He just told them one line of the script and they agreed to it without any narration. It seems both are looking for opportunities to work together." Katrina even has a nickname for Ranbir. She calls him a puffin. "Ranbir is like a puffin, a colorful penguin. He has happy feet and on some days he can look really puffy," the actress was quoted saying in a TV interview.

t seems that Shah Rukh Khan has buried the hatchet with Aamir Khan ever since the "Ghajini" star apologized to his children for making fun of him. Shah Rukh said he has no hard feelings for his colleague. "We often visit each other's home and we have love and respect for each other. I don't think there was any need for him to apologies because it is not really a big thing for me. Both of us don't take these things

Aamir is

SORRY seriously but it is the media that exaggerates the whole situation," S h a h Rukh said.

Bollywood

December 18, 2009

India Post

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Shocking award

elina Jaitly was in for a shock when her name was announced as a Best Female Actor for her English film Love Has No Language in the recently held Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF). While she was busy clapping for other actors and film makers who were being called on stage to be conferred awards, she was clueless that she had been nominated as a Best Actor as well. "I was invited for the event as a guest of honor. Since I am also an Egyptian tourism ambassador, it was double the reason for me to be present in the event. I knew that my film Love Has No Language had been a New Zealand entry for the film festival which saw entries from across the globe. However, I was in for a shock when I was called to come on stage. I was frozen on my seat for a while and didn't know how to react", says Celina. Some of the other prominent Bollywood personalities who came back home with awards were Madhur Bhandarkar, Irrfan Khan and Boney Kapoor. On the D-day, Celina did make quite a few heads turn though. She got an outfit exclusively created for the event and wore a Neeta Lulla creation - a multi-hued Indo-Egyptian gown. Meanwhile this is not the last that Celina has seen of Cairo International Film Festival. From next year on, she would also be a member of honorary jury.

Twinkle star T

winkle has a terrific sense of humor. Her superstar husband Akshay Kumar admits that he wouldn't be half as interesting as he is currently had it not been for his wife's razor sharp wit. Recently Twinkle accompanied her husband for a couple of high profile events. "And I thought I had walked into the events alone because every time I turned and looked my husband was in front of a television crew giving interviews. I had to finally request his bodyguards to drag him away," she jokes. "When it comes to choosing between the media and me, my husband may just choose them," she laughs. Akshay admits that at most times he follows Twinkle around like a little lamb, only once in a way he gets a chance to actually stray, in the direction of a mike.

ven the oft-cited reason 'the demand of the script' wasn't able to convince Vidya Balan for this one. The demure babe, who has shown her bold side in the promos of director Abhishek Chaubey's upcoming film Ishqiya, wasn't game to do dirty dancing in a steamy song with her co-stars Arshad Warsi and Naseeruddin Shah. Vidya's refusal to do the pelvic jig to the modern rendition of the 70s popular raunchy song 'Dhano ki aankhon mein' came as a surprise because she has kissed Warsi and even mouthed the dirty expletive Ch#@ in the film. Director Abhishek Chaubey and producer Vishal Bharadwaj eventually decided to shoot the song on Arshad and Naseer only. In the film the two play an uncle-nephew duo on the run from law. They take shelter in a home where they both fall for a beautiful girl played by Vidya, who manipulates them with her charms.

Dirty dancers

Namrita Bachchan

NEW DELHI: Artworks by Namrita Bachchan, the grand daughter of noted Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, is currently on exhibit in the capital. And, all the paintings on display are part of the illustrations that Namrita created to accompany the relaunch of Bachchan's book of poems "Madhushala" (House of wine) which was first published in 1935. The relaunch of the book as a coffee table book was timed for the 102 birth anniversary of the late poet whose public readings of his poems were quite popular. Namrita Bachchan, a graphic designer by profession began work on the book two years ago. "I have used watercolor and ink and mixed media to illustrate the bilingual book of poems." The book contains both the original and English translation of poems side by side, interspersed with illustrations of paintings and a foreword by uncle and Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan. "All the paintings are my interpretation of my grandfather's work. I was stepping into his shoes and trying to relate to him when he wrote the poems as a 28year-old," says Namrita. The 21 paintings on display are vivid and colorful and "celebrates life with elements of love, loss and longing," says the artist who is a

India Post

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Painted 'Madhushala' Granddaughter enlivens Bachchan's poetry

Abhishek Bachchan, his wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan pose during the launch of the ĂŤMadhushala - The House of WineĂ in tribute of the late Harivansh Rai Bachchan in Mumbai on November 28

December 18, 2009

poet herself. . The book 'Madhushala,' contains metaphorical poems with strong influences of Sufism. Harivansh Rai Bachchan tries to explain the complexity of life with his four instruments, madhu, madira or haala (wine), saaki (server), pyaala (cup) and madhushala, madiralaya (pub/ bar). In one painting Namrita titled rebels and slaves, she seeks to convey the idea that both slaves, rebels, warriors and all of mankind is brought together by wine. "My first book of poems in English called 'Deliverance' was published in 2006. After that I decided to do Harivansh Rai's book next," says Namrita who is currently based in Mumbai. The painter says she looks forward to comments and criticisms after the publication of the book. "It was a lot of hard work and was really a challenge to keep up the expectations of my family I did not want to let them down" says Namrita who is the daughter of Amitabh Bachchan's younger brother.-PTI

Indian cinema offers poetic justice in three hours: Bachchan DUBAI: Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan, who was honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) says that Indian films click with audience worldwide because they offer poetic justice in three hours. Bachchan, who felt humbled on receiving the award, said, "Our cinema offers poetic justice in three hours. You walk away Amitabh Bachchan receives a lifetime acheivment award from Sheikh Majed, son of the ruler of Dubai Sheikh from an Indian cinema with a smile Mohammed bin Rashed al-Maktoum, during the opening on your lips and dried tears on ceremony of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) your cheeks." The 67-year-old in the Gulf emirate on December 9 actor said that the Middle East is emerging as one of the largest territories for Indian celebrities walking the red carpet on Indian cinema overseas. He headlined the the opening day of DIFF.-PTI

December 18, 2009

India Post

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Consulate's classical concert enthralls enthusiasts India Post News Service

NEW YORK: As part of the ongoing Jewel of India series being organized by the Indian Consulate in New York, renowned singer Padmashri Shanti Hiranand enthralled audiences with her mellifluous voice as she performed at the Consulate on Dec 4. The event was cosponsored by The Indian Council for Cultural Relations and The Roger Smith Hotel, New York. Over 120 guests attended the event. A disciple of the legendary Begum Akhtar, Shanti Hiranand first sang for All India Radio in 1947. Over the years her style of Ghazals, Thumri and Dadra has become synonymous with an unforgettable kind of magic that leavhttp://www.stickam.com/ largeChatNew.do?uId=174989534es the audience enthralled. She was the first female Indian artist to be sent by the Government of India to perform in Pakistan in 1981. She won over the hearts of Pakistanis with her music. She has

The appreciative audience

performed all over the world and her performances have been significant milestones in propagating the traditional style of Hindustani light classical music abroad. Before starting her performance Hiranand thanked the Consul General for giving her this opportunity to sing in front of a New York audience. Hiranand mesmerized the audience with her excellent rendering of traditional Hindustani music. She started the evening with a Thumri sung in the traditional style of Begum Akhtar. She followed it by a famous Dadra also by Begum Akhtar called "Jiya Mora Lehraye". The evening continued with ghazals and requests from the guests. She was given a standing ovation by a very appreciative audience. She was accompanied during this concert by Vinay Kumar Mishra on the harmonium, Manoj Nagar on the tabla, Pralash Kumar Thakur on the tanpura and Ghanshyam Sisodia on the sarangi.

Shanti Hiranand performing

Consul General Prabhu Dayal

Toronto to host 2011 IIFA Awards TORONTO: The 12th edition of the IIFA awards will take place in Toronto, which has become the first North American city to host the glittering ceremony, popularly known as the Oscars of Bollywood. The International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) takes place in a different world city each year. The ceremony caps off a four-day festival that traditionally features a film festival and industry forum. Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan is the IIFA brand ambassador. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty in a statement said he was "thrilled" with the decision of the IIFA. "With so many film buffs living in Ontario, Indian film stars and executives will feel right at home," McGuinty, who is leading a trade mission to India, said. "Our standing as the host of the Toronto International Film Festival put us in really good stead. We have the know-how, we've got the experience and we've got the infrastructure.-PTI

he golden city of Jaisalmer, which lies courageously as the western sentinel of India, is a place worth visiting. The golden ray of the setting sun draws a heavenly picture on the sands of Jaisalmer. The magnificent wood-and stone-carved mansions and buildings display the love of the Rajputs towards the fine arts. Jaisalmer is situated in the westernmost part of the state of Rajasthan, the heart of the great Thar Desert. It has neighboring Pakistan on its western side. On its south, there is the beautiful city of Bikaner.

