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Eid Milan 2015 celebrations uphold Stuti Patel sworn in as the spirit of Indian festivals associate district judge The IMAGH reiterates its motto of fostering amity across cultures, communities and religions.

Stuti Trehan Patel seen taking the oath of office. Photo credit: Memories by Elvia

L-R: Gala Chair Dr. Maqbool Haq, Grand Patron , Sunny Sharma, Harris County DA, Devon Anderson, Consul General of India, Houston, Parvathaneni Harish, Mrs. and Mr. Latafath Hussain, IMAGH President, Taiyeb Shipchandler and Abeezar Tyebji, Chair, Board of Advisors, IMAGH. Photo by SMB photography. by Shobana Muratee

he Indian Muslims Association of Greater Houston (IMAGH) celebrated their signature event Eid Milan on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at the Marriott Westchase Hotel in Houston with

great gusto and pride. For the last six years, since its inception, the IMAGH has maintained its tradition to involve all non-Muslim communities in the Greater Houston areas to partake in the celebrations. Guest of Honor, Consul General of India, Houston Parvathaneni Harish expressed great

delight when he saw that the Hindus of Greater Houston shared the same sentiments as the Muslims on the occasion. “This is the true example of the manner in which we celebrate festivals in India, a true example of what Indian culture stands for, kudos Continued on page 6

by Seshadri Kumar (Wed, Jul 29, 2015) - Fort Bend County’s 400th District Court Judge Maggie Jaramillo administered the oath of office to Stuti Trehan Patel, as associate district judge on July 27. The board of judges selected Patel, an assistant district attorney in the office of Fort Bend County District Attorney to the associate judge position, being vacated by Associate Judge Pedro Ruiz.

Stuti Patel, a home town girl, was proud to serve as a judge in Fort Bend County. She went to Dulles Elementary and Clements High School and got her JD from the University of Houston Law Center in 1996. Daughter of Lalita and Surinder Trehan of Sugar Land, Stuti is married to Hiren Patel. Continued on page 5

Indian Americans pay rich tributes to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam by Manu Shah

n 2007, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam addressed a gathering of Houstonians under a makeshift tent at India House as the building was yet to be completed. He also planted the first sapling on the grounds which can be seen in front of the building. A second visit followed in 2011. Four years later, on 29th July, 2015, about 200 Houstonians met at the same India House for a condolence meeting to mark his demise and to share their heartfelt memories of his humility, simplicity and sincerity. The event was initiated

by Vijay Pallod and jointly organized by India House and India Culture Center, Houston. Many in the audience had personally interacted with him from Indu Sharma who studied with him at the Madras Institute of Technology 60 years ago to IACCGH Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia who met him at Rashtrapati Bhavan with a team of delegates. The Executive Director recalled the grand edifice of the Presidential House and 11th President of India sitting in a corner of the room dressed in a simple khadi kurta, trousers and sandals. Continued on page 5

Left: Dr. Manish Rungta, President, India House addressing the gathering at the India House on July 29, Photo credit Bijay Dixit

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by Sonia Faleiro

wo days after the Indian government blocked access to 857 allegedly pornographic websites, the speaker of the lower house of parliament – the Lok Sabha – suspended 25 MPs from the opposition Congress party. The Congress MPs had been demanding the resignation of three leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata party (the BJP) for complicity in scams involving millions of dollars and the suspicious deaths of dozens of people. Though if the MPs, who wore black armbands, made an impact, it was only on their vocal chords. Still, they were accused of disruption and suspended from the house for five days. On the face of it the two decisions appear unrelated, but porn and politicians have converged in India before: in 2012 three ministers in the southern state of Karnataka were forced to resign after being caught watching explicit videos in the state assembly. And for most Indians the decisions are not merely connected, but fall in line with a pattern of moral regulation that has become standard practice for the nationalist BJP since it was elected into power last year. It is a pattern of bans, suspensions and expulsions aimed at stifling dissent, punishing the opposition, and regulating personal freedoms. It is also an attempt to make a diverse population think and act according to the whims of a small, anachronistic group of people. These people – BJP leaders – seem to think their beliefs take precedence over the constitutional rights of others. It is also a sleight of hand meant to distract the public from real problems with real consequences. The porn ban has little to do with sex, just like the suspension of the 25 MPs isn’t really about the smooth functioning of the house. It is simply more convenient for the government to pressure the speaker to suspend some opposition MPs than it is to respond to the protests by initiating an investigation into the corrupt, possibly deadly practices of its own leaders. It is also quicker to block porn than it is to do the hard work of preventing and punishing the crimes – inaccurately – associated with viewing porn. But every time the govern-

- The Publisher

FRIDAY, August 7, 2015

The BJP’s ban on ‘porn’ sites mocks India’s democratic pretensions ment harasses people who are pursuing legal means of dissent or of self-expression, it makes a tear in India’s democratic fabric. Such a modus operandi is desirable for the government, but it is detrimental to India. The number of bans imposed by the BJP since it came to power, with the hardline Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi at the helm, was once a source of mirth on social media. In one week in March party leaders in various states imposed six different bans, including the consumption of beef and the use of the word “lesbian” in films. The joke is turning sour. The party was voted in on a platform of development, but it is routinely distracted from the big issues that plague the country, such as poverty, poor sanitation and violence against women. It has instead developed a fixation on matters over which it has no right to interfere, the regulation of which will in no way bring India closer to becoming a developed nation. This behaviour has triggered unease and fear within India, and bemusement and mockery outside. In an attempt to mislead people into believing that it is in fact the government’s duty to regulate the internet, government

sources have justified the porn ban as necessary to curb child abuse. But the BJP’s trademark lack of focus has led to mixed messages even here. Some government sources say the ban was necessary on “grounds of morality and decency”. Others describe porn as a “social nuisance”. Several of the banned websites aren’t even pornographic. These include the accurately named College Humor website, whose lead story today is a comic about mums being really bad at using the internet.

He called it “more catastrophic than nuclear holocaust”.

The government doesn’t say how it plans to measure the efficacy of the ban, because it knows it doesn’t have to. If the question arises, it will be easy to counter with the faux accusation that the petitioner is a “social nuisance”.

Vaswani then approached Pinky Anand, a lawyer who was appointed additional solicitor general by the Modi government, and the ban quickly came into force. In other words, the Indian government went against an institution of the state to side with a man whose personal beliefs happen to match theirs.

This foolish episode is best exemplified in the words of the conservative activist who filed the legal petition that led to the ban. Kamlesh Vaswani, a lawyer, said that he was prompted to call for the ban in response to the Delhi bus gang rape in 2012, in which a 23-year-old medical student was killed. In his petition, Vaswani claimed that pornography was “worse than Hitler, worse than Aids, cancer or any other epidemic”.

Mayuram M.C. Bhattar

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But like all the BJP’s bans, what may initially seem amusing hides a darker truth. Vaswani first took his petition to the supreme court. Last month the court rejected his petition, and refused to block access to online porn. The chief justice of India, HL Dattu, called a ban on porn a “violation of Article 21” on the right to personal liberty. He said adults had a right to watch porn “within the four walls” of their home.

The BJP’s violation of the supreme court decision is the loudest warning yet that the Indian government is dismissive of due process. Surely leaders who think they are above the highest court in the land must also think they are above the laws of the land? Courtesy: The Guardian, August, 4 2015.

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STORY OF MAHATMA GANDHI

Gandhi backs resolution on war recruiting Part XII

India within sight of our goal of Swaraj as nothing else will.”

ays passed. The mill owners were adamant. The strikers were getting impatient for they were faced with starvation. Their discipline became weak. Gandhi feared that some workers would break their pledge and go back to work. That would be a great moral defeat. One morning he called the workers and said, “Unless the strikers rally and continue the strike till a settlement is reached, I will not touch any food.” The workers were shocked. “Not you, but we shall fast,” they said. “Please forgive us for our lapse; we shall remain faithful to our pledge.” Gandhi did not want anybody else to fast. His fast was not against the mill owners, but against the lack of coordination and unity among the workers. The fast lasted only three days. It influenced the mill owners so much that they came to an agreement with the workers. Hardly was the mill workers’ strike over, when Gandhi had to plunge into the Kheda satyagraha struggle. The Kheda district of Gujarat was on the verge of a severe famine. Crop yield had been so low that the cultivators, especially the poor farmers, were unable to pay the revenue. But the government insisted that the yield had not been so bad and that the cultivators should pay the tax. Gandhi saw the injustice advised the farmers to offer satyagraha by not paying their taxes. Leaders, like Vallabhbhai Patel, Shankarlal Banker, Mahadev Desai and others took an active part in this struggle. There had been signs that the campaign might fizzle out, but after four months’ struggle there was an honorable settlement. The government asked rich farmers to pay and granted relief to poor farmers. The Kheda satyagraha marked the beginning of an awakening among the peasants of Gujarat, the beginning of their true political education. In addition it gave to the educated public workers the chance to establish contact with the actual life of the peasants. During this time the war had entered a critical phase. Britain and

Mahatma Gandhi Week in Houston from Sept. 27 to Oct 3, 2004. Call 713-785-3900 or visit www.mahatmagandhilibrary.org France were in a difficult position. In the spring of 1917 Germvy had inflicted crushing defeats on both the British and French troops in France. Russia’s war effort had broken down and the Revolution was threatening its Government. Though America had entered the war, no American troops had yet reached the battle-front. The Viceroy of India, Lord Chelmsford, invited various Indian leaders to attend a War Conference. Gandhi was also invited. He accepted the invitation and went to Delhi. Gandhi was not happy that leaders like Tilak or the Ali brothers had not been invited to the conference, so he was unwilling to attend. After meeting the Viceroy, however, he went to the conference. The Viceroy was keen to get Gandhi’s support on military recruiting. Gandhi spoke only one sentence: “With a full sense of my responsibility I beg to support the resolution.” Gandhi had supported going to war! Many of his friends were taken aback. Some said, “You are a votary of ahimsa, how can you ask us to take up arms?” Others said, “What good has the government done to India to deserve our cooperation?” Even some of his best friends could not understand how he could reconcile his war effort with his campaign for ahimsa. But Gandhi stuck to the belief he held at that time that “absolutely unconditional and wholehearted cooperation with the government by the educated Indians will bring

Gandhi had made his decision and he now set out to implement it. The response to recruit went was not in any way encouraging, but Gandhi was determined to carry out his mission. He held meetings. He issued leaflets asking people to enlist in the forces. His steady work began to bear fruit. Many men were recruited and he hoped to get a bigger response as soon as the first batch had been sent. Gandhi nearly ruined his health during the recruiting campaign. He worked very hard. He could not take his food at regular times, nor could he take enough nourishment to keep up his energy. He had an attack of dysentery. He refused to take medicine and his condition became worse and worse. Friends tried their best to advise him but he was beyond all advice. He passed restless days and nights and he himself felt at times that he was near death’s door. It took him a long time to regain his health, but before then news came that the war (World War I) was over. Germany had been completely defeated. Friends and doctors advised him to go away for a change and recover his health. He went to Matheran, but the place did not suit him. He went to Poona, where a doctor was consulted. He advised him to take milk to rebuild his body, and

prescribed some medicine. Gandhi took the medicine but he would not agree to take milk, for he had given up milk years before.

the people and a clear indication of the autocratic and barbarous tendencies of the British rule in India.

But Kasturbai said, “You gave up cow’s milk and buffalo’s milk. You cannot object to taking goat’s milk.” The doctor agreed. “If you will take goat’s milk it will be good enough,” he said and Gandhi agreed to take goat’s milk.

These recommendations startled Gandhi. He described them as “unjust, subversive of the principles of liberty and justice, and destructive of the elementary rights of individuals.” Friends approached him for guidance. “Something must be done,” he said to them. “If the proposed measures are passed into law, we ought to offer satyagraha.”

Gandhi returned to Ahmedabad. He was recouping his health there when he read in the papers the Rowlatt Committee’s report which had just been published. The committee recommended that for the maintenance of peace, the government could arrest any person without a warrant and detain him for any length of time without any trial or right to appeal. Thus, the law was a direct attack on the ordinary civil liberties of

Gandhi lamented the fact that he was in poor health; otherwise he would have given battle against the amendments alone. From his sick-bed he wrote articles for the Indian papers explaining that the proposed bill was an act of tyranny which no self-respecting people could submit to it.

Soma Balasubramanian

The only possible step against the government’s proposal, Gandhi thought, would be to launch a satyagraha movement in right earnest. A meeting of some of the leaders was called at the ashram and a satyagraha pledge was drafted. It was signed by everybody present. Gandhi did not believe that the existing institutions could handle such a noble weapon, so a separate institution named Satyagraha Sabha was formed with headquarters in Bombay. There were agitations everywhere against the Rowlatt Committee’s report. But the government was determined to implement the Rowlatt recommendations and in 1919, the Rowlatt Bill was introduced. When the bill was debated in India’s Legislative Chamber, Gandhi attended as a visitor. — To be continued.

