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Indo American News • Friday,February 18, 2011

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Friday, February 18, 2011

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India Holds NELP IX Roadshow in Houston for Oil & Gas Blocks

By Pramod Kulkarni HOUSTON: India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas held a roadshow on Monday, Feb. 14 at the Intercontinental Hotel to invite international oil and gas companies in Houston to bid for exploration blocks in India. The roadshow was hosted by the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons and included representatives of Indian oil and gas companies: ONGC, Indian Oil, Reliance Industries and British Gas India. About 50 representatives of the local oil and gas companies and oilfield service companies attended the presentations. Consul General Sanjiv Arora wel-

comed the gathering and presentations about the New Economic Licensing Program (NELP IX) were made by Narasimha Raju, the Ministry’s joint secretary for exploration. Mr. Raju was followed by presentations by representatives of the leading oil and gas companies about their positive experiences operating in India under the NELP regime. Recent roadshows were held in Moscow, Perth and Calgary. Under NELP, India has made a series of oil and gas discoveries, including Reliance Industries’ prolific KG-D6 gas field in the Krishna Godavari basin offshore the east coast

of India and Cairn Energy’s Mangala oil field in Rajasthan. DGH has invited bids by March 18 for 34 exploration blocks, comprised of eight deepwater, seven shallowwater and 19 onland blocks. India expects investment commitments in the current round to exceed the $1.1 billion it received in 2009. India is yet to attract the attention of the major companies in these licensing rounds. One possibility is that the continuing difficulties in obtaining deepwater drilling permits in the Gulf of Mexico may encourage multinational companies such as ExxonMocontinued on page

NELP IX roadshow took place in Perth, Australia (seen here), and Calgary prior to the presentation in Houston.

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Indians to be Exempted from u uK Immigration Cap LONDON (PTI): High-earning non-European professionals, including Indians, will be exempted from an annual UK immigration cap which will come into effect in April. The government yesterday announced that employers filling a vacancy that attracts a salary of 150,000 pounds or more will not be subject to the limit. Home Office Minister Damian Green made clear that the decision to exempt those earning more than 150,000 pounds a year from the annual limit was intended to make it as business-friendly as possible and to dispel claims that Britain was not open for business. “This shake up is part of the government’s new annual limit on non-EU workers, which will take effect on April 6, “ the British Home Ministry said. The David Cameron government last year had announced a per permanent immigration quota intended to slash the number of non-EU nationals permitted to work in the country to around 20,700. Under the new system, employers will have to apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from the UK Border Agency for a specific post if they wish to bring someone to the UK. Green said: “Britain needs to attract the brightest and the best to fill jobs gaps but this should never be at the

expense of workers already here. “We have worked closely with businesses while designing this system, and made it clear employers should look first to people who are out of work and who are already in this country. “And those that do come here to work must know that we intend to make the route to settlement tougher. It can not be right that people coming to fill temporary skills gaps have open access to permanent settlement.” The annual limit of 20,700 COS will be divided into 12 monthly allocations. Due to the likely demand in the first month, 4,200 COS will be made available in April. After that the limit will be set at

1,500 places per month. Any places that are unused each month will be rolled over to the following month. In the event that the monthly allocation is over subscribed, COS applications will be ranked using a points system designed to favour jobs on the shortage occupation list, scientific researchers and those with a higher salary. Once a COS has then been granted to an employer it must be assigned to the prospective employee within three months. Workers from outside the EU who want to come to Britain will need to have a graduate level job, speak an intermediate level of English, and meet specific salary and employment requirements.

NELP IX Roadshow in Houston

continued from page

bil, Shelll and BP to place their bids or create joint ventures with either ONGC or Reliance. However, analysts expect MNC response to NELP to remain sluggish and global majors such as ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips to stay away due to a lack of clarity on fiscal incentives and issues related to inducting new partners. India has sedimentary basins of 3.14 million square kilometers, but so far, only a third has been ex-

plored. The country imports fourfifth of its crude oil requirements and plans to complete exploration work on most of the sedimentary basins by 2015 as part of efforts to cut its crude import bill. Furgo Data Solutions is providing marketing support for DGH to promote the NELP roadshows and offers a data viewing room in Houston allow local exploration companies to examine the seismic and geological data prior to bidding.