India Post

December 18, 2009

The history of Jaisalmer also reveals the courage and determination of the Rajputs. The city used to be a major trade center The eastern part of the place is bordered by Jodhpur, another city of color and tradition. The climate of this city is of typical desert character. Population of this city is quite low compared to the other parts of the state. The best time to visit is the winter season (November to February) when the heat becomes comparatively low. The desert festival held during the last winter months of January and February is the most opportune time to visit Jaisalmer. The city Jaisalmer was founded by Bhatti Rajput Rawal Jaisal in 1156. The history of Jaisalmer also reveals the courage and determination of the Rajputs. The city used to be a major trade center as it was the trade route of the western countries to India.

Tourist Attractions: Visiting Jaisalmer itself means a visit to the Jaisalmer Fort. Built over the Trikuta hill, this fort is the biggest and the most beautiful landmark of the city. The fort is occupied by shops, stalls, and a number of other business concerns. This fort accommodates quarter of the city's population. Just outside the fort is the Manakchowk, the famous marketplace of Jaisalmer. It is a good place for bargaining for local products. The Jain temple, a place worth visiting, is also situated inside the fort itself. The temple, made between 12th and 15th century, bears testimony to Rajasthan's unique artistry. Havelis are the mansions built by the wealthy merchants which

The desert festival held during the last winter months of January and February is the most opportune time to visit Jaisalmer are still in very good condition. The intricate craftsmanship is beyond parallel. The havelis like the Patwon-ki-Haveli and SalimSingh-ki-Haveli are remarkable for their exclusive cutwork, yellow and red stone treatment and the bracket-shaped decoration of peacocks. Gadsisar Sagar Tank is a famous place for an outing. Earlier it used to be the source of water for the

entire city. A number of migratory birds flock this place during the winter season. Desert Culture Center and Museum is another place that would give the visitor a clear insight of the place. The museum has a number of old coins, different kinds of textile, traditional Rajasthani instruments, and some fossils that were found in the desert. Baba Bagh is an oasis at the bank of a man-made dam. It has greenery all around to give a much-needed relief to the local people. The Jain temple of Lodhruva,

which reminds of the glory of the former capital city Lodhruva, is a place worth visiting. Sam Sand Dunes, situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, is a place gaining tremendous tourist attraction these days. This sandy place is famous for watching sunset and taking a camel ride. Khuri, another place in this glittering golden sand, impresses the tourists with its mud houses and straw roofs. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 29

December 18, 2009

Travel & Hospitality Post www.indiapost.com

Jaisalmer: The western sentinel of India Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 28

Desert National Park is another place that preserves the natural ecosystem of the desert land. Cactus, thorny trees and shrubs could be seen growing easily without being taken care of. It has some vegetation that survives in the dry and arid soil. It also has some animal species like the monitor lizard, desert foxes, porcupines and black bucks, etc. Fairs & Festivals: The most famous of the local festivals is the camel fair that is held during the winter season. Camel dances, camel races, folk dance, and music are some of the major attractions of this place. It is also known as the desert festival. How to Reach: Jaisalmer is well connected to nearby towns and cities. The nearest city is Jodhpur. To visit this place by air, one has to take the flight operated by Indian Airlines between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. There is a meter-gauge train that connects this place with the rest of the small and big places.

Govt to build infrastructure to attract cruise ships NEW DELHI: To increase India's appeal as a global tourism destination, the government will develop cruise terminal and infrastructure to attract luxury liners. "Cruise shipping would be a path breaking development in India's efforts to carve a prominent space in world tourism and it would showcase India as a major source and destination of world tourism," Shipping Minister G K Vasan said in the Lok Sabha during question hour. The government has already approved the Cruise Shipping

Policy last year in June. With the implementation of this policy, the growth in diverse sectors will spill out and it would earn foreign exchange for the country and generate employment, he said. He said the number of cruise ships anchoring on Indian coastlines were increasing. "The number of cruise ships which called at Indian ports was 106 in the year 2008-09 as compared to 55 in the year 2003-04 and the number of cruise passengers rose from 34,372 in 2003-04 to 69,456 in 2008-09," Vasan said.-PTI

Curtain comes down on weeklong Hornbill Festival KOHIMA: The week-long annual Hornbill festival displaying various facets of Naga life and culture came to an end this evening with spectacular display of fire works presentation of prizes to cultural troupes and musical bands in different categories. During the closing function

held in the main arena of the amphitheatre of Kisama Heritage village, Parliamentary secretary for tourism and culture gave away prizes to various folk cultural troupes for their presentation and ceremoniously lit the bonfire amidst battle cries of Naga dancers. -PTI

India Post 29

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December 18, 2009

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Air connectivity to promote tourism in Sikkim

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states for development and promotion of tourism to market tourism infrastructure throughout the world, she said. Hub of Buddhist circuit Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling said that Sikkim has the

Selja, who also inaugurated the Himalayan Adventure and Eco-Tourism Centre at Chemchey, said her ministry would support the state government for development and promotion of niche tourism products like eco-tourism, adventure tourism and wellness tourism potential to become a hub of Buddhist circuit to enhance its profile as an international tourism destination. Sikkim can be developed as a

hub connecting all major Buddhist destinations in India and its neighboring countries, he said at the Regional Conference of the Tourism Ministers of the East and North-Eastern states at Chintan Bhawan here inaugurated by Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja. The Rumtek Buddhist monastery in Sikkim, Bodh Gaya in Bihar, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, Lumbini in Nepal, Taktsang in Bhutan, Potala and Mansarovar Lake in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China present themselves as the unique trail of eco-tourism and pilgrimage tourism, he said. The development of all these tourism destinations will help regional integration and enhance cross-border religious bonds among the people of these countries, besides presenting a viable economic and commercial opportunities, Chamling said. On Sikkim's own potential as a key tourist destination in the country, the chief minister asked the Centre to provide more funds and incentives for development of tourism infrastructure and marketing. -PTI

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GANGTOK: The proposed air connectivity to destinations in Sikkim, which could provide ecoadventure and wellness tourism, would boost the sector, Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja has said. "It was to enable the state to promote tourist destinations that the Union Tourism Ministry granted financial assistance for development of three heliport projects in the state," she said after laying the foundation stone for the proposed heliport at Chemchey in south Sikkim. Two other heliports have been proposed at Geetang Khola in West Sikkim and Mangan in North Sikkim, she said, adding that air connectivity would help the state in promotion of tourist destinations in rural and inaccessible areas. Selja, who also inaugurated the Himalayan Adventure and EcoTourism Centre at Chemchey, said her ministry would support the state government for development and promotion of niche tourism products like eco-tourism, adventure tourism and wellness tourism. Central financial assistance would be made available to all the

December 18, 2009

Travel & Hospitality Post www.indiapost.com

National tourism fair in Nepal KATHMANDU: In an effort to bolster tourism and attract at least one million visitors annually in Nepal, a three-day fair was held here in the city. Over 83 stalls have been established in the Third National Tourism Fair which is being organized at the initiative of Nepal Tourism Board at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu. Various items like garments, carpets, rugs, woolen mattress, idols, toys, bags, wooden pots, handicrafts and decorative goods are being showcased at different

France to target more tourists from India MUMBAI: In a bid to attract more Indian tourists, France is targeting Tier-II cities pan-India and plans promotional events in these locations. "We are very much focused on increasing the number of tourists from India and hence we are planning to expand our promotional reach in more and more Indian cities apart from Delhi and Mumbai," France Tourism Development Agency's Director, Catherine Oden, told PTI here. There would an increasing number of tourists to France from cities like Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bangalore in the coming years, she said. "We have plans to set up regional offices in other parts of the country in the future." -PTI

stalls. Products representing ethnic culture of diverse places like Mechi to Mahakali are on display at the stalls. The event would help promote domestic tourism, discover new tourist destinations and enhance the lifestyle of rural people, the officials of the Nepal Tourism Board said. Minister for Tourism and Civil

Aviation, Sharat Singh Bhandari inaugurated the fair and said the government wants to enhance the lifestyle of its citizens by prioritizing Nepal tourism promotion campaign which aims to attract around one million tourists. He asked the private sector to actively participate in tourism sector, which is he said is the back bone of Nepalese economy. -PTI

India Post

December 18, 2009

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Horoscope

India Post

December 18, 2009

www.indiapost.com ARIES Mar 21-Apr 20

WHAT THE STARS FORETELL

upiter will transit house of gains till May 3rd before moving into 12th. Saturn on the other hand will continue to occupy sixth throughout 2010. Mars lord of first will occupy fourth and stay weak till May 26th before gathering strength. It is going to be a better year as far as the career is concerned. Jupiter's aspect on fifth and seventh will be beneficial. Pending issues related to a child will finally get settled before May 3rd. There will be an increase in the size of family. Marriage in case of bachelors and an addition in case of married is strong possibility.