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FRIDAY, August 7, 2015

Second Front Page

Friday, August 7, 2015 • www.voiceofasiaonline.com • Page 3 • Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com • Tel: 713-774-5140

IACCGH’s Distinguished Lecture Series features Houston Police Chief McClelland by Manu Shah

“

Representing the dedicated men and women who keep the city safe”, Houston’s Chief of Police Charles McClelland was the Keynote Speaker at the Distinguished Lecture Series organized by IACCGH. The event, sponsored by Shell, was held on 29th July at Westin Oaks. The Chief of Police was accompanied by Assistant Chief John Chen and Senior Police Officer Muzaffar Siddiqi. IACCGH Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia described the Chamber as an “inclusive Chamber,” and cited the number of organizations present in the room such as the Asian Chamber, MITDC, ALF, Anjuman e Shujaee, ASIE and other members and guests. He also thanked sponsors Shell for being “the backbone of several IACCGH events.” A one minute silence was held to mark the death of the 11th President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. 38 years of commitment to public service, to making a difference in the community helped Charles McClelland rise from a patrol officer to his current position as Chief of Police. IACCGH President Ashok Garg introduced the Chief of Police by stating that “some men are better introduced by their actions” and Chief McClelland was known as “being fair with people, taking care of business and

Chief McClelland delivering his Keynote address. Photos by Bijay Dixit taking decisions quickly.” In his address, the Chief stated that there are over 5000 police officers, about 14,000 surveillance support and an $800 million budget to keep Houston safe. Minorities make up about 53% of the police force and 70% of the support staff. 15% are women and 1200 officers are bilingual. Admitting that “some days are better than others,” the Chief stated that despite all its challenges, Houston is one of the safest places in America. He also said that there is too much gun

violence in society and minor drug offences must be handled differently than they are being done presently. He believes that rather than locking everyone that commits a crime, we must put more money into crime prevention, treatment, education and job training. The Chief also pointed out that we as a society must question why young minorities are dropping out of school, have a high unemployment rate and drug problems. Minorities must be given the opportunities and the means

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L-R: ACCGH President Ashok Garg, Joanna Nolte, Manager EO and US D & I at Shell, Chief McClelland and IACCGH Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia to earn a livelihood and a second chance to reintegrate themselves in society. The community engagement and community policing that’s been in place since the 80’s has ensured that Houston is not a “racially charged city like Ferguson or Baltimore.” HPD is striving to make the department more transparent and accountable in ways no other city or police agency is doing. Two and a half years ago, a hundred police officers were outfitted with cameras. The decision was questioned

at that time but proved right because of several incidents of police resorting to unnecessary force. Another first is a bus tour to take new cadets to inner city neighborhoods to understand ethnic and culturally diverse neighborhoods. The Chief concluded by observing that there are many things “on our list to make sure we have a strong bond with the community we serve.” Joanna Nolte from Shell thanked the Chief of Police for all that the Department does to “keep Houston safe.”

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FRIDAY, August 7, 2015

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Can a company I own sponsor my H-1B?

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FRIDAY, August 7, 2015

Indian Americans pay rich Stuti Patel sworn in as associate district judge tributes to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

India House Trustee Dr. Durga Agrawal, Jugal Malani, India House past president and Sanjay Arora, former India’s Consul General in Houston flanked with Dr. Kalam (in grey) during his visit to Houston in 2011. Photo by Bijay Dixit. Continued from Page 1 Dr. Kalam left a deep impression on everyone who met him. Ashok Dhingra who hosted a lunch for him on his visit to Houston described him as “a man of short stature but the tallest among us as we will always look up to him.” Dr. Sen Pathak had the honor of taking Dr. Kalam on a tour of MD Anderson. He recalled Dr. Kalam telling him to work for a cure for cancer that was affordable – “words that stayed with him all his life.” Today Dr. Pathak is working with alternative medicines in Ayurveda and Homeopathy to cure cancer. A song by Hemant Bhavsar and Uday Shah from the movie Kabuliwallah – Ae Mere Pyare Watan was aptly touching in describing this “son of India.” India House General Manager Col. Vipin showed a short clip of Dr. Kalam talking about the launch of a satellite “which instead of going into space fell into the Bay of Bengal.” According to Dr. Kalam, his mentor Satish Dhawan taught him an invaluable lesson on how to handle both “failure and success.” Deepti Ganji from the Consul General’s office in Houston described Dr. Kalam as “an inspiration and a guiding force for many” and quoted Prime Minister Modi’s description of Dr. Ka-

lam as “having the honesty of a child, the exuberance of a teenager and the maturity of an adult.” President of India House, Dr. Manish Rungta expressed his sadness at the death of a “great leader” and shared some of Dr. Kalam’s inspiring quotes. He stated that India House also strives to serve the citizens of India like Dr. Kalam did. Rinal Desai from BAPS and Swatantra Jain from Preksha Meditation Center also described Dr. Kalam as “a blend of science and spirituality” as he reached out to their respective spiritual teachers to understand the higher purpose of life. Ghulam Zarkari of the Indian Muslims Association of Greater Houston also paid tribute to Dr. Kalam’s hard work and sincerity and recalled Dr. Kalam’s message to refrain from complaining about what we don’t have but work to resolve that. He concluded by reciting a beautiful Urdu couplet penned by Dr. Kalam. VP of ICC, Harshadbhai Patel, Yogina Patel from the Gujarati Samaj and Raju from ASIE also paid tributes to Dr. Kalam. Dr. Kalam passed away doing what he was passionate about – teaching and encouraging the youth of India to dream and reach greater heights. As Dr. Pathak put it – the best shraddhanjali we can offer “is to follow in his footsteps and work harder on his death anniversary.”

Stuti Patel, second from right, is flanked by her father Surinder Trehan, right, husband Hiren Patel, mother Lalita Trehan, far left, and daughter Priya. Son Dhilan is not in the picture. hoto credit: Memories by Elvia. Continued from Page 1 Fort Bend County judges, elected officials, several community members, family and friends of Patel attended the swearing in ceremony Stuti Patel, while in high school had an opportunity to serve in Fort Bend County. She recalled her first experience as a volunteer for the Family Outreach of Fort Bend where she was volunteering for a Church Parenting Program for Divorcing Parents. Later, she became a prosecutor in the Felony Trial Division with extensive courtroom experience in jury trials, hearings, and docket management for cases ranging from general felonies to capital murders. Her duties also included assisting victims and witnesses, legal research, preparing & reviewing agency warrants, community education/public speaking and intake of cases from multiple law enforcement agencies. Stuti Patel developed strong, positive and professional working relationships with Fort Bend County District and County Judges, Community Corrections & Supervision Department, Fort Bend County Criminal Defense

Attorney Association members and several community & law enforcement agencies. Her past assignments included Grand Jury/Felony Intake and Juvenile, Domestic Violence & Misdemeanor Trial Divisions.

She was admitted to Southern District of Texas, September 1998

Patel worked in the Harris County Domestic Relations Office as Attorney & Mediator during 1998-1999.

At the University of Houston Legal Aid Clinic she was Student Attorney in 1995.

She practiced law in the area of child support and visitation enforcement as well as Interviewed clients, prepared legal documents and assisted with prosecution of both court-assigned and private cases. She has served as a certified family mediator and successfully mediated a substantial number of court-referred contested cases involving children.

In 1994 she was a legal intern in Harris County District Attorney’s Office and also an intern at the U.S. Federal Bankruptcy Court of the Honorable Letitia Z. Clark. Patel got her Bachelor degree in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin with Honors in May 1993. She majored in Social Work and Minor in Psychology.

From 1996 to 1998, she was an associate attorney with Watts & Associates, P.C where she practiced law in the area of general civil litigation. She independently managed a large case load, prepared litigation motions, pleadings and discovery for state courts. Courtroom experience included motions, hearings and trials and assisted with appellate work.

With a well rounded legal experience and commendable work ethic, Stuti Patel has justifiably risen to the rank of a judge as evidenced by compliments from Judges Jim Shoemake, Judge Maggie Jaramillo and District Attorney John Healey.

Stuti Patel received State Bar of Texas License in November 1996.

She obtained her JD from University of Houston Law Center in May 1996.

Stuti was born in Jallandhar, India. Her grand parents are Harbilas and Laldai Trehan and Ishwer Singh and Saraswati Hora. Stuti’s grandfather was also a judge in India.

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 6

Continued from Page 1 to both of you for giving such a good example of what India stands for,” he said. On the momentous occasion was also remembered a noble Muslim, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former Indian President, who died July 27, 2015 and will always be cherished as a ‘People’s President.’ Chief Guest Harris County District Attorney, Devon Anderson delivered a powerful message about people and professions being wrongly judged due to the ‘evil’ actions of a few. She said that right now, in 2015, the law enforcement has something in common with the Muslim community, “We are automatically assumed to being not honest. That we are stereotyped. Because of a few evil people we are looked at in a negative way.” Prosecutors and police officers are facing the same thing due the actions of a few that brought a bad name to an honorable profession she said. “There is so much, acceptance and tolerance in this room I’m hoping that people take it with them outside of this room. Don’t let it end in this room,” she urged. She commended the IMAGH on its mission, “We are doing what IMAGH is already doing which is to educate people on cultures.” “We hate injustice, hate bullying and we (her office of 600 strong staff) want to make it this a safer place,” she said. Latafath Hussain, founding member and President IMAGH, congratulating Ashma Moosa, the recipient of the IMAGH “Community Service Award, 2015” said that for the last five years the organization has been recognizing individuals for their passion, and commitment to community service and each year has been challenging to select from the many deserving. Hussain touched on IMAGH’s vision to create a Senior’s Village for the South Asian community in Houston similar to those in Florida and California where they are in large numbers. Club 65 and

FRIDAY, August 7, 2015

Eid Milan 2015 celebrations uphold the spirit of Indian festivals

peace together. Grand Patron Sunny Sharma commended the IMAGH for their yeoman service to the seniors and the youth equally bringing three generations together, connecting grandparents to social media. “If we people of all races can come together in peace why not the rest of world?” he said in his profound message. Chair, Board of Advisors Abeezar Tyebji spoke highly of Sharma’s philanthropic activities on the occasion. Dr. Samina Salim, with her Urdu shayari kept the mood elevated. She was extremely engaging and emceed the program smoothly to the finish. Karim Maknojia, VP IMAGH proposed a Vote of Thanks. The program started with prayer and rendition holy Koran by Hassan Mahmood Khalon followed by the National Anthems of the United States by Chole Choudhury and of India by Keerthan Bhat. Like any celebration, the feast was the highlight of the event enjoyed by everyone. The entertainment followed by Intizar Ahmed with guest appearances by Uma Mantravadi and Vishwakarma Raj and others was a fitting finale to a grand occasion.

Guest enjoying the entertainment. A view of the audience at Eid Milan. Photos by SMB photography. SAYA, the two cherished organizations that were initiated by the IMAGH founding members are thriving and are in perfect harmony of each other – one serving the seniors and the other empowering the youth. Gala Chair Dr. Maqbool Haq introduced the Ashma Moosa and said, “She rose like the phoenix from the ashes with renewed vigor devoting herself to helping patients and survivors of cancer.” Earlier Dr. Haq welcomed over 400 guests and spoke of the significance of the Eid. Eid ul Fitr is a purely spiritual event,’ he said, “unrelated to any worldly phenomenon.” Later Imam Vazir Ali Wazir elaborated on Muslims and Eid.

Ashma Moosa upon receiving the ‘Community Service Award’ from Consul General P Harish said, “If you don’t reach out to those in need you have missed. “Exchange of human touch, love for humanity will bring peace on earth,” was her message. She thanked her parents for instilling in her the passion to serve. ” President of Hindus of Greater Houston, Anshuman Desai gave his message of peace and tolerance on the occasion. He said that there is strength in diversity where each individual is different and unique, “Like the Hindu Gods that are in different forms.” He spoke about ‘Vasudev Kutumbh’ where the universe in one family living in

Intizar Ahmed (far rt) delights the audience and Abeezar Tyebji gives a surprise performance.