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Vasant Krishnan: New CFO of Mahindra Satyam MUMBAI (PTI): Mahindra Satyam, a leading global consulting and IT services provider, on Monday announced the appointment of Vasant Krishnan, as its new Chief Financial Officer effective March 1. Krishnan is a Chartered Accountant with over 25-years experience and presently with Mahindra & Mahindra Limited as Senior VicePresident. He will come on board at Mahindra Satyam with effect from March 1 in place of S Durgashankar who will relocate to M&M, a press release

issued here stated. “On behalf of the Board of Directors of Mahindra Satyam, I would like to place on record my sincere appreciation to Durgashankar for his outstanding contribution in bringing order to our financial system, in what were probably the most difficult and trying times in corporate history of India. His ability to motivate a distraught team during the crisis and complete the restatement of our accounts in a record time, speaks volumes of his efforts in rebuilding Mahindra

Satyam,” the company’s Chairman, Vineet Nayyar, said. On Krishnan’s appointment, Nayyar said that Krishnan’s experience would enable greater levels of transparency within the company and help adhere to industry standards. Mahindra Satyam is a part of the USD 7.1-billion Mahindra Group which is one of the top 10 industrial firms based in India. The Group’s interests span financial services, automotive products, trade, retail and logistics, information technology and infrastructure development.

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Indo American News • Friday,February 18, 2011

India Needs New Laws Against Invasion of Privacy: Ratan Tata

NEW DELHI (PTI): Amid raging controversy over phone tapping, Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata has said there is a need for a law to keep a tab on invasion of people’s privacy. Tapes containing his private conversation with corporate lobbyist Niira Radia had been leaked to media last year, following which Tata had moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the government to probe the leakage as well as stop further publication of the same. “There should be a law against invading people’s privacy, unless it’s for an investigative purpose,” Tata said in

an interview to the ‘Wall Street Journal’. He told the daily that unchecked wiretapping and media willingness to publish such personal material pose grave dangers for India. “We’re moving into an era, if all the tabloids and all the magazines talk of hearing people maybe talking to their mistress or talking about their health, or issues of this nature, then one day we would soon find people’s bodies in the trunks of cars--you know, we’re settling scores,” Tata said in the interview. In November last year, Tata had expressed concern over unsubstantiated media attacks being made apparently on the basis of unauthorised tapes. “So, I think these are bad times. I wish the government would take a stand, bring in an auditor and have an investigation. Book people who are guilty of something,” he had said. Phone tapping, including TataRadia conversation, are part of the investigation launched by various government agencies into the alleged irregularities during the sale of 2G spectrum to telecom companies in 2008.

Houston Durga Bari Society will celebrate Shib-Ratri ( Shib Sankranti ) with Bhajan songs ( hindi or bangla ) on Thursday March 03 from 4-9 pm. The prasad and dinner will be served at 9:30 pm. All are welcome to attend. Please come and enjoy the puja , prasad and dinner. For sponsoring the Shib-Ratri puja, call Ganesh Mandal at 713-797-9057 / 832-423-8541 and Dr. Bishnu pada Goswami at 281-597-8100.