CANCER Jun 21-Jul 22

ars the Raja yoga karaka planet will stay weak till May 26th. Jupiter will transit eighth house till May 3rd before moving into house of luck for rest of 2010. Saturn will stay in third house. You will be working extra hard for first five months to meet and fulfill your commitments on time. Projects at this point will not give desired returns as estimated earlier but only after June, 2010. Do not feel frustrated and have confidence in your self. You just lack the Midas touch. Once Jupiter moves into house of luck on May 3rd, suddenly the whole scenario will change to your advantage.

TAURUS Apr 21-May 20

aturn the Raja Yoga Karka planet will continue to occupy fifth house the friendly sign Virgo throughout the year. Jupiter will occupy tenth house till May 3rd before moving into eleventh. Rahu will occupy eighth house for the whole time. Jupiter will create disturbance in career and you may not approve the way boss will add pressure and workload on you. As they say necessity is the mother of inventions, such unsatisfactory working conditions will make you look around and Saturn will help you locate a better job. Just remember what ever happen in career this year will prove to a blessing in disguise in time to come.

New Year for you in

2010 PANDIT PARASHAR

LEO Jul 23-Aug 22

aturn will stay in second house and continue its last leg of sadhe sati. Jupiter will stay in seventh till May 3rd before moving into eighth. Mars the Raja yoga karaka planet stays weak in 12th before finally gaining strength on May 26th. You will have no choice but to keep pouring in money into your projects or business hoping things to turn around any day. People prone to litigations should not let their guards down even for a minute as Saturn's transit in house of finances can drain you out through legal procedures.

GEMINI May 21-Jun 20

etu will transit over your sign and Saturn will stay in fourth throughout 2010. Jupiter will stay in ninth till May 3rd before moving into tenth. Mars the Red color planet will stay in house of family and finances till May 26th. You will be working extra hard and most of you will travel away from home in connection with work or business. Pay attention to what spouse says and do not be afraid to admit your mistakes other wise family life can get disturbed. If you get a chance to move towards direction west, grab it, will prove lucky for you.

NEWS at your doorstep www.indiapost.com

VIRGO Aug 23-Sept 22

aturn will occupy first house and Jupiter will occupy sixth till May 3rd. Rahu will occupy fourth. Of course there is no escape from hard work for you this year. It will be a roller coaster ride. You will be working in a challenging environment. Initially competition will be too much but with hard work and patience you will make it in second half of 2010. You will be on your feet most of the time and some of you may have to stay and work away from family this year. The forecast for signs Libra to Pisces will be carried next week

December 18, 2009

www.indiapost.com

India Post 35

In Brief Tancredo seeking ballot measure on immigration DENVER: Former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo has filed a ballot proposal that would require businesses to use a federal program to check the immigration status of all newly hired workers. The proposal is aimed at the 2010 ballot. Tancredo says high unemployment is enough to make people more sensitive to immigrants working here illegally. The measure would order the Legislature to pass a law requiring that businesses do the checks. The measure faces a legal review before Tancredo and supporters can begin collecting signatures get it placed on the ballot. -AP

Feds take rare Italian sports car from US showroom SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA: Federal agents have seized a rare Italian sports car they believe was illegally imported by a California man and his co-conspirators. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials alleged that automotive engineer Claudio Zampolli, the creator of the 1994 Cizeta, brought it into the country in 2001 for maintenance and repairs. It is one of fewer than a dozen produced and sold for about $600,000. It was supposed to be exported within a year. The government said the vehicle's stay in the country violates customs rules. They said it is illegal to sell the car because it does not meet U.S. environmental and safety standards. A call to Zampolli's attorney was not immediately returned. -AP

Judge sides with Ohio over immigrant drivers COLUMBUS, Ohio: A judge is allowing Ohio to cancel the registrations of thousands of vehicles largely driven by illegal immigrants. The ruling was a defeat for the League of United Latin American Citizens. The group, which argued that Ohio was illegally delving into U.S. immigration policy, is considering an appeal. Franklin County Common Pleas Court Magistrate Pamela Browning said the state had a compelling public safety interest in canceling questionable registrations. -AP

Immigration 36

India Post

December 18, 2009

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Illegal immigrant pleads guilty in deadly crash GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.: A man authorities say is an illegal immigrant has pleaded guilty to drunken driving in a fatal crash in suburban Grand Rapids. Efrain Garcia-Miron entered the plea in Kent County Circuit Court. -AP

Asian communities urged to participate in Census 2010 India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The U.S. Census Bureau held a media briefing at the Asian Americans for Equality conference room for reporters representing Asian communities. At the briefing, census representatives provided an overview of the 2010 Census and emphasized the importance of participation of community members in the decennial survey. "The Census Bureau understands the importance of reaching Asian communities to educate them about the upcoming 2010 Census," said Jamal Baksh, partnership coordinator of the Census Bureau's New York Regional Center. "This media briefing is an opportunity for us to work with local Asian media to ensure that our communities receive correct information about the census and to work toward the goal of a complete and accurate count of everyone."

Baksh emphasized that everyone living in the United States, regardless of legal status, are required by the U.S. Constitution to participate in the census. Census data help determine boundaries for state and local legislative and congressional districts. Census data

information provided by respondents with any person or government agency. Every employee has taken a lifetime oath to protect the information and is subject to fines and/or jail time if any information is disclosed. "We want to assure residents

‘The 10 minutes it takes to fill out the questionnaire can help bring in resources that will positively impact the community we live in’ also help determine how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is allocated for roads, schools, hospitals, community services and more. The Census Bureau has strict confidentiality provisions that protect the responses of those who participate. By law, Census Bureau employees cannot share

that any information they provide on their census form is tightly guarded," said Baksh. "We use the information provided for statistical purposes only. Any Census Bureau employee who reveals data pertinent to the 2010 Census can face a fine up to $250,000 and up to five years in jail." For the 2010 Census, the Cen-

sus Bureau will feature one of the shortest census forms in history, with 10 questions that take about 10 minutes to answer. The form will ask for information such as name, relationship to head of household, gender, age, date of birth, race and whether respondents own or rent their home. For those who speak limited to no English, in-language assistance guides will be available online in 59 different languages to help them fill out their census forms. "Our community and media partners have been instrumental in helping us get the word out about the upcoming Census," said Baksh. "The 10 minutes it takes to fill out the questionnaire can help bring in resources that will positively impact the community we live in." For additional information about the 2010 Census and the Census Bureau, visit <www.2010.census.gov>.

ICE workplace audits stepped up CYRUS D. MEHTA

.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Assistant Secretary John Morton announced on November 19, 2009, the issuance of Notices of Inspection (NOIs) to approximately 1,000 employers across the U.S. associated with critical infrastructure, alerting business owners that ICE will audit their hiring records to determine compliance with employment eligibility verification laws. The businesses served with audit notices were selected for inspection, ICE said, "as a result of investigative leads and intelligence and because of the business' connection to public safety and national security -- for example, privately owned critical infrastructure and key resources." The names and locations of the businesses were not released "due to the ongoing, law enforcement sensitive nature of these audits." Audits involve a comprehensive review of Forms I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification). Au-

dits may result in civil penalties and lay the groundwork for criminal prosecution of employers who knowingly violate the law. ICE identified I-9 audits as "the most important administrative tool in building criminal cases and bringing employers into compliance

$2,310,255 in fines. In addition, 267 cases are being considered for NIFs. • ICE closed 326 cases after businesses were found to be in compliance with employment laws or after businesses were served with a Warning Notice in expectation of future compliance.

ICE closed 326 cases after businesses were found to be in compliance with employment laws or after businesses were served with a Warning Notice in expectation of future compliance with the law." Statistics resulting from 654 audits announced in July included: • ICE agents reviewed more than 85,000 Form I-9s and identified more than 14,000 suspect documents, which was approximately 16 percent of the total number reviewed. • As of November 19, 2009, 61 NIFs have been issued, resulting in

The Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers (ABIL) notes that some clients are reporting receipt of subpoenas for wage and related records. Relying on inexperienced counsel and self-audits is no longer sufficient. Contact your ABIL member for guidance in particular cases, including conducting proactive pre-audits. The ICE announcement is at http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0911/

091119washingtondc2.htm. USCIS reminds applicants for travel documents to apply early U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has reminded applicants for advance parole (permission to reenter the U.S. after traveling abroad) to apply early. USCIS said that travelers must obtain advance parole if they have been granted temporary protected status or have a pending application for (1) adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence; (2) relief under § 203 of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act; (3) asylum; or (4) legalization. The agency issued a fact sheet outlining eligibility requirements, the consequences of traveling without advance parole for affected persons, and the possible consequences of using advance parole after being unlawfully present in the U.S. or to return to the country of claimed persecution. Cont’d on page 39

Immigration Post

December 18, 2009

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Postville immigrants face likely deportation pastor of St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Postville. ``What will the government do with them? Will any recognition be made that they sacrificed two years of their lives?'' Some immigrants suffered so greatly from their post-raid experiences that the Catholic Archdiocese of Dubuque, which encompasses Postville, hired bilingual psychiatric counselors to help them with depression and other mental illnesses, Ouderkirk said. ``The raid isn't over,'' he said. ``There's no closure, no matter how hard the people want there to be.'' Agriprocessors was the site of a May 2008 federal raid that caught 389 illegal-immigrant workers. About 300 were charged with aggravated identity theft or posses-

Tepaz said conditions at the kosher meat plant have improved. The supervisors before ‘were very strict’ and always pushed employees to work faster, he said. ‘Now, they're friendly,’ sion of false documents and sent to prison for five months. Among them was Victor Hugo Sis Tepaz, 44, a Guatemalan who worked a 4 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. shift at the plant before the raid. Tepaz was arrested, pleaded guilty to an identity theft charge for using an Ohio Social Security number, and served a five-month prison sentence in Florida and Oklahoma. Federal agents returned Tepaz and other former workers to Postville in November 2008 so they could testify against Rubashkin in his 72-count immigration trial.

