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This week’s question

Modi will ease nuclear

ties with US?

Last week’s result

YES 78% NO 22%

Top Stories

Details on page 6

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Details on page 16

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CONTENTS

Details on page 20

Details on page 17

Details on page 25

MODI FOR PVT SECTORROLE IN N-ENERGY

Bollywood ---------------------- 30-31

Classifieds ------------------------- 48

Community Post -------------- 16-21

Date Book -------------------------- 47

Edit Page --------------------------- 54

HealthScience Post --------- 33-36

Horoscope ------------------------- 49

Immigration Post ------------- 44-46

Life Style ----------------------- 50-52

Philosophy ------------------------- 53

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4

Real Estate -------------------- 38-39

Sports Post -------------------- 22-23

TechBiz Post ------- 13-15 & 24-26

Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

Details on page 20

Memorable winat Lord's for Indiaand myself: Dhoni

Shah Rukh,Deepikacoming in Sept

MUMBAI: Indicating a greater role of the private sec-tor in the field of nuclear energy, Prime Minister NarendraModi has said there was a need to tap additional sourcesof investments for the ambitious expansion program.

"We would need to tap additional sources of invest-ments for our ambitious expansion program," Modi saidin an interaction with scientists during his first visit to theDepartment of Atomic Energy here.

He hoped the role of the industry in providing equip-ment and systems for the nuclear program would continueto grow and recognized that adequate incentive structure

should exist to facilitate that.The Prime Minister asked the atomic energy establish-

ment to present a human face of India's capabilities innuclear science to the world and extolled its successachieved despite years of international technology de-nial.

He asked the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) tomake special efforts to expand its research and extend ona national scale applications of atomic science in areaslike healthcare, waste management, water treatment, agri-culture and food preservation.

Details on page 5

AMBITIOUS PROGRAM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi being briefed by the Secretary DAE and Chairman, AEC, Dr. R.K Sinha,

about Dhruva Reactor, at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), in Mumbai on July 21

SCE issuesalert on Utilitybill scam

How AI pilotsaverted a majorcatastrophe

Only 22%Americans knowabout Hinduism

FIA ropes inSahil & LA Tanfor Grand I-Day

Katrina sisterIsabelle Kaif tobe honored

Uttar Pradeshgovt sets up NRIdepartment

China sees great posibility of

working with Modi?

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Bollywood:Never againSaif Ali Khan regrets the crass comedyand his triple role in 'Humshakals' whichhas received flak from critics and public.

5Cover Story:Nuclear program

16Community:Chicago I-Day

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50Life style:

Hollywood actress Isabelle, sister ofKatrina, will be this year's Guest of Honorat the Miss India-Canada Event

13Techbiz:

KTSF has launched a local TV App toprovide more accurate viewership ofAsian American consumers in media.

40Travel:PuriThe most sacred pilgrim center for Hin-dus in India, Puri in Odisha is describedas the resting place of Lord Vishnu.

Local TV App

FIA in partnership with Chicago's re-nowned showbiz-team - Sahil & LA Tan -will host the India I-Day Grand Mela

PM Narendra Modi says there is need totap additional sources of investments forthe ambitious nuclear program.

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Collateral damage takes on a chilling dimension and a whole new mean-ing in a globalized world. Case in point - the blowing up of a MalaysianAirlines flight full of Danish and other nationals, headed from Amsterdam

to Kuala Lumpur, by Russia-backed Ukrainian separatists in an airspace thatcan at best be said to be controlled by some non-state actors.

I mean, in the fight between Russia and Ukraine, why did a totally uncon-nected Malaysia have to suffer the loss of its aircraft and some random inno-cents from 11 different countries have to die such a senseless death? Who ispaying the price for whose cause?

Think of this scenario today (I refrain from using adjectives for want of theright words to describe the emotions involved) where family members of say anAustralian who perished on that aircraft are waiting for their loved one's lastremains, but they would have to wait helplessly with little assurance or consola-tion because: the remains of all 282 on that flight will first be transported by trainfrom Torez to Kharkiv that is somewhere along the Russian-Ukrainian border;there they will be handed over to authorities from Netherlands to be flown all theway to Amsterdam for forensics before being flown again to the respective homecountries; and all these decisions are being made between some unconcernedseparatist leaders in Ukraine and the Malaysian authorities and authorities inNetherlands.

While all this is happening there are threats of the beginning of a cold warbetween the United States of America and Russia, both of which are indulging ina lot of diplomatic posturing, which if escalated, can have far reaching implica-tions for the world at large.

In the diplomatic wrangling between all these nations involved, will the Dutchfather of his only child who died in that crash ever get answers as to whose causedid his daughter's death serve?

How does one reconcile to a situation such as this where regular folks haveabsolutely no control over some international happenings that somehow seem todeal a direct blow to their lives? Will the truth ever be told?

Immigration:

Vice President Joe Biden is concernedabout the deportations of immigrantswho have entered the U.S. illegally.

Biden concerned

India PostJuly 25, 2014 5

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Modi for pvt sector role in n-energyMUMBAI: Indicating a greater

role of the private sector in thefield of nuclear energy, Prime Min-ister Narendra Modi has saidthere was a need to tap additionalsources of investments for theambitious expansion program.

"We would need to tap addi-tional sources of investments forour ambitious expansion pro-gram," Modi said in an interactionwith scientists during his first visitto the Department of Atomic En-ergy here.

He hoped the role of the indus-try in providing equipment and sys-tems for the nuclear program wouldcontinue to grow and recognizedthat adequate incentive structureshould exist to facilitate that.

The Prime Minister asked theatomic energy establishment topresent a human face of India'scapabilities in nuclear science tothe world and extolled its successachieved despite years of inter-national technology denial.

He asked the Department ofAtomic Energy (DAE) to makespecial efforts to expand its re-search and extend on a nationalscale applications of atomic sci-ence in areas like healthcare, wastemanagement, water treatment, ag-riculture and food preservation.

Modi was briefed by R K Sinha,

Secretary, Department of AtomicEnergy, and other top officials andscientists at the Bhabha AtomicResearch Centre on India's atomicenergy program, an official pressrelease said.

He was also told about DAE'sextensive research and develop-ment and education programs andits contributions in varied areassuch as healthcare, especially can-cer treatment, food security, solidwaste management and water pu-rification.

Modi reaffirmed his belief thatenergy security, which was in-creasingly based on clean and re-liable sources, was the criticaldriver of India's rapid and sus-tained long-term development. He

saw an essential role for nuclearenergy in India's energy strategy,given the scale of demand.

He assured the DAE of his fullsupport in the implementation ofits ambitious expansion programand expressed hope that it wouldmeet the target of increasing the

capacity by three times from thepresent level of 5780 MW by 2023-24 within the projected cost.

Underlining the importance ofensuring that nuclear energy re-mained commercially viable and

competitive with other sources ofclean energy in the long run, healso asked DAE to continuallyupgrade technology both withregard to long-term plans and in-ternational trends. DAE, he said,must also plan for ensuring ad-equate availability of skilled hu-

man resources in the country.Stressing that nuclear safety

and security were of the highestpriority for him, the Prime Minis-ter asked DAE to ensure that thecountry's standards and prac-

tices were the most advanced inthe world. He also asked DAE topay special attention to local com-munities in planning and imple-menting nuclear power projects.

National Security Adviser AjitDoval also accompanied the PrimeMinister. -PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being briefed by the Secretary DAE and Chairman, AEC, Dr. R.K Sinha, at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC),

in Mumbai on July 21

China's special envoy praises ISIBEIJING: China's new special

envoy to Afghanistan has givena clean chit to Pakistan and itspowerful spy agency ISI amid al-legations that they backed terror-ist outfits.

"The Pakistan government hasdone a lot of positive contribu-tion to the fight against terrorism,"Sun Yuxi told his first media con-ference here.

He was replying to a questionabout the allegations of involve-ment of Pakistan based groupsLashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the at-tack on Indian Consulate in Heratin May and whether China willengage with Pakistan to bringsuch groups under control.

"I believe that in future the Pa-kistan government will play animportant and positive role in thepeaceful reconstruction of Af-ghanistan and fight terrorism to-gether with the international com-munity," said Sun, a former Chi-nese Ambassador to India whofamously asserted China's claimsover Arunachal Pradesh in 2006ahead of the then Chinese Presi-dent Hu Jintao's visit to NewDelhi.

About allegations that ISI wasbehind the attack on the Indian

Consulate in Herat, Sun said "Ithink as an agency for the gov-

ernment and for the military ofPakistan, the ISI has been effec-tive in fighting against terrorism".

"As for the specific case I havenot been following the develop-ments for some time," he said.

"But I do believe that the Paki-stan government or any respon-sible agency of Pakistan will onlyfight against terrorism instead ofbeing involved with any terroristgroups," Sun, who was also pre-viously worked as Ambassador inAfghanistan besides Italy andPoland, said.

Sun said he will be closely co-ordinating with India and Pakistanto bring about peaceful transitionto Afghanistan as US and NATOtroops set to withdraw from thatvolatile country by 2016.

"As a special envoy I will keepa close working relationship withmy counterparts in Pakistan andIndia as to contribute to peace andto fight against terrorism in bothcountries," he said.

"I also want to tell my col-leagues from India and Pakistanthat both countries are makingefforts so as to safeguard peaceand stability in Afghanistan andhelping its reconstruction," hesaid. -PTI

"The Pakistangovernment hasdone a lot of positivecontribution to thefight againstterrorism," Sun Yuxitold his first mediaconference here

Sun Yuxi

Babus to declare assetsunder new rules

NEW DELHI: The central gov-ernment has notified rules underthe Lokpal Act making it manda-tory for all its employees to filedeclarations of their assets andliabilities and those of theirspouses and dependent children.

It has issued new forms for fil-ing these returns which havefields to give details on cash inhand, bank deposits,investment in bonds,debentures, shares andunits in companies ormutual funds, insur-ance policies, providentfund, personal loansand advance given to aperson or any entity,among others.

The employees needto declare motor vehicles, aircraft,yachts or ships, gold and silverjewellery and bullion possessedby them, their spouses and depen-dent children, according to theform.

They need to give detail of theirimmovable properties and state-ment of debts and other liabilitieson first appointment or as on

March 31 of every financial year.There are about 50 lakh central

government employees, includingIAS, IFS and IPS, among others.

The rules, Public Servants (Fur-nishing of Information and AnnualReturn of Assets and Liabilitiesand the Limits for Exemption ofAssets in Filing Returns) Rules,2014 - were notified by the Depart-

ment of Personnel and Training(DoPT).

As per the rules, notified un-der Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act,every public servant shall file dec-laration, information and annualreturns of his assets and liabili-ties as on March 31 every year onor before July 31 of that year.

The employees need todeclare motor vehicles,aircraft, yachts or ships, goldand silver jewellery andbullion possessed by them

Cont’d on page 6


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UP govt sets up NRIdepartment

LUCKNOW: With an aim tosolve problems of Non-ResidentIndians belonging to UttarPradesh, the state governmenthas set up an NRI department.

In pursuance with the instruc-tions of Chief Minister AkhileshYadav, a new NRI department hasbeen created in the state and itsresponsibility has been given toPrincipal Secretary, Infrastructureand Industrial Development,Sanjeev Saran, a spokesman saidhere.

The newly formed departmentwill work towards effectively solv-ing the problems of people fromthe state living abroad, besidesencouraging investments fromthem, he said.

Work is going on as per a strat-egy to increase contact with theNRIs belonging to the state andmake them partners in itsprogress, the spokesman said,adding that earlier a special cellwas set up for solving the prob-lems of NRIs. -PTI

These declarations are in addi-tion to such returns being filed bythe government employees undervarious services rules.

However, the competent au-thority may exempt a public ser-vant from filing the information inrespect of any asset if its valuedoes not exceed his or her fourmonths basic pay or Rs two lakh,whichever is higher, the rules said.

The employees, who have al-ready filed their declarations, in-formation and annual returns ofproperty, shall file revised decla-rations as on August 1, 2014, tothe competent authority on orbefore September 15, this year.

According to the Lokpal andLokayuktas Act, a public servantshall furnish to the competentauthority the information relatingto the assets of which he, hisspouse and his dependent chil-dren, jointly or severally, own.

He is also mandated to declarehis liabilities and that of his

Babus to declare assetsunder new rules

spouse and his dependent chil-dren, as per the Act.

The government is in processof modifying certain rules, in-cluding those related to searchcommittee's working, under theLokpal Act.

The Lokpal and LokayuktasAct provides for the establish-ment of a Lokpal for the Unionand Lokayuktas for the states toinquire into corruption chargesagainst public functionaries.

President Pranab Mukherjeehad given his assent to LokpalAct on January 1, this year.

The previous governmentcould not go ahead with the much-touted appointment of the Lokpaldue to objections raised by BJPabout the selection procedure ofthe anti-corruption body.

As per existing rules, an eight-member search committee willdraw up a panel for considerationby the selection committee led bythe Prime Minister for appoint-ment of chairperson and mem-bers of the Lokpal. -PTI

Cont’d from page 5

Govt slams Cong for targeting Speaker on LoPNEW DELHI: The Government

hit out at Congress for targetingLok Sabha Speaker SumitraMahajan over the issue of Leaderof Opposition (LoP) status, say-ing it reflected the party's "des-peration" and claimed it was"people's mandate" that it shouldnot even get the LoP post.

Minister of State for Parliamen-tary Affairs Prakash Javadekarsaid that "casting aspersions" onthe Speaker was "outrageous,condemnable and unacceptable",adding, "If people have not giventhem mandate to rule, people havenot even chosen 55 of them, whatcan we do? How can we help?"

His statement came close onthe heels of Congress leaderAmarinder Singh alleging that nodecision by the Speaker on theissue of the Leader of Oppositiontill now has raised fears that shecould be "influenced" by the gov-ernment.

"To cast aspersions on theSpeaker shows the desperation of

Congress..... People have notgiven them Leader of Opposition.It is the people's mandate,"Javadekar said.

Talking to reporters outsideParliament, senior Congressleader Kamal Nath also targetedMahajan, saying "some partiesare feeling that many of the issueswhich they want to raise are not

sion on the issue of Leader ofOpposition in the lower house.

Congress with 44 seats in the543-member Lok Sabha hasemerged as the second largestparty after BJP's 282 but fell shortby 11 seats to stake claim for theLoP, for which it requires astrength of 55.

As per Direction 121 of the 'Di-rections of the Speaker', theSpeaker should ensure that a Par-liamentary party or group shouldhave at least one-tenth of the to-tal number of members of the LokSabha for being eligible for get-ting the LoP post. -PTIPrakash Javadekar

being given importance whichthey need to be given."

Reacting to the criticism,Javadekar said, "Congress lead-ers' reactions are outrageous andactually an aspersion on theSpeaker.... The Speaker is of theHouse. And whoever is in thechair, they act in a neutral way.

"To cast aspersion on the

Speaker is absolutely outrageous,condemnable and unacceptable."

When asked about the Congress'allegation, the Speaker said she can-not comment on such issues.

Amarinder Singh, who is alsothe Congress' deputy leader inLok Sabha, had charged theNarendra Modi government withbeing "petty" and "unfair" toCongress in not granting the offi-cial Leader of Opposition's postand feared that key appointmentslike that of Central Vigilance Com-missioner and others would notbe made fairly.

Mahajan is yet to take a deci-

Modi now calls for 'Cong-free'Maharashtra

MUMBAI: Ahead ofMaharashtra Assembly polls,Prime Minister Narendra Modigave a pep talk to party workershere, telling them that they shouldgo to the people with confidenceand work unitedly for "Congress-

free" state.Addressing a gathering of

party workers here, Modi referredto the recent Lok Sabha electionsand said that for the first time anon-Congress government hadgot the mandate which has raisedthe hopes of people.

"For the first time, non-Con-

gress govt got majority. After theBJP-led government took over,people have a feeling that the coun-try is going forward," he said.

Internationally also, there ishope with regard to India, he said.

"In Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha

elections, the party should goahead with confidence of victory.The confidence of the BJP cadresin BJP is intact," the Prime Minis-ter said.

"All workers should be unitedfor Congress-mukt (Congress-free) Maharashtra," he said.

Assembly elections in

Maharashtra are due in October."He came, he spoke, he con-

quered," said state BJP presidentDevendra Fadnavis while describ-ing Modi's interaction with theparty functionaries.

"Modi discussed the party's

poll preparedness. He also soughtour opinion about functioning ofthe BJP-led government at theCentre," a state BJP spokesper-son said after the meeting.

"He was keen that those occu-pying the last rows should come for-ward and participate in the interac-tion," the spokesperson said. -PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a meeting with party workers during his visit to Mumbai on July 21


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Modi wants 'excellent' relationswith Sri Lanka: Swamy

COLOMBO: Prime MinisterNarendra Modi wants "excellent"relations with Sri Lanka, seniorBJP leader Subramanian Swamysaid as he met President Mahinda

Rajapaksa here and underlinedthat the end of the LTTE campaignin this country had ensured thesecurity of India too.

Swamy, chairman of theBharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Committee for Strategic Action, ishere to deliver a talk on 'India un-der Modi: relevance for the regionand the world'.

He pointed out that Sri Lanka's

security was important to India ashe met Rajapaksa along with a BJPdelegation at his official residenceTemple Tree.

Swamy, who is regarded a friendof Sri Lanka due to his steadfast

opposition to the campaign of vio-lence carried out by the LTTE, saidthat the ending of the LTTE cam-paign in the country in 2009 hadensured the security of India too.

The delegation commended SriLanka's initiatives in the Tamil-dominated north and east towardimproving infrastructure, bringingbetter educational opportunitiesto students and implementingprograms to make the country atrilingual nation.

The BJP team told PresidentRajapaksa that Modi wants "ex-cellent relations with Sri Lanka",Colombo Page reported.

Rajapaksa told the team of SriLanka's interest in establishing acenter of excellence in maritimeand environmental studies.

The team also discussed anumber of issues of bilateral andregional significance, includingthe functions carried out by theIndian Ocean Rim Association(IORA) and Sri Lanka's strategicimportance in relation to this work,indicating that Sri Lanka plays apivotal role in guarding the IndianOcean.-PTI

Subramanian Swamy with President Mahinda Rajapaksa

Swaraj seeks info onIndians jailed abroadNEW DELHI: External Affairs

Minister Sushma Swaraj has di-rected all Indian missions in thecountries where significant num-ber of nationals were in jail to pro-vide updated information for fur-ther action.

This came after the release of40 Indian nationals, who returnedafter being held in prison in SaudiArabia for nearly one year for al-legedly violating labor laws of thatcountry.

The 40 Indian nationals hailinglargely from Bihar and Rajasthan,

who were working in Nesma andPartners Company at a project inMecca, Saudi Arabia, had been indetention since 12 June, 2013 andhad, after the verdict of the highercourt, been sentenced to twomonths imprisonment.

Yet they were unableto return as the com-pany owner had invokedhis private right of com-pensation for the loss ofproperty caused by theworkers.

"The company, whichhad been reluctant to re-voke its right for com-pensation, not onlyagreed to waive it butpaid for the return pas-sage of all the 40 work-ers, who arrived in In-dia," government

sources said here.They said that Swaraj has, as a

follow up measure, asked "all In-dian Missions where significantnumber of Indian nationals are injail to provide updated informationwhich will be monitored and actedupon, wherever required." -PTI

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj


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Corrupt judge charge: Katjuposes six questions to Lahoti

Snag in plan to turn DilipKumar's house to museum

NEW DELHI: Former SupremeCourt judge Markandey Katju,who alleged that three Chief Jus-tices of India made "improper com-promises" during UPA rule in al-lowing a judge under corruption

cloud to continue in office, hasposed six questions to one of them- Justice R C Lahoti - on the issue.

Katju asked if after receivingthe adverse IB report against theAdditional Judge, Lahoti, whowas then Chief Justice of India,called a meeting of the three-Judge Supreme Court Collegium,consisting of himself, Justice Y KSabharwal and Justice Ruma Pal,and the Collegium, having pe-rused the IB report recommendedto the Government of India not toextend the 2-year-term of thatAdditional Judge.

Katju, Chairman of the PressCouncil of India, put the posersto Lahoti on his blog.

On timing of his statement, he

said, "Some people have com-mented about the timing of mystatement. What happened wasthat some Tamilians had com-mented on Facebook that I amposting several matters on my

Facebook post, so I should alsopost some of my experiences inMadras High Court.

"Then I started posting aboutmy experiences there, and it wasat time I remembered this experi-

ence too, and posted it," he said.Katju asked, "Is it, or is it not,

correct that after that recommen-

Markandey Katju

dation of the 3 Judge Collegiumof the Supreme Court was sentto the Government of India, he(Justice Lahoti), on his own, with-out consulting his 2 other Su-preme Court Collegium col-leagues, wrote a letter to the Gov-ernment of India asking the Gov-ernment to give another one yearterm as Additional Judge to theconcerned Judge?"

The allegation on how an un-named additional judge of Ma-dras High Court was given exten-sion at the instance of UPA-Igovernment owing to pressurefrom an ally, a "Tamil Nadu party",apparently DMK, and then con-firmed as a permanent judge ledto an uproar in Parliament byAIADMK MPs even as ques-tions were raised by parties likeCongress on its timing.

Katju further said on his blog,"If indeed the IB reported, afteran enquiry, that the Judge wasindulging in corruption, why didhe (Justice Lahoti) recommend tothe Government of India to givethat corrupt Judge another termof 1 year as Additional Judge inthe High Court?"

Katju, who became the ChiefJustice of Madras High Court inNovember 2004, had told TVchannels, "These three formerCJIs made improper compro-mises. Justice Lahoti who startedit, then Justice Sabharwal andthen Justice Balakrishnan. Theseare CJIs who can surrender. Is aCJI going to surrender to politi-cal pressure or not going to sur-render to political pressure?"

Balakrishnan rejected the alle-gations as "completely baselessand not factually correct".

Katju, who was a SupremeCourt judge from 2006 to 2011,was appointed as the PCI Chair-man on October 5, 2011 and isdue to retire on October 4, thisyear.

He started his blog posting bysaying Lahoti, when contacted bysome media people about his state-ment which was published on myblog and in a daily, generally re-marked that he has never doneanything wrong in his life.-PTI

ISLAMABAD: A directive byPakistan Prime Minister NawazSharif to turn the ancestral houseof legendary actor Dilip Kumar inPeshawar into a museum is facingopposition from the provincial ar-chaeological department whichtermed the proposal as "unfea-

sible", media reported today.The Department of Archaeol-

ogy and Museums has turneddown the government's request toconvert the 91-year-old thespian'sdilapidated house in Peshawar'sfamous Qisa Khawani Bazaar areainto a national heritage musuem,terming it "unfeasible".

The Dawn reported that in aletter to the ministry of informa-tion and heritage, the departmentsaid the house was located in con-gested areas and can be reachedonly through a narrow six feet wideand 33 feet long street. The loca-tion makes it difficult for the visi-tors to approach it.

"The house is totally unsuit-able for conversion into a museumor library being very small andcongested," it said.

The department also said thatthe house of three to four roomswas not protected under the An-tiquities Act of 1975.

It also objected to the idea on

the basis of high cost, saying theowner had demanded Rs 80 mil-lion for the house in 2013, whichmight be higher now.

The letter also referred to a let-ter by the "Information, Public Re-lations and Culture Department,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa" province

which "termed it wastage of tax-payers' money".

Dawn quoted a source in theministry of heritage who said thatafter acquisition, significant fundswould be required for its preser-vation and transforming it into amuseum or a library, besides ahuge recurring expenditure.

"The purpose for which all thisexercise is being done will not befulfilled." The source said thatunder the 18th Amendment, ac-quisition of land was now a sub-ject of the provincial government.

Sharif had earlier ordered Infor-mation and National HeritageMinister Pervaiz Rashid to takemeasures to turn the house into aheritage spot.

Dawn said Information andNational Heritage SecretaryMohammad Azam said officersconcerned were already inPeshawar to work on the pro-posed project and prepare a re-port on how to go about it.-PTI

Dilip Kumar’s house in Peshawar

Katju further said on his blog, "If indeed the IBreported, after an enquiry, that the Judge wasindulging in corruption, why did he (JusticeLahoti) recommend to the Government ofIndia to give that corrupt Judge another term


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US shares India's desireon South Asia

WASHINGTON: LaudingPrime Minister Narendra Modi'sefforts to reach out to all of India'sneighbors, a top American diplo-mat has said the US shares India'sdesire for a South Asia that is bet-ter and more interconnected.

"It is refreshing to see thatPrime Minister Modi has reachedout to all of India's neighbors asits first acts, and I think that thoseare very positive signs," MarciaStephens Bloom Bernicat, nomi-nee to be the US Ambassador toBangladesh, told Senators duringher confirmation hearing.

"We share with India a desirefor a region that is better and moreinterconnected because it is theleast interconnected region, par-ticularly from an economic stand-point," she said.

"We share also with India adesire to see Bangladesh be astrong, pluralistic democracy thatis free of political violence andthat, of course, is stable. So wework constantly with India as wellas other diplomatic partners tothat end. I think Prime Minister

Modi's early actions are very en-couraging in that regard,"Bernicat said in response to aquestion from Senator TimeKaine, who chaired hearing.

"They certainly are encourag-

ing in terms of his own actions,and they were received that wayin Bangladesh as well," Kainesaid, referring to the recent stepsby the Modi government towards

Bangladesh; which was the firstsolo foreign trip of External AffairsMinister Sushma Swaraj.

In her testimony, Bernicat saidas the world's eighth-largest coun-try by population and third-larg-est Muslim-majority nation,Bangladesh is known for its mod-erate, secular, pluralistic tradi-tions.

"With a consistent annual eco-nomic growth rate of roughly 6 percent, Bangladesh aspires to be-come a middle-income countryand is an increasingly importanttrading partner and destination forUS investment. Strategically situ-ated between a growing India anda newly opening Burma, it is well-positioned to play a key role inlinking South and SoutheastAsia," she said.

Noting that labor rights andworkplace safety remain a top USpriority, she said US wantsBangladesh to ensure that therewill be no more heart-rending trag-edies like the Rana Plaza buildingcollapse or the Tazreen Fashionsfactory fire.-PTI

"With a consistentannual economicgrowth rate ofroughly 6 per cent,Bangladesh aspiresto become a middle-income country andis an increasinglyimportant tradingpartner and destina-tion for US investment

President of World Bank Group, Dr. Jim Yong Kim meeting the Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs

and Defense Arun Jaitley, in New Delhi on July 22

Congress anti-Punjab,says Sukhbir

CHANDIGARH: Stating thatPunjab's fiscal health is sound,Deputy Chief Minister SukhbirSingh Badal accused oppositionparty Congress of attempting totarnish the image of the state by

presenting a "wrong" financialpicture.

Participating in debate on statebudget, Badal said: "The Con-gress party which presented fi-nancial figures here (in the stateassembly) on state's fiscal healthwas wrong. The party has alwaystried to portray anti-Punjab imagefor political gains."

The Deputy CM appealed tothe opposition benches not tomalign the state for their "selfish"political reasons but analyze thebudget as well as the state's fiscalhealth by taking a holistic view.

In his message to the opposi-tion, Badal said "I ap-peal to everyone tosupport our positiveinitiatives and desistfrom criticism for thesake of criticism".

Talking on the issueof debt, Badal said thatthe SAD-BJP led stategovernment in its ten-ure had successfullybrought down the debt as per-centage of Gross State DomesticProduct (GSDP) from more than50 per cent to now 31 per cent.

