hi INDiA | Fenruary 10, 2017 | East Coast by hi INDiA Weekly

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017

INDIAN-ORIGIN US ACADEMICS DENOUNCE TRUMP’S MIDWEST EDITION | EAST COAST EDITION | Volume 7 • Issue No. 396 FEBRUARY 10, 2017 | THE COMMUNITY FIRST hiindia.com R-Day celebrated on LongBAN Island TRAVEL N O TI E F

ogues, drama, desperation... L DIALOGUES, DRAMA, ut to DESPERATION... UP as action begins CUT 2

EC UR EL EAT F

FRIDAY, 10 FEBRUARY, 2017

BY A STAFF WRITER ONG ISLAND, NY -- Supervisor Anthony Santino, Town Clerk Nasrin Ahmad and the entire H e m p s t e a d To w n B o a r d welcomed the Indian American Forum, local Indian-American residents and outstanding performers and speakers during the town’s celebration of India Republic Day. The cultural event commemorated the anniversary of India becoming a republic after declaring independence from British rule. It was the largest event of its kind on Long Island. “The Town of Hempstead is honored to host a joyous celebration of India Republic Day, and we thank the many Indian-American neighbors who came out to support this wonderful event”, said Santino. He presented the prestigious Town of Hempstead India Republic Day Award to Neeta Bhasin and Sunita Manjrekar for their decades of hard work and dedication to the local Indian-American community. Neeta is the founder of ASB Communications, a full-service international multicultural advertising and marketing organization. She also established Event Guru Worldwide, which

or the first phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election is due on February there is plenty happening in the country’s politically most critical state

gun in Election al and Chief and the e crissas they rs. choprally to of all small while -wheelcandi-

Modi llies in week, dav has ashtriya ngh has ommuy (BSP) ng why

Rahul v have cknow, stop is to the ters are villages,

TO UP AS ACTION BEGINS

INDIAN LINKED TO DRUG TRADE BROUGHT TO US

with the Ram temple issue, adding their own dash of drama. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has entered the fray, using peppery like “Jo baap ka Indian linked to drugsentences trade brought to US na hua, wo aap ka kya hoga”. And, the reference to Akhilesh Yadav is not at all missed. Meanwhile, the 43-year-old Chief Minister, knowing the risk of alienating his father’s supporters, has been invoking Mulayam’s legacy in places of Yadav dominance: Etah, (L-R) Baktash Akasha Abdalla, Vijaygiri Auraiyya, Goswami, Hathras. Gulam Hussein & Anandgiri Television Ibrahim Akashaactor-turned-politician Abdalla Smriti Zubin Irani added to the heady for cocktail Lucknow. Asked Two arrested Indian’sin murder to comment on BJP leader Vinay Katiyar’s sexist remark on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, she snapped back at the scribe, asked him to come to the While plenty of rallies take place in the state, the action has begun in UP with leaders hard-selling their parties to voters. front row. She handed him her From left, BJP’s Narendra Modi, SP’s Akhilesh Yadav, Congress’s Rahul Gandhi and BSP’s Mayawati. mobile phone and asked him to read many without electricity. Yadav is at the forefront of taking on to-size as a mentor of the Samajwa- out loud a message on a social netUnion ministers Kalraj Mishra, Modi with crisp one liners. di Party he founded, may be aging working site. Rajnath Singh, Piyush Goel, Smriti Shivpal Yadav, once the tallest of but many are wondering what his The journalist turned red. The Irani, V.K. Singh, Ravi Shankar state ministers but now pushed to next move would be. combative Union minister said Prasad and Mukhtaar Abbas Naqvi the sidelines by his nephew and So, if the 78-year-old one day spat Priyanka’s husband Robert Vadra have been hopping from one city to Chief Minister, is leading the emo- on the Congress-Samajwadi alliance, had made a remark about her and another. Modi’s digs at his oppo- tional brigade with his passionate the next day he sobered down saying got no criticism from Priyanka nents have sparked terse responses. off-and-on appeals on how some he will campaign for the coalition as Gandhi or any other Congressman. Modi’s action-packed speeches are people (Akhilesh) get everything by it was stitched up by his son. The first phase of the Uttar being responded to by regional luck and legacy while some slog it Gorakhpur’s firebrand MP Pradesh polls is due on February 11, Mahant Adityanath and other saf- while campaigning for six satraps in their own ways. Egged on out but get nothing (himself). by social media workers, Akhilesh Mulayam Singh Yadav, now cut- fron-robed leaders are pitching in others is yet to begin. BY A STAFF WRITER EW YORK, NY — An Indianorigin man who was allegedly a member of an international gang that trafficked drugs from the Pakistan-Afghanistan region, was caught in Kenya and brought to the US to face narcotics charges, New York federal prosecutor Preet Bharara said. Vijaygiri Goswami and three others “ran a Kenyan drug trafficking organization with global ambitions,” the Indian American prosecutor said January 31. “For their alleged distribution of literally tons of narcotics--heroin and methamphetamine--around the globe, including to America, they will now face justice in a New York federal court,” Bharara said. The prosecution’s account of the 2014 operation to bring down the gang known as the “Akasha Organization” sounds like a thriller with undercover operatives who pretended to be South American drug dealers to infiltrate it and used Skype to communicate.

produces one of Times Square’s biggest events, Diwali at Times Square. Sunita is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with more than 17 years of experience and proven leadership, specializing in the field of substance abuse and workforce development.

The ceremony, which was co-sponsored by the Indian American Forum, also offered many cultural features, including a number of traditional Indian songs and dances. Akbar Restaurant provided Indian delicacies for attendees to enjoy after the ceremony.

BY A STAFF WRITER ODESTO, CA -- One block from the location where 39-year-old Kalpesh ‘ Kal’ Patel was shot the night of January 27, Modesto Police Department homicide detectives on February 1morning searched the home of one of the men suspected in his death. Patel died after he was shot on Ortega Drive on January 27 night. He was found on the sidewalk and taken to a nearby hospital, where he died. The shooter left the area before officers got to the scene, according to Heather Graves, spokeswoman for the Modesto

(L-R) Baktash Akasha Abdalla, Vijaygiri Anandgiri Goswami, Gulam Hussein & Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla

They code-named heroin “chickens” and touted its quality as “diamond.” The operatives, described as “confidential sources,” were working under the direction of the US Drug Enforcement Agency. Baktash Akasha Abdalla, Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla, Gulam Hussein and Goswami, who

also called himself Vijay and Vicky, were arrested in Mombasa, Kenya, in November 2014, at the request of the US government, and finally brought to New York on January 30. The four were charged with narcotics offenses.

‘RAEES’ BANNED IN PAK

Kalpesh ‘Kal’ Patel with his daughter

Police Department. Detectives had arrested Jose Lopez, 26,

about 11 hours prior during a traffic stop in downtown Modesto. From Lopez’s home on Ortega Drive, one can see the memorial of balloons, candles and flowers erected for Patel on the sidewalk where he was found bleeding on the ground. Lopez’s co-defendant, 21-year-old Salvador Junior Gallegos, was arrested on January 30 at a home at which he had been staying on Chester Drive in Modesto. Both men appeared in Stanislaus Superior Court on February 1on charges of murder and conspiracy. Their arraignment is to continue till February 9, giving defense attorneys time to determine if they have a conflict of interest.

Homecoming of a braveheart

icting the story of Saroo Brierley who got separated from his Indian parents at a nd reunited with his birth-mother after 25 years has earned six Oscar nominations

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BY A STAFF W UREKA, MO Bandyopadhyay, a an M.Phil deg University, was students named as 2017 Scholars by the Winston Chu of the United States. Bandyopadhyay, of Eur biological science in the C and Honors College at Pur the foundation to pursue h new and better treatments the university said. In his university profile a 2016 Goldwater Schola to focus on research in can maintaining patient conta he said, should result in maintaining the human sid The scholarship, estab the request of Winston C undergraduates with outst achievement in the scien engineering and math field to complete a one-year mast University of Cambridge.

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BY A STAFF W RESNO, CA American bu California, K Iyer, has been laundering money for a n The federal prosecu California Phillip Ta February 1 that Iyer, who has admitted his guilt. Iyer, who owned se businesses, made a deal w dealer to have money the narcotics transferred companies, Health Shiel He then returned th dealer after taking a co disguising the payments prosecution said. He filed showing payments of $1 and $164,000 in 2014 e dealer had not worked fo The marijuana deale only as “S.V.” in the cou Iyer is to be sentenced Drozd in April and fac penalty of 20 years in jail fine.

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US NEWS

Travel ban hearing:

US judges put lawyers on their heels As lawyers came under heavy firing from a federal judges bench, the Trump administration argued the courts have improperly inserted itself into the national security sphere

Trump lashes out at judges

IANS, WASHINGTON

n US appeals court that questioned whether President Donald Trump’s travel ban discriminates against Muslims, witnessed steep grilling of lawyers by a federal judges bench, a media report said. As the appeals court on February 7 night sought to determine whether to lift the nationwide halt against it, lawyers from the Justice Department and Washington state came under heavy firing from the bench, CNN reported. The hearing conducted by telephone contained moments of high drama as one of Trump’s signature policies against refugees and visitors from seven mainly Muslim countries, was challenged by two states and numerous advocacy groups. The Trump administration argued the courts have improperly inserted itself into the national security sphere. “This is a traditional national security judgment that is assigned to the political branches and the President,” August Flentje, special counsel to the assistant attorney general at the Justice Department, told the bench from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Flentje faced skeptical questioning from the judges, who pressed the DOJ lawyer about what evidence the government was presenting that the travel ban is necessary. Judge Michelle T. Friedland out

Travel ban: Tech giants file legal brief NEW YORK: Technology giants, including Apple, Facebook, Google, Twitter and Uber have filed a legal brief opposing the administration’s travel ban, a media report said. “The move represents a rare coordinated action across a broad swath of the industry — about a hundred companies in total — and demonstrates the depth of animosity toward the Trump ban,” The Washington Post reported. The brief was filed with the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, which is expected to rule within a few days on an appeal by the administration after a federal judge in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order putting the entry ban on hold. —IANS

Demonstrators participate in a protest against U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order barring U.S. entry to refugees and citizens of seven Mideast and North African countries. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu/IANS)

of the gate asked if the government could point to any evidence “connecting these countries with terrorism.” Judge Richard R. Clifton seemed sympathetic to the fact that the states have the standing, or ability, to bring the suit against the administration. Clifton called the government’s argument “abstract,” noting there are existing procedures to vet individuals for visas. Washington state Attorney General Noah Purcell, representing his state and Minnesota, which are

challenging the Trump executive order, defended the role of the courts. “It has always been the judicial branch’s role to say what the law is and serve as a check ... has never been more important than it is today,” he said. If the court were to lift the injunction it would throw the country back into “chaos,” he said. The Trump administration can’t show that it will suffer irreparable harm if the injunction is allowed to remain in place, while state residents would suffer and state gov-

ernments have lost tax revenue as a result of the executive order, Purcell said. But Judge Clifton was skeptical on the state’s argument, wondering how many people in Washington would be harmed by the executive order. “I suspect it is a small fraction,” he said. Clifton also wondered about whether the injunction could be limited to people who were in the US or would have a connection to the US. All three judges pressed Flentje, the DOJ lawyer, on

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday lashed out at the appeals court judges weighing his travel ban and told crowd of law enforcement officials that some of the deliberations he had heard were “disgraceful”. He said that the executive order couldn’t “be written any plainer or better” and even “a bad high school student would understand this”, The Guardian reported. The president insisted that his order banning travellers from seven Muslim-majority nations, which is currently blocked, was “done for the security of our nation” and should be respected. —IANS

whether the President could simply say “we’re not going to let in any Muslims”. They asked: “Could he do that?” and “Would anyone be able to challenge that?” Flentje repeatedly argued, “that’s not the order.” But Clifton continued to press, saying, “We’d like to get to an answer of that question.” Eventually, Flentje capitulated and said a US citizen with a connection to someone seeking entry might be able to challenge.

Tie-breaking vote confirms DeVos nomination IANS, WASHINGTON

S Senate confirmed the nomination of Betsy DeVos — President Donald Trump’s choice for the post of Secretary of Education after a tie-breaking vote by Vice President Mike Pence. “The Senate being equally divided, the Vice President votes in the affirmative and the nomination is confirmed,” Vice President Mike Pence said as he cast the deciding vote to make numbers 51-50 to clear DeVos for the cabinet position, becoming the first US vice president to do so. The Republican Party holds 52 seats in the 100 seat chamber, but two Republican Senators, Susan

With historic tiebreaker from Vice President Mike Pence, Betsy DeVos has been confirmed as education secretary.

Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said they cannot back DeVos, who vigorously promoted charter schools and the school voucher system, Xinhua reported.