But those charges were dropped in November, after a South Dakota jury convicted Rubashkin of 86 counts of financial fraud. The decision hinged, in part, on the likely cost and inconvenience to witnesses. Prosecutors also argued that jurors had effectively declared Rubashkin's guilt on some immigration charges when they found him guilty of lying to the plant's lender about the work force. Defense lawyers dispute the assertion. When the immigration charges were dropped, prosecutors no longer needed the immigrant witnesses, who now face deportation. The immigrants were given temporary work visas while they waited to testify in the trial, and eventually returned to Agriprocessors. Rubashkin, along with his father and several former human resource employees, still faces thousands of child labor charges levied by the Iowa attorney general's office. All have pleaded not guilty, and a trial is slated to begin at a not-yet-set date next year. Tepaz said conditions at the kosher meat plant have improved. The supervisors before ``were very strict'' and always pushed employees to work faster, he said through a Spanish translator. ``Now, they're friendly,'' he said. He said he now makes $9.25 per hour, up from the $7.50 hourly wage he collected when he first started. He works 50 to 60 hours per week. Workers have alleged that they were illegally underpaid, overworked and threatened with job termination if they complained. One girl, who was 15 when she was hired, told state investigators of repeated sexual harassment from some low-level supervisors. A sense of caution still hovers in Postville about Agri Star, the plant's new name under new ownership. Hershey Friedman, a Canadian businessman, bought the plant out of bankruptcy and reopened it with promises to restart the nowdormant beef kill line. -AP

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POSTVILLE, Iowa: Forty-yearold Juventino Lopez Pichia wants to bring his wife and children to Iowa. But he knows that likely will never happen. Instead Pichia and about 29 other immigrants arrested in the massive 2008 raid of Agriprocessors Inc. face deportation, probably sometime before the end of the year. The 30 or so immigrants were given temporary work visas so they could remain in Iowa and be available to testify in Sholom Rubashkin's second federal trial. However, those charges were dropped against the former Agriprocessors vice president. ``If I could bring my wife and children here, I would,'' said Pichia, who cut chicken breasts at the plant for $7.25 an hour. ``This is a country of opportunities. But since that can't happen, I'm going to work hard here until I go back.'' Pichia shares a home in Decorah with six other men involved with the raid and commutes with them to their jobs in Postville. All are originally from Guatemala. In their free time, they alternate chores cooking and cleaning the home, rented from a local family. Javier Lopez Sache, 19, said he had hoped to help support his five brothers and five sisters back at home. Sache said he worked in a refrigerated area of the plant, in a cold comparable to the outdoor temperature in the teens. Work at the plant remains hectic, ``but the pace is better now,'' Sache said. ``Before, all the supervisors were very demanding.'' Many of the men attend services at local churches. Pichia, who said he doesn't drink or smoke because of his Christian faith, said he now calls his family once a day. Advocates for the immigrants who were supposed to testify against Rubashkin say they are outraged that a federal jury will never hear about past abuses at the plant. ``What is their future?'' asked the Rev. Paul Ouderkirk, retired

India Post

Immigration Post

December 18, 2009

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Cuba-US migration talks pushed back until February HAVANA: Highly anticipated immigration talks between Cuba and the United States have been pushed back because of scheduling concerns that each side blames on the other, another hint that reconciliation may be more difficult than it once appeared. A U.S. State Department official told The Associated Press on that both sides intend to continue holding periodic negotiations on immigration issues twice a year, but that bureaucratic concerns derailed talks that had been scheduled for early December in Havana. `Àt the Cuban government's request, the talks have been rescheduled for February,'' he said. A senior Cuban official confirmed that the negotiations had been delayed, but said it was at Washington's bidding-not Cuba's. ``We were ready to hold the talks in December,'' he said. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the delay publicly. They agreed that the postponement had nothing to do with politics, but it was another sign of fraying in what months ago seemed like a golden opportunity to end a half-century of discord. `Òne does have the impression that things are rather stalled, and the postponement of these talks will add to that impression,'' said Wayne Smith, a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy in Washington and the former head of the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, which the U.S. maintains here instead of an embassy. `Ìt's very disappointing.'' He blamed officials in Washington for dragging their feet, say-

ing President Barack Obama had taken baby steps and failed to show Havana he was serious about changing U.S. policy. Last month, the State Department denounced an assault - allegedly by plainclothes state security agents - against Cuba's top dissident blogger, Yoani Sanchez. Obama later sent a lengthy personal message to her, praising her for her work and answering a series of questions she had posed. This week, prominent American black leaders denounced racism on the island - a particularly touchy

A senior Cuban official confirmed that the negotiations had been delayed, but said it was at Washington's bidding -not Cuba's subject in Cuba - prompting a blistering response from Cuban artists, writers and intellectuals who said their society is not racist. Former Cuban President Fidel Castro has used recent essays on world events to lay into Obama for America's policy in Honduras, which he says amounts to support of this summer's military coup there, and in Colombia, where the U.S. recently signed an accord that will allow American soldiers increased access to seven of that country's military bases. Castro said the plan amounted to a military annexation of Colom-

bia by Washington, saying that country was being ``devoured by the empire with the same ease with which a lizard swallows a fly.'' Last week, Cuba conducted war games against a U.S. invasion, which Cuban military leaders insist is still a real possibility. Regularly scheduled discussions between the U.S. and Cuba were limited to immigration issues from 1994 until they were canceled under President George W. Bush in 2003. Both sides met to discuss the issue in New York in July and called that session positive. In September, Cuba and the United States revived talks to restore direct mail service between both countries since Obama took office. Bisa Williams, the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs who traveled to Havana for those discussions, stayed an extra six days and even met with Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Dagoberto Rodriguez, raising hopes for a thaw in relations. But those hopes have fizzled somewhat. Cuban officials say they have made concrete proposals to the United States to hold talks on counternarcotics, disaster preparedness and other issues _ but have not heard back. Washington, in turn, says Cuba has done little to inspire confidence that it will allow social, political or economic changes _ something the U.S. said is a prerequisite to moving forward. ``We are waiting to see what kind of opening they are going to give their own people,'' a second, more senior State Department official told AP in a recent interview, also on condition of anonymity. -AP

Immigration Post

December 18, 2009

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Troubled RI jail expected to name interim head CENTRAL FALLS, R.I.: A consultant who authored a highly critical report on a Rhode Island jail that housed immigration detainees is expected to be voted in as the facility's interim director. Michael Fair, the former commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Correc-

tions, said in an audit released last week that the quasi-public Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls was plagued by dysfunctional leadership and a lack of transparency. Wyatt spokesman Bill Fischer said the board that oversees the jail was expected to

vote on Fair's appointment. The appointment is expected to last 90 days, he said. Fischer said Fair's audit showed ``that we are lacking executive management oversight and that something needs to be put in place immediately.'' ``We have an immense amount of respect

for his experience and, because of his review during the past eight weeks, he's gotten to know the facility very well,'' he added. The facility has been in turmoil since the August 2008 death of a Chinese immigrant who was detained there for allegedly overstaying a visa. -AP

ICE workplace audits stepped up Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

The fact sheet is available at http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/ New%2-0Structure/Press%2-0Releases/2009%20Press-%20Releases/Oct%-202009/AdvParoleFact%20ShtOct2009Final.pdf. USCIS updates H-1B FY 2010 cap count As of November 20, 2009, approximately 56,900 H-1B cap-subject petitions had been filed, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced. USCIS has approved sufficient H-1B petitions for those with advanced degrees to meet the exemption of 20,000 from the fiscal year 2010 cap. Any H-1B petitions filed on behalf of a worker with an advanced degree will now count toward the general H-1B cap of 65,000. USCIS will continue to accept both cap-subject petitions and advanced degree petitions until a sufficient number of H-1B petitions has been received to reach the statutory limit, taking into account the fact that some of these petitions may be denied, revoked, or withdrawn. The recent pace of filings suggests that H-1B numbers may be exhausted for the fiscal year by the end of December. After that, employers will be left with limited alternatives for hiring skilled foreign nationals when U.S. workers are unavailable until filings for the next fiscal year can be made.