Keeping Your Joints Healthy – Free Joint Pain Seminar

UGAR LAND— (August 3, 2015) Hips, knees and shoulders — they’re the stuff of mobility and independence, and keeping them in tiptop shape is vital. Not doing so could lead to osteoarthritis, a progressive, degenerative disease in which joint cartilage breaks down. Though the condition may seem inevitable as we age (more than 27 million Americans have it), there’s a lot we can do to prevent osteoarthritis. Timothy Sitter, M.D., a knee and shoulder surgeon with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, shares a by-the-decades plan for keeping joints strong for the long haul. 20s and 30s: Protect Your Joints

“Exercise regularly and lift weights to strengthen muscles that support joints,” Sitter said. He also recommends maintaining a healthy weight and getting enough calcium, magnesium and vitamin D in your diet to support bone and joint health. Though many people are fit at this age, Sitter noted that those who are overweight or have experienced a severe injury within the past 10 years may begin to develop early signs of osteoarthritis, including joint pain and stiffness. 40s and 50s: Keep a Healthy Weight The toll of earlier injuries or joint damage related to excess weight over time starts to mount. You may notice creaking or popping in your knees when climbing stairs,

stiffness for a few minutes after waking, or a dull ache in your hips after exercise. Weight loss, physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications may alleviate these mild symptoms. “Every extra pound puts four pounds of pressure on your knees and can further exacerbate osteoarthritis symptoms,” Sitter said. “This is the time to do all you can to help your joints last as long as possible, so eat right, stay active and do what it takes to maintain a healthy weight.” 60s, 70s and Beyond: Stay Active As you age, the chances are greater that you’ll develop osteoarthritis in your hips, knees or shoulders, Sitter said. “Genetics, past injuries, excess weight and physical inactivity all play a role in its

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development and severity.” Severe symptoms, like constant pain and very limited mobility, aren’t uncommon, but anti-inflammatory medication, weight loss, physical therapy and exercise can help. “Even in late age, losing weight can help decrease joint pain in the knees and hips, while regular stretching and strengthening can help lubricate hip, knee and shoulder joints and increase flexibility,” Sitter said. Unfortunately, some people will reach a point where the pain is unbearable. “In the most severe cases, osteoarthritis can make it hard to walk, lift or reach, or even be self-sufficient,” he said. “In these cases, joint replacement can provide pain relief, improve range of motion and mobility, and restore independence. Joint replacement

is a good option to have down the road in a worst-case scenario, but the opportunity to decrease your chances of needing one is in your hands today.” To schedule an appointment online with Dr. Timothy Sitter, visit houstonmethodist.org/ orthopedicsorcall Timothy Sitter, M.D. 281.690.4678. FREE JOINT PAIN SEMINAR Is chronic joint pain slowing you down? Join Dr. Timothy Sitter for a free seminar on Wednesday, September 30 at 6 p.m. at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Conference Center. From diagnosis to rehabilitation, Dr. Sitter will discuss the latest medical advances to help you get back to the active life you enjoy. For more information or to register, visit houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.274.7500.

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FRIDAY, August 7, 2015

Barack Obama honours three IndianAmerican startup entrepreneurs for path-breaking start-ups

ASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama today honoured three Indian-Americans among other entrepreneurs for their innovative and pathbreaking start-ups which have had a major impact on people’s lives and creating jobs. The three innovators honoured by Obama are Privahini Bradoo from San Francisco, Ann Marie Sastry from Michigan and Suma Reddy from New York. While Bradoo’s BlueOak recycles electronics and mobile phones, Sastry has founded a company by the name of Sakti that is using materials science to develop the next generation of solid state lithium batteries that will power mobile phones, computers, and even cars. Reddy’s Waddle is a mobile, friend-to-friend discovery platform to help find the best places to go by using friends’ ratings, reviews and recommendations. “We’ve got people who are developing the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. A system of radio sensors that notices when a senior takes a fall while they’re in their home,” Obama said.

3 IndianAmericans show their innovations to Barack Obama on his birthday

ASHINGTON: President Barack Obama celebrated his birthday in an unusual way by hosting the first-ever White House Demo Day where innovators from around the country, including three Indian-Americans, ‘demoed’ their individual stories. “As a birthday treat to me, I thought I’d invite business leaders, investors, and government officials here for the first-ever White House Demo Day,” he said amid applause as he came to look at exhibits set up in the State Dining Room Tuesday. “I think it’s fair to say that when I was eight, I would have been confused by that choice,” said Obama amid laughter. “But now I think it’s really cool, and I am so grateful to have all of you participating.” According to the White House, the Demo Day celebrated “the important role entrepreneurship plays in America’s economy.” “Unlike a private-sector Demo Day, where entrepreneurs and startups pitch their ideas to funders, these innovators from around the country will ‘demo’ their individual stories,” it said. Three Indian-Americans who showcased their projects were Privahini Bradoo of San Francisco, Suma Reddy of New York and Ann Marie Sastry of Ann Arbor, Michigan. According to the White House Bradoo’s BlueOak project finds the treasure in trashed smartphones. Every day, US consumers throw away enough cell phones to blanket 50 football fields. To Bradoo, people might as well throw away their jewellery: one ton of cell phones contains as much gold as 70 tons of gold ore. Seeing a business opportunity, Bradoo founded BlueOak, an electronics recycling firm that harvests the valuable precious metals out of old smart phones and TVs. BlueOak is building low-cost and environmentally friendly refineries to recycle critical metals from e-waste. Their flagship refinery is located in Osceola, Arkansas. Born in India, raised in Oman and New Zealand, and educated in Boston, Bradoo pulls from diverse life experiences to lead her company. Reddy’s Waddle helps people discover extraordinary places through friends, the White House said. (IANS).

President.

The three innovators honoured by Obama are Privahini Bradoo from San Francisco, Ann Marie Sastry from Michigan and Suma Reddy from New York. “A robotic teddy bear that helps kids with diabetes learn about managing their health and staying active,” he said. “There was an app that helps military families transition to their new communities; an-

other app that helps you order replacement parts just by snapping a photo of the old one. And then there are the folks at Astrobotic Technology in Pittsburgh,” Obama said. “They are shooting for the

moon, literally, with plans to land a rover on the lunar surface in the next couple of years, which is pretty exciting,” he added. “I wouldn’t mind seeing how that turns out,” said the US

Obama said start-ups, young firms account for almost 40 per cent of new hires. “And as we’ve fought back from the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes, those firms have helped our private sector create more than 12.8 million jobs over the last 64 straight months, which is the longest streak of private sector job growth on record,” he said.

“But we’ve got to make sure that we’re taking full advantage of this moment by tapping all the talent America has to offer, no matter who they are or where they set up shop. And obviously there are chronic challenges for any entrepreneur,” he said. “Capital is tough to come by, but it’s even tougher if you’re not in one of a handful of cities that have a well-developed venture capital presence,” Obama said.

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 8

FRIDAY, August 7, 2015

A Grand Celebration at Arya Samaj Greater Houston by Minu Garg and Bhushan Verma

our key singers, Smriti ji, Vinita ji and Priya and Richa Gulati all sang from their hearts and mesmerized the audiences.

fter a four-day celebration of the Silver Jubilee of Arya Maha Sammelan of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha America (APSA) at Arya Samaj Greater Houston (ASGH), it seems as if it was a dream. Thanks to all the great ASGH teams who worked tirelessly for months preparing and for the last four days executing the plans for this event to near perfection. The logistics/transportation and welcome/registration teams did a great job welcoming, transporting and making the visiting guests comfortable. Several guests commented that the transportation coordination and hotel arrangements were flawless. Kudos to all the members of these committees and over 20 volunteers who agreed to drive our guests with a smile whether from/to the airport or hotel or ASGH. A parallel youth program was conducted in the DAVS building and went extremely well. The youth trip to NASA and Kemah were also organized very well by the youth committee. It was so good that over 10 adults tagged along on this fun trip. They all came back very happy thanks to the Youth team. The meals team put together

When Ranjan ji presented the soul of “Bharat” skit, his passion for drama was very evident. The audiences were floored by all the wonderful costumes, their acting and specially the theme of the play. The Modi ji curve ball was brilliant! People were doubling up watching Arnav make those hand movements like a “Neta”. Rani Jhansi, Shivaji, Virjanand Ji, Swami ji, Bhagat Singh were all played very well.

DAVMS students give an outstanding song and drama performance. one of the best menus ever served in the last 10 Maha Sammelans. We even catered to their desire to have chooran to digest it! The only problem was people were fed too much too often with too good food. That is not a bad complaint to handle though. Thanks to the meals committee for doing such a stellar job.

The audio-visual team who, even though short-handed, did a fantastic job of juggling numerous microphones and recording most of the event. The new thing that we did for the first time in APSA was to provide live streaming of the event, which will most likely will be adopted for the future Sammelans. Still pictures were taken by two volunteers and played real-time on

Directors, Committee members and organizers of Arya Samaj of Greater Houston.

the lobby and dining hall TVs. The cultural committee did an outstanding job of presenting a well coordinated and very high quality program that has set new standards for the APSA cultural events. From the beautiful singing of Shiv Sankalp Mantras by our little DAVMS champs to the reverberating sounds of our home-grown orchestra as well

as the highly entertaining skits and songs, left the audience not only in awe but also full of respect for our cultural presentations. Each and every one of the performers pitched in to their fullest extent and made sure we maintained the honor of Arya Samaj, presented items that were completely in tune with the beliefs of our outstanding institution. On each evening

The Havan committee prepared and conducted Yajna on the three Kunds on all three days with a clock-work precision. Prior to the Sammelan, the decoration team had done an excellent job decorating the lobby, main hall and dining hall with good taste and a fine ambiance that all visitors appreciated. Many other teams (communications, fund-raising, planning) worked in the background to make this Sammelan such a success. It has been a huge endeavor for all the teams of ASGH, but certainly we have left a positive impression of our Arya Samaj, its Schools and all the wonderful people who were serving selflessly to make this a landmark celebration.

Religious leaders, dignitaries and members of Arya Samaj of Greater Houston.

SOUTH ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 9

FRIDAY, August 7, 2015

Up to 27 dead after two India trains derail in floods by Annie BANERJI

EW DELHI, India Two passenger trains derailed after flash floods struck a bridge they were crossing in central India, killing up to 27 people in the latest deadly accident on the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crumbling rail network. Rescuers pulled scores of terrified passengers to safety after they became trapped in carriages that toppled over on the weakened and flooded tracks in Madhya Pradesh state, railway and government officials said. A total of 10 carriages and one engine from the express trains, travelling in opposite directions, were derailed minutes apart outside the town of Harda just before midnight on Tuesday. The government has ordered an inquiry into the accident, but Railways Minister Suresh

Prabhu said it appeared the cause was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;flash flood due to heavy rainsâ&#x20AC;?. Passengers described how they were jerked awake by the falling carriages, which quickly filled with muddy water. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was sleeping and suddenly I felt a jolt. I woke up and saw that all the passengers were screaming and running,â&#x20AC;? Manoj Mongi told the Hindustan Times newspaperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I came out. I saw three women floating but I could not save them,â&#x20AC;? he added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The water level on the track was almost waist-high,â&#x20AC;? Shashi Bhushan Pandit, another passenger, added.

bridge, officials said. The Janata Express, coming the other way from the eastern city of Patna and bound for Mumbai, then crossed over. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The mud from under the tracks was washed away and the tracks were left in the air,â&#x20AC;? Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told the NDTV network at the scene. Minister Prabhu told parliament in New Delhi the number of confirmed deaths so far was only 12, but two officials in Madhya Pradesh put the death toll much higher. State railway police chief M.S Gupta said 27 people had been killed and another 70 in-

jured. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All the coaches have been cleared and all bodies have been collected from inside,â&#x20AC;? Gupta told AFP.

and water was everywhere. And within a second, the whole train derailed and we all got trapped inside.â&#x20AC;?

Madhya Pradesh government spokesman Anupam Rajan told AFP that 25 bodies had been recovered.

Officials said rescuers, who worked mostly in darkness through the night into Wednesday morning, were hampered by the waters.