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South Asia News of the Diaspora

Reliance Head Anil Ambani Questioned by C CbI in 2G Scam

Vinay Kumar NEW DELHI (Hindu): Reliance Communications head Anil Ambani on Wednesday appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for giving clarifications in connection with the agency’s ongoing probe into the alleged 2G spectrum scam. Ambani was questioned at the CBI headquarters for nearly two hours during which the investigators asked him on certain documents pertaining to Swan Telecom of the DB Realty group, whose promoter Shahid Usman Balwa is at present in the CBI custody. CBI sources said that Mr. Ambani was asked to appear before the agency as his company Reliance Communications was one of the beneficiaries of the 2G scam and the CBI has been questioning senior functionaries of all new operators that got licenses. However, in a statement issued by R Com’s parent concern Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) Group said that Mr. Ambani has not been summoned and that he has merely met CBI officials, during a weekly visit to Delhi, to clarify on ``ongoing issues.’’ The statement said: ``Neither Reliance Telecom, nor RCOM, nor any Reliance ADA Group individual,

File photo of Anil Ambani

company or affiliate held even a single share in Swan Telecom Ltd., at the time of grant of the 2G license to them in January 2008, or at any time thereafter. Neither Reliance Telecom, nor RCOM, nor any Reliance ADA Group individual, company or affiliate has obtained any monetary gain or other benefit, directly or indirectly, from the grant of 2G license to Swan Telecom in January 2008.’’

Shiv Sagar

However, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) audit report titled ``Issue of Licences and Allocation of 2G Spectrum’’ has clearly mentioned that Swan Telecom, which got 2G licences, appeared to be acting as a front company for Reliance Telecom, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Communications or RCom. It also said that it was evident that at the time of applying for Unified Access Service (UAS) licences, the equity stakes of Reliance Telecom Ltd in Swan Telecom was 10.71 per cent, which was against the prescribed norms. The CAG report said that Swan Telecom Private Limited while applying for UAS licenses in 13 service areas was ``acting as a front company on behalf of RTL and their application was in ef effect against the intent and spirit of the UAS licensing guidelines.’’ Reliance Communications is also under CBI scanner for allegedly deriving undue benefits in dual technology. Three compnaies – Reliance Comunication for 20 service areas,

Shyam Telelink for Rajasthan service area and HFCL Infotel for Punjab ser service area had applied for permission for using GSM technology in 2006. Since the combination of technologies (CDMA, GSM and / or any other) under the same licence was not permitted, DoT had not acceded to their request till April 2007. Based on the recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the decision for use of alternate technology was taken for the first time by the DoT on October 17, 2007. However, the decision was taken without referring the matter to the full Telecom Commission even when it involved allocation of spectrum in 2007 at the 2001 price. CAG report found that Reliance Communication Ltd. had complied

with the requirements for permission to use dual technology on October 19, 2007 itself by depositing the non refundable entry fee of Rs. 1645 crore for 20 service areas through their sister concern Reliance Infocomm Ltd. The company could acquire the right for allocation of 2G spectrum in 20 service areas on the day the policy itself was announced. It said the process followed by the DoT while introducing access to the dual technology to the existing telecom operators in India lacked ``transparency and fairness.’’ The CAG report found that ``equal opportunity was denied to other similarly placed operators who could apply for use of dual technology, only after the formal announcement of the policy.’’

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travel

Indo American News • Friday, February 18, 2011

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S. Africa Tourism Woos Indian Travellers with Wine and Golf

(SIFY): South African tourism recently teamed up with South African Airways on an annual 3 city road show to promote newer emerging tourist segments to Indian travellers. Bringing this initiative to Ahmedabad for the second time, SA seems to be going all out to promote its luxury segments to the Indian travelers. Talking about the initiative Evelyn Mahlaba, regional director-Australia, America and Asia regions, South African Tourism said, “South Africa has always popularly been associated with respect to sports and wildlife tourism. But there is a thriving golf, adventure and vineyards that we have and want to promote through this initiative. This is a good platform for trade partners and travel representatives from both the countries to promote the best of adventure and luxury tourism that we have in South Africa.” In the latest figures released by the South African tourism Ministry, arrival figures from India have seen a marked increase from 5,047 in 2009 to 6291 travellers in 2010. If the figures