For details, see http:// www.uscis.gov/h-1b_count. State Dept. cautions waiver travelers to disclose visa delays as denials The Department of State has taken the position that those who have applied for a visa that cannot be granted due to a need for further security clearances, or additional documents or information, have been effectively "denied" a

The agency issued a fact sheet outlining eligibility requirements, the consequences of traveling without advance parole for affected persons, and the possible consequences of using advance parole after being unlawfully present in the U.S. visa and must disclose this when completing their ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) application should they later wish to use the Visa Waiver Program as a visitor while their visa application remains pending. The Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers warns that this situ-

ation can be confusing because the applicants may have been told simply that their applications require further processing rather than that they have been denied, but then they may be refused admission later for misrepresentation if they do not disclose the denial. Such travelers are advised to indicate that they have been refused a visa under INA Â§ 221(g) when completing their ESTA registrations. Those who have completed an ESTA registration without revealing the denial are advised to re-register and indicate the specifics. This is a fluid situation, and the Department's position is controversial. Consult your immigration attorney for more specific guidance in particular cases. Information on the ESTA system is available at https:// esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_c2E5A4D95-E27C-3FCA-B3E1-C3866F0FF-391_k8329F60B-FD9E61A1-1777-C748F6B4CB86. The new Department of State position was made in consultation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which announced it to the American Immigration Lawyers Association's (AILA) CBP liaison committee. A public announcement by CBP is awaited. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

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Health

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Groups try simple steps to avoid hospital rebound WASHINGTON: Talk about unnecessary misery: One in five Medicare patients winds up back in the hospital within a month even worse, one in four patients with heart failure. A major push is under way around the country to cut rehospitalizations, in part by arming patients with simple steps to keep their recovery on track -like getting past harried receptionists for quicker follow-up doctor visits, and reducing medication confusion.

Central Park visitors warned of rabid raccoons NEW YORK: New York City health officials are warning visitors to Central Park to avoid wild animals after three rabid raccoons were discovered there, two of them in the past week. Health officials believe rabies is being transmitted among raccoons in the park. Officials say visitors also should stay away from skunks, bats, and stray dogs and cats. Dog owners should keep pets on leashes. Rabid raccoons are rare in Manhattan. But officials say four have been identified so far this year. Rabies is a viral disease that's usually spread from a bite or scratch by an infected animal. If it's not treated immediately, it can be fatal. -AP

Award for project on resistance to chemotherapy drugs NEW YORK: High schoolers who delved into the mysteries of chemotherapy and graph theory won $100,000 prizes at a competition honoring the nation's top math and science students. Five other individual students and five teams won $10,000 to $50,000 in the Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology and were honored at a ceremony at New York University. Individual top winner Ruoy Jiang, 17, a senior at Ward Melville High School in East Setauket, on New York's Long Island, said he chose his project on resistance to chemotherapy drugs because ``I really wanted to do something that was challenging, that was cutting edge.''

Health Science 40

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December 18, 2009

FDA investigating more dangerous brain scans WASHINGTON: Federal health regulators are investigating reports of dangerous radiation levels at two more California hospitals, following earlier unsafe medical scans at a Los Angeles facility. -AP

Greenhouse gases endanger human health, says EPA WASHINGTON: The Environmental Protection Agency has taken a major step toward regulating greenhouses gases, concluding that climate changing pollution threatens Americans' health and the environment. The announcement came as the Obama administration looked to boost its arguments at an international climate conference that the United States is aggressively taking actions to combat global warming, even though Congress has yet to act on climate legislation. The EPA said that the scientific evidence surrounding climate change clearly shows that greenhouse gases ``threaten the public health and welfare of the American people'' and that the pollutants - mainly carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels - should be regulated under the Clean Air Act. ``These long-overdue findings cement 2009's place in history as the year when the United States

government began addressing the challenge of greenhouse-gas pollution,'' said EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson at news conference. The action by the EPA, which has been anticipated for months, clearly was timed to add to the momentum toward some sort of agreement on climate change at the Copenhagen conference and try to push Congress to approve

to Congress is crystal clear: get moving.'' Under a Supreme Court ruling, the so-called endangerment finding is needed before the EPA can regulate carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases released from automobiles, power plants, and factories under the federal Clean Air Act. The EPA signaled last April

Drevna, in a statement, said ``it is hardly the time to risk the remainder of the U.S. industrial sector in an attempt to achieve a short-term international public relations victory climate legislation. ``This is a clear message to Copenhagen of the Obama administration's commitments to address global climate change,'' said Sen. John Kerry, a Democrat and lead author of a climate bill before the Senate. ``The message

that it was inclined to view heattrapping pollution as a threat to public health and welfare and began to take public comments under a formal rulemaking. The action marked a reversal from the Bush administration, which had refused before leaving office to

issue the finding, despite a conclusion by EPA scientists that it was warranted. Business groups have strongly argued against tackling global warming through the Clean Air Act, saying it is less flexible and more costly than the cap-andtrade bill being considered before Congress. Some of those groups questioned the timing of the EPA's announcement, calling it political. ``The implications of the action by EPA are farreaching...individual Americans and consumers and businesses alike will be dramatically affected by this decision,'' said Charles T. Drevna, the president of the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association. Drevna, in a statement, said ``it is hardly the time to risk the remainder of the U.S. industrial sector in an attempt to achieve a short-term international public relations victory.'' Cont’d on page 41

Drugmakers' support for health overhaul tested WASHINGTON: The pharmaceutical industry may have to cough up more than the $80 billion it agreed to contribute to President Barack Obama's health overhaul effort, reflecting pressure from Democrats and their supporters for more money to cover older and low-income people. Obama and congressional Democrats want the drug industry to remain a crucial ally in the health care fight because of its deep pockets and influence in states where it is a large employer, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Indiana. So far, it remains an active backer of the Democrats' efforts and plans to expand a supportive TV ad campaign on which it has already spent tens of millions of dollars. By many accounts, the health package the House approved last month would count on getting about $140 billion from drug companies to defray additional

health care costs over the next decade. Industry officials say the version the Senate is debating may already pluck close to $100 billion from drugmakers - and an expected parade of amendments could boost that by billions more. ``The numbers are still in the same ballpark,'' said Ken Johnson, senior vice president of the Phar-

Americans gain coverage for prescriptions. ``There's enormous pressure on the part of Democrats to spend more money. Who's got deep pockets?'' said Robert Laszewski, a health care consultant. ``The drug companies are going to have to pay more.'' About $320 billion in pharma-

The health package the House approved last month would count on getting about $140 billion from drug companies to defray additional health care costs over the next decade maceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. ``And we're still committed to making health care reform a reality this year.'' The proposals to dig deeper into drugmakers' wallets pose a test for one of Washington's richest lobbies as it works to limit the damage. Many Democrats believe the industry will profit when roughly 30 million uninsured

ceuticals will be sold in the U.S. next year, according to IMS Health Inc., a data tracking firm. But that is expected to grow by less than 5 percent annually in the next few years, a relatively low figure caused by a paucity of new drugs and growing numbers of low-cost generic competitors, IMS said. Other groups backing the

health overhaul also are facing problems as Congress shapes the legislation. Hospitals oppose an amendment penalizing those facilities with high infection rates, and groups representing the elderly are wary of a Medicare cost-saving commission that, they worry, would cut the program too deeply. Pressures to boost the drug industry's contributions are widespread. The powerful AARP, representing older Americans, wants to close the ``doughnut hole,'' a gap in Medicare's coverage of prescription drugs. Consumer groups want higher federal subsidies so low-income people can afford health insurance. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., wants an additional $106 billion in drug discounts for many low-income Medicare recipients and would divide it between reducing seniors' drug costs and cutting the federal deficit. Cont’d on page 41

December 18, 2009

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Drugmakers' support for health overhaul tested Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

He said the White House and Senate leaders have pressed him to drop the effort and concedes it will be tough to prevail. His amendment was defeated in the Finance committee with opposition from Baucus plus Sens. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Thomas Carper, D-Del., whose two states have major pharmaceutical industries. Other senators want to allow importation of lower-priced drugs and shorten the period of patent protection for brand-name biological drugs opening the way for less expensive generic competitors. There could also be a push to cover the uninsured sooner than three or more years from now, a delay lawmakers built into the bills to reduce the cost. The House bill has a 10-year overall price tag of $1.2 trillion while the Senate's costs nearly $1 trillion. Those targeting drugmakers point to a recent AARP report saying prices on popular brand name drugs rose by 9 percent over the past year, when overall inflation fell. They also cite re-

cent Fortune magazine rankings showing that pharmaceutical companies' profits grew by 25 percent last year, fifth highest among 51 industries. Drugmakers dispute that. Johnson says the AARP study overstated drug prices by ignoring discounts manufacturers often provide. He says the industry has shed thousands of jobs this year and saw lagging stock prices, and says its profits from an overhaul would be limited because many new customers would buy generic drugs or get discounts. To argue their case, drugmakers have spent $137 million lobbying this year, more than any other industry, the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics says. In July through September, the drugmakers' trade group alone reported spending nearly $7 million lobbying. It directly employed 19 lobbyists working on health care overhaul and hired 24 outside firms with 73 lobbyists for the issue. The pharmaceutical industry agreed to provide $80 billion in drug subsidies and fees in a June deal with Senate Finance Com-