Contrary to opposition party'sclaims, Badal insisted that thestate's financial position wassound and state was paying sal-ary and wages to its employeesand carrying out developmentwork.

When Sukhbir was speaking,Congress MLAs Charanjit SinghChanni and Kuljeet Nagra stoodup from their seats and asked theSpeaker why speeches of Con-gress leaders were not being re-corded by a regional electronicmedia channel.

Accusing the state govern-ment of suppressing their voice,both leaders walked out of theHouse protesting against non-coverage of speeches.

Replying to the charge of Con-gress leader LalSingh's claims ofheavy debt owedby public sectoru n d e r t a k i n g s ,Badal said that outof outstandingdebt of state PSUsof Rs 67,800 crore,about Rs 48,000crore was foodcredit limit.

He said out ofthe remaining Rs19,700 crore debtleft, as much as Rs11,000 crore wasproductive debtincurred by PSPCLto create infra-

structure including transmissionlines. He listed other productiveexpenditure also before conclud-ing that the net debt was only Rs6,000 crore.

Drawing comparison of state'sdebt with that of other states ruledby Congress party, he said thatthe growth of Punjab's debt hadbeen lowest since 2002 as againstthe growth in outstanding debt ofother states.

He stated that the debt ofHaryana increased by 325 per centto Rs 75,310 crore now from onlyRs 17,730 crore in 2002. Similarlythe debt of Andhra Pradesh in-

creased by 294 percent from Rs48,000 crore in 2002 to Rs 1.94 lakhcrore.

Punjab, which was at Rs 35,730crore, has now reached Rs 1.02lakh crore, he said.

Giving an example, Badal said:"Maximum debt is on industrial-ist Mukesh Ambani and then AnilAmbani and their debt is produc-tive one. Whether higher debtmeans their financial position wasworse."

On the issue of investmentsflowing out of Punjab, Badal saidstate industrial units are expand-ing their facilities to other statesconsidering the location advan-tage.-PTI

Sukhbir Singh Badal

Drawing comparison ofstate's debt with that of otherstates ruled by Congressparty, he said that thegrowth of Punjab's debt hadbeen lowest since 2002


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Gandhinagarsolar powermodel for Delhi

NEW DELHI: The Centre says it is tak-ing steps to connect rooftop solar powersystems with the grid in the national capi-tal, on the lines of a model in place inGujarat's Gandhinagar.

"The Gandhinagar model has been suc-cessful... and, in line with this, Delhi gov-ernment has initiated steps to promote grid-connected solar rooftop power in consul-tation with all stakeholders in Delhi.

"These steps include formulation of a

solar policy in Delhi, issuance of a suitableorder on solar tariff, net metering and gridconnectivity by the regulator as also set-ting up of a few pilot projects on grid con-nected solar rooftop power in Delhi,"Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Power,Coal and New and Renewable Energy, saidin a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

He added that the ministry has recentlylaunched a Grid Rooftop and Small SolarPower Plants Program, which provides cen-tral financial assistance (CFA) of up to 30per cent of the project cost limited to thebenchmark of Rs 100 per watt for grid-con-nected rooftop solar power plants.

"Other states like Andhra Pradesh,Gujarat, Kerala, and Uttarakhand are alsopromoting rooftop solar power generationby using the CFA of the ministry," Goyalsaid. -PTI

All rivers are as divine as Ganga, says BhartiNEW DELHI: All rivers are divine and

the government will not neglect any ofthem in its zeal to rejuvenate Ganga, Minis-ter for Water Resources, River Developmentand Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti saidin the Lok Sabha.

"Every river is as divine as Ganga. Thegovernment will take care of Ganga, Yamunaand also other rivers," she said while re-plying to a debate on the demands forgrants of her ministry.

Bharti was responding to the memberswho wanted to know why all attention wasbeing paid to Ganga by the government ata time when several rivers of the country

are facing menace of pollution andneed cleaning.

She further said Rs 2,037 croreearmarked for cleaning of Gangaand Rs 100 core for developmentof embankments would be fullyutilized within the course of the fi-nancial year.

The Lok Sabha later passed thedemand for grants of the WaterResources Ministry by voice vote.

Stressing that NDA accords toppriority to water management,

Bharti said the government would observethe first week of 2015-16 as water conser-vation week and the fiscal as water conser-vation year.

Responding to the concerns of the stateswith regard to reparian disputes, she said"the differences should be termed as is-sues and not disputes."

Bharti said every effort would be madeto resolve the water sharing problems be-tween Andhra Pradesh and newly-formedstate Telangana.

The Minister said she would be willingto hold a meeting with the Chief Ministersof Andhra Pradesh and Telangaga to re-solve the water issues. -PTI

Uma Bharti


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Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director, UN Women, New York, Lakshmi Puri meeting the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Dr.

Najma A. Heptulla, in New Delhi on July 21. The Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dr. Lalit K. Panwar is also seen

Pak violated ceasefire 19times since Modi took over

NEW DELHI: Pakistan violatedceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir19 times since the new govern-ment took over and the Indianside retaliated appropriately in

each case, the Rajya Sabha wasinformed.

"Our head has not bowed...This government will not let ourheads bow," Defense MinisterArun Jaitley said replying to ques-tions in Rajya Sabha.

Jaitley's response came whenLeader of Opposition GhulamNabi Azad said Narendra Modi,before becoming the Prime Min-ister, used to accuse the then UPAdispensation of being "weak".

Then why the government has"bowed" to the recurring ceasefireviolations by Pakistan, Azadasked.

The minister said during the

current year till July 16, there havebeen 54 ceasefire violations alongthe Line of Control (LoC) and In-ternational Border in Jammu andKashmir.

Between May 26 and July 17,19 ceasefire violations took placealong the LoC and InternationalBorder and in all such cases, therewas retaliation by the Indian side,he said.

"All CFVs are taken up with theconcerned authorities of Pakistan

at the appropriate level throughthe established mechanism ofhotlines, flag meetings etc," hesaid.

Jaitley recalled that during thefirst meeting Prime MinisterNarendra Modi had with his Paki-stan counterpart Nawaz Sharifhere on May 27, he had under-lined the importance of borderceasefire.

"Our Prime Minister furtheremphasized the importance ofmaintaining peace and tranquilityat the borders and upholding thesanctity of the LoC," he saidabout the meeting that took placea day after the new governmenttook over.

The two leaders also agreedthat Foreign Secretaries of the twocountries would get in touch toexplore how to move bilateral re-lations forward.

In reply to another question,Jaitley said along the LoC inJammu and Kashmir, the army hasadopted a robust counter- infiltra-tion strategy which has an appro-priate mix of technology and hu-man resources to check infiltra-tion effectively.

"Innovative troops deploy-ment, efficient use of surveillanceand monitoring devices and fenc-ing along the LoC have enhancedthe ability to detect and interceptinfiltration," he said. -PTI

India home to one in every3 child brides in world

UNITED NATIONS: India hasthe sixth highest prevalence ofchild marriage in the world withone in every three child bride liv-ing in India, a United Nations re-port said.

Child marriage among girls ismost common in South Asia andsub-Saharan Africa and India isamong the top 10 countries withthe highest rates of child marriage,UNICEF said in a report titled"Ending Child Marriage - Progressand prospects."

"South Asia is home to almosthalf (42 per cent) of all child bridesworldwide; India alone accountsfor one third of the glo-bal total," the reportsaid.

Worldwide, morethan 700 million womenalive today were mar-ried as children or be-fore their 18th birthday.

More than one inthree - about 250 million- entered into union be-fore age 15, the reportsaid.

The 10 countries with the high-est rates of child marriage areNiger, Bangladesh, Chad, Mali,Central African Republic, India,Guinea, Ethiopia, Burkina Fasoand Nepal respectively.

In India, about 27 per cent ofwomen aged 20 to 49 years weremarried before age 15.

About 31 per cent of women in

that age group were married afterage 15 but before they turned 18.

The report added that in India,the median age at first marriage is19.7 years for women in the rich-est quintile compared to 15.4 forthe poorest women.

In the Dominican Republic andIndia, the wealthiest women marryabout four years later than thepoorest women.

UNICEF said that Female Geni-tal Mutilation (FGM) and childmarriage are the two practices thataffect millions of girls across theglobe.

It said while prevalence has

decreased slightly over the pastthree decades, rates of progressneed to be scaled up dramaticallyto offset population growth in thecountries where the practices aremost common.

"Female genital mutilation andchild marriage profoundly andpermanently harm girls, denyingthem their right to make their owndecisions and to reach their fullpotential."

"They are detriments to thegirls themselves, their families,and their societies," UNICEF Ex-ecutive Director Anthony Lakesaid.

"Girls are not property; theyhave the right to determine theirdestiny. When they do so, every-one benefits."

According to the newly-re-leased data, child marriage iswidespread and can lead to a life-time of disadvantage and depri-vation.

"Girls who marry before theyturn 18 are less likely to remain inschool and more likely to experi-ence domestic violence.

Young teenage girls are morelikely to die due to complicationsin pregnancy and childbirth thanwomen in their 20s; their infantsare more likely to be stillborn ordie in the first month of life," itsaid.

The report further added thatmore than 130 million girls andwomen have experienced someform of FGM in the 29 countriesin Africa and the Middle Eastwhere the harmful practice is mostcommon.-PTI

"Female genital mutilationand child marriage pro-foundly and permanentlyharm girls, denying themtheir right to make their owndecisions and to reach theirfull potential."


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Top StoriesOver 3,500 Indians backfrom Iraq in last 30 days

East India Companyopens store in UAE

'Morning people' lessmoral at night

NEW DELHI: Over 3,500 Indi-ans have been evacuated fromconflict-hit Iraq in the last onemonth even as nearly 50 Indiannationals still remain in the con-flict zones of the war-torn coun-try including 39 constructionworkers who are in captivity inMosul.

While 2,500 ticketshave already been uti-lized to bring back theIndians, an additional1,000 tickets by the em-ployers for the Indianworkers have been fa-cilitated by the mission,the Spokesperson inthe External AffairsMinistry said.

He said the ministry was mak-ing all efforts to secure release of39 Indians who are in captivity ofSunni militants ISIS in conflict-hitIraq. The government has been intouch with all the neighboring Gulfcountries for the release of theworkers.

Meanwhile, official sourcessaid there were "hold-ups" anddespite best efforts some of theIndians were not ready to leave.

There were about 10,000 Indi-ans before the start of the seriousstrife between government troopsand Sunni militants backed by al

Qaeda in Iraq. With MEA facili-tating the departures, it is esti-mated that there are about 6500Indians in the non-conflict zonesleft.

Most of these Indians are inKurdistan and Basra which arenon-conflict zones. -PTI

Meanwhile, official sourcessaid there were "hold-ups"and despite best effortssome of the Indians werenot ready to leave

DUBAI: British East IndiaCompany, a food brand headed byan Indian-origin entrepreneur, haslaunched its first store in the UAE.

Besides fine teas and coffees,the company offers artisan sweetsand biscuits, a chocolate rangeand jams and marmalades.

The company also offershand-crafted bone china and por-celain for tea and coffee.

The 19th-century trading com-pany was refashioned by Indian-origin entrepreneur Sanjiv Mehta

in 2005.Mehta, Chairman of the com-

pany, said the UAE was a naturaldestination for the company tochoose its next store.

"The Emirates are fast becom-ing recognized as a global retailleader, and we are truly delightedto be here," he said.

The store of the company isthe third in the Middle East as italready runs a store each in Ku-wait and Doha, and the first in theUAE. -PTI

LONDON: Early risers are morelikely to cheat and behave unethi-cally in the night hours, scientists,including one of Indian-origin,have found.

Researchers have found thatearly-rising "larks" and late-night"owls" had different levels of hon-esty depending on the time of day.

The study, by Sunita Sah, re-search fellow at Harvard Universityin the US, and colleagues examinedthe behavior of almost 200 people -with the subjects taking part in prob-lem-solving tests and games with-out realizing that it was their hon-esty that was being measured.

The study examined the rela-

tionship between ethical decisionmaking and people's"chronotype" - which is when in-dividuals are most likely to wantto be asleep or when they havemore energy.

It found a significant link be-tween people being more likely tobe honest when it fitted in withtheir chronotype, 'BBC News' re-ported. This meant that the early-rising "larks" were more ethical inthe morning - and the "owls" weremore likely to be honest at night.

Researchers found that the levelof dishonesty was found to be height-ened when people were outside oftheir preferred time of day.-PTI

Greenwich shopcelebrates 100 years

GREENWICH, Conn.: GroverCunningham was a man of vision.Only 11 years after Henry Fordproduced the Model T, the Green-wich man thought the time wasright to start an autobody shop inhis hometown.

That was 1914, and the sameautobody shop, which bears thefounder's name, continues to op-erate in the capable hands ofgrandson Bruce Cunningham, andgreat grandson, GaryCunningham.

The reason for the shop's suc-cess is each generation's pride intheir work, according to Bruce,who succeeded his father, Evan,and carried on his demand for pre-cision.

`Ì've been here since 1960,''said Bruce, 70, sitting in his smalloffice at 74 N. Water St., in theByram section of Greenwich.

He said his father made it veryclear that customer satisfactionwas crucial to the success of thebusiness. ̀ `Your father is tougherthan anyone else because he ex-pects more out of you.''

The long-term success of thebusiness might be even more sur-prising because it has beenachieved in the same nondescriptlocation where Grover started theshop.

`Ìt's excellent quality work, and

word of mouth is the best adver-tising you can have,'' said Bruce,recalling his father accepted allkinds of work during the slowtimes. That included projects likepainting furniture and refrigera-tors.

`Ì did porch furniture for acustomer. She wanted pink furni-ture. There were nearly 100pieces. I painted, painted andpainted.

``We also painted two refrig-erators black. It was a way to keepme busy,'' said Bruce, who spe-cialized in painting at the busi-ness. `Ì did 90 percent painting.It was trial and error at first. It tooka couple years.''

While Bruce spoke in his of-

fice lined with business memora-bilia and family photos, Garyworked in an adjoining bay, pol-ishing an emergency vehiclebrought in by the Round Hill Vol-unteer Fire Department for front-end repairs.

`Ì went to Wright Tech inStamford and took autobody. Ireally enjoy repairing a car or tak-ing a damaged car and making itnew again,'' said Gary, 46, who fo-cuses on body work.

A father of three, Gary said hethinks none of his children willwant to take over the business.His older brother, BruceCunningham Jr., is a teacher andfootball coach at Wilton HighSchool.

The business, which surviveda fire in the 1940s, has allowedGary to see generations of Green-wich-area families grow up be-cause loyal customers continue toseek them out.

``We see cars my grandfatherworked on. They keep comingback. They know you do goodwork,'' he said, adding becausethey are tucked away in a Green-wich neighborhood and not on thebusy Post Road, people have tomake an effort to find the busi-ness. ``They go out of their wayto find us. We're off the beatenpath.''-AP

Biz disruption by cyber attacksworries cos

A father of three,Gary said he thinksnone of his childrenwill want to take overthe business. Hisolder brother, BruceCunningham Jr., is ateacher and footballcoach at WiltonHigh School

NEW DELHI: Enterprises aremost concerned aboutreputational damage and disrup-tion of businesses as a result ofcyber attacks, a report byconsultancy firm KPMGhas said.

According to KPMGIndia's 'Cybercrime Sur-vey 2014', 48 per cent ofthe respondents indi-cated that they sufferdisruption of their busi-ness processes and repu-tation damage as a resultof a cyber attack.

About 45 per centsaid cyber attacks led tofinancial losses (eitherdirect or indirect), itadded.

"With rise in thecybercrime, businessesare increasingly facing impactsnot only on the financial front butalso irreversible damage to theirbrands and market reputations,"KPMG India Partner and Head of

Risk Consulting practiceMritunjay Kapur said.

"As a result of this growingthreat, there is a significant needfor corporates to recognize cyber

threats and craft cyber responseplans," he added.

The Survey had over 170 par-ticipants from the likes of CIOs(Chief Information Officers),

CISOs (Chief Information SecurityOfficers) and related profession-als from across India.

While 89 per cent respondentsacknowledged that cybercrime

has emerged as a ma-jor threat, about 51 percent perceived them-selves to be "easy tar-get" for such attacksdue to the nature oftheir business.

Of these 51 percent, about 68 per centrespondents claimedthey monitorcybercrime threats ona daily basis.

"Cybercrime con-tinues to remain atough challenge for or-ganizations. Over theyears there has been a

significant increase in the numberof cybercrime attacks promptingorganizations to stay alert, seekmeans to fight cybercrimethreats," the report said.-PTI

13 India Post July 25, 2014www.indiapost.com

TechBizTech News Union

Finance

Minister Arun

Jaitley

receives a

memento

from

Chairman

and MD,

Canara

Bank, RK

Dubey at the

inauguration

of 5011th

branch of

the bank in

New Delhi on

July 19

KTSF, first station to align withNielsen, to launch mobile TV App

PM SWAMY

NEW YORK: Nielsen, a leadingglobal provider of information andinsights into what consumerswatch and buy, recently an-nounced that KTSF, an indepen-dent, full-power station, availableto over 1.7 million Asian Ameri-cans in and around the greater SanFrancisco-Oakland area, launchedits local TV App in the Apple AppStore and fully implementedNielsen proprietary mobile mea-surement software in order to in-form its research and insights anddrive advertising effectiveness.

This app will provide more ac-curate viewership to effectivelydemonstrate the power of AsianAmerican consumers in media.

According to Nielsen's Cross-Platform report, 81 percent ofAsian Americans havesmartphones compared to 70 per-cent of the general public. Asian

Americans also currently watch 19percent more videos onsmartphones per month than theaverage person. With Nielsen'sproprietary mobile measurementtool, TV stations are now able to

accurately and effectively measureAsian Americans' viewing habitsto include mobile online viewing.

As one of the largest Asianbroadcasters in the U.S., KTSF'sviewers will have access to bothlive and on-demand television pro-

gramming in the San Franciscoarea. Supplemental mo-

bile viewing will con-tribute to existing

television audienceestimates with mobile

viewers, allowing KTSFto identify additional

viewing that it is not cur-rently receiving credit

for today.Nielsen

H o l d i n g sN.V. (NYSE:NLSN) is aglobal infor-mation and

measurement company with lead-ing market positions in marketingand consumer information, televi-sion and other media measure-ment, online intelligence, mobilemeasurement, trade shows and re-lated properties. Nielsen has apresence in 104 countries, withheadquarters in New York, USAand Diemen, the Netherlands. Formore information, visitwww.nielsen.com.

KTSF has been broadcastingAsian-language content since1976. KTSF is an independent,full-power television station pro-viding news and entertainmentprogramming to over 2.75 milliontelevision households. Based inthe San Francisco Bay Area, KTSFbroadcasts in 10 languages KTSFis the first Asian media outlet inthe United States to offer NielsenMedia Research data to its clients.

Microsoft to log out 18,000 employeesNEW YORK: Microsoft's In-

dia-born CEO Satya Nadella hasannounced axing up to 18,000jobs over the next year, the big-gest round of jobs cuts in its39-year history, in a "difficultbut necessary" move as it inte-grates recently acquired Nokiabusiness and cuts costs.

The company expects to in-cur pre-tax charges of up to USD1.6 billion over the next fourquarters, including up to USD800 million for severance andrelated benefit costs, and USD350 million to USD 800 millionof asset-related charges.

The layoffs, the first sinceNadella took over the helms ofthe company five months ago,however, will have "minimal"impact in India, which is an im-portant geography for the US-based giant.

Of the total 18,000, about12,500 professional and factorypositions will be eliminatedthrough synergies and strategic

alignment of the Nokia Devicesand Services business acquired byMicrosoft this year.

The workforce realignment isexpected to be substantially com-

plete by end of this year and fullycompleted by June 2015.

"Making these decisions tochange are difficult, but neces-sary," Nadella said.

"Having a clear focus is the

start of the journey, not the end.The more difficult steps are creat-ing the organization and cultureto bring our ambitions to life.

"The first step to building the

right organization for our ambitionsis to realign our workforce. With thisin mind, we will begin to reduce thesize of our overall workforce by upto 18,000 jobs in the next year,"Nadella, who took over from Steve

Ballmer in February, said in anemail to employees.

Microsoft is moving to startreducing the first 13,000 posi-tions, and the vast majority ofemployees whose jobs will beeliminated will be notified overthe next six months.

When asked on the restruc-turing impact on India, aMicrosoft India spokespersontold PTI: "We have about 6,500employees in India, which alsoincludes employees from Nokia.

The impact will be minimal. Itwill be very very small."

As of June 30, 2013, Microsofthad about 99,000 people on afull-time basis, 58,000 in the USand 41,000 worldwide.

This, however, does not in-clude the employees moving inpost the Nokia-deal.

Earlier this year, Microsoftcompleted the acquisition ofNokia's handset division forwhich it paid over USD 7.2 bil-lion. -PTI

Satya Nadella

Indian-AmericanCEO convicted forpaying kickbacks

NEW YORK: An Indian-Ameri-can CEO of two publicly-tradedcompanies has been convicted oncharges of paying kickbacks inreturn for purchases of his com-panies stock.

Shailesh Shah, 48, of Californiapleaded guilty before US DistrictJudge Richard Stearns to twocounts of mail fraud and twocounts of wire fraud.

He will be sentenced in Octo-ber and could face a sentence upto 20 years in prison followed bythree years of supervised releaseand a fine of USD 250,000, the FBIsaid in a statement.

As President and CEO of twopublicly-traded companies, Shahagreed to pay secret inducementsto an investment fund representa-tive in exchange for having the firmbuy stock in his companies.

The kickbacks were concealedthrough the use of sham consult-ing agreements and other fraudu-lent documents.

Shah, however, did not knowthat the purported investmentfund representative was an under-cover FBI agent.

The plea follows a lengthy in-vestigation focusing on prevent-ing fraud in the microcap stockmarkets.-PTI

Now, anti-glaredisplay for yoursmartphone

WASHINGTON: Researchers,including one of Indian-origin,have developed a novel glass sur-face that can provide anti-glare,anti-reflective display for yoursmartphone, allowing you to usethe device in bright light.

The glass reduces both glareand reflection, which continue toplague even the best mobile dis-plays today.

Users have to dish out extracash for a filter or film - some ofquestionable effectiveness - to layon top of their glass screens sothey can use the devices in brightlight.

One of the most promising de-velopments involves layering anti-reflective nano-structures on topof an anti-glare surface.

But the existing techniquedoesn't work well with glass, thematerial of choice for many elec-tronic displays, so ValerioPruneri's team at ICFO (The Insti-tute of Photonic Sciences) inSpain collaboration with PrantikMazumder's team at Corning In-corporated set out to find a newmethod. -PTI

14 India Post TechBiz Post July 25, 2014

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ICICI launches special servicefor Canadian customers

MUMBAI: The country's larg-est private sector lender ICICIBank has announced the launchof a special service called 'HelloCanada' for its Canadian custom-ers, under the label of ICICI BankGlobal Banking.

Targeted at the Diaspora, eitheralready migrated or migrating toCanada, thisservice offerscustomers theconvenience ofopening a Ca-nadian dollaraccount withICICI BankCanada alongwith an NRIsavings ac-count with abranch in thecountry, thecity-headquar-tered bank saidin a statement.

The bank has one of the larg-est branch network among domes-tic banks in Canada which are rununder a fully-owned subsidiary.

Customers may open both ac-counts with simplified documen-tation by visiting the nearest ICICIBank branch in the country once.

Commenting on the new offer,its president Vijay Chandok said,

"ICICI Bank works towards ad-dressing customer needs to maketheir lives simpler. Our experienceof serving 1.5 million NRIs for overa decade has helped us gain bet-ter insight into their needs".

The service enables the cus-tomer to transfer funds in the ICICIBank Canada account when in In-

dia, making sure his funds are safeand secure while he is in transit,he said, adding that customersalso get preferential rates on thesefunds transfers.

ICICI Bank is present in 19 coun-tries, including the home market.Last week, the bank said it will beentering Chinese and South Afri-can markets with full-fledgedbranches this fiscal. -PTI

India, China to sign MoU forcooperation in Railways

MUMBAI: India and China arelikely to sign an MoU for coop-eration in Railways during theforthcoming visit of Chinese Presi-dent Xi Jinping in September, asenior Chinese diplomat said here.

"In terms of cooperation in theconstruction and overhaul of theexisting railway system across In-dia, China had sent an advanceteam here, which held a first roundof consultations.

And then an MoU is very muchlikely (to be signed) when the Chi-nese President comes to India inSeptember," Consul General ofChina in Mumbai Liu Youfa toldPTI on the sidelines of a CII eventon the weekend here.

Last week, a 22-member high-powered Chinese delegationheaded by deputy administrator of

National Railway AdministrationZheng Jian visited India and heldtalks with the top brass of Central

Railway in Mumbai.During the meeting, the two

sides discussed cooperation in

raising speed of trains on existingroutes, training of heavy haultransportation and station devel-opment under strategic economicdialogue, among other issues.

"India can take China as a test-ing ground. China has gonethrough the pain of overhaulingthe redundant railway system.China started trains which wererunning at 90 km per hour and to-day it has built up a whole nationalnetwork of bullet trains which runat a speed of 300 km per hour. So,China could be the place for Indiato seek reference from," Youfa said.

The two countries can also forma strategic plan on how to proceedwith cooperation in overhaulingthe existing railway system acrossIndia and to build a fast train, hesaid.-PTI

China started trainswhich were runningat 90 km per hourand today it has builtup a whole nationalnetwork of bullettrains which run at aspeed of 300 kmper hour.

Tech Mahindra further expandsfootprint in S Arabia

DUBAI: Tech Mahindra, a spe-cialist provider of connected so-lutions, has signed a joint ventureagreement with Midad Holding,which is a subsidiary of Al Fozan,a pre-eminent group with diversi-fied business interests in SaudiArabia.

The joint venture will be calledTech Mahindra Arabia, it was an-nounced here. Tech Mahindra willhave 51 per cent ownership whileMidad will own 49 per cent stakein the joint venture.

Headquartered in Al Khobar,Tech Mahindra Arabia will also

have presence across other majorcities in Saudi and will be functionalpost the regulatory approvals.

The regional strength of MidadHolding and the global connectiv-ity of Tech Mahindra will create asynergic value proposition forcustomers in Saudi Arabia.

"Saudi Arabia has been a fo-cus market for Tech Mahindra andwe are excited about the economic

growth potential the region has.This joint venture will establish thecompany as a leading player inproviding IT and ITeS solutions.

Additionally it will also provideexciting career opportunities forthe talented men and women inSaudi region," CP Gurnani, MDand CEO, Tech Mahindra said.

GB Kumar, Vice President andGeo Head, Middle East and NorthAfrica, Tech Mahindra, said SaudiArabia is the region's largesteconomy.

Tech Mahindra Arabia will pavethe way for exponential growth bysolving the business and technicalchallenges of customers fromtelecom, public sector, oil & gas,petrochemicals, utilities, manufactur-ing and BFSI segments, Kumar said.

"Our differentiating strengthsin networking, mobility, analytics,cloud and security will be of keyimportance in bringing value toSaudi customers. Tech MahindraArabia will provide gamut of In-formation Technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITES) to caterto the established and emergingsectors in Saudi Arabia," headded. -PTI

Govt to restart Aadhaarlinked DBT scheme

NEW DELHI: Government ismulling restarting DBT scheme todirectly transfer money intoAadhhar-linked bank accountswith a view to plug leakages byweeding out ghost ben-eficiaries.