are anything to go by, then there has been a spurt of 26 percent of Indian travelers visiting South Africa, making it a desirable destination in the Indian market. Traditionally known for its wildlife tourism, the country is now promoting its golf and wineyards to Indian tourists who make up a chunk of the segment that wants a slice of luxury. Ashish Bhandari, sales manager of Sun International that boasts of a huge golf property said, “With Gary players and the Lost city golf courses in place, the Nedbank Golf tournament that is held at these venues in December since 30 years has become one of the biggest sporting events in the world. The event sees around 80,000 enthusiasts turning up for the tournament. Also we have a lot of adventure sports at the property which makes it an attractive travel destination for tourists. Another growing segment that has seen a rise in the last few years is that of the MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferences and events), which includes a lot of corporates flying to South Africa for the same.”

ENCHANTMENT OF INDIA at

the Annual Mardi Gras Dinner Gala, Galveston, Texas http://www.galveston.com/MardiGrasBall

on Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 6 pm to 12 am Celebrating India, Hosted by the George Mitchell family Presented by the Tremont House in Galveston EKAL VIDYALAYA - nominated as Charity of Choice 2011 Noted Local Cookbook Author & Celebrity Shubhra Ramineni Nominates Ekal Vidyala for Donations to be made by the George Mitchell Family & Raminenis

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For Tickets & Event Details, Contact: Ramesh Shah 281-300-7424 & Ashok Danda 713-376-0535

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WILDlife

Indo American News • Friday, February 18, 2011

Burmese Python Released into the Wild

ASSAM (WTI): A Burmese rock python found in a house near Panbari Reserve Forest in Assam was captured by local people

individuals being caught by people, after finding them in and around their houses or settlements. There are also cases of conflicts with people or the species being caught with the intent of trade. “There are three species of pythons found in India – the Indian rock python, the reticulated python (only in Andaman & Nicobar Islands) and the Burmese rock python. They are persecuted for their skins used in fashion industry and for their fats used in traditional medicines, and also possibly for bush meat trade. They are listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, meaning, their capture or trade can attract a maximum of seven years of imprisonment,” said Jose Louies, a self-taught herpetologist who handles various WTI projects including wildlife trade control and capacity building of frontline forest staff. “Burmese rock pythons are the only speAnimal keeper Tarun Gogoi and veterinarians cies of pythons found in northeast India; Dr Anil Deka and Dr Anthony Nokso Phangcho they are widespread and in good numbers (from left to right) get set for the release here, which also reflects in the number of and brought to the Centre for Wildlife Reha- cases that have been handled by our veterinarbilitation and Conservation (CWRC). The ians. These snakes enter human settlements, python was released in Panbari following attracted perhaps by easy prey including health examinations by CWRC veterinar- poultry and livestock, and are easily caught ians by people. Pre-emptive captures by local Since 2000, when International Fund for people are common, but ideally, the snakes Animal Welfare - Wildlife Trust of India (IF- should be left alone.” AW-WTI) began rescue and rehabilitation of displaced or distressed wild animals, a total of 182 cases of Burmese rock pythons have been attended to in northeast Indian states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. About 95 % of these cases ended with the snakes being released in the wild. More than a half of these cases involved

Namaskaar Entertainment & Tara Energy Presents

Day, Date & Time - Friday, March 4th, 2011, 9.00 PM • Venue - Stafford Civic Center ( old ) Tickets are $15, $25, $35, VIP, VVIP available at www.namaskaar.org & Parivar Grocers, Patel Brothers, Keemat Grocers, Official Caterers - Madras Pavilion

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Sports

Indo American News • Friday, February 18, 2011

Can South Africa Take Off at World Cup? Sri Lankans Go In as Favorites

Faf du Plessis dives to field a ball, Australia vs. South Africa World Cup warm-up match, Bangalore.