Those targeting drugmakers point to a recent AARP report saying prices on popular brand name drugs rose by 9 percent over the past year, when overall inflation fell

mittee Chairman Max Baucus, DMont., and the White House. Baucus aides said the bill his panel approved in October honored that figure. The version the Senate is debating, written by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., might already be higher, although its final cost to the drug industry remains unclear. But the House bill would cost drugmakers about $140 billion,

according to Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., chairman of the health subcommittee. That suggests an eventual House-Senate compromise is likely to exceed $80 billion. ``They didn't reach that agreement with us,'' said Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chief author of the House-passed bill, of the $80 billion figure. ``We need all the money we can get to hold down costs.'' -AP

Greenhouse gases endanger human health, says EPA Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

Any regulations are also likely to spawn lawsuits and lengthy legal fights. The EPA and the White House have said regulations on greenhouse gases will not be imminent even after an endangerment finding, saying that the administration would prefer that Congress act to limit such pollution through an economy-wide cap on carbon di-

oxide and other greenhouse gases. Nevertheless, the EPA has begun the early stages of developing permit requirements on carbon dioxide pollution from large emitters such as power plants. The administration also has said it will set the first-ever greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles and raise fuel economy to 35 miles per gallon by 2016 to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The EPA's readiness to tackle climate change is expected to give a boost to U.S. arguments at the climate conference in Copenhagen. While the House has approved climate legislation that would cut emissions by 17 percent by 2020 and about 80 percent by mid-century, the Senate has yet to take up the measure amid strong Republican opposition and reluctance by some centrist Democrats. -AP

Briefs Â&#x201E; Police register FIR in Karkare's jacket case MUMBAI: Police have registered First Information Report (FIR) against unknown person in the case of missing bullet-proof jacket of former ATS Chief Hemant Karkare. The FIR was registered by JJ Marg police station in south Mumbai on an order passed by Mazgaon metropolitan magistrate following a complaint made by a social activist. The magistrate had ordered the police to probe the missing jacket of Karkare and file an FIR. "This is a very serious issue and the probe would unravel how and when the jacket went missing. We strongly suspect powerful and influential men would be involved in the case," complainant's lawyer Y P Singh said. -PTI

Â&#x201E; Rajkhowa was apprehended by BSF, says HM NEW DELHI: Government today said ULFA top leader Arabinda Rajkhowa was "apprehended" by the BSF on Meghalaya-Bangladesh border and later arrested by Assam Police as he was wanted in connection with several cases. Replying to supplementaries during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, Home Minister P Chidambaram said the leaders of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) would be treated with dignity as and when peace talks take place with them. -PTI

Â&#x201E; Ranganath Misra report to be placed in Parl NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said the report of Ranganath Misra Committee, which went into the issue of reservation for minorities, will be placed in Parliament during this session. "We will place the report on the table of the House in this session," Singh said in the Lok Sabha. His assurance came after Samajwadi Party members led by Mulayam Singh Yadav and others demanded that the report be tabled immediately. The Prime Minister said, "I take note of this matter and we will place the report on the table of the House." -PTI

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December 18, 2009

National Commission to rehabilitate land losers: Sonia GHATSILA, Jharkhand: The UPA government has decided to form a National Rehabilitation Commission to ensure adequate compensation and proper rehabilitation to people willing to part with their land for development, Congress President Sonia Gandhi said here. "The commission would ensure that villagers who are willing to part with their land for development were compensated adequately and rehabilitated properly," she said. -PTI

Oppn attacks Govt for stand on climate change NEW DELHI: A united opposition pilloried the government on its strategy for the Copenhagen climate summit, accusing it of buckling under US pressure and opening its card on the emission cuts announcements. As about 193 countries began their ten-day meeting in the Danish capital for a global pact on climate change, the opposition charged the Government in the Rajya Sabha with "totally altering" its consistent position that the country has been following all along. Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh denied the charges and said, "There is simply no compromise on India's interest." Not satisfied, almost entire opposition including BJP, CPI-M, CPI, SP and AIADMK staged a walkout. Leading the onslaught, Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley said making a unilateral announcement of emission intensity cuts of 2025 per cent ahead of the summit was a bad strategy. "It is a bad strategy on the part of government. We have opened all our cards. Our disclosure has become a baseline for further ne-

gotiations. Even our negotiators appear to be sulking," Jaitley said. Senior CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury said the "suspicion is that it is happening under pressure". He said this was evident from the White House statement of December 4 which said China and India have set a target to reduce carbon intensity. Yechury, who will be part of the

The BJP leader said though Parliament was assured that there would not be substantial change on the issue, "now there is apprehension that the minister has altered the position substantially." D Raja (CPI) referred to a scheme called Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation of Forests. He said when the government

Seeking to allay apprehensions, Ramesh said India would not deviate from its stated position that emission cuts should be on principle of per capita and historical responsibility Parliamentary delegation to the summit, wondered whether Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's travel plans to Copenhagen was also under pressure. Jaitley said the new buzzword for the government is "flexibility". He said the country has been consistently following the per capita principle for cutting emissions. However, he said, the developed countries want a legally binding obligation on India. "This is totally unacceptable".

was not giving people secure rights to their lands and forests, "what is there to prevent companies or government agencies grabbing the same to earn carbon credits." Seeking to allay apprehensions, Ramesh said India would not deviate from its stated position that emission cuts should be on principle of per capita and historical responsibility. The Kyoto Protocol, which is sought to be replaced by developed countries, follows the prin-

Software industry is high on terrorists' target list NEW DELHI: India's globally acclaimed software industry is high on the terrorists' target list and sensitive installations like atomic plants and refineries located on the coastline are vulner-

addressing a conference on 'Challenge of Terrorism to India's Infrastructure and Economy' here. The Home Secretary said all software companies in India were now realizing this fact and they

Pillai said India's western coastline hosting several petroleum and nuclear installations are vulnerable to terror strikes from the sea route able to terror attacks, Union Home Secretary G K Pillai said here. "We are world leaders in software. But software industry is high on the threat list," Pillai said

were taking their own measures to protect themselves. "And the government is also in partnership with many of the companies making effort to pro-

vide adequate security (to foil any attempt by the terrorists to target them)," he said. Indian software exports have risen from Rs 28,350 crore in 200001 to an estimated Rs 216,300 crore in 2008-09. The industry is expected to grow 16 per cent this fiscal and log revenues of USD 60 billion despite the global slowdown. Pillai said India's western coastline hosting several petroleum and nuclear installations are vulnerable to terror strikes from the sea route. "Petroleum and nuclear installations located on the western coast are highly vulnerable," he said. -PTI

ciple of per capita emission generation. Since India stands to gain by this principle because of its large population, the rich nations want to dump this basis. On fears that the commitment of 20-25 emission cuts would lead to denial of electricity to the masses, Ramesh said, "If this emerges as a constraint, we will re-look it." He said India's announcement of emission cuts was based on a Planning Commission mid-term review which had said that the country could take such a commitment without jeopardizing growth. -PTI

NRI cases to be heard by special court ROMESH KAURA

PHAGWARA: Non Resident Indians (NRIs) often complain of tedious judicial proceedings in the country. The District and Sessions Judge, in his orders on November 18, has asked to transfer 363 cases relating to NRIs currently running in around 12 different courts, to the court under Jaspinder Singh, Additional Civil Judge-cum-JMIC, Jalandhar. The orders also state that while the new NRI cases will be filed in the special court, those being heard in other courts will be transferred to the new one and the persons concerned informed accordingly. For early settlement of civil and criminal cases related to NRIs, a special judicial court has been set up in Jalandhar. The rights were handed over to Jaspinder Singh. Kamaljeet Singh, President of the NRI Sabha, welcoming the move said, "NRIs across the world would benefit by this decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Now, their cases will be solved early." They usually found themselves running out of time as they had to return to the foreign shores, he said.

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PM apologizes for Cong MP's remarks against Vajpayee NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has apologized in the Lok Sabha for certain inappropriate words used by a Congress member against former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, bringing the curtains down on the controversy that rocked the proceedings. As soon as the Question Hour began, BJP members were on their feet demanding that the Congress member, who had made some unparliamentary references to Vajpayee, apologies to the House. With the members unrelenting in their stand, the Prime Minister tendered an apology. "I was not present in the House yesterday but I have heard that some very undesirable developments took place. A member of our ruling coalition said something which was not appropriate and with regard to Vajpayeeji those words were used. "I, on behalf of our government, apologies to the House that those words will not be repeated," Singh said.