Under this system federal funding would go directly the the households of students, allowing them to choose whichever school to attend. The vote is the closest yet for a

cabinet nominee of US President Donald Trump, as Senators debated heatedly whether DeVos’s vision is suitable for the country. “A vote for Ms. DeVos is a vote to destroy the public school system,” Democratic Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico said. Other Senators questioned DeVos’ competency to guide the country’s education system, suggesting that her family background detached her from public realities. “For you to understand what it is like for students and families who are struggling to pay for college, have you ever taken out a student loan from the federal government?” Democrat Senator Elizabeth Warren asked DeVos during her confirmation hearing.

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india news

PM ‘attacks’ Manmohan Singh

Only Manmohan Singh knows the art of bathing wearing a rain coat, the Prime Minister said in a jibe, resulting to a huge uproar from Congress benches in Parliament IANS, NEW DELHI

Cash withdrawal limit to ease

erhaps avenging former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s strident criticism of the note ban, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a surprise attack on him, saying that politicians should learn from Singh how to maintain a clean image even after 35 long years of public life dotted with scams under his stewardship. Replying to a debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address to the two Houses of Parliament, Modi also chose to attack another former Prime Minister of the Congress - Indira Gandhi. In his one hour and 10 minutes speech, Modi also dismissed observations made by economists across the world about the November 8 move to demonetize higher value currency, saying the move is “unparalleled” and economists can never calculate its effects as such a massive decision “has not been

BRIEFS SC sends Gopal Ansal to jail for one year NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that real estate baron Gopal Ansal will undergo one year in jail for the Uphaar fire tragedy which Gopal Ansal killed 59 people in 1997. Co-accused Sushil Ansal was, however, let off with the sentence he has already served because of his old age and ailments.

Cyrus Mistry voted out as director of Tata Sons MUMBAI: Industrial conglomerate Tata Group’s holding company Tata Sons said that a majority of its shareholders have voted to remove Cyrus Mistry as a Cyrus Mistry Director on its Board during an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) held here on Monday. The development comes after the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on last Friday had dismissed Mistry’s plea for an injunction against Monday’s EGM. —IANS

Manmohan Singh

Narendra Modi

taken before anywhere in the world”. Modi first cast aspersions on the scholarship of Manmohan Singh, a former RBI governor and an eminent economist, saying he (Modi) recently came across a book purportedly written by Singh, but found out that only the foreword was by “Doctor sahib” (Manmohan Singh). “Looks like, even the speech Doctor Sahib delivered in the last

session...,” Modi said, just stopping short of saying anything further, but implying that Singh’s speech lambasting the note ban was not his own. The Prime Minister continued amid loud protests by the Congress members: “For around 35 years, he (Manmohan) has had a say or a role in India’s economic policy and decisions. In these 35 years, we heard of many a scam, but he has remained free of any blemish.”

MUMBAI: The limits on savings bank cash withdrawals post-demonetization are to be withdrawn in two stages, the Reserve Bank of India announced on Wednesday, with the limit slated to go up to Rs,50,000 per account from February 20 and to cease from March 13. The announcement was made by RBI Deputy Governor R. Gandhi following the fiscal’s last monetary policy review announcement by the central bank at which it kept its key interest rate unchanged at 6.25 per cent, saying it awaited data on the full impact of the government’s demone-

“There is a lot for us politicians to learn... so much happened he did not get even a taint. Only Doctor Sahab (Manmohan Singh) knows the art of bathing wearing a rain coat,” he said in a jibe, resulting to a huge uproar from Congress benches.

SC issues contempt notice to Calcutta HC judge IANS, NEW DELHI

n an unprecedented step, the Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a contempt notice to a sitting Calcutta High Court judge Justice C.S. Karnan for writing letters casting aspersions on several judges. Asking Justice Karnan to appear before it in person on February 13, a constitution bench comprising Khehar and six other judges directed that Justice Karnan would not discharge any judicial and administra-

tive functions during the pendency of the proceedings. Justice Karnan “shall remain present in Court in person, on the next date of hearing, to show cause”. It also directed Karnan to hand over all files relating to his judicial and administrative functions to the Registrar General of the High Court. Justice Karnan “shall forthwith refrain from handling any judicial or administrative work, as may have been assigned to him, in furtherance of the office held by him. He is also

tization drive three months ago. On January 30, the RBI had ended all curbs on withdrawals from Current Accounts, Cash Credit Accounts and Overdraft Accounts. The limits were placed following the November 8 demonetization of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes. The upper limit at ATMs was just Rs 2,500 initially and was later raised to Rs 4,500. In January, the RBI had hiked the daily ATM withdrawal limit to Rs 10,000 and doubled the weekly Current Account withdrawal limit to Rs 1 lakh. —IANS

The Congress MPs walked out at this point, though Manmohan Singh himself did not budge from his seat. A few senior Congress MPs including P. Chidmabaram, A.K. Antony and Karan Singh asked the former Prime Minister to come along and walk out, which he did.

UP election: 1st phase campaigning ends

C.S. Karnan

directed to return, all judicial and administrative files in his possession, to the Registrar General of the High Court immediately”, said the constitution bench in its order.

LUCKNOW: Campaigning for the crucial first phase of election in Uttar Pradesh for 73 seats ended on Thursday evening, an election official said. The seats are spread across 15 districts in the western part of the state, including Muzaffarnagar and Shamli that were singed by communal riots in 2013. The other districts are Baghpat, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Mathura, Hathras, Agra, Etah, Firozabad and Kasganj. —IANS

‘ISI-backed train accident mastermind’ held in Nepal: NIA IANS, NEW DELHI

he National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday confirmed that Dubai-based Shamshul Hoda, who acted as “mastermind” for an ISI-backed plot to cause train accidents in India, was arrested by Nepal police. “Shamshul Hoda has been arrested by Nepal police after being deported from Dubai,” a senior NIA official told IANS on the condition of anonymity. He described Hoda’s arrest as a “big breakthrough” in three cases handed over to the NIA.

At least 149 people were killed and more than 150 injured when 14 coaches of the Indore-Patna Express derailed near the city of Kanpur on November 20, 2016.

The three cases are: a failed attempt to detonate an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) on the Gho-

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behind the Indore-Patna Express train accident in Kanpur on November 20, 2016, which killed 149 people; and derailment of Hirakhand Express in Koneru in Andhra Pradesh on January 21 that resulted in deaths of 41 persons. The NIA official said that the agency is in touch with the Nepalese authorities to get access to Hoda for questioning. After the Home Ministry’s January 25 and 26 orders, the NIA took over the Ghorasahan, Kanpur and Koneru cases to probe the ISI’s role, which was first pointed to by the Bihar Police.

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Brexit begins

With the British House of Commons passing the Brexit bill, it now goes to the House of Lords for further scrutiny IANS, LONDON

he parliamentary bill empowering the British government to begin the formal process of leaving the European Union completed its passage on Wednesday night in the House of Commons. Prime Minister Theresa May’s government succeeded in crossing the final crucial hurdle with 494 votes to 122 — a majority of 372, Xinhua news agency reported. May sat in the chamber alongside her Brexit ministers as the historic result was announced by deputy speaker Lindsay Hoyle. It now goes to the unelected House of Lords for further scrutiny before being sent to Queen Elizabeth for royal assent. Over the landslide victory, David Davis, the Brexit Minister said: “The decision on EU membership has been made by the people we serve. It is now time for everyone, whichever way they voted in the Referendum, to unite to make a success of the important

Putin foe held guilty of embezzlement

Hekmatyar out of UN terror list KABUL: The Afghanistan government has welcomed the decision of the United Nations on Saturday to remove the name of former Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar from its sanctions list. “We welcome the recent announcement of United Nations of removing name of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of Hizb-e-Islami of Afghanistan, and we are optimistic the move would further boost peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan,” said Mohammad Akram Khpalwak, presidential adviser on political affairs, Xinhua reported. On Friday, a United Nations com-

mittee removed the name of Hekmatyar from the sanctions list. In September last year, Hekmatyar signed a peace agreement with Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, which was brokered by the Afghan High Peace Council after two years of negotiations, via a video conference broadcast by the state-run TV. Hizb-e-Islami, a radical Islamic party and the third strongest insurgent group in terms of military power after Taliban and the Islamic State, has been fighting the Afghan government and the US-led coalition forces in Afghanistan.

Suicide bomber kills 20 in Kabul British Prime Minister Theresa May (Photo: Xinhua/Tim Ireland/IANS)

task at hand for our country.” Britain is set to trigger Article 50, the formal procedure by which an EU member state notifies the European Council that it intends to leave the block, by the end of March. Once triggered, Article 50 requires “divorce” negotiations to be completed within two years. Scottish Nationalist MP Alex

Salmond criticized the process and accused the government of railroading the legislation through parliament in a “disgraceful fashion”. He said this was the first time a bill of great constitutional importance had been passed in this day since the Defense of the Realm Bill prior to World War One in 1914.

KABUL: At least 20 people were killed on Tuesday when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives in the parking lot of Afghanistan’s Supreme Court building here, officials said. A spokesman for the Ministry of Public Health said around 20 people were killed and 38 others wounded in the deadly explosion, Khaama Press reported. President Ashraf Ghani condemned the horrific attack and called it “inhumane and unforgiveable”. “By this act, the enemies of the

Sarkozy faces trial for spend fraud IANS, PARIS

ormer French President Nicolas Sarkozy (in picture) is to face trial for the alleged irregular financing of his 2012 presidential campaign, the media reported on Tuesday. Sarkozy is to appear in court along with 13 others, said the France Info broadcaster, citing court sources. The case was originally opened in 2014 when a media investigation

MOSCOW: Russia’s main opposition leader Alexei Navalny ( in picture) has been held guilty of embezzlement and handed a fiveyear suspended sentence on Wednesday that bars him from running for President in 2018 against Vladimir Putin, the media reported. The Kremlin critic denied the charges and said he will appeal against the verdict, BBC reported. Navalny also vowed to take part in the presidential race regardless. His conviction came in a retrial after the European Court of Human Rights ruled the first trial to be unfair. Reacting to the sentence, Navalny said: “We don’t recognize this ruling.” —IANS

SHORT TAKES

found that Sarkozy had surpassed the 22.5 million euro ($24 million) spending cap on his presidential

campaign for an election he lost to Socialist Party candidate Francois Hollande, the incumbent President. Prosecutors accused Sarkozy and members of his Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) party of having conspired with communications company Bygmalion to cover up the overspend with false invoices, Efe news reported. The allegations against Sarkozy suggested that the former head of state breached the campaign spending limit by some $15 million.

Afghan people once again showed their enmity towards the people,” he said. Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah also condemned the killings. “I condole with the families of the victims in today’s terrorist attack... The blood of our people isn’t cheap and wont be wasted.” It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the horror but a similar incident in the same area last month which killed 22 people was claimed by the Taliban. —IANS

Explosion at French nuclear plant PARIS: An explosion at Flamanville nuclear plant in northern France on Thursday left several people injured, the media reported. The blast occurred in the engine room of France’s flagship nuclear plant, on the Normandy coast, at 10 a.m., according to initial reports by Ouest-France newspaper. Three people were left injured, according to initial reports. —IANS

Damascus denies report on mass hangings in prison IANS, DAMASCUS

he Syrian Ministry of Justice has denied a report released by Amnesty International about mass hangings of detainees in a military prison near capital Damascus. In a statement carried by state news agency SANA on Wednesday, the ministry said such a report aims to “tarnish Syria’s reputation on the international arena, particularly after victories of the Syrian Army in many areas recently”. “The Justice Ministry completely denies and vehemently condemns the report, because it wasn’t

At least 20 airstrikes targeted rebel-held areas in the eastern countryside of Damascus on Tuesday. (Photo: Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani)

based on true evidences, but on personal emotions aiming to achieve known political goals,” the

ministry said in its statement. A day earlier, the Amnesty released a report stating that Syrian

authorities in Saydnaya prison near Damascus carried out mass hangings of as many as 13,000 people, Xinhua news agency reported. The rights watchdog accused the government of a “policy of extermination”, adding that its report is based on interviews with 84 witnesses, including guards, detainees, and judges. The executions happened between 2011 and 2015, said the report, adding that most of those slain are civilians opposed to the Syrian government. They were taken out of their cells “in the middle of the night and in total secrecy”.