"Government mayrestart the Aadhaar-linked direct benefittransfer (DBT) schemeas it has initiated theexercise to evaluate theefficacy of the scheme,"a source said.

Planning Commis-sion and Unique Iden-tification Authority ofIndia (UIDAI), whichimplements theAadhhar project, arejointly preparing a re-port on the Aadhaar-link DBT scheme.

The source said the UIDAI andthe Commission's senior officialsare visiting 300 districts spreadacross the country to study theimpact of the Aadhhar-basedscheme.

The Commission has been

asked to submit the report on theAadhaar based DBT in these 300districts before August 15, headded.

Earlier on January 30, the UPA

government had suspended theambitious direct benefit transferfor LPG (DBTL) scheme, whereconsumers in 289 districts in 18states got cash of Rs 435 permonth in their bank accounts forpurchasing cooking gas at marketrate.-PTI

15India PostTechBiz PostJuly 25, 2014

www.indiapost.com

MORE TECHBIZPOST NEWS ON

PAGES 24-26

'Small banks big push tofinancial inclusion'

MUMBAI: Consultancy firmDeloitte has said RBI's move toallow specialized banking entitiessuch as payment banks will go along way in furthering the causeof financial inclusion, and pro-spective players, who leveragetechnology would get a head start.

The proposedpayment banks'business modelwill need to becost-effect iveand technology-enabled, as theywill have to bevolume-centric.Given the level ofpenetration andunmet needs,such banks willprovide an alternate infrastructure,which will further the cause of fi-nancial inclusion, said DeloitteIndia Senior Director MonishShah.

The central bank had issueddraft guidelines for setting up ofpayment banks, which will caterto the marginalized sections of

society, including migrant labor-ers, for collecting deposits andremitting funds. The regulator hasset strict entry norms, includingRs 100 crore capital, for suchbanks.

On the prospective players whoare likely to enter this area, Shah

said there will be considerable in-terest not just among MFIs,NBFCs but probably telecomfirms, retailers to leverage theirlarge customer base and touchpoints.

For such banks to be viable, theinterested parties will have to playon the technology front, he said.

The RBI said payment bankswill need to have a minimum capi-tal of Rs 100 crore as against Rs500 crore required for full-fledgedcommercial lenders. "Both pay-ments banks and small banks are'niche' or 'differentiated' banks,with the common objective of fur-thering financial inclusion," it said.

The proposed small banks willprovide a whole suite of basicproducts such as deposits andsupply of credit, but in a limitedarea of operation, the monetaryauthority said.

Such entities will offer a limitedrange of products like acceptanceof demand deposits and fund re-mittances and will not be allowedto lend directly to end customers.

The idea of differentiated bankswas mooted in a RBI- appointedpanel's report in last November.

Governor Raghuram Rajan hadsaid in April, when RBI allowedIDFC and Bandhan Microfinanceto get into commercial banking,that the apex bank would soon becoming out with on-tap bank li-censes. -PTI

Google Maps nowavailable in Hindi

JAIPUR: Search giant Googlehas launched its Google Maps inHindi seeking to make its naviga-tion service more useful for userslocally.

Google Maps inHindi will be avail-able for desktop andandroid mobilephone users, whowill be able to seeHindi names for cit-ies, localities, impor-tant roads and routesas well as popularpoints of interestsuch as public parksand schools.

Launching theservice nationally from Jaipur,Suren Ruhela, Product and Pro-gram Management Director,Google, said, the service may bemade available in regional lan-guages based on the feedback ofthis initiative.

He said that the service was apart of the company's global ini-tiative to make maps more usefulfor users locally.

"We made maps useful across

the user group whose needs areuniform. The new Google Mapservice is more useful and the usercan take a virtual tour of a place

where he wants to go and launch-ing it in Hindi will give comfort tothe Hindi users," he said.

The users need to enable Hindias their preferred language on theirdevices to view Hindi name labelson the Maps.-PTI

www.indiapost.com July 25, 2014

COMMUNITYACROSS AMERICA

16 India Post

Desi News

Details on page 21

Details on page 18

Details on page 19

ShahRukh,

Deepikacomingin Sept

Details on page 20

FIA ropes in Sahil & LA Tan forGrand I-Day Mela

RAMESH SOPARAWALAIndia Post News Service

CHICAGO: Federation of In-dian Associations-Chicago [FIA]in partnership with Chicago's re-nowned showbiz-team - Sahil &LA Tan - are teaming to host theIndia Independence Day GrandMela - A festival of music, danceand singing, according to KeerthiRavoori FIA President

Ravoori said it would be a fit-ting grand finale to a series of ex-citing festive events hosted incelebration of India's Indepen-dence Day on Saturday, August16 starting at 2:30 pm in the Re-public Bank outdoor premises lo-cated at 2720 W. Devon Ave inChicago immediately after theconclusion of the Parade.

Chicago Mayor along withother elected State and Federalofficials besides local dignitariesare invited to India Day celebra-tions and expectations are thatthey would grace the occasion,

said RavooriThis Grand Mela encompasses

an eclectic array of music, dance,

and singing and food samplers tocontinue the Indian Indepen-dence Day festive exuberance.

The Mela will showcase, promoteand celebrate the host of localartists bringing their incredibletalent for people of all ages toenjoy and experience the spiritof India and Indianness.

This Mela being hosted un-der the chairmanship of AjeetSingh, FIA's Joint Treasurer,aims to unleash a wealth of lo-cal community talent showcas-ing the best of traditional andcontemporary Bollywood mu-sic, dance performances, sing-ing. It will feature emerging art-ists in genres that span betweenthe traditional to contemporary.The admission to Mela is free.

FIA applauds the generoussponsorship in i t ia t ive ofSAHIL & LA Tan who are tak-ing the lead to give back to thecommunity their share of out-standing entrepreneurial suc-cess by this incredible gener-ous community-reinvestmentact, added President KeerthiRavoori.Keerthi Kumar Ravoori with Rham Emanuel

FIA Chicago India Day with Mika & SunnyHARISH RAO

CHICAGO: The Federation ofIndian Associations, a breakaway group setting up a sepa-rate FIA, has announced host-ing India Day celebrations in agrand way.

Sunil Shah, the founder Presi-dent, said there would be a galaentertainment program on Satur-day August 9 at Copernicus Cen-ter on Laurence Ave in Chicagofeaturing Bollywood singer MikaSingh and Sunny Leone. Theentertainment program will begraced among others byMeenakshi Lekhi, a member ofIndian Parliament.

The culmination will be on Sat-urday August 16 with Flag Hoist-ing ceremony in VillageSchaumburg in Schaumburg. Shahsaid that besides Indian ConsulGeneral Dr Ausaf Sayeed theelected officials of Schaumburg

Village, Hoffman Estate, HanoverPark, Congresswoman Tammy

Duckworth and State Senators andRepresentatives are invited as Spe-

cial Guests and are expected toattend the event.

Sunny Leone, BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi and singer Mika Singh. Top right Founder Chief Sunil Shah and(bottom right) current chief Omkar Sangha

Utility bill scamcalls for continuouspublic awarenessIndia Post News Service

The voice on the telephoneis insistent.

"I'm with Southern Cali-fornia Edison. You're late on yourEdison bill for the last two months.We have a truck on the way toyour business to disconnect yourelectricity in the next 30 minutesand it will be turned off for approxi-mately two weeks."

The solution, says the caller, isto pay over the telephone with thepurchase of a $500 prepaid debitcard immediately. The customerrushes to the nearest conveniencestore, buys the card and gives thecaller the security number on theback to pay the bill.

In less than five minutes, thecustomer has unknowingly beenripped off for $500.

Anjaneya Temple& Cultural Centerfor Maryland

PM SWAMY

MARYLAND: A multi milliondollar religious cum cultural cen-ter for Indian Americans inIjamsville, MD, Sri BhakthaAnjaneya Temple (SBAT), is near-ing completion and if all goes asper schedule, it will be formallyconsecrated on August 31.

The near $8 million centersprawling on a 43-acre lot willhave a built up area of 5200 sq ftand will house a towering 36 ftAnjaneya -Maruti idol besidesother Hindu deities - BalajiBhoodevi, Subramnaya, ShivaParvati, Radha Krishna, Durgaand others - carved out from balkstone.

MKCA, Chicagoannouncesannual picnic

SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: The MangaloreanKonkan Christians Association(MKCA) Chicago has announcedhosting its annual picnic on Satur-day, August 9 at Hawthorn Badmin-ton Shelter grounds in Vernon Hills,a northwest suburb of Chicago.

MKCA would welcome all thepatrons, well-wishers and guestsfor this picnic. "This is a 'free forall' event organized in honor ofeveryone's support and encour-agement to the organization," saidVissia D'Souza, MKCA spokesper-son.

India Post 17July 25, 2014 Community Across Americawww.indiapost.com

Only 22% Americans know about Hindus & HinduismMADHU PATEL

Hinduism

CHICAGO: It was 125 years ago thatSwami Vivekananda came to this countryand talked about Sanatan Dharma ( popu-larly known as Hinduism) and set upRamakrishna Mission across the countrycreating awareness about ancient Indianreligion and basic religious thinking of uni-versal love and brotherhood.

It was three decades later that anotherHindu Monk Swami Yogananda came to thiscountry and sought to bring ancient Indianthought on religion and wisdom here. Heset up Self Realization Fellowship way backin 1920 that has huge number of followerseven today.

It was in fifties that yet another spiritualmaster from India AC Bhaktivedanta SwamiPrabhupad sailed to this country and taughtBhakti Yoga, a path to self realization andMoksha. He set up International Society ofKrishna Consciousness which reached outto truth seeks thru Hare Krishna temples invarious parts of the country.

Hinduism is the oldest and third largestreligion of the world with about one billion

adherents across the world and moksha (lib-eration) as its ultimate goal. There are aboutthree million Hindus in USA.

Despite this, a recent survey conductedin USA by a Pew Research Center showedthat only 22 percent Americans know some-

one who is Hindu.This number is lowest than any other

religion/denomination surveyed. Catholicsrank highest with 87 percent, followed by

evangelical Christians, Jews, Atheists, Mor-mons, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus.

Americans express warmest and morepositive feelings towards Jews (average rat-ing 63); followed by Catholics, evangelicalChristians, Buddhists, Hindus, etc., the

survey adds.Reacting to this survey findings, a large

number of activists including Rajan Zed (president Universal Society of HinduismNevada) Neela Pandya ( Marketing con-sultant NJ) Sohan Joshi ((NFIA PresidentChicago) Ashwin Patel (CEO Seema Enter-prises St Louis) Dayal Meshri ( CEO Ad-vanced Research Chemicals Tulsa OK)Ashok Jain MD ( a physician from Michi-gan) and many others across the countryhave urged American Hindus to make in-tensive efforts to reach out to non-Hindu

communities and create awareness aboutthe basic philosophical thought ofSanatan Dharma that in essence teachesVasudha Eiv Kutumbakam - the whole wordis my family.

Kanubhai Brahmbhatt, a Brand Ambas-

sador for International Yoga Alliance andfounder Director of Yog Setu, said it waspity many Americans know nothing or littleabout Hindus or Hinduism especiallywhen a vast number of them have beenpracticing Yoga for good mental and physi-cal health . "Yoga was one of the mastercontributions of ancient Indian Rishis andHindus to the world, and Indian Americansneed to make special efforts to educateabout huge cultural contributions of Hin-dus to the world civilization," he said

Cont’d on page 19

Chicago Gayatri Pariwarcelebrates Gurupurnima

SURENDRA ULLAL

Devotees & main yajmans: Natubhai & Madhuben, Ambalal & Kailashben performing puja

CHICAGO: Global Gayatri Pariwar Chi-cago celebrated 108 Kundi Gayatri Yagya

on Saturday, July 12 from 11am to 3pm atcorner of Lee & Touhy in Desplaines, North

West suburb of Chi-cago.

Addressing thedevotees gathered dur-ing the celebration,Chief Guest SmtSantosh Kumar, presi-dent of MetropolitanAsian Family Services(MAFS) said thatGurudev Pt. Shree RamSharma Acharya soughtto bring divinity in man-kind and therebyheaven on earth.Gayatri Mother Aarti by Chief Guest Santosh Kumar & others

on Gurupurnima Cont’d on page 19

July 25, 2014India Post18 Community Across Americawww.indiapost.com

Anjaneya Temple & Cultural Center for MarylandPM SWAMY

MARYLAND: Amulti million dollarreligious cum cul-tural center for In-dian Americans inIjamsville, MD, SriBhaktha AnjaneyaTemple (SBAT), isnearing completionand if all goes as perschedule, it will beformally conse-

crated on August 31.The near $8 million center sprawling on

a 43-acre lot will have a built up area of 5200sq ft and will house a towering 36 ftAnjaneya -Maruti idol besides other Hindudeities - Balaji Bhoodevi, Subramnaya,Shiva Parvati, Radha Krishna, Durga andothers - carved out from balk stone.

According to Rajesh Natrajan, SBATManager, 25 sculptors from India are work-ing to give finishing touches and that thefour-day consecration ceremony beginningAugust 29 will be officiated by priests atthe temple and priests from India. Religiousceremony and cultural programs will formpart of its Maha Kumbhabhishekam that willinclude poojas, homams, pravachanam,aarathi, etc.

"Hundreds of devotees from all parts of

the country - residents in and around Mary-land and far away Los Angeles and mid westChicago areas - are expected to attend thefour-day program. The auspicious momentof Kumbhabhishekam is slated to be be-tween 10-45 am to 11-30 am on August 31.

Natrajan said that the center when func-tioning fully will prove to be a big boon todevotees and residents as it would be oneof its kind in Maryland. Even now it con-ducts classes but before long it will haveclasses for Yoga, teachings of Vedas andSanskrit too. It has enlisted services ofqualified Yoga teachers to address the in-creasing urge for this ancient Indian prac-tice for mental and physical health

A small house on this zoning approvedsite currently serves as an interim templewith images of various deities, includingLord Hanuman. It performs various poojasand homams; offers religious services andconducts sloka, Veda, Ramayana stories andSanskrit classes. Objective is to raise a 36ftHanuman temple, said to be the first of itskind in USA, to serve the devotees in Mary-land, Virginia and Washington DC. It runstwo Vedic Paathshaalas in India.

Ijamsville, whose history goes back to1785, is an unincorporated community inFrederick County of Maryland.

New Temple

Inside of the Temple

25 sculptors from India areworking to give finishingtouches and the four-dayconsecration ceremonybeginning August 29 willbe officiated by priests atthe temple and priestsfrom India


They urged to do charity, in-vite others to visit Hindu temples/ashrams, be good role models, actfor the benefit of all, volunteer, tryto stay pure and exhibit warmthand love towards fellow Ameri-cans.

Rajan suggested to each Ameri-can Hindu to take a vow of help-ing at least one charitableproject during this year for lessfortunate members of the com-munity.

Unlike most other religions,

Only 22% Americans knowabout Hindus & Hinduism

Hinduism has no single founder,no single scripture, and no rigid-ity about following a set teach-ing. Hindus believe that no reli-gion teaches the only way to sal-vation above all others, but thatall genuine paths are facets ofGod's Light, deserving toleranceand understanding.

Headquartered in WashingtonDC, Pew Research Center is anonpartisan fact tank that in-forms the public about the is-sues, attitudes and trends shap-ing America and the world". AlanMurray is its President.


He penned more than 3,000books for enlightening the massesand that it is our moral duty tospread his message world wide sothat his life time mission isachieved. Prahladbhai Prajapatifrom Highpoint North Carolinaspecially came to offer his re-spect and homage Gurudev onGurupurnima day. He sang onebeautiful song and also gavespeech about importance ofGuru and why one needs tochant Gayatri Mantra regularly.

Chicago Gayatri Pariwar celebratesGurupurnima

Sohanbhai Joshi, a commu-nity leader and president of Na-tional Federation of Indian As-sociations (NFIA) and a schol-arly priest Rohitbhai Joshi ap-plauded the services of GlobalGayatri Pariwar Chicago for thebenefit of people. In his lecture,Chote Morari Bapu appealed todevotees to heartily contributeand extend support to GayatriShaktipeeth Chicago so that itcan easily build a new temple inDesplaines, IL.

Ambalal Patel, KaolshbenPatel, Natverbhai Patel,

Madhuben Patel and MinaxibenKansara were Main Yajmans. Alldevotees chanted Gayatri Man-tra and other mantras besides of-fering Aauhuti into Gayatri Yagya.

Kusumben Patel andRajnibhai Modi explained thesignificance of Gayatri Yagyarituals. Harshaben Thakkar andBhanuben Darji sang songs.Bhaskarbhai played tabla andAnilbhai Patel played flute. Atthe end of the program,Kusumben thanked all theguests, devotees and volunteersfor their presence and support.

Rajnibhai Modi, Kusumben Patel, Santosh Kumar, Prahladbhai Prajapati, Sohan Joshi, Rohitbhai Joshi, Mrs Bapu, ShoteMorari Bapu and sitting Anilbhai Patel display Souvenir book "Prakhar Pragya" launched during celebrations of Guru

Purnima festival


Plea for equal treatment underreligious course bill

India Post News Service

TOLEDO: Indian Americans inOhio have pitched for equal foot-ing with other religious groupswhen religious course bill is imple-mented in Ohio.

Under this bill public school pu-pils could obtain school credit forreligious courseworktaken off campus dur-ing regular schoolhours.

It is pointed out byPrakash Patel a motelierin Ohio, that it would bedifficult to find teachersof Hinduism and otherIndian religions insmaller communities.Non-Hindu-Sikh andJain students, however, would bewelcome to classes teaching theIndian religions wherever avail-able when this bill was imple-mented, Patel added.

Rajan Zed, President of Univer-sal Society of Hinduism, said thatthat opening-up the Ohio childrento major world religions and non-believers' viewpoint would makethem well-nurtured, well-balanced,and enlightened citizens of tomor-

row. It also made a good businesssense to know the beliefs of "oth-ers" in a global community. More-over, students should have knowl-edge of the entire society to be-come full participants in the soci-ety.

"Religious and moral ground-ing of students was a good idea,

but instead of teaching one reli-gion to students, Ohio schoolsshould be directed to come upwith a comparative religion classteaching basics of all major worldreligions, including the viewpointof non-believers," he added.

Ohio, a culturally diverse society,besides various Christian denomina-tions, has now a considerable popu-lation of Jews, Muslims, Hindus,Buddhists, non-believers, etc.

Under this bill publicschool pupils could ob-tain school credit for reli-gious coursework takenoff campus during regularschool hours.

MKCA, Chicago announcesannual picnic

SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: The MangaloreanKonkan Christians Association(MKCA) Chicago has an-nounced hosting its annual pic-nic on Saturday, August 9 atHawthorn Badminton Sheltergrounds in Vernon Hills, a north-west suburb of Chicago.

MKCA would welcome all thepatrons, well-wishers andguests for this picnic. "This isa 'free for all' event organized inhonor of everyone's supportand encouragement to the orga-nization," said Vissia D'Souza,MKCA spokesperson.

The event will include plentyof activities and competitions tokeep everyone occupied for thewhole day with Volleyball,Throw ball, Shuttle Badminton,Dog-n-bone, Tug-of-war, SackRace, Lemon Race, MusicalChairs, cricket and many more.There will be plenty of food andbeverages to keep one ener-gized and keep going till lateevening, she said.

MKCA has also announced

hosting Monthi Fest on Septem-ber 6. "Details of the Fest will

be forthcoming soon," Vissiasaid.

"This is a 'free for all' event organized inhonor of everyone's support and encourage-ment to the organization," said Vissia D'Souza

July 25, 2014India Post20 Community Across Americawww.indiapost.com

How AI pilots averted a major catastrophe

Readers Write...www.indiapost.com

Disclaimer :- India Post does not endorse opinions expressed in the letters.

On Sunday evening 13thJuly 2014, Air India'sflight AI-144, a B-777,

was ready for a routine flightfrom Newark to Mumbai with 300passengers and 15 crew. Theweather in New Jersey was heavywith passing showers here andthere.

It was a routine departure atabout 5 pm (local time) for a long15-16 hrs flight to Mumbai. Theaircraft naturally was at its maxi-mum take off weight, as it wasfully loaded with the fuel requiredfor this long transcontinentalflight.

The take off run was a normalroutine one. Immediately on liftoff the worst nightmare of a pi-lot, the loss of an engine at maxi-mum take off weight, happened.The left engine caught fire, andat the same time the cockpit en-gine fire warnings did not func-tion. The passengers and crewsitting on the left side were hor-rified to see flames from the leftengine.

Other airplanes and Air Traf-fic Control warned the pilot of theengine being on fire. The pilotstill that time unaware of the en-gine fire, checked up and carried

out the emergency drills as per therequired procedures. The B-777 isa 2 engine aircraft, and losing oneengine (50% power) at the maxi-mum a/c weight on take off is anightmare for the best of pilots andin the best of circumstances.

In such an emergency, the pi-lots will first think of making theaircraft light, which is done bydumping the extra fuel. For thispilots need to climb up to a des-ignated minimum height anddump the fuel in areas alreadyspecified by the local airportauthorities. The time to reachthe dumping height and areacould have taken 15 to 30 min-utes, because of heavy weightand loss of an engine. The ac-tual fuel dump can take another30 to 40 minutes, depending onthe amount of fuel to bedumped out. The exercise of dump-ing fuel to lighten the aircraftwould have taken any thingaround 60 to 70 minutes, a valu-able time they did not have.

The pilots had a serious emer-gency of an engine having beenon fire at hand. This could havecaused secondary as yet un-known failures. They had to takean instant decision, which they

rightfully took to land as soon aspossible, rather than use up pre-cious time to try and dump fuel.

The immediate landing back, ofcourse had its own problems. Thevery high landing weight. This inturn will need the aircraft to belanded at a much higher speed.The immediate anxiety of the pi-lots in this case would have been

three fold. Firstly, will the airplanestop in the available runwaylength, landing at about 200 Knots(which is 370 kms/hr), the minimumspeed required at the weight. Sec-ondly, will the landing gear takethe load of landing at such a highspeed and weight (85 tonnes morethan the maximum design landingweight). Thirdly, they were flyingonly on one engine, which has its

own problems of aircraft handlingand control.

The pilots averted a major emer-gency into becoming a possiblecatastrophe by landing back theaircraft successfully. The handlingskills and good cool airmanshipdisplayed by the pilots was theprimary reason of this emergencybeing converted into just an inci-

dent, which the Indian mediathought was of no conse-quence of being reported orbeing commented upon.

The visual media (all chan-nels of TV) was only concernedon a non issue of why one 'VedPratap Vaidik' met a certain 'Hafiz Saeed' on a visit to Paki-stan. The print media wasmerely interested in printingand commenting some dubiousstatistics where the ATC Con-

trollers and pilots have erred.Regrettably the media just shut

their eyes to this incidence as itmade no juicy news for them. Theywere not interested in how a majorcatastrophe was averted and livesof 315 persons were saved by thegood professional handling andcompetent decisions of Air Indiapilots.

My congratulations to Capt

Gautam Verma and his crew (2ndCommander Capt Niranjan Singh& First Officers Capt PankajWadhawan & Capt Shilpika Das)for displaying airmanship andprofessional competence of thehighest order in handling a mostdifficult situation competentlyand successfully.

It is disappointing that thePRO of Air India has also failedin bringing the true facts of theincident to the notice of the vi-sual and print media and gettingthe competence and proficiencyof their employees due nationalrecognition. It should also be amatter of great national concernthat the Indian media had noth-ing to say about the competenthandling of this grave in-flightsituation and preventing it be-coming a catastrophe.

Friends do share this with oth-ers, as the National media hasfailed to recognize and give duecredit to our Indian pilots, whohave done a great and creditablejob and not let a grave emergencydevelop into disaster.

G S BakshiRetired Air India & Indian

Air Force Pilot,New York

Utility bill scam calls for continuous public awarenessIndia Post News Service

The voice on the telephoneis insistent.

"I'm with Southern Cali-fornia Edison. You're late on yourEdison bill for the last two months.We have a truck on the way to yourbusiness to disconnect your elec-tricity in the next 30 minutes and itwill be turned off for approximatelytwo weeks."

The solution, says the caller, isto pay over the telephone with thepurchase of a $500 prepaid debitcard immediately. The customerrushes to the nearest conveniencestore, buys the card and gives thecaller the security number on theback to pay the bill.

In less than five minutes, thecustomer has unknowingly beenripped off for $500.

Since news of this bill scam firstsurfaced about eight months ago,Southern California Edison (SCE)continues to wage an ongoing fightagainst fraudulent callers who, au-thorities say, have become moreaggressive and sophisticated whenpreying on customers.

"When SCE started doing TVnews interviews about the scam,

customers got wiser and the im-posters started collecting lessmoney," said Arthur Chico fromSCE Corporate Security. "So theyincreased their monthly volume ofcalls from 300 to 500 to 1,200 to 1,500.They picked up their efforts, em-ployed more callers, used fakednames and used fake employeenumbers."

Since December 2012, more than8,000 customers have been targetedin SCE's service territory. Of that num-ber, between 800 and 900 customershave lost an average of $1,000 to$2,000, others more than $3,000. Sta-tistics show more than $250,000 inlosses to SCE customers.

Chico is working closely with lawenforcement agencies investigatingscams at the local and federal lev-els. What makes the scam so diffi-cult to stop is that the majority ofcalls come from outside the UnitedStates, making the apprehension ofculprits more challenging.

"A lot of it's out of the country.The anonymity of the Internet hasmade calls more difficult to trace,"said senior detective TimSidentopp of the El Monte PoliceDepartment, who collaborates withChico working to stop the scams.

"We don't know who's on the otherend of the telephone doing this.And the D.A. can't prove who it isor where it's coming from. It's aphone bank."

Authorities say the newest scaminvolves "double-dipping" and"triple-dipping." Scam victims arecalled the day after they've paid

imposters and told their transactiondidn't go through and to resend themoney a second or third time.

"Scammers know there's a goodopportunity to collect money with-out going through a lot of hassles,"said Chico. "Customers fear if they

don't pay they could lose their busi-ness and they don't know SCE pro-cedures."

Roughly 90 percent of SCE's tar-gets are businesses. Eighty-fivepercent of the victims are Hispanic,Asian and Middle Easterners whoown commercial businesses - res-taurants, small markets, pizzerias,car washes and hair salons - andEnglish is their second language.

SCE is urging its customers tostay vigilant about suspicious tele-phone calls requesting personalinformation and demanding pay-ments, and learn how to guardagainst becoming a victim.

The best weapon against scamsis education. These following tipscan help SCE customers protectthemselves, said Chico.

•Phone numbers. Phonescammers often use "off" phonenumbers like 888 or different num-ber combinations. SCE uses 800numbers for any customer con-tacts.

• Extension numbers. Impostersuse extension numbers to makethemselves appear more legitimate.SCE does not use extension num-bers.

• Threats. SCE does not threaten

customers with service shut-off fortwo weeks.

• Reloaded Debit Cards. SCEdoes not accept Green Dot or Va-nilla reload debit cards.

• Weekends/Holidays. SCE doesnot call customers on weekends orduring holidays.

• Southern California Edison willnever call and demand immediatepayment," said Marlyn Denter,manager of SCE Consumer Affairs."We're in the business of keepinglights on, not putting our custom-ers out of business by threateningthem with disconnection. We'rehere to help 24/7."

Customers are urged to callSCE's Customer Service Center at800-655-4555 and report a suspi-cious call, verify information andget answers to collection ques-tions.

The center is serviced 24 hoursa day, seven days a week.