The BJP members appeared satisfied by the apology and took their seats. BJP and its allies had created pandemonium in the House after Beni Prasad Verma (Congress) used demeaning remarks against Vajpayee forcing two adjournments. The NDA members were agi-

Home Minister P Chidambaram had apologized to the House on behalf of the government but it had failed to cut any ice with the Opposition tated when Verma used a derogatory word against the former Prime Minister during a debate on the Liberhan Commission report and demanded an apology from him. Home Minister P Chidambaram had apologized to the House on behalf of the government but it had failed to cut any ice with the Opposition. -PTI

Muslim can become PM if he is capable: Rahul ALIGARH: Religion does not matter when it comes to becoming the prime minister and a Muslim can get the top job provided he is the most capable person for it, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said here. "It is not about what religion or community you come from, it is what you bring to the table, what capability you have," he said in an interaction with students of the

'Today, Manmohan Singh is not the Prime Minister of India because he is a Sikh. He is the Prime Minister because he is the most capable person to do the job' Aligarh Muslim University. He was replying to a question that having come a long way after Independence how much more time will it take for India to have its first Muslim prime minister. "Today, Manmohan Singh is not the Prime Minister of India because he is a Sikh. He is the Prime Minister because he is the most capable person to do the job. "And let me tell you something that even when you do have a Muslim prime minister, he will be

a prime minister because he is the most capable person," 39-year-old Gandhi said. He told a questioner, "You need to step up and the number of leaders coming out of your community needs to go up. You got today a Sikh prime minister that nobody would have ever imagined in a country of over a billion people that we would have a Sikh prime minister. Sikhs are a very small percentage of this country." -PTI

PROF YUNUS LECTURE: Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh paying floral tributes to Professor Hiren Mukherjee, at the Second Prof. Hiren Mukherjee Memorial Lecture, in New Delhi on December. The Vice President, Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker, Meira Kumar and Prof. Muhammad Yunus are also seen.

'Total support from US to probe Headley, Rana terror links' NEW DELHI: With an FBI team in New Delhi, Government has said the US has "promised" total support in probing involvement of terror suspects David Headley and Tahawwur Rana in "various crimes" in India and the agencies here are awaiting the first investigation report by the American investigators. "Headley and Rana, their involvement in various crimes are being investigated and we have been promised total support from the United States investigating agencies. So, we are awaiting the first report of the investigation," External Affairs Minister S M Krishna told reporters on the sidelines of the second India-Africa Hydrocarbon Conference. The Minister was replying to a query on the help from FBI in probing involvement of Headley and Rana in crimes against India.

The FBI team had held discussions with their Indian counterparts in Mumbai and may share information on alleged links be-

The FBI has already given some information about Rana and Headley and assured India that they will share more of it as the interrogation of the duo proceeds further tween US terror suspects Headley and Rana with 26/11 terror attacks and several people in India, including filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt's

Omar meets Chidambaram; discusses peace process NEW DELHI: In the backdrop of an attack on a top separatist leader, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has met Home Minister P Chidambaram and reviewed the ongoing peace process and security situation in the state. During the meeting, which lasted nearly 40 minutes, the Chief Minister told the Home Minister that the assassination attempt on moderate Hurriyat leader Fazal Haq Qureshi was carried out by those who want to sabotage the peace process. "Both the leaders discussed the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the recent attack on Hurriyat

leader Qureshi, talks with separatist leaders and every shade of political opinion," a source said.

The Center has already given a road map for withdrawal of nearly 25 battalions of paramilitary forces comprising CRPF, BSF and ITBP from the state On the issue of troop reduction, Omar suggested the Home Minister take a calibrated ap-

proach and favored that every step be taken with utmost caution. The Centre has already given a road map for withdrawal of nearly 25 battalions of paramilitary forces comprising CRPF, BSF and ITBP from the state. While some have been shifted out, others will also be done slowly once their replacement by India Reserve Battalions from various states was firmed up. The Chief Minister also told the Home Minister that security of separatist leaders has been increased further but some of them were still refusing to take security cover. -PTI

son Rahul. During their stay in Delhi, the FBI team will hold talks with National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials and other agencies, sources privy to the investigations said. The FBI has already given some information about Rana and Headley and assured India that they will share more of it as the interrogation of the duo proceeds further. They have also given indications that FBI has evidence linking Headley and Rana to Mumbai terror attacks and may share information on Headley's links with several people in the country. Sources said FBI has promised a lot of additional material on the interrogation of Headley and Rana, who have been arrested in the US for allegedly plotting terror attacks in India and Denmark. -PTI

Bengal agrees to coach unit in Singur KOLKATA: The West Bengal government has given its consent to Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee's proposal for setting up a railway coach factory at the abandoned site of Tata Motors in Singur. "On behalf of the state government, I had written to the Railway Board chairman giving consent to the railway minister's proposal," Chief Secretary Ashok Mohan Chakraborty told reporters at the state secretariat.The chief secretary said he had also sought details of the project from the Railway Board chairman. -PTI

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Philosophy

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis when, where and what surrounding you live in. The point I am trying to make is that the relationship between thoughts and 'I" is not as close as we think they are. You must have watched television at home. There are hundreds of channels. You can tune into news channel CNN and watch the latest news about Barack Obama or Afghanistan. You could as well go to sports channel or if you sub-

hen the mind fully attains the state of abhavana and comes to drop its perceptions of sense-objects, at that stage in meditation, mind is really a "no-mind". When thoughts are rushing out in their mad fury to hug objects of pleasure they constitute chittam, and to quieten the chittam is the sacred function of the Yoga of Meditation. Where these outgoing thoughts

First group of channels is negative and second group is positive. Does your kind allows more negative thoughts to come in your mind? DR KRISHNA BHATTA

scribe to Asian channels, watch Zee-TV for an Indian movie. Even if I subscribe to 100 channels, do I watch all of them all the time? The reason I am bringing TV channels into discussion here should be obvious by now. Our mind is like a TV station. We may not realize it. It is worth taking a deeper look into our minds. We had a medical association

Brian's mind and he can stay cool and undisturbed. The other reason could be that she did not like our company and she left to avoid us. This thought process could be disturbing to Brian's mind. The idea is to explain any event such that the mind stays undisturbed. I am not saying that this is correct or right approach. The point here is that

We will get to at a later date. We ought to find out what channels we tune into most of the time. Let us focus on two kind of channels. First group of channels is negative channels and second group of channels is positive channels. Does your kind allows more negative thoughts to come in your mind or does it not. To be continued

two sources. Thoughts stem out from the past, dragging along with them the memories of the good and bad done in the days gone by. These confuse the individuals, with their regrets and sorrows, joys and pleasures from the stinking tombs of the past, forcing them to re-live the dead-past right in the fragrant present moments. Often, we are flown upon the wings of our mind's fancy and imagination, to dreams, where we

our energies in unproductive and wasteful regrets, for things we had already committed. The more we remember them, the more are those very vasanas getting, alas, deeper and deeper fixed into our personality structure. When we are not engaging ourselves with the negative pre-occupations of entertaining the regrets of the past, we are wandering in the fairy-castles of our fancied future, peopled with ugly

the worldly objects that are right in front of it, can choose its own private fields of agitations, subjectively in itself, by dragging up the buried corpses of a diseased past, or it can bring up vivid or throbbing pictures of a tragic hopelessness as the sure possibility of the immediate future! In either case the mind of the individual at meditation can get sadly disturbed. Therefore, the rishis advise us: Moment to moment engage the out-going mind (chittam) to live in the present. Reject completely the past. Renounce totally the future. Then in such a bosom, 'agitated mind' (chittam) shall reach the state of "mindlessness" (a-chittam). This state of mind is called the "no-mind". The content of the present moment, divorced from all relationship with the past and the future, is the absolute fullness of the Infinite. Eternity is experienced at the sacred depth, of the present moment. To live the present, independent of the past and the future, is to experience samadhi, the revealing culmination of meditation. Seek it yourself. Nobody can give it to anyone else. Each will have to reach there all by himself, in himself, with no other vehicle than himself.

Present moment absolute fullness of the Infinite

SWAMI CHINMAYANADA

(chittam) are eliminated is known as the "no-thought" (a-chitta) state, and that condition of the mind (mana) is recognized as "no-mind" (a-mana) state, highest in meditation. Thoughts are gushing in to flood our bosom and to make our mind an angry gush of self-ruinous compulsions, mainly from

there could be different channels of thinking. What Brian thinks depends upon which channel he is tuned into at that moment in time. What channel we turn to depends upon what kind of person we are. What kind of person we are depends upon what kind of person we train ourselves to become. A true change of a transformational nature in my thinking only happens from meditation.

What channels are you tuned to?