- â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nobody came for usâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; -Television footage showed a line of carriages lying on their sides and on top of each other in a field of mud. Rescuers with specialist cutting equipment were deployed along with doctors. But a passenger told regional TV that â&#x20AC;&#x153;nobody came for us, we were stuck there for three to four hoursâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The train was off the tracks

The Kamayani Express, travelling from the financial hub of Mumbai, came off the rails shortly after a surge of water from the nearby Machak river washed away soil on the small

Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic peace accord to end oldest insurgency

EW DELHI, India | AFP | Monday 8/3/2015 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday announced a peace accord with a faction of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), an armed rebel group in northeast India, ending the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest insurgency. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My warm greetings to all those present here today, on this historic occasion,â&#x20AC;? Modi said in his address to the nation, after the signing of the peace accord between the government interlocutor and Th Muivah, NSCNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s influential IM factionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general secretary. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today is historic, a golden moment, when they quit weapons and join the mainstream. I welcome them,â&#x20AC;? he added. The agreement is expected to pave the way for peace in northeast India, particularly in the under-developed state of Nagaland, that shares its border with Myanmar. The NSCN rebel group -over six decades old -- is seen as the biggest and most violent insurgencies from amongst the dozens of big and small armed tribal and guerrilla armies that operate in Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seven northeastern states. Even as recent as this June, at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a single rebel attack in

the region. Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Investigation Agency later announced the capture of Khumlo Abi Anal, an operative of NSCNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other faction that operates out of neighbouring Myanmar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe that weapons or violence is not the way to solve problems and this (NSCNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) entry into the mainstream is the way ahead,â&#x20AC;? Modi said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe that NSCN will also act as an inspiration for those (rebel groups) who want to come from a bad path to good path across the country,â&#x20AC;? the prime minister added. A government statement on Monday said that the details and execution plan of the peace accord will be â&#x20AC;&#x153;released shortly.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The agreement will end the oldest insurgency in the country. It will restore peace and pave the way for prosperity in the North East (India),â&#x20AC;? the statement added. Peace in the region, particularly Nagaland, is seen as an important step for implementing the Modi governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Act Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; policy, which aims to develop the region by closer economic ties with east Asian countries in the immediate neighbourhood.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The entire area has been reeling under heavy rainfall for the last few days. The roads are badly damaged, even the access road,â&#x20AC;? said national railway ministry spokesman Anil Saxena. Monsoon rains have hit large swathes of the country in recent weeks, flooding rivers and roads and claiming some 180 lives mainly in western and eastern India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness at the loss of life, adding that â&#x20AC;&#x153;authorities are doing everything possible on the groundâ&#x20AC;?. Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s railway network, one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest, is still the main form of long-distance travel in the vast country, but it is poorly funded and deadly accidents are frequent. The government has pledged to invest $137 billion over five years to modernise its crumbling railways, making them safer, faster and more efficient. An express train ploughed into a stationary freight train in May last year in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, killing 26 and injuring 44 others.

WORLD/US

VOICE OF ASIA 10

FRIDAY, August 7, 2015

Obama warns rejecting Iran NASA signs $490 mn contract with Russia for ISS travel deal would spell war by Andrew BEATTY

ASHINGTON President Barack Obama made an aggressive case for his signature nuclear deal with Iran Wednesday, telling lawmakers that rejecting diplomacy would lead to war and destroy US credibility. Casting it as “the most consequential foreign policy debate” since the Iraq War, Obama said Congress must not waver under pressure from critics whom history had already proven wrong. “Congressional rejection of this deal leaves any US administration that is absolutely committed to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon with one option: another war in the Middle East,” he said. “Many of the same people who argued for the war in Iraq are now making the case against the Iran nuclear deal,” he added, urging lawmakers to instead choose a forsaken American tradition of strong diplomacy. Obama was swept into office on a tide of anger over George W. Bush’s decision to invade Iraq. The invocation of the Iraq War will touch a nerve in Congress, particularly among the Senate Democrats whose 2002 vote for war helped launch the bloody eight-year conflict and marked their record. Still, Obama said the vote this time round was bigger than any political career. “If Congress kills this deal, we will lose more than just constraints on Iran’s nuclear program or the sanctions we have painstakingly built,” he warned. “We will have lost something more precious. America’s credibility as a leader of diplomacy. America’s credibility as the anchor of the international system.” - ‘Never fear to negotiate’ -

Positing the now unpopular Iraq war as a cautionary tale, Obama recalled president John F. Kennedy’s diplomatic efforts to engage a nuclear Soviet Union as a more worthy example to follow. Obama’s remarks were made at the American University, in Washington, where in 1963 Kennedy used a commencement address to argue vehemently for peace amid a drumbeat of calls for military buildup against the Soviet Union. Speaking a year after the Cuban missile crisis and months before his death, Kennedy cautioned against the use of US power to bring about “peace of the grave or the security of the slave.” Obama, brandishing his own record as evidence he is not weak or willing to appease, said: “I have ordered tens of thousands of young Americans into combat. I’ve sat by their bedside sometimes when they come home. I’ve ordered military action in seven countries.” He added: “There are times when force is necessary” and that time may yet come if Iran does not respect the deal -- but not yet. The agreement would give Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program, which Washington long believed was cover for building a bomb. Congress is expected to vote on the issue within weeks. - War and peace Critics have angrily denounced Obama’s rhetoric and what they say is a false dichotomy between war and peace. The alternative to a bad deal, they say, is a better deal that not only subjects Iran to inspections and limits enrichment, but which also completely dismantles the nuclear program. Senators John McCain and Republican presidential candidate Lindsey Graham, in

a joint statement, accused Obama of relying on “endless straw men.” Meanwhile, Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell said Obama’s suggestion that Republicans had found “common cause” with Iran hardliners “goes way over the line of civil discourse.” The debate has split Congress largely -- although not exclusively -- along party lines, with Republicans, who are in the majority, staunchly against the accord. Obama will need to win the support of fellow Democrats like Senator Chuck Schumer in order to avoid having the deal rejected by lawmakers. Here, history has proved as much of a burden as an aid to Obama. The United States and Iran severed ties following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which saw 52 American embassy staff and citizens held hostage for 444 days.

ASHINGTON, 8/5/2015 - NASA has extended a contract with Russia’s space agency for $490 million to carry US astronauts to the International Space Station amid a lack of Congressional funding, the US agency said Wednesday. The United States will continue to rely exclusively on Russia to take astronauts to the orbiting outpost under the new contract, which runs until 2019, even as relations between the two countries have reached their lowest point since the Cold War. The United States has been dependent on Russia for ISS access since it ended its space shuttle program in July 2012. NASA said a lack of funding for development of private ves-

sels by US companies Boeing and SpaceX over the last five years has left NASA with no other option. As a result, the United States will pay for use of space vessels belonging to the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), even as Washington imposes harsh economic sanctions on Russia over its suspected support of separatists fighting Kiev forces in eastern Ukraine. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden warned Congress in a letter Wednesday that Boeing and SpaceX may not be ready by the end of 2017 to carry out a plan to send up their first manned vessels if funding requested by President Barack Obama is not granted in the 2016 budget.

The program requires $1.24 billion to reach its goals, Bolden said. “The fastest path to bringing these new systems online, launching from America, and ending our sole reliance on Russia is fully funding NASA’s Commercial Crew Program in FY 2016,” Bolden wrote. The Republican majority in the House of Representatives and Senate have proposed reducing that sum by $250 million and $300 million respectively. If Congress goes forward with these cuts, it “would likely result in funds running out for both contractors during the spring/summer of FY 2016” Bolden said.

Kellogg’s to scrap artificial flavors, colors in cereals

Iran’s antagonism toward the United States, Israel and support for terror groups in the Middle East since then has given many lawmakers pause, with a number of Democrats already breaking ranks. Obama admitted that Iran might use cash coming its way under sanctions relief to fund “terrorist organizations.” But he said that was preferable to an Iran armed with a nuke. Obama singled out Israel as an opponent of the deal, but said it would also benefit from an Iran blocked from gaining nuclear weapons. “No one can blame Israelis for having a deep skepticism about any deals with a government like Iran’s,” the US leaders said. But he added “a nuclear armed Iran is far more dangerous to Israel, to America, and to the world than an Iran that benefits from sanctions.”

Kellogg’s will ban artificial flavors and colors from all of its cereals worldwide including Special K and Frosted Flakes. Photo AFP/Yuri Cortez.

ew York - Kellogg’s will ban artificial flavors and colors from all of its cereals worldwide including Special K and Frosted Flakes, it said Wednesday. The American food multinational said its transition to

all-natural ingredients in its cereals and snack bars should be done by 2018. Consumers, and especially Americans, have shown a growing preference for foods with wholesome ingredients, the company said.

The news came the same day Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow was in Washington campaigning against legislation that would prevent the labelling of genetically modified food in the United States.

Lifestyle VOICE OF ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 11

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

Vol. 28 No. 32 Friday, August 7, 2015 Section 2 Page 11

FRIDAY, August 7, 2015

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com Tel: 713-774-5140

Mumbai costliest city for Thank the ancient travellers Romans for ‘street food’

In Mumbai a 3 day weekend getaway amounts to a total Rs. 39,956. File Photo of the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai.

TripAdvisor survey

EW DELHI,- Mumbai has been ranked the most expensive among nine key Indian cities for the third consecutive year, while Chandigarh bagged the best value destination for a city break in a survey released today. “TripIndex Cities” an annual survey by TripAdvisor, a travel portal, compared the cost of a three-night break during the summer travel months of June to August.

the highest average hotel room rent of Rs. 23,092 for three nights while hotels in Jaipur continues to remain the cheapest to stay with an average hotel room rent of Rs. 10,650 for three nights. The prices were collected through telephone and web search and prices in each market were taken between May 15 and May 30 this year. Meanwhile in an early report the country’s financial capital Mumbai was ranked as the fifth most budget-friendly

city among 40 key tourists countries of the world. Mumbai comes after Hanoi (Vietnam), Warsaw (Poland), Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt) and Bangkok (Thailand) the 2015 TripIndex Cities, study showed. The most expensive destination in the world is Cancun, Mexico, Zurich in Switzerland was ranked at the second spot, followed by New York City (USA), London (UK) and Punta Cana (Caribbean). PTI.

People walk past amphorae used to transport liquids displayed during the exhibition “Feeding the Empire: Tales of food from Rome and Pompei’’ at Ara Pacis Museum in Rome on July 25, 2015 (AFP Photo/Tiziana Fabi). by Laure BRUMONT famed baths. stuffs a top priority, changing OME, Italy - GrabFeeding an empire of some the face of Roman dining. bing something hot 50 million people was no mean A typical day kicked off with and tasty on the feat, as an exhibition in the the jentaculum, or breakfast move? You have the ancient Italian capital sets out to show -- salted bread, dried fruit and Romans to thank. “Street food” in conjunction with Milan’s eggs washed down with milk was their invention, generally 2015 Universal Exhibition on or wine. enjoyed with wine, gambling the themes of food and agriculThat was followed by a quick or even prostitutes. ture, running until the end of prandium, or lunch, grabbed at Food on the go was an in- October. the thermopolia -- forerunners tegral part of daily life in the Food scarcity could trigger of fast food restaurants -- or empire, from nibbling on salt- uprisings or even topple lead- popinae, wine bars frequented ed peas while watching gladi- ers, a risk Emperor Augustus by the lower classes where ators battle in the Colosseum, (63 BC to 14 AD) was unwill- customers could grab a bite, to grabbing a sausage or fried ing to take. He made importing dabble in a bit of gambling, or fish snack after a dip in Rome’s wheat, oil, wine and other food- pop upstairs for some sex.

The survey conducted in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata and Chandigarh took into account typical costs for two people.

Get up, stand up: stand up for your waist!

These include a four-star hotel for three nights, lunch each day, a taxi to and from dinner each day, plus the cost of dinner itself.

ARIS - Being healthier may be found in something as simple as standing more and sitting less at work, said a study Friday.

In Mumbai a 3 day weekend getaway amounts to a total Rs. 39,956. On the other hand, Chandigarh emerged as the most budget friendly city with a total TripIndex cost of Rs. 21,849 for the same trip for two. “TripIndex is a great indicator of how the cities are evolving as travel destinations and more importantly helps travelers to see where they get the best value for money,” says Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager, TripAdvisor India. “The cities in the TripIndex are either destination or a transit hub to many other locations. So while one can pursue their passion for travel, one can also draw an estimate and help plan and book a better holiday,” Ganju says. The overall expense of eating out in Chennai was found to be highest at Rs. 16,245 and the least was in Chandigarh at Rs. 7,596, the survey found. Kolkata and Bangalore were the cities that followed Chennai in the rankings. “Two trips of two miles each way (6.4 kilometers)in Mumbai will set you back by Rs. 949 making this six times more expensive than Chandigarh (Rs 150),” it said. Mumbai was found to have

standing is a common behaviour.”

The team point to the potential benefits of more standing at the workplace, including through such measures as “standing desks”.

Replacing sitting time with standing time appeared to improve sugar, fat and cholesterol levels in the blood, researchers wrote in the European Heart Journal.

Adults in today’s world are highly sedentary, with average self-reported sitting time ranging from 3.2 to 6.8 hours per day in Europe, said the study.

The findings suggest that making small changes to a sedentary lifestyle can have a big impact on health -- and that you don’t need to go as far as taking up marathon running.

About 55 to 69 percent of adult waking hours are sedentary. But there has been little research into the potential benefits of standing, as opposed to moving, to replace sitting.

A study of nearly 800 men and women in Australia revealed a clear association between less sitting and better health markers.

The study took blood, height and weight measurements from the participants, gave them an activity monitor for a week, and then compared the health data to how much each person moved... or not.