Customers should never usecall back numbers provided out ofthe blue to verify their billing infor-mation. Instead, call legitimate SCEtelephone numbers printed on theirutility bill or SCE's website(SCE.com).

The customer rushesto the nearest conve-nience store, buysthe card and givesthe caller the securitynumber on the backto pay the bill. In lessthan five minutes, thecustomer has un-knowingly beenripped off for $500.

Cont’d on page 21


Kite flying picnic inSkokie

SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Although not a partof India Day celebrations, the KiteFlying event that Indian Commu-nity of Niles Township (ICNT) hasorganized on Sunday August 10at Laramie Park in Skokie (a sub-urb of Chicago) has sparkedenough interest among members

of Indian community in the areathat many feel it could well bedubbed as part of near seven daysof festivities organized by differ-ent organizations in Chicago land.

Rohi Joshi, president of theICNT, said that his organizationis already participating with oth-ers in India Day celebrations

and hence, there was no needfor "duplicating the efforts". Inthat context, the Township mem-bers suggested holding a Pic-nic with a difference like "KiteFlying" - a popular festival inIndia.

He said that the Indian CG Dr

Ausuf Sayeed along with manyother dignitaries are invited to theevent and "we expect them tograce the occasion with their pres-ence." The event has sparkedgreat interest and Joshi has topitch for early registration sincethe "quantity of Kite and Phirkees"is limited.

Kites and Phirkees

Rohi Joshi, president of the ICNT, said theIndian CG Dr Ausuf Sayeed along with manyother dignitaries are invited to the event and"we expect them to grace the occasionwith their presence”

Most importantly, never give outpersonal information over the tele-phone.

"These imposters are great fish-ers of information," said Chico."You never know who they are andimposters will use that informationagainst you."

Utility bill scam callsfor continuous publicawarenessCont’d from page 20

Shah Rukh & Deepika coming in SeptIndia Post News Service

SAN JOSE, CA: DBR entertain-ment has proudly announced thatits long standing promise of bring-ing a grand Bollywood extrava-ganza to the doorsteps of the com-munity of Bay Area is finally be-ing delivered in the form ofS . L . A . M .(Sound..Light..Action..Music)THE TOUR.

After a long gap of 10 years, ashow of this magnitude and mag-nificence is coming to the BayArea.

This show with the brighteststars of Bollywood, performingwith foot tapping music andBollywood numbers at one of thegrandest arenas of Bay area willdefinitely charge and electrify theatmosphere of San Jose, andwould leave the people and fansof this beautiful county with ev-erlasting memories to be cher-ished for many years.

DBR, in a press release, hasinvited the people at this part ofthe country to get ready to shakea leg with Shah Rukh Khan (Ac-tor/Producer), Farah Khan Kunder(Director/Actor), DeepikaPadukone (Actor), Malaika AroraKhan (Actor), AbhishekBachchan (Actor), Boman Irani(Actor), Sonu Sood (Actor),Vivaan Shah (Actor), KanikaKapoor (Singer) and Yo YoHoney Singh (Singer/Actor).

The "SLAM in SAP " as wecall it, is supposed to be the big-gest Bollywood productionwhich is supported by more than150 crew members, dancers, cho-reographers performing on thegrand stage of the SAP center. Itis going to be a well scripted andimmaculately conceived andplanned show from beginning toend. It would be a visual delightand a riot of colors and music, stun-ning visuals, state-of-the-art pro-duction, colorful fireworks andelaborate costumes.... And the restwill be for your eyes to see andfeel.

A little about the team: (DBREntertainment)

D: Dave Atwal: Dave is a firstgeneration successful entrepre-neur of the Bay Area and had been

involved in land development,construction, and Movie produc-tion in the bay area, USA, andCanada. His passion for the mov-

ies; and promotion of Indian cul-ture had been instrumental in hisbeing a part and bringing thismega show to the Bay area andCanada

B: Bikram Jeet Singh: a suc-cessful business man in Bay Area,started his business from scratchand reached heights, Lives in SanJose.

R: Rana Atwal: CEO of his ownbrokerage firm in real estate calledthe Realty One Group Americanand American United Mortgage.Has had his business over decade.

The Kickoff party to this megaevent is being scheduled on 1stof August at sponsor AshwiniKumar's finest "M Lounge" inSan Jose located at 98 S 2nd StSan Jose, CA 95113

The first lot of tickets will beopened for purchase on Aug 1stbetween 11 AM to 2 PM only. Incase there is any change in theticketing information, the sameshall be communicated to you allat the appropriate time.

DBR has announced that ithas already received an over-whelming response to the showand enquiries for the sponsor-ships and tickets are pouring inevery hour of the day.The venue of the event would be:

SAP Centre,525 W Santa Clara St,San Jose, CA 95113

DBR team has thanked the me-dia for their active support andblessings for this grand event andwould keep appraising the mediaabout all the new developmentsabout this event in the future.

"I am blessed to get alot of love and supportfrom people around theworld. This is our way ofgiving this love backand thanking you all. Iam super excited andlooking forward tobeing in your city alongwith the director & thecast of our next filmHappy New Year andmy colleagues Farah,Deepika, Malaika,Abhishek, Boman, Sonu,Vivaan, Kanika andHoney Singh. We prom-ise you an evening oflove, laughter andentertainment. So markyour calendar and bethere at Slam, The Tour,"- Shah Rukh Khan

India Post July 25, 2014www.indiapost.com22

SPORTSSports Track

Memorable win at Lord's forIndia and myself: Dhoni

LONDON: Indian captainMahendra Singh Dhoni has de-scribed his team's 95-run win overEngland in the second Test hereas a special one, and said the vic-tory was a "memorable" one forhim because he does not forseehimself to play a five-day gameagain at the 'Home of Cricket'.

India clinched their first Testwin at the historic Lord's in nearlythree decades after riding onIshant Sharma's inspired spell offast bowling to demolish Englandby 95 runs and take a 1-0 lead inthe five-match series.

India registered their first Testwin at Lord's in 28 years - onlysecond win in 17 Tests here - afterKapil Dev's team achieved thefeat back in June 1986 winning byfive wickets.

"It is a special win here yes,but every Test win is special in itsown way. I remember the 2007 se-ries when the match ended in adraw because of bad light and SSreesanth and I were batting atthat time. We saved the Test and

great to win outside India. It willbe my last Test at Lord's becauseI don't see myself coming backhere in a few years. So yes, it is avery memorable victory," Dhonisaid at the post-match press con-ference.

Ishant, whose consistency hasalways been under the scanner,delivered when it mattered most,as he grabbed a career-best fig-ures of seven for 74 tobowl out England for223 in pursuit of a com-petitive victory targetof 319.

From a relativelycomfortable 173 forfour, the last six wicketsfell for only 50 runs withthe final five coming inonly 12.2 overs afterlunch on an absorbingfifth day's play.

Dhoni lauded his young andinexperienced team and said thewin was just reward for the visi-tors.

"It is a result of hard work andeffort of the team," said Dhoniabout his young team's achieve-ments.

"The result will not always bein your favor. But in the last

couple of series outside India, wewere in a position to seal victo-ries in one Test each in bothSouth Africa and New Zealand.Somehow we were not able to dothat but I felt the bowlers put ingreat efforts in both thosematches. It was important to keepworking hard and giving thesame kind of preparation andthinking into every game.

"And because of that prepa-ration and thinking, we havesealed the first Test victory over-seas for this young team. It wasfantastic to see the kind of effortand determination from this teamand overall a very memorablegame of cricket for us," he added.

Ishant Sharmaregistered his bestbowling figures of7 for 74, England vIndia, 2nd InvestecTest, Lord's

Cricketing worldhails India'svictory

LONDON: Cricketers fromworld over took to twitter to heappraise on India for their first Testvictory at Lord's in 28 years afterthey beat the hosts by 95 runs inthe second Test here.

"Horrific hour for Eng. Indiabullied & bounced them out. Re-member Eng won the toss on thegreenest pitch ever & blew it,changes needed !!," tweetedWarne after England collapsed to223 all out, chasing a 319-run tar-get on the final day of the match.

Former England captain AlecStewart said India were the de-serving winners. "Congratula-tions to India. You've thoroughlydeserved your fantastic win atLords. You've outplayed Englandon a very English pitch," wroteStewart on his twitter handle.

Another former captainMichael Vaughan wrote: "WTFhave we just witnessed over thelast hour..... Change required I amafraid...Out lead... Out Bowled...Out Batted...Out Thought...."

Speedster Ishant Sharma tookcareer best seven for 74 to steerIndia to a famous win.

"Well done India-Well bowledIshant! No sympathies fr Eng whoneed a head-master not a coach!!!"tweeted former India spinnerBishan Singh Bedi.

Former India batsman SanjayManjrekar, who is here as a com-mentator, twitted: "Eng may havecommitted harakiri after lunch butInd was the better side over 5days. Deserving winners." -PTI

Ravindra Jadeja, second right, celebrates with his teammates after running out England's James Anderson towin the Test match at Lords cricket ground, London

Indias Ajinkya Rahanetakes applause for

scoring a century as heleaves the field after

being caught andbowled by England's

James Anderson, duringthe first day of thesecond Test match

Prime MinisterNarendra Modihails India's victory

NEW DELHI: Prime MinisterNarendra Modi has congratulatedthe Indian cricket team for their"wonderful victory" against En-gland and said he was proud ofthe great performance.

"Well played Team India!Congrats on the wonderful vic-tory at Lord's. We are very de-lighted & proud of the great per-formance," Modi tweeted.

His comment came soon afterIndia clinched their first Test winat the historic Lord's in nearlythree decades.-PTI

Every Test is special and it isgreat to win outside India. Itwill be my last Test at Lord'sbecause I don't see myselfcoming back here in a fewyears. So yes, it is a verymemorable victory,"Dhoni said

Cont’d on page 23

were victorious in that series."Every Test is special and it is

23India PostSports PostJuly 25, 2014

www.indiapost.com

Cook not to relinquish captaincydespite string of losses

The hero of the day was Ishantwho bettered his previous tally ofsix for 51 against New Zealand atWellington early this year to help

his side end victorious."There was pressure on us be-

cause with just 200 more runsneeded we knew there will cer-tainly be a winner in this game.

We had a fantastic chance to winthis Test at the start of play today.They had a very good partnershipgoing but once we got a wicket wemade sure we put pressure on theopposition," Dhoni said.

Ishant bounced out Englandtoday as the hosts lost five wick-ets for just 50 runs in less than 13overs. The medium pacer pickedfour wickets for nine runs off just21 balls in the post-lunch session.

Difficult to convince"It was very difficult to con-

vince him (Ishant) to bowl short.Ishant is someone who gives 100per cent whatever be the situation,and he works hard on his fitnessand his bowling. So it was hard toconvince him to bowl short con-sistently," Dhoni said.

"I set the field accordingly sohe was forced to bowl short. Itwas the strategy for him and itworked well.

Sometimes it works because

the opposition is playing shotsand at other times it doesn't. To-day it worked and we got quite afew wickets in this way," he said.

"Ishant is a tall bowler and hecan make good use of the bounce.

So he has to bowl a lot of overs inthe overseas matches and heshould use the bouncer and shortstuff in his armory to trouble thebatsmen. Modern day cricket haschanged and batsmen don't al-ways duck to the bouncer. Evenwe encourage our own batsmento play attacking shots if they canassess the bounce," Dhoni added.

Tale of tail-endersOne of the trademarks of this

series has been the way tail-enders have batted and for Indiabe it Ravindra Jadeja,Bhuvneshwar Kumar orMohammad Shami in both theTests at Trent Bridge and Lord's.

And Dhoni was quick to praisethe contributions of the lower-order.

"Jadeja is a very talented crick-eter. But at many times he feels alot of pressure. The way he playedin the second innings, suchknocks will give him much confi-dence and maybe he will settledown a lot in the future. But thenumber where he bats, lowerdown the order, I want him to playattacking cricket because he ismore comfortable that way.-PTI

Memorable win at Lord'sfor India and myself: Dhoni

Indian players celebrate the wicket of England's Ben Stokes during the thirdday of the second Test match between England and

India at Lords cricket ground


Prior to miss rest of Indiaseries due to injuries

LONDON: England wicket-keeper Matt Prior has taken animmediate break from the na-tional duty due to a set of inju-ries and will not be part of theremainder of the Test seriesagainst India.

Prior's decision came after En-gland suffered a crushing 95-rundefeat at the hands of the visi-tors. The wicket-keeper batsmansaid he tore his quad before the

first Test and apart from a handinjury an Achilles problem hasforced him to take the decision.

"As it stands now, I'll missthree Test matches, and then I'lldo my utmost to get fit and readyfor the back-end of the winter. Itis a huge decision and not one Ihave taken lightly obviously, be-cause I could have played mylast game," Prior said, announc-ing his decision.-PTI

Lord Paulcomplimentsteam India

LONDON: NRI industrial-ist Lord Swraj Paul, a keencricket enthusiast, hascomplimented the Indian teamfor their victory against En-gland in the second Test at thehistoric Lord's here.

"I was at the Lord's soon af-ter lunch. It was nice to see...in my presence three wicketsfell and India romped home vic-torious. It was India's secondvictory at Lord's," he said.

"I was there in 1986 whenKapil Dev led India to victoryfor the first time at Lord's. Itwas great that we have some-thing to celebrate," Paul saidafter receiving the Interna-tional Icon of the DecadeAward at the Global IndianExcellence Summit and Awardsorganized by the World Con-sulting and Research Corpo-ration here. -PTI

LONDON: Critics might be call-ing for his head, but under-fire En-gland captain Alastair Cook sayshe is not willing to step down fromthe leadership position at the mo-ment despite his side crashing toa 95-run loss in the second cricketTest against India at Lord's here.

India clinched their first Testwin at the historic Lord's in nearlythree decades after riding onIshant Sharma's inspired spell offast bowling to take a 1-0 lead inthe five-match series.

India registered their first Testwin at Lord's in 28 years - onlysecond win in 17 Tests here - afterKapil Dev's team achieved thefeat back in June 1986 winning byfive wickets.

Horribly out-of-form Cook him-self scored only 22 runs in the sec-ond innings as England's top cen-tury maker in Test cricket has now

Li Ning as apparelpartner for WorldKabaddi

NEW DELHI: World KabaddiLeague has announced its partner-ship with Li Ning, renowned sportsbrands, as the official apparel part-ner for its opening edition.

The Li Ning Company hasbeen a leader in sports appareland equipment globally. It willprovide a wide range of clothingfor the games related personnel,including the team kits.

World Kabaddi League isslated to kickstart on August 9.

With 94 matches and matchesscheduled across three continentsin UK, US, Canada, Dubai and In-dia, WKL will follow F1 format.

WKL will present the sport toits fans in a completely new avatarby adding more action-oriented el-ements. The maiden Indian contactsport which has committed fan fol-lowing across the globe will soonbe pegged amongst the most fol-lowed game amongst enthusiasts.WKL will be played in Circle stylewhich is the most popular Kabaddiformat followed across 26 coun-tries globally.-PTI

gone 26 innings without scoringone.

"I haven't had any tougher timesin my career than at the moment. Itgets harder and harder the longer itgoes on. But I don't think walkingaway from it would be the way togo," Cook said defending his deci-sion to stay on as England captain.

"Until somebody taps you onthe shoulder and says 'we don'twant you to be captain', or 'wethink there is a better man', or myposition does become untenable

I want to carry on."When asked pertinently if he

had set any timeline to regain formor have a rethink about his cap-taincy, Cook replied, "I'm just asdetermined as I was at the begin-ning of this game. I still want tothrow everything into being cap-tain of England. I've still got thatdetermination to do that.-PTI

Indian coaches allowedat ringside in CWG Boxing

MUMBAI: There was goodnews for Indian boxers at the Com-monwealth Games in Glasgowwith the world body AIBA revers-ing its original stand of not allow-ing coaches to second them atringside during bouts.

A communication receivedfrom AIBA to a senior boxing offi-cial said that the world boxingbody has communicated that "In-dian coaches will be allowed tosecond the boxers and be at ring-side during the Games," conclud-ing on August 3, sources in-formed PTI.

Boxing competition starts onJuly 25. In what appeared to be acase of misunderstanding, India'sboxing coaches at the Games hadearlier been barred from occupy-ing ringside seats during boutsdue to the country's terminationfrom AIBA.

A communication to this effect

from the competition organizerswas received by the Indian Olym-pic Association.

AIBA suspended IBF first in2012 and then terminated it inMarch this year stating that thethen set of office-bearers were"damaging the image, reputationand interest" of the sport.

Later, in May there was a meet-ing in Lausanne between AIBAPresident Dr Ching-Kuo Wu andthe IOA President, NRamachandran, to discuss issuesrelated to boxing in India.

"AIBA received full supportfrom the IOA with regards to theselection of the new AIBA mem-ber for India. Further to this agree-ment, AIBA immediately informedthe IOA of the AIBA ExecutiveCommittee decision of May 14 toaccept Boxing India as the newNational Federation," AIBAstated. -PTI

Indias players celebrate taking the wicket of England's captain Alastair Cook,left, during the second day of the second Test


www.indiapost.com

Lord Paul hits out at unsolicited advice to IndiaLONDON: Lord Swraj Paul has

hit out at "politicians, pundits andthe press" of powerful foreign coun-tries for "thrusting" unsolicitedadvice on India which was quitecapable of managing its own affairs.

The recent Lok Sabha electionshad "exposed" the "cascade ofunsolicited advice that is con-stantly thrust on India," the NRIindustrialist said at a function here.

"As the election has proved,India is quite capable of manag-

ing its own affairs without gratu-itous suggestions cloaked in theguise of western wisdom," saidPaul, the founder-Chairman of theCaparo Group.

He expressed the view that thegoal of Prime Minister NarendraModi had speedily begun the taskof uplifting 1.2 billion people ofIndia in terms of health, educationand personal earnings to make thecountry a fair society.

He described Finance Minister

Arun Jaitley as "a man of greatprinciple and stature who is deter-mined to take India into a moreprosperous era" by getting theeconomy onto a sound footingwithout resorting to quick-fix so-lutions.

Inaugurating a one-day GlobalIndian Excellence Summit andAwards 2014, Paul took the oppor-tunity to congratulate Prime Min-ister Modi and his government.

Paul received the 'International

Icon of the Decade Award' fromProf Malcolm Mcdonald ofCranfield School Management forhis outstanding achievements inthe fields of manufacturing, edu-cation and philanthropy.

In his acceptance speech, Pauldedicated the award to the 1.2 bil-lion Indian people.

In his inaugural speech, he saidthe recent elections in India re-af-

firmed the maturity of Indian de-mocracy.

"Almost 600 million peoplevoted without much regard tocaste, creed, or sectarianism.Whether someone was Hindu orMuslim, high caste or low castewas largely irrelevant. The primarypublic focus was on who wouldbe the right persons to deliver theright policies," he said.-PTI

Lord Swraj Paul who received International Icon of the Decade Award at

Global Indian Excellence Summit presented an award to Priti Patel MP, newly

elected Treasury Secretary in UK PM’s Cabinet in London on July 21

FM wants black moneyunearthed at home too

NEW DELHI: As governmentmakes effort to bring illicit moneystashed abroad, Finance MinisterArun Jaitley has asked the I-T De-partment to focus its effort on un-earthing 'quite large' amount on blackmoney within the country as well.

"The government is making fullefforts to bring back the blackmoney stashed abroad, but theofficers of the (Income Tax) De-partment have to make equallyserious efforts to unearth blackmoney within the country," hesaid in a statement.

He asked "all senior officers tofocus their efforts to unearth blackmoney within the country whichis also quite large".

The government has set up aspecial investigation team (SIT) tounearth black money stashedabroad. The SIT, headed by formerSupreme Court Judge M B Shah and

Vice Chairman Arijit Pasayat, has 11members in the panel who are headsof many investigative and enforce-ment agencies of the country.

The Finance Minister alsohoped that revenue targets fixedfor direct taxes in the current fis-cal would not only be achievedbut would be surpassed as well.

The direct tax collections for thecurrent fiscal has been pegged atRs 7,36,221 crore.

"In order to achieve this target,the officers of Income Tax Depart-ment will have to work with thehighest standard of ethics... cred-ibility of the department is its big-gest asset," he said.

He emphasized that officers areduty-bound to work in a non-adversarial, non-intrusive, trans-parent and fair manner, yet theyhave to deal firmly with those try-ing to evade taxes. -PTI

25India PostTechBiz PostJuly 25, 2014

www.indiapost.com

Indians among top threespenders in Singapore

SINGAPORE: Indians wereamong the top three spenders inSingapore during their visit herein the first quarter of this year,Singapore Tourism Board hassaid.

But spending by the Indiansduring the quarter was off by 3 percent on the year at SGD284 milliondue to a fall in arrivals and less percapita expenditure of leisure visi-

tors, the board said.The Indian tourist arrivals in

Singapore was 65,557 in Januarywhich is down by 7.9 per cent ayear ago.

In February, 62,999 Indian tour-

ists visited Singapore, which was5.6 per cent better than a year ago,and in March the number was70,472 visitors, unchanged fromMarch 2013.

In April, 79,522 Indian touristsvisited Singapore, up by 4.5 percent on the year.

But the expenditure of thesevisitors was outside the quarterlyreport.

Overall, Singapore'stourism receipts or earn-ings during the first quar-ter grew by 5 per cent onthe year to SGD6 billionfrom 3.9 million interna-tional tourist visitors, whichSTB said was steady com-pared to a year ago.

China topped the list oftourism receipt-generatingmarkets in the first quarterwith SGD800 million spentby 557,466 Chinese touristswho visited Singapore dur-

ing that period.Indonesia was second with

SGD658 million spend by thecountry's 749,389 visitors to thecity state during the January-March2014 period, the board said. -PTI

India gets Swiss invite for talkson black money

NEW DELHI/BERNE: As Indiasteps up pressure on Switzerlandfor details of alleged black moneystashed there, Swiss authoritieshave invited Indian officials toBerne to discuss further coopera-tion in these matters.

Besides, Switzerland has al-ready transmitted "few positiveresponses" to India, a spokesper-son in Swiss Finance Ministrysaid, without divulging any fur-ther details on this.

Sources, however, said these"responses" may not be related tothe Indian names figuring in theso-called 'stolen lists' of those hav-ing alleged Swiss bank accounts.

Switzerland has been refusingto share details on names obtainedby Indian authorities throughother countries, namely Franceand Germany, saying they figuredin lists stolen by certain ex-em-ployees of the concerned banksand no details can be shared onthe basis of illegally-obtained in-formation.

"As written to the Indian gov-ernment, the Swiss governmentwould like to welcome a delega-

tion of administration officials fromIndia to discuss the further coop-eration in tax matters in Berne, af-ter the talks in February 2014 inIndia," a Federal Department ofFinance spokesperson told PTIfrom Berne.

He was replying to queries onsteps being taken by Switzerland

to address India's concerns overdenial of information about al-leged black money stashed inSwiss banks.

A high-level delegation fromSwitzerland had held discussions

on tax matters with the Indian gov-ernment officials in New Delhi inFebruary this year.

Asked about the 'few positiveresponses' received by India fromSwitzerland and whether thesewere cases related to 'spontane-ous exchange of information', thespokesperson said, "We can't giveyou any details about the fewpositive responses that Switzer-land has transmitted to India."

Typically, there are two typesof information exchange frame-works followed by Swiss authori-ties - 'spontaneous' exchangewhere details are given voluntar-ily to a foreign country if any ir-regularity is found with regard toa foreign client; and exchange ofinformation in reply to a request.

The spokesperson also re-fused to share specific detailsabout the number of requests re-ceived from India for exchange ofinformation and the number of re-plies given by Switzerland.

"The annual statistics of admin-istrative assistance are not coun-try-wise but give only total figuresof all countries.-PTI

Switzerland has beenrefusing to sharedetails on namesobtained by Indianauthorities throughother countries,namely France andGermany


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LG India eyes 3-fold growth in smartphone salesMUMBAI: Buoyed by increas-

ing smartphone sales across pricecategories, Korean electronics gi-ant LG has said it expects revenuesfrom the segment in India to jumpalmost three-fold this year.

The handset maker, whichlaunched its flagship smartphone'LG G3' here, said it is on path toachieve 10 per cent market sharein the world's second most popu-lous market.

"We are seeing very good trac-tion and will exceed our target ofRs 2,000 crore in revenues fromsmartphones in India this yearfrom Rs 800 crore in 2013," LG Elec-tronics India Managing DirectorSoon Kwon told PTI.

In the first half of the year, thebusiness from the category hasalmost trebled, he added.

Asked about the ambitious tar-get of achieving 10 per cent mar-ket share this year, Kwon said: "Itis very much on track and lookingat the sales we are having, we areon track to achieve it in 2014."

He added that LG will launchfew more handsets this year in theRs 20,000-30,000 range to furtherstrengthen its presence and reach.Currently, it has phones in the pricecategory of Rs 6,500-65,000.

According to research firm IDC,

Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan and Soon Kwon, MD of LG Electronics India during the launch

of LG G3 Smartphone in Mumbai on July 21

Samsung is the market leader inmulti-crore smartphone categoryin India with 35 per cent marketshare followed by Micromax (15per cent), Karbonn (10 per cent),Lava (6 per cent), Nokia (4 per cent)and others (30 per cent).

LG has roped in Bollywood su-perstar Amitabh Bachchan to pro-

mote 'LG G3' smartphone in thecountry.

About 15,000 limited edition G3smartphones with Bachchan's sig-nature will be released in the In-dian market and few lucky buyerswill get the opportunity to meet him.

The 16GB version will be pricedat Rs 47,990, while the 32 GB ver-

sion will be available for Rs 50,990.LG G3, which sports a 'Kill

Switch' that can disable the hand-set in the event of a theft, featuresa laser auto focus camera, smartkeyboard, smart notice and a slimmetallic design.

Globally, the G3 has witnessedexceptional traction and LG expects

the same in India, Kwon said.LG Electronics Marketing Head

Amit Gujral said the company ex-pects to sell half a million G3 de-vices by year-end.

The 4G-supporting smartphonefeatures a 5.5-inch quad HD dis-play, 13 megapixel OIS+ (OpticalImage Stabilizer Plus) rear cameraand 2.1 MP front camera.

With the latest Android KitKatoperating system, LG G3 also hasa a removable 3,000 mAh battery,2/3 GB RAM and internal memoryof 16 GB and 32 GB options. It alsohas a micro SD slot with maximum128 GB capacity.

The firm also unveiled at theevent its G watch, priced at Rs15,000. The watch has a 1.65-inchdisplay and features Qualcomm'sSnapdragon 400 processor and hasan internal memory of 4 GB with a512MB RAM. The dust and waterresistant watch sports the Androidwear OS and has a 400 mAh battery.

LG said G3 is being launched inIndia with Rs 15,000 worth of con-sumer offers. There is a discountof Rs 5,000 on the LG G Watchwhen bought along with the G3.The offer also includes Rs 3,500worth QuickCircle Case free andan one time screen replacementworth Rs 6,500. -PTI

Sebi for separate governancenorms for big corporates

MUMBAI: To ensure focusedenforcement of corporate gover-nance norms, capital marketwatchdog Sebi's InternationalAdvisory Board has suggestedseparate governance standardsfor "big and complex businessgroups".

The suggestion comes at a timewhen India is gearing up for re-vised norms on various aspectsof corporate governance includ-ing those pertaining to relatedparty transactions and indepen-dent directors.