BANGALORE (Cricinfo): The plain truth about South Africa is that, as a World Cup team, they add up to less than the sum of their parts. You would think a side blessed over the years with players of the calibre of Peter Kirsten, Allan Donald, Jacques Kallis, Jonty Rhodes, Shaun Pollock, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers and Graeme Smith - and a host of only slightly lesser lights - would come up with a trophy between them somehow, somewhere. You would, of course, be wrong. South Africans have grown weary of trying to explain why their mighty team haven’t won a World Cup, or even reached a final. The real answer is; there is no real answer. They have talent in abundance. Their skills are eminently world-class. The country’s cricket infrastructure is acknowledged as the best in the game, and proven to be so by the country’s unofficial status as the default standby hosts for ICC events. It seems the problem lies either between the ears or in the heart, places even the best coaching struggles to penetrate effectively. What of this World Cup? The inclusion in the squad of Pakistani-born legspinner Imran Tahir among three frontline slow bowlers suggests a change in approach. But we’ve seen this movie before - promising form leading up to the tournament, stellar individual performances, the gut feeling that this time it might be different ... World Cup pedigree Semi-finalists in 1992, 1999 and 2007; quarter-finalists in 1996; first-round casualties in 2003. Only once, in the World Cup they hosted no less, have South Africa failed to reach the second round.

They have proved hard, competitive and ambitious. Just not hard, competitive and ambitious enough to go all the way. Recent form Since Novemeber 2009, South Africa have played 26 one-day internationals and won 18 of them. However, Zimbabwe and West Indies, who 10 of those games were played against, did not make for very competitive opposition. Against the bigger boys - England, India and Pakistan - they lost half of the other 16. Among South Africa’s victories were three in a fivematch series against a Pakistan team desperate to show they took cricket seriously in the wake of the spot-fixing allegations. South Africa also hung tough to win the last two matches in a 3-2 series victory over India. Still, a success rate of 50% against credible opponents is not good enough. Expert eye Pat Symcox: “This is the best squad South Africa have ever sent to a World Cup, and the most balanced and experienced one. But our preparation has been predominantly concerned with ensuring the seam bowlers are ready for the tournament, when spin bowling will be more important given the conditions. However, if ever there was a time when South Africa will win the World Cup, this is it.” Where they’re likely to finish It’s difficult to imagine South Africa not finding their way out of the first round. It’s also difficult to imagine them progressing much further. They’re vulnerable in any knockout situation. Watchability To see fielding, South African style, is worth the price of admission to any match. They are lions

and there will be blood. The same goes for South Africa’s fast bowling - aggressive, relentless and disciplined. Their batting will be adventurous and enterprising as long as the pressure remains off. Once it’s on, you would be forgiven for thinking the circus had come to town. Key Players This will be Graeme Smith’s last World Cup as South Africa’s captain, and perhaps his last all told. He is a proud, determined, demonstrative man who readily embraces emotive ideas. The thought that he could go out in glorious fashion, leading the finest team never to have won a World Cup to triumph, is made for him. He will bully most of the seam bowlers he will face on the subcontinent’s slow pitches, and he is much less clumsy against spin than he appears. Unbelievable though it may seem, there was a time when Hashim Amla’s suitability as a one-day batsman was openly questioned. As is his way, Amla didn’t take issue with the doubters. He simply went out and proved them very wrong, scoring runs, runs and more runs. He scored them stylishly and lickety-split like, and he never seemed to fashion a crude or an ungrammatical stroke as he did so. In the process he rose to the top of the ICC’s one-day batting rankings. Besides all that, he possesses that rarest of attributes for a South African: a cold mind. Something special is required Colin Ingram - a name that is added to a list that features the likes of Desmond Haynes, Andy Flower and Dennis Amiss. Telford Vice is a freelance cricket writer in South Africa

In 2007, excitement ratcheted up in Sri Lanka over six weeks as Mahela Jayawardene’s side established themselves as worthy title contenders in the Caribbean. Rain, a rampant Adam Gilchrist and the LTTE attacks on Colombo, though, combined to bring a distressing end to the campaign. Gilchrist’s gone and the civil war is over but the core of the Sri Lankan that marched to the final remains intact - Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Lasith Malinga and Tillakaratne Dilshan are around, and others like Upul Tharanga,