“An extra two hours per day spent standing rather than sitting was associated with approximately two percent lower average fasting blood sugar levels and 11 percent lower average triglycerides (fats in the blood),” said a press statement. It was also associated with higher levels of “good” cholesterol, HDL. Replacing two hours of sitting time with actual activity in the form of “stepping” was even better -- with lower blood fat and sugar scores as well as an 11 percent lower average Body Mass Index (BMI -- a ratio of height to weight) and a 7.5-centimetre (three-inch)

Replacing sitting time with standing time at work appeared to improve sugar, fat and cholesterol levels in the blood, researchers wrote in the European Heart Journal. AFP photo. smaller average waist circumference. “These findings provide important preliminary evidence on the potential benefits of

standing for cardio-metabolic risk biomarkers,” said the study. “This has important public health implications given that

In an editorial published with the study, Francisco LopezJimenez of the Mayo College of Medicine in Minnesota, said it showed that “the fight against sedentary behaviour cannot be won based only on the promotion of regular exercise.” “A person walking while at work for two hours, standing for another four hours, and performing some daily chores at home for another hour will burn more calories than jogging or running for 60 minutes.”

And after an afternoon’s work or session at the thermal baths, the rich would throw sumptuous banquets, dining on anything from peacock tongues to baked dormice. The rest of the population supped on fresh vegetables, stews and, occasionally, meat. “The logistics deployed by the Romans to feed themselves is fascinating,” said Orietta Rossini, curator of the Ara Pacis exhibition, emphasising how hard it was to keep happy a capital of one million people -- the biggest in history before the industrial revolution hit London. The key lay in turning conquered Egypt into the empire’s granary and ensuring wheat was transported cheaply to Rome all year round. Private shipowners would carry up to 500 tonnes of wheat between Alexandria and Rome under the strict supervision of the state in an early example of today’s partnerships between the private and public sectors, Rossini said. - Cucumber, asparagus favourites This made the emperor “the sole distributor of daily bread, the only one responsible for the supply of provisions”. Augustus boosted his popularity by distributing 35 kilos of wheat a month free to 20,000 citizens -free men over 17 years old. Egypt’s role was later passed on to the empire’s African provinces, with grain shipped from Carthage in Tunisia to Rome’s Ostia port in just three days and nights. Wine, sold at rock-bottom prices, was also imported, along with oil and meat.

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Proof

LEISURE

VOICE OF ASIA 12

FRIDAY, August 7, 2015

There is no shortcut to fame: Hariprasad Chaurasia Hariprasad Chaurasia feels present generation of aspiring musicians should be well-versed with different genres of music.

egendary flutist Hariprasad Chaurasia feels present generation of aspiring musicians should be well-versed with different genres of music. “There is no shortcut to fame. There is no instant fame. One should have ears for all genres of music, Indian and western, and one should acquire skills through hard work,” Pt Chaurasia said here last evening. “And it has to be a lifelong process of listening and absorbing,” the Padma Vibhusan recipi-

ent said on the sidelines of a felicitation programme. “Any aspiring present day musician should be equally adept with notes in rock, jazz, classical, semi-classical genres.” The flutist, who came to the city to be felicitated at ‘Sahajparav’, a root festival aimed at commemorating folk music, said, “The journey of wind instrument – from basori to flute and then saxophone – has been fascinating. “But there can be changes in the instruments while the

roots, the basics will remain the same,” Chaurasia, one of the icons of Indian classical music, explained. “I am all for recreating modern, contemporary flavoured music retaining our traditional sur and raagas,” Chaurasia said after the felicitation in which ‘baul queen’ Parbati Baul was present. The root music festival was organised by popular singer Lopamudra Mitra, Bengali folk bank Dohar and a host of other musicians. Chaurasia said he will be back next year at the festival.

Internationally acclaimed flutist Hariprasad Chaurasia.

Goa woos Iranian tourists in monsoon season Farm at Mollem, mosques, temples, churches, beaches and hotel properties, besides relishing Goan cuisine along with the Goan folklore and culture.

ANAJI: Goa, dubbed as India’s beach capital, is trying to woo tourists from West Asian countries this monsoon by offering them newer forms of tourism like Yoga even as travel professionals from Iran made a familiarisation trip to the coastal state.

Delta and American airlines ban big-game trophy shipments

Goa, known for its sunshine beaches, is of late fast emerging as a favoured destination for Yoga, Ayurveda and wellness tourism. “Iran is an important tourism market for Goa tourism and we are focussing our marketing strategies for attracting tourists from this region. Goa is a perfect holiday destination for visitors from Iran and there is a surge in footfall from Iran during the last two years,” Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar told reporters today. He said as many as 3990 tourists from Iran had visited Goa in 2014. While during the charter season 2014-15, as many as 42 chartered flights landed in Goa from Iran bringing in 3,594 tourists. Besides, Iran nationals also visit Goa as FITs (Free Independent Travellers), Parulekar added. “Visitors from the Middle East opt to holiday in Goa dur-

Artists from Goa perform a traditonal goan dance at an event organised by Goa Tourism and International Delphic Council in Hyderabad. ing monsoon. Goa has also carved a niche for itself as a destination for yoga, Ayurveda and wellness tourism which are some of the newer tourism options that tourists from the Middle East seek while planning holidays in India,” said Yogesh Naik, Manager (marketing), Goa Tourism Development Corporation, which hosted the familiarisation (FAM) tour.

adventure and all other forms of tourism.

He said the state government wanted to enhance footfall from the West Asian countries by giving them experience of new offerings in addition to

During the FAM, the guests from Iran experienced the thrills of white water rafting in Mhadei river in Sattari.

This is the third FAM trip organised recently by the Goa Tourism Department for travel and tour operators from the oil rich provinces of the Gulf. “Two separate familiarisation (FAM) trips from the Gulf regions were hosted in May and June 2015,” Naik said.

They visited Atreya Vedic

India orders hundreds of porn sites blocked

EW DELHI, India | India has ordered more than 800 porn sites blocked for “objectionable” content, a government official said Monday, igniting a row about freedom of speech in the world’s biggest democracy. The telecommunications department has directed Internet service providers (ISPs) to block 857 websites, in the right-wing government’s first major crackdown on online pornography. “We have written to the ISPs asking them to control free and open access to objectionable websites,” N.N. Kaul, a department spokesman, told AFP. Since the weekend, users across India have been hit with blank pages when they try to access adult sites, many of them based outside the country -- sparking anger on social media about moral policing. According to the adult site Pornhub, India was its fourth largest source of traffic behind the United States, Britain and Canada in 2014.

Kaul said the order was issued after India’s top court voiced concern last month about the government’s failure to block child porn sites in India. “There is currently no system to filter specific websites. We are looking into evolving a system,” Kaul said, adding that until then all sites would be blocked. The 17-page order issued on July 31 directed ISPs to block access on morality and decency grounds. The Supreme Court declined to impose a ban on porn sites last month while hearing a legal petition against them, saying adults had the right to access such websites in private. Prominent authors, commentators and politicians took to social media to voice their opposition while #Pornban had been trending on Twitter. “Don’t ban porn. Ban men ogling, leering, brushing past, groping, molesting, abusing, humiliating and raping women. Ban non-consent. Not sex,” popular author Chetan Bhagat

posted on Twitter. Opposition lawmaker Milind Deora said the ban was “not about liking or disliking porn. It’s about govt hijacking personal liberties”. “What’ll they ban next phones &amp; TVs?” he said on Twitter. Internet expert Pranesh Prakash said the ban was undemocratic given there was no evidence that the sites were unlawful. “The ban seems illegitimate. It is undemocratic because there doesn’t seem to be any finding of unlawfulness on these websites,” Prakash, policy director of the Bangalore-based Center for Internet and Society research group, told AFP. India has been accused of heavy-handed online censorship in the past, including in 2012 when it ordered 300 webpages, images and links on sites including Facebook and Twitter blocked. It said they were spreading rumours that were fuelling ethnic tensions.

007 actor Brosnan stopped at US airport with knife

EW YORK, 8/5/2015 - It wouldn’t happen to James Bond, but former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan has been caught with a knife by US agents while preparing to board a flight in Vermont. The Hollywood star was stopped by Transportation Security Administration officers at Burlington International Airport after a prohibited knife was found in his carry-on. Reportedly embarrassed and angered by the incident, one official said the 62-year-old Irish-American heart throb transferred the weapon into his checked baggage instead.

They also met officials of Goa Tourism and various stakeholders in tourism where

they engaged in B2B dialogues and exchanged views on promotion of tourism and travel, he said.

Under TSA rules, blades longer than four inches (10 cm) as well as box cutters, meat cleavers and sabers are banned from carry-on bags but permitted in checked luggage. The official dismissed Sunday’s incident as “minor” saying that prohibited items are intercepted in luggage multiple times a day. “There wouldn’t have been any criminal charges or anything like that,” he told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. Brosnan has made no public comment. On Sunday, he

tweeted a picture of himself on a beach with the message: “Homeward bound.” The actor has starred in a string of Hollywood films opposite the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Meryl Streep, Susan Sarandon. He is best known for playing James Bond in box-office smash hit movies Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough and Die Another Day in the 1990s. He was born in Ireland and moved to London as a child, where he performed on the West End before moving to Los Angeles in 1982.

EW YORK - US airlines Delta and American on Monday banned the shipment of big game trophies on flights, in the wake of outrage over the killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe. “Effective immediately, Delta will officially ban shipment of all lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo trophies worldwide as freight,” the company said in a brief statement. Delta added it would review its acceptance policies for other hunting trophies with the appropriate government agencies and other organizations.

American tweeted its ban Monday night. “Effective immediately, we will no longer transport buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion or rhino trophies.” The decisions follow similar measures taken by Emirates and South African Airways. The bans come during the peak hunting season in certain African countries and a worldwide outcry over the killing of Cecil by an American dentist and trophy hunter. The lion, with a distinctive black mane, was a favorite with international visitors to Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park.

Authorities in Zimbabwe recently named another American alleged to have taken part in an illegal trophy kill of a lion in the country. A government statement also said a safari organizer has been arrested as part of the crackdown on hunting near the big game reserve where Cecil lived. American dentist Walter Palmer killed Cecil with a bow and arrow and paid some $50,000 for the hunt. Hunting of such game has been suspended barring special permission from wildlife park authorities.

HEALTH, SC & TECH

VOICE OF ASIA 13

FRIDAY, August 7, 2015

Food tech startups raking in US regulator approves first cash: survey drug made with 3-D printer

ASHINGTON, Farm and food tech startups were redhot in the first half of 2015, pulling in $2.06 billion from investors, a new survey showed Friday.

ASHINGTON, AFP | 8/4/2015 The US Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday it has approved the first drug made with a 3-D printer -- pills for treating epilepsy.

The figure for the first six months was up 132 percent from the same period in 2014 and nearly matched the fullyear 2014 total of $2.36 billion, according to research from the funding platform AgFunder, which helps connect Farm and food tech startups were red-hot in the first half of 2015, investors to emerging pulling in $2.06 billion from investors, a new survey showed firms. The amount of money pouring in -- amid an overall boom in tech investments -could be revised since some of the investments are not publicly disclosed, AgFunder said. The second quarter saw 99 deals totaling $971 million “which we expect to revise upward as additional funding data trickles in,” AgFunder chief executive Rob Leclerc said. The segments attracting dollars include “precision agriculture,” which allows farms to analyze and maximize crop yields, which accounts for some $400 million so far in 2015. Some of the startups include satellite imagery company Planet Labs ($118 million) and drone makers DJI ($75 million), 3D Robotics ($64 million) and Pulse AeroSpace ($23 million), the report said.

Water tech was another big segment, with interest growing due to the historic drought in California. This attracted some $525 million over the six months, led by $500 million raised by Israeli drip irrigation provider Netafim. Food ecommerce is another big segment, led by $135 million to Blue Apron, a startup which delivers ingredients and recipes, and food delivery services like Munchery ($85 million), Sprig ($45 million) and NatureBox ($30 million). Other segments included bioenergy, crop and soil tech, food storage, cannabis and sustainable protein, the report said. “There’s no question that technology will be the future of agriculture,” Leclerc said. “The real question is just

how quickly we will get there. In the past, agriculture revolutions have moved more slowly, but these fundings, together with technology adoption rates, are helping to propel the current agtech revolution forward to meet the goals of more food, better food, and sustainable food systems.” A separate report by the consulting firm Rosenheim found food tech and media investment hit $460 million in the month of June. The report includes companies in areas such as food delivery but also restaurant recommendation and review websites. “As we have been seeing for a while now, delivery and online ordering were represented in spades, but we also saw an influx of digital content deals -ranging from recipes to restaurants,” founder Brita Rosenheim said.

Obama says climate one of ‘key challenges’ of our time

The Ohio-based company Aprecia Pharmaceuticals said its system can produce doses of up to 1,000 mg per tablet. It said the product is a “porous formulation” that dissolves with just a sip of liquid, making it convenient for people who have trouble swallowing pills or for getting children to take medication. FDA spokeswoman Sandy Walsh confirmed to AFP that the medication known as Spritam is the first made with a 3-D printer that the agency has approved. Spritam, or Levetiracetam, has already been on the market for years in other formats, Walsh said.