(Cont'd from last week) e believe that thoughts that transit our minds are our thoughts. Many of us truly believe in this theory. However, if you are an Indian, you may have one way of thinking. If you happen to be same Indian brought up in USA, you may have a different way of thinking. Arranged marriage may be okay if you live in India but it is a no-no if you live in the USA. Having a girl friend was unthinkable when I grew up in Patna in the 70s. I was in Delhi recently and many young boys and girls openly talked abut boyfriend and girl friend. These are what we call our thoughts. These thoughts appear to be different depending upon

meeting in Bar Harbor. I and my wife Lekha visited Brian and his wife for an afternoon tea. We were again discussing about our thought process. Brian's wife left the group to go to her room. It was not clear what the reason was for her to leave. Brian mentioned that he could think in two different ways. She might have something important for which she had to go. This gave reassurance to

To live the present, independent of the past and the future, is to experience samadhi, the revealing culmination of meditation. Seek it yourself are made to shudder at the future possibilities of failures and tremble in hopes of successes and swoon in the expectation of total losses or large profits. The past really is made up of dead moments and to unearth the buried moments is to live with the dead. We do so when we waste

fears, horrid dreams, unnerving hopes, and perhaps thousands of impossible expectations. In short, when our minds are not rattled by the perceptions-ofobjects (chittam) let us not thereby conclude that we have quietened our thoughts. Often, it is not so. Mind, when it is not engaged in

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? -Bible People strive to increase their standard of living, but not their standard of thinking. The best computer is the one between the ears. Understand the mind, transform and transcend the mind, by the discipline taught by yoga. - Swami Sukhabodhananda Face the brutes.That is a lesson for all life-face the terrible, face it boldly. Like the monkeys, the hardships of life fall back when we cease to flee before them. -Swami Vivekananda I find that somehow, by shifting the focus of attention, I become the very thing I look at, and experience the kind of consciousness it has; I become the inner witness of the thing. I call this capacity of entering other focal points of consciousness, love. -Nisargadatta Maharaj Spirituality is about acting out of your inner humanity, if you go deeper, you'll be acting out of inner divinity. This has nothing to do with moralityĂ&#x2013;the maximum damage to this world has been done with good intentions. -Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev Happiness is your nature. It is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it outside when it is inside. -Ramana Maharishi Active Evil is better than Passive Good. - William Blake

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Manmohan's defining visit to America KRITI SINGH

n 24 November the world witnessed a crucial moment in US-India bilateral relations as leaders of the two largest democracies shook hands and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The event marked the beginning of new relationship between the two democratic giants in the new century. Calling India a natural partner, President Obama stressed that the ties between the two countries were "one of the defining relations" in the 21st century in which India will assume a leadership role in the region and the world. With the optimism to work together as global strategic partners, India and the US have inked several MoUs to enhance cooperation on energy security, energy efficiency, clean energy, and climate change. Additionally, the two sides have also initialed MoUs on agricultural cooperation, food security, a counterterrorism cooperation initiative, as also advancing global security. Besides, several collaborative projects are also likely to be announced soon. Seeking to broaden and deepen India's strategic partnership and work with the US to meet the challenges of a fast-changing world, Singh declared the meeting as a moment of great opportunity in the bilateral relationship. He elaborated on and underlined the need to work together on a wide spectrum of areas, so that the countries could jointly harness the immense available talent. He further advocated that both countries cooperate to address global challenges like terrorism, environmental issues, and denuclearization. Views on China, Pakistan A key highlight of Singh's visit was the manner in which he clearly outlined his views on China and Pakistan. On the issue of China, Singh said that he had failed to understand the reason for the assertiveness on the Chinese part. Highlighting India's stand, he said that India wanted the world to prepare for the peaceful rise of China as a major power, and that engagement was the right strategy for India and the US to adopt in the regard. On border issues, he admitted that New Delhi has had a long-standing border problem with Beijing. In the meanwhile, both the countries have agreed that pending the resolution of the border problem, peace and tranquility should be maintained along the border.

"I have received these assurances from Chinese leadership from the highest level. There is but a certain amount of assertiveness on the Chinese part. I don't fully understand the reasons for it," Singh said at the Council on Foreign Relations. He acknowledged that Sino-India relations had plummeted to new low especially after the Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama's trip to Arunachal Pradesh. But he was assertive enough to reject Obama's offer to China to assume the role of a big brother in the South Asian region especially in India-Pakistan bilateral matters.

would use against Pakistan to stop the misuse of aid. The only reply forthcoming on the issue was that the aid given to Pakistan was meant only for military purposes and not for other development processes. This was certainly not the answer that Indians were looking for, especially in view of the 26/11 anniversary. Nevertheless, President Obama did mention that Pakistan would have to take enormous steps to combat terrorism origination from its soil. Further, he asserted that a lesson could be drawn that terrorism that breeds on one's ground and infiltrates neighboring countries

Dinner diplomacy

However, back home, despite the optimism, the people of India in general and media in particular, were disappointed with no statement forthcoming from the US on terrorism originating from Pakistan. As the news channels eagerly waited and journalists speculated,

Constant avoidance of confronting Pakistan on the terrorist activities against India raises questions about the authenticity of Obama's assurance of being India's best friend the hopes, analysis, and assumptions all fell flat when the joint press conference came to a conclusion with no mention of 26/11. On being questioned about the US military aid given to Pakistan and fears that it was being used against India, Obama avoided giving any substantial answer on how and when the US would put a hold on it, or what measures it

with a view to spread itself, can often backfire. Quick enough to notice the disappointment within India, Washington, a day after the joint press conference, joined New Delhi in emphasizing the "absolute imperative" to bring to justice the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks. It further accentuated the need for "resolute and credible steps" to eliminate "safe havens" in Pakistan and Afghanistan which undermine the security and stability of the world. The many shared values such as democracy, pluralism, tolerance, openness, and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights, make both countries 'natural partners' who recognize terrorism as one of the biggest threats to world security. The recent visit has been an occasion for both countries to reaffirm their determination to fight evil in all its forms. However the delayed response from the US and its constant avoidance of confronting Pakistan on the terrorist activities against India, raises questions about the authenticity of Obama's assurance of being India's best friend. The writer is Research Associate, IPCS

India Post Models of development

any among India's policy makers could not suppress their glee at the collapse of the Dubai model of development. It was akin to the "you had it coming" satisfaction when the state sponsored jehadis, let loose to undermine India, turned on the Pakistani government itself. It is forgotten in this moment that 40 percent of Dubai's population is Indian and the crisis will have an impact on employment and remittances from ex-pats there. The Dubai model of development is based on infrastructure-first policy. It is believed if excellent infrastructure is built, people will follow. But this excellent infrastructure may not be affordable for ordinary people and hence demand may not necessarily follow. Recent reports spoke of the world's best metro rail network in Dubai but it had few occupants. It connected malls and posh areas but left untouched residential neighborhoods where ordinary folk await transport. The result is that at any point there are not many takers for this train, particularly now at this crisis time. There is a relevant example closer home for India. The celebrated Bandra-Worli sea-link in Mumbai, in spite of its distance-cutting miracle, is being sparingly used in spite of the crowds in Mumbai. The reason is the high toll charges, by Indian standards, of Rs 50 for a one-way trip for each vehicle. Similar is the fate of many high-class toll-ways in metropolitan cities. It raises the question, development for whom? The mad rush for developing Delhi before the Commonwealth Games has come with a high cost for ordinary citizens. The rates for ordinary bus and metro travel have been almost doubled. Should we then continue with India's usual lethargic, stumbling, fumbling style of development? Perhaps not. But neither the pure western model of development nor the charitable theory of "trickledown effect" has worked in India's case. In the trickle down effect it is argued that if the rich corporations and industrialists are given a free hand at expansion of their empire, the benefits will percolate to the poor as well in the form of jobs etc. Had it not been for the Maoist/Naxalite violence, the problems of the tribals and the neglected sections would not have attracted the media attention and the government's belated action. It is not in Copenhagen but in the illegal mining connived at by government officials in areas of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Jharkhand that the problem of ecology will be solved. In the name of development, free exploitation is taking place of the natural resources of villages without any benefit to the village communities. Instead of the brave, interventionist plans for removing poverty, if the exploitation of the land and mineral resources was prevented, the government would have done a creditable job. Speaking from experience, a retired administrator says development initiatives which are done in consultation with the beneficiaries shall succeed, particularly where they feel that they are participants in development and not just recipients of charity. Thus no development model imposed from above is going to succeed. The peculiar needs and environments of different areas have to be studied and assistance given where it boosts local effort. The best model so far demonstrated is to give free credit to the poor so that they can do their own thing. Developed by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh, it encourages effective social businesses powered by micro-credit. Yunus is known for founding the Grameen Bank that provides credit to the poorest in Bangladesh, and the repayment rate on loans is often as high as 98 per cent. He now gives loans to even "over 100,000 beggars" in Bangladesh!

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