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Indian-origin US academics denounce Trump’s travel ban Indian-origin researchers based in the US have joined 51 Nobel laureates and over 27,000 academics in denouncing President Donald Trump’s travel ban IANS, KOLKATA

section of Indian-origin researchers based in the US, who have joined 51 Nobel laureates and over 27,000 academics from across the globe in denouncing President Donald Trump’s travel ban, have warned against such prohibitions extending to any group of people. On January 27, Trump signed an executive order banning citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days, suspending all refugee entry to the US for 120 days, and indefinitely barring entry for Syrian refugees. In response, over 20,000 faculty members from many of the most prestigious universities across the US, as many as 572 members of the US National Academy of Sciences and hundreds of award winning scientists, signed the “NoToImmigrationBan” petition, opposing the order, apprehending “the unrealistic conditions required for discontinuing the suspension make it very likely that it will turn into a permanent ban”. Dubbing it the “worst form of superstition that we have seen in recent times”, veteran anthropologist Veena Das urged everyone to

US President Donald Trump (Photo: IANS)

join against the president Trump’s travel ban. “Scientists and scholars in India should also rally against the slow corrosion of intellectual autonomy that has been happening in India, perhaps slowly, but surely,” Das, Krieger-Eisenhower Professor of Anthropology at the Johns Hopkins University, told IANS via email.

Indian-American to run for Virginia House of Delegates WASHINGTON: Indian-American Republican leader from Virginia Puneet Ahluwalia is contesting for the state’s House of Delegates for the 34th district against the incumbent Kathleen Murphy. Ahluwalia, 10th District Representative on the Virginia Republican State Central Committee, served as a financial chair of the Asian American presidential inaugural ball in January, American Bazaar online reported. “The success of our community demands us to be active and participate in mainstream politics. It is our responsibility to strengthen the diversity of our nation,” he said. “... We should be supporting President Trump and Republican leadership in creating and promoting American jobs with strong emphasis on balanced trade between US-Indo Pacific Region.” Ahluwalia said that he would work to strengthen the Republican

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“Responsibility toward knowledge is not a national enterprise but one that will either nourish or corrode the human spirit. It is up to us to crush the rising tide of stupidity,” she said. Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) computer science and engineering professor Arvind, who has “outstanding colleagues and students”

from Syria, Iran, Palestine, Egypt, Pakistan and India, many of whom are Muslims, questioned the justification of the order. “It is a ban on Muslims only because Christians are explicitly excluded. Should all Muslims pay the heavy price of dashed dreams because of a few Muslim terrorists?” “Indians should realize that such arbitrary bans can be extended easily to any group of people, for example, Indian Muslims or even all brown skinned people,” Arvind, Johnson Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at MIT, told IANS in an email. Apart from academics signing the petition, as many as 171 leading scientific, engineering and academic organizations in the US have called on Trump to rescind the executive order declaring it damaging to scientific progress, innovation and US science and engineering capacity. Das, who says one reason for the dominance of US universities in the generation and dissemination of knowledge, was the “historical openness to scholars and scientists from other countries”, believes universities will suffer enormously in tangible and intangible ways, in the age of networking.

Short takes Indian-origin doctor found guilty of bribery NEW YORK: A suburban Chicago doctor, Neil Sharma, has been convicted of receiving bribes in a deal that he claimed could provide the briber millions of dollars in business, according to federal prosecutors. Sharma appeared before federal Judge Frederick J. Kapala in Chicago and admitted that in 2015 he asked for and accepted bribes totalling $10,000 for sending patients to a company that provided skilled nursing services. Sharma, 36, admitted that the bribe would have brought in millions of dollars, according to the prosecution. —IANS

5 Indians charged for fraud in Singapore SINGAPORE: Five Indians here were charged with fraudulent GST refund claims amounting to 167,253 Singapore dollars ($118,392) for jewellery they didn’t buy, the media reported. Karunanithi Saravanan (36), Karunanidhi Rajesh (32), Waithiyalingam Karunanidhi (61), Kothandaraman Gnanam (29) and Ramaiyan Karthikeyan (43) were arrested following an investigation that stretched nine months, the Strait Times reported. Each accused faces more than 200 charges of engaging in a conspiracy to claim fraudulent GST refunds under the electronic tourist refund scheme (eTRS). —IANS

Indian-origin artist Anish Kapoor wins 2017 Genesis Prize IANS, NEW DELHI

B Puneet Ahluwalia

Party’s base in Virginia, among other things. “We will watch our allies’ back and it is important that communities, including the Indian-American community that has benefited most from this great nation, play a pivotal role in the revival process. I had a choice but I chose to stand up and participate in the political process and serve the public of 34th district,” Ahluwalia said. —IANS

ritain-based Indian-origin artist and human rights activist Anish Kapoor has been honored with the 2017 Genesis Prize given by the Genesis Prize Foundation. The prize was awarded by the Genesis Prize Foundation, the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency on February 5. Kapoor has decided to use the $1 million award money to help refugees and try to expand the Jewish community’s engagement in a global effort to support the Syrian refugees, according to a statement issued by Genesis Prize Foundation. His famous work ‘Turning the World Upside Down’ sculpture has been placed at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Some of his other works which gained worldwide attention are ‘Cloud Gate’ placed

Anish Kapoor has been honored with the 2017 Genesis Prize.

in Chicago’s Millennium Park and ‘Orbit’ in London. Born in Mumbai to a Baghdadi Jewish mother and Indian father, Kapoor moved to Israel at the age of 16 and is based in Britain since 1970. He has also been a public advocate and fought for the betterment of the refugees. Natan Sharansky, Head of Genesis Prize selection committee, said: “Anish Kapoor has campaigned against

indifference his whole life. His message is clear, powerful, and inspiring. I am confident that Anish will use the Genesis Prize to build on the good work and his voice and energy will help to focus more people on the need to alleviate the suffering of refugees.” The Israeli Embassy in the national capital also congratulated Kapoor upon receiving the 2017 Genesis Prize.

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INDIA FEATUREindia feature

Dialogues, drama, desperation... cut to UP as action begins The voting for the first phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election is due on February 11, yet there is plenty happening in the country’s politically most critical state MOHIT DUBEY, LUCKNOW

he action has begun in Uttar Pradesh. Election strategists, central and state ministers, Chief Ministers from other states and the Prime Minister himself are crisscrossing the sprawling state as they hard-sell their parties to voters. More than a dozen hired choppers are clattering from one rally to the next, carrying leaders of all hues, making stopovers in small towns and dusty hamlets, while thousands of two- and four-wheelers are on the move, ferrying candidates and supporters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed two major rallies in Meerut and Aligarh in one week, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has addressed more than 10, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Ajit Singh has been mingling with the Jat community and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati is explaining why she needs to return to power. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav have jointly held road shows in Lucknow, Agra and Kanpur. Their next stop is Varanasi, which sent Modi to the Lok Sabha. Many state ministers are spending nights in far-flung villages,

While plenty of rallies take place in the state, the action has begun in UP with leaders hard-selling their parties to voters. From left, BJP’s Narendra Modi, SP’s Akhilesh Yadav, Congress’s Rahul Gandhi and BSP’s Mayawati.

many without electricity. Union ministers Kalraj Mishra, Rajnath Singh, Piyush Goel, Smriti Irani, V.K. Singh, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Mukhtaar Abbas Naqvi have been hopping from one city to another. Modi’s digs at his opponents have sparked terse responses. Modi’s action-packed speeches are being responded to by regional satraps in their own ways. Egged on by social media workers, Akhilesh

Yadav is at the forefront of taking on Modi with crisp one liners. Shivpal Yadav, once the tallest of state ministers but now pushed to the sidelines by his nephew and Chief Minister, is leading the emotional brigade with his passionate off-and-on appeals on how some people (Akhilesh) get everything by luck and legacy while some slog it out but get nothing (himself). Mulayam Singh Yadav, now cut-

to-size as a mentor of the Samajwadi Party he founded, may be aging but many are wondering what his next move would be. So, if the 78-year-old one day spat on the Congress-Samajwadi alliance, the next day he sobered down saying he will campaign for the coalition as it was stitched up by his son. Gorakhpur’s firebrand MP Mahant Adityanath and other saffron-robed leaders are pitching in

with the Ram temple issue, adding their own dash of drama. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has entered the fray, using peppery sentences like “Jo baap ka na hua, wo aap ka kya hoga”. And, the reference to Akhilesh Yadav is not at all missed. Meanwhile, the 43-year-old Chief Minister, knowing the risk of alienating his father’s supporters, has been invoking Mulayam’s legacy in places of Yadav dominance: Etah, Auraiyya, Hathras. Television actor-turned-politician Smriti Zubin Irani added to the heady cocktail in Lucknow. Asked to comment on BJP leader Vinay Katiyar’s sexist remark on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, she snapped back at the scribe, asked him to come to the front row. She handed him her mobile phone and asked him to read out loud a message on a social networking site. The journalist turned red. The combative Union minister said Priyanka’s husband Robert Vadra had made a remark about her and got no criticism from Priyanka Gandhi or any other Congressman. The first phase of the Uttar Pradesh polls is due on February 11, while campaigning for six others is yet to begin.

Homecoming of a braveheart A film depicting the story of Saroo Brierley who got separated from his Indian parents at a young age and reunited with his birth-mother after 25 years has earned six Oscar nominations ARUNDHUTI BANERJEE, MUMBAI

he heart-warming, real-life story of an Indian-Australian businessman Saroo Brierley is being celebrated globally through the film Lion, that has been winning awards and has earned several Oscar and BAFTA nominations. Director Garth Davis made the film based on the story Saroo narrated in a book, “A Long Way Home”. Saroo says the success of the homecoming story is unimaginable and wants it to bring hope to those who may be going through what he did. “I am humbled and touched that the film has been chosen for six Oscar nominations. I never imagined my story would get that (an Oscar nomination),” Saroo told IANS.

Once Saroo Brierley (in picture) was taken to Australia, he gradually got accustomed to the Western culture and forgot his native language. (Photo: IANS)

“For me, more than winning awards, I want the film to penetrate as much as it can for those kids and parents who are going through the same situation,” he added. Born in Madhya Pradesh, Saroo got separated from his poor fami-

ly — mother, two brothers and sister — and was adopted by an Australian couple from a Kolkata orphanage. While his Australian parents gave him all the love and privilege to lead a good life, he kept on searching for his birth mother and, finally, using Google

Earth, met her at Khandwa after 25 years. Asked what made him persist with the search, Saroo said: “I think the love and bonding I share with my real family, affection of my mother, love and bonding with siblings, drove me to continue the search. I used to think that my brother Guddu is still screaming my name.” However, once he was taken to Australia, he gradually got accustomed to the Western culture and forgot his native language Hindi. “You see, I was just five years old then (when I got separated from my biological family), and had never been to school as we were living in a slum and my mother had no money to send us to school. So, my vocabulary was underdeveloped anyway.

“When I went to school, in the beginning, for some time I did not understand the language, but slowly I adapted. I was a happy child then,” recalled Saroo. “I was quite popular in my school as I was good in sports. I played a lot of games and, as a kid, I never lived in a shelter. Rather, I openly mingled with other kids. So I was quite a normal child in school and never faced any racism.” Once Saroo met his birth mother after 25 years, he wrote a book, “A Long Way Home”, and then director Garth Davis made the film Lion based on the story. When asked about the transformation of the story from his memories in the book to film, Saroo said: “I relived those days through the film all over again.”

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Travel ban ‘not best way to protect’ America: UN

Refugees fleeing conflict and persecution are entitled to protection, says the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres IANS, UNITED NATIONS

N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said here on Wednesday that the US travel ban imposed on refugees and immigrants from seven Middle East and North African countries “is not the way to best protect the US or any other country,” voicing his hope that “this measure should be removed sooner rather than later”. The secretary-general made the remarks in response to a question as he was briefing reporters here on his travel to Ethiopia, where he attended an African Union summit, Xinhua reported. In the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa on Monday, Guterres commended African countries for opening their borders to refugees and people fleeing violence while other parts of the world, including the developed West, close boundaries and build walls. “In my opinion, this is not the way to best protect the US or any other country in relation to the serious concerns that existed about the possibility of terrorist infiltration,” he said. “I don’t think this is the effective way to do so.” “What was lacking was a capacity

British Parliament to debate Trump’s visit LONDON: Britain’s Parliament on Tuesday said it would debate whether to revoke US President Donald Trump’s invitation to a State visit after a petition calling for it to be canceled garnered almost 1.7 million signatures. The debate was scheduled to take place on February 20, after the petition, created by Briton Graham Guest, received almost seventeen times the number of signatures it needed to qualify as a topic for parliamentary consideration, Efe news reported. “Donald Trump should be allowed to enter the UK in his capacity as head of the US Government, but he should not be invited to make an offi-

to have a comprehensive approach to the problem,” he said of the US ban, adding that it is very important to review “the very dramatic situations the refugees are facing when they have no chance to reach protection.” “And I think this measure should be removed sooner, rather than later,” the UN chief said.