Besides, the International Ad-visory Board (IAB) has proposedthe integration of disclosuresmade by entities under differentregulations to reduce the numberof times the same disclosure is tobe made by an individual.

These proposals were deliber-ated upon during the fourth meet-ing of the International AdvisoryBoard (IAB) held on July 18 and19.

With regard to corporate gov-ernance norms, IAB concurredwith Securities and ExchangeBoard of India's (Sebi) approachand said there was a need to ad-dress the gap in what is reported

by auditors and what investors,across jurisdictions, expect.

"Also, it was suggested thatthere needs to be different gover-nance standards for big and com-plex business groups, with toomany subsidiaries.

"A more focused enforcementof corporate governance normswas emphasized by the IAB so asto derive the true benefit of theprescribed norms," Sebi said in astatement.

With regard to proposed normsfor crowd funding, IAB said thatSebi needs to undertake a moredetailed study and should alsotake into account issues like"fraudulent conveyance in crowdfunding and the likelihood of eq-uity bubbles".

It was also suggested that theinvolvement of government in thefinancing of SMEs, start-ups andinfrastructure projects, at least inthe initial stage, is very crucial.

Besides, IAB proposed institu-tional deepening which can beachieved by regulatory reforms,"such as relaxing portfolio restric-tions on pension and insurancefunds as well as private equity andventure capital funds, etc", thestatement said.

"It was suggested that specifi-cally the regulation and tax shouldbe neutral between debt vs eq-uity...," it added.

On legislative recommenda-tions of Financial Sector Legisla-tive Reforms Commission(FSLRC), the advisory group ob-served that it was difficult to de-sign a regulatory architecture thatis suitable for all future market de-velopments.-PTI

With regard to pro-posed norms forcrowd funding, IABsaid that Sebi needsto undertake a moredetailed study andshould also take intoaccount issues like"fraudulent convey-ance in crowd fund-ing and the likeli-hood of equitybubbles".

Micromax launches LEDTV; to be sold on Snapdeal

NEW DELHI: Phone makerMicromax has launched a 32-inchLED TV which would be sold ex-clusively on e-commerce plat-form Snapdeal.com.

This is the first time Micromaxhas entered into a strategic part-

nership with Snapdeal.com tolaunch its latest offering, the e-retailer said in a statement.

Priced at Rs 16,490, 32 inchLED TV will have features aszero dot panel, narrow bezel de-sign, USB play supporting all

audio and video formats andHDMI & VGA ports to give ad-ditional viewing options, itadded.

The smartphone manufac-turer had ventured into the panelmarket in October 2012 by

launching its range of LED TVs.According to Snapdeal, the

TV would be available across 400cities and will be delivered tocustomers in NCR, Bangalore,Mumbai and Hyderabad withintwo business days. -PTI


July 25, 2014

29India PostJuly 25, 2014www.indiapost.com

www.indiapost.comIndia Post

TOP TENHINDI FILM SONGS

1 Galliyan: Ek Villain2 Banjaara: Ek Villain3 Saturday Saturday:

Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania4 Callertune: Humshakals5 Fugly Fugly Kya Hai: Fugly6 Aaj Phir Tumpe: Hate Story 27 Johnny Johnny: Its Entertainment8 Samjhawan: Humpty SharmaKi Dulhania9 Raat Bhar: Heropanti10 Humdard: Ek Villain

30 July 25, 2014

AIF ALI KHAN now regrets the crass comedy and his triple role in'Humshakals' which has received flaks, both from the critics and thepaying public.

Speaking to Mirror, Saif admitted that he had 'surrendered' himself toSajid even though he was uncomfortable with the content. "The film

didn't have a script as such, it was all there in Sajid's mind. I didwhatever he asked me to," said Saif.

He acknowledged that stepping out of his comfort zone and put-ting his faith in someone else's convictions was a mistake he regret-ted today.

"I did the film thinking that it will help me expand my market, butobviously that wasn't a clever idea," said the actor. "I was trying tobe someone I'm not. The humor was not the kind I enjoy. My upcom-

ing film, Happy Endings, is closer to the comedy I believe in and amknown for."

Asked if he was aware of the backlash of negative reviews and theadverse audience reactions, Saif said, "I was and I can understand it. Thefilm was very regressive. In fact, while watching it, I asked myself what Iwas doing in it. I knew I had let my fans downand underestimated their intelligence,"shuddered the 'shaken up' actor. He sol-emnly promised he would never do sucha film again.

For months now, speculation has beenrife about Aamir Khan's next film after'P.K'. Now, it is learnt that it could beShankar's sequel to Robot, starring

Rajinikanth once again, which is set to roll earlynext year. A source close to the filmmaker says,"Preliminary talks are on to sign Aamir."

Said the source, "Given the popularity of theoriginal, which co-starred Aishwarya RaiBachchan, it was natural for the makers to con-sider a second film. The modalities are currentlybeing discussed."

This is Shankar's second attempt to inductAamir into the hit franchise. Robot was initiallyplanned with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead. Theactor was also supposed to produce the fantasyadventure, but the deal fell through following cre-ative differences. Shankar then approached Aamirwho too turned it down. The film then went toRajinikanth who made it a blockbuster.

Given thepopularity ofthe original,

whichco-starredAishwarya

Rai Bachchan, itwas natural forthe makers to

consider asecond

film. Themodalities arecurrently being

discussed."

Guess who's grabbing all theattention for her regallooks? It's none other thanthe gorgeous Aditi Rao

Hydari. The light eyed beauty is con-sidered to play the lead role in WilliamDalrymple's 'Khair-un-Nisaa' alongsideRalph Fiennes, who will also direct thefilm.

The character of Khair-un-Nissa isbased on William Darymple's novel -The White Mughals which is a truelove story that took place in early nine-teenth century Hyderabad betweenJames Achilles Kirkpatrick and Khair-

un-Nissa Begum.Recently, William Dalrympletweeted a picture of Aditi

Rao Hydari with the coverof The White Mughalsreflecting the uncanny re-semblance between thetwo.

Recently, WilliamDalrymple tweeted

a picture of AditiRao Hydari with thecover of The White

Mughals reflectingthe uncanny

resemblancebetween the two

India Post 31July 25, 2014

www.indiapost.com

Bollywood

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Bajirao Mastani' will alsofeature Priyanka Chopra with Ranveer Singh andDeepik Padukone in the pivotal role. Priyanka hasdone a special number, 'Ram Chahe Leela' in 'Ram

Leela' and now she will be seen in a crucial role in the muchtalked about 'Bajirao Mastani'.

'Bajirao Mastani' is based on great Maratha emperorPeshwa Bajirao and his second wife Mastani. Deepika willplay Mastani and Priyanka will play Ranveer's first wifeKashibai.

Ranveer will learn Marathi and will reportedly go baldfor the role.

Priyanka''s role as Kashibai is a performance based. Sheplays a troubled wife of Bajirao and the character requireslots of dedication and hard work. This is Piggy Chops firstmythological movie.

Ranbir Kapoor will play asuperhero in AyanMukerji's yet-untitled next

the film. The Kapoor scion says,"I am excited to play the role of asuperhero, but when we talk ofsuperheroes, we just have oneimage - Spider-Man or Super-man. But he (Ayan) isn't writ-ing a film along those lines.I think it's a fantasy-basedfilm, a mythological(based) in contemporarytimes. And it will havea boy who will havesome form of super-powers. But rightnow, it's too earlyto talk about it,"says Ranbir.

The actor,who hasworked with hisclose friendAyan earlier inWake Up Sid

(2009), and YehJawaani Hai

Deewani (2013), saysthat the latter has "gonecompletely under-ground" trying to writethe story.

Ranbir also addsthat the film is veryambitious in idea, aswell as budget.

"Ayan is think-ing big, but for thathe really has toconcentrate on thewriting part.

D e e p i k aPadukone will

be seen in completelydiverse looks in her re-leases to come. Start-ing from her look inFinding Fanny whichshows her as a Goanfor the first time to aMaharashtrian look inHappy New Year it is awide range that Deepikawill be seen coveringin terms of her charac-ters and looks.

Post FindingFanny and HappyNew Year, she willbe seen inTamasha, Piku

and BajiraoM a s t a n i .Imtiaz who usu-

ally doesn o tprefer

to repeathis female

c a s th a s

howevermade an ex-

ception withDeepika.

H o m iAda jan ia ,who hadhis firsto u t i n gwith Cock-tail, hass i g n e dD e e p i k afor hisnext. Event h o u g hF ind ingFanny isa verydiffer-ent filmf r o mC o c k -tail, hewas sureD e e p i k awould con-vincingly de-liver this side ofthe spectrum aswell.

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India Post32www.indiapost.com

July 25, 2014

www.indiapost.com33 India Post July 25, 2014

Health ScienceHealth Line

Details on Page 35

'Quickevaluation keyto fighting TB

in India'

HIV diagnosis rate fell by thirdin US over decade

NEW YORK: The rate of HIVinfections diagnosed in theUnited States each year fell byone-third over the past decade, agovernment study finds. Expertscelebrated it as hopeful news thatthe AIDS epidemic may be slow-ing in the U.S.

`Ìt's encouraging,'' said PatrickSullivan, an Emory UniversityAIDS researcher who was not in-volved in the study.

The reasons for the drop aren'tclear. It might mean fewer new in-fections are occurring. Or thatmost infected people already havebeen diagnosed so more testingwon't necessarily find many morecases.

`Ìt could be we are approach-ing something of a `ceiling ef-fect,''' said one study leader, DavidHoltgrave of Johns Hopkins Uni-versity.

The study was released onlineby the Journal of the AmericanMedical Association. It is part ofthe journal's special report on HIVresearch, issued ahead of the In-ternational AIDS Conference inMelbourne, Australia.

HIV is the virus that causesAIDS, which destroys the immunesystem. The World Health Orga-nization estimates 35 millionpeople globally have the virus. Inthe United States, 1.1 millionpeople are thought to be infected,

though many don't know it.The study is based on HIV di-

agnoses from all 50 states' healthdepartments, which get test re-sults from doctors' office, clinics,hospitals and laboratories. The

data span a decade, making this alarger and longer look at thesetrends than any previous study,said another study author, AmyLansky of the federal Centers forDisease Control and Prevention.

The findings: 16 out of every

100,000 people ages 13 and olderwere newly diagnosed with HIVin 2011, a steady decline from 24out of 100,000 people in 2002.

Declines were seen in the ratesfor men, women, whites, blacks,

Hispanics, heterosexuals, injec-tion drug users and most agegroups. The only group in whichdiagnoses increased was gay andbisexual men, the study found.

The diagnosis rate is a directmeasure of when people actuallytested positive for the virus. Thediagnoses may be identifying in-fections that happened recentlyor years before.

The study found diagnosisrates dropped even as the amountof testing rose. In 2006, the CDCrecommended routine HIV testingfor all Americans ages 13 to 64,saying an HIV test should be ascommon as a cholesterol check.The percentage of adults evertested for HIV increased from 37percent in 2000 to 45 percent in2010, according to CDC data.

Lansky acknowledged thatgiven the testing increases, thenew findings may seem like a bitof a paradox. One might assumethat `ìf more people get tested,you're more likely to find morepeople who are infected,'' shesaid.

A pediatric HIV expert at Johns Hopkins' Children's Center in Baltimore, holds avial. The rate of HIV infections diagnosed in the United States each year fell byone-third over the past decade, a government study finds. Experts celebrated

it as hopeful news that the AIDS epidemic may be slowing in the U.S.

Moth eyes inspire more efficient solar cellsLONDON: Inspired by how

moths use their eyes to see inthe dark, scientists have createda new solar cell with drasticallyincreased light collecting effi-ciency.

All over the world research-ers are investigating solar cellswhich imitate plant photosyn-thesis, using sunlight and waterto create synthetic fuels such ashydrogen.

Researchers at the Swiss Fed-eral Laboratories for MaterialsScience and Technology (Empa)developed such aphotoelectrochemical cell, recre-ating a moth's eye to drasticallyincrease its light collecting effi-ciency.

The cell is made of cheap rawmaterials - iron and tungstenoxide.

Rust - iron oxide - could revo-lutionize solar cell technology.This usually unwanted substancecan be used to makephotoelectrodes which split waterand generate hydrogen.

Sunlight is thereby directly con-verted intovaluable fuelrather thanfirst beingused to gener-ate electricity.

Unfor tu -nately, it con-ducts electric-ity verypoorly and must therefore be usedin the form of an extremely thin filmin order for the water splitting tech-nique to work.

The disadvantage of this is thatthese thin-films absorb too little of

the sunlight shining on the cell.Empa researchers Florent

Boudoire and Artur Braun havenow succeeded in solving thisproblem.

A special microstructure on thephotoelectrode surface literally

gathers in sun-light and doesnot let it outagain.

The basisfor this inno-vative struc-ture are tinyparticles oftungsten oxide

which, because of their saturatedyellow color, can also be used forphotoelectrodes.

The yellow microspheres areapplied to an electrode and thencovered with an extremely thin

nanoscale layer of iron oxide.When external light falls on the

particle it is internally reflectedback and forth, till finally all thelight is absorbed. All the energyin the beam is now available touse for splitting the water mol-ecules.

In principle the newly con-ceived microstructure functionslike the eye of a moth, saidBoudoire.

The eyes of these night activecreatures need to collect as muchlight as possible to see in the dark,and also must reflect as little aspossible to avoid detection andbeing eaten by their enemies.

The microstructure of theireyes especially adapted to theappropriate wavelength of light.Empa's photocells take advan-tage of the same effect. -PTI

Cont'd on Page 36Clemson trusteeswon't vote ontobacco ban

CLEMSON, S.C.: The chairmanof Clemson University's board oftrustees says the panel won't voteon a plan to ban tobacco use any-where on campus.

The State newspaper reportedChairman David Wilkins says theadministration, not the board, willhandle the plan.

Several trustees said during acommittee meeting they thoughtthe question should go to theboard rather than being handledby the president and his staff. ButWilkins said that wouldn't happen.

Clemson now bans smoking inbuildings. The new rule wouldalso ban smoking in outdoor ar-eas and add smokeless tobaccoto the indoor ban. Wilkins says itwould go into effect in July 2015.

The subject was only men-tioned at the meeting in referenceto a report from a task force that'sformulating the policy. -AP

Intas launchescheaper bloodcancer drug

NEW DELHI: Homegrowndrug maker Intas Pharmaceuticalshas launched a generic version ofblood cancer drug Azacitidine atone-fifth of the price of currentlyavailable drug for the disease.

The company's productAzadine, which is a generic ver-sion of US-based CelgeneCorporation's Vidaza, is used fortreating MDS (MyelodysplasticSyndrome) and AML (Acute My-elogenous Leukemia) types ofcancer.

"Treatment with Azadinewould cost around Rs 50,000 for amonths dosage while treatmentwith the imported drug for thesame dosage currently costs in therange of Rs 2-2.5 lakh per patient,"Intas Pharmaceuticals India Head,Marketing & Sales Vijayesh Guptatold PTI.

He claimed oncologists had torely on the imported drug, whichcosts in the range of Rs 15-18 lakhfor the entire treatment scheduledue to lack of alternatives.

"With Azadine the cost of thecomplete treatment would bearound Rs 3 lakh," he said.

MDS is a type of cancer inwhich the bone marrow does notmake enough healthy blood cellsand there are abnormal cells in theblood and/or in the bone marrow.Advanced stages of MDS maylead to AML.

Azacitidine is the only drugwhich has been shown to prolongoverall survival duration and timeto transformation into AML, in-crease response rate, reducetransfusion burden and improvequality of life. -PTI

India Post Health Science Post34

www.indiapost.com

July 25, 2014

Smoking may contributeto suicide risk

Rs 2,700 cr for healthcare in Delhi Budget

NEW DELHI: Union Finance MinisterArun Jaitley has earmarked Rs 2,724 crorefor health sector in the Budget for Delhiduring the current fiscal, including plansto set up centers in each district for victimsof sexual assault and a multi-specialty hos-pital in South Delhi.

In the wake of increasing cases of sexualassault in the national capital, the Govern-

ment proposed to set up one stop centersfor crisis management and rehabilitation ofvictims of sexual assault in each district ingovernment hospitals.

"Three such centers at Deen Dayal hos-pital, Guru Teg Bahadur hospital andSanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital will be-come functional in the next three months,where the victims can be provided propermedical care along with legal and psycho-

social counseling and support in a secure,gender- friendly environment," Jaitley said.

The Minister informed that a new medi-cal college with 100 seats will be started inRohini and efforts are being made to en-sure that the first batch of students is ad-mitted by next year.

The plan outlay of Rs 2,724 crore forhealth sector is approximately 16.3 per centof plan outlay (excluding Centrally Spon-sored Schemes), which is Rs 16,700 crore.

The total budget estimate for the Gov-ernment of NCT of Delhi is Rs 36,766 forthe year 2014-15.

Considering the paucity of good healthcare facilities under government sector inSouth Delhi and the felt need of the area,Jaitley said the Government has proposedto sanction one multi-specialty hospital forSouth Delhi in the current year.

Besides, 50 dialysis centers will beopened to provide free dialysis to poorpatients suffering from kidney failure.

To offer prompt trauma care, 110 newambulances fitted with state-of-the-art lifesupport equipment will be inducted in theCentralized Accident and Trauma Services(CATS) fleet.

Keeping in view the "quantum of workload" with existing Forensic Science Labo-ratory, the government proposed setting upof three more Forensic Science Laborato-ries for which land at Sheikh Sarai, Rohiniand village Sayurpur at a cost of Rs 11.25crore has been purchased, Jaitley said.

The Minister informed that online facil-ity has been launched for Out Patient De-partment (OPD) registration and issuing offree birth registration certificate at the timeof discharge of mother and newborn babyfrom Government Hospitals has also beeninitiated. -PTI

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

New health policy soon: VardhanBHUBANESWAR: Announcing the

Center's plan to unveil a new health policysoon, Union Health Minister HarshVardhan has said National Health Mission(NHM) would be reviewed and made moreinclusive to make "health for all" a socialmovement.

"The government wants to formulate acomprehensive new health policy for whichefforts have already begun. The countryneeds a comprehensive policy to addressthe complex healthcare challenges," he toldreporters here before winding up his two-day visit to Odisha.

The new health policy would be given afinal shape after wide-ranging discussionsand consultations with national and inter-national experts keeping in mind the chang-ing scenario and advances in thehealthcare sector, he said.

Vardhan said he is already in the pro-cess of reviewing NHM, which would becompleting a decade in April 2015, in orderto make it more effective.

Constant interaction is being held withexperts from diverse backgrounds on meet-ing the unachieved goals, the minister said,adding steps are also being taken to en-sure rational prescribing of drugs by doc-tors to promote cheaper essential drugs likegeneric medicines.

He termed the exodus of doctors fromthe country for brighter career prospects

as a matter of "grave concern," saying alarge number of trained medicos are leav-ing India each year for more lucrative ca-reers abroad.

"Though the government does not havea policy of making them repay the subsidiesthat funded their education, it is up to the

doctors to be more concerned about thehealth goals of the nation and contributetheir might to achieving them," Vardhan said.

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan

Togadia launches IndiaHealth Line in Jaipur

JAIPUR: Taking forward his socio-medi-cal project, VHP leader Dr Praveen Togadiahas launched India Health Line in Rajasthanaiming to provide free health facilities tothe people across the country.

Addressing the inauguration ceremonyat Jaipur Medical Association auditoriumhere, he said the project was aimed at reach-ing out to the poor and needy peoplethrough timely and free consulting by medi-cal fraternity.

"I discussed the idea with large numberof doctors in 80 cities during last three yearsand asked whether they would like to seeone needy patient a day free of cost.

"I got a good response after which theproject was launched in Delhi, Indore,Bhopal, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Nagpur,Pune and now in Jaipur," Togadia said.

Specialist doctors like Cancer surgeons,Cardiologists, Gynecologists,Nephrologists, Urologists and others willprovide free consultation to one patient

every day and the needy can reach themby calling 18602333666, the InternationalWorking President of VHP said.

He said that more than 5,000 doctorshave been associated with the project andthe number was expected to cross 50,000 inthe future which would benefit millions ofpeople in the country. -PTI

VHP leader Dr Praveen Togadia

WASHINGTON: Nicotine in cigarettesmay trigger psychiatric disorders, raising asmoker's risk of committing suicide, a newstudy has warned.

Previous research has shown that ciga-rette smokers are more likely to commit sui-cide than people who don't smoke.

This reality has been attributed to thefact that people with psychiatric disorders,who have higher suicide rates, also tend tosmoke.

But researchers at the Washington Uni-versity School of Medicine in St Louisfound that smoking itself may increase sui-cide risk and that policies to limit smokingreduce suicide rates.

In a study published in the journal Nico-tine & Tobacco Research, a team led byRichard A Grucza, reported that suiciderates declined up to 15 per cent, relative tothe national average, in US states thatimplemented higher taxes on cigarettes andstricter policies to limit smoking in publicplaces.

"Our analysis showed that each dollar in-crease in cigarette taxes was associated witha 10 per cent decrease in suicide risk," saidGrucza, associate professor of psychiatry.

"Indoor smoking bans also were associ-ated with risk reductions," he said.

Grucza's team analyzed data compiled asindividual US states took different ap-proaches to taxing cigarettes and limiting

when and where people could smoke.From 1990 to 2004, US states that

adopted aggressive tobacco-control poli-cies saw their suicide rates decrease, com-pared with the national average.

The opposite was true in states withlower cigarette taxes and more lax policies

toward smoking in public.In those states, suicide rates increased

up to 6 per cent, relative to the US nationalaverage, during the same time period.

From 1990 to 2004, the average annualsuicide rate was about 14 deaths for every100,000 people.

Using statistical methods, the research-ers compared rates of suicide in states withstricter tobacco policies to rates in stateswith more lenient laws and lower taxes. -PTI

Cont'd on Page 35

'Quick evaluation key to fighting TB in India'

Patients are treated at a government tuberculosis hospital in Gauhati, India.Public health officials in the country are grappling with a strain of TB that

does not respond to medication.

Labor to tackle racialdiscrimination in NHS

India PostHealth Science Post 35

www.indiapost.com

July 25, 2014

WASHINGTON: Getting patients in In-dia quickly evaluated by the right doctorscan be just as effective at curbing tubercu-losis (TB) as a new, highly accurate screen-ing test, a new study suggests.

While ideally all suspected TB caseswould be evaluated with the new test, it isprimarily being used only on the highest-risk populations and only in public healthclinics, partly because of its cost and thecomplexity of the nation's health care sys-tem.

This slows diagnosis of a disease thatmust be caught early, the researchers said.

Approximately 8.6 million people world-wide develop active TB each year, and 1.4million die from it. Twenty-five per cent ofall diagnosed TB patients are in India alone.

Although treatment for TB is freely avail-able and highly effective, the disease con-tinues to kill hundreds of thousands of

people everyyear in India,and vast num-bers of casesgo undetected.

The re-searchers saythat for betterTB tests tomake a majordifference theymust be madeavailable to theprivate healthcare providerswhere patientsfirst seek care.

" M o s tpeople in Indiawith underlyingTB initially seek

care for cough from the private health caresector," said study's lead author Henrik Saljefrom the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Schoolof Public Health.

"Private providers often use the wrongtests for TB, and without getting the rightdiagnosis, patients move between provid-ers with long diagnostic delays," said Salje.

Often, patients with symptoms start withconvenient and more trusted private sectorphysicians and informal health care provid-ers, but ultimately public sector physiciansdiagnose and treat more than half of the TB

cases in India.They have long used sputum smear mi-

croscopy, which may miss up to half of allactive cases.

The new test for TB, Xpert MTB/RIF, candiagnose TB in 90 minutes, capture 70 percent of cases missed by microscopy and canalso determine if the strain is resistant torifampin, the most important anti-TB drug.

India has begun rolling out this new tech-nology, but since Xpert MTB/RIF is muchmore expensive than traditional tests, it iscurrently being implemented mainly in pub-lic clinics to test HIV-positive patients whomay also have TB or those at high risk ofhaving multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis(MDR-TB).

Researchers explored the impact of six dif-ferent roll-out strategies by developing amathematical model of TB transmission, care-seeking and diagnostic and treatment prac-tices in India.

They found that providing access toXpert for 20 per cent of all individuals seek-ing care for TB symptoms could reduce newTB cases by 14.1 per cent over 5 years, whilethe "high-risk-only," public-sector strategycurrently being implemented might only re-duce TB cases by 0.2 per cent.

However, achieving this result requiredsubstantially more resources and appropri-ate TB treatment.

The research was published in the jour-nal PLOS Medicine. -PTI

LONDON: The UK's Labor Party has saidif voted to power next year, it would tackleracial discrimination faced by Asian andBlack doctors and nurses in the state-fundedNational Health Service.

The party adopted the pledge at its two-day National Policy Forum that concludedin Milton Keyes.

"The Labor Party pledges to addressInstitutional Racism amongst itsworkforce," the party said.

"It will develop a framework of action totackle racial discrimination faced by Asianand Black doctors and nurses in the NHS,"they said.

If elected to power in the 2015 Generalelections, the Labor Party will remove the

"glass ceiling" from its Asian and Black NHSworkers that prevents them to realizing theirpotential, the party pledged.

About 20 per cent of the workforce inNHS is made up of Asian & Black commu-nities and majority of them are from India.

The UK Government has always ac-knowledged the economic benefits due tomigration of health care workers from vari-ous English-speaking countries, theyadded.

Doctor Neeraj Patil, Former Mayor of"The London Borough of Lambeth" who isalso a member of the National policy forumof the Labor Party moved this amendmentat the policy forum and the party endorsedit. -PTI

Vardhan, who visited AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, said to develop one doctorin AIIMS, the taxpayer pays Rs 8 to 10crore. "The poorest of poor Odiyas andIndians are subsidizing you. So whenyou become doctors please work in anunselfish manner so that India canachieve the United Nations MillenniumDevelopment Goals," he advised the stu-dents.

The minister said that during his in-teraction with faculty members and stu-dents of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, he urgedthem to convert the dream of accomplish-ing the health goals into a reality.

Voicing concern over shortage of doc-tors and health professionals in the coun-try, Vardhan said Medical Council of In-dia (MCI) has been asked to adopt a prag-

New health policy soon:Vardhan

matic approach during inspection of medi-cal colleges to decide number of seatsfor medical courses.

MCI's focus should be more on qual-ity of education in medical colleges ratherthan on small infrastructure needs, whilecolleges should also take quick correc-tive measures to remove deficiencies intime so that the number of seats is notslashed, he said.

On the question of euthanasia,Vardhan said there should be wide-rang-ing discussion among experts from vari-ous sectors, including medical and legalprofessionals and lawmakers, to evolvea consensus as the issue is highly sensi-tive.

There should be no hurry in taking anydecision on the matter, he said, adding,"We should not try to force or imposeany decision on euthanasia." -PTI

Cont'd from Page 34

Arrowhead removed fromtribal's chest after 40 yrs

Douglas County retirees losehealth plan challenge

OMAHA, Neb.: Douglas County is notobligated to contribute the same amountto retiree health plans as it does for activeemployees, the Nebraska Supreme Courthas ruled.

The ruling Friday reverses a lower court'sdecision last year to refund more than $1million in health care premiums to Douglas

County retirees, The Omaha World-Heraldreported.

The dispute stems from the DouglasCounty Board's decision in 2009 to increase

retirees' contributions to their health insur-ance premiums. The board reduced thecounty's subsidy for individual retireehealth coverage from 93 percent to 75 per-cent - an additional $1,000 per year - andfrom 85 percent to 65 percent for retireeswith dependents - an additional $2,000 to$2,750 a year.

Two retired deputies sued, arguing thatcounty officials were contractually boundto maintain retirees' premium subsidies un-til they became eligible for Medicare. Thelawsuit by Sam Christiansen and RichMcShane covered more than 250 retiredDouglas County employees.

But the state Supreme Court held thathealth benefits, unlike pensions, are nota form of deferred compensation. As aresult, the court wrote, ``the retirees hadno contractual right to participate in the(health care plan) for the same premiumspaid by active employees.''

Attorneys will advise the DouglasCounty Board in closed session aboutwhether the county can or should try torecoup the money paid out to retirees un-der the lower court's judgment, CountyAdministrator Patrick Bloomingdale said.-AP

Fortis chief welcomes hikein FDI ceiling

NEW DELHI: Welcoming thegovernment's proposal to hike FDI ceilingin insurance sector to 49 per cent, FortisHealthcare Executive Chairman MalvinderMohan Singh said the move would helpinsurance firms attract much-needed capi-tal from overseas partners.

"I think it (hike in insurance FDI) waslong overdue. I am glad that it has hap-pened. It will certainly bring in more invest-ment, the insurance sector needs that in-vestment so 49 per cent FDI in insurance isa very positive thing," Singh told PTI.

Presenting the Budget for 2014-15 ear-lier this month, Finance Minister ArunJaitley proposed raising the Foreign DirectInvestment (FDI) cap from 26 per cent to 49per cent in the insurance sector.

"The insurance sector is investmentstarved. Several segments of insurancesector need expansion. The composite capof the insurance sector is proposed to beincreased to 49 per cent from the currentlevel of 26 per cent with full managementand control through the FIPB route,"Jaitley said.

Jaitley also said two key initiatives - freedrug service and free diagnosis service -would be taken up on priority as part ofmove towards 'Health for All'.

Charting out the healthcare roadmap of

the new government, Jaitley said planshave been firmed up to set up four moreAIIMS like institutions at Andhra Pradesh,West Bengal, Vidarbha in Maharashtra andPoorvanchal in UP is under considerationand a sum of Rs 500 crore has been setaside.

"We as an industry (healthcare) are cer-tainly engaged with the government. I amof the clear view that I do see the govern-ment increasing investment in healthcare.They are clearly looking at how to increasethe coverage of health insurance and howto ensure that healthcare is affordable andaccessible for people across the country,"Singh said. -PTI

The board reduced thecounty's subsidy for indi-vidual retiree health cov-erage from 93 percent to75 percent - an additional$1,000 per year - andfrom 85 percent to 65percent for retirees withdependents

Charting out the healthcareroadmap of the new gov-ernment, Jaitley said planshave been firmed up to setup four more AIIMS likeinstitutions at AndhraPradesh, West Bengal,Vidarbha in Maharashtraand Poorvanchal in UP

INDORE: Doctors at MaharajaYashwantrao Hospital here removed afteroperation an iron arrowhead lodged in thechest of a 55-year-old tribal man for thelast forty years.

Mansinh, who lives in Alirajpur districtof Madhya Pradesh, told the doctors thathe was shot with the arrow during a quar-rel four decades ago, when he was about15 years old.

The wooden shaft of the arrow waspulled out afterwards (and the wound wastreated with traditional herbal medicines),but the iron arrowhead remained inside.

It gave him no trouble until recently

when he complained of pain in the chest.X-ray image revealed the iron object in-side the left side of chest, so local doctorssent him to MY Hospital.

Dr Sumit Shukla, an associate profes-sor at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospi-tal, said it was nothing short of a wonderthat the iron piece - about 4 inches inlength - caused no infection all theseyears.

A team of seven doctors, comprisingDr Ankur Maheshwari, Dr Sonia Mojej andSiddharth Dubey and others performedthe operation which lasted three hours. -PTI

India Post Health Science Post36

www.indiapost.com

July 25, 2014

HIV diagnosis rate fell bythird in US over decade

Cont'd from Page 33

But several factors could explain thedecline.

One is Holgrave's ̀ ceiling effect' theory.Another is a possible ebb in new infec-tions.

The CDC has been estimating about50,000 new infections occur each year andthat number has been holding steady inthe past decade. That estimate comes from

reports from 25 city and state health de-partments, joined with statistical modeling.

Lansky said maybe new infections arewaning. Or maybe not, she and other ex-perts said.

How could new infections be holdingsteady when diagnoses are falling? Perhapsthe infection count might be buoyed by theexpanding epidemic in young gay and bi-sexual men, said Sullivan, the Emory re-searcher. -AP

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India Post July 25, 2014www.indiapost.com

Real Estate38

Realty Tidbits Office space leasingto pick up in 2015

Global realty investors maycurrently focus on metros

MUMBAI: Even though thegovernment's move to reduce capi-talization limit to USD 5 million islikely to attract FDI in the real es-tate sector, industry experts be-lieve global investors may initiallyfocus at major metros than invest-ing in high-risk Tier 2 and 3 cities.

While the developers' commu-nity is upbeat about foreign in-vestments in smaller cities, inter-national players are reluctant toenter markets which are of highrisk, especially where infrastruc-ture has yet not been developed.

The new government in itsbudget has announced reductionin built-up area threshold from50,000 sq mt to 20,000 sq mt anddrop the minimum foreign directinvestment limit to USD 5 millionfrom USD 10 million.

"Already there is a shortage ofover 18 million houses and Tier 1cities are bursting at their seams.Given the current scenario, theopportunity presented by tier 2and 3 cities are ripe, awaiting to betapped by developers backed by

foreign investors," Tata HousingManaging Director Brotin Banerjeetold PTI here.

He further said many privateequity investors have venturedinto Indian realty since the sectorwas opened to FDI in 2005.

"Given the further relaxation inFDI norms, the participation isonly expected to improve in thenear future," he said.

According to experts, FDIwould flow in such tier 2 and 3 cit-ies where the infrastructure is inplace and the investors are as-sured of better returns.

"We may not see an immediateflow of investments in smaller cit-

ies where there is no proper infra-structure in place. Tier 2 and 3 cit-ies may have land, but at the sametime if basic infrastructure is not

in place, they become high riskmarkets for investors. There is aneed to create smart and socialinfrastructure," PwC ExecutiveDirector Anish Sanghvi said.

Among the tier 2 cities Pune,Chandigarh, Ludhiana,Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar andKochi, and tier 3 cities like Madurai,Baroda, Nashik and Trichy arelikely to attract investments asthey are upcoming in terms of so-cial infrastructure and economicdevelopment, experts said.

According to experts, at leastfor the next 12-18 months,internationals investors may lookat major 6-7 metros.

"Smaller towns are high riskmarkets, specially when we don'thave the necessary infrastructurein place. For us, we will continueto look at 5-6 major markets likeNCR, Pune, Mumbai, Bangaloreamong others," Embassy PropertyDevelopments Chief ExecutiveOfficer Commercial Real EstateDivision Michael Holland said. -PTI

RBI allows ownership of property abroadKOCHI: The Reserve Bank of

India (RBI) has now allowed resi-dent Indians to remit moneyabroad for the purchase of im-movable properties.

According to a new RBI di-rective, banks are allowed to re-mit up to US$125,000 (around Rs

75 lakh) every financial year forany permitted current or capitalaccount transaction, or a combi-nation of both. The money can beused for purchasing immovableproperty outsideIndia.

Financial ex-perts point out thatthe new normsmight be helpful forthe state as itwould be easier forKeralites to spotproperties due totheir significantoverseas connec-tion. "The RBI's de-cision to allow resi-dent Indians to acquire immovableproperties outside India is encour-aging. Real estate has always elic-ited immense interest among Indi-ans. So, relaxation of the norms willencourage them to remit more

money outside the country.The income from such proper-

ties will then find its way back tothe Indian economy regularly,adding to the foreign exchange re-

serves," said Promoth Manghat,vice-president, Global Operations,at UAE Exchange. The LiberalizedRemittances Scheme (LRS), noti-fied by the RBI, allows residentsto acquire and hold shares, debt

instruments or other assets out-side India without the prior ap-proval of the RBI. In August lastyear, the RBI had reduced theceiling from US$200,000 toUS$75,000 per person in a finan-cial year.

"Real estate prices are yet torevive in many parts of theworld, except in a few places.The new RBI norms came at theright time. Keralites, who havea considerable amount of dis-posable money, can now lookat foreign countries to buy prop-erties," said G Sanjeev Kumar,financial advisor and managingdirector at Progno FinancialPlanning Systems Pvt Ltd.

"Though the limit prescribedby RBI is small, individuals inKerala can now own propertiesover a period of time," said ArunKumar, a lawyer practicing inUAE.

Plan to hiveoff sick PSUs'real estate

NEW DELHI: The governmentis considering a proposal to hiveoff real estate owned by sick pub-lic sector companies in Mumbai,Kolkata, Pune and Ahmedabad tostate-owned National Buildingsand Construction Corporation(NBCC), before selling off thechronically loss-making entities.

Senior government officials saythat NBCC, which is developingreal estate in the national capital,has shown interest in prime plotsowned by companies such asBengal Chemicals, National Bi-cycle Corporation and Richardson& Cruddas in Mumbai's Worli andByculla.

Similarly, in Kolkata, the com-pany is looking at land owned byNJMC as well as state-governmententities such as Lilly Biscuits andWest Bengal Warehousing Corpo-ration. -Courtesy TOI

HDFC Fundraises $250 mnfor realty

NEW DELHI: HDFC PropertyFund, a part of financial sectorconglomerate HDFC group, hasannounced the closure of USD 250million international fund focusedon investing in Indian real estate.

The fund-raising exercise hasbeen concluded with investmentsfrom marquee international insti-tutional investors and marks clo-sure of HDFC's second interna-tional real estate fund, it said in astatement.

HDFC had raised an interna-tional fund of USD 800 million in2007, which is fully deployed.

The recently closed fund willfocus on investing primarily in resi-dential property developments inmajor cities across India.

HDFC Property Fund had alsoset up in 2005 two domestic realestate funds; one with a corpus ofRs 1,000 crore that has been sub-stantially exited and another Rs464.4 crore fund which is fully ex-ited now. -PTI

MUMBAI: Office space leasing activity in the city isnot expected to move significantly before next year al-though the sentiment in the real estate sector is witness-ing some improvement, says property consultant CBRE.

"Market sentiment in Mumbai's office space has seena slight spurt in the April-June period compared to thelast couple of quarters and is expected to fare better inQ3 of 2014," CBRE South Asia Chairman and ManagingDirector Anshuman Magazine said in a statement.-PTI

39India PostJuly 25, 2014

www.indiapost.comReal Estate Post

Home loan EMI may fall by 8 percentNEW DELHI: EMI on home

loans is expected to come downby 8-10 per cent following theRBI's move to ease norms forbanks to raise long term funds forfinancing affordable housingprojects, consultant KPMG saidhere.

To encourage infrastructuredevelopment and affordable hous-ing, RBI has exempted long termbonds from mandatory regulatorynorms like CRR and SLR if themoney raised is used for fundingof such projects.

RBI said that lending for afford-able housing means loans eligibleunder priority sector, and loans upto Rs 50 lakh to individuals forhouses costing up to Rs 65 lakhlocated in the six metropolitan cen-ters - Mumbai, New Delhi,Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru andHyderabad.

For other areas, it covers loansof Rs 40 lakh for houses with val-ues up to Rs 50 lakh.

"The recent move by RBI is awelcome move as it would helpstimulate demand for housing and

make houses affordable to someextent," KPMG's Partner and Headof Real Estate and ConstructionNeeraj Bansal said.

"The move is expected to re-duce Equated Monthly Installment(EMI) of a home loan borrower by8-10 per cent, which coupled withrecent income tax incentives havethe potential to boost annual sav-ings of an individual to the tuneof Rs 1 lakh," he added.

The step taken by RBI is a posi-tive step towards improving liquid-ity and reducing cost of funds forinfrastructure sector.

"The inclusion of housing sec-tor in this provision is a positiveinitiative by RBI and would helpstimulate demand for housing inthe country," Bansal said.

The cost of funds to infrastruc-ture sector is expected to comedown by 100-200 basis points as

banks would no longer need tomeet regulatory requirements ofmaintaining required cash reserveratio (CRR), statutory reserve ra-tio (SLR) and priority sector lend-ing (PSL) on funds raised for in-frastructure and housing sector.

"Currently, housing loans be-low Rs 20 lakh have lower interestrates as they fall into priority sec-tor lending. With this step, loansup to Rs 50 lakh in 6 metropolitan

cities (housing costing up to Rs65 lakh) and Rs 40 lakh in othercities (housing costing up to Rs50 lakh) - a major chunk of hous-ing demand - are set to getcheaper," Bansal said.

The central bank had said it in-tends to "ease the way for banksto raise long term resources to fi-nance their long term loans to in-frastructure as well as affordablehousing". -PTI

"The inclusion ofhousing sector inthis provision is apositive initiative byRBI and would helpstimulate demandfor housing in thecountry," Bansalsaid.

Singapore to play majorrole in Indian realty

SINGAPORE: Singapore inves-tors should capitalize on the sopsannounced in the budget forIndia's real estate sector, says anexpert.

Abhijit Ghosh, partner atPricewaterhouseCoopers, saidSingapore companies will be in anadvantageous position to investand lend to the Indian real estate

sector.The India-Singapore avoid-

ance of double-taxation agreementoffsets taxes on earnings, makingit more attractive investment op-portunities, he told some 150 busi-nessmen at the "Indian Budget2014 briefing" held by theSingapore Indian Chamber ofCommerce and Industry (SICCI)here.

Singapore levies 17 per centcorporate tax while India has justreduced its tax to 15 per cent, an-nounced in the recent budgetary

proposals earlier this month.Ghosh urged the investors to

market Singapore's expertise inhousing, urban and town plan-ning, development of ports andwater projects in India.

He said such opportunities willcome from India's plans to build100 smart cities in the comingyears.

The Singapore and In-dian governments havealready discussed thescope of such projects.

Singapore's Foreignand Law Minister KShanmugam visited Indialast month and discussedthe potential of Singaporeexperts in India's develop-ment including housing,urban town planning,ports, water projects and

skill training.Last year, Singapore accounted

for 25 per cent of the total foreigndirect investment into India, ac-cording to Ghosh.

"Singapore is also playing adominant role in re-shaping theIndian economic resurgence forthe next five years, and we willcontinue to do so," said Ghosh.

Singapore, with its comprehen-sive economic cooperation agree-ment (CECA) with India, has be-come a gateway for Indian busi-nesses to Asia. -PTI

India Post40 July 25, 2014www.indiapost.com

Puri is a large repository of art and architec-ture of India, especially that of Odisha. Thehistorical and cultural edifices have silveryantiquity dating back to 3rd century BC to

17th century AD. Konark, Bhubaneshwar and Puricomplete the golden triangle of Odisha, the threeplaces with majestic history, heritage and many re-nowned worshipping shrines of which Puri attractsthe maximum number of visitors.

Major attractions nearby Puri include the ChilkaLake, renowned as the biggest inland salt-water

lagoon, Puri beach, Gundicha Ghar and theChilika Wildlife Sanctuary. Many tourists make

it a point to visit other attractions like Templeof Child Krishna at Indradyumna Tank,

Markandeswar tank, the Museum and

The most sacred pilgrim center for Hindus in India, Puri is also known asJagannath (the Lord of Universe) Puri and is credited with the famousJagannath temple. It is located along the coast of Bay of Bengal in the stateof Odisha in India. The Hindu mythology contained in the Skanda Puranadescribes Puri as the resting place of Lord Vishnu.

Sudarshan Workshop and Atharnala Bridge.The famous Sun temple of Konark is in close prox-

imity of less than an hour's journey. A major celebra-tion in Puri is Rath Yatra (Car/ Chariot festival), con-ducted every year. This Car festival, held during June- July period, is associated with the Jagannath templeand during this season thousands of Hindu pilgrimsthrong to Puri to witness the majestic festival. An-other festival which attracts many is the Puri BeachFestival which is celebrated in the month of Novem-ber every year.

Puri is an emerging industrial area with major in-dustries like rice milling, handicrafts and fish curing.Puri is a religious place and a holiday attraction. Puriengulfs all cultural heritages of ancient India and

traditional Hindu beliefs. Withhistorical temples and sacredrituals, Puri draws the en-

thusiast tourists to its lapfor a lifetime experi-

ence.Cont’d on

page 42

India PostJuly 25, 2014 41Travel & Hospitality Postwww.indiapost.com

Kerala tourism bags 2 PATA awardsTHIRUVANANTHAPURAM:

Kerala Tourism has bagged twohonors at the Pacific Asia TravelAssociation Awards for this year.

The state tourism department's'Responsible Tourism' initiative inKumarakom and its online news-letter have won the PATA Goldawards, said an official statementquoting the Macau GovernmentTourism Office, which supportsand sponsors the awards.

Kumarakom Responsible Tour-ism Project won the award in theCorporate Social Responsibilitycategory while Kerala Tourism E-Newsletter received the recognitionin the Marketing Media section.

This is the second consecu-tive PATA Gold award for theKerala Tourism E-Newsletter.

There are 20 winners of the

PATA Awards this year, selectedfrom 181 entries from 66 organiza-tions and individuals worldwide.

"This is a remarkable achieve-ment for Kerala. This honor willinspire us to continue our effortsin rural tourism development andalso taking the brand of Kerala farand wide," state Tourism MinisterA P Anil Kumar said.

"Through the Kumarakommodel, we have shown the world thatit is possible to successfully link thelocal community with the hospital-ity industry and various governmentdepartments for empowering thepeople and developing an area whilesustaining eco-friendly tourism," hesaid. The awards will be presentedon September 19 at the Diamond Is-land City Hall in Cambodian capitalPhnom Penh. -PTI

Resumption of Char DhamYatra a 'calculated risk'

DEHRADUN: UttarakhandChief Minister Harish Rawat hassaid resumption of the Char DhamYatra was a calculated risk whichhe took deliberately to revive thestate's economy much of whichdepends on religious tourism.

Facing criticism for ignoring therisk factor and hurriedly startingthe Char Dham Yatra which had tosuspended recently, he said,"Starting the Char Dham Yatra was

a calculated risk I took to put thestate's derailed economy back ontrack in the wake of last year's ca-lamity."

"Religious tourism which is thebackbone of the state's economywas lying in shambles after thecalamity and not conducting theYatra this year would have furtherdelayed the process of its recov-ery," Rawat told reporters here.

Livelihood of a large section of

the state's population depends onreligious tourism and if the Yatrawas not started this year it wouldhave taken even longer to restorethe confidence of visitors in thefacilities on the route and revivethe sector which is central to thestate's economy, he said.

Rawat has come in for criticismof late for being too much in a hurryto resume the Yatra this year whichhas had to be suspended after fre-

quent disruptions.The Opposition parties have

been saying that he could havewaited for the roads to be repairedfully before resumption of theYatra which has been frequentlysuspended this season due to badweather and blockage of roads.

Char Dham Yatra is currently onhold in view of a MeT department'swarning for heavy rains in parts ofUttarakhand. -PTI

India Post July 25, 201442 Travel & Hospitality Postwww.indiapost.com

PURIThe mythologicalresting place ofLord Vishnu


ATTRACTIONSShree Jagannath Puri Temple:

Shree Jagannath Puri temple, oneof the most impressive monumentsof the State of Odisha, was con-structed by a famous king ofGanga Dynasty Ananta Varman

Chodaganga Deva dating back to12th century at the seashore Puri.This astounding Vaishnava templeenshrines Lord Jagannath, DeviSubhadra and Balabhadra. Themain temple of Jagannath is animpressive and amazing structureconstructed in Kalinga style witha height of 65 meters placed on anelevated platform.

Lord Jagannath is believed tobe the symbol of Universal peace,love and brotherhood and is amanifestation of Lord Krishna. Theimportant annual festival here isthe ritual of Rath Yatra, duringwhich thousands of devoteesthrong to this temple.

Chilika Lake: Chilika Lake,Asia's the biggest inland salt-wa-ter lagoon, is separated from thewaters of Bay of Bengal by a nar-row neck of land. The Lake extendsacross the three districts of Puri,Ganjam and Khordha in Odisha.Located around 50 km from Puri,the lake is a tourist attraction withmany small islands of emeraldgreen and natural beauty.

Markandesvara Temple:

tains its sacred nature. ManyHindu devotees visit this beach tohave a dip at sea. Legends claimthat this was the bathing place ofSri Chaithanyadev who attainedthe state of Brahma here.

Ganesha Temple:Archeologically important templesin Puri are many. One of them isthe Ganesha temple, dedicated toSri Vinayaka. The temple is as-sumed to have been built longback has many carvings showcas-ing Hindu religious beliefs andcultural heritage. Hindu devoteesvisit frequently this temple to of-fer prayers.

Lakshmi Temple: A small

temple dedicated to GoddessLakshmi, situated near Jagannathtemple, plays a very important rolein Rath Yatra. It is assumed that

the marriage of Lord Siva and God-dess Parvati occurs on the sixthday of bright fortnight of Jyeshta,

Markandesvara Temple, placednear Bindu Sagar and assumed tobe constructed during 13th cen-tury, is a well known Shiva temple.The temple resembles the other twofamous Shiva temples in Odisha,Vaital Deul Temple and SisiresvaraTemple. The slight difference withthe Sisiresvara temple is in the or-

namentation of the doorframe, inwhich 'graha' (planet) Ketu is ab-sent and the figures of other eight'grahas' are only represented.

Narendra Tank: The NarendraTank, one of the largest tanks inOdisha and believed to be built inthe 15th century, is located at

Mauza Dandimala Sahi, near Puri.This is a holy tank in which thefamed Chandana Yatra of LordJagannath, known as 'ChandanaPushkarini' is celebrated annually.There are many small and bigtemples surrounding this tank. Thewater level of the tank with 16'ghatas' (bathing places), is about10 feet below the present road level.The main ghata has a flight ofsteps made of Khondalite leadingto it.

Puri Beach: Golden sands,amazing sceneries of sunrise andsunset, soothing effect of sunbathand seclusion in tranquility, Puribeach offers all these to her mostprivileged guests. A favorite tour-ist spot, Puri beach is very longand quite wide. This place offersphysical and spiritual calmness forthe body and soul. The seashorebreasts famous pilgrim centers in-cluding Jagannath temple.

Swargadwar Beach:Swargadwar, literally means thedoor to heaven, is a secludedbeach and a holy place in Puri.This beach is unaffected by mod-ern cultural offerings and main-

Chilika Lake

during May-June, on the dayknown as Jyestha Sukla Sasthi. Onthis occasion, Goddess Lakshmihappily invites the couple Shivaand Parvathy in this temple.

Best time to visit Puri: Puri hasa hot summer and a bit cool win-ters. The best time to visit the placeis from June to March.

HOW TO REACHBy Train: Puri is a major rail-

way junction. Regular direct trainservices are available from Puri tomany cities in India, includingBhubaneshwar, New Delhi,Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata.

By Air: Biju Patnaik airport at

Bhubaneswar, 56 km away from theheart of the Puri city, is the nearestairport.

By Bus: Odisha Road Trans-

port Corporation buses connectPuri to many cities in Odisha.

Narendra Tank

Puri beach

The famous Rath Yatra

India PostJuly 25, 2014 43Travel & Hospitality Postwww.indiapost.com

Malaysia Airlines offersrefunds to travelers

KUALA LUMPUR: MalaysiaAirlines has said it would offer fullrefunds to passengers intendingto cancel tickets and waive feesfor customers who want to changetheir travel plans following thedowning of MH17 over Ukraine,months after the mysterious crashof MH370.

The struggling Malaysian flagcarrier said it will offer refundseven for non-refundable tickets.Passengers can change or canceltheir tickets without attracting fi-

nancial penalty.The move comes in the wake of

the downing of MH17 overUkraine which claimed the lives ofall 298 people aboard.

"Our Enrich passengers willalso receive fee waivers for anychanges to their travel itinerary, aswell as refunds of miles shouldthey choose to cancel their re-demption tickets," the airliner saidin a statement.

It said the waiver was applicablefor those booked to travel be-

tween July 18 and December 31 thisyear.

"Malaysia Airlines deeply re-grets the loss of MH17, and is verymuch appreciative of the supportfrom our passengers."

MH17 was apparently shotdown by a surface-to-air missileover eastern Ukraine at around1415 GMT, hours after the KualaLumpur-bound Boeing 777 hadtaken off from Amsterdam'sSchiphol airport.

The air disaster came about

four months after Flight MH370 dis-appeared. The plane which tookoff from Kuala Lumpur lost con-tact with air controllers on March8 while en route to Beijing with 239people on board.

The airline's finances havestrained following the successivetragedies. It had already sufferedlosses amounting to USD 1.3 bil-lion over the previous three years.-PTI

Australia records 39 pcfootfall from India

MUMBAI: Increase in aviationcapacity and integrated brandcampaign resulted in a 39 per centgrowth in footfall of Indian travel-lers in Australia during May thisyear, according to Tourism Aus-tralia.

"Australia witnessed the high-est growth in Indian arrivals in a

single month achieved during thepast seven years for the month ofMay 2014, with a remarkable 39 percent increase over previous year,"Tourism Australia Country Man-ager, India and Gulf, NishantKashikar told PTI here.

According to data, there were21,700 visitors from India duringMay 2014, bringing the total forthe five months to May to 82,500,

an increase of 19 per cent relativeto the same period previous year.

Increase in aviation capacity by93,400 seats (on an annualized ba-sis) with the introduction of direct,non-stop flights on the triangu-lated route of Delhi-Sydney-Melbourne by Air India, and at-tractive tactical co-operative mar-

keting campaigns with SingaporeAirlines, Malaysia Airlines andtrade partners, includingMakeMyTrip, Kuoni, MercuryTravels among others have alsocontributed to this growth,Kashikar said.

Australia has witnessed a sus-tained growth in arrivals from In-dia in the recent past andaspirational integrated brand cam-

paign like 'There's Nothing likeAustralia' across print, television,digital and out-of-home mediumshave also resulted in the growth,he said.

Further, interest was generatedby content-integration activitiesby showcasing Australia on thepopular drama series and in the hitBollywood production alsohelped, he added.

"We are extremely pleased withthe results achieved during thepeak summer holiday season andthe growing popularity of Austra-lia amongst Indian travelers. Weare geared up to keep the momen-tum going and optimistic that thelaunch of our food and wine cen-tric campaign, and the ICC CricketWorld Cup 2015, will lead to fur-ther growth in visitor arrivals fromIndia in the coming months,"Kashikar said.

India is one of the world's fast-est growing outbound travel mar-kets and going forward, arrivalsfrom India are expected to performwell, with an average annual finan-cial year growth rate of 7.2 per centthrough to the financial year 2020-21, he said.

The Tourism Forecasting Com-mittee has estimated arrivals fromIndia to Australia for the year 2014-15, to be 190,000. -PTI

Indian in Saudi rejectsRs 3 lakh phone bill

RIYADH: An Indian in SaudiArabia has been banned from trav-eling abroad until he pays his tele-phone bill of over Rs 3 lakhs fromSIM cards he claims have beenregistered falsely under his name.

Shamsuddin Ansari,who works as a driver,is trying to get hisname absolved frompaying three outstand-ing phone bills issuedby a leading telecomcompany worth morethan 22,000 Saudi Riyal(Rs 3,54,534 approx).

Ansari said he hasbeen banned from trav-eling abroad withoutpaying his telephonebill of over Rs 3 lakhsfrom SIM cards.

"I am oblivious to where thesebills have come up from," Ansariwas quoted as saying by the ArabNews. "I received a phone call froma telecom executive in Riyadh, whowarned me to pay up. There are

three SIM cards under my nameand ID."

"I am a house driver and can-not afford three SIM cards in thefirst place," he added.

"My iqama copy has been mis-

used. There is a credit limit systemin place and a driver such as my-self would never be authorized torun up a bill beyond SR 1,000.Why, then, has the telecom com-pany kept quiet about such a stag-gering amount," he said.-PTI

Home tourismplanned inKakrajhor

JHARGRAM, West Bengal:The forest department will intro-duce home tourism, on lines of thehill belt, in picturesque Kakrajhorarea of West Midnapore, ChiefConservator of Forests NRajsekhar has said.

Rajsekhar, CCF (western) saideight families had been chosen inthe area and the model would beLambatar in Darjeeling Hills wheretourists do spend nights in thehouseholds of local families andget introduced to local customs.

As part of the move toshowscase the tourism potentialof the area, a Kakrajhor-based trek-king route will be opened for theadventurous while the kechkijhorafalls will be beautified with its ad-joining roads developed andamenities created, he said.

This was the first time hometourism was bring introduced insouth Bengal region.-PTI

44 India Post July 25, 2014www.indiapost.com

In Brief ImmigrationDetails on page 46

New Mexicogovernor toursimmigration

facility

Joe Biden says US needs a 'rational'immigration policy

DETROIT: Vice President JoeBiden told protesters here heshared their concern about thedeportations of immigrants whohave entered the U.S. illegally.

Biden was interrupted by pro-testers shouting, "Stop deportingour families," during a speech atNetroots Nation, a major annualmeeting of liberal activists. Thevice president said, "I respect yourview and I share your view."

"We should clap for thoseyoung people," Biden said. "Canyou imagine? Can you imagine thepain, the anxiety of coming homeevery day wondering whether ornot your mother or father will stillbe there?"

The Obama administration hasbeen seeking $3.7 billion in emer-gency border spending to dealwith a surge of young CentralAmerican migrants at the SouthTexas border. The White Househas sought comprehensive immi-gration reform and faced criticismfrom immigration groups over alarge number of deportations inrecent years.

It was unclear if the protesters

were raising concerns over depor-tations of the recent influx of theyoung Central American immi-grants or the broader number ofdeportations during Obama'spresidency. Biden's office said the

vice president was sympathizingwith people who are concernedabout the separation of families.

Biden credited the role of immi-

gration in the nation, telling theaudience that the newcomers "fuelAmerica's dynamism" and the na-tion needs a "rational policy."

Biden, a potential 2016 Demo-cratic presidential candidate, dur-

ing his 47-minute speech to lib-eral activists, spoke at length ofhis support for gay marriage, ef-forts to address income inequal-

ity and the administration's workto end wars in Iraq and Afghani-stan. He said the administration'shighest priority is restoring theAmerican "bargain" where thewealthy, middle class and poorbenefit in a growing economy.

The vice president promotedhis record as a model for liberalDemocrats who have sometimesexpressed unhappiness with thepace of change during Obama'stenure.

"I don't take a back seat to any-one when it comes to fightingsome of the toughest progressivebattles the country has seen," saidBiden, who said he was "flattered"that Progress Now Executive Di-rector Arshad Hasan, who intro-duced him to the crowd in down-town Detroit, credited Biden fordeclaring his support for gay mar-riage in 2012, three days beforeObama also did so.

"The credit really goes to the(LGBT) community. As more andmore of you all had the courage ...to come out, average Americansbegan to understand who youwere," he said.-AP

Vice President Joe Biden meets with students who participated in Step IT Up,an accelerated learning program which trains workers for high-growth and

well paying information technology (IT) jobs in Detroit

Detentions a 'risk' faced by migrants: VargasWASHINGTON: Immigration

activist Jose Antonio Vargashas said that his detention byUS border agents in Texas wasjust an example of the risks thatundocumented immigrants faceevery day in America.

Vargas, 33, a Philippines-bornprize-winning journalist, washandcuffed and questioned byBorder Patrol officers as he pre-pared to board a domestic flightto Los Angeles in the border cityof McAllen.

He was ordered to appear be-fore an immigration judge, but notbefore news of his detention trig-gered a media storm amid an in-flux of tens of thousands of Cen-tral American children over theUS-Mexico border.

"I've been traveling aroundthe country for the past threeyears" without incident using aPhilippine passport that lacks a

US visa, said Vargas, who came outas an undocumented immigrant ina widely-read 2011 essay.

But he told CNN he was un-aware on his first visit to Texas to

investigate the plight of child im-migrants that the border there is a"militarized zone" with check-points scattered as far as 45 miles

(70 kilometers) from the border."When you fly through JFK...

there's no Border Patrol agentchecking your passport when yougo through," explained Vargas, re-

ferring to New York's John FKennedy International Airport.

"But here, in south Texas, that'swhat happened - and, you know,

people need to understand thatif you are undocumented in thiscountry, that's the risk you take,"he said.

Asked about the migrantyoungsters he encountered inTexas, Vargas said, "All youhave to do is look in the eyes ofthese children to know that theyhave been through some sort ofhell."

Vargas was 12 years old in1993 when his young mother puthim on a flight in Manila to beraised by his grandparents inCalifornia, in hopes that hecould live the American dream.

He went on to join the Wash-ington Post, where he was partof a team that won a PulitzerPrize in 2008, then came out in a2011 essay in the New YorkTimes as one of America's esti-mated 11 million undocumentedimmigrants. -AFP

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, immigration rights activist and self-declaredundocumented immigrant Jose Antonio Vargas testifies on Capitol Hill in

Washington

India startsonline passportservice in UK

LONDON: India has an-nounced the launch of an online-only passport application servicein the UK, a move aimed at stream-lining services provided by theIndian mission here.

"Applications for Passports willbe accepted at the High Commis-sion of India through online ap-pointment system only," a HighCommission of India statementsaid here.

"A total of 100 slots on dailybasis will be available.

The High Commission will con-tinue to accept applicationsthrough post," it said.

The move is among a series ofsteps introduced by the Indianmission here to streamline ser-vices.

The Indian mission had re-cently also set up a "Public Re-sponse Unit" as well as weekly"Open Houses" to coordinate itsresponse to a growing number ofqueries from NRIs and people ofIndian-origin in the UK.

Earlier this year, the Indian HighCommission had announced thelaunch of an online booking sys-tem for the submission of OCI(Overseas Citizen of India) appli-cations to tackle waiting time atIndia House premises in centralLondon. -PTI

Indian industryurges UK toease visa system

LONDON: Indian industry rep-resentatives have called on the UKto examine its visa system to makepeople to people movement easierfor greater economic cooperationbetween the two countries.

"It is time to review our (India-UK) economic engagement andchart a course for the future ...none of this will be possible with-out promoting people to peopleexchange," Confederation of In-dian Industry (CII) president AjaySriram, mission leader of this year'sannual CEOs delegation to Britain,said.

Sriram, who is also chairmanand senior managing director ofDCM Sriram, added: "The UK haseffected changes in policy whichcurb the movement of technicalpersonnel between India and theUK. There is a need to examineways to enhance the easier trans-fer of students and technical ex-perts and address these issues ona priority to increase business en-gagement."

His views were echoed by del-egation member Dhruv MSawhney, chairman and managingdirector of Triveni Engineering &Industries, which has significantwaste-to-energy operations in theUK. -PTI

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India Post 45July 25, 2014 Immigration Postwww.indiapost.com

Listing foreign national'squalifications on perm form

CORA-ANN V. PESTAINA

One of the most surprisinglessons to learn for practitioners who regularly

file PERM labor certifications isthat past certifications do not al-ways mean future certifications. Inother words, just because 10 PERMlabor certifications prepared in thesame way have all been certifiedwithout issue does not mean thatthe 11th one will also be certified.

That is the nature of PERM. TheDepartment of Labor (DOL) is no-torious for suddenly coming upwith new and previously unheardof reasons for denial.

Most recently, there have beenreports of a slew of PERM deni-als, primarily for physician andteaching occupations, on the ba-sis that Section H.14 of the ETAForm 9089 indicates that a medicalor other license is required, butSection K does not list that thePERM beneficiary holds a license.

What makes these denials evenmore baffling is that in many ofthese cases, the foreign national's

work experience practicing medi-cine or teaching in the US waslisted in Section K thereby provid-ing proof that the foreign nationalwas indeed licensed.

Moreover, the ETA Form 9089does not provide any specific sec-tion in which to list licenses. Mostdisturbing is the fact that the DOLdid not previously deny any PERMapplications for failing to list a li-cense on the form. But that did notstop the denials from coming.

The American ImmigrationLawyers Association (AILA) rec-ommends that denials of a PERMlabor certification solely becauseof not listing a license should bereported to the AILA-DOL liaisoncommittee. A motion for reconsid-eration should be filed at the sametime.

The DOL has promised to is-sue an FAQ (Frequently AskedQuestions) on this issue. But sincethe ETA Form 9089 will remain un-changed, it is anticipated that theFAQ will advise practitioners tolist the foreign national's qualifi-cations in Section K.9. AILA raisedthe issue of the denials in a DOLStakeholders Meeting on Decem-ber 12, 2013 (AILA Doc. No.14011449). In sum, the DOL re-sponded with:

"In general, if an employerstates that a specific position re-quires a license, the employershould indicate that the benefi-ciary has the license. The appro-priate place to list the license isunder K.9 so that the analyst cancompare the requirements and thebeneficiary's qualifications.OFLC will issue an FAQ to spellthis out more clearly.

"When stakeholders askedOFLC to consider in the future,issuing an FAQ in advance of thechange in practice, OFLC agreed

to take this into consideration ifthere is a decision to make apolicy change.

"OFLC is continuing to exam-ine how to address cases alreadydenied on the basis that SectionK did not list the license or certi-fication. Employers with denialson this basis may wish to file aRequest for Reconsideration ofthe denied case to at a minimumpreserve the issue until OFLC de-velops further guidance."

At the recent AILA NationalImmigration Conference in Bos-ton on June 18-21, 2014, represen-tatives of the DOL indicated thatthe instructions in Section K.9 ofthe ETA Form 9089 already in-struct practitioners to list "jobduties performed, use of tools, ma-chines, equipment, skills, qualifi-

cations, certifications, licenses,etc." Accordingly, the DOL ex-pects practitioners to list all theexperience and qualificationsgained with a particular job un-der the particular job experiencelisted on the ETA Form 9089. Atthe AILA national conference, itwas also suggested that SectionK of the ETA Form 9089 can becompleted to only indicate the for-eign national's license or otherspecial qualification earned dur-ing a specific time period whenhe was not also earning work ex-perience and the ETA Form 9089will not be denied for failure tolist an employer's name and otherdetails. Other qualifications thatneed to be included in Section K.9of the ETA Form 9089 include (SeeAILA InfoNet Doc. No. 14041655.(Posted 04/16/14):

• Licensure, or eligibility for li-cense, e.g., Medical License,Teacher Certification, Profes-sional Engineer (PE).

• Knowledge or courseworkacquired in a course of study.

• Professional certificates or di-plomas, e.g., Microsoft certifica-tion, Health and Safety Certifi-cate, CPR Certificate, Engineer-in-Training Certificate.

• Board Certification, or Certi-fication Eligible, e.g., Board Cer-tification in Internal Medicine,Board Certification in ImmigrationLaw.

• Second degree, if required byemployer, e.g., Bachelor's in CivilEngineering, in addition to a Ph.D.

• Degree or other credential re-quired at H.4, "education: mini-mum level required," does notmatch the foreign national's cre-dential at J.11, "highest levelachieved relevant to the requestedoccupation" [e.g., H.4 requires aBS in Chemical Engineering; J.11indicates foreign national has a(relevant) Ph.D. in Process Engi-neering, but foreign national alsohas a BS in Chemical Engineeringthat cannot be entered anywherein Section J or K].

To be continued

* Cyrus D Mehta, may be contactedat 212-425-0555 or

[email protected]

The American Immigration Lawyers Associa-tion (AILA) recommends that denials of a PERMlabor certification solely because of not listinga license should be reported to the AILA-DOLliaison committee. A motion for reconsidera-tion should be filed at the same time

Perry tells Hispanic groupto 'secure' border

SAN ANTONIO: Texas Gov.Rick Perry took his border secu-

rity criticisms to an audience ofHispanic ministers in San Antonio,

telling them the federal govern-ment should put more Border Pa-

trol troops on the ground anddrones in the air to secure theTexas-Mexico border.

Perry has sparred with Presi-dent Barack Obama over the re-cent flood of Central Americanchildren crossing the border. Heaired those grievances to theLibre Initiative, a religious groupcourting Hispanic voters to con-servative candidates.

Perry, a Republican who isconsidering running for presi-dent, noted his recent visits tothe border, where he said he sawhundreds of women and chil-dren make dangerous journeysto the U.S. border.

Federal officials say the flowof children crossing the border

without parents has slowed in re-cent weeks. -AP

Texas Gov. Rick Perry

India Post46 July 25, 2014Immigration Postwww.indiapost.com

New Mexico governor tours immigration facilityARTESIA, N.M.: New Mexico

Gov. Susana Martinez has said thathundreds of detained immigrantsrepresent the humanitarian conse-quence of false beliefs that any-one can stay in the U.S.

Martinez made the remarks af-ter touring a temporary detentionfacility in Artesia, the RoswellDaily Record reported. She wasjoined by federal and state officialsat the barracks of the Federal LawEnforcement Training Center.

``This is no place for youngmothers and babies. One is just 11months old,'' Martinez said.

However, she praised medicalstaff for caring for immigrants whowere severely dehydrated fromtheir journey. According toMartinez, many of the immigrantsresiding there journeyed as longas long as 18 days.

The governor said a compre-

hensive immigration plan fromWashington and the Obama ad-ministration is needed to stop theinflux of immigrants.

``This is a 100 percent federalissue,'' Martinez said.

She criticized what she called

piece-meal efforts such as partialdeportations or permanent resi-dency for people illegally broughtto the U.S. as children.

More immigrants being held in

Artesia will soon be sent back toHonduras, Guatemala and El Sal-vador as part of a plan for quickremoval, authorities said. About 40Central American immigrants weredeported Monday by airplanefrom Roswell to Honduras.

The Obama administration hasbeen struggling to deal with aflood of more than 57,000 childrentraveling alone since Oct. 1. Home-land Security Secretary Jeh

The volume of child immigrants has signifi-cantly taxed resources at the Homeland Se-curity and Health and Human Services depart-ments in recent months and prompted Presi-dent Barack Obama to ask Congress to ap-prove an emergency $3.7 billion spending bill

RI's 5 things: Immigrant holds,joblessness down

Johnson said earlier this monththat as many as 90,000 unaccom-panied child immigrants could beapprehended by the end of thebudget year in September. Manysaid they are fleeing pervasivegang violence and crushing pov-erty.

The volume of child immigrantshas significantly taxed resourcesat the Homeland Security andHealth and Human Services de-partments in recent months andprompted President Barack Obamato ask Congress to approve anemergency $3.7 billion spending

bill to deal with the situation hehas called an `ùrgent humanitar-ian crisis.''

Meanwhile, Customs and Bor-der Protection recently launcheda public relations campaign towarn would-be immigrants andtheir families in Central Americathat the trip to the U.S. border isdangerous and immigrant childrenwill face deportation after they areapprehended. But since the tripthrough Mexico can take weeks oreven months, recent border cross-ers are unlikely to have seen muchof the campaign. -AP

PROVIDENCE, R.I.: From thelowest unemployment rate in sixyears to a new policy on detain-ing immigrants, here are fivethings to know in Rhode Island:

HOLDING IMMIGRANTSThere's a new policy in Rhode

Island related to holding immi-grants in custody. The state De-partment of Corrections will nolonger honor requests from U.S.Immigration and Customs En-forcement - known as detainers -to hold an immigrant unless a war-rant has been issued. Gov. Lin-coln Chafee signed the newpolicy. Civil liberties and immi-

grants' rights advocates had raisedconstitutional concerns. In Febru-ary, a federal judge in Rhode Is-land determined a U.S. citizen'sconstitutional rights were violatedwhen she was held on such an ICErequest. She's suing.

A GOP TUSSLEThe two Republicans seeking

the party's nomination for gover-nor jostled in a campaign roundtable in which they agreed

broadly on some issues but gottesty, too. Cranston Mayor AllanFung and businessman Ken Blockmet in a special edition of RhodeIsland Public Radio's ``PoliticalRoundtable.''

The mayor portrayed himselfas the candidate with experiencewho has gotten ``real results'' inhis city and would focus as gov-ernor on jobs. Block highlightedhis plan to identify waste andfraud in state government andsaid he would use the bully pul-pit to bring reform.

A SHRUNKEN MAYOR'SFIELD

Businessman Lorne Adraindropped out of Providence's may-oral race, a decision that couldmake the path to victory harderfor former mayor and two-timeconvicted felon Buddy Cianci.Adrain, who like Cianci was run-ning as an independent, called ita tough decision but one that wasbest for the city given the ``risk''of a Cianci victory. A general elec-tion field of two independents, theeventual Democratic nominee and

the lone Republican runningwould have meant the victorcould win with a small percent-age.

UNEMPLOYMENT DROPSRhode Island's unemployment

rate of 7.9 percent is the lowestsince July 2008, and officials saythe economy had its best six-month start in years. The stateDepartment of Labor and Train-ing reported this week that therate was down three-tenths of apercentage point from May. Thestate shed 400 jobs in June, butthe number was up 5,900 in thefirst half of the year. The state istied with Mississippi for thecountry's worst unemploymentrate.

HEALTH INSURANCE RATESRhode Island Health Insur-

ance Commissioner KathleenHittner approved premium ratesfor 2015 that include single-digitincreases for most insurers and adrop for one. The individual ratefor Blue Cross & Blue Shield willincrease 4.5 percent and dropover 7 percent for NeighborhoodHealth Plan.

UnitedHealthcare is enteringthe individual market for the firsttime. Average increases for largegroups range from 5 percent to11 percent. The commissionersays there will be more competi-tion and plan choice next year, inpart because of the efforts of thestate's insurance marketplace,HealthSource RI. -AP

UnitedHealthcare is entering the individualmarket for the first time. Average increasesfor large groups range from 5 percent to 11percent. The commissioner says there will bemore competition and plan choice next year

Immigration debate upendedby a flood of children

ASHINGTON: The sudden risein the number of families and un-accompanied minors from CentralAmerica crossing the border hasdramatically redefined the nation'syearlong debate on immigration.

Once a debate over how to fix abroken system and provide a pathto citizenship for millions, it hasnow become a race to decide howto increase border patrols andsend people back quickly to theircountry of origin.

While latest developmentshave refocused attention on im-migration, it's hardly under theterms that President Barack Obama

and immigrant advocates onceenvisioned.

Obama had demanded actionon a broad change in the law thatwould have given millions of im-migrants illegally in the UnitedStates a way to citizenship whilespending more on border security.When Republicans balked, hethreatened to act on his own. Butnow the White House says it'sfocused on addressing the influxof border-crossers and returningas many as quickly as the govern-ment can.

Republican lawmakers had de-cided to scuttle any votes on acomprehensive overhaul of immi-gration laws this year. Now, they

are urging prompt legislative ac-tion to stem the flow of CentralAmericans into the United States.Some Republicans even wantObama to take decisive action him-self, a shift from their usual criti-cism that he has abused his ex-ecutive powers.

The divisions fall mostly alongpartisan lines, but the circum-stances also have caused somesplits among Democrats and ledimmigration advocates to questionObama's focus on detention anddeportation.

Some questions and answersabout how we got to this upended

state of affairs.Q. Haven't illegal border cross-

ings been dropping?A. Yes. From 1990 to 2007, ap-

prehensions by the Border Patrolof people crossing illegally aver-aged nearly 1.17 million a year;some of the highest were from 1998to 2000. By 2012, they had droppedto nearly 365,000. According to thePew Hispanic Center, the numberof unauthorized immigrants in theU.S. rose from an estimated 3.5million in 1990 to a peak of 12.2million in 2007. The number thenfell to 11.3 million in 2009 and hasremained statistically stable sincedespite some indications it mightbe slightly rising. -AP

Demonstrators lying in front of the White House in Washington to representdeported family members during a rally for immigration reform

July 25, 2014 India Post

www.indiapost.comDatebook

NORTHERN CALIFORNIAUpcoming

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAUpcoming

Sun, Aug 3• Bombay Jayashree AndShubha Mudgal Live In BayAreaVenue: Chabot Collage, 25555 HesperianBlvd, Hayward, CA 94545Time: 6 pmContact: 408-368-6865

July 26, 27, Aug 2, 3• BATA-Cricbay Cup - Pro-ceeds will go to Sankara EyeFoundation (SEF)Venue: Fremont and Sunnyvale CricketGroundTime: 9:00 am

Sat, Aug 9• BATA Cup (San Ramon)- Allproceeds go to Sankara EyeFoundation (SEF)Venue: Bay Area Telugu Association, 39120Argonaut Way, Fremont, CA 94538Timet: 8 pm

Sat, Aug 9• GurdasMaan Live in ConcertVenue: San Jose Center for Performing Arts,255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, CA 95113Contact: 408-802-5128

Sun, Aug 10• Meet & Greet With SiddharthVenue: Tirupathi Bhimas, 1208 S Abel St,Milpitas, CA 95035Contact: 408-629-0554

Sat, Aug 16• 22nd Festival of India and ParadeVenue: Corner of Paseo Padre and WalnutAve., 39439 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont,CA 94538Contact: 510-565-9993

ATLANTAUpcoming

Tue, July 24• Aakriti - An Evening of In-dian Classical DanceVenue: Joe Mack WilsonAuditorium,Southern Polytechnic State U,1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta,GA 30060Time: 4:30 am

Sun, July 29• Bollywood Dream GirlHema Malini As DurgaVenue: Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303Time: 6:30pm

Sun, Aug 3• Tamil Mega StarsKondattamVenue: Ferst Center for the Arts, 349 FerstDr, Atlanta, GA 30313Time: 6:30 pm

• J K Yog Satsang and BalMukund Hindi Classes are heldevery 2nd and 4rth Sunday ofMonthChicago Satsang Information:J K Yog, Chicago - Swami MukundanandaVenue: Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets,Board Room, 933 South RiversideDrive, Elmhurst, IL 60126Time: 3:30pm-5:30pmContact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok@ 630-561-4807Website: www.jkyog.org

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month• Chicago Children'sBal MukundCharacter Building Programand Hindi Literacy ClassesVenue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. HigginsRoad, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Nextto Nissan Dealership)Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @630-561-4807

Mondays and Fridays• Free ESL - English as SecondLanguage ClassesMetropolitan Asian Family ServicesVenue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL,Time: 10:30am to 12:30pmContact: 773-465-3105

Mondays and Fridays• Free ESL - English as SecondLanguage ClassesWhere: Metropolitan Asian FamilyServicesVenue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL,Time: 10:30am to 12:30pmContact: 773-465-3105

ILLINOISUpcoming

NEW JERSEYUpcoming

NEW YORKUpcoming

Sat, Aug 09• Tribute to R.D.Burman byMahalaksmi Iyer and JollyMukherjeeVenue: Union County Performing Art Cen-ter, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, Nj 07065Time : 8:00 pmContact :732-986-4011

Sat, Aug 9• Kumar Sanu Live In ConcertVenue: Colden Center, 65-30 Kissena Blvd,Flushing, NY 11367Time: 08:00 pmContact : 718-639-2881

Sun, Aug 24• Mika Singh Live In New YorkVenue: Long Island University, 720 North-ern Blvd, NY 11368Time: 06:30 pmContact: 347-989-6104

Fri, July 27• Fashion ExtravaganzaVenue: Marriott Uniondale Hotel, 101 JamesDoolittle Blvd, Uniondale, NY 11553Time : 06:00 pmContact: 732-331-0255

Sat, Aug 2• Devi Sri Prasad Live InConcert – New JerseyVenue: Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St,Newark, NJ 07102Time: 7:30 pmContact: 732-404-7621

Sat, Aug 9• Tribute to R.D.Burman byMahalaksmi Iyer and JollyVenue: Union County Performing Art Cen-ter, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065Time: 8:00 pm

47

Sat, July 28• Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty -Sanskriti MusicVenue: Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita

Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Time: 05:00 pm

Contact: 408-887-5948

Sat, Aug 23• Aa Family Komedy Chhey -Gujrati DramaVenue: James Logan Performing Arts Cen-

ter, 1800 H St, Union City, CA 94587

Time: 7:00 pm

Contact: 510-648-0596

48 July 25, 2014India Post

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Horoscope

Your Weekly FutureJULY 25TH - JULY 31ST, 2014

by Pandit Parashar

(March 21 to April 20)

Mind will be restless but you will continue to find good solu-

tions for obstacles. Spouse may suffer from minor injury while

working in kitchen or handling a tool. Jupiter's transit in forth

is a good sign of addition of another property. Children will continue to

do very well. You may buy some furniture items for the house.

(November 23 to December 22)

You have to have confidence if you want results. Goals are closer

than you can imagine. Money wise you will continue do well.

You may go out of your way to buy some expensive present for

some one close. There will be tremendous progress in ongoing rela-

tionship. Do not lend money to anyone this week.

(May 21 to June 20)

Business will pick up all of a sudden and you will have few other

reasons to celebrate with family and friends this week. Some

money will go to government in shape of taxes. Mind will stay

cheerful as obstacles will be followed by easy solutions. Those looking

for one, a new relationship is also in the air with a courageous person.

(July 23 to August 22)

Thing you have been looking for else where is in your close circle.

Email will come back with positive response. Some how you

will need to stop unnecessary spending being made by family

members. Health issue should not be ignored. Bold actions in career

will take you closer to goals. You may also finalize the business trip.

(September 23 to October 22)

Increased physical activities will bring you back in shape. You may

not like the ideas given by spouse at all. Boss will call you and

discuss an important project with you. Beware of a new and young

colleague who joined recently. You may drop your plans to attend a

religious event because of some other commitments.

(April 21 to May 20)

You will hit your financial goals easily. Venus in second gives

you few chances to make money this week. You may suc

cessfully negotiate with a government agency and clear the

confusion. People in competitive field will continue to gain edge over

their opponents. You may also visit a mall and buy some nice stuff for

your self.

(June 21 to July 22)

Very cautiously you will make a smart move in career. Gamble

will pay off in big way. Some of you may need to treat some

skin problem recently popped up. It will be a good idea not to

count chicken but keep an eye on the road while driving. You may be

spending money on upgrading your existing home or a vehicle this week.

(August 23 to September 22)

Mistakes made in the past will catch up putting you under se-

vere financial pressure. It will be better to avoid liquor at the

party this week. Some one close may come up with a pro-

posal to start business in partnership and you may seriously explore

the possibility. You will also gain friendship of an influential person this

week.

(October 23 to November 22)

Lack of confidence will allow others to take undue advantage of

you leading to some disturbance in personal life. Opportunity

will come through an old contact. You may dispose off money

making stocks also. Some one tall with slight gray hair will give some

useful lead. Children will continue to excel in life.

(December 22 to January 19)

Colleague may try to drag you into unnecessary argument. You

may start to feel uncomfortable about a relationship recently

started. Good piece of advice coming from a trusted source.

You will put some money aside for rainy days this week. Spouse will

feel better with home remedy. Try few lottery tickets this week.

(January 20 to February 18)

(February 19 to March 20)

You will make a very risky move in career. Gamble will pay off in-

term of better future and room for promotion. You may misplace

some valuable item in the house. Trip to neighboring town to

attend a party will be relaxing. You may take time out to clean home

and get rid of things piling up dust. Bank balance will shot up.

Planets will help you gain an edge over even the strongest oppo-

nents. Right time to go for the competitive exam. Mind will be

relaxed and you will continue to make right choice in career. A

big promotion or raise is also in the air. You may change your mind on

the last minute to attend a religious event in close circle.

PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA isalso available for individual consultations.He can be reached at: [email protected]

510-886-4370www.parashar.com

www.indiapost.com July 25, 201450 India Post

India Post News Service

TORONTO, Canada : Up and coming ac-tress in Hollywood, Isabelle Kaif will be thisyear's Guest of Honor at the 24th annual MissIndia-Canada Event, presented by Chevrolet,on Saturday, August 16 in association withZee TV Canada. As a rising star, Isabelle willbe presented the prestigious SpecialAchievement Award for contribution to in-dependent cinema. She is the sister of well-known Bollywood actress, Katrina Kaif.

Isabelle Kaif was raised between India and England. In 2009 she movedto New York City to attend the presti-

gious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Insti-tute. She started out doing theater in NewYork and working as an assistant director,which led to independent cinema, with titlessuch as Summum Bonum (East End Film Fes-

tival, Official Selection.)Isabelle now lives in Los

Angeles where she continuesto work. Recent credits in-

clude Jean-FrancoisPouliot's much-an-ticipated "Dr. Cab-bie", which is set torelease September

19 across North America; co-starring VinayVirmani and Kunal Nayyar.

In addition, Canadian singing sensation,Raghav will perform live at this year's showand be singing the hit song "All I Need IsYou" from the Dr. Cabbie soundtrack.Raghav, is best known for his single "AngleEyes" which peaked at number 7 in the UKin 2005. At 17, he moved to Los Angeles,California, United States to develop his vo-cal skills by Seth Riggs who has trained,amongst others, Madonna, Michael Jack-son and Stevie Wonder.

A year later he moved to Liverpool, En-gland where he studied at the Liverpool In-stitute of Performing Arts. In late 2012,Raghav was featured on the track IshqShava, from the popular Bollywood movie:"Jab Tak Hai Jaan". The music was com-posed by A.R. Rahman, and the film wasdirected by the late film maker legend, YashChopra.

Moreover, this year's show is presentedby Zee TV Canada, who will once again airthe event, post show. "This is an event witha rich history and showcases talent andbeauty under one roof, and we are proud tosupport this initiative" said Hari Srinivas,President of Ethnic Channels Group, ZeeTV's Canadian partner.

Cont'd on Page 52

Canadiansinging

sensationRaghav

India Post

www.indiapost.com

51July 25, 2014

Acid attack victims find strength in numbersNEW DELHI: Left with little

hope of leading a normal life afterhaving acid flung at her, Rupa, agirl in her 20s, is now gearing upset up her own boutique thanksto an initiative by Chaanv - a reha-bilitation centre that began opera-tions here last year.

Located in Laxmi Nagar, thecentre is a first of its kind in thecountry that offers shelter to acidattack survivors undergoing treat-ment in the national capital.

Rupa credits Chaanv and the'Stop Acid Attacks' campaignfounded by Alok Dixit to helpingher undergo a two-month trainingin dress designing from a mechani-cal engineer.

Many others like Rupa, all sur-vivors of acid attacks are nowreaching out to the centre, whichis now managed and run by theacid attack fighters who have re-covered with grit.

Survivors gathered here re-cently and shared their stories at

nates activities of 'Stop Acid At-tack' campaign.

A research conducted by AlokDixit, showed that 71 men havebeen victims of acid attackswhereas a whooping 167 femaleshave been attacked by acid byjilted lovers or due to other enmityat public places and at home.

"With our initiative we want tochange the state. Our fight doesnot include any funds or help fromthe government. We work oncrowd-funding and tend to helpin rehabilitation work of the survi-vors," says Dixit.

In most of the cases, say activ-ists, the victims are the brave andcourageous lot who have take astand in society.

Laxmi and Rupa

Akshay among Time's smartest 50India Post News Service

Bollywood star AkshayKumar has added anotherfeather to his illustrious

cap by being named among the '50Smartest Celebrities on Twitter' byTime Magazine. The star of suchbox office smash hits as Holidayand OMG: Oh My God is rankedin 25th position, and is the onlyBollywood star to be featured onthe prestigious list.

Joining Akshay Kumar on theTime list is Indian composer, A.RRahman, Oprah Winfrey, LordSugar, Ricky Martin and WillowSmith. Topping the list is Holly-wood actor Leonardo DiCaprio,followed by Justin Bieber's mother.

Time explained that they cameup with the list using a readingcomprehension test known asSimple Measure of Gobbledygook(SMOG). "The SMOG test mea-sures the number of three syllablewords used in a text to calculate

the years of education required tounderstand it. An environmentalactivist, DiCaprio often tweets

about 'conservation' and 'globalwarming', which may have helpedhim earn the top spot," Time said

in an article. The in-strument, accordingto Time, is intendedto process Englishwords only.

This is not the firsttime that AkshayKumar has receivedglobal recognition, ashe has topped manystyle, fashion and ce-lebrity icon lists, andhas also been laudedby The Observernewspaper (UK) asbeing more famousthan Tom Cruise andBrad Pitt.

Akshay Kumar ispreparing for the re-lease of his upcomingfilm, 'Entertainment',which releases on the8th of August.Akshay Kumar

a discussion, which highlightedgory tales of acid attack and theneed of regulation to control theopen sale of acid that, activists saywill help curb the violence againstwomen.

Laxmi Saa, winner of Interna-tional Women of Courage Award,narrated her painful story whereher jilted lover threw a glass of acidon her face at after she refused toaccept his proposal in 2005.

"It has been a tough journeysince then," says Laxmi.

She has gone through sevenmajor surgeries after which shefiled a PIL in the Supreme Court toregulate the sale of acid at the re-tail shops. The Court passed anorder on July 18, 2013, prohibitingthe sale of acid without licensemaking it mandatory for retailersto maintain a record of customers.The order has not been imple-mented by the Centre.

Buyers are bound to produceidentification and address proofs

and should be above the age of18. Additional to this, the dealerswill have to submit details of saleto the local police within threedays of the transaction.

"Acid is being sold openly inthe market. Anybody and every-body can buy it without any regu-lation. The government is leastinterested and does not pay heedto the order passed by the ApexCourt. We thus want stringentlaws to regulate the sale of acids,"says Alok Dixit, founder memberof Stop Acid Attacks campaign.

Laxmi recalled the horrific inci-dent which turned her life topsyturvy.

"It was very difficult for me. Icould not complete my education.People used to look down uponme. Social rehabilitation becamedifficult and also lawyers asked medegrading questions. It was thenthat I thought of doing somethingfor the survivors and victims likeme," says Laxmi who now coordi-

"The egoistic approach of theattackers is the biggest reason formost of the attacks. The patriar-chal society wants to show theirsupremacy and they do so by at-tacking the females," says KarunaNundy, an advocate at the apexcourt.

The founders of 'Stop Acid At-tack' have now begun a new cam-paign called 'Spot of Shame'.

"We have traveled to 50 placesin the country and want a put up aboard with 'Spot of Shame' on itwhere these acid attacks havetaken place," says Laxmi.

Dixit points out that the cam-paign is small and will mark theplaces where girls and womenwere attacked with acid. -PTI

India Post

www.indiapost.com

52 July 18, 2014

This year's Grand sponsor isSears. The event is also sup-ported by: Suhaag.com, Om Fi-nancial, Lakeshore ConventionCentre and Cuisine of India, toname a few.

The 16 finalists have been se-lected and will compete for thetitle on-stage on Saturday, Au-gust 16 culminating in the crown-ing of Miss India-Canada 2014.

Lesser known factsHere are some of the lesser

known facts about Isabelle.1. Isabelle has six sisters and

one brother includingBollywood actress Katrina Kaif.Her mother is a Caucasian of Brit-ish Nationality, and her father isa Kashmiri of British Nationality.

2. 'Dr Cabbie' is Isabel's debutfilm, which is co produced bySalman Khan's Being Human.

3. Isabelle will be featured op-posite British actor KunalNayyar of The Big Bang Theoryfame in 'Dr Cabbie'.

4. 'Dr Cabbie' is about an In-dian student who doesn't get tostudy medicines in Canada andstarts driving cabs in order tosurvive there. The film also hasVinay Virmani in a key role.

5. Isabelle was supposed to

act opposite Vinay Virmani in thefilm, but the role eventually wentto Adriane Palicki.

6. Isabelle underwent an act-ing course at Lee Strasberg The-atre and Film Institute of NewYork.

7. Interestingly, Isabelle stud-ied at the same acting institutewhere her sister Katrina's al-leged boyfriend Ranbir Kapoorstudied.

8. Once there were reports ofIsabel acting with Anil Kapoor'sson Harshwardhan in a shortfilm.

9. Her hair color is dark brownand her height is 5 feet 6 inches.She was born in Hong Kong.

10. Isabelle has been model-ing since the age of 14. She wasborn on March 22, 1986.

Isabelle Kaif to be honored atMiss India-Canada 2014

Cont'd from Page 50

Interestingly,Isabelle studied atthe same actinginstitute where hersister Katrina'salleged boyfriendRanbir Kapoorstudied.

SISTER ACT

Kapoors' ancestral home in Peshawar crumblingISLAMABAD: The dilapidated

ancestral home of Indian filmindustry's celebrated Kapoor fam-ily in Pakistan's northwestern cityof Peshawar may crumble soon,according to a media report.

The Kapoors lived in Dhakkinear Peshawar's Qissa KhwaniBazaar - the famous street of sto-rytellers - before partition.

A Dawn report delved on thedepressing state of the buildingthat once housed the Kapoors.

"The air inside their old(Kapoor) haveli is still, the gloomin the empty rooms is like timemourning its own passage, a sur-render to dust, to dampness andto death. It is the indifference of aterminal patient to a visitor whobrings no hope but stands by thebed," the paper reported.

The reporter of the newspaper,who visited the home, says he

treaded "carefully as rubble fallsfrom the roof, wary of breaking amold-infested floorboard and godown to the dark basement wherethe building may collapse on it-self one day if not saved soon."

"It will add to the debris underDhakki, the old city neighborhoodbuilt over a mound of rubble be-neath which lie many lost civiliza-tions."

The report speaks of the nos-talgia that Raj Kapoor evokes.

According to the reporter, heentered the house through a holein the back wall to see the creak ofrusty hinges tearing through thesilence.

It also appreciated the house'smagnificent facade and ornatejharokas fit for a royal palace insome princely state.

"The haveli stands silent, crum-bling. People walk by, indifferent

to the building or its significance."He also visited Dilip Kumar's

ancestral home in FeelkhanaNawab Nasir Khan - the streetwhere the last Mughal governor

Nasir Khan maintained anelephant shed.

Dilip Kumar's houserecently made newswhen Pakistan PrimeMinister Nawaz Sharifdeclared it a national heri-tage.

Next on the trail of an-cestral homes of famousBollywood actors fromPeshawar was Shah RukhKhan's.

His cousin MaqsoodAhmad, a frail laconicman, said Shah Rukh'sfather, Taj MohammadKhan, and his brotherGhulam MohammadGama, were staunch sup-porters of Congress.

Partition saw TajMohammad leaving Pakistan toescape arrest and his brother Gamaimprisoned for seven years. -PTI

The Kapoors lived in Dhakki near Peshawar's Qissa Khwani Bazaar

India Post 53July 25, 2014

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Philosophy

Sanskrit is the origin of allIndo-European languages

Doubt comes from incompleteand incorrect thinking

To enjoy good health, tobring true happiness toone's family, to bringpeace to all, one must firstdiscipline and controlone's own mind. If a mancan control his mind hecan find the way to En-lightenment, and all wis-dom and virtue will natu-rally come to him.

- Buddha

Discipline is the bridgebetween goals and ac-complishment.

- Jim Rohn

Talent without discipline islike an octopus on rollerskates. There's plenty ofmovement, but you neverknow if it's going to be for-ward, backwards, or side-ways.

- H. Jackson Brown,Jr.

It's easy to have faith inyourself and have disci-pline when you're a win-ner, when you're numberone. What you got to haveis faith and disciplinewhen you're not a winner.

- Vince Lombardi

Personal discipline, whenit becomes a way of life inour personal, family, andcareer lives, will enable usto do some incrediblethings.

- Zig Ziglar

For a man to conquerhimself is the first and no-blest of all victories.

- Plato

Rule your mind or it willrule you.

- Horace

The means of knowing relative things isobvious, but the knowledge revealing thelimitless I is subtle because it has to removea deep and hidden obstacle, the ignoranceof my limitless nature.

MADAME HELENA PETROVNABLAVATSKY

Not very long ago a poorHungarian, who not onlyhad no means of any kind

but was almost a beggar, traveledon foot to Tibet through unknownand dangerous countries, led onlyby the love of learning and the ea-ger wish to pour light on the histori-cal origin of his nation. The resultwas that inexhaustible mines of lit-erary treasures were discovered.

Philology, which till then hadwandered in the Egyptian darknessof etymological labyrinths, andwas about to ask the sanction ofthe scientific world to one of thewildest of theories, suddenlystumbled on the clue of Ariadne.

Philology discovered, at last thatthe Sanskrit language is, if not theforefather, at least - to use the lan-guage of Max Muller - "the elderbrother" of all classical languages.

Thanks to the extraordinary zealof Alexander Csoma de Koros, Ti-bet yielded a language the litera-ture of which was totally unknown.He partly translated it and partlyanalyzed and explained it.

His translations have shownthe scientific world that (1) theoriginals of the Zen-Avesta, thesacred scriptures of the sun-wor-shippers, of Tripitaka, of the Brah-mans, were written in one and thesame Sanskrit language' (2) that allthese there languages- Zend,Nepalese, and the modern Brah-

JAMES SWARTZ

Perception, inference, and lan-guage are means of knowledge. The means of knowl-

edge we use is determined by thetype of object we want to know.For example, if I want to see a sun-set I can't use my ears. Knowledgeof thought depends on intellect.To understand feelings I shouldhave a heart.

The means of knowing relativethings is obvious, but the knowl-edge revealing the limitless I issubtle because it has to remove adeep and hidden obstacle, the ig-norance of my limitless nature.

For the means to operate prop-erly, the mind must be trained tolisten. Listening with an open mindrequires disciplined and consistentsetting aside of cherished viewsof oneself and the world. The onlypurpose of a means of knowledgeis to deliver a clear vision of truth,the limitless I.

Simply hearing that one is freeof limitation is not enough. Doubtcomes from incomplete and incor-rect thinking and is only removedby careful and patient reflection.Meditation as a thought-free stateor religious ritual as devotionalpractice are valuable tools for pu-rifying the mind, but will not re-move self doubt. So, along with

the knowledge that I am limitlessAwareness, I should follow themethod of thinking enjoined by thescripture, the negation of all incor-rect views about the nature of theworld and myself.

The most formidable obstacleto the assimilation of the truth isthe thought "If only I were differ-ent or the world were different, I

would be happy." Looking forwardto an ideal inner or outer situationis futile because life and oneself isalready and always perfect. Whenthis thought is removed the mindenjoys limitless vision. So spiritualpractice, meditation if you will, isthe struggle to purify beliefs sup-porting the notion of oneself as alimited being.

Words can only reveal knownobjects. For example, the word 'tele-

vision' wouldn't have been under-stood a hundred years ago. Wordsonly work to describe substances,properties of substances, actions,species or classes, and relation-ships, so how can the limitless I,which is apparently not an experi-enced object and obviously be-yond these categories, be revealedthrough the teachings of Vedanta?

If I say "tree," a tree thoughttakes place in the mind becausewe have experienced trees, but thewords "limitless I" don't mean any-thing to most of us because wethink of ourselves as limited I's.And the limitless I is the part ofourselves that can never be ob-jectified, so it seems words won'twork to reveal it. However, if thethought that we're limited is a de-lusion and the limitless I present

His translations have shown the scientific worldthat the originals of the Zen-Avesta, the sacredscriptures of the sun-worshippers, of Tripitaka,of the Brahmans, were written in one and thesame Sanskrit language

and accounted for, an intimate partof every transaction, words canreveal it.

Vedanta tackles the word prob-lem by first informing me that I'man unlimited I. That I'm limitless isindicated by the fact that though Ihave literally hundreds of thou-sands of unique experiences in mylifetime, I continually experience

myself as a simple conscious be-ing, one transcending all experi-ences. The same I, unaffected bytime, witnessed my baby body,youth body, adult body, and feebleold-age body and their myriadtransactions.

Excerpted from 'What isAdvaita Vedanta. James Swartz isauthor, speaker and teacher of aunique, contemporary, no-non-sense approach to Vedanta

James Swartz

Madame Helena PetrovnaBlavatsky

man Sanskrit-are more or less dia-lects of the first; (3) that old San-skrit is the origin of all the less an-cient Indo-European languages, aswell as of the modern Europeantongues and dialects; (4) that thethree chief religions of heathendom- Zoroastrianism, Buddhism andBrahmanism - are mere heresies ofthe monotheistic teachings of theVedas, which does not prevent themfrom being real ancient religionsand not modern falsifications.

The moral of all this is evident.A poor traveler, without eithermoney or protection, succeeded ingaining admittance to the Lama-series of Tibet and to the sacredliterature of the isolated tribe whichinhabits it, probably because hetreated the Mongolians and theTibetans as his brothers and notas an inferior race - a feat whichhas never been accomplished bygenerations of scientists.

One cannot help feelingashamed of humanity and science

when one thinks that he whoselabors first gave to science suchprecious results, he who was thefirst sower of such an abundantharvest, remained, almost until theday of his death, a poor and ob-scure worker.

Origin of NassikWe, that is to say, one Ameri-

can, three Europeans, and three na-tives, occupied a whole carriageof the Great Indian Peninsular Rail-

road on our way to Nassik, one ofthe oldest towns in India and themost sacred of all in the eyes ofthe inhabitants of the WesternPresidency.

Nassik borrowed its name fromthe Sanskrit world "Nasika," whichmeans nose. An epic legend as-sures us that on this very spotLakshman, the brother of the dei-fied King Rama, cut off the noseof the giantess Sarpnaka, sister ofRavana, who stole Sita, the "Helenof Troy" of the Hindus.

Rama's bathing place is shownin Nassik. In an ancient MS thereis a statement of one of Rama'sgenerals, who, somehow or other,is not mentioned in the Ramayana.

This statement points to theriver Godavari as the frontier be-tween the kingdoms of Rama, Kingof Ayodya (Oude), and of Ravana,King of Lanka (Ceylon). Legendsand the poem of Ramayana statethat this was the spot where Rama,while hunting, saw a beautiful an-

telope, and, intending to make apresent to his beloved Sita of itsskin, entered the regions of hisunknown neighbor.

No doubt Rama, Ravana, and evenHanuman are historical personageswho once had a real existence.

Excerpted from 'From theCaves and Jungles of Hindostan'an account of MadameBlavatsky's visit to India, pub-lished in 1892. The 183rd birthanniversary of Madame Blavatskywill be observed on July 31.

54 Edit Pagewww.indiapost.com

July 25, 2014India Post

India PostPak Army motivesIf only Kashmir had been given over to Pakistan, there would be

peace between the two countries and together they would bendtheir energies to improving the lot of their people. This is the

view still of veteran Left Liberal intellectuals who follow the per-ception of the West to the 't'. It is true that tremendous amount ofmoney and large contingents of Indian Army have been deployedto keep Kashmir within India. It is true that the same amount ofmoney spent elsewhere in rest of India would have improved thelives of the poor. But to believe that Pakistan would be satisfiedafter taking over Kashmir is a myth that has just been exploded bytwo American writers with their books on the Pakistan army andmotives behind its working.

Prof Christine Fair of Georgetown University in her book 'Fight-ing to the End: Pakistan Army's Way of War' looks at some ques-tions like, What drives the insecurities of the Pakistan army evenafter it acquired nuclear weapons and blunted India's conventionalmilitary superiority? She argues that the Pakistan army's concernsabout India "are not purely or even mostly security driven". It isabout ideology. The army sees itself protecting not merely the ter-ritorial borders of Pakistan but its "ideological frontiers". Rawalpindisees Pakistan locked in a civilization conflict with India. Fair con-cludes that "for the army, resisting India's rise is a necessary con-dition for the survival of Islamic Pakistan".

There is enough proof available to support this theory. If thePakistan Army only wanted Kashmir, it would not have so carefullyand calculatedly planned, promoted, armed and infused money intoIndia's Punjab insurgency; it would not so single-mindedly keepproducing and flooding India with fake currency; it would not keepinventing terrorist groups within India to keep destabilizing its giantneighbor; its embassies in neighboring countries would not be facili-tators of mischief within India; the militant groups produced andnurtured by ISI would not be carrying out terrorist acts against In-dian positions in Afghanistan. There is hardly any international or-ganization where Pakistan would refrain from trying to malign India.

So raison d'être of Pakistan Army is not comparing with Indiaand bettering Pakistan competitively. It is solely to arrest the rise ofIndia. Pakistan has never won a war against India. But that wouldnot stop it from trying again. Christine Fair points out that thePakistan army does not view its inability to win multiple wars againstIndia as "losing". Sustaining the ability to challenge Delhi, and tochallenge India's rise, is in itself the prize for them. She suggests,the Pakistan army will continue to take significant risks, rather thando nothing. That explains the Kargil misadventure by former Armychief and President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf. And there is noguarantee that more such mischief is not on its way.

If India can demonstrate Hindus and Muslims living together inpeace there could be nothing more damaging for the existence ofPakistan. So the Pakistan Army will do its best to damage thatpossibility.

Much of Pakistan Army's planning is based on the belief thatIndia is a weak country with a soft government unable to act. Thisis partly responsible for the rise of strongman Modi in India.

Pointing to US policies on Pakistan, Fair defines Pakistan as a"greedy state", and suggests any appeasement of the Pakistanarmy, in the hope of changing its behavior, would only reinforce itsrevisionist pursuits.

New York Times reporter Carlotta Gall in her book "The WrongEnemy" drives home the point that "Pakistan, not Afghanistan,has been the true enemy."

Gall says that hemmed in by India, to the east, Pakistan wantsAfghanistan as an ally. But the Afghan government has a closerelationship with New Delhi. Feeling strategically encircled,Islamabad has resorted to proxy warfare to replace the current Af-ghan government with a friendlier regime.

Declining influence ofUS in South Asia

CHINTAMANI MAHAPATRA

The US' influence inSouth Asia is fast di-minishing and thistrend is likely to con-

tinue deep into the future. In theaftermath of World War II, SouthAsia was considered a strategicbackwater by the USpolicymakers. Additionally, SouthAsia offered little economic oppor-tunities to the US corporate sec-tor. With the solitary exception ofturning Pakistan into an alliancepartner, the US cared little aboutthis region.

Even in the realm of alliancepolitics, the US had little to offerPakistan. Pakistan's membershipin the Southeast Asia Treaty Or-ganization and the Central TreatyOrganization, and the US' militaryassistance to Pakistan was inef-fective during Pakistan's militarymisadventures against India. Itwas only after the late 1970s' So-viet military intervention in Af-

ghanistan that Washington gotcritically involved in South Asia.

The US' interest in South Asiadeepened in the post-Cold War erain view of Indian economic re-forms, nuclearisation of the regionand the pivotal role Afghanistanplayed in the terrorist attack on theUS in September 2001. As the USonce again turned Pakistan into analliance partner in the war againstterrorism and established an ex-traordinary strategic understand-ing with India, South Asia occu-pied substantial priority in the USnational security agenda.

The US' war in Afghanistan thatbegan in 2001 is about to come toa close. The US troop withdrawalfrom this country is indisputable.Irrespective of debates over theprobable level of US engagementin Afghan affairs post 2014, it isalmost certain that the closure ofbillions of dollars worth of war in

Afghanistan will trimWashington's influence in SouthAsia. The resilience of the AfghanTaliban and limitation of asuperpower's abilities to confrontnon-state-actors will question theUS' credibility in the region.

Secondly, the US leverage overPakistan in the post-Afghan warphase will dry down with an al-most automatic cut in the US mili-tary and economic assistance toIslamabad. History will unques-tionably repeat and the US-Paki-stan alliance will terminate, as wasthe case after the Soviet with-drawal from Afghanistan in 1989.

Thirdly, the US' influence overIndia, resulting from an innovative"strategic partnership" projectduring former US PresidentGeorge Bush's era may not survivehis successor Barack Obama's ad-ministration. The enthusiasm ofthe first Obama administration tofurther elevate this partnership

was short-lived and the secondObama administration has paidless than modest attention to In-dia.

There is no doubt that the elec-tion victory of the BharatiyaJanata Party under the leadershipof now Indian Prime MinisterNarendra Modi, with a strongpopular mandate, has generatedsizeable excitement in Washing-ton. Hope of revival of the earlierimpetus in the Indo-US strategicpartnership has been rekindled.

Obama's invitation to Modi tovisit Washington, Assistant Sec-retary of State Nisha BiswalDesai's trip to India soon after thenew government assumed office,visits by influential Senator JohnMcCain and Deputy Secretary ofState William J Burns to preparethe ground for the Indo-US stra-tegic dialogue between Secretaryof State John Kerry and Indian

Foreign Minister Sushma Swarajare all signals of Obama's renewedinterest in India.

But Prime Minister Modi ap-pears less animated to visit the US,more involved in constructing apeaceful neighborhood, more fo-cused on reviving the nationaleconomy and less enthralled toproject India as a global leader.About ten months have passedsince the Devyani Khobragadeepisode begot a psychological di-vide in the New Delhi-Washing-ton bond. Repairing the mind-setis not going to be easy even forthe new Indian government.

The Obama administration's re-lationships with other smallerSouth Asian countries - especiallyBangladesh and Sri Lanka - havealso soured in the recent years.Washington was hesitant to dobusiness with the Awami Leaguegovernment after the January 2014elections, criticized Dhaka's han-dling of human trafficking prob-lems, and reduced import of gar-ments after a deadly fire in a gar-ment factory.

The US' efforts to hold the SriLankan government responsiblefor severe human rights violationsduring the closing weeks of anti-Liberation Tigers of the Tamil Eelamoperations have widened the po-litical divide between Colombo andWashington. The Sri Lankan gov-ernment has demonstrated bitter-ness over the US double standardin combating terrorism - one stan-dard for itself and another for othercountries.

Significantly, India's smallerSouth Asian neighbors are fastmoving towards developing closerrelationships with China. Al-though this is generally perceivedas an anti-India phenomenon, thereality is that Bangladesh and SriLanka are looking up to China as anew guarantor of help in the faceof the US' heavy-handed approachtowards them.

It is also a fact that the US hasenhanced its engagement withNepal in response to fast growingChinese economic presence andpolitical influence in that country.But compared to China,Washington's influence in Nepalis minimal. It is almost certain thatthe drop in Washington's politicalweight will further augment Chi-nese leverage over Islamabad aswell. It is time to ponder over thediminished US and rising Chineseprofile in the region.

The writer is Professor, Schoolof International Studies, JNU

File photo: U.S. soldiers board a U.S. military plane, as they leaveAfghanistan, at the U.S. base in Bagram north of Kabul


July 25, 2014

India Postwww.indiapost.com

July 25, 201456

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