The US Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday it has approved the first drug made with a 3-D printer -- pills for treating epilepsy (AFP Photo/Philippe Huguen) Aprecia, which is not listed, plans to start distributing the medication in the first quarter of next year.

Aprecia said on its website that in coming years it plans to develop other kinds of medication with the new technology.

The FDA had already given the green light to other medical products made with such 3-D technology, such as prosthetic devices.

The health care industry is turning more and more to 3-D printers to produce custommade implants for patients with rare pathologies or with certain kinds of injuries.

US psychology group may vote on interrogations ban

ASHINGTONAmerica’s top psychology association next week could tighten its ethical guidelines, after an internal report concluded that it colluded with the Pentagon and the CIA on post-9/11 interrogation techniques. According to the investigation published earlier this month, some senior staff and other members of the American Psychological Association (APA) worked closely with military and intelligence officials on the US government’s controversial interrogation program. The report found that the association helped design an ethics policy in alignment with US government interrogation

techniques, some of which have since been labeled as torture. An APA official said its board is likely to vote on whether members should be barred from participating in future interrogations. “The board of the American Psychological Association would probably call for a vote of its members on this recommendation next week at the annual meeting in Toronto,” the official told AFP, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The meeting takes place from August 1 to 3. If the proposed ethical guidelines are adopted, APA psychologists would not be permitted

to participate in interrogations relating to national security, including anti-terrorist activities. Susan McDaniel, a member of the APA’s Independent Review Special Committee, this month condemned the actions outlined in the report. She said it “contains deeply disturbing findings that reveal previously unknown and troubling instances of collusion.” The findings came after Democrats on the US Senate Intelligence Committee in December released a damning report detailing brutal and previously unknown interrogation techniques, including beatings and rectal rehydration, used by the CIA on Al-Qaeda suspects post 9/11.

Key to earthworm success hidden in their gut: study

arthworms happily munch through leaves that are toxic to other plant-eaters -- and how they do it has always been a mystery. But researchers said Tuesday that the worms produce special compounds in their gut to counteract plant toxins created precisely to repel hungry herbivores. US President Barack Obama delivers remarks on a plan to cut power plant emissions at the White House in Washington, DC, August 3, 2015 (AFP Photo/Jim Watson) by Andrew BEATTY

ASHINGTON, | AFP | 8/3/2015 President Barack Obama framed climate change as the toughest and most pressing challenge of our time Monday, as he unveiled the first ever limits on US power plant emissions. “No challenge poses a greater threat to our future and future generations than a change in climate,” Obama said, warning: “There is such a thing as being too late.” “This is one of those rare issues, because of its magnitude, because of its scope, that if we don’t get it right, we may not be able to reverse,” he said, at the White House. “We may not be able to adapt sufficiently.” In an attempt to at least try to slow the process, Obama announced that power plant owners must cut carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. Electric power plants account for some 40 percent of US emissions of carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Obama described the move as “the single most important step America has ever taken in the fight against global climate change.” The announcement fires the starting gun on a months-long

environmental drive that will shape his legacy.

nell, a senator from coal-rich Kentucky.

Later this August, Obama will become the first president to visit the Alaskan Arctic.

“Not only will these massive regulations fail to meaningfully affect the global climate, but they could actually end up harming the environment by outsourcing energy production to countries with poor environmental records like India and China,” said McConnell.

“Our fellow Americans have already seen their communities devastated by melting ice and rising oceans,” Obama said. In September, when Obama hosts Pope Francis at the White House, they are expected to make an impassioned collective call for action. And in December, representatives from around the world will gather in Paris to hash out rules designed to limit global temperature increases to two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). - ‘Overreach’ -

The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, an industry lobby group, previewed likely legal action, saying Obama’s administration was “pursuing an illegal plan that will drive up electricity costs and put people out of work.” Accusing detractors of “scaremongering,” Obama insisted that suggestions of higher electricity costs, power shortages and a damaged economy would prove incorrect.

In its initial proposal a year ago, the Obama administration had set the carbon emissions cut from the power sector at 30 percent.

“When president (Richard) Nixon decided to do something about the smog that was choking our cities, they warned that it would ruin the auto industry. It didn’t happen,” Obama said.

It has some influential supporters, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McCon-

The slimy creatures’ longkept secret has been uncovered through molecular microscopic analysis of their gut fluid. Plants produce chemicals known as polyphenols, which act as antioxidants and give plants their colour, but also act as a shield by inhibiting digestion in many herbivores. Earthworms are recycling spe-

“In 1990, when Republican president George H W Bush decided to do something about acid rains, (they) said electricity bills would go up, lights would go off. It didn’t happen.” “We only get one home. We only get one planet. There’s no

cialists, eating fallen leaves and other plant material and returning the life-giving carbon locked up in the waste back to the soil. But how they tolerate polyphenols has long left specialists scratching their heads. A team led by Jake Bundy and Manuel Liebeke from Imperial College London found drilodefensins in the guts of 14 earthworm species, but not in other closely-related groups like leeches and sewage worms.

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India’s Golf Prodigy Shubham Jaglan Returns Home

India’s 10-year-old golfer Shubham Jaglan. This picture was posted by Shubham Jaglan on his Facebook page. by Anand Datla (golfingindia. com)

EW DELHI - August 04, 2015: India’s boy wonder Shubham Jaglan touched down in New Delhi after a successful sojourn of Scotland & USA where he won two prestigious titles at the IMG Academy Junior World Championships in San Diego followed by the World Stars of Junior Golf in Las Vegas. In the Junior World Championships played at the majestic Welk Resort – Fountains Course, Shubham shot a threeday total of seven-under par 179 to complete a one stroke victory over Jeffrey Yu Guan of Australia. He shot as many as thirteen birdies over the week which, even though wasn’t the most, demonstrated a consistent game with amazing control over his emotions under pressure. He wasn’t to be satisfied with a single victory and teed off at the TPC Las Vegas Angel Park, Mountain course for the World Stars of Junior Golf Tournament the following week. His three round total of two-under 106 was enough to wrap up the title by a commanding five strokes.

His second round total of four under par 32 virtually sealed his victory as he recovered from being four strokes behind at the start of the day to being three strokes in front of the field by the end of it. Commenting on his victories Shubham said, “I am absolutely delighted to have won these two prestigious events. I had missed out last year by finishing second, which made me more determined to get better and win this year. The first victory gave me real confidence to go out win another one. I’m now even more hungry to go out and win more events and better my own self with every passing week.” The son of a milkman from rural Haryana, Shubham was taken under the wings of the Golf Foundation pioneered by Arjuna Awardee and Asian Games Gold Medalist, Amit Luthra. The Golf Foundation saw his potential and gave him unconditional support and he is reasserting their faith with his Global domination. Shubham with a sense of gratitude added, “All the credit goes to my family, Delhi Golf Club for giving me facilities to play and practice, The Golf Founda-

tion for giving me everything that I needed and the most important is my coach Nonita Lall Qureshi who pushed my game and mind to this level. It means a lot to my dad especially, who was with me 24/7 and worked harder than I did, and me. Last but not at all the least, Amit Luthra sir who has giving me all the support.” Shubham has won over 130 tournaments and counting in India and abroad over the past four years under the tutelage of his coach Nonita Lall Qureshi. Nonita, who is one of the top most coaches of the country says, “Shubham is a wonderful kid to coach as he works harder than what I expect of him. He has a steady head on his shoulders and all I need to ask him is to stay focused on his goals and the results will follow.” “Post culmination of the European Juniors, when I enquired how he had fared, he in a sorrowing voice said he had lost. Only later did I learn that he had finished 2nd amongst the world’s best & that too braving 30 miles per hour wind, rain & cold (to which he had no experience). It is this attitude that made him a Junior World Champ” said Amit Luthra, Founder CEO, The Golf Foundation, who pioneered the efforts of giving the young and underprivileged kids an equal footing to succeed. He added, “‘Go for broke’, ’There are no marks for finishing 2nd‘ are his mottos. You have to be bold to get the Gold.” Anil Malhotra, Chairman, The Golf Foundation, remarking on the phenomenal twin victories believes, “It gives us great satisfaction at The Golf Foundation to see one of our talents shine and make it on the world stage. What Shubham has done so far, and I really believe this is just the start for him, is truly remarkable as it is not easy to be away from home for long periods competing in such events and winning two of them back to back.”

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18-Year-Old Plus-Size Model Redefines Fitness and Beauty Why she doesn’t sweat the term “plus size.” by Carly Steyer (HuffPost)

ighteen-year-old Erica Jean Schenk took the modeling and fitness worlds by storm when she was pictured on the August cover of Women’s Running magazine. “Looks like [Women’s Running Magazine] and I have stirred the pot,” Schenk wrote in an Instagram post, just days after the magazine hit stands. That they had. Schenk isn’t the tall, thin, tan image of “fitness” typically seen on magazine covers. And yet, by redefining what sorts of bodies are eligible for strength and fitness, she made as big an impact as any model who’s graced the cover of a fitness magazine in recent years. Schenk is signed to Wilhelmina Models modeling agency and is a longtime athlete, having played volleyball, golf, and tennis in high school. In an interview with Seventeen this month, Schenk says that “everyone has been super, super positive!” in response to her magazine cover. “It’s really exciting that I have this platform, because I never expected myself to have that kind of power...Some girls comment on my Instagram pictures saying that I inspire them to keep running.” She says she understands some young women’s concern of looking the part of the athlete: “It’s hard when they don’t feel comfortable exercising outside or going to the gym because of the way they look, even though doing so will help them feel better about they way they look,” she told the magazine. Schenk is labeled a “plus size” model by her agency, and

Model Erica Jean Schenk, 18 is consistently referred to as a plus size model in press coverage of her magazine cover. While it’s a term other models have pushed against, Schenk says it doesn’t offend her. “It’s not meant to be a derogatory word,” she tells Seventeen, “It’s a business term. I think people feel ‘plus size’ is a bad word because of how it’s viewed in stores. Plus clothes are often segregated, pushed to the back corners. But it isn’t a bad word, just a description.” For her part, Schenk isn’t going to let terminology impact her career, or her attitude about it. “If a client is looking for a

size 2 model with dark brown hair, that isn’t going to be me. But if they’re looking for a plus size model, I’m here,” she said. Fierce and confident as is, Erica still admits that struggles with maintaining solute self-confidence all time:

she she abthe

“Even people who are extremely confident have things they’re figuring out,” she said. “It’s a journey towards self acceptance.” Carly Steyer is a 17-year-old from San Francisco, CA and a HuffPost Teen intern.

VOICE OF ASIA 15

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Priyanka Chopra attends Shah Rukh Thanks MCA TCA bi-annual meet in LA for Revoking Ban

Priyanka Chopra

UMBAI - Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, who is currently shooting her maiden American TV series “Quantico” in the US, attended the Television Critics’ Association bi-annual gathering in Los Angeles for a panel discussion about the upcoming show.

made the TCAs such a delight for nervous me. Thank you all your support. Now after no sleep for days I will relish my bed,” Priyanka posted on twitter.

The 33-year-old actress took to social media to post pictures from the event, during which she wore a red gown.

“Nerves! Off to LA for ABC’s ‘Quantico’ panel at the Television Critics’ Association bi-annual gathering,” she wrote alongside a photograph.

“Thank you to everyone who

Before going for the meet, the “Mary Kom” star took to twitter to share her excitement about the TCA gathering.

“Quantico” is a story about a diverse group of recruits have arrived at the FBI Quantico Base for training. In the ABC thriller series, Priyanka plays the lead role of Alex Parish, an agent whose past resurfaces soon after she arrives at the training camp. “I feel like my days and nights are blurring. More familiar with the inside of a plane than anything else.. Body and mind in Zombie mode #nonstop #LA,” the actress said about the hectic shooting schedule.

“Irrfan readily agreed for the ‘Party Song’ video”

Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan cheering for his team at IPL. Rohit Shetty is also seen. (PTI).

UMBAI: Kolkata Knight Riders coowner Shah Rukh Khan today thanked the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for showing “graciousness” in lifting the five-year ban imposed on him from entering the Wankhede Stadium. The Bollywood superstar was banned from entering MCA premises, including the Wankhede Stadium, for engaging in a scuffle with the officials of the cricketing body and the security staff on May 16, 2012 following KKR’s victory over Mumbai Indians.

There is nothing much to it.” Joshi also said that it is important in comedy, especially in a roast, that the wavelength should match.

“This was something that we wanted to do. We had the song ready and wanted someone who was completely off the radar for party songs. So we went to him, made him listen to the song and he agreed.

“AIB” were in news for their “Roast” of Bollywood celebri-

“Pleased to note MCA has lifted the ban on @iamsrk. @ KKRiders will be happy to see him cheering in person next time we play at Wankhede!,” he said.

“To be honest, nobody cares. Nobody goes ‘oh the infamous thing which happened’. They just say its funny or its not.