SHORT TAKES

Trump blasts Australian PM WASHINGTON: Donald Trump blasted Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull over a refugee agreement which led to the US President abruptly end an hour-long phone call only after 25 minutes into speaking. Senior US officials said on Wednesday that during the call on January 28, Trump also boasted about the magnitude of his electoral college win and informed Turnbull that he had spoken with four other

world leaders that day - including Russian President Vladimir Putin and that “this was the worst call by far”, The Washington Post reported. “This is the worst deal ever,” Trump fumed as Turnbull attempted to confirm that the US would honour its pledge to take in 1,250 refugees from an Australian detention centre off the country’s coast at Nauru and Manus Island in Papua New Guinea.

Kuwaiti visa ban on 5 countries KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait has suspended the issuance of visas for nationals of Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. After US President Donald Trump’s executive order banning seven Muslim-majority countries last Friday, the Kuwaiti government has told wouldbe migrants from the five banned nations to not apply for visas, as it is worried about the possible migration of radical Islamic terrorists, Sputnik International reported. Under the executive order signed

by Trump, refugees from all over the world will be denied US entry for 120 days while all immigration from socalled “countries with terrorism concerns” will be suspended for 90 days. The countries included in the US ban are Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. Kuwait was the only nation to prohibit the entry of Syrian nationals prior to Trump’s executive action. Kuwait City previously issued a suspension of visas for all Syrians in 2011.

British PM Theresa May with US President Donald Trump.

cial State visit because it would cause embarrassment to Her Majesty the Queen,” said the petition statement, referring to Elizabeth II. The petition was launched in response to Trump’s controversial executive order to withhold US visas from the citizens of seven Muslimmajority nations.

On Tuesday, the secretary-general issued a statement via his spokesman, saying that refugees fleeing conflict and persecution are entitled to protection, and he expressed concern at decisions around the world that have undermined the integrity of the international refugee protection regime.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (Photo: Xinhua/Li Muzi/IANS)

EU president calls Trump threat to Europe BRUSSELS: In an extraordinary attack on the new US President, European Union President Donald Tusk called Donald Trump an existential threat to Europe. In an open letter to leaders of the 27 member states, Tusk included the Trump administration as part of a group of “dangerous” challenges facing the bloc, citing Russia, China and radical Islam as other threats.

“The change in Washington puts the European Union in a difficult situation, with the new administration seeming to put into question the last 70 years of American foreign policy,” Tusk said. He issued a call for “political solidarity” before a summit in Malta later this week where Europe’s heads of states will gather to discuss the future of the bloc, the Independent reported on Tuesday.

Pakistan bans Saeed from traveling IANS, ISLAMABAD

wo days after Pakistan placed UN sanctioned militant leader, Hafiz Saeed, under house arrest in Lahore, the Interior Ministry on Wednesday banned the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief from travelling out of the country. The ministry has forwarded a letter to all provincial governments and the Federal Investigation Agency, which included Saeed among 38 others placed on the Exit Control List. All of them were said to be affiliated with the Jamaat-ud-Dawah or Lashkar-e-Taiba, which he is said to have founded. On Monday, authorities had placed Saeed under house arrest along with four other individuals, namely Abdullah Ubaid, Zafar Iqbal, Abdur Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Niaz, in Lahore. On Wednesday, pro-JuD protests escalated demanding the release of Saeed. Hizb-ul Mujhadeen chief Syed Salahuddin also called upon Islamabad to

Hafiz Saeed (C) leaves after being detained by police in eastern Pakistan’s Lahore on January 31. (Photo: Xinhua/Sajjad/IANS)

reverse its detention order, which he termed “painful and cowardly”. Salahuddin, chairman of United Jihad Council (UJC), said in a statement: “Hafiz Mohammad Saeed has not only been urging the international community to break its criminal silence on Kashmir, but he has also been exposing the atrocities of India’s imperialistic regime.” Demonstrators in Lahore also

held an effigy, on which portraits of US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and flags of the US and India were affixed. The effigy and a banner with portraits of the duo and flags of both countries were torched afterwards. Protesters also carried banners and placards, inscribed with slogans in favour of the Jamaat-udDawah chief.

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SPORTS x

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sports

Kohli, Vijay, Pujara put India in driver’s seat The Indian cricket team scored 356/3 at stumps on the opening day of the one-off cricket Test against Bangladesh IANS, HYDERABAD

kipper Virat Kohli and opener Murali Vijay’s scintillating centuries put India in the driver’s seat as the hosts posted 356/3 at stumps on the opening day of the one-off cricket Test against Bangladesh at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Kohli was batting on 111 with middle-order mainstay Ajinkya Rahane (45 not out) giving him company at the other end when the umpires removed the bails for the day. Earlier, Vijay (108) and Cheteshwar Pujara (83) raised a 178-run second-wicket stand to help India recover from the early loss of opener Lokesh Rahul (2). Both Kohli and Rahane denied any inroads to the Bangladesh bowlers, who sweated it hard throughout the day on a wicket

BRIEFS: Argentina remain on top in FIFA rankings MADRID: Argentina continued to lead the latest FIFA World rankings. Argentina retained their position at the top of the rankings with a total of 1,635 points, followed by Brazil in second position, and world champion Germany, third, reports Efe. The only change among the top 10 was France, which climbed one place to sixth, replacing Colombia, now seventh.

BCCI media manager Nishant Arora quits MUMBAI: The Supreme Courtappointed Committee of Administrators’ (COA) move to relieve the staff of former BCCI President and Secretary has led Nishant Arora BCCI media manager Nishant Arora to quit. Talking to IANS on his resignation, Arora said he was offered to shift his base from Delhi. This prompted him to quit. —IANS

which gradually slowed down as the innings progressed. Kohli, who came to the crease at the fall of Pujara, looked set for another big innings when he got off the mark by hitting Mehedi Hassan Miraz for a four on his very first ball. The 28-year-old Delhi batsman settled in no time, getting the

Rahane and Kohli thwarted every effort from the visitors with their balanced and aggressive approach quick singles and twos with Vijay inching towards his individual three-figure mark. In the course, Vijay brought up his ninth Test ton by pushing one casually past extra-cover while Kohli cut loose at the other end to

get near his half-century and forge a 54-run third-wicket stand. Immediately after reaching the landmark, Vijay went on with a casual approach and paid the price when he was bowled around the legs by Taijul Islam. His 160-ball knock was laced with 12 hits to the fence and one over it. Vijay’s departure brought in Rahane, who with Kohli thwarted every effort from the visitors with their balanced but aggressive approach. Kohli, who by now got his 50 off 70 deliveries, gradually changed gears and looked on course to equal former India skipper Sourav Ganguly’s record of 16 Test tons. With Bangladesh opting for the second new ball, both the Indian batsmen did not let the opportunity to gather some quick runs go with the bounce offered by the red cherry.

Davis Cup record doubles win eludes Paes India beat New Zealand 4-1 in Davis cup

IANS, PUNE

here was no world record in store for Leander Paes (in picture) in the Davis Cup as the Indian tennis veteran and Vishnu Vardhan went down in the third rubber to Artem Sitak and Michael Venus of New Zealand in the AsiaOceania Group I tie. The defeat for Paes and Vardhan meant that the 43-year-old veteran could not overtake Italian Nicola Pietrangeli for most wins in doubles in Davis Cup history. The two players are tied on 42 wins. Sitak and Venus rallied from being 0-2 down to take a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 win in two and a half hours. India, who are now 2-1 ahead in the tie, will need to win one of the two reverse singles to clinch a place in the second round. India had taken a 2-0 lead on day one with Yuki Bhambri and Ramkumar Ramanathan winning the first two singles. Paes and Vardhan began well by clinching the opening set in 28 minutes by breaking Venus in the sixth game.

In the first set, Vardhan served a couple of aces in succession and Paes followed suit with a fine

Sitak and Venus rallied from being 0-2 down to take a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 win in two and a half hours

return of serve before clinching the point with a cross court winner to break the Kiwi’s serve at 15 that

put the hosts 4-2 ahead. Vardhan did not let go of the advantage and went up to 40-0. Despite the Kiwi combo fighting their way back to 40-30 they had no chance as the 29-year-old Indian served a timely fourth ace to close out the set. But the New Zealand pair fought back superbly by winning the second set by breaking Paes’ service once and then lorded over the third set, in which the Indians squandered two break point chances.

PUNE: India defeated New Zealand 4-1 in Asian Oceania Group 1 Davis Cup tie. Following the win, India will now take on Uzbekistan in the second round of the Asia-Oceania Group I in April. Ramkumar Ramanathan and Yuki Bhambri won their respective reverse singles matches to hand India a comfortable victory at the Balewadi Sports Complex. Ramanathan outplayed Tearney in straight sets 7-5, 6-1, 6-0 while Bhambri edged past Jose Statham 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to seal the spot in the second round. The first set was evenly contested but it was Ramanathan who proved superior and defeated the Kiwi 7-5. The second and third games witnessed Ramanathan at his best. He outclassed his opponent in every department of the game. In the second match, Statham put up a fight to the Indian player but eventually surren—IANS dered the first set 5-7.

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Tamil Nadu crisis

Panneerselvam, Sasikala take on each other A bitter war has broken out within the ruling AIADMK with acting Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam revolting against party General Secretary V.K. Sasikala Jayalalithaa’s death to be probed: Panneerselvam

‘Take action against those who threatened Panneerselvam’

CHENNAI: Caretaker Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam said a commission of inquiry will be appointed to probe into the death of his predecessor and AIADMK General Secretary J. Jayalalithaa. Speaking to reporters Panneerselvam said: “A Supreme Court judge will head the probe into the death of Jayalalithaa.” He said there were a lot of questions about the death of the leader who passed away on December 5, 2016, after being admitted at the Apollo Hospital for 75 days. P.H. Pandian along with his son Manoj Pandian, a former Rajya Sabha member, charged that Jayalalithaa’s death was unnatural. The senior Pandian, was the Speaker when the iconic AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran was the Chief Minister. Manoj Pandian also claimed that Jayalalithaa had once told him that she may be poisoned to death. “When ‘Thuglaq’ Editor Cho Ramaswamy and I were Directors of Jaya TV, she (Jayalalithaa) told us that she fears this group would poison her to death,” Manoj Pandian said. Ramaswamy died on December 6, 2016. —IANS

CHENNAI: DMK Working President M.K.Stalin (in picture) on February 7 said action should be taken against those who had threatened former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O.Panneerselvam to resign. Reacting to Panneerselvam’s statement that he was forced to resign as Chief Minister, Stalin said the governance in the state was in a bad shape and the Governor should take steps to set it right. “There is no government in Tamil Nadu today,” Stalin said. He said DMK has been supporting the Panneerselvam’s government on issues that are related to Tamil Nadu like Jallikattu and Cauvery river water dispute with Karnataka. Stalin said everything in this AIADMK government was mysterious.

Acting Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam (right) vowed to stay put in office while party General Secretary V.K. Sasikala (left) accused him of trying to split the party. IANS, CHENNAI

amil Nadu’s ruling AIADMK was locked in an ugly war within as acting Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam vowed to stay put in office while party General Secretary V.K. Sasikala accused him of trying to split the party with DMK’s backing. A night after Panneerselvam revolted against Sasikala, who had been elected the AIADMK legislature wing leader, the long-time confidante of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa accused Panneerselvam of “betrayal” after he refused to back her plans to head the government. On his part, Panneerselvam

announced that a Supreme Court judge will head a Commission of Inquiry to probe the December 5 demise of Jayalalithaa. He said there were many questions over the death. Asked if he would stake claim to form the government as Chief Minister again, he told the media: “Wait and see.” Both camps claim majority support among the AIADMK’s 134 legislators in Tamil Nadu. The MLAs backing Sasikala were ferried to secret locations, informed sources said. Tamil Nadu Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao is expected to play a key role in resolving the crisis — or recommend President’s Rule in the state.

Panneerselvam on Thursday said he had briefed Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao on the happenings in the state, and “justice will win”. Speaking to reporters here after meeting Rao at 5 p.m. Panneerselvam said: “I met the Governor and briefed him about the happenings

Ratan Tata flags off Moonshot Wheels IANS, BENGALURU

ata Sons’ interim Chairman Ratan Tata flagged off Moonshot Wheels, a mobile science exhibition bus that will traverse 11 states across the country showcasing models of lander, rover and a spacecraft of TeamIndus, a space start-up bracing to launch its lunar mission this yearend. The 79-year-old Tata, however did not make any announcement or comment on the start-up’s novel initiative to take STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and space education to about 36,000 students in staterun schools.