Nuwan Kulasekara and Dilhara Fernando are back for another tilt at the title. Surrounding that experienced core is the talent that has emerged over the past couple of years - allrounders Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera, and spinner Ajantha Mendis. Home advantage should have made them even more formidable, though no one is quite sure how the pitches at the three refurbished or completely new Sri Lankan venues will play. Favorites typically fall out favor when play starts, so let’s see what really happens.

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Indo American News • Friday, February 18, 2011

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20: The introspective mood may have only gotten stronger by now, but a slew of ‘happening’ events await you this week. There will be a lot of gadding about, and social interactions around this time, and you will feel exhilarated seeing yourself making waves at party scenes and grabbing the attention of your family members. This sudden burst of joy will be chiefly because your actions will be driven by your emotions. TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21: This week may not be any different from the previous one. You may, in fact, find yourself even more busy, trying desperately to fulfil demands on the financial, spiritual and family front. If unnecessary expenses are to be checked, money matters will need to be given special attention. You are likely to evoke an equal measure of love and animosity in those around you, but avoid any sort of friction, as it may ruin your moments of joy. GEMINI You will start this week with enthusiasm and will be excited about almost every activity that grabs your attention. Family will be your source of strength and inspiration, motivating you to undertake and accomplish tasks that you may have found difficult in the past. Property matters, land, construction and even renovation may keep you occupied throughout the week. You may also have to face certain social hindrances, conflicts or disappointments. CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 23: Convinced that your creative ideas are indeed unique and worthy of being implemented, you will start to put in efforts to realise your goals. The focus this week will be primarily on work, improving performance and achieving success, . However, the pleasure that you seek to fulfil your personal desires will come not from work but from family, hobbies, recreation and increased interaction. Pets and children will be

a source of bonding and emotional gains. LEO July 24 -Aug 23: You will be adventurous and eager to move ahead. The favourable upward trend will continue. Research, new academic avenues, discoveries and inventions, as well as sports will take your fancy. You will be blessed with the love and affection of children. New vistas of glory will open up. You will spend quality time with friends, colleagues and peers. Personal growth and practical gains will keep you in a good mood. VIRGOAug 24 - Sep 23: The strong focus on work will now gradually shift towards family and loved ones, both near and far. You will spend more time with your kith and kin. You will enjoy ample weekend outings and holidays during this month. You will spend a significant amount of time and energy in making your home a more loving and warm abode. The aura of social and personal success will radiate from you. LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23: The past couple of weeks may have been exhilarating, but it’s time now you got ready to deal with yet another of those trying times. A taxing week making a huge demand on your time. Although there are chances of wish fulfilment, anxiety may keep you tensed all the time. Work issues and financial ones will go hand-in-hand, while on the personal front, love and animosity will come in equal measure. SCORPIO Oct 24 - Nov 22: This week, you may find your mind functioning at two different levels of consciousness. Routine life will be one of the two facets while the other, more significant, one would be the mood of contemplation and meditation. You will coalesce them beautifully to meet both physical and spiritual demands. It may sound surreal, but it’s no mean feat. Those around you may, in fact,

horoScope www.GaneshaSpeaks.com be envious of your ability to handle chaotic situations calmly.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 22: This week, the focus will shift a little from you to your sur surroundings. You will be busy sprucing up the place that you call home. Buying a new house, carrying out large-scale renovations, buying new furniture for the house, and even making changes in the house to suit Vaastu norms will be few of the activities you may carry out during this week. Moreover, you will work towards strengthening the bond with your loved ones. CAPRICORN Dec 23 - Jan 20: Having built a strong foundation of reliable relationships, you will now turn your attention to improving your professional life. Avoid nursing negative thoughts, especially if you have a decision to take on an important matter. You will be attracted to a career that challenges your intellectual abilities. But don’t push yourself too hard, you might just end up exerting yourself too much, not to mention the financial crunch it may leave you in.