Titled, “Party Song”, the video features Khan ditching his intense image and dancing with scantily clad women.

Joshi was in the capital to announce the “Super 40” comedians selected for “Comedy Hunt”, India’s next big comedy stars on YouTube.

KKR CEO Venky Mysore had also tweeted his pleasure at Shah Rukh’s ban being revoked by the MCA.

Comedian Gursimran Khamba, who founded the group along with Tanmay Bhatt, said the audience just want a good show and do not care about any controversy.

EW DELHI, Aug 5 (PTI) Rohan Joshi, member of the comedy group “AIB”, said it was not difficult to rope in actor Irrfan Khan for their humorous spoof on party numbers of Bollywood.

There was no struggle, back story, or tears. It all just happened,” the comedian told media persons here.

“My gentle father-in-law made me realise how lil it matters who was rite or who was wrong. Wot matters is grace. Thnx MCA for ur graciousness,” Shah Rukh said in a tweet.

“Arjun and Ranveer have grown up watching the same comedy which we have. As a result of which the roast happened. Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan ties including Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor, which created a lot of controversy. But the comedian feels that there will always be a generation gap. “What is happening in com-

edy is what happens to every generation. You will see a generation of fault line where you’ll see certain people from Bollywood who get it (the roast), who intrinsically understand comedy, parody and also understand that it doesn’t mean

anything. “Then there are some other set of conservative ones who don’t get it. and I think we have to respect them both. If somebody doesn’t want to do it, he doesn’t want to do it,” he said.

“In Irrfan’s case, I think he didn’t care because his last movie made USD 1 billion at the box office so you stop caring what people think about you.” Khamba, however, said that even though they have worked with Bollywood celebrities, they consciously try not to plug

The Bollywood superstar was banned for five years from entering MCA premises, including the Wankhede Stadium, by the Association’s Managing Committee, headed by the late Vilasrao Deshmukh, on May 18, 2012 after he was involved in an altercation with the security staff and officials of the cricket body following Kolkata Knight Riders’ victory over Mumbai Indians two nights earlier. Khan, however, denied he had misbehaved and maintained that he reacted only after children, including his kids, were “manhandled” by the security staff at the stadium. (PTI).

their movies in the videos. “There is a definite shift in how movie studios view YouTube now. We had done a Yash Raj video, for the ‘Dhoom 3’ parody. That time they said they won’t allow us to do it. We did it and the song went viral. “Ever since then, it is a standard practice for movie studios to get in touch with content creators and ask them to promote. Our internal policy is we don’t promote films. We are willing to work with stars and make content which we find interesting. But we don’t plug the film.” “AIB” has in the past made viral videos with actress Alia Bhatt, director Anurag Kashyap and a podcast with comedian Johnny Lever. Stand-up comedians, Kanan Gill and Biswa, of “Pretentious Movie Reviews” were also present at the event. The finale of “Comedy Hunt” will happen on September 30, at NCPA, Mumbai, were top 5 comedians will be announced.

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Four people dead from Legionnaires’ disease in New York

EW YORK, 8/3/2015 - Four people have died from Legionnaires’ disease in New York since mid-July and another 55 are currently hospitalized, city health officials said Monday.

buildings and tested 17 cooling towers, of which five -- including that of Lincoln Hospital and one hotel -- were found to harbor the Legionella bacteria. Those five have been disinfected, city officials said.

In total, 71 people in the city have caught the form of pneumonia, spread by bacteria discovered in the cooling towers of several buildings in the south Bronx neighborhood.

The four who have died were older and had pre-existing medical conditions, the said, adding that Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics.

Authorities have inspected 22

“New York City’s drinking

water supply and other water features, like fountains and pools, are safe throughout New York City and are unaffected by Legionella,” City Hall said.

Leaflets were distributed over the weekend to inform Bronx residents and invite them to a public meeting on the outbreak. The disease, a serious pulmonary infection, is spread by bacteria that thrive in warm water, such as that found in hot water

pipes, air-conditioning systems and industrial ponds. Infections result from inhaling airborne droplets of contaminated water and the incubation period lasts between two and ten days. Symptoms include fever, coughing and phlegm containing traces of blood. The disease takes its name from its first outbreak, in 1976, at a Philadelphia hotel where a meeting of the American Legion society was being held.

Japan lab to handle deadliest viruses for first time

OKYO, Japan | AFP | 8/4/2015 - A research lab in a Tokyo suburb will start handling some of the world’s deadliest viruses for the first time, officials said Tuesday, after local opposition blocked it for decades. Japan has no active maximum level-four biosafety labs so the move will bring it in line with other G7 nations -- there are about 40 such sites worldwide including some run by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Tokyo lab was built in 1981 and designed to handle the most dangerous known viruses,

requiring scientists to wear full body suits with oxygen intakes to avoid contamination. But local opponents feared exposure, arguing that the neighbourhood with schools and other community buildings would be at risk. In response, the site was downgraded to a level-three facility where scientists can work with certain microbes such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus and the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. The decision to boost it to the highest biosafety level came as

Health Minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki signed an agreement with the mayor of the Musashimurayama suburb on Monday. A health ministry spokesman said the upgrade would mean the lab could handle Ebola and the Lassa fever viruses, among others. Healthcare experts welcomed the move, saying Japan trailed other countries -- including the United States, France, and Singapore -- and was hampered in its ability to contain deadly viruses in the event of an outbreak. “Finally Japan has caught up

with other developed nations,” said Jiro Yasuda, a virology professor at Nagasaki University. “Having an active level-four facility is a must to prevent infectious diseases” and develop vaccines and treatments, he added. There have been several cases of suspected Ebola infection in Japan, but researchers were unable to analyse live viruses. About 28,000 people have been infected with Ebola in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia since late 2013, according to the WHO, and nearly half have died.

Researchers find biomarkers for early stage pancreatic cancer

ASHINGTON, 8/3/2015 - A combination of three proteins appears to be a good indicator of early stage pancreatic cancer when found in high levels in urine, British researchers said in a study published Monday. The findings, published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research, hold promise for developing an inexpensive, non-invasive test to detect the disease before it can spread, they said. There is no existing early diagnostic test for pancreatic cancer, which has the lowest fiveyear survival rate of all cancers, about three percent in Britain. “It took a while to secure proof of principle funding in

2008 to look at biomarkers in urine, but it’s been worth the wait for these results,” said lead researcher Tatjana CrnogoracJurcevic. “This is a biomarker panel with good specificity and sensitivity and we’re hopeful that a simple, inexpensive test can be developed and be in clinical use within the next few years.” The team at Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University in London, found they could identify stage I-II pancreatic cancer with 90 percent accuracy by the presence of high levels of three proteins -- LYVE1, REG1A and TFF1 -- in urine. The researchers studied urine samples taken from patients known to have pancreatic

cancer; another group known to have chronic pancreatitis, which can be hard to distinguish from cancer of the pancreas; and a third group of healthy patients. Samples from patients with other diseases were also used for comparison. “Patients with pancreatic cancer were found to have increased levels of each of the three proteins when compared to urine samples from healthy patients, while patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis had significantly lower levels than cancer patients,” according to the study. The researchers now hope to do tests on people in high risk groups, and to collect urine samples from volunteers over a

five to ten year period to see if the three-biomarker signature is also present during the period in which the cancer is latent but has not yet developed. “For a cancer with no early stage symptoms, it’s a huge challenge to diagnose pancreatic cancer sooner, but if we can, then we can make a big difference to survival rates,” said Nick Lemoine, study coauthor and director of Barts Cancer Institute. “With pancreatic cancer, patients are usually diagnosed when the cancer is already at a terminal stage, but if diagnosed at stage two, the survival rate is 20 per cent, and at stage one, the survival rate for patients with very small tumors can increase up to 60 per cent.”

Add spice for a longer life? such as herbal supplements.” In a comment, Kevin McConway of the Open University urged against jumping to conclusions. “If people who eat spicy food more often have lower death rates, that might indeed be caused by the chilli eating, or it might be caused by something

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Understanding Life Insurance Tax Treatment Life insurance has traditionally enjoyed substantial income tax advantages when compared with other financial products, mainly because of its major role in protecting the future of widows and orphans. It is important to realize, however, that these income tax advantages are not unlimited; in fact, several types of situations can cause them to be lost. Let us examines an important concept that affects the income tax treatment given to life insurance policies. To more fully appreciate the favorable tax treatment given to life insurance policies, we need only consider some of the differences in how other financial products are taxed. Interest paid on savings accounts and dividends received on stocks are subject to income taxation in the year in which the interest is paid or dividends are received. In contrast, interest credited to life insurance policy cash values grows tax-deferred until the gain on the policy is distributed, and policy dividends are generally received entirely income tax free. The tax benefits given to life insurance don’t stop there, however. Death benefits are generally received completely free of income taxation. Even if a policy-owner paid a premium of only $100 and his or her beneficiary received a death benefit of $100,000, no part of that death benefit is normally taxable to the beneficiary as income. The significant disparity in the tax treatment given to life insurance as compared to other financial products is due, in part, to the reluctance of the federal government to impose income taxes on a product designed to provide a financial life preserver to widows and orphans. In the last half of the twentieth century, several life insurance products were introduced that have the potential to compete as investments with other financial products. The new product offerings were: • Variable life insurance • Universal life insurance • Indexed universal life insurance • Variable universal life insurance Life insurance agents and consumers were quick to see the investment potential in life insurance products that were able to produce highly competitive returns and which, at the same time, enjoyed the favorable tax treatment given to life insurance. For those reasons, universal life insurance and variable universal life insurance sales began to grow substantially.

different that is related to eating chillis and also, separately, happens to promote health. “Maybe this is something in the way spices are used in Chinese cooking, or related to other things people eat or drink with

Sudhir Mathuria Contact: Sudhir Mathuria Licensed Professional Health Life 360 6650 Southwest Freeway Houston TX 77074 713-771-2900 www.MyMedicarePlanning.com Using a universal life insurance policy or variable life insurance policy, a policy-owner could structure his or her policy to minimize death benefits per dollar of premium. By disproportionately reducing death benefits, a smaller portion of the policy’s cash value would be taken in monthly deductions to pay mortality costs. The net effect was to further increase the amount of cash value on which interest was credited. Because the policy’s increase in cash value had no current income tax liability, funds that may have been needed to pay any income taxes could remain in the tax-deferred environment and continue to earn additional tax-deferred interest. Certain life insurance companies, in an effort to maximize their sales, emphasized this combination of tax benefits and high-interest crediting levels in their advertising. As a result of the blatant inequity between noninsurance products and life insurance policies that were little more than investments thinly veiled as life insurance contracts, and the advertising of these life insurance companies, Congress revisited the issue of favorable tax treatment for life insurance policies. That revisiting led to Internal Revenue Code § 7702 and the definition of life insurance. To limit the favorable tax treatment given to life insurance in light of the proliferation of life insurance policies with competitive investment characteristics, Congress needed to define “life insurance.” It did that in legislation that became IRC § 7702. As a result of that legislation, life insurance contracts issued after December 31, 1984, must meet the definition of life insurance prescribed in IRC § 7702 for policy death benefits to be fully excludable from the beneficiary’s income for tax purposes. Furthermore, cash value growth in such contracts failing to meet the definition of life insurance is gen-

the spicy food. Maybe it has something to do with the sort of people, in China, who tend to eat more spicy food.” People who ate more chilli were, for example, more likely to live in rural areas. AFP

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Timeless Therapy from Nature Fresh red chillies are displayed for sale at a vegetable market in the Cho-kit area in Kuala Lumpur on March 26, 2010 (AFP Photo/Saeed Khan).

ating spicy food, especially fresh chilli, has been linked to a lower risk of death in a Chinese study, researchers said Tuesday. But they cautioned it was too early to draw a final conclusion on the potential benefits of fiery fare, and urged further research that may lead to “updated dietary recommendations”. The study, published in The BMJ journal, collected dietary data from nearly 490,000 people, aged 30 to 79, in China. They were enrolled between 2004 and 2008, and their health monitored for an average of seven years. Just over 20,000

participants died in the period. “Compared with participants who ate spicy foods less than once a week, those who consumed spicy foods one or two days a week were at a 10 percent reduced risk of death,” said a statement from The BMJ. And those who ate spicy foods almost every day, “had a relative 14 percent lower risk of death compared to those who consumed spicy foods less than once a week.” The association was similar in men and women, and stronger in those who did not consume alcohol.

Fresh and dried chilli peppers were the most commonly used spices -- and the association was higher with the fresh variety, according to the team led by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The answer may be found in an ingredient of spices -- capsaicin, which has previously been suggested to posses antiobesity, anti-oxidant, antiinflammation and anti-cancer properties. The team urged “further prospective studies in other populations”, that may lead to dietary recommendations and “development of functional foods,

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Oil prices fall after mixed US Foxconn endorses ‘Make in petroleum data India’, to invest over $2 bn

EW YORK, 8/5/2015 - Oil prices fell Wednesday after a US government report showed an unexpected rise in gasoline inventories and an increase in oil production amid global oversupply worries. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for September delivery fell 59 cents to $45.15 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent North Sea crude for September closed at $49.59 a barrel, down 40 cents from Tuesday’s settlement on the Intercontinental Exchange in London.

Prices had skidded for three consecutive sessions before rising modestly on Tuesday, the eve of the US Department of Energy’s weekly petroleum report. WTI soon reversed into the red as traders digested the DoE numbers and found them less bullish than initially thought. “First there was an increase in gasoline and that weighed on the market. There was a pretty good increase in domestic production and that was bearish. I think a lot of people were expecting to see a smaller num-

ber,” said Bob Yawger of Mizuho Securities. As investors remain worried about global oversupply, with OPEC and the United States crude oil production rising, the DoE said that US production rebounded last week from the prior week’s dip, increasing by 52,000 barrels per day to 9.5 million bpd. The global supply glut, coupled with slowing economic growth, has helped to push oil prices into a nosedive from their mid-2014 peak above $100 a barrel.

Survey: U.S. businesses added 185,000 workers in July by JOSH BOAK, AP Economics Writer

ASHINGTON (AP) - The rate of hiring by U.S. businesses slowed in July, according to a private survey. But job gains remained at a solid level, which should help boost overall economic growth. Payroll processor ADP said Thursday that companies added 185,000 jobs last month, down from 229,000 in June. The government will issue its official jobs report for July on Friday, which provides a fuller look at the economy than the ADP survey. Economists forecast the government report will show that employers added 225,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate held at 5.3 percent for the second straight month.

has lifted home sales to their strongest pace in eight years. Construction firms added 15,000 jobs last month. But low oil prices weighed on the manufacturing sector, which added just 2,000 jobs. Energy firms have cut back on their orders for equipment, machinery and pipeline as oil prices have stayed below $50 a barrel. The decline in oil prices “probably will result in extended layoffs in the energy sector,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. The result of those layoffs will be fewer job gains this year compared to 2015.

The ADP survey covers only private businesses and frequently diverges from the official figures.

Still, Zandi sees monthly job growth as averaging a solid 200,000 this year, roughly double the pace of the number of workers entering the job market. Continued gains at that pace should further lower the unemployment rate and encourage the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates from its current near-zero levels.

Job growth since early 2014

Fed Chair Janet Yellen has

said that it could be appropriate to raise rates later this year, removing a source of financial stimulus that was introduced in late 2008 to boost spending, borrowing and economic growth. Most analysts expect the Fed to hike rates in September, although the decision will largely hinge on the economy continuing to post solid job gains over the next two months. In the July ADP survey, hiring cooled off across industries. The business services sector hired 42,000 workers in June, down from 61,000 in June. The pace of hiring also slipped in the financial industry and in the trade, transportation and utilities. Hiring also occurred at a slower pace for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. They added 59,000 jobs last month, half of the gains in June. But hiring picked up among larger companies with more than 1,000 workers, which added 47,000 jobs in July, almost eight times more than their hiring levels in June.

Terry Gou, founder and chairman of Foxconn, in New Delhi on Tuesday

n the first major endorsement of the government’s ‘Make in India’ campaign by a global major, Taiwan-based Foxconn, the world’s largest electronics contract manufacturing giant, is looking at manufacturing items ranging from solar power equipment to mobile handsets to smart televisions in India. Foxconn makes devices for brands such as Apple, Huawei, Xiaomi, BlackBerry and Motorola. Addressing a late-night, hurriedly-called press conference here, Terry Gou, chairman and chief executive of Foxconn Technology Group, said the company wasn’t only looking at “assembling” in the country, but bringing the entire “supply chain to India” and looking at a 10-year horizon. Despite persistent queries, Gou did not reveal the planned investment, saying the numbers weren’t final yet. Also, he didn’t disclose whether Foxconn had zeroed in on a location for its operations in India.

He said Foxconn was looking at 10-12 manufacturing units in India, adding the cumulative investment could be much more than the speculated $2 billion. Gou, however, left the ball in the government’s court, saying the company was willing to make a huge investment but the Centre had to provide the “infrastructure” and take care of other issues such as the supply chain, logistics and land. Foxconn had to suspend operations at a facility that made Nokia phones on the outskirts of Chennai, three months after Nokia shut its factory nearby, after being caught in tax litigation with the Centre. “We are looking at a 10-year plan but there are too many barriers to overcome. So, we will be careful in making any specific announcement,” Gou said, adding Foxconn would look at exporting from India to neighbouring countries. “We are looking at India for the long term.” Though Foxconn already has partners in Snapdeal, Micromax and recycling firm GreenDust in India, it has

roped in the Adani group to lend domestic know-how to its India operations. It is speculated Adani Enterprises, the flagship company of the Adani Group, is in talks with Foxconn to form a joint venture (JV). In a BSE filing, Adani Enterprises said: “We are at the discussion stage and have not signed any agreement that requires disclosure under clause 36 of the Listing Agreement.” The company did not clarify on the nature of the JV or the products to be manufactured. Sources said Adani Enterprises would partner Foxconn to set up a facility to manufacture phones, including the Apple iPhone, at Adani’s special economic zone in Mundra, Gujarat, adding the land would be provided by the company. On Tuesday, the company stock rose 11.32 per cent due to the buzz on the deal, closing at Rs 94.40. Senior Foxconn officials met government officials in New Delhi to discuss the company’s India plans, with Gou making a long presentation before government officials.

FBI lags in filling cybersecurity jobs: auditor

ASHINGTON -The FBI is having trouble filling jobs for its cybersecurity programs because of comparatively low pay and rigorous background checks, an auditor’s report says. The Justice Department’s office of the inspector general released Thursday said the FBI has not hired 52 of the 134 computer scientists for which it was authorized, and that five of its 56 field offices did not have a computer scientist for its Cyber Task Force. The report said the FBI needs to focus on “recruiting and retaining highly-skilled, technically trained cyber professionals” and to expand cooperation with the private sector to fight cyber threats. “Recruitment and retention of qualified candidates remain a challenge for the FBI, as private sector entities are often able to offer higher salaries and typically have a less extensive background investigation process,” the report said. “We believe that the FBI should continue its creative recruitment and retention efforts, including targeted use of the (student loan repayment program) and increase the mobility of former employees with critical skills, to attract and retain highly skilled cyber professionals.”

sphilip@llppc-law.com

The inspector general’s report said the FBI has tried to fill the gaps by working with private contractors, and has also stepped up recruitment and training programs at colleges and universities. The report said that while recruiting is difficult, “most of the FBI cyber agents we interviewed told us that it is the

FBI’s mission that motivates them to stay at the FBI rather than leave for more lucrative positions.” The report appears to confirm anecdotal evidence about difficult relations between the US security establishment and technology industry, which have worsened since the 2013 revelations about vast US government surveillance programs. The report noted the FBI is also hampered in its efforts to boost cybersecurity efforts by a lack of cooperation from the private sector. “The private sector reluc-

tance to share information has been further affected by the distrust of government following the Edward Snowden leaks” about US surveillance programs, the report said. “Several private sector representatives told us that providing information to the FBI is akin to sending it into a black hole -- the information goes in and the entities never hear any more about it.” The report said the FBI should “strengthen its outreach efforts to improve sharing and collaboration with private sector entities” where feasible.

HOROSCOPE

VOICE OF ASIA 18

FRIDAY, August 7, 2015

Your Horoscope for the Week of August 7, 2015 READ YOUR COMPLETE HOROSCOPE

by Hardik Vyas, Astrologer Cell : 832-298-9950

ONLINE WWW.VOICEOFASIAONLINE.COM

Libra (R,T) 23 Sept to 22 Oct

Aries (A,L,E) 21 March to 20 April Reconnect to your roots. You may have a certain person on your mind, perhaps someone who was in your life until recently. Whatever the status of your relationship, there appears to be a romantic, sensual glow in the atmosphere. You may have be the one to take the bull by the horns and make the date. It is highly possible that this reunion will prove something to both of you; you belong together, in every way. A sudden inspiration may hit. It may have to do with furthering your education levels. There is no question that information is power these days.

Sweet harmony in your professional & personal life. You and your partner will find yourselves getting along about everything. You are very much in favor and may even enjoy an encouraging talk with a superior. It should make you feel more confident about your future and much more secure about in your position, right where you are. Store up the compliments and feed on them during any rough days in the future. You may lack cooperation from work associates.

Scorpio (N,Y) 23 Oct to 21 Nov

Taurus (B,V,U) 21 April to 20 May Great time for a fling, whatever kind suits you best. For some, it will be a romantic adventure, reaching a new and higher plateau in a relationship that has leveled off. For others, it may be a fling at the nearest salon for a totally new hairdo. Don’t you love the way people react to something as simple as a different styling? Relax, but do not let a mood of apathy keep you from progressing. It would be a shame to waste your effort. Others may react badly if you do. If your partner wants to have fun, participate!

Improvements and ideas about how they could be accomplished. The problem may be getting to the right people, with the right information, and you may be frustrated. Keep on digging and you will find what you are looking for. In the meantime, it is vital not to make any rash moves or uneducated guesses. Calm your tensions in one of two ways. Discuss the situation with a trustworthy friend or get a strenuous physical workout. If your present relationship is not working out, now is the time to re-examine what you expect from a person you get involved with.

Sagittarius (BH,F,DH,TH) 22 Nov to 21 Dec

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June Mood swings that may have you full of optimism one moment, but frustrated at unexpected setbacks the next. Even so, this is an excellent time to make plans for a better and more prosperous future. If you have something to sell, now is the time to put it on the market and get a positive response. It could just propel you on a course of extravagance. Don’t let loose with any temperamental words this week, they could come back to haunt you in the weeks to come. Actually, both your own private place and your relationship should experience a renewal.

High activity, You’ve got plenty of things you would like to do, but it is vital to be selective. If you attempt them all, you will scatter your forces. Take it one day at a time. Your relationships should move forward into a more promising territory. You may want to take time to look at & appreciate others intentions. Make sure to include your financial partner, who will not be critical, even if you are the one who has fallen into a spending pattern that’s hurting the big picture. Excellent time to institute reforms and possibly even small cutbacks.

Capricorn (KH,J) 22 Dec to 20 Jan

Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July Distractions & your need to concentrate on your goals and practical concerns. What needs to get done will get done, because you are in a frame of mind to deal directly. Don’t fret about the fact that your personal independence may be a bit limited now. The work you do now is money in the bank for future freedom, maybe even that longdesired trip you’ve wished for some time. Good time for a sit down planning chat. Get out those maps and schedules. It’s not too soon to start thinking about that trip of a lifetime.

An unhealthily focus on what you consider the inadequacies of your home environment. Don’t despair, do something! Even small cosmetic changes could make a huge difference, especially in your attitude. If someone else has to approve, approach him or her with a positive outlook. Give good reasons why your plan will benefit everyone. Wherever you land at week’s end, you will find yourself surrounded by agreeable people who share your mood. Join in the revelry, but avoid excesses of any kind. If dinner is part of the plan, choose your dishes wisely.

Aquarius (G,S,SH) 21 Jan to 19 Feb

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August The fact others find you, not only delightful company, but a great teammate as well. You exude good feelings and you are sensitive to the needs of others. This general atmosphere spills over into your private life. Something you have in mind, perhaps an old idea about redoing your space, may be a snare and a delusion. For one thing, cash may not be flowing too freely. For another, your significant other may have plans for investing rather than spending what you have.

Virgo (P) 23 August to 22 September Feeling that others are not carrying their weight, do not react in an emotional manner. Simply ask for what you need without leaning on anyone. You should lean on the soft shoulder of a supportive spouse or live-in and pour your heart out. Don’t hesitate to treat yourself, as well as him or her, to something beautiful, expensive, and totally unexpected. Though money worries may be on your mind, they should not put you off your stride. Your partner will offer their encouragement.

You can be a star and a standout at work. It’s not unusual for you to come up with new, more productive and easier ways to do things, but now you may just astonish higher-ups with your creativeness. The good stuff doesn’t stop at the office door, either. Moonlight and roses may be part of the menu. For some, it will involve a new romance. Look forward to the thrill of getting to know somebody mighty attractive who could become a mainstay in your social life. You may have to rethink how you react to authority figures.

Pisces (D,CH,Z) 20 Feb to 20 March Keep many balls in the air at one time, but even you have a limit. There appears to be a conflict between your devotion to home and devotion to work. You need to cut down somewhere, and only you know where. The best advice is to throw career and money cautions to the wind and spend a spectacular time out and about with that very special person. Let your partner arrange the plans. You could have the greatest time, with or without that crowd of people you always love to have around you. For best results, make it just the two of you.

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