“Though Tata’s office told us that he would make an announcement on the occasion, he did not due to change in programme,” a spokesperson of the event told IANS later. Prior to unveiling the hi-tech bus to flag-off, Tata keenly observed the models and instruments that will conduct a slew of science experiments after landing on the lunar surface on January 26, 2018. Looking frail and walking around slowly, Tata was seen in high spirits while interacting with the young members of TeamIndus and Agastya International Foundation’s officials. “The Moonshot bus will travel about 12,500 km for 12 months to allow high school stu-

Reacting to the “Paneer Bomb” delivered by Panneerselvam at the Marina beach here Nanjil Sampath spokesperson of AIADMK said there was DMK’s conspiracy at the back. Meanwhile, sections of AIADMK partymen, who were against General Secretary V.K.Sasikala, welcomed Panneerselvam’s decision. “The Governor should not rush to swear in Sasikala as the state Chief Minister,” former AIADMK MP K.C.Palaniswamy told IANS.

in the state.” “Justice will win,” he declared. On February 7, Panneerselvam, who resigned as Chief Minister after Sasikala was elected the AIADMK legislature party leader, claimed he was forced to quit by Sasikala. He said he was threatened.

Kerala tourism registers growth

Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata during the launch of “Moonshot Wheels” at Team Indus campus in Bengaluru. (Photo: IANS)

dents understand our space mission, interact with rocket scientists and members of India’s first private moon mission,” said TeamIndus Marketing and Outreach Programmes Leader Sheelika Ravishankar. The mobile expo will have a capsule with a message of ‘Har Indian Ka Moonshot’ and collect the wish-

es of the children visiting the bus and send them to the moon onboard its spacecraft. It will also carry live satellite tracking and experience zone. The bus will ride through towns and villages across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even though there was a dip in tourist arrivals after the demonetization move, Kerala Tourism witnessed a 5.71 per cent increase in tourist arrivals in the 2016 calendar year. Provisional figures from the Tourism Department, released here on Wednesday, showed that over 1.4 crore tourists came to Kerala in 2016, out of which more than 1.3 crore were domestic arrivals and around 10 lakh wee foreign visitors. November 2016, a peak tourist season for Kerala, saw a half percentage drop in domestic tourist arrivals following the Centre’s announcement of the ban on highvalue currency notes in November 2016. It was observed that while the Tourism Department was expecting an eight per cent increase in arrivals in November.

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south special SOUTH SPECIAL x

Indian IT industry uneasy The High-Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017 called for doubling the minimum salary of H-1B visa holders to $130,000 from current minimum wage of $60,000 — move that will impact Indian techies IANS, NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON/BENGALURU

ndia has said it has expressed its concern to the US over a bill to change rules on H-1B visas that will impact the IT industry and Indian techies working in America. “India’s interests and concerns have been conveyed both to the US administration and the US Congress at senior levels,” said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup in New Delhi. The High-Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017, introduced in the House of Representatives by California Congressman Zoe Lofgren, calls for doubling the minimum salary of H-1B visa holders to $130,000 from the current minimum wage of $60,000 — a move that could impact Indian techies. The bill, likely to be signed by President Donald Trump, would make it difficult for firms to use the programme to replace American employees with foreign workers, including from India, with lower wages. The bill would require that employers first offer a vacant position to an equally or better qualified American worker before seeking an H1B or L-1 visa holder. It would also establish wage requirements for L-1 workers and improve H1B wage requirements

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup. (File Photo: IANS/MEA)

to encourage companies to hire qualified American workers and prevent them from using foreign workers as a source of cheap labor. H1-B visas are issued to qualified professionals. A related visa is the L-1, which is given to employees of a company who are transferred to the US. Both of them are used extensively by Indian companies. According to ComputerWorld magazine, nearly 86 per cent of H1B visas for computer-related jobs and 46.5 per cent for engineering positions were given to Indians.

The US issues 85,000 H1-B visas every year, of which 20,000 are for master’s degree holders from US universities. Because of the large number of applicants - 236,000 in 2016 — the H1-B visas were issued through a lottery system. As the export-oriented industry’s representative body, Nasscom, said the reform bill was fraught with challenges due to provisions that would nullify its objective of saving American jobs. “The Lofgren Bill contains provisions that may prove challenging for

the Indian IT sector and leave loopholes that will nullify the objective of saving American jobs,” asserted Nasscom in a statement here. The US market generated about 60 per cent of the $108-billion export revenue for the $143-billion Indian IT industry for the last fiscal (2015-16). Nasscom’s revised export guidance is $117-119 billion for this fiscal (2016-17). “Though the bill has to go through an extensive legislative process at the US Congress and the

Senate for becoming law, it does not treat all IT service firms with H-1B visa holders equally and the provisions are biased against H-1B dependant firms,” asserted Nasscom President R. Chandrashekhar in a statement here. Assuring the industry of engaging with the US administration and its lawmakers through the Indian government, the former IT secretary said the apex body would highlight their value contribution as a ‘net creator’ of jobs in the US. “The Indian IT sector has helped American businesses by providing high-skilled IT solutions in order to innovate, open new markets, expand their operations and creating thousands of new jobs for Americans,” claimed Chandrashekhar. The bill also does not address the acute shortage of STEMskilled workers in the US, which led all companies to have a calibrated hiring of locals and bridging the skills gap with skilled workers on non-immigrant visas, including H-1Bs. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Echoing the Indian government’s and the industry’s concerns over the reform visa bill, Tech Mahindra Chief Executive C.P. Gurnani, however, hoped things would become better once Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Trump in June.

SC refuses to stay Tamil Nadu amendment permitting Jallikattu IANS, NEW DELHI

he Supreme Court refused to stay the Tamil Nadu government amendment permitting Jallikattu, while telling the state government that it was its primary responsibility to maintain law and order. The court allowed the Union government’s plea to withdraw January 7, 2016 notification that permitted the Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and bullock cart race in some States. The operation of said notification was stayed by the top court on January 12, 2016. Issuing notice on a plea seeking stay on the amendment permitting the popular bull-taming sport, the bench comprising Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman took

exception to the manner in which the Supreme Court verdict banning Jallikattu was sought to be openly defied. “We are only concerned with the court’s honor, which we all share,” the bench told the counsel appearing for Tamil Nadu government.

maintain the law and order, Justice Misra told the three senior counsel (K.Prasaran, C.A.Vaidyanathan and Rakesh Dwivedi): “Please tell your State executive (Tamil Nadu government) that the law and order has a primacy in a civil society. Please tell them ... convey to

The court allowed the Union government’s plea to withdraw January 7, 2016 notification that permitted the Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and bullock cart race in some States “To say that we changed the law peacefully is one thing. To come out openly to defy the supreme court is another. We are only concerned with court’s honor... which we all share,” said Justice Nariman. Taking exception to the failure of Tamil Nadu government in

them when the highest court is seized of a matter there has to be an absolute silence....” “We are concerned with rule of law, this kind of things should not occur,” he said asking K.Prasaran: “Are you supporting this action. If you can’t answer,

we will not ask you.” The court also wanted to know how many people lost their lives during recent bull-taming sports that took place after law was amended, while adding that describing the breeding of native bulls — that are used in Jallikattu — as culture was a question that has to be debated. Defending the Tamil Nadu law permitting Jallikattu, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said that Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Act, 1960, as it stands also permits slaughtering. The Act also allows the slaughtering off animals for religions functions and mentioned “Halal”. Advocating a holistic approach in dealing with the issue, he said that law allows the killing of animals for consumption but at the same time prohibits cruelty. The court said when law allows the killing of animals for consumption, then it comes under the “doctrine of necessity”.

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entertainmentcinema news

‘Raees’ banned in Pak The ban on the SRK-starrer film was related to the portrayal of Muslims in the film as criminals, wanted persons and terrorists IANS, ISLAMABAD

he release of muchanticipated Bollywood film Raees starring Shah Rukh Khan and Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, was banned in Pakistan due to its “objectionable” content. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) said the Rahul Dholakia directorial, which marks Mahira Khan’s Bollywood debut, will not release in the country. Sources in the know said the reason behind the ban was that “the content undermines Islam, and a specific religious sect, (it also) portrays Muslims as criminals, wanted persons and terrorists”. Most members objected to the film’s release, an official of the

BRIEFS

‘Munnabhai 3’ script ready

According to an official handPunjab censor board said, adding that they will follow the decision out issued by the Information Ministry, the government was of the central censor board. The self-imposed ban on Bolly- “pleased to continue the existing open policy to display all wood films ended on February international movies 1 as Karachi’s Atrium (including Indian Cinemas screened Raees starring films) in Pakistani Hrithik Roshan starShah Rukh and cinemas”. rer Kaabil. The Pakistani actor The statement, information minhowever, pointed istry and CBFC Mahira Khan was also cleared Karan banned due to its out that the cinema houses would Johar’s Ae Dil Hai “objectionable” be allowed to screen Mushkil for screening content movies only after in the country. approval from relevant Last week, Prime Mincensor boards. Following the ister Nawaz Sharif gave the thumbs up to the Information tension across the Line of Control and Broadcasting Ministry to lift in September last year, Pakistani the “ban” by issuing No Objection cinema owners had decided not to Certificate to Indian films, subject screen Indian movies until the to clearance by the Censor Board. atmosphere became better.

After 4 cuts, ‘Jolly LLB 2’ all set to release IANS, NEW DELHI

B MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi, who will reprise the muchloved character of “Circuit” in the third film in the Munnabhai franchise, said the script for the third instalment is ready. “Rajkumar Hirani spoke to me. He gave an idea about the story and it is just superb. The story is very much relevant in today’s time. The script is ready,” he said during a press conference for his upcoming film Irada on February 7.

‘Phillauri’ receives positive response

ollywood movie Jolly LLB 2 will be released on February 10 as production house Fox Star Studios informed the Supreme Court that it was cutting four scenes as directed by the Bombay High Court. Informing the bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi that it would abide by the High Court direction to cut the scenes, Fox Star Studios said that it was withdrawing its plea. Fox Star Studios had moved the apex court challenging the Bombay High Court order directing that the movie be viewed by a three member committee. The

order was passed by the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court. The Bombay High Court’s

Aurangabad Bench ordered deletion of four scenes from the film, which it held were defamatory to the judiciary and could amount to

Jaya Bachchan raises Bhansali attack in RS IANS, KOLKATA

NEW DELHI: There’s comedy, romance and a hook in Phillauri trailer, the response to which has left the film’s makers content and excited. The trailer was unveiled to a positive response as Bollywood buffs found the idea of actress Anushka Sharma playing a ghost very unique and interesting. —IANS

Akshay Kumar will be playing the lead character in Jolly LLB 2.

contempt of court. The High Court order came following a report by the courtappointed three-member committee of experts, comprising Senior Advocates R.N. Dhorde and V.J. Dixit and medico Prakash Kanade. The Aurangabad bench set up the committee to see the film after a Nanded lawyer, Ajay Kumar Waghmare, told the court that the film was an attempt to portray the country’s legal profession and the judicial system in a poor light. Jolly LLB 2, starring Akshay Kumar and Huma Qureshi, is a sequel of 2013 Jolly LLB. The movie is set to release on February 10.

amajwadi Party leader and actor Jaya Bachchan raised in Rajya Sabha the issue of recent attack on filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Jaya Bachchan said: “Creativity should not be subjected to such treatment.” There was growing intolerance in the country with the selected few assuming that they represent the masses under certain political patronage, she said. They have started taking law

and order into their own hands, she added. “They have no respect for the constitutional values or law and order,” she said. “The film fraternity has long been fighting this menace with little or no support from the government,” she added. “Film industry creates large number of employment opportunity and any such disruption affects earnings, growth and employment generation within the industry, Jaya added. The Samajwadi Party member

Actress Jaya Bachchan raised the issue of recent attack on filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Rajya Sabha. (Photo: IANS)

also expressed her displeasure over the government not condemning the incident in which Bhansali was physically assaulted and film equipment was damaged. The National Award-winning

Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was allegedly slapped and assaulted on January 27 by a mob of activists of the Shree Rajput Karni Sena in Jaipur on the sets of Padmavati.

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EntErtainmEnt

Katrina Kaif turns hair stylist for Anurag Basu

ctress Katrina Kaif did more than remembering her lines and acting for her Jagga Jasoos director Anurag Basu. She turned into a hair stylist for him. Basu posted a video on Twitter that showed the actress, armed with a smile, trying to give the filmmaker a new look with a razor. Though she seemed happy to do it, he looked tense about Katrina tak-

Kangana to get ‘vintage’ ride

ctress Kangana Ranaut is leaving no stone unturned to get into the skin of her character in Rangoon. She will soon be seen travelling in a vintage car as a run up to the forthcoming film, a period drama set against the backdrop of World War II. The actress will be seen in the vintage ride, everywhere she travels, be it for her work commitments or her personal routine. She will be using it throughout the month. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment along with Viacom18 Motion Pictures, Rangoon is set to hit the screens on February 24.

ing charge of the razor. Someone can be even heard saying: “Stay still”. The Barfi! director captioned the video, which he tweeted: “Katrina! The only thing that will save that haircut now is an invisibility cloak.” Jagga Jasoos, also starring Ranbir Kapoor, is a comedy-drama film which tells the story of a teenage detective in search of his missing father. It is set to release on April 7.

I am scared of heights: Huma Qureshi

ctress Huma Qureshi says that she is scared of heights and that aerial yoga is helping her to overcome the fear. The actress, who recently started doing aerial yoga, told IANS here: “I have seen people doing it (aerial yoga) and it is really fascinating. I am a little scared of heights, so I think when you have such fears, you should do something to get rid of that. So, I recently started aerial yoga. It’s cool.” Huma is confident and unapologetic about her appearance though initially she faced a lot of criticism for being on the heavier side.

I don’t regret anything: Priyanka

hether her choices end in success or failure, actress Priyanka Chopra — whose visibility in the US is on the rise — says she is always on the lookout for new ways to challenge herself, because she believes in living without regrets. “It’s been an incredible, amazing experience and I don’t think I’ve had time to fully process it all. I’m a living testament of ‘If you can dream it, you can do it’, and I’m filled with gratitude for all the connections and learnings I’ve had along the way,” Priyanka told IANS in an email interview from New York. “I am a firm believer in not having any regrets. Every choice I’ve made and step I’ve taken has led me to where I am today,” she added.

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COMMUNITY NEWS / midwest 2

FRIDAY, 10 FEBRUARY, 2017

FIA marks R-Day with panache C

BY A STAFF WRITER HICAGO, GO -- Federation of the Indian Associations set a new milestone in event management by holding a fabulous gala event in the celebration of India’s 68th Republic Day at Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows. Sunil Shah, FIA’s founder-president, welcomed the ebullient guests. The presence of dozens of entrepreneurs, elected officials, prominent community dignitaries and a large number of young adults prove that FIA has become a facilitator and purveyor of opportunities to the large Indian American community of Illinois, said Mukesh Shah, current FIA president, who later introduced all the executive board members to the attentive crowd. Echoing similar optimism, Onkar Sangha, past president and founder, thanked all the sponsors who have displayed their strong support in the growth of FIA. The program started with the national anthems of both the United States and India, sung by Ashley Singh and Natasha Trikha, respectively. In the traditional lamp- lighting program, prominent community leaders joined the top brass of the FIA, including other founders of the organization like Rita Singh and Sunny Kular as well as Advisory Board Members like Asha Oraskar, Syed Hussaini, Aishwarya Sharma, and Vipul Shah. Later, sixteen artistes from Kalashree Dance Academy took the audience into classic ballet mood. Titled as “Game of Thrones”, the performance was choreographed by Toral Chaudhary. Nine performers of SSR Chicago

FIA founder-president Sunil Shah (center) is flanked by elected officials and other dignitaries and community leaders

regaled the audience and Mahijit Singh Virdi with his patriotic Bollywood songs churned up nostalgic emotions in the crowd. Moon Khan, one of the two executive vice presidents of FIA, introduced Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthy, who reiterated his full and solid support to diversity and equal opportunity. He expressed his happiness to see a lot of his supporters in the audience. Neil Khot, another executive vice president of FIA, introduced the new Consul General of India Neeta Bhushan based in Chicago, who was elated to find the top brass of the Indian community in the banquet hall.

Among the elected officials who attended the event and also addressed the audience included Village President of Oak Brook, Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, State Senator Christina Castro, State Representative Michelle Mussman, and Mayor of Rolling Meadows Tim Vinbass. Plaques were given to Dr. Bharat Barai, a prominent Indian community leader and a recent recipient of the prestigious Bharat Pravasi Divas Award bestowed upon him by the President of India; Deepak Kant Vyas, Chairman of Redberri Global Corporation; Syed Hussain, Banking Manager of Wintrust Bank; Gulam Mustafa Faheem, CEO of Shalimar Banquets; Paresh Joshi, Vice President of Ramona Inc.; and Gurmeet Singh

Hina Trivedi takes up cudgels for NRIs BY A STAFF WRITER HICAGO, IL -- Lion Hina Trivedi, a famous community leader from Chicago, was invited as a delegate to Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2017 held at Bengaluru, India. Trivedi serves Chicago Indo-US Lions Club (president), GOPIO Chicago (former president), Federations of Indian Associations (former president) and many more organizations. She met many dignitaries that included External Affairs Minister V K Singh, CM of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, CM of Chhattisgarh Raman Singh, CM of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar, CM of Arunachal Pradesh Takam Pario and many other distinguished people, administration officers and bureaucrats to discuss many issues related to NRIs and Indians living in the US. Trivedi tried to spread awareness in second and third generation Indians living in the US towards their native country India through socio-economic and other prospective programs so they can build strong future relationships between both the countries. She also raised issues NRIs face during their visit to India. She also attended Pravasi Haryana Divas 2017 held at Guru Gram on the personal invitation of Chief

Dhalwan, CEO of Adbhut Entertainment. One of the main two iconic highlights of the program was the fashion show presented by Shital Daftari, CEO of Saris and Things and choreographed by Noman Khan. The surprise entry of Sunil Shah in the fashion show generated a large response. Despite a large number of performances, musical program by Saregamapa group the program went on smoothly due to the capable emceeing strategies of Alka Sharma, Sanjeev Singh & Sweta Bhagwakar who deserve accolades. On behalf of the executive board of the FIA, Ninad Daftari thanked the guests, sponsors, dignitaries and elected officials.

Basketball body may go soft on Sikhs

BY A STAFF WRITER ASHINGTON, DC -- Joe Crowley, chairman of the Democratic Caucus, and Ami Bera, Indian American co-chair of the House Caucus on India and Indian American Affairs, have come out in support of the International Basketball Federation which is looking to change its policy requiring Sikhs and other players to remove their articles of faith, such as turbans, in international competitions. FIBA’s central board announced on February 2 that it supports a change in policy and the board’s recommendation will be considered when FIBA’s Mid-Term Congress meets in May 2017, according to a press release. “We’re thrilled that the board has endorsed a change that, if adopted, will let Sikhs play wearing articles of faith”, said Crowley and Bera, in the report. “While it should have never taken this long for the board to endorse this change, we’re glad that FIBA is moving ahead. There is no evidence that turbans or religious headgear pose a threat to players, and FIBA’s policy has been not only outdated, but discriminatory.

W Hina Trivedi with CM of Harayan Mr. Mohanlal Khattar

Minister Khattar. She was also invited to Vibrant Gujarat 2017 and also attended the republic day parade on January 26 at New Delhi as a special guest during her Delhi visit. She went to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s residence to meet her and greeted her an wished her speedy and healthy recovery. She visited various cities and villages

of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi and Haryana to spread awareness about Swatchh Bharat Abhiyaan and helped poor children with food and clothes. Trivedi was accompanied by her team that included Deepak Nayak, Nirav Parekh, Satish Patel, Pinky Rana, Shaitan Nayak, Vikas Ji, Haresh Mehta, Dipak Jaitly and many volunteers from across India.

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COMMUNITY NEWS/ midwest 4

FRIDAY, 03 FEBRUARY, 2017

Joyalukkas opens third showroom BY A STAFF WRITER HICAGO,IL -- Multi-awarded global jewellery retail chain Joyalukkas opened its third showroom in the US in West Devon 2642, Chicago on February 4. The showroom was inaugurated by US Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy in the presence of Bishop Jacob Angadiyath, KCNNA president Aniyan George, Francy PV, general manager, Joyalukkas US operations, along with local VIPs and dignitaries. The opening of the Chicago showroom is part of the Group’s aggressive expansion plans, following a month after the opening of showrooms in Houston and New Jersey. Entering new markets and strengthening the Group’s positioning in its current 11 countries of operation are also in the pipeline later this year. Joyalukkas has earned the moniker “world’s favourite jeweller” by offering world-class products coupled with the highest standards of customer service wherever they operate. “Opening showrooms in the US is a dream come true for all of us at Joyalukkas Group,” said Joy Alukkas, chairman and managing director of the Group. “Chicago is an exciting location and we are looking forward to providing the quality of jewellery and service Joyalukkas is known for to the cosmopolitan mix of customers

The third Joayalukkas showroom in Chicago Inaugurated by Hon. USA Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy in the Presence of Bishop Jacob Angadiyath; Aniyan George, KCCNA President; Francy P V, General Manager Joyalukkas USA Operations and other dignitaries.

here. We strive to return this great reception with great value and quality service for all customers.” Customers visiting the Joyalukkas Chicago showroom can also avail the inaugural offers. They can enjoy a free 2 gram gold coin on purchase of diamond, polki & pearl jewellery worth $2000 or more. While

those purchasing gold & precious jewellery worth $1000 and more will also get a quarter gram gold coin for free. The Joyalukkas Chicago showroom showcases a mix of traditional, ethno contemporary and international designs that have won hearts and following of customers around the world in exclusive

Items mocking Hindu deities spark row

Joyalukkas makes V-Day memorable BY A STAFF WRITER oyalukkas, the world’s favourite j e we l l e r, i s g i v i n g c u s t o m e r s a Valentine’s Day to remember with the exclusive Joyalukkas BeMine Heart to Heart Collection. This captivating collection of diamond jewellery is the perfect gift and will continue to capture hearts long after the season of love is over. “Last year’s Valentine’s collection was very well received by our loyal patrons,” says Joy Alukkas, chairman & MD, Joyalukkas Group. “This year, we’ve collected an even more stunning selection of handpicked master pieces of exquisite craftsmanship featuring certified diamonds. Add to that special gifts on purchase, and we are sure everyone will simply fall in love with this new collection.” The Joyalukkas BeMine Heart to Heart Collection features sparkling certified diamonds-set gold and rose gold pendants and bracelets. Each piece presents a beautifully-

stylized heart and comes in an exquisite gift box designed to make the recipient feel cherished and special. The global jewellery retailer’s popular 0% deduction on gold exchange offer is available for customers to enjoy. Customers get 2 Gram 22K gold coin free on purchase of diamond, polki and pearl jewellery worth AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham) 5,000 and a 2-gram 22K gold coin free on purchases worth AED 3,000. The Joyalukkas BeMine Heart to Heart Collection and offers are available across all 120 showrooms in 11countries from 2nd to 19th February 2017. About Joyalukkas Group: Joyalukkas Group is a multi-billion dollar global conglomerate, with varied business interests. The group operates its various business operations across USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Singapore, Malaysia, London and India. The group businesses

Dr. Raj Patel

BY A STAFF WRITER ANTA MONICA, CA -- Hindus are urging Santa Monica (California)headquartered Leaf Group Limited to immediately withdraw some of the products sold on its marketplace Society6 which ‘mock, distort and disrespect’ various Hindu deities, calling it ‘highly inappropriate’. They are also urging its Board Chairman James Quandt and Chief Executive Officer Sean Moriarty to offer a formal apology. Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that products like Kali as ‘Mistress of Chaos’, Shiva as cartoon character Popeye, Lakshmi like a belly-dancer, Kali as ‘Collie Kali’ with dog-face and dog-feet, ‘Funky Female Shiva’, ‘Pink Krishna’, ‘mutant Ganesh’, etc ; highly trivialized the greatly revered Hindu deities. According to him, other items on sale were Shiva with a nose-ring, Krishna as skateboarder, ‘Ganesh Loves Selfies–Two at a Time!” showing Ganesha taking selfies with two cell-phones, ‘Durga Carrying Tiger’ instead of traditional riding on the tiger, Ganesha holding cowboy lasso, cartoonish Lakshmi, Ganesha in cropped trousers, etc. Still more products, deemed disrespectful by Hindu devotees, included: yoga mats, bed sheets, rugs and duvet cover depicting Hindu deities Shiva, Balaji Vishnu, Ganesha, Krishna, Durga, Saraswati, Parvati, Radha and Manasa Devi, Rajan Zed stated.

include jewellery, money exchange, fashion & textiles, luxury air charters, malls and realty. Joyalukkas employs over 8,000 professionals across the world, and is one of the most awarded and recognised jewellery retail chains in the world.

Indian doc completes marathon challenge BY A STAFF WRITER ULSA, OK -- Talk about a globetrotter: A Tulsa dentist has joined the small, elite club of athletes who have completed the World Marathon Challenge by finishing seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. Dr. Raj Patel began the challenge on January 23 in Antarctica. That was followed by races in Chile, Florida, Spain, Morocco, Dubai and

Joyalukkas brands, such as Veda Temple Jewellery, Pride Diamonds, Eleganza Polki Diamonds, Masaaki Pearls, Zenina Turkish Jewellery, Li’l Joy Kids Jewellery, the Apurva Antique collection & Ratna Precious Stone Jewellery, along with exquisite pieces in gold, diamond, precious stones, platinum and pearl.

Australia over the course of a week. Patel, 50, didn’t start running until he was 44. The Indian American dentist says he has run 92 marathons since 2011, including the seven last week. Patel says the World Marathon Challenge was rewarding but one of the hardest things he’s ever done. He finished eighth overall out of the 31 people who completed the challenge this year.

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COMMUNITY NEWS / midwest FRIDAY, 10 FEBRUARY, 2017

Raja vows to defend Affordable Care Act Democratic Congressman Krishnamoorthi, using the power of his committee post, intends to fight the Republicans who want to repeal the Act. “This position will give me a platform to stand up for working families by fighting for quality, affordable health care and keeping the promises we’ve made to our seniors,” Krishnamoorthi said in a statement. “At a time when so many pillars of middle-class life are under attack, I look forward to using my position to defend the Affordable Care Act and to resist any attempt to cut Medicare.”

BY A STAFF WRITER HICAGO, IL -- Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., announced recently that he plans to use his position as ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s Subcommittee on Healthcare, Benefits and Administrative Rules to defend the Affordable Care Act. The Act has been under scrutiny from many GOP members of Congress a n d Pr e s i d e n t D o n a l d Tr u m p . The Republican-led Congress plans to repeal the Act per Trump’s campaign promise.

Mandi Theater Group to mark Women’s Day BY A STAFF WRITER HICAGO, IL -- Never cut the wings of women, let them fly and spread the fragrance. With that motto in mind, Mandi Theater Group is here again with an exclusive performance--WINGS, celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women as well as bringing focus on atrocities against women. “At Mandi Theatre, we believe that a new generation of young women can lead this city without conforming to conservative ideas of radicalized, sexualized femininity”, says founder and creative director Alka Sharma.

WINGS is a newly-formed Women’s Initiative led by Mandi Theatre to discuss universal issues that affect women and to

create a platform where women can freely engage in open dialogues to voice their concerns about issues that affect them. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women’s craft markets, theatrical performances, fashion parades and more. Consulate General of India Neeta Bhushan will be the chief guest at the unique program to be held on March 4 at Rana Reagan Community Center, 343 St Paul Blvd, Carol Stream IL 60188. The event will also feature an art exhibition and a fashion parade by little girls.

IABC to felicitate Dr. Manu Vora

Dr Manu Vora

BY A STAFF WRITER HICAGO, IL -- The Indian American Business Council (IABC) will honor Dr. Manu Vora on February 16 on his appointment as a Fulbright Specialist by US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs. The ceremony will be held at the Holiday Inn at 3405 W Algonquin Rd. Rolling Meadows Il 60008 from 6-9 pm. “We feel really grateful that Dr. Vora has agreed to accept this humble token of our appreciation for his many contributions to the Indian American diaspora”, said Poonam Gupta-Krishnan, IABC chairman. Dr. Vora will present a 90 minute complimentary training on the US Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework for Small businesses which takes a holistic, systems approach in viewing an organization’s performance management system across seven categories leading to sustainable organizations in the global economy.

St Louis Bal Vihar celebrates R-Day

Yo g a & Me d i t a t i o n - In n e r Engineering Total with an Isha Teacher trained by Sadhguru on Thu, 9th Feb & Sun 12th Feb at 6:30pm - 7:00pm on Bartlett Community Center - Oak Room 700 S Bartlett Road, Bartlett, IL 60103. Call: 630-233-4742

Valentines family night on Sun, 12th Feb - 7:00 PM at Royal Palace Banquets, 1570 West Ogden Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540. Call: 630-746-4389

Ishq Bollywood Valentines Desi Party. on Fri 17th Feb- 9:00 pm- 1.30 am at CLUB VIVA 408 N. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108 Call: Raj 314800-8025

Author Visit with Thrity Umrigar, “The Story Hour” on Sat 18th Feb0 1:00 PM at Adlai E. Stevenson High School, 1 Stevenson Drive , Lincolnshire, IL 60069

Hi India & Classic Production presents Gujarat Mahotsav 2017 on Sat, 6th May - 9:00 AM at Odeum Expo Center, 1033,North Villa Avenue, Villa Park, IL 60181. Call: 773-552-6083

Valentines Day - Bollywood Night on Fri Feb 17th- 7:00 pm at Tallgrass Clubhouse, 3324 Deering Bay Drive, Naperville, IL 60564

BY A STAFF WRITER T LOUIS, MO -- Center for Indian Cultural Education- Bal Vihar of St. Louis celebrated India’s 68th Republic day on January 22 in the presence of 500-odd participants. Those who attended the event held at Ladue Middle school in Ladue, MO included St. Louis leaders such as Bert Vescolani – CEO of St. Louis Science Center, Beth Rodriguez, CEO and Interfaith consultant who works closely with Bal Vihar to promote the diversity. The guests also included Bal Vihar teachers who were providing services in 1992 when the school was established. Students and parents together exhibited booths of different states of India such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and more where they displayed culture, food, history, and clothing of these states. Children’s enthusiasm was outstanding

when Bal Vihar Ensemble performed the Indian national anthem, patriotic songs and the flag hoisting ceremony in presence of the dignitaries. There was excitement among parents and children alike to display their states and be proud of the US. Bal Vihar of St. Louis school is a unique organization in the US where it is independent of any religions organization and is focused on its vision of instilling Asian Indian culture in children and has been serving the St. Louis community for the last 25 years. The voluntary non-profit organization, has graduated more than 1000 students over period and its enrollment is growing in the community. Focused on diversity and community service under the leadership of professional volunteers, Bal Vihar has earned significant respect in St. Louis where it holds programs in collaboration with the St. Louis Arts Center and St. Louis Science Center, Interfaith community and more every year.

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COMMUNITY NEWS/ eastcoast FRIDAY, 10 FEBRUARY, 2017

Dr. Indrakrishnan is on Georgia Board

BY A STAFF WRITER TLANTA, GA -- Dr Indrakrishnan has been sworn in to the Georgia Board for Physician Workforce (GBPW). The ceremony was held at the Georgia state capitol and Governor Nathan Deal administered the oath to Dr Indrakrishnan. The function was graced by many Georgia political stalwarts, including Secretary of the state Brian Kemp, president pro tempore of the senate David Shafer, Senator Michael Dugan, state representatives Brooks Coleman , Timothy Barr & David Clerk and Indian Consul General Nagesh Singh. The board’s executive director Lasharn Hughes and CEO of medical Association of Georgia Don Palmisano, founders of Meals by Grace Stephen & Suellen Daniels and Dr Indrakrishnan’s wife Gayathri also attended the function. Georgia Board for Physician Workforce is comprised of distinguished physicians, hospital/health system executives, and consumer members. Dr Indrakrishnan is the first physician of Asian descent to have been appointed to this board. He is a clinical Professor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and has his Gastroenterology private practice in Lawrenceville, a suburb of Atlanta. Governor’s gubernatorial executive

Teen finds way to make saltwater drinkable

Chaitanya Karamchedu

Dr Indrakrishnan with Governor Nathan Deal

appointment of Dr Indrakrishnan to the board has drawn lawmakers’ bipartisan felicitations from both sides of the aisle. Congressman Rob Woodall commented that he always admired Dr Indrakrishnan’s commitment to serving his community and he is thrilled to hear of his appointment to the Georgia Board of Physicians Workforce. He further stated that Governor Deal has made a wonderful choice, and I know Georgians will be well served with Dr. Indrakrishnan in this new role.” Senators Michael Dugan and Mark

Newton, State representatives Betty Price , Timothy Barr & David Clark have also praised Dr Indrakrishnan’s dedicated service to the community. U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga, praised Dr. Indrakrishnan and excellent work for his patients. Dr Indrakrishnan is on the boards of national and state non –profit organizations which include Fight colorectal cancer, Meals by Grace, Third eye dancers , Georgia colorectal cancer round table and American India Foundation.

Man found guilty of assault on Indian BY A STAFF WRITER ETTLE FALLS, WA- A man accused of breaking into an Indian American-managed inn in Washington state last year has been found guilty of assault and malicious mischief. Following a trial that accused Brandon Kilgore of breaking into Kettle Falls Inn, managed by Preet Moudgil, and terrorizing the innkeeper and his family on July 9, 2016, the 28-year-old Kilgore was found guilty. During the break-in, Kilgore called Moudgil a ‘terrorist’ and threatened to kill him and his family.

Preeet Moudgil

Moudgil was able to fend off the attacker and called emergency authorities. At the time of the attack, Moudgil’s parents and young child were home. The attacker eventually climbed onto

UPCOMING

the roof and entered through a sliding glass door and held a knife at the innkeeper. The jury found Kilgore guilty of two of the five charges he initially faced, including two assault charges, a charge of first degree burglary and two counts of malicious mischief. One of the assault charges was tossed out for lack of victim testimony. The jury found Kilgore guilty of one count of second degree assault and one count of malicious mischief. The guilty charges, which will put Kilgore behind bars for anywhere from one year to 14 months, still puzzles Moudgil more than a week after the jury announced its decision.

EVENTS

BY A STAFF WRITER ORTLAND, OR -- The research of an Indian American student in Portland, Oregon, which has discovered a cheaper and easier method to turn salt water into drinkable fresh water, has caught the attention of major technology firms and universities. Chaitanya Karamchedu is turning heads across the country because of a science experiment that began in his high school classroom. The Jesuit High School senior now has big plans of changing the world. “The best access for water is the sea, so 70 percent of the planet is covered in water and almost all of that is the ocean, but the problem is that it is salt water,” said Karamchedu. Karamchedu figured it out, on his own, in a high school lab. “The real genesis of the idea was realizing that sea water is not fully saturated with salt,” he was quoted as saying. By experimenting with a highly absorbent polymer, the teen discovered a cost-effective way to remove salt from ocean water and turn it into fresh water. “It’s not bonding with water molecules, it’s bonding to the salt,” said Karamchedu. Scientists across the country are taking note. He won a $10,000 award from the US Agency for International Global Development at Intel’s International Science Fair and second place at MIT’s TechCon Conference where he won more money to continue his research. In January, Karamchedu was also named one of 300 Regeneron Science Talent Search semifinalists, one of the most prestigious competitions in the country for high school seniors.

in the East Coast area

Asian Women In Business organize Speak Up and Speak Out: The Art of Public Speaking on Wed 15th March- 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at IESE Business School, 165 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019. General Admission: $50. Call: 212 868 1368

Two to Tango, Three to Jive -Saurabh Shukla Live in New York on Fri 10th March-8:00 pm at Flushing Temple Auditorium, 143-07 Holly Ave, Flushing, NY 11355. Call: 518-763-1091

Holi Party on Sat 11th March- 12:00 pm at Stage 48, 605 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036. Call: 908-403-7045

Bollywood Karoake Competetion 2017 by Asha For Education on Sat 4th March- 1:00 pm-8:00 pm at MVCC Community Centre 143 State Route 35, Laurence Harbor, NJ 08879. Tkts: $10 per person, Kids 5 and under free. Singers: $10 per category. Call: 908-838-5230

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS/ eastcoast 2

FRIDAY, 10 FEBRUARY, 2017

R-Day celebrated on Long Island BY A STAFF WRITER ONG ISLAND, NY -- Supervisor Anthony Santino, Town Clerk Nasrin Ahmad and the entire H e m p s t e a d To w n B o a r d welcomed the Indian American Forum, local Indian-American residents and outstanding performers and speakers during the town’s celebration of India Republic Day. The cultural event commemorated the anniversary of India becoming a republic after declaring independence from British rule. It was the largest event of its kind on Long Island. “The Town of Hempstead is honored to host a joyous celebration of India Republic Day, and we thank the many Indian-American neighbors who came out to support this wonderful event”, said Santino. He presented the prestigious Town of Hempstead India Republic Day Award to Neeta Bhasin and Sunita Manjrekar for their decades of hard work and dedication to the local Indian-American community. Neeta is the founder of ASB Communications, a full-service international multicultural advertising and marketing organization. She also established Event Guru Worldwide, which

Indian student among 15 Churchill scholars

Shovik Bandyopadhyay

Indian linked to drug trade brought to US BY A STAFF WRITER EW YORK, NY — An Indianorigin man who was allegedly a member of an international gang that trafficked drugs from the Pakistan-Afghanistan region, was caught in Kenya and brought to the US to face narcotics charges, New York federal prosecutor Preet Bharara said. Vijaygiri Goswami and three others “ran a Kenyan drug trafficking organization with global ambitions,” the Indian American prosecutor said January 31. “For their alleged distribution of literally tons of narcotics--heroin and methamphetamine--around the globe, including to America, they will now face justice in a New York federal court,” Bharara said. The prosecution’s account of the 2014 operation to bring down the gang known as the “Akasha Organization” sounds like a thriller with undercover operatives who pretended to be South American drug dealers to infiltrate it and used Skype to communicate.

Indian businessman faces 20-year jail

(L-R) Baktash Akasha Abdalla, Vijaygiri Anandgiri Goswami, Gulam Hussein & Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla

Two arrested for Indian’s murder BY A STAFF WRITER ODESTO, CA -- One block from the location where 39-year-old Kalpesh ‘ Kal’ Patel was shot the night of January 27, Modesto Police Department homicide detectives on February 1morning searched the home of one of the men suspected in his death. Patel died after he was shot on Ortega Drive on January 27 night. He was found on the sidewalk and taken to a nearby hospital, where he died. The shooter left the area before officers got to the scene, according to Heather Graves, spokeswoman for the Modesto

BY A STAFF WRITER UREKA, MO – Shovik Bandyopadhyay, a student pursuing an M.Phil degree at Purdue University, was among the 15 students named as 2017-2018 Churchill Scholars by the Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States. Bandyopadhyay, of Eureka, Mo., studies biological science in the College of Science and Honors College at Purdue. He is laying the foundation to pursue his goal to discover new and better treatments for blood cancers, the university said. In his university profile, Bandyopadhyay, a 2016 Goldwater Scholar, said he aspires to focus on research in cancer biology while maintaining patient contact. The research, he said, should result in treatments while maintaining the human side of medicine. The scholarship, established in 1963 at the request of Winston Churchill, provides undergraduates with outstanding academic achievement in the science, technology, engineering and math fields the opportunity to complete a one-year master’s program at the University of Cambridge.

Kalpesh ‘Kal’ Patel with his daughter

Police Department. Detectives had arrested Jose Lopez, 26,

BY A STAFF WRITER RESNO, CA – An Indian American businessman in California, Krishen Sauble Iyer, has been convicted of laundering money for a narcotics dealer. The federal prosecutor for Eastern California Phillip Talbert said on February 1 that Iyer, who lives in Fresno, has admitted his guilt. Iyer, who owned several insurance businesses, made a deal with a marijuana dealer to have money from selling the narcotics transferred to one of his companies, Health Shield. He then returned the money to the dealer after taking a commission and disguising the payments as salaries, the prosecution said. He filed tax documents showing payments of $111,952 in 2013 and $164,000 in 2014 even though the dealer had not worked for him. The marijuana dealer was identified only as “S.V.” in the court documents. Iyer is to be sentenced by Judge Dale Drozd in April and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail and a $500,000 fine.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017

health x

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health

Ladies! Heart screenings should begin at age 20

According to the American Heart Association recommendations, screenings should start at 20 as various heart-related risk factors start developing at that age IANS, NEW YORK

ixty per cent of women in US think of heart screenings as necessary only after age 40, whereas health experts recommend that screenings should begin in the 20s, a study has found. According to the American Heart Association recommendations, screenings should start at 20, as the age may cause the onset of various heart-related diseases. “Women cannot wait until they’re 40 to start paying attention to their risk factors. They can begin developing atherosclerosis, plaque in their arteries, in their teenage and early twenties,” Carolina Demori, cardiologist at the Orlando Health Heart Institute in

Roasted potatoes may cause cancer

Screenings beginning at age 20 must include body mass index (BMI).

Florida, US, said in a statement. “Thus, it is vital to understand risk factors and make appropriate life changes as early as possible,”

Demori further added. Screenings beginning at age 20 should include weight and body mass index (BMI), blood pressure,

cholesterol levels, glucose levels and waist circumference, all of which are directly associated with heart health and can be controlled to minimize risks. For the study, the team conducted a survey, in which over thousand women participated. The results showed that the average age women thought they should begin getting heart screenings was 41. Only eight percent of women were aware that screenings should begin at some point in their 20s. In addition to heart screenings, doctors suggests that women should eat a healthy diet and implement an exercise routine. “The study is a wake-up call that there needs to be more education on heart,” Demori said.

BRIEFS: Anti-depressants in pregnancy harm babies

TORONTO: Babies whose mothers take anti-depressant medications for lowering their symptoms of depression during the first three months of pregnancy may be at an increased risk of developing malformations, defects in the heart and lungs, as well as in the eyes, ears, face and neck, researchers have warned. Use of anti-depressant during the fist trimester has the potential to result in malformations.

E-cigarettes luring low risk youth to tobacco NEW YORK: E-cigarettes — seen as responsible for a decline in cigarette smoking among the youth — are actually attracting a new population of adolescents who might not otherwise have smoked tobacco products, researchers warned.

Sitting for long ages women IANS, NEW YORK

E LONDON: Bread, chips and potatoes should be cooked to a golden yellow color, rather than brown, to reduce intake of a chemical which could cause cancer, UK scientists have revealed. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said people are consuming too much acrylamide, a chemical produced naturally as a result of cooking starchy foods at high temperatures, the Guardian reported. Acrylamide has been shown to cause cancer in animals and while it has not been conclusively produced to have the same effect in humans, the scientific consensus is that it is likely to do so. FSA director of policy Steve Wearne said: “You can’t point to individual people and say that the person has cancer because of the amount of acrylamide in their diet but because the mechanisms by which it does have this effect in animals are similar to the mechanisms you would expect to occur in humans.” — IANS

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lderly women who sit for more than 10 hours a day with low physical activity have cells that are biologically older by eight years compared to women who are less sedentary, a new study has found. Researchers from the University of California (UC) found that women who have a sedentary lifestyle have cells that are biologically older and invite cardiovascular diseases and diabetes as compared to women who are active and exercise regularly.

“Our study found cells age faster with a sedentary lifestyle. Chronological age doesn’t always match biological age,” said lead researcher Aladdin Shadyab from UC.

Elderly women with less than 40 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day and who remain sedentary for more than 10 hours per day have shorter telomeres — tiny caps found on the ends of DNA strands that protect chromosomes from deterioration and progressively shorten with age. As a cell ages, its telomeres naturally shorten and fray and make a body prone to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and major cancers. “We found that women who sat longer did not have shorter telomere length if they exercised for at least 30 minutes a day, said Shadyab.

The findings showed that the ecigarettes attract low-risk adolescents who may not have used nicotine at all if e-cigarettes did not exist. “E-cigarettes are encouraging — not discouraging — youth to smoke and to consume nicotine and are expanding the tobacco market,” said Stanton A. Glantz, Professor at University of California, San Francisco. The study was published online in the journal Pediatrics. — IANS

Our meals may have protective mechanisms IANS, LONDON

very time we eat food, it may trigger an inflammatory response that acts as a protective mechanism to fight the bacteria consumed along with the food, a study has found. The findings showed that this inflammatory response, which acts as a protective mechanism, fails in overweight individuals further leading to diabetes. On the other hand, in healthy individuals, short-term inflammatory responses play an important role in sugar uptake and the activation of the immune system. The study, led by researchers at

The metabolism mechanism depends on bacteria and nutrients ingested in meals.

the University of Basel in Switzerland, showed that depending on the concentration of glucose in the

blood, the number of macrophages — a type of immune cell or “scavenger cells” — around the intestines

increases during meal times and produces the messenger substance Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). This stimulates insulin production in pancreatic beta cells and prompts the macrophages to increase IL-1beta production. Insulin and IL-1beta work together to regulate blood sugar levels, while IL-1beta ensures that the immune system is supplied with glucose and thus remains active. This mechanism of the metabolism and immune system is dependent on the bacteria and nutrients that are ingested during meals, the researchers said. The study was published in the journal Nature Immunology.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017

lifestyle Kareena shimmers in gold at LFW finale

DURGA CHAKRAVARTY, MUMBAI

akme Fashion Week (LFW) Summer/Resort 2017 not only brought the spotlight on Indian handlooms like Khadi, muslin and cotton, which were beautifully blended with glamour and luxury, but also focussed on sustainable fashion like recycling of waste into finer goods. Apart from celebrity showstoppers, others who stood out were models like Anjali Lama, a Anjali Lama, transgender, and a transgender, Petr Nitka, who is and Petr Nitka, gender neutral. who is gender The fashion neutral stood extravaganza, which Fashion designers Falguni and Shane with actress Bipasha out as started on February Basu during Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai (Photo: (IANS) showstopper 1, had a new venue — the Reliance Jio Garden the 16 years of history of Talking about the models, — and saw a lot of designers LFW, is really pushing the Chandok said: “I think the story with menswear lines. boundary for fashion,” Jaspreet around inclusivity keeps getting “I think the scale at which we Chandok, Head-Fashion, IMG bigger. This year we had a gender have done LFW this time is the Reliance Ltd, told IANS here on neutral model and a transgender largest. Having an open venue in the sidelines of the grand finale. model. We are really happy.”

‘JaipurPhoto’ to begin on February 24

How to get white eye liner to look right? IANS, NEW DELHI

I JAIPUR: The second edition of the international travel photography festival ‘JaipurPhoto’ will begin in the Rajasthan capital city on February 24. Organized by Orange Cat Productions in collaboration with Rajasthan’s Department of Tourism, the festival will continue till March 4. According to the organizers, architects will design a demountable architectural installation on which large-format prints will be displayed. Besides 19 photo exhibitions, it will have two special interventions and a series of talks by eminent personalities from the photography industry. ‘JaipurPhoto’ will also host a workshop on photobook making by Japan’s Yumi Goto, who launched Tokyo’s legendary Reminders Project. The award-winning Argentinian photographer Mariela Sancari will also host a workshop. —IANS

LFW’s role as a launchpad for promoting young designers was visible on the opening day of the Summer/Resort edition when five new faces showcased their unique creations. Presented by INIFD, the Gen Next show witnessed designs that were an amalgamation of creativity, style and innovation. Some of those who impressed with their creativity were Soumyadeep Dutta, Pot Plant by designer duo Resham Karmchandani and Sanya Suri, Nakita Singh, Poochki by Ishani Mukherjee and Anirudh Chawla and Pallavi Singh. The first-day also saw a starstudded show, where designer Kunal Rawal presented his latest menswear range ‘The Race of Seperates’, which was attended by the young guns of Bollywood like Sonakshi Sinha, Arjun Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, who walked the ramp as a showstopper. There was an abundance of Bollywood faces, who took to the ramp.

f you are bored of your black eye liner, you can try white eye liner. Go for cats eye or double liner look, says an expert. Aakriti Kochar, beauty and make-up expert, Oriflame India, lists some ways to wear white eye make-up. v Wear a white cat’s eye: All of us wear winged eye liners on a daily basis. Let’s take a twist with our choice of eye liner colors for cat’s

eye look. White is also the color to wear to brighten up your face in gloomy winter. Add lots of mascara to add volume to your lashes. Sport this with a clean skin look (no contour,

blush). If you want to add another color to this block, wear a bold orange matte lipstick with this look. Keep your skin sheer and glowing. White eye liner in itself will do the job. If you are all in for going out and shining bright, sport a white/silver metallic eye liner instead. v Sport a double liner look for those who love creativity. Draw a winged black eye liner on the top rim and outline it with shimmery white eye liner on top.

MUMBAI: Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, who was the showstopper for Anita Dongre, looked stunning in a beautiful gold and white ensemble created by the ace designer as she provided a memorable grand finale of the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Summer/Resort 2017. Held at the heritage structure of Bandra Fort - which served as a dramatic backdrop for the designer, who wrapped up the event with the grandeur it deserved. Kareena, who is the the face of the Lakme Absolute, was seen walking the ramp after 46 days of giving birth to her first son Taimur Ali Khan. The 36-year-old actress made heads turn as she walked the runway in a long offwhite gown paired with a beautiful gold jacket with embellishments. The Udta Punjab star sported minimal make-up done by international make-up artiste Donald Simrock, whose client list includes popular names like Ashley Judd, Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears, Eva Mendes and Cindy Crawford. About bringing the curtains down this year, Kareena told IANS here: “It feels amazing. It’s just been day 46 (post delivery) and it feels great. The idea is to do what I have been always loved to do, which is work. It is a part of my DNA, it’s a part of me. It’s never going to change.” The actress also praised the designer Anita Dongre. —IANS

Weekend camping trip may help to fix sleep pattern IANS, NEW YORK

truggling to sleep and waking up on time? Camping on a weekend in the hills may reset your sleep pattern and help you go to bed earlier, regardless of the season, suggests researchers. The findings, led by researchers at University of Colorado - Boulder, showed that increased exposure to electrical lighting causes about a two-hour delay in our internal clock. It also shifts the normal fluctuations of the hormone melatonin, known to regulate sleep and wakefulness, the researchers said. “Our findings demonstrate that living in our modern environments

Camping on a weekend trip may help in resetting sleep pattern.

contribute to late circadian timing regardless of season and that a weekend camping trip can reset our

clock rapidly,” said Kenneth Wright at the University of Colorado. Further, the modern day lifestyle

characterized with more time spent indoor reduces natural light exposure, by a whopping 13 times, especially during the winters. These disturb the sleep pattern and hormonal rhythms causing sleepiness throughout the day, reduced work productivity, school performance, accidents as well as lead to many health issues. “Late circadian and sleep timing in modern society are associated with negative performance and health outcomes such as morning sleepiness and accidents, reduced work productivity and school performance, substance abuse, mood disorders, diabetes and obesity,” Wright added.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017

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