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Making Marriage Relationships Work! Conflict is not in and of itself a bad thing. In fact, conflicts in relationships can be constructive when used as a vehicle for improving communication. Treat Conflict as a tool for gaining clarity, creating deeper understanding and strengthening your relationship.When you are in the midst of conflict, take the LEAD to manage it respectfully and calmly. Overall, Listen more, talk Less. It’s better to say less.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19: Your growing knowledge will give you an impressive degree of self confidence this week. This mood will reflect even while you are socializing and having fun. However, more than these trivial aspects, it will be the serious pursuits that will grab your attention. You will also be greatly attracted to the spiritual forces and may indulge in either discoveries, inventions or research. All in all, it will be a good week for you. PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20:You will be more involved in and committed to your work, and will realise that there really is no place like home. Your focus will be on family and home. Dealing with parents, in-laws and relatives will increase considerably, and you will share a lot about your life with them. You will be exceedingly nice and caring towards children, the old, the disabled and the sick.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

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technology

Your iPhone Can be Hacked in 6 Minutes

SYDNEY (TOI) : Companies that let staff use iPhone and iPad for business have been warned that hackers could steal passwords from the device in just six minutes even if its lock is enabled. The hack, which could seriously compromise a corporation’s critical infrastructure, was uncovered by experts in Germany and allows attackers to break into a lost or stolen phone simply by removing its SIM card and following a brief procedure, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Experts at Germany’s state-sponsored research institute Fraunhofer SIT said in a statement, “Within six minutes the institute’s staff was able to render void the iPhone’s encryption and decipher the passwords stored on it. “If the iPhone is used for business purposes then the company’s network security may be at risk as well. Only companies prepared for such an attack will be able to reduce their risk.” The attack targets Apple’s password management system, known as a “keychain”, which scrambles all passwords and login information on the iPhone. It can compromise iPhone and iPad with the latest software version installed even if they have the software “screen lock” turned on. Once an attacker has access to the phone, the first step is to install “jailbreaking” software, which a small number of iPhone owners do voluntarily so they can download

apps unauthorised by Apple. From here, the attacker downloads a programme on to the phone that is able to decrypt passwords held on it, most notably for Google Mail accounts and for private company networks. “As soon as attackers are in the possession of an iPhone or iPad and have removed the device’s SIM card, they can get hold of email passwords and access codes to corporate VPNs (virtual private networks) and WLANs (wireless local area networks) as well,” the researchers said in a statement. “Control of an email account al-

lows the attacker to acquire even more additional passwords: for many web services, such as social networks, the attacker only has to request a password reset.” Jens Heider, the technical manager of the Fraunhofer SIT security test lab, said many companies have a false belief that the highsecurity phones lent to employees are impenetrable to such attacks. “This opinion we encountered even in companies’ security departments,” Heider said. “Our demonstration proves that this is a false assumption. We were able to crack devices with high-security settings within a very short time.” Graham Cluley, a security expert at Sophos, said the vulnerability could turn serious if hackers choose to put the attack method in the public domain. “Others may well try to do this and publish the tools to do it, so it is quite serious,” he said. In its latest earnings call last month, Apple said that a large number of Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 companies were “testing or deploying” the iPhone and iPad. Cluley said companies using Apple’s popular smartphone need to put pressure on the technology firm to fix the issue as soon as possible. “This is embarrassing for Apple, because they want people to believe they have a trusted enterprise device. What’s important is how quickly they can patch this,” the newspaper said citing Cluley.

Indo American News • Friday, February 18, 2011

Insults of the Week! These insults are from an era before the English language got boiled down to 4-letter words: “I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure.” Clarence Darrow “He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary.” - William Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway).

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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

Indo American News • Friday, February 18, 2011

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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM